GB2597796A

GB2597796A - A container

Info

Publication number: GB2597796A
Application number: GB2012307.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Chesworth Ian
Original assignee: PACKAGING ONE Ltd
Current assignee: PACKAGING ONE Ltd
Priority date: 2020-08-07
Filing date: 2020-08-07
Publication date: 2022-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-07
Also published as: GB202012307D0; GB2597796B

Abstract

A container 2 has first and second side panels 6, 7, two end panels (8, 9, fig. 6), a base 3 with a base panel, and an opening 10 opposite the base. The container includes a lid panel 11 extending from an end of the first side panel distal from the base, a lid end flap 13 extending from an end edge of the lid panel distal from the first side panel, and a lid side flap (15) extending from each opposite side edge of the lid panel. The container also includes a flap holding portion 20 connected to the second side panel. The lid end flap can be received by the flap holding portion, and the lid side flaps can be received in the opening and between the end panels. A compartment forming panel 17 may extend from an end of the second side panel distal from the base, and the flap holding portion may form part of the compartment forming panel, preferably a part that is folded back towards itself. The container may be part of a bag with a handle.

Description

A CONTAINER

The present invention relates to a container for transporting a product, which may be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a laptop computer 5 or a hand-held tablet PC, from, say a store, to a customer who has ordered the product remotely.

If a customer had visited a store to purchase the product then the customer may receive the product in a bag. The bag may be a gift bag which often reflects the quality of the product bought. If the customer has ordered the product remotely instead of visiting the store then the gift bag may not provide a sufficiently robust and tamper resistant container to securely transport the product by a delivery service to the customer.

Also, if the product needs to be returned to the store then the bag may not provide a suitable container to transport the product back to the store.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a container that alleviates at least one of the above-mentioned problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a container having first and second side panels, two end panels, a base or base portion comprising a base panel, and an opening opposite the base, the container including a lid panel extending from an end of the first side panel distal from the base, a lid end flap extending from an end edge of the lid panel distal from the first side panel, a lid side flap extending from each opposite side edge of the lid panel, and a flap holding portion connected to the second side panel, wherein the lid end flap is arranged to be received by the flap holding portion, and the lid side flaps are arranged to be received in the opening and between the end panels.

A fold or fold line or crease may be formed where each panel joins another panel or a flap.

By the lid end flap being received by the flap holding portion, this prevents the lid panel from being pushed too far into the container, and by the lid side flaps being between the end panels, this prevents the inside of the container from being easily accessible from either end of the container. Thus, the container can be firmly closed whilst maximising the room inside the container.

If a customer needs to return a product received in the container then the customer places the product back in the container, the lid panel is closed and the lid side flaps are tucked inside the container. The lid end flap can then be taped to the outside of the second side panel. The product can be returned in a secure outer package to the seller of the product and the seller knows that the product is being sent back in a secure rigid container which protects the product.

The container may include a compartment forming panel extending from an end of the second side panel distal from the base. The flap holding portion may form part of the compartment forming panel. The flap holding portion may comprise a part of the compartment forming panel which is folded back towards itself. This may comprise at least part of a crease or fold for receiving the lid end flap. The compartment forming panel may be fixed by adhesive, for example, to the second side panel beneath the flap holding portion. The compartment forming panel may be fixed by adhesive, for example, to the second side panel above the flap holding portion.

The compartment forming panel may have an end part distal from the second side panel wherein when the compartment forming panel is in a first configuration the end part is arranged to form a return to engage or be adjacent a face of the first side panel. When the compartment forming panel is in a second configuration the end part may be arranged to form a return to engage or be adjacent a face of the base and/or a portion of the compartment forming panel may engage or be adjacent the first side panel. By the compartment forming panel being able to have different configurations, different types of products can be held securely in the container limiting movement of the product inside the container. The compartment forming panel may be formed with a plurality of folds or creases to enable the compartment forming panel to be set in different configurations. The compartment forming panel can also separate the inside of the container into two compartments so that a main product, such as a smartphone or a tablet PC, could be stored in a first compartment and accessories for the product could be stored in a second compartment which may be above the first compartment. Thus, a high value product could be hidden in the first compartment by the compartment forming panel.

When the compartment forming panel is in the first configuration, the end part of the compartment forming panel may engage or be adjacent an upper part of the first side panel, and at least part of each lid side flap may be arranged to be received between a part of the compartment forming panel adjacent the end part and a respective said end panel. This prevents the lid side flaps from being pushed in making the inside of the container more secure.

The container may include an end panel flap extending from an end of each end panel distal from the base, wherein each end panel flap is configured to be folded onto the respective end panel. When each end panel flap is folded onto the respective end panel, the end panel flap may be fixed to a face of the end panel. This strengthens the container. The end panel flaps may be fixed to the end panels by adhesive.

The container may be formed from separate first and second blanks which are fixed to each other wherein the first blank includes the end panels and the end panel flaps, and the second blank includes the lid panel and the lid end flap and lid side flaps. The container is formed from two blanks since at least one end panel flap of one blank and one lid side flap of the other blank overlap, and thus they cannot both be part of a die-cut single blank. The blanks may be fixed together by adhesive.

The container may be configured to have an open state for receiving at least one product. The lid panel may be positioned over the opening to close the opening when the at least one product has been placed inside the container. The lid panel may be rectangular. The container may form a cuboid shape when it is in an open state. The container may be configured to have a flattened state. Thus, the container can be stored in a flattened state when not in use to save storage space. The container can be quickly erected into the open state. Excessive tape is not required to close the container.

The container may be formed with a plurality of folds or creases to enable 5 the container to be configured to have a flattened state. Each end panel may have a central crease or fold along at least part of a central longitudinal line of the end panel from a top edge of the end panel. Each end panel may have a first corner or diagonal crease or fold extending from a corner where the first side panel and the base meet, and a second corner or diagonal crease or fold 10 extending from a corner where the second side panel and the base meet, and the first and second corner creases join the central crease at a point spaced from the base. A lower part of the first side panel or the second side panel may have a lower crease to enable at least part of the base to be folded flat onto that side panel.

The base may comprise a first base panel extending from one of the first and second side panels, and a second base panel extending from the other of the first and second side panels. The first and second base panels may be configured to overlap. A third separate base panel may be placed over the lower crease and/or be covered by at least one of the first and second base panels. The third base panel may be fixed over the lower crease by, say, adhesive. The first and/or the second base panel may be fixed to the third base panel by, say, adhesive. The third base panel provides additional strength to the container, and makes it more difficult for an unauthorized person to access a product inside the container from its base.

The container may comprise corrugated material or board or cardboard which may have a 1-1.5 mm flute height. By the end panel and its respective end panel flap each having a 1.5 mm flute height, when the end panel flap is folded onto the end panel this provides a standard 3 mm flute height which enables the corrugated cardboard not to have holes or slits in any creases or folds in this area which would otherwise be required to enable it to function properly and relieve stress in the cardboard to prevent tearing. By having the end panel flaps fixed to the end panels, this hides the corrugated cardboard which may not be atheistically pleasing.

The creases or folds of the container may be matrix creases.

A bag may be provided which comprises the container described above, wherein the bag includes at least one handle. By having a bag comprising the container, a customer may receive a product in a bag similar to what they may have received the product in if they had visited a store to purchase it. At least one said handle may form part of the container. The handle may comprise an opening in at least one of the first and second side panels.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bag comprising a container in an open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows the bag in a partially collapsed state; Figures 3 and 4 show the bag in a collapsed flattened state; Figures 5 to 7 show the bag with a compartment forming panel being positioned to be in a first configuration to hold a tablet PC or laptop computer in the container of the bag; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the container of the bag showing the compartment forming panel in the first configuration; Figures 9 to 14 show the bag with the compartment forming panel being positioned to be in a second configuration to hold a smartphone and accessories in the container; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the container of the bag showing the compartment forming panel in the second configuration; Figure 16 is a plan view of first and second blanks from which the container of the bag is formed; Figure 17 is a plan view of the second blank of Figure 16 with parts of the blank being folded; Figure 18 is a plan view of the second blank attached to the first blank; and Figures 19 to 27 show various stages of the bag being formed from the connected blanks.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, a bag 1 comprises a container 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. The container 2 has a base or base portion 3 comprising overlapping first and second base panels 4, 5, and first and second side panels 6, 7. The first base panel 4 extends from a bottom edge of the first side panel 6, and the second base panel 5 extends from a bottom edge of the second side panel 7. The container 2 also has first and second end panels 8, 9, and an opening 10 opposite the base 3. The container 2 includes a lid panel 11 extending from an end or top edge 12 of the first side panel 8 distal from the base 3, a lid end flap 13 extending from an end edge 14 of the lid panel 11 distal from the first side panel 8, and a lid side flap 15 extending from each opposite side edge 16 of the lid panel 11. A compartment forming panel 17 extends from an end or top edge 18 (see Figures Sand 15) of the second side panel 7 distal from the base 3 and has an end part 19 distal from the second side panel 7. A flap holding portion 20 for receiving the lid end flap 13 comprises a part of the compartment forming panel 17 folded back towards itself. The compartment forming panel 17 is fixed by upper adhesive 21 to the second side panel 7 just above the flap holding portion 20 and by lower adhesive 22 to the second side panel 7 just below the flap holding portion 20.

The lid side flaps 15 are arranged to be received in the opening 10 and between the first and second end panels 8, 9.

Each end panel 8, 9 has a central crease or fold or fold line 23 along a central longitudinal line 24 of the end panel 8, 9 from a top edge 45 of the end panel 8, 9. Each end panel 8, 9 has a first corner or diagonal crease or fold or fold line 26 extending upwardly at an acute angle to the base 3 from a corner where the first side panel 6 and the base 3 meet. Each end panel 8, 9 has a second corner or diagonal crease or fold or fold line 27 extending upwardly at an acute angle to the base 3 from a corner where the second side panel 7 and the base 3 meet, and the first and second corner creases 26, 27 join a lower end part of the central crease 23 at a point 28 spaced from the base 3. A lower part of the second side panel 7 has a horizontal or lower crease or fold 29 along it, and the crease 29 has an extension 30 to the point 28 on each of the end panels 8, 9.

Each of the first and second side panels 6, 7 has a cord handle 31 extending from it with knotted ends of the cord handle 31 being inside the container 2. Although cord handles have been shown, any suitable form of handle may be used for the bag 1. For example, an elongated opening may be provided in an upper part of each side panel of the container.

Figure 1 shows the bag 1 in an open state for receiving at least one product. To collapse the bag 1 to a flattened state, the second side panel 7 is pushed towards the first side panel 6 with the end panels 8, 9 being folded in half along the central crease 23 and the base 3 being folded flat onto the second side panel 7 by the pad of the second side panel 7 beneath the horizontal crease 29 being folded back onto the part of the second side panel 7 immediately above the horizontal crease 29. This is enabled by the end panels 8, 9 having the first and second corner creases 26, 27 and the horizontal crease extension 30.

Referring to Figures 5 to 8, the compartment forming panel 17 is shown being positioned to be in a first configuration to hold a product 32, such as a tablet PC or a laptop computer, in the container 2. The compartment forming panel 17 has first, second, third and fourth folds or fold lines or creases 33, 34, 35, 36 separating the panel 17 into first, second and third portions 37, 38, 39 between just below where the compartment forming panel 17 is attached by the lower adhesive 22 to the second side panel 7 and the end part 19. A finger hole 40 is positioned midway along each of the second and third folds 38, 39. These enable the compartment forming panel 17 to be pulled away from a particular configuration. The end part 19 of the compartment forming panel 17 is positioned away from the first side panel 6 enabling the product 32 to be placed on its side inside the container 2 with the product 32 adjacent the first side panel 6. The compartment forming panel 17 is then moved so that the first portion 37 extends towards the product 32, the second portion 38 extends up towards the opening 10 and adjacent a side of the product 32, the third portion 39 extends towards the top edge 12 of the first side panel 6, and the end part 19 forms a return which is received between an uppermost portion of a face of the first side panel 6 and the product 32. The compartment forming panel 17 in this configuration prevents the product 32 from moving and the space above the first portion 37 forms a compartment for receiving accessories. The lid panel 11 is folded over the opening 10 and just above the third portion 39 of the compartment forming panel 17 covering the top of the product 32 and the lid end flap 13 is received in the flap holding portion 20 closing the opening 10. Each lid side flap 15 is received between the third portion 39 and a respective one of the end panels 8, 9. Thus, the product 32 is held firmly in place. The lid panel 11 may then be sealed with a tamper-proof label or tape.

Referring to Figures 9 to 15, the compartment forming panel 17 is shown being positioned to be in a second configuration to hold a product 32', such as a smartphone, in the container 2. The compartment forming panel 17 is initially positioned so that it extends out of the container 2 from the first fold 33 just below the lower adhesive 22 enabling the product 32' to be placed in the bottom of the container 2 (see Figure 9). The compartment forming panel 17 is then moved so that the end part 19 forms a return adjacent the bottom of the container 2, the third portion 39 being adjacent a lower portion of the first side panel 6, the second portion 38 covering the product 32' and the first portion 37 being adjacent the second side panel 7. The second portion 38 separates the inside of the container 2 into a lower or first compartment and an upper or second compartments wherein the product 32' is held in the lower compartment beneath the second portion 38 and accessories 41 can be placed in the upper compartment above the second portion 38. Thus, the product 32' is hidden in the lower compartment by the compartment forming panel 17. The lid panel 11 is folded over the opening 10 covering the accessories 41 in the upper compartment. The lid end flap 13 is received in the flap holding portion 20 and each lid side flap 15 is received between the accessories 41 and a respective one of the end panels 8, 9. The lid panel 11 may then be sealed with a tamperproof label or tape.

Referring to Figure 16, the container 2 of the bag 1 is formed from first and second blanks 42, 43 which are die-cut.

The first blank 42 comprises the first base panel 4, the first side panel 6, the lid panel 11, the lid end flap 13, and the lid side flaps 15. The first side panel 6 has a pair of holes 54.

The second blank 43 comprises the second base panel 5, the second side panel 7, the first and second end panels 8, 9, and the compartment forming 15 panel 17. An end panel flap 44 extends from the top edge or end 45 of each end panel 8, 9 which is the aligned with the top edge 18 of the second side panel 7 from which the compartment forming panel 17 extends. An end base flap 46 extends from an opposite end or bottom edge 47 of each end panel 8, 9. The central crease 23 of each end panel 8, 9 extends through the end panel 20 flap 44 and the end base flap 46. An end side flap 48, 49 extends from a side edge 50 of each end panel 8, 9 which is distal from the second side panel 7.

Referring to Figure 17, each end panel flap 44 is folded onto its respective end panel 8, 9 and fixed to a face of the end panel 8, 9 by a strip of adhesive 51 on each end panel flap 44. The compartment folding panel 17 is folded onto the second side panel 7 so that a pair of holes 52 in the compartment folding panel 17 aligns with a corresponding pair of holes 53 in the second side panel 7.

Referring to Figure 18, the second blank 43 is placed in relation to the first blank 42 so that the end panels 8, 9 and second side panel 7 of the second blank 43 are aligned with the first side panel 6 of the first blank 42 and the end side flap 49 of the second end panel 9 of the second blank 43 overlaps a first side portion of the first side panel 6 of the first blank 42. The end side flap 49 is then glued to the first side portion of the first side panel 6. Each end of the cord forming the handle 31 for the second side panel 7 is threaded through a respective pair of the aligned holes 52, 53 and knotted. Each end of the cord forming the handle 31 for the first side panel 6 is threaded through a respective one of the pair of holes 54 of the first side panel 6 and knotted.

The compartment forming panel 17 is double folded to form the flap holding portion 20 and the compartment forming panel 17 is fixed to the second side panel 7 by the upper and lower adhesive 21, 22 above and below the flap holding portion 20.

Referring to Figures 19 and 20, the compartment forming panel 17 is folded about the first fold 33 and extends beyond the top edge 18 of the second side panel 7. The first end panel 8 and end side flap 48 are folded over the second side panel 7 and the compartment forming panel 17. The first side panel 6 is folded over the second end panel 9 and a second side portion of the first side panel 6 is fixed to the end side flap 48 of the first end panel 8 by adhesive 55 on the end side flap 48 to substantially form the container 2.

Referring to the Figures 21 to 26, the container 2 is configured so that the first and second end panels 8, 9 are perpendicular to the first and second side panels 6, 7 (see Figure 21). The first side panel 6 is pushed towards the second side panel 7 with the end panels 8, 9 and the end panel flaps 44 and the end base flaps 46 being folded in half along the central crease 23 and the first base panel 4 being positioned over the second base panel 5 (see Figures 22 and 23). A lower portion 56 of the second side panel 7 below the horizontal crease 29 is folded about the crease 29 so that the lower portion 56 and second base panel 5 are positioned flat against an upper portion 57 of the second side panel 7. The movement of the lower portion 56 causes the two end base flaps 46 to extend outwardly and the portion of the central crease 23 extending through each of the end base flaps 46 are aligned with the horizontal crease 29.

A third separate base panel 58 is placed over the horizontal crease 29 and the corner creases 26, 27 and fixed to the container 2 by adhesive (not shown) on a first face of the third base panel 58 facing the container 2 (see Figures 24 and 25). The third base panel 58 also has adhesive 59 on an opposite second face 60. The end base flaps 46 are folded onto the second face 60 of the third base panel 58 and fixed to the third base panel 58 by the adhesive 59. The second base panel 5 is folded onto the second face 60 of the third base panel 58 and over the end base flaps 46 and is fixed to the third base panel 58 by the adhesive 59. The first base panel 4 is then folded onto the second base panel 5 and is fixed to the second base panel 5 by adhesive 61 on the first base panel 4 (see Figure 26).

Referring to Figure 27, the container 2 is opened up into its open state so that the bag 1 is ready for use. The base 3 is flat and is strengthened by the third base panel 58.

Whilst a particular embodiment has been described, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A container having first and second side panels, two end panels, a base comprising a base panel, and an opening opposite the base, the container including a lid panel extending from an end of the first side panel distal from the base, a lid end flap extending from an end edge of the lid panel distal from the first side panel, a lid side flap extending from each opposite side edge of the lid panel, and a flap holding portion connected to the second side panel, wherein the lid end flap is arranged to be received by the flap holding portion, and the lid side flaps are arranged to be received in the opening and between the end panels.
2. The container as claimed in claim 1, including a compartment forming panel extending from an end of the second side panel distal from the base.
3. The container as claimed in claim 2, wherein the flap holding portion forms part of the compartment forming panel.
4. The container as claimed in claim 3, wherein the flap holding portion comprises a part of the compartment forming panel which is folded back towards itself.
5. The container as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the compartment forming panel is fixed to the second side panel beneath the flap holding portion.
6. The container as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the compartment forming panel has an end part distal from the second side panel wherein when the compartment forming panel is in a first configuration the end part is arranged to form a return to engage a face of the first side panel.
7. The container as claimed in claim 6, wherein when the compartment forming panel is in a second configuration the end part is arranged to form a return to engage a face of the base.
8. The container as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein when the compartment forming panel is in the first configuration, the end part of the compartment forming panel engages an upper part of the first side panel, and at least part of each lid side flap is arranged to be received between a part of the compartment forming panel adjacent the end part and a respective said end panel.
9. The container as claimed in any preceding claim, including an end panel flap extending from an end of each end panel distal from the base, wherein each end panel flap is configured to be folded onto the respective end panel.
10. The container as claimed in claim 9, wherein when each end panel flap is folded onto the respective end panel, the end panel flap is fixed to a face of the end panel.
11. The container as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the container comprises corrugated cardboard of a flute height of 1.5 mm and wherein where the end panel flap is folded on the respective end panel this provides a flute height of 3 mm.
12. The container as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the container is formed from separate first and second blanks which are fixed to each other wherein the first blank includes the end panels and the end panel flaps, and the second blank includes the lid panel and the lid end flap and lid side flaps.
13. The container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the container is configured to have an open state for receiving at least one product and a flattened state
14. The container as claimed in claim 13, wherein each end panel has a central crease along at least part of a central longitudinal line of the end panel 5 from a top edge of the end panel.
15. The container as claimed in claim 14, wherein each end panel has a first corner crease extending from a corner where the first side panel and the base meet, and a second corner crease extending from a corner where the second side panel and the base meet, and the first and second corner creases join the central crease at a point spaced from the base.
16. The container as claimed in claim 13, 14 or 15, wherein a lower part of the first side panel or the second side panel has a crease to enable at least part of the base to be folded flat onto that side panel.
17. The container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base comprises a first base panel extending from one of the first and second side panels, and a second base panel extending from the other of the first and second side panels, and the first and second base panels are configured to overlap.
18. The container as claimed in claim 17, wherein the base comprises a third separate base panel covered by at least one of the first and second base 25 panels.
19. A bag comprising the container as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the bag includes at least one handle.
20. The bag as claimed in claim 19, wherein at least one said handle forms part of the container.
21. The bag as claimed in claim 20, wherein said handle comprises an opening in at least one of the first and second side panels.