US20160176569A1

US20160176569A1 - Blank and Method for Producing an External Packaging

Info

Publication number: US20160176569A1
Application number: US14/908,306
Authority: US
Inventors: Michael Hanke
Original assignee: SIG Technology AG
Current assignee: SIG Combibloc Services AG
Priority date: 2013-07-29
Filing date: 2014-07-08
Publication date: 2016-06-23
Also published as: DE102013108063B3; EP3027520A1; MX2016001007A; CN105636872A; RU2016106991A; AU2014298756A1; BR112016001831A2; JP2016529170A; WO2015014580A1

Abstract

A blank for producing an external packaging includes: at least four areas, each of which has a rear wall, a bottom surface and at least one inner lateral surface. Each rear wall has four sides. Each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to the bottom surface assigned thereto along a folding line. Each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to a rear wall of an adjacent area along a folding line arranged on a centre axis. Each rear wall is on at least one of its sides connected to the inner lateral surface assigned thereto along a folding line. The at least one inner lateral surface of an area is connected to an inner lateral surface of an adjacent area along a folding line.

Description

The invention pertains to a blank for producing an external packaging which comprises: at least four areas, each of which comprising a rear wall, a bottom surface that is assigned to the rear wall and at least one inner lateral surface that is assigned to the rear wall, wherein each rear wall has four sides, wherein each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to the bottom surface assigned thereto along a folding line, wherein each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to a rear wall of an adjacent area along a folding line arranged on a centre axis, wherein each rear wall is on at least one of its sides connected to the inner lateral surface assigned thereto along a folding line, and wherein the at least one inner lateral surface of an area is connected to an inner lateral surface of an adjacent area along a folding line.
The invention furthermore pertains to a method for producing an external packaging of such a blank, as well as to a packaging system that comprises such an external packaging.
Various external packagings are known from the field of packaging technology. The term external packagings refers to packagings, the intended content of which consists of other packages. Packages are therefore also referred to as primary packagings and external packagings are also referred to as secondary packagings. An inventive external packaging is particularly suitable as a secondary packaging for beverage cartons of composite material. External packagings have the purpose, for example, of combining several packages into units in order to simplify their stacking on pallets or the like. Another function of external packagings consists of protecting the packages contained therein and their content from environmental influences such as impacts, loads or dirt. In addition, external packagings also simplify the transport of goods that are typically not purchased individually.
Many external packagings are produced of blanks. Blanks are flat material strips that are cut or punched into a certain shape. The defined shape of the blanks makes it possible to produce an external packaging of the blanks by means of different folding operations. The shape of the blank therefore defines the shape of the external packaging produced of the blank.
A widely used external packaging known from the prior art is illustrated in FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b . These figures show an external packaging according to FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460 (FEFCO=European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers; ESBO=European Solid Board Organization). This external packaging is primarily characterized by a low material requirement, as well as a simple producibility. However, one disadvantage can be seen in the relatively low carrying capacity of these external packagings such that almost the entire load of several stacked external packagings needs to be carried by the packages standing therein.
Another external packaging for containers is known, for example, from JP 2007-008491 A. This external packaging is produced of two blanks, wherein a first blank is folded into a lower part and a second blank is folded into an inner part. The inner part is subsequently inserted into the lower part. The thusly produced external packaging can accommodate six containers that stand on the lower part and are laterally held in position by the inner part. The upper side of the inner part and the underside of the lower part are flat such that several external packagings can be stacked on top of one another, e.g., on a pallet.
The external packaging known from JP 2007-008491 A has several disadvantages. First of all, the production of the external packaging is relatively elaborate because it consists of several blanks that need to be assembled. Another disadvantage can be seen in the risk of several stacked external packagings laterally shifting relative to one another due to their flat upper side and underside such that the stacks could fall over. In addition, the transport of the external packagings is relatively complicated. The reason for this complicated transport can be seen in that the inner part is only loosely inserted into the lower part such that the external packaging can only be lifted on the lower part. Consequently, no carrying handle or the like is provided on the inner part. The external packagings shown furthermore have the disadvantage that the lower region of the containers standing therein is covered by a peripheral front wall. This makes it difficult for customers to read product information on the containers without removing the containers from the external packaging. External packagings of this type therefore are indeed suitable for the transport of the containers, but hardly for their presentation.
Another external packaging is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,202. This external packaging is designed for accommodating two cans and can be produced more easily because it can be folded of only one blank. The one-piece design of the blank also has the advantage that the bottom surfaces of the external packaging are solidly connected to its lateral surfaces and rear surfaces such that the external packaging can be lifted and transported by means of a handle opening provided in the rear surfaces. Several external packagings can be combined into units by means of a plastic film.
However, the external packaging disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,119,202 also has a flat upper side and a flat underside. This has the above-described disadvantage that stacked external packagings can shift laterally. The lack of lateral stability therefore may cause the stacks to fall over. Another disadvantage can be seen in that the external packaging can only accommodate two cans. In addition, these external packagings also feature peripheral front walls that cover the lower regions of the cans standing therein. Consequently, these external packagings also are primarily intended for transport purposes and hardly suitable for the presentation of the cans. It is furthermore disadvantageous that a mechanized production of these external packagings is relatively difficult due to the complicated foldings of the bottom area.
The invention therefore is based on the objective of designing and enhancing a blank of the initially cited and above-described type in such a way that the external packagings folded of the blank can be safely stacked on top of one another and are also suitable for the presentation of the packages contained in the external packaging.
In a blank according to the preamble of claim 1, this objective is attained in that the inner lateral surfaces are spaced apart from the centre axis such that an offset is created between the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis.
Inventive blanks can be conceptually divided into several areas. Each of these areas comprises a rear wall, a bottom surface and at least one inner lateral surface. Inner lateral surfaces are lateral surfaces that are connected to other inner lateral surfaces and therefore arranged “inside” after the folding operation. Outer lateral surfaces, in contrast, are not connected to any other lateral surfaces and therefore arranged on the edge of the external packaging, i.e. “outside,” after the folding operation. The different areas of the blank are separated from one another by folding lines. The folding lines are intended to simplify folding of the blank; they may be realized, for example, in the form of a material reduction of the blank, particularly a perforation or a stamping or grooving. An inventive blank makes it possible to produce external packagings with a particularly high carrying capacity because several vertically extending walls are after the folding operation realized in the form of double walls: for one thing, the rear walls of one side of the blank are placed against the rear walls of the other side of the blank after the folding operation along the centre axis. For another thing, the inner lateral surfaces of each area are placed against the inner lateral surfaces of the adjacent area after the blank has been folded. In this way, the rear walls, as well as the inner lateral surfaces, are realized with double the wall thickness. The carrying capacity of the external packagings produced of the blank is increased in the vertical direction, in particular, due to the double-wall design of the inner lateral surfaces such that, for example, the stackability of the external packagings is improved. External packagings produced of inventive blanks can have a carrying capacity that is at least 30% higher, particularly at least 40% higher, than that of standard external packagings—primarily due to the double-wall design.
According to the invention, an offset is created between the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis. Since the upper edges of the rear walls are arranged on the centre axis, an offset is also created between the inner lateral surfaces and the upper edges of the rear walls. In other words, the inner lateral surfaces are arranged in such a way that the upper edges of the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis are spaced apart from one another. This can be achieved, for example, by realizing the inner lateral surfaces shorter than the rear walls.
Due to the spacing between the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis—i.e., the “offset”—the upper edges of the rear walls that extend along the centre axis vertically protrude over the upper edges of the inner lateral surfaces after the folding operation. In this way, a positive connection can be produced between several external packagings stacked on top of one another. To this end, the upper edges of the lateral surfaces of a first—lower—external packaging form a plane, onto which the bottom surfaces of a second—upper—external packaging can be placed. However, since the upper edges of the rear walls protrude over this plane, the upper edges of the rear walls of the lower external packaging are pushed between the mutually assigned rear walls of the upper external packaging during the stacking operation. In this way, a positive connection similar to a plug-type connection is produced between two external packagings stacked on top of one another. This has the advantage that the external packagings can be safely stacked and secured, in particular, against shifting laterally.
An inventive blank has a particularly high carrying capacity in the vertical direction in the folded state—i.e. in the form of an external packaging. The high carrying capacity was verified, for example, with the tests described below.
In the context of this invention, the carrying capacity is determined in accordance with standard DIN EN ISO 12048 (“Packaging—Complete, filled transport packages—Compression and stacking tests using a compression tester;” December 2000/April 2001 Edition). In order to determine the carrying capacity, the external packagings are placed between two pressing plates and an increasing load is applied until failure occurs (“Compression test” according to Items 3a and 7.1 of the aforementioned standard). The external packagings are—in this respect at variance with the standard—tested without content. In addition, the surface of the upper pressing plate is adapted to the offset of the inventive blank such that the force is introduced, in particular, into the upper edges of the inner lateral surfaces of the external packaging analogous to a stacked arrangement.
Inventive external packagings with different dimensions were tested in three series of tests and compared with corresponding standard external packagings that were tested in the same way (FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460). The tested external packagings are intended for accommodating beverage cartons of composite material. However, the external packagings are not filled with these beverage cartons—referred to as “packages” in Table 1 below—during the measurements. In accordance with Item 7 of the cited standard, measurements were carried out on at least five identical inventive external packagings, as well as on at least five standard external packagings. Average values of the measuring results were subsequently calculated.
The properties of the tested external packagings and the results of the measurements are illustrated in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1

			Carrying capacity	Carrying
			of standard	capacity of
			external packaging	inventive	Increase
External	Volumetric		(FEFCO-ESBO	external	in carrying
packaging	capacity	Material	Code 0460)	packaging	capacity

I	2 × 3 packages	Corrugated board	766N	1023N	+34%
	1000 ml each	with corrugation
		type E
II
	2 × 3 packages	Corrugated board	1343N	1961N	+46%
	1000 ml each	with corrugation
		type B
III
	2 × 6 packages	Corrugated board	1518N	2021N	+33%
	1000 ml each	with corrugation
		type B

The results show that the blank has in the folded state a carrying capacity in the vertical direction of at least 1000 N, particularly at least 1500 N or at least 2000 N. In addition, an external packaging produced of an inventive blank has a carrying capacity that is at least 30% higher, particularly at least 40% higher, than that of a standard external packaging (FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460). The high vertical carrying capacity is achieved, in particular, due to the double-wall design of the supporting walls or surfaces—primarily the inner lateral surfaces—and improves the stackability of the external packagings.
According to an embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the length of the offset amounts to at least 10 mm and particularly lies in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm. The length of the offset corresponds to the depth of the positive connection. At an offset of 30 mm, the upper edges of the rear walls of a lower external packaging therefore can be pushed between the rear walls of an upper external packaging by up to 30 mm. An offset in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm represents an optimal compromise between a simple stackability (easier with a shorter offset) and a secure positive connection (more reliable with a longer offset).
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the blank is realized in one piece. The production of the external packaging is simplified with a one-part or one-piece blank. In this case, the individual surfaces of the blank merely need to be folded along folding lines and connected to one another, if applicable. In contrast to an external packaging that is produced of several blanks or multi-piece blanks, the elaborate assembly of the different blanks is eliminated. Furthermore, only a single magazine for blanks is required during the production such that the mechanized producibility is improved. Another advantage of external packagings produced of one-piece blanks can be seen in the increased stability because there is no risk of assembled blanks once again falling apart as it is the case with external packagings produced of several blanks or multi-piece blanks.
According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposed that the blank is made of paper or cardboard, particularly of corrugated board. Paper, cardboard and corrugated board are inexpensive and suitable for repeated use (recycling). Corrugated board is produced by gluing together smooth and corrugated webs of paper and has a high strength despite its low density such that very light yet robust external packagings can be produced of corrugated board. The blank may be manufactured, for example, of corrugated board according to standard DIN 55468, Part 1, August 2004 Edition (particularly with corrugation type B or corrugation type E). It is particularly advantageous to use corrugated boards, the corrugated and cover papers of which have a grammage in the range between 100 g/m²and 140 g/m².
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the blank has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 3 mm. Blanks with a thickness in this range proved advantageous, particularly when using corrugated board, and represent a good compromise between low costs and sufficient rigidity. It is particularly advantageous to use corrugated boards of the corrugation type B (corrugation height 2.2 mm to 3 mm) or E (corrugation height 1 mm to 1.8 mm) according to standard DIN 55468, Part 1, August 2004 Edition.
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that each area of the blank comprises two lateral surfaces that are assigned to the rear wall. Since each rear wall is connected to two lateral surfaces, a lateral surface is also provided on both sides of the rear wall in the outer areas. Areas that border on another area on both sides after the folding operation are also referred to as “inner areas” and comprise two inner lateral surfaces. Areas that border on another area on only one side after the folding operation are also referred to as “outer areas” and comprise only one inner lateral surface that is assigned to the adjacent area. According to this embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the “outer areas” also comprise a second lateral surface, particularly an outer lateral surface. After the folding operation, outer side walls are produced of the outer lateral surfaces. Since lateral surfaces are also provided in the “outer areas,” the packages are securely fixed in the external packaging. The outer lateral surfaces may be realized with different heights. The height of the outer lateral surfaces may be lower, equal to or higher than the height of the inner lateral surfaces. Outer lateral surfaces with a smaller height save material, but still provide sufficient lateral stability for the packages. Outer lateral surfaces with an equal height can serve as an additional supporting surface for stacking several external packagings on top of one another—particularly if they are spaced apart from the centre axis by the same distance as the inner lateral surfaces—and therefore further increase the carrying capacity. Outer lateral surfaces with a greater height provide a secure lateral stability for stacking several external packagings on top of one another, particularly if the outer lateral surfaces have a smaller offset from the centre axis than the inner lateral surfaces. The different variations can be combined with one another, for example, such that two outer lateral surfaces have a smaller height than the inner lateral surfaces and two outer lateral surfaces have a greater height.
According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposed that the rear walls have a rectangular shape, particularly a square shape. The bottom surfaces may alternatively or additionally have a rectangular shape, particularly a square shape. Due to the rectangular or square shape, the rear walls and the bottom surfaces are defined by straight edges. Straight edges are particularly suitable for the arrangement of folding lines. With respect to the rear walls, as well as with respect to the bottom surfaces, it is preferred that all rear walls and all bottom surfaces have the same size such that the external packaging can accommodate several packages of identical size.
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that each bottom surface is exclusively connected to one rear wall and/or one lateral surface. Apart from rear walls, lateral surfaces and connecting straps fixed thereon, the bottom surfaces consequently should not be connected to any other surfaces or walls. The bottom surfaces particularly should not be connected to any front surfaces or front walls because the view of the packages contained in the external packaging and the product information provided thereon would otherwise be partially blocked. An external packaging without front surfaces and front walls therefore has the advantage of not only being suitable for the transport, but also for the presentation of packages.
The presentation of the goods therefore can be realized directly in the stacked external packagings; separate shelves or racks are not required.
According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposed that the inner lateral surfaces have a rectangular shape, particularly a square shape. Due to the rectangular or square shape, the inner lateral surfaces are defined by straight edges that are particularly suitable for the arrangement of folding lines. It is preferred that all inner lateral surfaces have the same size such that the external packaging can accommodate several packages of identical size.
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the blank comprises in each of the areas two connecting straps that are connected to the lateral surfaces and/or to the bottom surfaces along folding lines. The connecting straps make it possible to connect the lateral surfaces to the bottom surfaces. To this end, the connecting straps are folded such that they form an overlap with the surfaces assigned thereto. A connecting strap connected to a lateral surface therefore forms an overlap with the bottom surface assigned thereto after the folding operation and a connecting strap connected to a bottom surface forms an overlap with the lateral surface assigned thereto after the folding operation. The area of the overlap can be used, for example, for producing an adhesive connection that increases the stability of the external packaging.
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that each lateral surface comprises a connecting strap that is connected to the lateral surface along a folding line. Material can be saved by providing the connecting straps on the lateral surfaces. In this case, the width of the connecting strap can be adapted to the width of the lateral surface. The outer lateral surfaces and their connecting straps particularly may have a smaller width than the inner lateral surfaces and their connecting straps.
According to another characteristic of the invention, it is proposed that at least two of the interconnected rear walls comprise an opening. The openings are preferably arranged in the upper region of the rear walls and symmetrically to the centre axis.
This provides the advantage that both openings overlap after the blank has been folded along the folding line arranged on the centre axis. In this way, the two congruent openings form a passage that can be used, for example, as a carrying handle. The openings may furthermore serve for the engagement of machines or tools such that the handling and the alignment of the blanks are simplified.
The above-defined objective is also attained with a method for producing an external packaging of a blank, particularly an above-described blank, wherein said method comprises the following steps: a) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear walls and the lateral surfaces assigned to the rear walls, b) folding the blank along the folding lines between the inner lateral surfaces of one area and the inner lateral surfaces of an adjacent area, c) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear walls and the bottom surfaces assigned to the rear walls, d) connecting the folded bottom surfaces to the folded lateral surfaces and e) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear wall of one area and the rear wall of an adjacent area that are arranged on a centre axis. The inventive method for producing an external packaging is particularly inexpensive and can be easily carried out because steps a), b), c) and e) are mere folding operations. In steps a), b), c) and e), it is preferred to respectively fold the blank by 90° and 180° at the corresponding locations. In addition to the folding operations, two of the folded surfaces need to be connected to one another in step d). This may be realized, for example, by inserting a projection of one surface into an assigned recess of the other surfaces such that a plug-type connection is produced. Steps a) to c) may be carried out in any sequence; however, they are preferably carried out in the above-described sequence. They are followed by steps d) and e) that may likewise be carried out in any sequence, but preferably are also carried out in the above-described sequence. The folding operations in steps a), b) and c) are carried out in such a way that the lateral surfaces and the bottom surfaces are folded in the same direction—relative to the rear walls.
According to one embodiment of the method, the following step is carried out before step d): f) folding the blank along the folding lines between the connecting straps and the lateral surfaces and/or between the connecting straps and the bottom surfaces.
The connecting straps make it possible to produce a particularly reliable connection between the folded bottom surfaces and the folded lateral surfaces. In the context of this embodiment of the method, it is furthermore proposed that the following step is carried out after step f): g) gluing the connecting straps to the lateral surfaces and/or the bottom surfaces. The connecting straps and the respective lateral or bottom surfaces can be connected to one another in a particularly cost-efficient and stable fashion by means of adhesive connections.
The above-defined objective is ultimately also attained with a packaging system that comprises: an external packaging folded from a blank of the above-described type, at least one package for each area of the blank and means for fixing the packages on/in the external packaging. One package is preferably accommodated by each area of the external packaging. An external packaging with six areas therefore preferably contains six packages. Alternatively, each area of the external packaging could accommodate two packages such that an external packaging with six areas contains twelve packages. Suitable means for fixing the packages are provided in order to prevent the packages from falling out of the external packaging. The packaging system may alternatively also comprise several external packagings that are stacked on top of one another. In this case, each of the external packagings features at least one package for each area of the blank and means for fixing the packages on/in the external packaging.
According to another embodiment of the invention, it is furthermore proposed that the means for fixing the packages is an adhesive. The means for fixing the packages may alternatively or additionally be a fixing strap. An adhesive makes it possible to produce a material bond between the packages and the external packaging such that the packages are cost-efficiently and securely fixed on the external packaging. It is preferred to use an adhesive that does not leave behind any residues or causes any damages to the packages when they are removed from the external packaging. One or more fixing straps make it possible—depending on the direction—to produce a positive and/or a non-positive connection between the packages and the external packaging. To this end, the fixing strap encompasses the entire external packaging or—preferably—only one half or one side of the external packaging and the packages arranged therein. The stackability can be improved if the two fixing straps respectively encompass only one half or one side of the external packaging and the packages accommodated therein. In this configuration, the mutually assigned rear walls are not pressed against one another by the fixing strap and therefore can very easily produce the above-described “plug-type connection” in a stacked arrangement. It is preferred to use fixing straps of transparent plastic because they are inexpensive and do not block the view of the front sides of the packages.

The invention is described in greater detail below with reference to the drawings that merely show a preferred exemplary embodiment. In these drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an inventive blank for producing an external packaging in the flat state,

FIG. 2 shows the blank according to FIG. 1 in a partially folded state,

FIG. 3 shows the blank according to FIG. 1 in a completely folded state,

FIG. 4 shows the blank according to FIG. 2 with packages and two fixing straps,

FIG. 5 shows the blank according to FIG. 3 with packages and two fixing straps,

FIG. 6 shows several stacked blanks in the completely folded state, i.e. in the form of external packagings,

FIG. 7a shows a blank for producing an external packaging according to the prior art in the flat state, and

FIG. 7b shows an external packaging produced of the blank according to FIG. 7 a.

FIG. 1 shows an inventive blank 1 for producing an external packaging in the flat state. The state illustrated in FIG. 1 corresponds to the initial state of the blank 1 before it is folded. The exemplary blank 1 shown in FIG. 1 comprises six areas that are identified by the reference symbols I to VI. Each of these areas I-VI comprises a rectangular rear wall 2, a rectangular bottom surface 3 and two lateral surfaces 4 that include at least one inner lateral surface 4′. The lateral surfaces 4 consist of inner lateral surfaces 4′ and outer lateral surfaces 4″. Two of the outer lateral surfaces 4″ have a smaller height than the inner lateral surfaces 4′; the other two outer lateral surfaces 4″, in contrast, have a greater height than the inner lateral surfaces 4′ and therefore can serve as lateral guide. The two outer lateral surfaces 4″ with a smaller height and the two outer lateral surfaces 4″ with a greater height are respectively arranged diagonally opposite of one another. The rear walls 2, the bottom surfaces 3 and the lateral surfaces 4 are separated from one another by folding lines 5.
Each rear wall 2 has four sides. On one of these sides, each rear wall 2 is connected to the bottom surface 3 assigned thereto along a folding line 5. On the opposite side, each rear wall 2 is connected to a rear wall 2 of the adjacent area: the rear wall 2 of the area I is connected to the rear wall 2 of the area IV by means of a folding line. The rear walls 2 of the areas II and V and of the areas III and VI are analogously connected to one another. In addition, each rear wall 2 is on at least one of its sides connected to a lateral surface 4 by means of a folding line 5. In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, each rear wall 2 features two lateral surfaces 4. However, the outer lateral surfaces 4″ are optional such that the rear walls 2 of the areas I, III, IV and VI could alternatively to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 also feature only one inner lateral surface 4′. It is also possible—as illustrated in FIG. 1—that outer lateral surfaces 4″ are indeed provided, but one or more of these outer lateral surfaces 4″ has/have a smaller surface area than the inner lateral surfaces 4′. However, it is imperative that the rear walls 2 of the areas II and V feature two (inner) lateral surfaces 4′ in order to produce a connection with both adjacent areas. The rear wall 2 of the area II produces a connection with the rear walls 2 of the areas I and III by means of inner lateral surfaces 4′. The rear wall 2 of the area V analogously produces a connection with the rear walls 2 of the areas IV and VI by means of inner lateral surfaces 4′. Consequently, at least one lateral surface 4 of each area is connected to a lateral surface 4 of an adjacent area by means of a folding line 5. The areas II and V are also referred to as “inner areas” whereas the areas I, III, IV and VI are also referred to as “outer areas.”
In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the two long sides of the rear walls 2 are longer than any of the sides of the inner lateral surfaces 4′. Consequently, an offset 6 is created between the rear walls 2 and the inner lateral surfaces 4′. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the offset 6 is created on a centre axis 7 that divides the blank 1 into two sides and separates the areas I, II, III from the areas IV, V, VI. The offset 6 causes the rear walls 2 to protrude over the inner lateral surfaces 4′ when the blank is folded about the centre axis 7. Consequently, several blanks 1 can be positively stacked on top of one another in the folded state as described in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 3.
The exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 furthermore features connecting straps 8. The connecting straps 8 are connected to the lateral surfaces 4 by means of folding lines 5 and serve for connecting the lateral surfaces 4 to the bottom surfaces 3 after the blank 1 has been folded, e.g. by means of adhesive connections. In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the connecting straps 8 could also be connected to the bottom surfaces 3 by means of folding lines in order to correspondingly produce a connection with the lateral surfaces 4. The exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 furthermore features openings 9. The openings may consist of handle openings for carrying the external packaging produced of the blank 1. The openings 9 are provided in the rear walls 2, particularly cut or punched out of the rear walls 2.
FIG. 2 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in a partially folded state. The bottom surfaces 3, the lateral surfaces 4′, 4″ and the connecting straps 8 were respectively folded by approximately 90° along the folding lines 5. In addition, the connecting straps 8 were glued to the bottom surfaces 3. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, however, the blank 1 was not yet folded along the centre axis 7 such that the rear walls 2 of all six areas I to VI are still arranged in one plane. FIG. 2 already indicates that a chamber for accommodating one or two packages is created in each of the six areas I to VI by folding the blank 1 accordingly.
FIG. 3 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 1 in the completely folded state. The essential difference in comparison with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 can be seen in that the blank 1 has been folded by approximately 180° along the centre line 7 in FIG. 3. Consequently, the rear walls 2 of the areas I, II and III contact the rear walls 2 of the areas IV, V and VI and are arranged, in particular, congruently therewith. In addition, the openings 9 are arranged in the rear walls 2 symmetrically to the centre axis 7 such that it is possible to reach through two openings 9 that are respectively arranged congruently behind one another after the folding operation.
FIG. 4 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 2 with packages 10 and two fixing straps 11. The packages 10 consist, for example, of beverage cartons of composite material with a spout. One package 10 is arranged in each of the six areas I to VI of the blank 1. The packages 10 are respectively bordered and held in position by a rear wall 2, a bottom surface 3 and two lateral surfaces 4. In order to fix the packages 10, two transparent fixing straps 11 are wrapped or stretched around the blank 1 and the packages 10. In the exemplary blank 1 illustrated in FIG. 4, one fixing strap 11 is wrapped around the packages 10 of the areas I, II and III; another fixing strap 11 is wrapped around the packages 10 of the areas IV, V and VI. The fixing straps 11 are wrapped in such a way that they encompass the packages 10, as well as the blank 1.
FIG. 5 shows the blank 1 according to FIG. 3 with packages 10 and two fixing straps 11. The essential difference in comparison with the configuration illustrated in FIG. 4 can once again be seen in that the blank 1 has been folded by approximately 180° along the centre line 7 in FIG. 5. Consequently, the rear walls 2 of the areas I, II and III contact the rear walls 2 of the areas IV, V and VI and are arranged, in particular, congruently therewith. In addition, the openings 9 are arranged in the rear walls 2 symmetrically to the centre axis 7 such that it is possible to reach through 2 openings 9 that are respectively arranged congruently behind one another after the folding operation.
FIG. 6 shows several stacked blanks 1 in the completely folded state, i.e. in the form of external packagings. The stack comprises five blanks 1, the top four blanks 1 of which are filled with packages 10. The packages 10 are held in the blanks 1 with transparent fixing straps 11. The combination of external packaging, packages and fixing means is also referred to as a packaging system. The bottom blank 1, in contrast, is not filled with packages such that the rear walls 2, the bottom surfaces 3 and the lateral surfaces 4′, 4″ of the blank 1 are visible. The configuration illustrated in FIG. 6 elucidates the high carrying capacity of the blanks 1: even in the empty state, the bottom blank 1 can carry the mass of four blanks 1 that are completely filled with packages 10. The stability of such a stack is therefore also ensured if the packages 10 are initially removed from the bottom external packagings.
FIG. 7a shows a blank 12 for producing an external packaging according to the prior art in the flat state. The blank 12 comprises a centrally arranged bottom surface 13. The bottom surface 13 is connected to four lateral surfaces 14 that consist of two high lateral surfaces 14′ and two low lateral surfaces 14″. The high lateral surfaces 14″ are respectively connected to two connecting straps 15. The bottom surface 13, the lateral surfaces 14 and the connecting straps 15 are separated from one another by folding lines 16.
FIG. 7b shows an external packaging 12′ produced of the blank 12 according to FIG. 7 a. To this end, the four lateral surfaces 14 were initially folded upward by 90° along the folding lines 16. Subsequently, the connecting straps 15 were also folded by 90° along the folding lines 16 such that the connecting straps 15 form overlaps 17 with the low lateral surfaces 14″. In the region of the overlaps 17, the low lateral surfaces 14″ are connected to the connecting straps 15, particularly by means of adhesive connections. As an alternative to this sequence, it would also be possible to initially fold only the two high lateral surfaces 14′, then the connecting straps 15 and ultimately the two low lateral surfaces 14″ such that the low lateral surfaces 14″ lie outside in the region of the overlap 17.
The blank 12 illustrated in FIG. 7a and the external packaging 12′ illustrated in FIG. 7b are produced in accordance with FEFCO-ESBO Code 0460 (FEFCO=European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers; ESBO=European Solid Board Organization).

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

1: Blank
2: Rear wall
3: Bottom surface
4: Lateral surface
4′: Inner lateral surface
4″: Outer lateral surface
5: Folding line
6: Offset
7: Centre axis
8: Connecting strap
9: Opening
10: Package
11: Fixing strap
12: Blank
12′: External packaging
13: Bottom surface
14: Lateral surface
14′: High lateral surface
14″: Low lateral surface
15: Connecting strap
16: Folding line
17: Overlap

Claims

1. A blank for producing an external packaging, comprising:

at least four areas, each of which a rear wall, a bottom surface assigned to the rear wall and at least one inner lateral surface assigned to the rear wall,

wherein each rear wall has four sides,

wherein each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to the bottom surface assigned thereto along a folding line,

wherein each rear wall is on one of its sides connected to a rear wall of an adjacent area along a folding line arranged on a centre axis of the blank,

wherein each rear wall is on at least one of its sides connected to the inner lateral surface assigned thereto along a folding line,

wherein the at least one inner lateral surface of an area is connected to an inner lateral surface of an adjacent area along a folding line, and

wherein the inner lateral surfaces are spaced apart from the centre axis such that an offset is created between the inner lateral surfaces and the centre axis,

wherein

the inner lateral surfaces have a rectangular shape.

2. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the length of the offset amounts to at least 10 mm.

3. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the blank is realized in one piece.

4. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the blank is made of paper or cardboard.

5. The blank according to claim 1, wherein

the blank has a thickness in the range between 1 mm and 3 mm.

6. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

each area of the blank comprises two lateral surfaces that are assigned to the rear wall.

7. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the rear walls have a rectangular shape.

8. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the bottom surfaces have a rectangular shape.

9. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

each bottom surface is exclusively connected to one rear wall and/or one lateral surface.

10. (canceled)

11. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

the blank comprises in each of the areas two connecting straps that are connected to the lateral surfaces and/or to the bottom surfaces along folding lines.

12. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

each lateral surface comprises a connecting strap that is connected to the lateral surface along a folding line.

13. The blank according to claim 1,

wherein

at least two of the interconnected rear walls comprise an opening.

14. A method for producing an external packaging of a blank according to claim 1, wherein said method comprises the following steps:

a) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear walls and the lateral surfaces assigned to the rear walls,

b) folding the blank along the folding lines between the inner lateral surfaces of one area and the inner lateral surfaces of an adjacent area,

c) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear walls and the bottom surfaces assigned to the rear walls,

d) connecting the folded bottom surfaces to the folded lateral surfaces, and

e) folding the blank along the folding lines between the rear wall of one area and the rear wall of an adjacent area that are arranged on a centre axis.

15. The method according to claim 14,

wherein

the following step is carried out before step d):

f) folding the blank along the folding lines between the connecting straps and the lateral surfaces and/or between the connecting straps and the bottom surfaces.

16. The method according to claim 15,

wherein

the following step is carried out after step f):

g) gluing the connecting straps to the lateral surfaces and/or the bottom surfaces.

17. A packaging system, comprising:

an external packaging folded from a blank according to claim 1,

at least one package for each area of the blank and

means for fixing the packages on/in the external packaging.

18. The packaging system according to claim 17,

wherein

the means for fixing the packages is an adhesive.

19. The packaging system according to claim 17,

wherein

the means for fixing the packages is a fixing strap.

20. The blank according to claim 4, wherein the blank is made of corrugated board.

21. The blank according to claim 2, wherein the length of the offset lies in the range between 10 mm and 40 mm.