EP4225684A1

EP4225684A1 - Kit of blanks for forming a reel and a reel formed of such kit of blanks

Info

Publication number: EP4225684A1
Application number: EP20956635.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Roland WILLYSON
Original assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Current assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Priority date: 2020-10-06
Filing date: 2020-10-06
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Also published as: WO2022074432A1

Abstract

A kit of blanks configured to be folded and connected to each other to form a reel (100) comprising a reel stem structure (102) and two reel rims (104, 5 106), the kit of blanks comprising a first blank (300) and two second blanks (400), the first blank (300) comprising a set of a plurality of centre panels (302) arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction (LD) as seen in a flat-laid state of the first blank (300) and two opposing sets of rim portion panels (310, 312) arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides of the plurality of centre panels (302), each second blank (400) comprising a rim main panel (402) configured to be arranged on an outside of a respective reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A) and a first locking panel (404) being foldable connected to a first portion of the rim main panel (402) by a first folding line (406) and a second locking panel (408) being foldable connected to a second portion of the rim main panel (402) by a second folding line (410).

Description

KIT OF BLANKS FOR FORMING A REEL AND A REEL FORMED OF SUCH KIT OF BLANKS

Field of invention

The invention relates to a kit of blanks for forming a reel.

The invention also relates to a reel formed from such a kit of blanks.

Technical Background

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

It is common that reels are made of perforated rim portions where the coil structure has end flaps extending through said perforations where after the flaps are folded down and fixed to the rim. Reels are used to wind various materials from thread to electrical cords. Cardboard reels 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 reel of cardboard material.

US2002088896 discloses a one-piece reel blank comprising a single piece of cardboard material, or other relatively rigid but foldable thin sheet material, which is cut to form a centre panel, a pair of wall panels joined, and a pair offlaps. The centre panel is preferably generally rectangular in shape with a pair of first fold lines and a pair of first lateral edges. The wall panels are respectively joined to opposite longitudinal sides of the centre panel along substantially parallel second fold lines. Each second fold line has a length that is preferably less than that of the first fold line. A flap is joined to an adjacent wall panel along a third fold line opposite a fold line and substantially parallel thereto. Each flap is generally rectangular in shape and has a longitudinal fourth fold line having a central perforated or scored portion joining slit end portions, respectively terminating at lateral edges. Preferably, the flaps are positionable in overlapping relationship along their longitudinal edges for cooperation to define a second centre panel coextensive to the centre panel. A similar reel is also disclosed in WO05069946.

DE202007004582 discloses a spool for winding cable, yam, thread, rope, wire, paper or the like with a core of foldable material, such as cardboard or paperboard, in particular corrugated cardboard, in the form of a hollow, multi-sided prism or a hollow cylinder, the core is formed of a plurality preferably hinged together and by axially extending cuts at least partially separated coat walls substantially along a coat walls in the circumferential direction of the core extending foldable line for folding the foldable line has at least one connecting element arranged between each two line segments forms a form-locking and/or force-locking connection which counteracts a folding of the core.

It may be noted that none of the prior art documents discloses a reel which adequately addresses the set of design criteria that the reel should make efficient use of the material, be easy to transport to the point of use, be easy to erect, and provide a strong reel structure.

Summary of invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a reel which addresses at least some and preferably all of the design criteria that the reel should be mechanically stable, it should be easy to erect, and it should be capable of being handled without too easily being unfolded unintentionally.

This object has been achieved by a kit of blanks configured to be folded and connected to each other to form a reel comprising a reel stem structure and a reel rim, the kit of blanks comprising a first blank and a second blank, the first blank comprising: a set of a plurality of centre panels arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the first blank, the plurality of centre panels being foldably interconnected relative to each other by transversally extending folding lines, wherein the centre panels are configured to be folded as a coil into a reel stem structure, the reel stem structure being hollow, extending along a reel axis and having along at least a portion of a circumference of the reel stem structure a double layered wall formed of at least a first and a last centre panel of the plurality of centre panels, two opposing sets of rim portion panels arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides of the plurality of centre panels, wherein each set of rim portion panels comprises a plurality of rim portion panels arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction, wherein respective rim portion panel is foldably interconnected to a respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels by longitudinally extending folding lines, wherein the plurality of rim portion panels is configured to be folded outwards from the reel stem structure and form a reel rim base, on a first transversely located side and a second transversely located side of the reel stem structure, respectively, the second blank comprising: a rim main panel configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, a first locking panel being foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel by a first folding line and a second locking panel being foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel by a second folding line, the second locking panel being positioned opposite the first locking panel, wherein the first and the second locking panels are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, wherein the first and second locking panels each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel, a recess being configured to interact with the reel stem structure, and wherein the second blank is configured to together with the reel rim base form the reel rim by the rim portion panels forming the reel rim base being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel. With such a design, there is provided a kit of blanks for a reel having a reel stem structure and a reel rim. The reel rim is configured to be formed at an end of the reel stem structure as seen along the reel axis. The reel rim is formed by the first blank being folded to form the reel stem structure with the plurality of rim portion panels extending outwardly, whereafter the second blank is positioned with its rim main panel outside the plurality of rim portion panels, and whereafter the locking panels are folded on the plurality of rim portion panels such that the rim portion panels becomes positioned between the rim main panel and the locking panels . Further, with the disclosed design of the first and the second blank, wherein the locking panels may be folded on the plurality of rim portion panels there is provided an easy way of connecting the first and the second blank to each other. With this design, it is possible to interconnect the first and the second blank without any use of e.g. glue, tape or stiches hence, no extra material or equipment is needed. This provides for a flexible and mechanically stable design when the first and the second blank are folded to form the reel stem structure and the reel rim respectively as well as an efficient use of the material. Further, by interconnecting the first and the second blank in the disclosed way, it facilitates provision of a reel which is capable of being handled without too easily being unfolded unintentionally.

With such a design of the first blank, wherein the plurality of rim portion panels being foldably interconnected to the respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels, the rim portion panels are configured to be folded outwardly in relation to the reel stem structure. Having the rim portion panels being folded outwardly, a stable connecting mechanism between the reel stem structure and the reel rim is provided. It may be noted that it is conceivable that one or more of the rim portion panels, instead of actually forming part of the rim portion panel, may be folded inwardly into the reel stem structure in order to strengthen the reel stem structure. In such an instance it is preferred that such a panel, which may be referred to as a reel stem support panel, is shaped such that it coincides with, or at least spans the geometrical shape of the interior of the reel stem structure. Thus, in such an instance it may be said that there is provided a set of panels including a plurality of rim portion panels being configured to be folded outwardly and including one or more reel stem support panels being configured to be folded inwardly.

With the first and the last centre panel of the plurality of centre panels together forming a double-layered wall of the reel stem structure provides for that no gap between the first and the last centre panel occurs when the plurality of centre panels being folded to the reel stem structure. Thus, the overlap of the first and the last centre panels facilitates provision of a strong and stable reel stem structure.

With each centre panel being foldably interconnected to the neighbouring centre panel or panels it is facilitated to provide a blank which is easy to erect, and which is easy to erect in the correct way. The folding lines may typically be used as guiding lines when folding the first blank.

With the first and the second blank being flat sheets before being folded to the reel stem structure and the reel rim, it is facilitated to provide a design which is easy to store when not used since it is possible to store the first and the second blank as flat sheets.

Preferably, each centre panel of the plurality of centre panels are of the same dimensions. Preferably, the two last centre panels of the plurality of centre panels are not interconnected with any rim panel of the plurality of rim portion panels. In a preferred embodiment, the last one of the centre panels is configured to form a double wall with the centre panel being located at the opposite end, as seen along the longitudinal direction, of the first blank. Preferably, the last centre panel is configured to be positioned on the inside of the coiled stem structure.

The plurality of rim portion panels of respective set of rim portion panels may, but need not, be interconnected to each other as seen in the flat- laid state of the first blank and being configured to be separated from each other and be folded outwardly when the first blank may be erected to form the reel stem structure.

Interconnected to each other in the sense that respective rim portion panel is connected to its neighbouring rim portion panel or rim portion panels. This interconnection may e.g. be in the form of transversally extending perforation lines. The perforation lines are preferably positioned such that they are positioned transversely outside the other ones of every second centre panel, i.e. outside those centre panels which are not connected to the rim portion panels. Thereby it is possible to form rim portion panels making the most of the material available along the longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the perforation lines are positioned centrally, as seen along the longitudinal direction, of respective such centre panel not being connected to the rim panel. Thereby it is possible to form rim portion panels having an extension in both directions, as seen along the longitudinal direction, from the centre panel to which it is connected. It may be noted that although it is preferred that centrally refers to a central line, similar advantages are achieved as long as centrally refers to about a central third of the longitudinal extension of respective centre panel not being connected to the rim portion panels.

However, the plurality of rim portion panels of respective set of rim portion panels may be separated from each other as seen in the flat-laid state of the first blank. This separation may e.g. be in the form of transversally extending slits. The transversally extending slits may e.g. be formed by using a knife or the like. The slits are preferably positioned in the same way as the perforation lines as discussed above.

With the plurality of rim portion panels of respective set of rim portion panels being interconnected to each other before the first blank is in the flat- laid state and is separated from each other when the first blank is in the erected state, there is provided a first blank which is easily erected in the correct way. Further, the present design also provides for that the first blank can be transported in an easy and secure manner where all rim portion panels are interconnected to each other instead of being separated from each other. If the rim portion panels are separated from each other from the beginning there is an increased risk that they during transport unintentionally are folded out of plane of the blank, whereby they are prone to being damaged. However, if the rim portion panels are separated from each other from the beginning, it is easier to erect and fold the first blank into the desired shape.

The respective recess may be positioned on an edge forming an angle a relative to respective first and second folding lines between the rim main panel and the respective one of the first and second locking panels, such that the recess in the locking portion may be remote from the rim main panel, as seen in a flat laid state of the blank, and after the respective locking panel have been folded onto the rim portion panels present an abutment surface that may be facing in a direction having at least a component across the respective folding line between the rim main panel and the respective one of the first and the second locking panel.

With such a design, where the recess is designed such that the abutment surface is present and faces in a direction extending across the folding line, it is possible to provide a self-locking mechanism. The abutment surface will generally be positioned on a side of the stem structure facing away from the folding line and the abutment surface will generally be facing back towards the folding line.

The recesses may be shaped such that each recess may provide each locking panel with a first abutment portion, a second abutment portion and a third abutment portion, and wherein the recess may comprise a first locking flap that may be arranged between the first and the second abutment portion and a second locking flap that may be arranged between the second and third abutment portion, wherein the first abutment portion may be configured to abut a first one of the centre panels, the second abutment portion may be configured to abut a third one of the centre panels and the third abutment portion may be configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels, and wherein the first locking flap may be configured to be inserted between the rim main panel and a second one of the centre panels and the second locking flap may be configured to be inserted between the main rim panel and a fourth one of the centre panels, the second one of the centre panels being positioned between the first one and the third one of the centre panels and the fourth one of the centre panels being positioned between the third one and the fifth one of the centre panels, as seen along a circumferential direction of the reel stem structure.

It may be noted that the first centre panel disclosed above with reference to the set of the plurality of centre panels including a first and a last centre panel as seen in a longitudinal direction in a flat-laid state of the blank, may but need not be the first one of the centre panels referred to in this context where a first one, a third one, and a fifth one of the centre panels interact with the recess of a locking panel. Any coincidence, or lack of coincidence, will be dependent upon in which rotational position, around the central axis, the assembler decides to position the reel stem structure.

It may also be noted that the first one, the third one, and the fifth one of the centre panels interacting with the recess of the first locking panel are not identical to the first one, the third one, and the fifth one of the centre panels interacting with the recess of the second locking panel.

It may be noted that the numbering a first one of, a second one of, and a third one of, etc refers to a numbering of the centre panels as seen along a circumferential direction of the reel stem structure.

With such a design, where each recess provides each locking panel with the first, second and third abutment portion, there is provided an improved fitting between the reel stem structure and each locking panel. Preferably, the first, second and third abutment portion being shaped to fit the circumference of the reel stem structure in order to even further improve the fitting between the respective locking panel and the reel stem structure. Further, with such a design where the recess comprises the first and the second locking flap, a locking mechanism between the first and the second blank is provided. Thus, by combining the abutment portions and the locking flaps when the reel stem structure being sandwiched between the rim main panel and the first or the second locking panel, provides for a stable connecting mechanism as well as the reel rim base is kept in place when the first and the second blank are in the erected state and connected to each other.

The first and the second locking panels may be configured to be folded parallel to the reel rim base and may be connected to the rim main panel such that, the first abutment portion of the first locking panel may be configured to abut a first one of the centre panels, the second abutment portion of the first locking panel may be configured to abut a third one of the centre panels, the third abutment portion of the first locking panel may be configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels, the first abutment portion of the second locking panel may be configured to abut the fifth one of the centre panels, the second abutment portion of the second locking panel may be configured to abut a seventh one of the centre panels, and the third abutment portion of the second locking panel may be configured to abut the first one of the centre panels.

With such a design, where the abutment portions abut every second centre panel of the plurality of centre panels provides for a stable structure. Preferably, the first abutment portion of the first locking panel extends along a part of the first one of the centre panels and the third abutment portion of the second locking panel extends along the other part of the first one of the centre panels. Preferably, the third abutment portion of the first locking panel extends along a part of the fifth one of the centre panels and the first abutment portion of the second locking panel extends along the other part of the fifth one of the centre panels. It should be noted that the part and the other part of respective one of the centre panels may have the dimensions, in relation to the locking panels, such that the first and the second locking panels abut each other edge to edge. The fact that each recess has an abutment portion which faces towards the fold line and which grasps around the stem structure will counter-act the locking panel from being folded away from the intended position.

The first locking flap of the first locking panel may be configured to be inserted between the rim main panel and a second one of the centre panels, the second locking flap of the first locking panel may be configured to be inserted between the rim main panel and a fourth one of the centre panels, the first locking flap of the second locking panel may be configured to be inserted between the rim main panel and a sixth one of the centre panels, and the second locking flap of the second locking panel may be configured to be inserted between the rim main panel and an eighth one of the centre panels.

With such a design, where the locking flaps of each locking panel are inserted between the rim main panel and any one of the centre panels provides for that each locking panel is kept in place when the first and the second blank are in the erected state and connected to each other. Thus, the locking flaps provides for that the locking panels are kept in places such that the reel not unintentionally being unfolded during handling.

After the first and the second locking panels may have been folded onto the inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis and the reel stem structure may be positioned in a non-locked rotational position about the central axis in which the locking flaps may not be positioned between the rim main panel and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight panels, the recesses of the locking panels may interact with the reel stem structure such that reel stem structure may be rotatable about the central axis between such a non-locked position into a locked position in which the locking flaps may be positioned between the rim main panel and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight panels.

With such a design, it facilitates provision of an easy fitting between the first and the second blank. It also facilitates provision of strong reel structure that is easy to arrange in the correct way between the non-locked position and the locked position. It may be noted that it is conceivable that the reel stem structure may be positioned in the intended rotational position already when the locking panels are folded onto the inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base and as such the reel stem structure will directly end up in the locked rotational position. However, if the reel stem structure is not in this rotational position, the locking flaps will interact fully or partly with the centre panels being provided with the rim portion panels such that it still is possible to rotate the reel stem structure until the locking flaps enters into the slots formed between the respective centre panel not being provided with a rim portion panel and the inside of the rim main panel.

The kit of blanks may further comprise a third blank, wherein the third blank may comprise: a rim main panel that may be configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, a first locking panel that may be foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel by a first folding line and a second locking panel that may be foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel by a second folding line, the second locking panel may be positioned opposite the first locking panel, wherein the first and the second locking panel may be configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, wherein the first and second locking panels each may have, at a locking portion that may be remote from the rim main panel, a recess that may be configured to interact with the reel stem structure, and wherein the second blank may be configured to together with the reel rim base form the reel rim by the rim portion panels forming the reel rim base being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel.

It may be noted that the third blank preferably also includes the preferred features mentioned with respect to the second blank. The third blank may be a second instance of the second blank. However, the third blank may alternatively be a differently shaped blank as long as it presents the specified features, and optionally also the preferred features. The third blank may e.g. be mirrored, such as by being manufactured as it would have been turned 180 degrees such that the major surfaces switch place.

The last centre panel of the plurality of centre panels may comprise a closing tab that may be positioned on a first end side of the plurality of centre panels, the first end side may be located at an end of the set of a plurality of centre panels as seen along the longitudinal direction, wherein the closing tabs may extend from the last centre panel along the longitudinal direction away from the last centre panel.

The first blank may comprise a closing recess being positioned at a distance from the closing tab as seen along the longitudinal direction, wherein the closing tab on the last centre panel of the plurality of centre panels may be configured to be inserted into the closing recess when the plurality of centre panels are folded to form the reel stem structure and thereby lock the reel stem structure in an erected state.

Preferably, the first centre panel is arranged inside the last centre panel such that the first centre panels forms an inside of the double layered wall and the last centre panel forms an outside of the double layered wall when the plurality of centre panels is folded to form the reel stem structure.

With such a design, wherein the first blank comprises the closing tab and the closing recess, facilitate provision of a locking mechanism for the reel stem structure such that the reel stem structure may be kept in place and not unintentionally being unfolded during handling.

The first and second blank, and the third blank, if present, is preferably made of paper-based material.

Paper-based material may provide a light weight reel. Paper-based material is typically environmentally friendly and can often be recycled in a simple manner. Paper-based material may provide a reel initially formed of at least two blanks that are easy to transport and handle before being erected into the reel. It may be noted that the blanks may be made of other materials. With the disclosed design, where the reel is formed of a first, second and/or third blank, it is possible to provide a space efficient solution. By using a paper-based blanks it is also possible to replace plastic-based material, which is normally used in conventional reels.

It should be noted that the reel stem structure may have different cross sections as seen across the reel axis. In a preferred embodiment, the reel stem structure has an octagonal cross section as seen across the reel axis.

The above-mentioned object has also been achieved by a reel comprising a reel stem structure and a reel rim, the reel being formed by folding a first blank and a second blank, wherein the first blank comprising: a set of a plurality of centre panels arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the first blank, the plurality of centre panels being foldably interconnected relative to each other by transversally extending folding lines, wherein the centre panels are configured to be folded as a coil into a reel stem structure, the reel stem structure being hollow, extending along a reel axis (A) and having along at least a portion of a circumference of the reel stem structure a double layered wall formed of at least a first and a last centre panel of the plurality of centre panels, and two opposing sets of rim portion panels arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides of the plurality of centre panels, wherein each set of rim portion panels comprises a plurality of rim portion panels arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction, wherein respective rim portion panel is foldably interconnected to a respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels by longitudinally extending folding lines, wherein the plurality of rim portion panels is configured to be folded outwards from the reel stem structure and form a reel rim base, on a first transversely located side and a second transversely located side of the reel stem structure, respectively.

The second blank may comprise: a rim main panel configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, a first locking panel being foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel by a first folding line and a second locking panel being foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel by a second folding line, the second locking panel being positioned opposite the first locking panel, wherein the first and the second locking panel are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base as seen along the reel axis, wherein the first and second locking panels each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel, a recess being configured to interact with the reel stem structure, and wherein the second blank is configured to together with the reel rim base form the reel rim by the rim portion panels forming the reel rim base being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel.

Advantages associated with the different features and preferred embodiments have been discussed in detail in the above in relation to the kit of blanks. The discussion is equally valid in relation to the reel.

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:

Figure 1 discloses a reel.

Figure 2 discloses a reel with a first and a second locking panel being moved towards the reel stem structure.

Figure 3 discloses a fist blank for forming a reel stem structure.

Figure 4 discloses a second blank for forming a reel rim.

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.

Figure 1 shows a reel 100 comprising a reel stem structure 102 and a first and a second reel rim 104, 106. The reel rim structure 102 is formed from a first blank 300 which is illustrated in a flat-laid state in figure 3. The first reel rim 104, herein further referred to as “the reel rim”, is formed from a second blank 400 which is illustrated in a flat-laid state in figure 4. The second reel rim 106 is formed from a third blank. Preferably, the third blank is similar to the second blank 400, or at least comprises similar features as the second blank 400 so as to form the reel 100 illustrated in Fig. 1.

The reel stem structure 102 has a hollow structure. The reel stem structure 102 extends along a reel axis A which is further illustrated in Fig. 2. The reel stem structure 102 has along at least a portion of a circumference of the reel stem structure 102 a double layered wall. The double layered wall comprises an inside layer and an outside layer. Preferably, the reel stem structure 102 has the shape of a coil. The reel stem structure 102 may have an octagonal cross section as seen across the reel axis A. It is to be noted that the reel stem structure 102 may have different cross sections. However, it is preferred that the cross section is at least basically a polygonal shape, preferably octagonal.

Figure 2 shows the reel 100 and discloses a first locking panel 404 and a second locking panel 408 in a respective intermediate position during its movement towards the reel stem structure 102.

Figure 3 shows the first blank 300. The first blank 300 comprises a set of a plurality of centre panels 302. The plurality of centre panels 302 is arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction LD as seen in a flat- laid state. The plurality of centre panels 302 is foldably interconnected relative to each other by transversally extending folding lines 304. The plurality of centre panels 302 are configured to be folded as the coil into the reel stem structure 102. It is preferred that the plurality of centre panels 302 comprises nine centre panels in order to form the reel rim structure 102 having the octagonal shape, wherein two of the nine centre panels forming the double layered wall. However, it is to be noted that the plurality of centre panels 302 may be arranged in various ways having less or more centre panels. However, in a preferred embodiment, there should be at least one, and preferably exactly one, more centre panel than the number of comers in the reel stem structure such that the double layered wall may be present.

The last centre panel 302i of the plurality of centre panels 302 comprises a closing tab 306. The closing tab 306 is positioned on a first end side ES1 of the plurality of centre panels 302. The first end side ES1 is located at an end of the set of the plurality of centre panels 302 as seen along the longitudinal direction LD. The closing tab 306 extends from the last centre panel 302i along the longitudinal direction LD away from the last centre panel 302L

The first blank 300 further comprise a closing recess 308. The closing recess 308 is positioned at a distance from the closing tab 306 as seen along the longitudinal direction LD. In Fig. 3, the second centre panel 302b of the plurality of centre panels 302 comprises the closing recess 308. The closing recess 308 is configured to receive the closing tab 306 when the first blank 300 is in the erected stated forming the reel stem structure 302 as illustrated in Figs 1 and 2. Herein, a first centre panel 302a and the last centre panel 302i of the plurality of centre panels 302 forms the double layered wall. The first centre panel 302a forms the outside layer of the double layered wall and the last centre panel 302i form the inside layer of the double layered wall when the plurality of centre panels 302 is folded to form the reel stem structure 302. The first and the last centre panel 302a, 302i are connected by inserting the closing tab 306 in the closing recess 308 and thereby, lock the reel stem structure 302 in the erected state. Thus, the closing tab 306 and the closing recess 308 are configured to keep the reel stem structure 302 in the intended polygonal shape and such that the reel stem structure 302 may not unintentionally unfolded during handling.

The first blank 300 further comprises two opposing sets of rim portion panels 310, 312. The sets of rim portion panels 310, 312 are arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides LES1 , LES2 of the plurality of centre panels 302. Each set of rim portion panels 310, 312 comprises a plurality of rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction LD. The plurality of rim portion panels of respective set of rim portion panels 310, 312 are interconnected to each other as seen in the flat-laid state of the first blank 300. Respective rim portion panel 310a-d, 312a-d is foldably interconnected to a respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels by longitudinally extending folding lines 314. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the respective rim portion panel 310a-d, 312a-d is foldably interconnected to the respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels 302, except the two last centre panels 302h-i of the plurality of centre panels 302. Thus, preferably each set of rim portion panels 310, 312 comprises half as many rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d minus one as the number of the plurality of centre panels 302. Alternatively, this may be expressed as that there should preferably be a rim portion panel 310a-d, 312a-d associated with every second centre panel 304 forming part of the outer most coil of the reel stem structure. In the preferred embodiment there is an octagonally shaped reel stem structure, the reel stem structure thus having eight centre panels 304 forming the outer most coil of the stem structure. Every second one of those centre panels, i.e. four centre panels, are provided with a rim portion panel 310a-d, 312a-d.

The rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d are interconnected to each other in the form of transversally extending perforation lines 311. The perforation lines are preferably positioned such that they are positioned transversely outside the other ones of every second centre panel, i.e. outside those centre panels which are not connected to the rim portion panels. However, although not illustrated, the rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d may be separated, as seen in the flat-laid state, by transversally extending slits. The slits preferably have the same position and extension as the perforation lines 311. It is also conceivable to have a combination of slits and perforations, such as the lines 311 being formed of slits along the vast majority of its extension and only forming a connection, such as a perforation, between the rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d close to the outer end of respective line 311.

It may also be noted that those centre panels 302b, 302d, 302f, 302g that are not connected to the rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d have an extension along the transversal direction being slightly shorter than those centre panels 302a, 302c, 302e, 302g being connected to the rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d. This shorter distance provides the formation of a slot s on each transversal side of the centre panels 302b, 302d, 302f, 302g and the rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d. This slot s is designed to receive locking flaps 418a-b of the second blank 400. The slots s have each a length along the transverse direction T being slightly lager than the material thickness of the second blank 400.

When the first blank 300 is folded to form the reel stem structure 102, the plurality of rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d is configured to be separated from each other. When the plurality of rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d may have been separated from each, the plurality of rim portion panels 310a-d, 312a-d may be configured to be folded outwardly such that a reel rim base 202 is formed on a first transversely located side TS1 and a second transversely located side TS2 of the reel stem structure 102, respectively. The reel rim base 202 on the first transversally located side TS1 is illustrated in Fig. 2.

It is preferred that the first blank 300 is made from paper-based material. However, the first blank 300 may be made of other materials.

With reference to Fig. 4, the second blank 400 comprises a rim main panel 402. The rim main panel 402 is configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base 202 on the first or the second transversely located side TES1 , TES2. The rim main panel 402 arranged on the outside of the reel rim base 202 on the first transversally located side TS1 is illustrated in Fig. 2.

The second blank 400 further comprises a first and a second locking panel 404, 408. The first and the second locking panel 404, 408 is foldably connected to the rim main panel 402. The first locking panel 404 is foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel 402 by a first folding line 406. The second locking panel 408 is foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel 402 by a second folding line 410. The second locking panel 408 is positioned opposite the first locking panel 406. It is preferred that the first and second folding lines 406, 410 of each respective first and second locking panel 404, 408 are parallel to each other.

The first and the second locking panel 404, 408 are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base 202 as seen along the reel axis A such that the reel rim base 202 being sandwiched between the rim main panel 402 and the first and the second locking panel 404, 408 see Fig. 2 for illustration. Preferably, the first and the second locking panels 404, 408 are configured to be folded parallel to the reel rim base 102. Preferably the first and second locking panels 404, 408 have an extension such that they end up arranged edge towards edge.

Each of the first and the second locking panel 404, 408 comprises a folding flap 414. The folding flap 414 is arranged on a first edge 404a, 408a of respective locking panel 404, 408 and extends away from the edge 404a, 408a along a direction being normal to said edge 404a, 408a. The respective folding flap 414 is arranged at a portion of the first edge 404a, 408 being located further away from the respective folding line 406, 410 than the respective recess 412. In the preferred embodiment, the folding flaps 414 are located at the portion of the edge 404a, 408a being farthest away from the respective folding line 406, 41O.The folding flap 414 on the first locking panel 404 is configured to be inserted between the second locking panel 408 and the rim main panel 402. The folding flap 414 on the second locking panel 408 is configured to be inserted between the first locking panel 404 and the rim main panel 402. By this arrangement, the first and the second locking panel being connected and kept in place when the second blank is in the erected state. The provision of the folding flaps 414 facilitates des-assembly of the reel.

The first and the second locking panel 404, 408 each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel 402, a recess 412. The respective recess 412 is configured to interact with the reel stem structure 102. Preferably, the respective recess 412 is configured to interact with the reel stem structure 102 when each locking panel 404, 408 is folded onto the inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base 202.

The respective recess 412 is positioned on an edge 404a, 408a forming an angle a relative to respective first and second folding lines 406, 410 between the rim main panel 402 and the respective one of the first and second locking panels 404, 408 such that the recess 412 in the locking portion is remote from the rim main panel 402, as seen in a flat laid state of the second blank 400. After the respective locking panel 404, 408 has been folded onto the rim portion panels 310, 312, the respective one of the first and second locking panels 404, 408 present an abutment surface 416c facing in a direction having at least a component across the respective folding line 406, 410 between the rim main panel 402 and the respective one of the first and the second locking panel 404, 408.

The respective recess 412 is shaped such that each recess 412 provides each locking panel with a first abutment portion 416a, a second abutment portion 416b and a third abutment portion 416c. The first abutment portion 416a may be configured to abut a first one of the centre panels 302. The second abutment portion 416b may be configured to abut a third one of the of centre panels 302. The third abutment portion 416c may be configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels. This is illustrated in a best view in Fig. 1 , wherein the first one of the centre panels 302 and the third one of the centre panels 302 are shown. In addition, between the first one of the centre panels 302 and the third one of the centre panels 302, a second one of the centre panels 302 is shown.

The respective recess 412 comprises a first locking flap 418a and a second locking flap 418b. The first locking flap 418a is arranged between the first and the second abutment portion 416a, 416b. The second locking flap 418b is arranged between the second and third abutment portion 416b, 416c. The first locking flap 418a is configured to be inserted between the rim main panel 402 and a second one of the centre panels 302. The second locking flap 418b is configured to be inserted between the main rim panel 402 and a fourth one of the centre panels 302. The second one of the centre panels 302 is positioned between the first one and the third one of the centre panels 302, as seen along a circumferential direction of the reel stem structure 102. The fourth one of the centre panels 302 is positioned between the third one and the fifth one of the centre panels 302, as seen along a circumferential direction of the reel stem structure 102.

The abutment portions 416a, 416b, 416c and the locking flaps 418a, 418b are arranged such that they prevent the locking panels 404, 408 from being unintentionally unfolded. When the abutment portions 416a, 416b, 416c and the locking flaps 418a, 418b abuts or interacts with the reel stem structure 102, the second blank 400 interacts with the first blank 300 such that the reel 100 becomes stable and is not unintentionally unfolded during handle.

Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the respective recess 412 is arranged with the first abutment portion 416a, the first locking flap 418a, the second abutment portion 416b, the second locking flap 418b and the third abutment portion 416c. However, it should be noted that the recess 412 may be arranged in other way, depending on the shape and size of the reel stem structure 102 and the recess 412. Thus, the recess 412 is configured to interact with the reel stem structure 102 and thereby also connect the first and the second blank 300, 400 together.

In a preferred embodiment, the first locking panel 404 is folded and connected such that the first abutment portion 416a of the first locking panel 404 is configured to abut a first one of the centre panels 302. The first locking panel 404 is folded and connected such that the second abutment portion 416b of the first locking panel 404 is configured to abut a third one of the centre panels 302. The first locking panel 404 is folded and connected such that the third abutment portion 416c of the first locking panel 404 is configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels 302. The second locking panel 408 is folded and connected such that the first abutment portion 416a of the second locking panel 408 is configured to abut the fifth one of the centre panels 302. The second locking panel 408 is folded and connected such that the second abutment portion 416b of the second locking panel 302 is configured to abut a seventh one of the centre panels 302. The second locking panel 408 is folded and connected such that the third abutment portion 416c of the second locking panel 408 is configured to abut the first one of the centre panels 302.

The first locking panel 404 is further folded and connected such that the first locking flap 418a of the first locking panel 404 is configured to be inserted between the rim main panel 402 and a second one of the centre panels 302. The first locking panel 404 is further folded and connected such that the second locking flap 418b of the first locking panel 404 is configured to inserted between the rim main panel 402 and a second one of the centre panels 302. The second locking panel 408 is further folded and connected such that the first locking flap 418a of the second locking panel 408 is configured to inserted between the rim main panel 402 and a sixth one of the centre panels 302. The second locking panel 408 is further folded and connected such that the second locking flap 418b of the second locking panel 408 is configured to inserted between the rim main panel 402 and an eighth one of the centre panels 302.

When the locking flaps 418a, 418b are not positioned between the rim main panel 402 and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eighth centre panels 302, the reel stem structure 102 is positioned in a non-locked rotational position about a central axis B. When the reel stem structure 102 is in the non-locked rotational position, the recesses 412 of the locking panels 404, 408 interact with the reel stem structure 102 such that the reel stem structure 102 is rotatable about the central axis B between such a non-locked position into a locked position. In the locked position, the locking flaps 418a, 418b are positioned between the rim main panel 102 and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight centre panels 302.

Thus, the locking flaps 418a, 418b are arranged between the rim main panel 402 and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight centre panels 302 such that the reel stem structure 102 is in a fixed, or locked position, during handling and not unintentionally being unfolded.

It is preferred that the second blank 400 is made from paper-based material. However, the second blank 400 may be made of other materials.

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.

Claims

1. A kit of blanks configured to be folded and connected to each other to form a reel (100) comprising a reel stem structure (102) and a reel rim (104, 106), the kit of blanks comprising a first blank (300) and a second blank (400), the first blank (300) comprising: a set of a plurality of centre panels (302) arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction (LD) as seen in a flat-laid state of the first blank (300), the plurality of centre panels (302) being foldably interconnected relative to each other by transversally extending folding lines (304), wherein the centre panels (302) are configured to be folded as a coil into the reel stem structure (102), the reel stem structure (102) being hollow, extending along a reel axis (A) and having along at least a portion of a circumference of the reel stem structure (102) a double layered wall formed of at least a first and a last centre panel (302a, 302i) of the plurality of centre panels (302), two opposing sets of rim portion panels (310, 312) arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides (LES1, LES2) of the plurality of centre panels (302), wherein each set of rim portion panels (310, 312) comprises a plurality of rim portion panels (310a-d, 312a-d) arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction (LD), wherein respective rim portion panel (310a- d, 312a-d) is foldably interconnected to a respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels (302) by longitudinally extending folding lines (314), wherein the plurality of rim portion panels (310a-d, 312a-d) is configured to be folded outwards from the reel stem structure (102) and form a reel rim base (202), on a first transversely located side (TES1) and a second transversely located side (TES2) of the reel stem structure (102), respectively, the second blank (400) comprising: a rim main panel (402) configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), a first locking panel (404) being foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel (402) by a first folding line (406) and a second locking panel (408) being foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel (402) by a second folding line (410), the second locking panel (408) being positioned opposite the first locking panel (404), wherein the first and the second locking panel (404, 408) are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), wherein the first and second locking panels (404, 408) each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel (402), a recess (412) being configured to interact with the reel stem structure (102), and wherein the second blank (400) is configured to together with the reel rim base (202) form the reel rim (104, 106) by the rim portion panels (310, 312) forming the reel rim base (202) being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel (402) and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel (404, 408).

2. The kit of blanks according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of rim portion panels (310a-d, 312a-d) of respective set of rim portion panels (310, 312) are interconnected to each other as seen in the flat-laid state of the first blank (300) and being configured to be separated from each other and be folded outwardly when the first blank (300) is erected to form the reel stem structure (102).

3. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the respective recess (412) is positioned on an edge forming an angle (a) relative to respective first and second folding lines (406, 410) between the rim main panel (402) and the respective one of the first and second locking panels (404, 408), such that the recess (412) in the locking portion being remote from the rim main panel (402), as seen in a flat laid state of the second blank (400), will after the respective locking panel (404, 408) has been folded onto the rim portion panels (310, 312) present an abutment surface (416c) facing in a direction having at least a component across the respective folding line (406, 410) between the rim main panel (402) and the respective one of the first and the second locking panel (404, 408).

4. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the recesses (412) are shaped such that each recess (412) provides each locking panel (404, 408) with a first abutment portion (416a), a second abutment portion (416b) and a third abutment portion (416c), and wherein the recess (412) comprises a first locking flap (418a) arranged between the first and the second abutment portion (416a, 416b) and a second locking flap (418b) arranged between the second and third abutment portion (416b, 416c), wherein the first abutment portion (416a) is configured to abut a first one of the centre panels (302), the second abutment portion (416b) is configured to abut a third one of the centre panels (302) and the third abutment portion (416c) is configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels (302), and wherein the first locking flap (418a) is configured to be inserted between the rim main panel (402) and a second one of the centre panels (302) and the second locking flap (4a8b) is configured to be inserted between the main rim panel (402) and a fourth one of the centre panels (302), the second one of the centre panels (302) being positioned between the first one and the third one of the centre panels (302) and the fourth one of the centre panels (302) being positioned between the third one and the fifth one of the centre panels (302), as seen along a circumferential direction of the reel stem structure (102).

5. The kit of blanks according to claim 4, wherein the first and the second locking panels (404, 408) are configured to be folded parallel to the reel rim base (202) and are connected to the rim main panel (402) such that, the first abutment portion (416a) of the first locking panel (404) is configured to abut a first one of the centre panels (302), the second abutment portion (416b) of the first locking panel (404) is configured to abut a third one of the centre panels (302), the third abutment portion (416c) of the first locking panel (404) is configured to abut a fifth one of the centre panels (302), the first abutment portion (416a) of the second locking panel (408) is configured to abut the fifth one of the centre panels (302), the second abutment portion (416b) of the second locking panel (408) is configured to abut a seventh one of the centre panels (302), and the third abutment portion (416c) of the second locking panel (408) is configured to abut the first one of the centre panels (302).

6. The kit of blanks according to claim 5, wherein the first locking flap (418a) of the first locking panel (404) is configured to be inserted between the rim main panel (402) and a second one of the centre panels (302), the second locking flap (418b) of the first locking panel (404) is configured to inserted between the rim main panel (402) and a fourth one of the centre panels (302), the first locking flap (418a) of the second locking panel (408) is configured to inserted between the rim main panel (402) and a sixth one of the centre panels (302), and the second locking flap (418b) of the second locking panel (408) is configured to inserted between the rim main panel (402) and an eighth one of the centre panels (302).

7. The kit of blanks according to claim 6, wherein after the first and the second locking panels (404 ,408) have been folded onto the inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A) and the reel stem structure (102) is positioned in a non-locked rotational position about the central axis (A) in which the locking flaps (418a, 418b) are not positioned between the rim main panel (402) and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight centre panels (302), the recesses (412) of the locking panels (404, 408) interact with the reel stem structure (102) such that reel stem structure (102) is rotatable about the central axis (A) between such a non-locked position into a locked position in which the locking flaps (418a, 418b) are positioned between the rim main panel (402) and the respective one of the second, fourth, sixth and eight centre panels (302).

8. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the kit of blanks further comprising a third blank comprising: a rim main panel (402) configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), a first locking panel (404) being foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel (402) by a first folding line (406) and a second locking panel (408) being foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel (402) by a second folding line (410), the second locking panel (408) being positioned opposite the first locking panel (404), wherein the first and the second locking panel (404, 408) are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), wherein the first and second locking panels (404, 408) each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel (402), a recess (412) being configured to interact with the reel stem structure (102), and wherein the third blank is configured to together with the reel rim base (202) form the reel rim (104, 106) by the rim portion panels (310, 312) forming the reel rim base (202) being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel (402) and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel (404, 408).

9. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding clams, wherein the last centre panel (302i) of the plurality of centre panels (302) comprises a closing tab (306) being positioned on a first end side (ES1 ) of the plurality of centre panels (302), the first end side (ES1) being located at an end of the set of a plurality of centre panels (302) as seen along the longitudinal direction (LD), wherein the closing tabs (306) extends from the last centre panel (302i) along the longitudinal direction (LD) away from the last centre panel (302i).

10. The kit of blanks according to claim 9, wherein the first blank (300) comprises a closing recess (308) being positioned at a distance from the closing tab (306) as seen along the longitudinal direction (LD), wherein the closing tab (306) on the last centre panel (302i) of the plurality of centre panels (302) is configured to be inserted into the closing recess (308) when the plurality of centre panels (302) are folded to form the reel stem structure (102) and thereby lock the reel stem structure (102) in an erected state.

11. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second blank (300, 400), and the third blank, if present, are made of paper-based material.

12. The kit of blanks according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reel stem structure (102) has an octagonal cross section as seen across the reel axis (A).

13. A reel (100, 200) comprising a reel stem structure (102) and a reel rim (104, 106), the reel (100, 200) being formed by folding a first blank (300) and a second blank (400), the first blank (300) comprising: a set of a plurality of centre panels (302) arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction (LD) as seen in a flat-laid state of the first blank (300), the plurality of centre panels (302) being foldably interconnected relative to each other by transversally extending folding lines (304), wherein the centre panels (302) are configured to be folded as a coil into the reel stem structure (102), the reel stem structure (102) being hollow, extending along a reel axis (A) and having along at least a portion of a circumference of the reel stem structure (102) a double layered wall formed of at least a first and a last centre panel (302a, 302i) of the plurality of centre panels (302), two opposing sets of rim portion panels (310, 312) arranged on two transversely oppositely located, longitudinally extending sides (LES1, LES2) of the plurality of centre panels (302), wherein each set of rim portion panels (310, 312) comprises a plurality of rim portion panels (310a-d, 312a-d) arranged one after another along the longitudinal direction (LD), wherein respective rim portion panel (310a- d, 312a-d) is foldably interconnected to a respective one of every second of the plurality of centre panels (302) by longitudinally extending folding lines (314), wherein the plurality of rim portion panels (310a-d, 312a-d) is configured to be folded outwards from the reel stem structure (102) and form a reel rim base (202), on a first transversely located side (TES1) and a second transversely located side (TES2) of the reel stem structure (102), respectively,

14. The reel (100, 200) according to claim 13, wherein the second blank (400) comprising: a rim main panel (402) configured to be arranged on an outside of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), a first locking panel (404) being foldably connected to a first portion of the rim main panel (402) by a first folding line (406) and a second locking panel (408) being foldably connected to a second portion of the rim main panel (402) by a second folding line (410), the second locking panel (408) being positioned opposite the first locking panel (404), wherein the first and the second locking panel (404, 408) are configured to be folded onto an inwardly facing surface of the reel rim base (202) as seen along the reel axis (A), wherein the first and second locking panels (404, 408) each has, at a locking portion being remote from the rim main panel (402), a recess (412) being configured to interact with the reel stem structure (102), and wherein the second blank (400) is configured to together with the reel rim base (202) form the reel rim (104, 106) by the rim portion panels (310, 312) forming the reel rim base (202) being sandwiched between on one hand the rim main panel (402) and on the other hand the first locking panel or the second locking panel (404, 408).