NL2026623B1 - Foldable container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to containers, preferably made of (corrugated) cardboard; and particular uses thereof.

Description

-1- Foldable container

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to containers, preferably made of (corrugated) cardboard, more in particular foldable containers, and particular uses thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Foldable containers, having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3 exist. In general, such foldable containers comprise of bottom parts, and herewith connected sidewall with sidewall parts, and usually separately including also a covering part for closing the container when unfolded.

However, such prior-art foldable containers tend to have too many different parts, in particular bottom parts, making assembly thereof more difficult and rather complicated.

Moreover, wherein said sidewall parts are in principle defined by folding a piece of material, practical use (unfolding) of these foldable containers requires special considerations in terms of providing such folding, particularly with respect to bottom parts.

Further, practical use of a plurality of such containers, requires further considerations in relation to selecting of a particular layout.

Prior-art containers of this type also tend to not being fully closed on the bottom side. Moreover, such foldable containers preferably are suited for heavy loads. Also, this requires additional considerations in relation to design choices, preferably avoiding reverting to just making the walls and/or bottom part thicker or stronger, or more robust per se.

As related to foldable containers with 8 sidewalls, i.e. wherem n=4. also known as an octabin, more in particular as regard to for example a cover therefor, the following can be added. An (entirely) flat folded structure of a bottom or top part of an octagonal package, which is readily open-foldable into a stable erected position is known.

However, such (entirely) flat folded structures have as disadvantage that they are large, which at least from the perspective of transport being not practical. Moreover, the process of folding open into such stable erected position requires a repetitive process of multiple steps of different types of folding of the different plates in a particular sequence, in practice requiring turning around the structure also multiple times, which is especially cumbersome given that the structure is large.

Finally, such (entirely) flat folded structure. with many panels at its outside is also vulnerable during transport in that it can easily get damaged.

It is worth recalling the process of transforming the (entirely) flat folded structure into a stable erected position in that panels of a first kind and panels of a second kind are folded over their

2. respective side-lines in a subsequent order of first folding the panels of the first kind and subsequently second folding the panels of the second kind, preferably while going around the circumference of the structure; and intermitting said folding steps or entirely thereafter the panels of a first kind are brought in a fixed position by a durable fixation. It is to be noted that the approach of fixation entirely thereafter, requires twice turning around the structure, which is, given the size, as yet mentioned above is highly unpractical.

AIM OF THE INVENTION It is the aim of the invention to have foldable containers with less parts, providing of well- considered folds to ease of unfolding and layout selection for both the general context of use (plurality of containers in a storage place) and/or strength considerations. Further, the aim of the invention is to provide a folded structure of a bottom or top part of an (octagonal) package, which is readily open-foldable into a stable erected position, being smaller than the known types thereof in the art as described above, less vulnerable for damage and requiring less (cumbersome) steps in the process of transforming the folded structure into the stable erected position.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first aspect of the invention, a foldable container is provided having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3, e.g. n=4, comprising: (1) 2n sidewall parts, connected with each other, each two of them being essentially parallel to each other, these parallel ones having the same side length, (2) n/2 separate bottom parts, adapted to be essentially oriented perpendicular to the sidewall parts and being shaped and disposed in the following manner: (a) a first bottom part (700) of the n/2 bottom parts extends from a first sidewall part to a second sidewall part, adjacent to the first sidewall part, said first bottom part is fixedly connected with these first and second sidewall part, (b) said first bottom part further extends from a third sidewall part, adjacent to said first sidewall part, to a fourth sidewall part, adjacent to the second sidewall part, and said first bottom part is fixedly connected with these third and fourth sidewall part. The extending part between said first and second sidewall part of said first bottom part has a first continuous fold coinciding with a first straight line which is the bisecting line of the angel defined by the first and second sidewall parts; and the extending part between said third and fourth sidewall part of said first bottom part has a second continuous fold coinciding with the first straight line. The sidewall parts may be defined by folding sidewall folds in piece of material, preferably a single piece of material of which both ends are connected in a connection point, preferably part of

-3- said sidewall folds have another depth, or strength than another part of said sidewall folds, preferably at least three different depths or strengths are used.

The foldable container, having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3, e.g. n=4, may comprise: (1) 2n sidewall parts. connected with each other, each two of them being essentially parallel to each other, these parallel ones having the same side length, wherein the side lengths being selected such that the foldable container approximates an ellipsoid (e.g. the centre points or midpoints of the edges of said 2n sidewall parts. define an ellipsoid or else, for example an ellipsoid can be drawn from the corners connecting the sidewall parts). and (2) separate bottom parts, adapted to be essentially oriented perpendicular to the sidewall parts and being shaped and disposed in that each bottom part connects a plurality of sidewall parts, preferably in accordance with first aspect.

The foldable container, may be formed from (corrugated) cardboard.

Each bottom part of the foldable container may have three ends, of which two of those facing one sidewall part respectively and one of those is facing two sidewall parts, and each end being provided with a foldable holding tab, of which the surface being fixedly connected with the outer side of the respective facing sidewall part.

The foldable container, having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3, e.g. n=4, may comprise: (1) 2n sidewall parts, connected with each other, each two of them being essentially parallel to each other, these parallel ones having the same side length, and preferably wherein the side lengths being selected such that the foldable container approximates an ellipsoid (e.g. the centre points of the edges of said 2n sidewall parts, define an ellipsoid or else, for example an ellipsoid can be drawn from the comers connecting the sidewall parts), and wherein the circumference of the ground surface of said container, whenever unfolded, being defined by said 2n sidewall parts in an unfolded position without bottom parts, is defining a first surface with a first dimension: and (2) one or more separate bottom parts, adapted to be essentially oriented perpendicular to the sidewall parts and being shaped and disposed in that each bottom part connects a plurality of sidewall parts, wherein said one or more bottom parts in unfolded position while being unconnected to said sidewall parts define a second surface with a second dimension (slightly) larger than said first dimension (and hence results in a non-flat surface when said separate bottom parts are connected to said sidewall parts) to thereby establish that when pressure is put on said bottom parts (during use of said foldable container by filling it) said second surface becomes flat while fully covering said first surface.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for assembling or creating a foldable container, having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3, e.g. n=4, comprising: 2n sidewall parts, connected with each other. formed from one single piece of which

-4- the ends are connected in a connection point, comprising of (1) generating said 2n sidewall parts, by (I) performing first folding said single one piece in two folded parts of same length, thereby creating two continuous folds (to thereby enable transporting said sidewall parts of said foldable container as a flat object), and (I) further performing further folding (less depth, or less strong than said first folding) in each of said two folded parts n-1 times (to obtain said 2n sidewall parts), optionally said connection point coincides with one of the performed foldings or folded place. and preferably wherein the side lengths being selected such that, whenever unfolded, the bottom surface of the foldable container approximates an ellipsoid (e.g. the centre points of the edges of said 2n sidewall parts, define an ellipsoid or else, for example an ellipsoid can be drawn from the corners connecting the sidewall parts); and (2) further providing separate bottom parts, adapted to be essentially oriented perpendicular to the sidewall parts and being shaped and disposed in that each bottom part connects a plurality of sidewall parts, as outlined above.

According to an embodiment of the method above, said further performing at least further folding comprises the steps of (II) performing a second folding of each of said two folded parts to define in each of those two subparts of different length, wherein said second folding being less depth, or less strong than said first folding (preferably the subparts define a rectangle acting as intermediate shape during folding the sidewall parts of the container); and (IV) further performing further folding less dept, or less strong than said second folding. (not in the middle) of each of said subparts to obtain 2n sidewall parts, preferably the bottom parts connect sidewall parts of different folded parts, more preferably said first and third sidewall part define or are part of one subpart of a folded part, while said second and fourth sidewall part define or are part of another subpart of another folded part.

In a third aspect of the invention, a flat folded structure of a bottom or top part of a package is provided, being readily open-foldable into a stable erected position.

The structure has side-panels with side-lines, these side-panels being alternating of a first kind panel and a second kind panels, wherein a first panel comprises a main part having two flaps at its lateral sides, wherein each flap is foldable over a fold-line which separates the flap either from the main part of the first kind panel or from a part of the second kind panel, wherein the flap has an additional fold-line, extending from the cross point of the side-lines of its adjacent side-panels outwards.

In an embodiment of the invention the flat folded structure is obtained by inwardly folding all first and second kind panels over the respective side-lines.

In an embodiment of the invention in the flat folded structure, the part, between the additional fold- line and a part of the second kind panels, is fixed (with a fixing means like glue) to the respective part.

-5- In a fourth aspect of the invention a method is provided of erecting by open-folding the flat folded structure into a stable bottom or top part of an octagonal package. In a fifth aspect of the invention, a method of creating the flat folded structure, in accordance with third aspect, is provided.

Finally, in a sixth aspect of the invention, a method is provided for producing two bottom parts for a foldable container, preferably in accordance with the first aspect, wherein the two bottom parts are cut out of one single piece of material, preferably by means of only two cutting operations, more specifically one cutting operation at the end outside, and one cutting operation at the inside. The two bottom parts may be adapted and/or oriented (adjacent, even touching, up to touching at two distinct points) to fit within a rectangular shape as small as possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows schematic representation of top view embodiment of a foldable container (with n=4) in accordance with the invention. The folding mechanism of the bottom parts of the present foldable container is herewith also explained. Figure 2 shows different layout versions explaining the folding mechanism of the sidewall comprising of sidewall parts of a foldable container (with n=4) in accordance with the invention. Figure 3 shows detailed embodiment of a foldable container in accordance with the invention, more in particular design and assembly of an octabin with two bottom parts and a one-piece sidewall having 8 sidewall parts is illustrated. Figure 4 shows an enlarged version of part of Figure 3 wherein (a) the bottom part with folding/creasing lines of the octabin, (b) the same bottom part in grayscale, and (c) the rectangular one-piece sidewall shape with folding/creasing lines herewith illustrating the 8 sidewall parts. Figure 5 shows an enlarged version of part of Figure 3 wherein (a) the bottom part with folding/creasing lines of the octabin, (b) folded and erected version of the rectangular one-piece sidewall such that the ground surface represents an octagonal shape, and (c) the two bottom parts being folded. particularly along bisecting line R1 and R2 for 180°. Figure 6 shows an enlarged version of part of Figure 3 wherein (a) the two bottom parts are positioned to be assembled with the folded and erected sidewall shape, (b) the internal view of the two bottom parts being assembled with the folded and erected sidewall shape and (c) the outside view of the two bottom parts being assembled with the folded and erected sidewall shape. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of a one-piece rectangular shape of material (for example made of cardboard) out of which two bottom parts can be cut or punched out, in accordance with the invention.

-6- Figure 8 shows a schematic embodiment of the flat folded structure of a bottom or top part, in accordance with the invention.

Figure 9 shows different representations of the schematic embodiment of Figure 8 wherein (a) being similar though having the long sides vertically positioned, (b) glue dots are marked for indicating part 814 is to be fixed onto part 860 when folding, (€) the structure after folding inwardly, and (d) enlarged part of the structure after folding inwardly illustrating how parts 860 of the panels 830 are overlapping the flaps 850, in particular part 814 thereof.

Figure 10 shows different picture representations of the flat folded structure of a bottom or top part, in accordance with the invention, wherein (a) being the structure after folding inwardly, (b) the structure when partially erected meaning mainly panels 830 (and panel 820 in part) being erected, (c) the structure fully erected, and (d) fully erected structure with parts 870 being folded inwardly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Containers are defined by their sidewall and their bottom. The shape of the container is determined by the outline of its layout. The layout defines the sidewall in terms of the amount of sidewall parts, connected to each other and their lengths. The bottom, which may comprise of bottom parts, connected to one or more of the sidewall parts, must be adapted to such layout. According to an embodiment, the sidewall is made by means of mechanical (automated) production, having assembly and automatic gluing performed on the machine. The bottom may consist of two pieces or bottom parts that are placed inside the sidewall production and glued (e.g. with outside flaps). When such container is of the (entirely) foldable type (meaning all parts (sidewall parts and bottom parts) are attached to at least one other part when assembled), the geometry of the layout imposes constraints on the bottom parts design, to facilitate easy unfolding.

Still rather generally speaking the invention relates to foldable container, having a layout with a 2n-edge outline, wherein n is a positive integer n>3, comprising: (1) 2n sidewall parts, connected with each other, (2) separate bottom parts, adapted to be essentially oriented perpendicular to the sidewall parts and fixedly connected to part of said sidewall parts. With foldable is meant. the container cardboard as installed, and to be unfolded whenever required for use, meaning filling the container with for example bulk material.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the invention, more in particular a schematic representation in top view of a foldable container, wherein n=4, and thus an 8-edge outline is given. The foldable container having such outline comprises a sidewall having 8 sidewall parts and is also called an octabin, a term known in the art. While representing the top view in this figure, a possible folding mechanism of the bottom comprising of bottom parts is also explained.

-7- In Figure 1(a) several dots are illustrated the top view representation, 8 in total to be more precise, indicating the 8 folds where in between the 8 (=2n) sidewall parts are standing when the container is unfolded and in upright position, meaning the bottom part is lying on the ground or ¢.g. on a pallet surface (positioned horizontally) while the sidewall is standing upright (positioned vertically). All 8 dots have the same shape and size, indicating that each of them represent a fold, or crease (a term also referred to in the art), with the same depth or strength of folding, meaning that all folds in the same type of material appear to have been folded with the same or comparable force, and according to a direction with comparable inner structure. According to an embodiment, the side lengths L1, L2, L3, L4 of the sidewall comprising sidewall parts 1, 2, 3, 4 being selected such that, whenever unfolded, the bottom surface of the foldable container approximates an ellipsoid e.g. the centre points or midpoints of the edges of the 8 sidewall parts, define an ellipsoid or else, for example an ellipsoid can be drawn from the corners connecting the sidewall parts. With the embodiment of Figure 1, meaning the integer n=4, the bottom comprises of n/2=2 bottom parts. Figure 1(b) is also a top view representation with which construction of one of the bottom parts is further explained. A first bottom part 700 of the 2 bottom parts of the octabin is drawn. The first bottom part 700 extends from a first sidewall part 1 to a second sidewall part 2, adjacent to the first sidewall part 1, and the first bottom part 700 is fixedly connected with these first and second sidewall parts 1, 2. Moreover, the first bottom part 700 further extends from a third sidewall part 3, adjacent to the first sidewall part 1 to a fourth sidewall part 4, adjacent to the second sidewall part 2, and the first bottom part 700 is fixedly connected with these third and fourth sidewall part 3, 4. The same reasoning can be made for the other or second bottom part (not shown). The second bottom part extends from a fifth sidewall part to a sixth sidewall part, adjacent to the fifth sidewall part. and the second bottom part is fixedly connected with these fifth and sixth sidewall part. Moreover, the second bottom part further extends from a seventh sidewall part, adjacent to the fifth sidewall part to an eighth sidewall part, adjacent to the sixth sidewall part, and the second bottom part is fixedly connected with these seventh and eighth sidewall part. Further shown in Figure 1(b) between the first and second sidewall part 1, 2 of the first bottom part 700 is a first straight line 90, which is the bisecting line of the angle defined by the first and second sidewall part 1, 2. This first straight line 90 represents a first continuous fold with which it coincides. Instead of referring to a fold, alternatively can be mentioned a section promoting the deformation behaviour of the adjoining areas, as also referred to in the art. Moreover, there is between third and fourth sidewall part 3, 4 of the first bottom part 700 a second continuous fold coinciding with the first straight line

90. The arrows in Figure 1(b) indicate that first bottom part 700 connects on the one hand first and second sidewall part 1, 2, and on the other hand third and fourth sidewall part 3, 4.

-8- The indication in Figure 1(b) of LA, LB, LC and LD respectively for third, first, second, and fourth sidewall part is made for comparison with Figure 3, further described below and referring to a more detailed embodiment of the invention regarding design and assembly of an octabin with two bottom parts and a one-piece sidewall wherein 8 sidewall parts can be distinguished.

Another top view representation is illustrated in Figure 1(c), being comparable with the illustration of Figure 1(a) although now the 8 dots are different in size and shape, herewith indicating or denoting that the folds represented by these dots have a different depth or strength of folding. By means of example, a large dot represents a strong fold, whereas a small dot is shown for a soft fold or crease.

With Figure 2, the folding mechanism of the sidewall of the foldable container in accordance with the invention, more in particular a foldable octabin, is now further explained. The sidewall parts are defined by folding sidewall folds in piece of material, preferably a single piece of material 10 is used as illustrated in Figure 2(a). According to preferred embodiment, part of the sidewall folds has another depth, or strength than another part of the sidewall folds, and even more preferred at least three different depths or strengths of folding are used. Further in Figure 2(b). 2(c) and 2(d) the aspect of gradual folding, i.e. folding several times in different steps, is described In Figure 2(b) the same single piece of material 10 is given, but now folded. and of which both ends are connected in a connection point 20. The single piece of material 10 is folded in two folded parts 100, 200, being for instance of the same length, and herewith creating two continuous folds 50, 60. Having the single piece of material 10 folded, will enable transporting the sidewall with its sidewall parts of the foldable container as a more compact flat object 300.

In Figure 2(c), further folding is illustrated. now for example less depth, or less strong than the first folding from Figure 2(b). Hence smaller additional dots for indicating the second folding are shown in Figure 2(c) as compared to the first folding dots of Figure 2(b). Performing a second folding of each of the two folded parts 100, 200 from first folding in Figure 2(b). now results in defining, in each of those two folded parts 100, 200, two subparts 400, 410, 420, 430 respectively, possibly of different length. As can be seen from the size of the dots, the second folding 70, 80 being less depth, or less strong than the first folding. According to preferred embodiment, the subparts define a rectangle acting as intermediate shape during folding of the sidewall parts of the container. According to an embodiment, the connection point 20 coincides with one of the performed foldings or folded place. here in Figure 2(c) with second folding 70 in folded part 100 for instance.

In Figure 2(d), even further folding 500, 510, 520, 530 is illustrated, e.g. less dept, or less strong than the second folding, wherein folding is performed for example not in the middle or centre of each of the subparts (to obtain here 8 sidewall parts). According to a preferred embodiment, the

-0. bottom parts connect sidewall parts of different folded parts, more preferably the first and third sidewall part 1, 3 define or are part of one subpart 400, 410 of a folded part 100, while the second and fourth sidewall part 2, 4 define or are part of another subpart 420, 430 of another folded part

200.

When unfolding the folded layout of Figure 2(c), the rectangular shape of Figure 2{(e) is achieved. When unfolding the folded layout of Figure 2(d), the octagonal shape of Figure 2(f) is achieved. Further unfolding of the rectangular shape of Figure 2(e) also leads to the octagonal shape of Figure 2(f).

For the construction of a foldable container in accordance with the invention, more in particular an embodiment thereof in the form of a so-called octabin, is referred to Figure 3. Compared to existing foldable containers the art the following advantageous characteristics of the foldable container in accordance with the present invention can be mentioned: e two parts for the bottom base plate can be sufficient instead of e.g. four e much flatter bottom (less complex) more closed and better sealed instead of sliding pieces e Casy set-up in one movement, and by placing the container on its point and pressing it down, the bottom automatically closes by sliding the two parts (of the bottom base) over cach other e by pressing the two slightly raised points under the casing sleeve, the bottom closes completely 'tightly' to one perfectly closed surface. This can be done automatically by the upper pressure when filling the octabin with bulk product, with or without plastic inner bag provided. Fine granulate materials will not leak due to the very tightly sealed closure of the soil. e note the direction of the wave in the bottom pieces: this is such that it folding goes smoothly during assembly and installation. The bottom pieces are nested in such a way out of the corrugated board so that the "use of materials” is decreased to a minimum The invention also describes a method for producing 2 bottom parts 700 for a collapsible container 600 as described, in particular bottom parts 700 adapted to be oriented essentially perpendicular to the side wall parts of a collapsible container 600, comprising (1) a first bottom portion 700 adapted to extend from a first side wall portion to a second side wall portion adjacent to the first side wall portion, and (ii) said first bottom portion further extends from a third side wall portion adjacent to said first side wall portion, to a fourth side wall portion, adjacent the second side wall portion, and said first bottom portion is rigidly connected to these third and fourth side wall portions, the extending portion between the first and second side wall portions of the first bottom portion having a first continuous fold coinciding with a first straight line 90 that is the intersection line of the angle defined by the first and second side wall portions; and the extending portion between the

- 10 - third and fourth side wall portions of the first bottom portion has a second continuous fold that coincides with the first straight line.

As related to the octabin or octagonal package, more in particular referring to for example a cover therefor, further aspect of the invention is now described.

Contrary to the (entirely) flat folded structure of a bottom or top part of an octagonal package known from the art, the invented folded structure of a bottom or top part of an octagonal package can be denoted a two-layer still flat folded structure, obtained by pre-folding part of the panels of such (entirely) flat folded structures from the art, but suitably modified with additional folding lines, wherein preferably proper means are applied to fix part of these pre-folding, to ensure it remains as is during transport.

The pre- folding is done in a manner to inwardly fold the different panels (or plates) which therefore result in a smaller layout.

Part of the folds, in particular those related to flaps, in between adjacent panels of a first and second kind are preferably fixed, preferably by means of glue.

Throughout the present description, structures are denoted foldable. meaning that on elements of or in between elements thereof fold-lines are provided.

One may change the shape of the structure by folding.

A first way of changing the shape is by changing the invented intermediate structure, also denoted flat folded structure, from its two-layer shape into a stable erected position to obtain the bottom or top part of an octagonal package.

A second way of changing shapes is by creating the invented intermediate structure from an initial flat folded structure.

It is clear that the invented flat folded structure finally has a smaller ground layout than the original eight-cornered end plate with its open-folded (side) panels.

It is also worth emphasizing that the bringing into a stable erected position does not require a sequence of folding of panels, whereas erecting by folding one panel will erect all of them simultaneous.

While referring to Figures 8-10, more in detail the invention provides a flat folded structure 800 of a bottom or top part of an octagonal package, which is readily open-foldable into a stable erected position, comprising: an eight-cornered end plate 801 delimited by eight side-lines 810 wherein at each side-line 810 a foldable side-panel 820, 830 is attached, each side-panel 820, 830 being foldable over the respective side-line 8 10; the side-panels 820, 830 being alternating of a first kind side-panel 820 and a second kind side-panel 830, wherein the first kind side-panel 820 comprises a main part 840 having two flaps 850 at its lateral sides, and the second kind side-panel 830 comprises a part 860 adjacent to the side-line 810 and a part 870 adjacent to the part 860; wherein cach flap 850 is foldable over a fold-line 811 which separates the flap 850 either from the main part 840 of the first kind side-panel 820 or from the part 860 of the second kind side-panel 830: the two parts 860. 870 of the second kind side-panel 830 being separated by a fold-line 812 for folding the two parts 860, 870 over each other; wherein the flat folded structure 800 has the additional

“11 - requirements: (a) the flap 850 has an additional fold-line 813. extending outwards from the cross point 817 of the side-lines 810 of its adjacent side-panels 820, 830; and (b) all first and second kind side-panels 820, 830 are inwardly (towards the centre of the end plate 801) folded over the respective side-lines 810 so that the part 860 of the second kind side-panels 830 are overlapping on top of the flaps 8350 of the first kind side-panels 820. In an embodiment of the invention the part 814, between the additional fold-line 813 and the part 860 of the second kind side-panels 830, is fixed (with glue) (on the inner side) to the respective part 860. The invention also provides a method of erecting by open-folding the flat folded structure 800 as described, into a stable bottom or top part of an octagonal package, comprising the steps of: (1) open-folding said side-panels 820, 830 into a position orthogonal to said end plate 801 or brought in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the eight-cornered end plate 801: and (ii) further folding inwardly (towards the centre of the end plate 801) the part 860 over the fold-line 812 into said envelope structure.

According to an embodiment, the flat folded structure 800 is provided with I5 aslit 815 being part of the side-lines 810 of the second kind side-panels 830. Further, the part 870 may be provided with a sort of extending cam part 816 at its top side, clearly illustrated in Figure 8, wherein the cam part 816 is adapted for interconnecting with the corresponding slit 815. The invention further describes a method of creating the flat folded structure 800 as described. comprising: (i) providing an eight-cornered end plate 801 delimited by eight side-lines 810 wherein at each side-line 810 a foldable side-panel 820, 830 is attached, each side-panel 820, 830 being foldable over the respective side-lne 810; the side-panels 820, 830 being alternating of a first kind side-panel 820 and a second kind side-panels 830, wherein the first kind side-panel 820 comprises a main part 840 having two flaps 850 at its lateral sides, and the second kind side-panel 830 comprises a part 860 adjacent to the side-line 810 and a part 870 adjacent to the part 860; wherein each flap 850 is foldable over a fold-line 811 which separates the flap 850 either from the main part 840 of the first kind side-panel 820 or from the part 860 of the second kind side-panel 830, wherein the two parts 860, 870 of the second kind side-panel 830 being separated by an fold- line 812 for folding the two parts 860, 870 over each other, wherein the flat folded structure 800 has the additional requirements that the flap 850 has an additional fold-line 813, extending outwardly from the cross point 817 of the side-lines 810 of its adjacent side-panels 820, 830; and (i1) inwardly (towards the centre of the end plate 801) folding over the respective side-lines 810 all first and second kind side-panels 820, 830 such that the part 860 of the second kind side-panels 830 are overlapping on top of the flaps 850 of the first kind side-panels 820.

S12 - In an embodiment this method is further comprising the steps of fixing the part 814, between the additional fold-lne 813 and the part 860 of the second kind side-panels 830 (with glue) (on the inner side) to the respective part 860.

It is also to be noted that the flat folded structure 800 is an intermediate structure, hence only one of the parts 814. between the additional fold-line 813 and the part 860 of the second kind side- panels 830, can be fixed (with glue) (on the inner side) to the respective part 860.

Regarding material used for the octagonal package (or octabin) and its top and/or bottom parts, it is noted that in any case the sidewall (with e.g. eight sidewall parts) will usually be thicker than the bottom parts, whereas the sidewall has to absorb the lateral pressure. In some occasions, an additional cardboard ring is mounted around the sidewall, for example in the middle, in order to strengthen the erected structure.

According to an embodiment, the bottom is made of a light cardboard type, which moves smoothly and hooks into each other. In general, the bottom light cardboard merely serves to close and does not have to carry, only contain. Instead of the bottom, it is rather the pallet undemeath (the bottom) that carries and absorbs the load being contained within the package.

By means of example, the material used for the top and/or bottom parts of an octagonal package can be single or double corrugated board.

Claims (17)

Conclusions A collapsible container (600), having a layout with a 2n edge circumference, where n=4, comprising: (1) 2n sidewall parts, joined together, each two of them substantially parallel to each other, these parallel having the same side length, (2) n/2 separate bottom parts, adapted to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the side wall parts and formed and positioned in the following manner: (a) a first bottom part (700) of the n/2 bottom parts extends from a first sidewall portion to a second sidewall portion adjacent. at the first sidewall portion, said first bottom portion is rigidly connected to said first and second sidewall portions, (b) said first bottom portion extends further from a third sidewall portion, adjacent to said first sidewall portion, to a fourth sidewall portion, adjacent to the second sidewall portion, and said first bottom portion is rigidly connected to said third and fourth sidewall portions, wherein the extending portion between the first and second sidewall portions of the first bottom portion has a first continuous fold coincident with a first straight line (90) which is the intersection line of the corner defined by the first and second sidewall portions; and the extending portion between the third and fourth sidewall portions of the first bottom portion has a second continuous fold coincident with the first straight line. The collapsible container of claim 1, wherein the sidewall portions are defined by folding sidewall folds into a piece of material, preferably a single piece of material (10), both ends of which are joined in a connection point (20), preferably a portion of the sidewall folds have a different depth, or strength than a different portion of the sidewall folds, preferably at least three different depths or strengths are used. The collapsible container according to claim 1 or 2, which has a layout with a 2n edge circumference, where n=4, comprising: (1) 2n sidewall parts, joined together, each two of them substantially parallel to each other, these parallel ones have the same side length, the side lengths being selected such that, when unfolded, the bottom surface of the collapsible container approximates an ellipsoid; and (2) separate bottom portions adapted to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the sidewall portions and formed and positioned such that each bottom portion connects a plurality of sidewall portions. The collapsible container according to any one of the preceding claims, formed from (corrugated) cardboard. The collapsible container according to any preceding claim, wherein each bottom portion has three ends, two of which are directed to a side wall portion and one thereof to two side wall portions, respectively, and each end is provided with a collapsible retaining tab, the surface being fixed connected to the outside of the respective side wall-facing part. The collapsible container according to claim 1 or 2, which has a layout with a 2n edge circumference, where n=4, comprising: (1) 2n sidewall parts, joined together, each two of them substantially parallel to each other, these parallel ones have the same side length, and preferably where the side lengths are chosen so that the collapsible container approximates an ellipsoid, and where the perimeter of the ground surface of the container, when unfolded, defined by the 2n sidewall parts in an expanded version without bottom parts, is a defines a first surface with a first dimension, and {2) one or more discrete bottom portions adapted to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the sidewall portions and formed and positioned such that each bottom portion connects a plurality of sidewall portions, said one or more separate bottom portions in the expanded version while not connected to said sidewall parts defining a second surface of a second dimension that e is (slightly) greater than said first dimension (and thus results in a non-planar surface when said discrete bottom portions are joined to said sidewall portions) thereby causing that when pressure is applied to said bottom portions (during use of said collapsible container by to be filled), said second surface becomes flat while completely covering said first surface. A method of assembling a collapsible container, which has a layout with a 2n edge circumference, where n=4, comprising: 2n sidewall parts, joined together, formed in a single piece (10) whose ends are connected in a connection point (20), comprising (1) generating said 2n sidewall parts, by (I) first folding the one single piece into two folded parts of the same length (100, 200), thereby making two continuous folds (50 60) are created (to thereby enable said sidewall portions of said collapsible container to be transported as a flat object (300), and (11) further perform further folding in each of the two folded portions n-1 times { to obtain the 2n sidewall parts), optionally the connection point (20) coincides with one of the folds or folds performed, and the side lengths are chosen such that, each time when unfolded, the bottom surface of the collapsible container is an ellipsoid and (2) further comprising discrete bottom portions adapted to be oriented substantially perpendicular to the sidewall portions and formed and positioned such that each bottom portion connects a plurality of sidewall portions as set forth in claim | or 2. The method of assembling a collapsible container according to claim 7, wherein the further performing at least further folding comprises the steps of (11) performing a second fold of each of the two folded parts into each of the two subparts of different lengths (400, 410, 420, 430), wherein the second fold (70, 80) is less deep, or less strong, than the first fold; and {IV) further performing further folds (500, 510, 520, 530) less deeply, or less strongly than said second fold of each of said sub-parts to obtain 2n side wall parts, preferably the bottom parts connect side wall parts of different folded parts, more preferably, the first and third sidewall portions define or form part of a sub-part of a folded portion, while the second and fourth sidewall portions define or form part of another sub-part of another folded portion. A flat folded structure (800) of a bottom or top portion of an octagonal package, which can be easily unfolded to a stable erected position, comprising: an octagonal end plate (801) defined by eight lateral lines (810) with each lateral line (810) a foldable side panel (820, 830) is attached, each side panel (820, 830) being foldable about the respective side line (810); the side panels (820, 830) are alternately of a first kind of side panel (820) and a second kind of side panel (830), the first kind of side panel (820) comprising a main part (840) having two flaps (850) on its lateral sides and the second kind of side panel (830) includes a portion (860) adjacent to the sideline (810) and a portion (870) adjacent to the portion (860); wherein each flap (850) is foldable about a fold line (811) separating the flap (850) either from the main part (840) of the first side panel type (820) or from the part (860) of the second side panel type (830) ); wherein the two parts (860, 870) of the second side panel type (830) are separated by a fold line (812) for folding the two parts (860, 870) over each other; and wherein (a) the flap (850) has an additional fold line (813) extending outwardly from the intersection (817) of the side lines (810) of its adjacent side panels (820, 830); and (b) all of the first and second type side panels (820, 830) are folded inwardly across the respective side lines (810) such that the portions (860) of the second type side panels (830) overlap on top of the flaps (850) of the first type side panels (820). The flat folded structure (800) of claim 9, wherein the portion (814), between the additional fold line (813) and the portion (860) of the second type side panels (830), is attached to the respective portion (860). ). The flat folded structure (800) according to claim 9 or 10, including a slot (815) forming part of the sidelines (810) of the second kind of side panels (830), and the portion (870) is provided with a extended cam portion (816) at its top, the cam portion {816) being adapted to be connected to the corresponding slot (815). The flat-folded structure (800) of claim 9 to 11, wherein the flaps (850) of the first type side panels (820) have a substantially triangular shape. A method of erecting the flat-folded structure (800) of claims 9 to 12 by unfolding it into a stable bottom or top portion of an octagonal package, comprising the steps of: (i) unfolding the side panels ( 820, 830) in a position perpendicular to the endplate (801) or in a perpendicular orientation to the octagonal endplate (801); and (it) further folding the portion (860) inwardly along the fold line (812) into a wrap structure. A method of creating the flat-folded structure (800) of claims 9 to 12, comprising: (i) providing an octagonal endplate (801) defined by eight sidelines (810) wherein each sideline (810) has a collapsible side panel (820, 830) is attached, each side panel (820, 830) being foldable over its respective sideline (810); the side panels (820, 830) are alternately of a first kind of side panel (820) and a second kind of side panel (830), the first kind of side panel (820) comprising a main part (840) having two flaps (850) on its lateral sides and the second kind of side panel (830) includes a portion {860) adjacent to the sideline (810) and a portion (870) adjacent to the portion (860); wherein each flap (850) is foldable about a fold line (811) separating the flap (850) either from the main part (840) of the first side panel type (820) or from the part (860) of the second side panel type (830) ), where the two parts (860, 870) of the second side panel type (830) are separated by a fold line (812) for folding the two parts (860,870) over each other, the flap (850) having an additional fold line (813) extending outwardly from the intersection (817) of the sidelines (810) from its adjacent side panels (820, 830); and (ii) folding inwardly across the respective side lines (810) all of the first and second type side panels (820, 830) so that the portions (860) of the second type side panels (830) overlap on top of the flaps (850) of the first type of side panels (820). The method of claim 14, further comprising the steps of attaching the portion (814) between the additional fold line (813) and the portion (860) of the second type side panels (830) to the respective portion (860). . A method of producing two bottom parts (700) for a collapsible container (600), according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 6, wherein the two bottom parts (700) are cut from a single piece of material, preferably by of only two cuts, more specifically an outer end cut and an inner cut. The method of claim 16, wherein the two bottom portions (700) are adapted and/or oriented (adjacent, even touching, abutting at two different points) to fit into a rectangular shape as small as possible.