SE2051465A1 - Blank configured to be erected into a box, and a box formed of such blank - Google Patents

Abstract

A blank (100) configured to be erected into a box (200), the blank comprising a first end wall panel (102a), a first end top panel (104a) and a first support panel (106a) being foldably connected one after the other as seen along a longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), wherein the first end wall panel (102a) is configured to form a first end wall of the box (200), wherein the first end top panel (104a) is configured to form a first top surface of the box (200), wherein the first support panel (106a) is configured to be folded relative to the first end top panel (104a) along the first folding direction (FD1) such that the first support panel (106a) extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface (206) of the first end wall panel (102a) such that an upper portion (402) of the first end wall panel (102a), the first end top panel (104a) and the first support panel (106a) form a triangle, and wherein the first end wall panel (102a) further comprises a cut-out (208a) and a cut-out locking flap (108a), wherein the cutout locking flap (108a) is configured to be folded inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel (106a).

Description

BLANK CONFIGURED TO BE ERECTED INTO A BOX, AND A BOXFORMED OF SUCH BLANK Field of the inventionThe invention relates to a blank configured to be erected into a box.The invention also relates to a box formed of such a blank.

Background artWhen designing a box, it is often desirous to take into account a number ofdifferent design criteria. The box should e.g. often be designedsuch that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to thepoint of use, is easy to prepare for use, and provides a strong structure. lt is often desirable that it is strong during handling and stable in the erected state.

Moreover, it should often be capable of being erected into a box without theuse of any adhesive or similar means of keeping the erected, or at least witha minimum use of such adhesive of similar means.

When designing a box, it is often desirous that the box may be lockedin a simple manner in an erected state. When designing boxes, it is typicallydesirous to consider other aspects as well, such as that it should be stable tostack on top of other boxes and that is should be easy to carry.

Boxes made from cardboard are beneficial since they do not take upmuch space before they are erected, during for example transport. Thereexist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection todesigning a box of cardboard material.

US2005023161 A1 for instance discloses a box which comprises abottom plate, two side rectangular bodies fixedly connected to two sides ofthe bottom panel and a lower side plates fixedly connected to the lower sideof the bottom plate. The document further discloses how strength is achievedby having panels being "coiled". Thus, it is e.g. disclosed that the tworectangular bodies of the box comprise an outer side piece, an upper sidepiece, an inner side piece and a lower side piece connected in sequence,such that the outer side piece is connected to the bottom plate. 681210753 for instance discloses a box wherein a side wall of the boxcomprises auxiliary flaps which may be folded over the side wall. Thedocument further discloses that cut-out portions of hand holes may bereleased towards the auxiliary flaps to lock the auxiliary flaps.

However, it may be noted that the prior art documents do notadequately address the set of design criteria that the box should makeefficient use of the material, be easy to erect and be locked in a simplemanner in the erected state. The prior art document do neither adequatelyaddress the set of design criteria that the box should provide a strongstructure, while being capable of being erected into a box without the use ofany adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed,or at least minimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being stable to stack and easy to carry.

Summary of the invention lt is an object of the invention to provide a box concept whichaddresses at least some of the design criteria described above, namely thatthe box should make efficient use of the material, be easy to erect, be lockedin a simple manner in the erected state. Provide a strong structure andprovide a box that may be erected into a box without the use of any adhesiveor any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at leastminimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being stable tostack and easy to carry.

This object has been achieved by a blank configured to be erected intoa box. The blank comprising a first end wall panel, a first end top panel and afirst support panel being foldably connected one after the other as seen alonga longitudinal direction of the blank, wherein the first end wall panel is configured to form a first end wall ofthe box, wherein the first end top panel is configured to be folded in a firstfolding direction relative to the first end wall panel such that the first end top 3 panel extends inwardly from the first end wall panel and forms a first topsurface of the box, wherein the first support panel is configured to be folded relative to thefirst end top panel along the first folding direction such that the first supportpanel extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and intocontact with an inside surface of the first end wall panel such that an upperportion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first supportpanel form a triangle, and wherein the first end wall panel further comprises a cut-out and a cut-out locking flap being formed by the cut-out and being foldably connected tothe first end wall panel, wherein the cut-out locking flap is configured to befolded in a second folding direction, opposite the first folding direction,inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel.

With the disclosed design, where one blank comprises all components,the provision of a box which makes efficient use of the material and at thesame time is easy to erect is facilitated. lt is preferred that the first end wallpanel, the first end top panel and the first support panel extend along a single,common plane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. ln a preferredembodiment, wherein the blank is erected to form the box, the first end toppanel is at a right angle to the upper portion of the first end wall panel. Putdifferently, in a preferred embodiment, the triangle formed by the upperportion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first supportpanel may be a right-angled triangle. With the right-angled triangle, a morestable and strong structure is achieved. Further, by forming the triangle fromthe upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and thefirst support panel provides for that the structure is kept in place when theblank is erected to form the box. The disclosed design also provides for thatthe stiffness of the first end wall is improved. lt may be noted that the first endtop panel forms a first top surface which only covers a fraction of thegeometrical top surface of the box. Thus, the box may be a so-called open top box or be closed by a lid. The first top surface may e.g. be used as a 4 support surface when another box is stacked on top of the box according tothe invention.

By folding the cut-out locking flap inwardly and upwardly such that thecut-out locking flap is in contact with the first support panel provides for thatthe triangle formed by the upper portion of the first end wall panel, the firstend top panel and the first support panel being kept in place. Thus, the cut-out locking flap aids in keeping the triangle in the intended shape whichprovides for a high compressive strength. By having a structure with highcompressive strength provides for strong and stable structure when the blankis erected to form the box. Further, with the disclosed design, wherein thetriangle and the cut-out locking flap are collaborating in order to keep thestructure in place, it facilitates provision of a structure which is capable ofbeing handled without too easily being unfolded unintentionally.

The cut-out comprised in the first end wall panel may be used as ahandle and thereby makes it easy to carry the box formed from the blank.Thus, there is provided a blank for a box having an integrated handle suchthat the box may be easy to carry when the box is in the erected state. Thetriangle and the cut-out may together form the handle of the box such that thebox may not only be easy to carry but also comfortable to carry. Thus, theremay be none, or a small amount, of sharp edges which may cut into the handwhile carrying the box. lt may especially be noted that the upper edge of thehandle inside the cut-out is formed by the fold between the first end wall paneland the cut-out locking flap. When carrying the box, there are loads applied tothe box, but with the disclosed design, wherein an improved stiffness isachieved, a stronger and more stable structure may be achieved as well. ltmay especially be noted that the fact that the cut-out locking flap on one handforms part of the handle and on the other hand forms part in locking thetriangular shape in place, the additional external forces applied to the boxwhen the box is carried is automatically in a sense counter-acted by the sameaction, namely the act of lifting the box.

The collaboration between the triangle and the cut-out Iocking flapprovides for a stronger and more stable structure such that the possibilities ofstacking boxes is improved.

Thus, the disclosed design provides for a durable and sturdy boxconstruction which is easy to lock in the erected state as well as being easyand stable to carry by using the triangle and the cut-out in collaboration.

The cut-out may be an internal cut-out such that the cut-out may besurrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel.

With the cut-out being surrounded by continuous remaining portions, astrong and stable structure, when carrying the box by using the cut-out, maybe provided. Thus, the forces that are applied to the box when carrying thebox may be divided between the continuous remaining portions. With the cut-out being surrounded by continuous remaining portions may also provide foran easier and more user-friendly box to carry.

The first support panel may comprise a cut-out recess configured toreceive at least a cut-out Iocking flap portion of the cut-out Iocking flap of thecut-out.

By the cut-out recess being configured to receive at least a portion ofthe cut-out Iocking flap, the cut-out Iocking flap may be kept in place withoutany need of adhesive or similar means. By having the cut-out Iocking flapkept in place, the triangle may be locked in place. Thus, the cut-out Iockingflap may be received by the first support panel of the triangle such that thetriangle may be locked in place. This provides for a strong and stablestructure. The cut-out recess may receive the whole width of the cut-outIocking flap. The cut-out recess may receive only a portion of the width of thecut-out Iocking flap; the portion may e.g. be a protruding cut-out Iocking flapportion.

The cut-out may be positioned in a portion of the first end wall panelbeing at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the firstsupport panel and the inside surface of the first end wall panel when the blankhas been erected into the box. 6 The cut-out may be positioned at a height such that, when the cut-outlocking flap is folded into contact with the first support panel, the cut-outlocking flap may extend at least to the contact between the first support paneland the inside surface of the first end wall such that the cut-out locking flapmay reach the cut-out recess. The cut-out may be positioned at a height suchthat, when the cut-out locking flap is folded into contact with the first supportpanel, the cut-out locking flap may extend beyond the contact between thefirst support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall and through therecess of the first support panel.

By the cut-out locking flap extending at least to the contact betweenthe first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall, the cut-outlocking flap may be configured to be received by the cut-out recess of the firstsupport panel. Thus, the cut-out may be positioned at a height such that thecut-out locking flap may reach the cut-out recess and thereby being kept inplace.

The first support panel may comprise one or more support panellocking flaps extending upwardly away from the first support panel along thelongitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank such that thesupport panel locking flaps may extend away from the first support panel inan inclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank has beenerected into the box.

The first end wall panel may comprise one or more recessesconfigured to receive the one or more support panel locking flaps of the firstsupport panel.

By the provision of one or more support panel locking flaps and theone or more recesses, the first support panel may be kept in place in relationto the first end wall panel. Thus, the one or more support panel locking flapsand the one or more recesses may be configured to keep the triangle in placewhen the blank is erected into the box. Thereby, the cut-out locking flap andthe cut-out recess as well as the one or more support panel locking flaps andthe one or more recesses may together be configured to keep the structure,especially the triangle, in place when the blank is erected to form the box. 7 Thus, a strong and stable structure is achieved. Put differently, the one ormore support panel locking flaps may be received by the one or morerecesses such that the triangle may be folded in the correct way as well asbeing kept in place. Thereafter, the cut-out locking flap may be received bythe cut-out recess such that the triangle may be locked in place. Thus, withthe cut-out locking flap and the cut-out recess as well as the one or moresupport panel locking flaps and the one or more recesses, it facilitatesprovision of a structure which is strong, which is easy to erect and which iscapable of being handled without easily being unfolded unintentionally.

The one or more recesses of the first end wall panel may be internalrecesses such that the one or more recesses may be surrounded bycontinuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel.

With the one or more recess being surrounded by continuousremaining portions provides for a strong and stable structure when the blankis in the erected state. Thus, with the one or more recesses being surroundedby continuous remaining portions, the one or more support panel locking flapsmay be kept in place when being received by the one or more recesses.

The blank may further comprise a bottom panel being foldablyconnected to the first end wall panel as seen along the longitudinal directionof the blank.

Preferably, the first bottom panel forms a part of a bottom of the box,when the blank is erected to form the box.

The blank may further comprise an end wall flap being foldablyconnected to the first end wall panel along a first transverse side of the blankas seen in the flat-laid state. The end wall flap may be attached, such asadhesively attached, to a side wall at the opposing side of the blank as seenalong the transverse direction of the blank. This attachment may beperformed at the site of erection. Alternatively, this attachment may beperformed as a pre-attachment such that the blank is transported to the site oferection in a pre-attached but still flat laid state. ln this latter pre-attachedconfiguration, the structure may be erected and kept in place without anyneed of adhesive or similar means when the blank is erected into the box. 8 The blank may further comprise: a first side wall panel, a second end wall panel and a second side wallpanel being foldably connected one after the other as seen along atransverse direction of the blank, wherein the first side wall panel may befoldably connected to the first end wall panel along a second transverse sideof the blank, wherein the second end wall panel may be foldably connected to asecond end top panel and a second support panel as seen along thelongitudinal direction of the blank, wherein the second end wall panel may be configured to form asecond end wall of the box, wherein the second end top panel may be configured to be folded in afirst folding direction relative to the second end wall panel such that thesecond end top panel may extend inwardly from the second end wall paneland form a second top surface of the box, wherein the second support panel may be configured to be foldedrelative to the second end top panel along the first folding direction such thatthe second support panel may extend in an inclined direction downwardly andoutwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the second end wall panelsuch that an upper portion of the second end wall panel, the second end toppanel and the second support panel form a triangle, and wherein the second end wall panel may further comprise a cut-out anda cut-out locking flap being formed by the cut-out and being foldablyconnected to the second end wall panel, wherein the cut-out locking flap maybe configured to be folded in a second folding direction, opposite the firstfolding direction, inwardly and upwardly into contact with the second supportpaneL Effects and features of the second end wall panel, the second end toppanel and the second support panel are analogous to those described abovein connection with the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the firstsupport panel. Typically, the second end top panel and the second supportpanel are designed such that their basic configuration is identical to the first 9 end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel. However, itshould be noted that minor differences may be allowed, as long as thetriangle may be formed in a more or less similar way as the triangle discussedabove. By having an identical or at least similar arrangement of the secondend wall panel, the second end top panel and the second support panel asthe first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel suchthat a triangle is formed also at the second end wall, the strength and stabilityof the structure is even further improved. lt may be noted that it may also oralternatively be said that the second end wall panel, the second end top paneland the second support panel are foldably connected one after the other asseen along the longitudinal direction of the blank.

With the disclosed design, where one blank comprises all the abovediscussed components, the provision of a box which makes efficient use ofthe material and at the same time is easy to erect is facilitated. lt is preferredthat the first end wall panel, the first side wall panel, the second end wallpanel and the second side wall panel extend along a single, common plane,as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank.

The first side wall panel may be foldably connected to a first side wallinside panel along a first transversally extending side as seen in the flat-laidstate of the blank and wherein the second side wall panel is foldablyconnected to a second side wall inside panel along the first transversallyextending side as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank.

Preferably, the first and second side wall inside panels are configuredto be folded relative to the first and second side wall panels, respectively,when the blank is erected into the box, such that double-layer side walls areprovided. Preferably, the first and second side wall inside panels are kept inplace, when the blank has been erected into the box, by the triangles formedby the first end wall panel, the first end top panel, the first support panel andthe second end wall panel, the second end top panel, the second supportpanel, respectively.

The first side wall panel may be foldably connected to a first side wallbottom panel along a second transversally extending side as seen in the flat- laid state of the blank and wherein the second side wall panel may be foldablyconnected to a second side wall bottom panel along the second transversallyextending side as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank, wherein the first side wall bottom panel is formed such that it tapers outwhen extending away from the second transversally extending side of theblank, i.e. with the width along the transverse direction being smaller as thedistance from the second transversally extending side increases, and suchthat a free end thereof forms a side wall locking flap; and wherein the second side wall bottom panel comprises a bottom lockingrecess configured to receive the side wall locking flap of the first side wallbottom panel.

By the side wall locking flap and the bottom locking recess, a bottom ofthe box, formed by the first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, the firstside wall bottom panel and the second side wall bottom panel, may be kept inplace. This may further provide for a strong and stable structure capable ofsupporting goods inside the box when the box is carried or stacked on top ofother boxes.

The blank may be made of a paper-based material. Paper-basedmaterial may provide a light weight box. Paper-based material isenvironmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner. Paper-based material may provide a box that is easy to transport and handle beforeerection of the box. lt may be noted that the blank may be made of othermaterials. lt may be noted that the blank as a whole may be made of paper-based material. lt may be noted that the blank may be made of a paper-basedmaterial coated with another material, such as a plastic coating on the insideand/or on the outside. lt may be noted that the blank need not to be made ofthe same material through-out.

The above-mentioned object has also been achieved by a box formedfrom a blank of the kind disclosed above. The box is formed from the blank,wherein the first end wall panel forms a first end wall of the box, 11 wherein the first end top panel is folded relative to the first end wallpanel such that the first end top panel extends inwardly from the first end wallpanel and forms a first top surface of the box, wherein the first support panel is folded relative to the first end toppanel such that the first support panel extends in an inclined directiondownwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the firstend wall panel such that an upper portion of the first end wall panel, the firstend top panel and the first support panel form a triangle, and wherein the cut-out locking flap is folded relative to the first end wallpanel such that the cut-out locking flap extends inwardly and upwardly intocontact with the first support panel.

Advantages associated with the different features and preferredembodiments have been discussed in detail in the above in relation to theblank. The discussion is equally valid in relation to the box.

The disclosure may also in short be said to relate to a blank configuredto be erected into a box, wherein the blank comprises a first end wall panel, afirst end top panel and a first support panel. The first end top panel may befolded in a first folding direction such that the first end top panel extendsinwardly from the first end wall and forms a first top surface of the box. Thefirst support panel may be folded relative to the first end top panel along thefirst folding direction such that the first support panel extends in an inclineddirection downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface ofthe first end wall. An upper portion of the first end wall, the first end top paneland the first support panel form a triangle.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted accordingto their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly definedotherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component,means, step, etc.]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least oneinstance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unlessexplicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do nothave to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. 12 Brief description of the drawinqs The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages ofthe present invention, will be better understood through the followingillustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where thesame reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Figure 1 discloses a blank for forming a box.

Figure 2 discloses a box.

Figure 3 discloses a portion of the box in further detail.

Figure 4a-b discloses the portion of the box disclosed in Fig. 3 in further detail.

Description of Embodiments The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferredembodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be constructed as limited tothe embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided forthoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the inventionto the skilled person.

Figure 1 shows a blank 100. The blank 100 is configured to be erectedinto a box 200 as shown in Figures 2-4.

The blank 100 comprises a first end wall panel 102a, a first end toppanel 104a and a first support panel 106a. The first end wall panel 102a, thefirst end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a are foldablyconnected one after the other as seen along a longitudinal direction LD of theblank 100. lt is preferred that the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top104a panel and the first support panel 106a extend along a single, commonplane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100.

The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall panel 124a, a secondend wall panel 102b and a second side wall panel 124b. The first end wallpanel 102a, the first side wall panel 124a, the second end wall panel 102b 13 and the second side wall panel 124b are foldably connected one after theother as seen along a transverse direction TD of the blank 100. lt is preferredthat the first end wall panel 102a, the first side wall panel 124a, the secondend wall panel 102b and the second side wall panel 124b extend along asingle, common plane, as seen in the flat-laid sate of the blank 100.

The first end wall panel 102a comprises a cut-out 208a and a cut-outlocking flap 108a (see Figs 2-4 for the cut-out 208a). The cut-out 208a is aninternal cut-out such that the cut-out 208a is surrounded by continuousremaining portions of the first end wall panel 102a. The cut-out locking flap108a is formed by the cut-out 208a. The cut-out locking flap 108a maycomprise a cut-out locking flap portion 110a. lt may be noted that, in the flat-laid state of the blank 100, the cut-out locking flap portion 110a extendsdownwardly from the cut-out locking flap 108a. The cut-out locking flap 108ais foldably connected to the first end wall panel 102a. The cut-out 208a maybe used as a handle and thereby makes it easy to carry the box 200 formedfrom the blank 100. Preferably, the cut-out 208a is centrally arranged in thefirst end wall panel 102a along the transverse direction TD such that, whencarrying the box 200 using the cut-out 208a, the box 200 may be inequilibrium. Preferably, the cut-out 208a is arranged at a height above acenter-line as seen along the longitudinal direction L such that, when carryingthe box 200 using the cut-out 208a, the box 200 preferably has its point ofgravity below the handle formed by the cut-out 208a.

The first end wall panel 102a further comprises one or more recess116a. Preferably, the one or more recesses 116a are positioned at a level orheight as seen along the longitudinal direction L between the cut-out 208aand the first end top panel 104a. As seen along the transverse direction T, theone or more recesses 116a are positioned outside, such as on either side of,the cut-out 208a. The one or more recess 116a are internal recesses suchthat the one or more recesses 116a are surrounded by continuous remainingportions of the first end wall panel 102a.

The first end wall panel 102a further comprises an end wall panel cut-out 120. The end wall panel cut-out 120 may be used as an alternative handle 14 of the box 200 compared to the cut-out 208a when the blank 100 has beenerected into the box 200.

The first end top panel 104a comprises an end top panel cut-out 124.The end top panel cut-out extending upwardly from a folding line between thefirst end wall panel 102a and the first end top panel 104a.

The first support panel 106a comprises a cut-out recess 112a. The cut-out recess 112a is configured to receive the cut-out locking flap 108a. Thecut-out recess 112a may receive the complete width of the cut-out locking flap108a or may receive a portion of the cut-out locking flap 108a. This isillustrated in further detail in connection with Fig. 4a-b. The first support panel106a preferably extends along the complete width of the box 200 whereas thecut-out 208a, and thereby also the cut-out locking flap 108a, only covers partof the width.

The first support panel 106a further comprises one or more supportpanel locking flaps 114a. The one or more support panel locking flaps 114aextend upwardly away from the first support panel 106a along the longitudinaldirection LD as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. Thus, the one ormore locking flaps 114a extend away form the first support panel 106a in aninclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank 100 has beenerected into the box 200. The one or more support panel locking flaps 114aare configured to be received by the one or more recesses 116a of the firstend wall panel 102a when the blank 100 is erected to form the box 200. Thisis further illustrated in connection with Fig. 4a-b.

With reference to Fig. 3, a portion 300 of the box 200 is illustrated infurther detail. The first end wall panel 102a is configured to form a first endwall of the box 200 when the blank 100 has been erected to the box 200. Thefirst end top panel 104a is configured to be folded in a first folding directionFD1 (see Fig. 4a-b for the first folding direction FD1). The first foldingdirection FD1 is relative to the first end wall panel 102a. The first end toppanel 104a extends inwardly, preferably horizontally, from the first end wallpanel 102a and forms a first top surface of the box 200 when the blank 100has been erected to the box 200. Preferably, the first top surface is at a right angle to the first end wall. Preferably, the first end top panel 104a extendsalong the longitudinal direction LD, wherein the extension is less than 20 % ofthe length of the first and second side wall panels 124a, 124b along thetransverse direction TD. Put differently, preferably at least 60 % of ageometric top surface length of the box 200 is not covered by the first end toppanel 104a or a second end top panel 104b. This is illustrated in further detailin connection with Fig. 2.

The first support panel 106a is configured to be folded relative to thefirst end top panel 104a along the first folding direction FD1 such that the firstsupport panel 106a extends in an inclined direction downwardly andoutwardly and into contact with an inside surface 206 of the first end wallpanel 102a. An upper portion 402 of the first end wall panel 102a, the first endtop panel 104a and the first support panel 106a form a triangle. A purpose ofthe triangle is to provide for a more stable and strong structure when theblank 100 has been erected to form the box 200.

The cut-out 208a is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel102a at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the firstsupport panel 106a and the inside surface 206 of the first end wall panel 102awhen the blank 100 has been erected into the box 200. The cut-out lockingflap 108a is configured to be folded in a second folding direction FD2 inwardlyand upwardly into contact with the first support panel 106a (see Fig. 4a-b forthe second folding direction FD2). Preferably, the second folding direction isopposite the first folding direction FD1.

With reference to Fig. 4a, a cross section view A in Fig. 3 is illustrated.Fig. 4a illustrates how the recess 116a of the first end wall panel 102areceives the support panel locking flap 114a of the first support panel 106awhen the blank 100 is erected into the box 200. Preferably, the support panellocking flap 114a extends though the first end wall panel 102a. The supportpanel locking flap 114a extends away from the first support panel 106a in aninclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank 100 has beenerected into the box 200. 16 With reference to Fig. 4b, a cross section view B in Fig. 3 is illustrated.Fig. 4b illustrates how the cut-out recess 112a of the first support panel 106areceives the cut-out locking flap portion 110a. Preferably, the cut-out recess112a is arranged such that the cut-out locking flap portion 110a extends intothe cut-out recess 112a. Put differently, the cut-out locking flap portion 110ais arranged between the inside surface 206 of the first end wall panel 102aand the first support panel 106a.

Referring to Fig. 1, the blank 100 further comprises an end wall flap122. The end wall flap 122 is foldably connected to the first end wall panel102a along a first transverse side TS1 of the blank 100 as seen in the flat-laidstate.

The blank 100 further comprises a second end top panel 104b and asecond support panel 106b. The second end wall panel 102b, the second endtop panel 104b and the second support panel 106b are foldably connectedone after the other as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank100. The second end wall panel 102b is configured to form a second end wall202b of the box 200. The second end top panel 106b is configured to form asecond top surface 204b of the box 200. The second end wall panel 102b, thesecond end top panel 104b and the second support panel 106b areconfigured to be folded in the similar way as the first end wall panel 102a, thefirst end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a as discussed inconnection with Fig. 3 such that a further triangle is formed. An upper portion402 of the second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b andthe second support panel 106b form the further triangle.

The second end wall panel 102b comprise the cut-out 208b and thecut-out locking flap 108a, wherein the cut-out locking flap 108a comprises thecut-out locking flap portion 110a. The second end wall panel 102b furthercomprises the one or more recesses 116b. The second end wall panel 102bfurther comprises the end wall panel cut-out 120. The second end top panel104b comprises the end top panel cut-out 124. The second support panel106b comprises the cut-out recess 112b. The second support panel 106bcomprises the one or more support panel locking flaps 114b. ln order to avoid 17 undue repetition, references made to the first end wall panel 102a, the firstend top panel 104a, the first support panel 106a and their componentsdiscussed above are valid for the second end wall panel 102b, the secondend top panel 104b, the second support panel 106b and their respectivecomponents as well.

Referring to Fig. 1, the blank 100 further comprises a first bottom panel118a. The first bottom panel 118a is foldably connected to the first end wallpanel 102a as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. Thefirst bottom panel 118a is configured to be a part of a bottom of the box 200when the blank 100 is erected into the box 200.

The blank 100 further comprises a second bottom panel 118b. Thesecond bottom panel 118b is foldably connected to the second end wall panel102b as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. Thesecond bottom panel 118b is configured to be a part of a bottom of the box200 when the blank 100 is erected into the box 200.

The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall inside panel 126a anda second side wall inside panel 126b. The first side wall inside panel 126a isfoldably connected to the first side wall panel 124a along a first transversallyextending side LS1 as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. The secondside wall inside panel 126b is foldably connected to the second side wallpanel 124b along the first transversally extending side LS1 as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100.

The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall bottom panel 128aand a second side wall bottom panel 128b. The first side wall bottom panel128a is foldably connected to the first side wall panel 124a along a secondtransversally extending side LS2 as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank100. The second side wall bottom panel 128b is foldably connected to thesecond side wall panel 124b along the second transversally extending sideLS2 as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100.

The first side wall bottom panel 128a is formed such that it tapers out,i.e. having a diminishing width, when extending away from the second 18 transversally extending side LS2 of the blank 100 and such that a free endthereof forms a side wall locking flap 130.

The second side wall bottom panel 128b comprises a bottom lockingrecess 132. The bottom locking recess 132 is configured to receive the sidewall Iocking flap 130 of the first side wall bottom panel 128a. Thus, the sidewall locking flap 130 and the bottom locking recess 132 are configured to lockthe bottom of the box 200 when the blank 100 is erected to form the box 200. ln a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank 100 is erected into thebox 200, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the first end wall panel 102a is configured toform a first end wall of the box 200. The first side wall panel 124a is foldedrelative to the first side wall panel 102a such that the first side wall panel 124aforms a first side wall of the box 200. Preferably, the first side wall panel 124aforms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a. The second end wallpanel 102b is folded relative to the first side wall panel 124a such that thesecond side wall panel 102b forms a second end wall 202b. Preferably, thesecond end wall panel 102b forms a right angle to the first side wall panel124a. The second side wall panel 124b is folded relative to the second endwall panel 102b such that the second side wall panel 124b forms a secondside wall. Preferably, the second side wall panel 124b forms a right angle tothe first end wall panel 102a and to the to the second end wall panel 102b.

The end wall flap 122 is folded relative to the first end wall panel 102asuch that the end wall flap 122 is facing an inside of the second side wallpanel 124b. Preferably, the end wall flap 122 forms a right angle to the firstend wall panel 102a. Alternatively, the end wall flap 122 is pre-attached to thesecond side wall panel 124 and the erection of the box 200 is at the site oferection initiated by the blank being erected into a tubular shape whereafterthe other panels are folded relative to the side wall panels 124a, 124b and theend wall panels 102a, 102b.

The bottom panels 118a, 118b are folded relative to the first andsecond end wall panels 102a, 102b respectively. Preferably, the first bottompanels 118a forms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a and thesecond bottom panel 118b forms a right angle to the second end wall panel 19 102b. The second side wall bottom panel 128b is folded relative to the secondside wall panel 124b. Preferably, the second side wall bottom panel 128bforms a right angle to the second side wall panel 124b. Preferably, the secondside wall bottom panel 128b is folded such that an inside surface of thesecond side wall bottom panel 128b is facing an outside surface of the first orsecond bottom panel 118a, 118b. The first side wall bottom panel 128a isfolded relative to the first side wall panel 124a. Preferably, the first side wallbottom panel 128a forms a right angle to the first side wall panel 124a.Preferably, the first side wall bottom panel 128a is folded such that an insidesurface of the first side wall bottom panel 128 is facing an outside surface ofthe second side wall bottom panel 128b. The side wall locking flap 130 isinserted in the bottom locking recess 132 such that the locking recess 132receives the side wall locking flap 130 of the first side wall bottom panel 128a.

The first and second side wall inside panels 126a, 126b are configuredto be folded relative to the first and second side wall panels 124a, 124b,respectively. Preferably, the first side wall inside panel 126a is folded suchthat the first side wall inside panel 126a is facing an inside of the first side wallpanel 124a and the second side wall inside panel 126b is folded such that thesecond side wall inside panel 126b is facing an inside of the second side wallpanel 124b. Thus, at least a portion of the first and second side walls may bedouble-layered side walls.

The first and second end top panels 104a, 104b are configured to befolded relative to the first and second end wall panels 102a, 102b,respectively. The first end top panel 104a is configured to form a first topsurface of the box 200, wherein the first top surface is at a right angle to thefirst end wall. The second end top panel 104b is configured to form a secondtop surface 204b of the box 200, wherein the second top surface 204b is at aright angle to the second end wall 202b.

The first and second support panels 106a, 106b are configured to befolded relative to the first and second end top panels 104a, 104b,respectively, along the first folding direction FD1. The first and secondsupport panels 106a are configured to extend in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface 206 of thefirst and second end wall panels 102a, 102b, respectively. An upper portion402 of the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a and the firstsupport panel 106a form a triangle. An upper portion 402 of the second endwall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b and the second supportpanel 106b form a further triangle. The two triangles are configured to keepthe first and second side wall inside panels 126a, 126b in place as well as toprovide for a strong and stable structure.

The cut-out locking flaps 108a, 108b are configured to be folded in asecond folding direction FD2, opposite the first folding direction FD1, inwardlyand upwardly into contact with the first and second support panels 106a,106b, respectively, such that the two triangles are kept in place.

The person skilled in the art realize that the present invention by nomeans is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On thecontrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope ofthe appended claims.

Claims (14)

1. 1. A blank (100) configured to be erected into a box (200), the blankcomprising a first end wall panel (102a), a first end top panel (104a) and afirst support panel (106a) being foldably connected one after the other asseen along a longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), wherein the first end wall panel (102a) is configured to form a first endwall of the box (200), wherein the first end top panel (104a) is configured to be folded in afirst folding direction (FD1) relative to the first end wall panel (102a) such thatthe first end top panel (104a) extends inwardly from the first end wall panel(102a) and forms a first top surface of the box (200), wherein the first support panel (106a) is configured to be folded relativeto the first end top panel (104a) along the first folding direction (FD1) suchthat the first support panel (106a) extends in an inclined direction downwardlyand outwardly and into contact with an inside surface (206) of the first endwall panel (102a) such that an upper portion (402) of the first end wall panel(102a), the first end top panel (104a) and the first support panel (106a) form atriangle, and wherein the first end wall panel (102a) further comprises a cut-out(208a) and a cut-out locking flap (108a) being formed by the cut-out (208a)and being foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a), wherein thecut-out locking flap (108a) is configured to be folded in a second foldingdirection (FD2), opposite the first folding direction (FD1), inwardly andupwardly into contact with the first support panel (106a).

2. The blank (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cut-out (208a) isan internal cut-out such that the cut-out (208a) is surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel (102a).

3. The blank (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first supportpanel (106a) comprises a cut-out recess (112a) configured to receive at leasta cut-out locking flap portion (110a) of the cut-out locking flap (108a) of thecut-out (208a).

4. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the cut-out (208a) is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel(102a) being at a height being beneath the height of the contact between thefirst support panel (106a) and the inside surface (206) of the first end wallpanel (102a) when the blank (100) has been erected into the box (200).

5. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the first support panel (106a) comprises one or more support panellocking flaps (114a) extending upwardly away from the first support panel(106a) along the longitudinal direction (LD) as seen in a flat-laid state of theblank (100) such that the support panel locking flaps (114a) will extend awayfrom the first support panel (106a) in an inclined direction downwardly andoutwardly when the blank (100) has been erected into the box (200).

6. The blank (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first end wallpanel (102a) comprises one or more recesses (116a) configured to receivethe one or more support panel locking flaps (1 14a) of the first support panel(106a).

7. The blank (100) according to claim 6, wherein the one or morerecesses (1 16a) of the first end wall panel (102a) are internal recesses suchthat the one or more recesses (116) are surrounded by continuous remainingportions of the first end wall panel (102a).

8. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the blank (100) further comprises a first bottom panel (118a) beingfoldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a) as seen along thelongitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100).

9. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the blank (100) further comprises an end wall flap (122) beingfoldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a) along a first transverseside (TS1 ) of the blank (100) as seen in the flat-laid state.

10. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the blank (100) further comprises: a first side wall panel (124a), a second end wall panel (102b) and asecond side wall panel (124b) being foldably connected one after the other asseen along a transverse direction (TD) of the blank (100), wherein the firstside wall panel (124a) being foldably connected to the first end wall panel(102a) along a second transverse side (TS2) of the blank (100), wherein the second end wall panel (102b) is foldably connected to asecond end top panel (104b) and a second support panel (106b) as seenalong a longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), wherein the second end wall panel (102b) is configured to form asecond end wall (202b) of the box (200), wherein the second end top panel (104b) is configured to be folded in afirst folding direction (FD1) relative to the second end wall panel (102b) suchthat the second end top panel (104b) extends inwardly from the second endwall panel (102b) and forms a second top surface (204b) of the box (200), wherein the second support panel (106b) is configured to be foldedrelative to the second end top panel (104b) along the first folding direction(FD1) such that the second support panel (106b) extends in an inclineddirection downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface(206) ofthe second end wall panel (102b) such that an upper portion (402) ofthe second end wall panel (102b), the second end top panel (104b) and thesecond support panel (106b) form a triangle, and wherein the second end wall panel (102b) further comprises a cut-out(208b) and a cut-out locking flap (108b) being formed by the cut-out (208b)and being foldably connected to the second end wall panel (102b), whereinthe cut-out locking flap (108b) is configured to be folded in a second foldingdirection (FD2), opposite the first folding direction (FD1), inwardly andupwardly into contact with the second support panel (106b).

11. The blank (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first side wallpanel (124a) is foldably connected to a first side wall inside panel (126a)along a first transversally extending side (LS1) as seen in the flat-laid state ofthe blank (100) and wherein the second side wall panel (124b) is foldablyconnected to a second side wall inside panel (126b) along the firsttransversally extending side (LS1) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank(100).

12. The blank (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first sidewall panel (124a) is foldably connected to a first side wall bottom panel (128a)along a second transversally extending side (LS2) as seen in the flat-laidstate of the blank (100) and wherein the second side wall panel (124b) isfoldably connected to a second side wall bottom panel (128b) along thesecond transversally extending side (LS2) as seen in the flat-laid state of theblank (100), and wherein the first side wall bottom panel (128a) is formed such that ittapers out when extending away from the second transversally extending side(LS2) of the blank (100) and such that a free end thereof forms a side walllocking flap (130); and wherein the second side wall bottom panel (128b) comprises a bottomlocking recess (132) configured to receive the side wall locking flap (130) ofthe first side wall bottom panel (128a).

13. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (100) is made of a paper-based material.

14. A box (200) formed from a blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the first end wall panel (102a) forms a first end wall of the box (200), wherein the first end top panel (104a) is folded relative to the first endwall panel (102a) such that the first end top panel (104a) extends inwardlyfrom the first end wall panel (102a) and forms a first top surface of the box(200), wherein the first support panel (106a) is folded relative to the first endtop panel (104a) such that the first support panel (106a) extends in aninclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an insidesurface (206) of the first end wall panel (102a) such that an upper portion(402) ofthe first end wall panel (102a), the first end top panel (104a) and thefirst support panel (106a) form a triangle, and wherein the cut-out locking flap (108a) is folded relative to the first endwall panel (102a) such that the cut-out locking flap (108a) extends inwardlyand upwardly into contact with the first support panel (106a).