GB2421496A

GB2421496A - Folded transit/display cases

Info

Publication number: GB2421496A
Application number: GB0427974A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie John Groves
Original assignee: Kappa Packaging UK Ltd
Current assignee: Smurfit Kappa Packaging UK Ltd
Priority date: 2004-12-21
Filing date: 2004-12-21
Publication date: 2006-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-12-21
Also published as: GB0427974D0; GB2421496B

Abstract

A freestanding case 10 for transport or display of goods has a base formed from one or more closure flaps A, B, and a plurality of channel-shaped or tubular support feet folded from flaps G, H attached to sides of the case and arranged to support the closure flap or flaps in the erected case. In one embodiment, the case is formed as a sleeve of which lower parts of front 12 and rear (14, Fig. 1) panels fold inwards to form an opposed pair of such base closure flaps A, B while leaving corner legs P. The support or supports are formed from lower continuations of the case side panels, and further comprise inwardly folded flaps G, H providing a standing surface, with distal ends of these flaps folded upwardly in use to engage and support the base closure flaps. A one-piece, easily erectable case construction results.

Description

EASILY ERECTED TRANSIT/DISPLAY CASES The present invention concerns

freestanding cases, particularly advantageous for use as point-of-sale display and bulk-freight transit packaging. Known cases of this kind provide collation, transport and display, for customer selection at retail outlets, of a variety of retail items including crisps, snack foods and confectionary dry goods and the like, as well as finding use as general freight transit units. To provide support for the load exerted by the goods in transit and in store, as well as for ease of handling by forklifts or dolleys, such goods transit and display packaging usually incorporates or is used in conjunction with timber pallets or expanded polystyrene or similar inserts. These add to the cost and complexity of the pack assembly in its use throughout the supply chain and for recycling. In the case of lightweight goods, standard pallets or polystyrene inserts are often "over engineered" for their purpose. The present pack has been designed to eliminate the need for these inserts and pallets, substituting easily erectable pack base features in their place.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a freestanding case for transport or display of goods having a base formed from one or more closure flaps, and a plurality of channel- shaped or tubular support feet folded from flaps attached to sides of the case and arranged to support the closure flap or flaps in the erected case.

In the construction shown, the case is formed as a sleeve of which lower parts of front and rear panels fold inwards to form an opposed pair of such base closure flaps while leaving corner legs. The support or supports are formed from lower continuations of the case side panels, and further comprise inwardly folded flaps providing a standing surface, with distal ends of these flaps folded upwardly in use to engage and support the base closure flaps. A one-piece, easily erectable case construction results.

Alternative constructions are possible however. In particular, it is possible to use only a single base closure flap, or the supports can comprise more than one fold so as to provide more layers of material and increased strength. Optionally, an insert can be provided within the base of the case, for example to provide a continuous, substantially flat ilmer base surface. The insert may be folded to form an inverted U-shape in the erected case, with the limbs of the U extending into the support feet.

An illustrative embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a blank for a display case embodying the invention; Figures 2 - 7 show successive steps in the erection of the blank of Figure 1, and Figure 8 shows the resulting erected display case.

In Figure 1 the blan* 10 has panels to form front 12 back 14 and sides 16 of the eventual io case. The sides 16 are provided with attachment holes 20 for an optional flip-top display header (not shown), and with hand holes 18. The front has a removable part N for display, and a base half closure flap A; the rear has a corresponding half closure flap B. The flaps A and B are attached to the front 12 and rear 14 panels along creases or fold lines 22. Die cuts 24 separate the flaps A and B from leg portions P thereby formed at the bottom corners of the front and rear panels 14, 16. The leg portions P have small flaps C, D, E, F attached at fold lines 26 and also defined by the cuts 24. These cuts therefore define corresponding cut- outs L, M in the base half closure flaps A, B. The sides 14, 16 have flaps G and H attached at fold lines 28, each flap having associated fold lines I and lock tabs J and K. As supplied for erection and filling, the blank 10 is folded over at the centre between panels 12, 16 so that an end flap 30 can be folded back to overlap and be secured to the opposite end 32 of the blank, so forming a flattened tubular structure.

To erect the tubular blank, proceed as follows: 1. Open the flattened tubular structure into a rectangular cuboid shape and position it upside down (base flaps uppermost) on the floor of the assembly area. (Figure 2).

2. Fold both large flaps A and B on the base of the unit inwards through ninety degrees.

(Figure 3).

3. Fold one pair of opposing small flaps C and F or D and E, located on either side of the large flaps A and B, inwards through ninety degrees. (Figure 4).

4. Fold one of the adjacent side flaps G and H inwards through ninety degrees so as to rest against and cover the two previously folded small flaps (Figure 5).

5. Continue to fold the side flap at crease I through another ninety degrees until the locking tabs J and K engage with the cut-outs L and M in flaps A and B. (Figure 6).

6. Repeat the process with the relevant flaps on the Opposing side of the case. The base of the unit is now securely assembled. (Figure 7).

7. Turn the display unit right side up so that it stands on the previously assembled base.

The unit is now ready to be packed out. This is achieved by either packing product into the unit through the open top, or by removing the perforated front panel N, as shown in Figure 8. Once packed the unit is ready for transit. If the front panel was removed to pack out the unit then either a separate transit shroud or shrink-wrap should be used to protect the merchandise in transit.

The advantages in provision of point-of.saje display and bulk-freight transit cases are clear, allowing:- I. Collation, transport and display, for customer selection at retail outlets, of a wide variety of items such as crisps, snack foods and confectionery, and 2. Use as a bulk transit unit particularly, although not exclusively, for lightweight goods.

Similar packs exist which employ complicated assembly methods or additional components to construct the base. This pack in advantageous embodiments eliminates the need for additional components, including timber pallets, and considerably simplifies the assembly process.

The preferred case, which is a one-piece construction, is made totally from corrugated fibreboard material and has advantages over similar products because: * It is made from one piece of board.

* It is supplied flat prior to assembly saving space in both transit and storage prior to use.

The base construction is demonstrably quicker and easier to assemble than similar existing units.

* The case is 100% recyclable.

* It is available in standard modular A, /2 and full pallet sizes or bespoke to Customer requirements.

* It can be manufactured in a variety of strengths of corrugated board or if required any similar foldable sheet material.

* The unit is extremely robust when in use throughout the supply chain and whilst in use as a point of sale display in store.

* Excellent aesthetics contribute to maximum product promotion.

* The base has been designed to eliminate the need for any sort of additional pallet whether of timber or composite construction when used as a point of sale display unit.

* The case has also been designed to incorporate an integral Fliptop' style header should one be required when it is utilised for point of sale purposes.

Claims

I. A freestanding case for transport or display of goods having a base formed from one or more closure flaps, and a plurality of channel-shaped or tubular support feet folded from flaps attached to sides of the case and arranged to support the closure flap or flaps in the erected case.
2. A case according to claim 1, formed as a sleeve of which lower parts of front and rear panels fold inwards to form an opposed pair of such base closure flaps while leaving corner legs.
3. A case according to claim I or 2, in which the support feet are formed from lower continuations of the case side panels.
4. A case according to claim 3 in which the support feet further comprise inwardly folded flaps providing a standing surface, with distal ends of these flaps folded upwardly in use to engage and support the base closure flap or flaps.
5. A case according to claim 4 in which the support feet are folded to provide multiple layers of material.
6. A case according to any preceding claim in which cut-outs in the base closure flaps form legs adjacent to the ends of the support feet.
7. A freestanding case for transport or display of goods, substantially as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.Abstract

7. A case according claim 6 in which the legs comprise end flaps engaged within the support feet.

8. A case according to claim 6 or 7 in which locking tabs on the support feet flaps engage in the base closure flap cut-outs in the erected case.

9. A freestanding case for transport or display of goods, substantially as described with reference to or as shown in the drawings.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:

1. A freestanding case for transport or display of goods having a base formed from one or more closure flaps, and a plurality of channel-shaped or tubular support feet folded from flaps attached to sides of the case and arranged to support the closure flap or flaps in the erected case, in which cut-outs in the base closure flaps form legs adjacent to the ends of the support feet and in which locking tabs on the support feet flaps engage in the base closure flap cut-outs in the erected case.

2. A case according to claim 1, formed as a sleeve of which lower parts of front and rear panels fold inwards to form an opposed pair of such base closure flaps while leaving said legs at corners of the base.

3. A case according to claim I or 2, in which the support feet are formed from lower Is continuations of the case side panels.

4. A case according to claim 3 in which the support feet further comprise inwardly folded flaps providing a standing surface, with distal ends of these flaps folded upwardly in use to engage and support the base closure flap or flaps.

5. A case according to claim 4 in which the support feet are folded to provide multiple layers of material.

6. A case according to any preceding claim in which the legs comprise end flaps engaged within the support feet.