WO2007105964A1

WO2007105964A1 - Stackable container made from blank and having strong corners

Info

Publication number: WO2007105964A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000042
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gregory Thomas Blomfield
Original assignee: Tonnant Packaging Developments Limited
Priority date: 2006-03-10
Filing date: 2007-03-02
Publication date: 2007-09-20
Also published as: AR059801A1

Abstract

A stack indexable container formed from a blank of a flute cored paperboard ('corrugated paperboard') having at each corner transversely cut exposed flutes of two flaps, each from a panel of hinged (6, 30) wall panels (eg; 3, 5). There is stack weight bearing on such exposed flutes of at least three thicknesses at or adjacent each corner but not fully along a wall. Options can include triangulation or non-triangulation at such corners by one thickness of the corrugated paperboard.

Description

STACKABLE CONTAINER MADE FROM BLANK AND HAVING STRONG CORNERS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to containers formed from a corrugated board laminate.

BACKGROUND ART

The DEFOR™ brand of container erected from a blank of a flute containing laminate (corrugated board) has found success in the containment of a variety of goods. Typical of such container is that disclosed in US Patent No. 5860590. Modifications of such a container have since been disclosed in New Zealand Patent Specification Nos. 515006/520072, 531197 and 532077.

The full content of the aforementioned specifications is here included by -way of reference.

The present invention is directed to a variation of such containers and one having an option for a corner feature which nonetheless provides with a transversely exposed transverse flute (and preferably corresponding crushed areas of the base) a direct preparedness to assume a gravitational support of an on top stack or stacked container(s).

It is to providing alternatives that the present invention is directed. In one embodiment of the present invention and in large interior area available for containment of goods is provided. Irrespective of the embodiment however, preferably at least adjacent a corner there is provided a 2one of at least three thicknesses of the blank material each providing a transverse cut of the flute for such load assumption.

The present invention in some embodiments recognizes an ability, with a similar footprint of material to that required for a blank of the aforementioned kind, of providing a stack indexable container having a greater internal area by avoiding the truncations at the corner that otherwise define the tubular post feature of the aforementioned container constructions.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In an aspect the invention is a container formed from a blank of a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction, said container comprising or including: a rectangular or square base having two opposed pairs of sides, said base including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of a pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap (preferably beyond a fold-line extending normal or substantially normal to said fold-line of said first indexing wall flap with the base), and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, wherein said container, when erected, has each indexing wall flap sequence folded to define an upwardly directed (preferably slightly inwardly inclined) indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps of, each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there is or are defined, at least in part, by the indexing wall at least one projection, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein there is at least one hinging 2one at the transition resulting from the non cutting fully of the blank material along the transition (whether fully cut in some place or places, or not, and whether not cut at all in some place or places, nor not) such that there is defined at the top of each indexing wall both (i) at least one exposed flute end cut region for direct bearing under a like container in a stacking condition and

(ii) at least one hinging link. and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(I) in the indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and

(II) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material,

OR (ii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) a hollow triangular post, and (b) in the indexing wall adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall as part of the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material.

Preferably the non cutting fully of the blank material is a mixture of full cutting along certain parts of the transition to leave some linking or bridging regions uncut (irrespective of whether or not, to assist the hinging function, there is any cutting normally to the transition to better render flexible for hinging purposes the linking or bridging region).

Preferably said non cutting fully of the blank material means no cutting (or substantial cutting) at least adjacent (either one or both sides) of at least one projection. Hinging, by way of example, can be by means of a single liner not cut through.

In another aspect the invention is a container erected with use of adhesive from a one piece blank of corrugated paperboard, the paperboard being of a kind having a fluted core lined by a liner sheet on each side; wherein the container has at least a rectangular or square base with four peripheral walls, and wherein each of two opposed walls are of double thickness of the corrugated paperboard and each of such walls ("indexing walls") has one or more upwardly extending indexing feature(s) indexible to the bottom of a like container for stack indexing; and wherein each indexing feature is immediately or reasonably closely flanked on each flank in the indexing wall by a hinge yet upwardly directed cross cut flutes of each thickness of the double thickness of the corrugated board in the wall are in the wall further away from the indexing feature said each hinge immediately flanks, and such cross cut flutes are above or are no lower than the upper most liner sheet of the corrugated paperboard in the hinge, and wherein each thickness in the indexing walls has at each end of its wall panel an extension flap that either (i) directly or indirectly, but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on the indexing wall thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(II) in the indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and

(III) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material,

OR (H) directly or indirectly, but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on the indexing wall thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and (b) in the indexing wall adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall as part of the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material.

In yet another aspect the invention is a container formed from a blank, the blank itself having been cut (by any means) from a sheet of a laminate which includes at least one corrugated core layer which defines a flute run direction, said container comprising or including a rectangular or square base, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second indexing wall of each indexing wall flap sequence being connected to its associated first indexing wall flap by a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap at each end thereof beyond a fold line (or curvature commencement) extending substantially normal to said first and second fold lines, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other two sides of said base, wherein said container has said second indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence inwardly of its associated first indexing wall flap and one or both of the flap extensions at each end of that indexing wall flap sequence is directly affixed to a non indexing wall flap, and wherein, above a transition between each associated first and second indexing wall flap, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps, of an indexing wall flap sequence mere is defined at least one indexing projection stack indexable, or each stack indexable, by an identical container reliant on a cut, or cuts, of the blank which in the erected container provide an accessible (or accessible) from below opening(s) and/ or scallop (s) for that purpose, and wherein the or each indexing projection is flanked on at least one side in its indexing wall by a hinging transition which involves said second fold line between its first indexing wall flap and its second indexing wall flap, and wherein at least at about the level of, or above, such hinging transition, there is an upward exposure of cut core layer material, such cut(s) being transverse to the flute run direction, and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall - D — flap), but pteferably dkectly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (I) in the indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and

(II) in the non indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR

(ii) dkectly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and

(b) in the indexing wall, adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall as part of the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material. In still another aspect the invention is a container formed from a blank, the blank itself having been cut (by any means) from a sheet of a laminate which includes at least one corrugated core layer which defines a flute run direction, said container comprising or including a rectangular or square base, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second indexing wall of each indexing flap sequence being connected to its associated first indexing wall flap at least by a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap at each end thereof (preferably beyond a fold line (or curvature commencement) extending substantially normal to said first and second fold lines), and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other two sides of said base. wherein said container has said second indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence inwardly of its associated first indexing wall flap and one or both of the flap extensions at each, end of that indexing wall flap sequence is directly affixed to a non indexing wall flap, and wherein, above a transition between each associated first and second indexing wall flap, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps, of an indexing wall flap sequence there is defined an indexing projection stack indexable, or a plurality of indexing projections each stack indexable, by an identical container reliant on a cut out, or cut outs, of the blank which, or each of which, in the erected container provides an accessible (or accessible) from below indexing opening or scallop, and wherein die or each indexing projection is flanked (immediately or reasonably closely) on at least one side in its indexing wall

(A) by a hinging transition which involves said second fold line between its said first indexing wall flap and its second indexing wall flap, and

(B) further from the indexing projection and beyond said hinging transition, an upwardly exposed cut core layer material cut transverse to the flute run direction, said cut of said core layer material being at or above the level of said hinging transition. and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (I) in the indexing wall, adjacent the corner three thicknesses of the blank material, and (II) in the non indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR

(ii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) a hollow triangular post, and (b) in the indexing wall, adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material. Preferably there is more than one indexing wall projection per indexing wall. Preferably cut core layer material cut edges are defined between each projection and in part at or towards a triangulated corner.

Preferably said cut edges are also defined in part for each corner by one or two indexing wall flap extensions.

Preferably each second indexing wall flap sits on a pre-crushed region of the base. Optionally a scallop is interposed between each said hinging transition and a said cut edge pair.

In another aspect the invention is a container of a kind having one or more indexing projections each skirted in its wall ("indexing wall") by a hinge region and skirted there beyond in its indexing wall by exposed cross cut flutes at least to the level of the hinge region(s), and wherein each indexing wall has two wall panels with each panel having an extension flap

(i) and wherein each extension flap directly or indirectly), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on a said wall panel thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(II) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR

(H) directly or indirectly, but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on a said wall panel thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and

(b) in the indexing wall, adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

In another aspect the invention is a container formed from a blank of a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction, said container comprising or including: a rectangular or square base having a first opposed pair of sides and a second opposed pair of sides, said base (at least in part) including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of the sides of said first pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected by a hinging transition to the first indexing wall flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap (preferably beyond a fold-line extending normal or substantially normal to said fold-line of said first indexing wall flap with the base), and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, wherein, each indexing wall flap sequence has been folded to define a substantially upwardly directed indexing wall, and wherein each indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence has, as the connection providing hinging transition between the two indexing wall flaps of the indexing wall flap sequence, at least one hinging transition above the level of which there is at least one indexing projection provided, or each provided, by some of the blank material that projects from one wall flap of that sequence, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings (at least in part) of the base of another erected like container in or when in a stacking relationship therewithal, and wherein die blank, by a cut between each indexing wall flaps of said indexing wall flap sequence and transverse to the flute run direction, preferably has provided a cut edge or edges of each indexing wall flap of said indexing wall flap sequence that is at, or is (are) above, the level of the or each hinging transition of that indexing wall, and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(I) in the indexing wall, adjacent the corner three thicknesses of the blank material, and (II) in the non indexing wall, adjacent the cornet, thtee thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR (ii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing "wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) a hollow triangular post, and

(b) in the indexing wall, adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

Optionally each of the extensions from each indexing wall flap of an indexing wall flap sequence is each disposed one on either side of the adjacent non indexing wall flap (i.e. sandwiches the same).

Optionally both extension flaps of each indexing wall flap sequence are fixed one to the other internally of the associated non indexing wall flap with one only of the extensions directly being adhesively affixed to the non indexing wall flap. Preferably there are a plurality of projections on each indexing wall structure.

Optionally the indexing projection or projections is on the longer or short pair of sides of a rectangular base.

Preferably there is a single indexing projection on each the shorter pair of walls or two on each of the longer pair of sides. In yet another aspect the invention is a container formed from a blank, said container comprising: a rectangular base having opposed longer sides and opposed shorter sides, a flap sequence of two indexing wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said rectangular base, a first indexing wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap beyond a fold-line extending substantially normal to said fold-line of said first indexing wall flap with the base, and a non-indexing wall flap extending from each of the other two opposed sides of said base, said base including a plurality of openings, and said container, when erected, each indexing wall flap sequence having been folded to define an upwardly directed, (preferably inwardly inclined) indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there are defined a plurality of projections, each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein, each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, b. in the indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and c. in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR

(ϋ) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to die truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and (b) in the indexing wall adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

Preferably said non indexing wall flaps extend substantially vertically from the base. Preferably said blank is a laminate including a flute providing medium having a flute direction such that the flutes extend substantially vertically in said indexing walls.

Preferably a handle opening is provided through each of the two indexing wall flaps of a flap sequence of each indexing wall.

Preferably each non indexing wall is provided with a recess extending from an upper extremity thereof to facilitate air flow therethrough. Preferably the inwardly inclined indexing walls include a top to top separation distance between the indexing walls of 8 mm less than a separation distance between the fold lines of said first indexing wall flap of the flap sequences from said base.

Preferably an angle of about 2° is provided when a spacing between the fold lines from the base of said indexing wall flap sequences is 396 mm.

In another aspect the invention is a container hand erectable from a blank, or a container hand erected from blank, said container, wherein the blank is a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction and definining, a rectangular or square base having two opposed pairs of sides, said base including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of a pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, wherein said container, when erected, has each indexing wall flap sequence folded to define an upwardly directed indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps of, each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there is or are defined, at least in part, by the indexing wall at least one projection, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein there is at least one hinging zone at the transition resulting from the non cutting fully of the blank material along the transition (whether fully cut in some place or places, or not, and whether not cut at all in some place or places, or not) such that there is defined at the top of each indexing wall both

(i) at least one exposed flute end cut region for direct bearing under a like container in a stacking condition, and

(ii) at least one hinging link, and wherein, topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, each extension flap of each of said first and second indexing wall flaps directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap) locates contiguously to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the extension flap of the second indexing wall flap returning on itself without truncation of its corner and wherein a fold over flap of each non indexing wall flap, or part(s) connecting thereto, lock the flap extensions in place, and wherein

(I) in the indexing wall adjacent the cornet, there are two thicknesses of the blank material, and (II) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, there are three thicknesses of the blank material in addition the a thickness of the non indexing wall flap and fold over flap thereof.

In still a further aspect the invention consists in a blank of a container of any of the aforementioned aspects of the present invention. In yet a further aspect the present invention consists in a container substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

In yet a further aspect the invention consists in a blank which, irrespective of any additional contouring or openings thereof, is otherwise a blank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of being erected or which has been erected, to provide a container of a kind substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both. As used herein the term "(s)" following a noun includes, as might be appropriate, the singular or plural forms of that noun.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which

Figure 1 is a blank of a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a preferred erected form of the blank of Figure 1,

Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the corner feature and the hinging of the preferred form of indexing projection adjacent to a corner and preferably flanked on either side by a hinging transition between wall flaps of a wall flap sequence,

Figure 4 is a blank of a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 is a corresponding view to that of Figure 2 but this time in respect of the preferred erected form of the blank of Figure 4,

Figure 6 shows the corner of the container of Figure 5 and shows in an enlarged form the corner truncation that provides a hollow triangular corner post and which has adjacent thereto three thicknesses of exposed flute adjacent the corner in the indexing wall, Figure 7 shows a single indexing projection indexing wall ended container, Figure 8 shows containers of Figure 7 stack indexed,

Figure 9 shows a side wall indexing variant able to be hand erected reliant on the non- indexing wall flap keying into the flap extensions,

Figute 10 shows hand erect containers of Figure 9 in a stack indexing condition, Figure 11A shows a triangulated corner where the three thicknesses are in the indexing wall adjacent the hollow column,

Figure UB shows a triangulated corner wherein the three thicknesses in the indexing wall are part of the hollow column,

Figure UC shows the non triangulated corner with the three thicknesses in the indexing wall and horizontal flute in amongst the three thicknesses in the non indexing wall, and

Figure 11D shows a less than full height fold over flap from the non indexing wall flap locked over a returned on itself double thickness of the extension of the secondary indexing wall flap.

Whilst in the preferred forms of the present invention containers are disclosed where there are multiple indexing projections in each of two opposed pairs of walls or the indexing projection(s) is(are) in a larger wall of a rectangular based variant, please appreciate that corresponding arrangements where there is a single or multiple indexing projection at a side or end wall are within the scope of the present invention.

In the first embodiment of the present invention, (i.e. that of Figures 1 through 3), a postless container is erected.

This container has a rectangular base 4 with two opposed flap sequences, 1 and 2 which each has a first wall flap 3 and a second wall flap 5 hingedly connected by uncut hinge regions 6 which are to flank each projection forming region 7.

Each of the flaps 3 has an end extension 30 at each end and each of the wall panels 5 has an extension 8 at each end.

The non indexing wall flaps are shown as 9.

The base 4 is shown having indexing projections 10 which preferably are set in from die hinge line between the base and each wall flap 3 but not necessarily so, i.e. they could extend into the wall flap 3 thereby to provide a scallop feature. Instead they could be simply a scallop feature. The preferred form however, in order to provide a more rigorous index, is the arrangement as shown.

Whilst different forms of projection are possible for indexing into an opening 10, preferably there is a fold over feature 11 and adhesive reattachment as is known in the art thereby to present a non flute exposing upper limit to the projection in the assembly container. Alternatively a bridge or pop up projection can be used. In each case a partial cut through e.g. to the lower liner (but not through the lower liner) can be used to expose some flute in the projection. Figure 3 shows details of a corner of the present invention where an indexing projection is flanked on each side by a hinging zone 6 and then extends to exposed flute (12 and 13) and (14 and 15) of the wall flaps 3 and 5 respectively.

As shown in Figure 3 exposed flute of the extension 30 is shown adhesively affixed to an end wall flap 9.

Part of the extension 8, i.e. region 16 is directly adhesively attached to the end wall flap 9 prior to its returning to the corner without truncation. The region 17 of the end flap 8 adhesively attaches back on to region 16 whilst region 18 is adhesively affixed directly to the flap 5 and its region 14.

In such an arrangement there is an adhesively fixed sandwiching by regions 30 and 16 of the end wall flap 9. In less preferred forms of the present invention the part 30 can be adhesively affixed internally of the wall flap 9 and the region 16 be directly adhesively attached to region 30. As it is however, each side of the corner has at, and preferably above, the level of the hinge, exposed flute of the blank material adapted directly to take weight in a stack indexed condition. Likewise the regions 13 and 15 shown and corresponding regions elsewhere.

In an further embodiment of the invention there is also present exposed flute of the blank material at least one or both sides of at least one or more of the projections 11. Preferably the exposed flute of the blank material is present one at least one or both sides of each of the projections 11. More preferably the exposed flute of the blank material is present on both sides of each of the projections 11.

Preferably the blank is pre-crushed as shown in the shaded regions of Figure 1. A preferred form of blank is a POWER PLY™ corrugated board paper lined on each side and having one or several paper webs providing a single flute providing medium with a flute run direction as shown in Figure 1 (either by the lift up of part of the liner of the laminate or the double arrow).

The embodiment of Figures 4 through 6 are very similar in blank form to that of Figure 1 and the detail description in respect of the makeup of the blank is repeated. Here however the erection process is different but again different options exist.

As can be seen there is a truncation at a corner in this embodiment. Extensions 20 and 21 attach in a different manner although in the preferred form the part 20 of a first indexing wall flap is adhesively affixed to the end wall flap 22 (e.g. as in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 3). Here however, the region 23 of a second wall flap extends into regions 24, 25 and 26 of the wall flap extension 21 and such are fixed as shown in Figure 6, i.e. region 24 adhesively to the wall flap 22, region 25 as a corner truncation and region 26 adhesively back onto region 23 of the second wall flap.

Again it will be seen that the cuts of the panel 27 and the region 23 co-act with the region 26 to provide three thicknesses of material at or adjacent the posted corner whilst in the non- indexing wall there are two thicknesses of material at or adjacent the corner vi%. 20 and 24. In addition there is the triangulation providing racking strength resulting from the hollow column or post 19 as well as extra exposed flute for stacking support.

As with the previous embodiment, preferably the hinging feature adjacent each indexing projection is no higher than the exposed flute region at and in the corner as shown in Figure 6. As well, preferably, the exposed flute of regions 28 and 29 of the first wall flap and second wall flap respectively are at or above the hinge height.

Persons skilled in the art will appreciate the variations possible yet still within the scope of the present invention to enable pre-crushed regions directly to bear weight on exposed flute whilst being indexed. The provision of the hiαges adjacent each projection provides fold accuracy during erection yet leaves exposed flute to bear weight directly, i.e. there is less settling after stacking than with containers not directly bearing weight of a base or wall with upwardly exposed transversely cut flute of a corrugated board.

Whilst preferably a paper lined and paper including corrugated board is described, variations of such a material are still within the scope of the present invention including those that may include appropriate plastic, metal foil or metallised plastic liners etc.

It is believed that the present invention provides an alternative to hitherto disclosed forms of container with a stack indexing capability.

Figure 7 and 8 show a different variant but still with corner features as previously disclosed in respect of Figures 2 and 3 and as depicted in Figure 11C. In this arrangement of Figures 7 and 8 the slightly inclined end walls are the indexing walls with a single indexing projection 28. The three thickness of flute exposed material of the blank can be seen at 29.

Whilst it is preferred that the hinges 30 flank immediately the projection or (if in the longer wall) each of the projections, such flanking need not be immediate, i.e. there can be some small set out by exposed flutes 31 as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The closer the hinging is to the projections, the better can be the fold accuracy.

Figures 9 and 10 show a hand erect form where a non-indexing wall flap 32 carries a fold over flap 33 to lock, with its relieved gusset panels 34, into the recessed areas 35. Such locking holds the extension regions 36 and 37 firmly against the extensions 38. There is with such a hand erect form therefore, in the non-indexing end walls, three thicknesses but not necessarily into the indexing walls themselves.

Figures HA through HD show some of the various variants for corner forms, the lugs in each case for indexing being depicted by the reference numeral 39. Figure 1 IA shows a triangulated form with attachment back to provide three thicknesses at or near the indexing lug and away from the triangulated hollow post structure. Figure HB shows the extension returning back inside the hollow column structure thereby to provide the three thicknesses.

Figure HC shows a variant as depicted in Figures 2, 3 7 and 8. Such a form provides maximum space interiorly of the container and provides surprising compressibility outcomes.

In less preferred variants the corners of Figures HA to HC can have extension flap 40 affixed inwardly of non indexing wall flap 41 i.e. there is no sandwiching of the non indexing wall flap 41 by extension flaps or part thereof.

Figure HD shows a hand erect form with a fold over flap 42 of partial (preferably very little) depth such that its bridge 43 from the non indexing wall flap locks the returned on itself extension 44A of extension flap 44 of the secondary indexing wall flap 45. Some pregluing of the blank can be allowed yet still allow hand erection.

A container of the form of Figure HC hereof when formed from a corrugated paperboard material was compared to a like corrugated paperboard container substantially as disclosed in PCT/NZ02/00217 (WO 03/033369).

Each was of equivalent size.

The would be savings in corrugated board material for the container of the present invention with such Figure IIC corner features over the DEFOR™ mark 1 type as depicted in Carter Holt Harvey Limited's US930769 as of the order of 5 to 6 % yet the dry compressibility performance was greater by about 30% in a three high stack.

Containers of the present invention provide exceptional in stack performance notwithstanding the economy of paperboard required.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A container formed from a blank of a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction, said container comprising or including: a rectangular or square base having two opposed pairs of sides, said base including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of a pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, wherein said container, when erected, has each indexing wall flap sequence folded to define an upwardly directed indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps of, each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there is or are defined, at least in part, by the indexing wall at least one projection, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein there is at least one hinging zone at the transition resulting from the non cutting fully of the blank material along the transition (whether fully cut in some place or places, or not, and whether not cut at all in some place or places, nor not) such that there is defined at the top of each indexing wall both

(ii) at least one hinging link, and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either

(iii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap) attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(iv) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and

(b) in the indexing wall adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

2. A container of claim 1 wherein each flap sequence extension is beyond a fold-line extending normal or substantially normal to said fold-line of said first indexing wall flap with the base.

3. A container of claim 1 or 2 wherein each upwardly directed indexing 'wall is inwardly inclined.

4. A container of any one of the preceding claims wherein (iϋ) is present.

5. A container of any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein (iv) is present.

6. A container of claim 5 wherein, in respect of (iv)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

7. A container of claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein, in respect of (iϋ) or (iv) there is direct attachment to the proximate non indexing wall.

8. A container of any one of the preceding claims wherein the non cutting fully of the blank material is a mixture of full cutting along certain parts of the transition to leave some linking or bridging regions uncut (irrespective of whether or not, to assist the hinging function, there is any cutting normally to the transition to better render flexible for hinging purposes the linking or bridging region).

9. A container of any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein said non cutting fully of the blank material is at least adjacent (either one or both sides) of at least one projection.

10. A container erected with use of adhesive from a one piece blank of corrugated paperboard, the paperboard being of a kind having a fluted core lined by a liner sheet on each side; wherein the container has at least a rectangular or square base with four peripheral walls, and wherein each of two opposed walls are of double thickness of the corrugated paperboard and each of such walls ("indexing walls") has one or more upwardly extending indexing feature(s) indexible to the bottom of a like container for stack indexing; and wherein each indexing feature is immediately or reasonably closely flanked on each flank in the indexing wall by a hinge yet upwardly directed cross cut flutes of each thickness of the double thickness of the corrugated board in the wall are in the wall further away from the indexing feature said each hinge immediately flanks, and such cross cut flutes are above or are no lower than the upper most liner sheet of the corrugated paperboard in the hinge, and wherein each thickness in the indexing walls has at each end of its wall panel an extension flap that either

(i) directly or indirectly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on the indexing wall thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(ii) directly or indirectly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on the indexing wall thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(c) a hollow triangular post, and

(d) in the indexing wall adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

11. A container of claim 10 wherein (i) is present.

12. A container of claim 10 wherein (ii) is present.

13. A container of claim 12 wherein, in respect of (ϋ)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

14. A container of claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein there is direct attachment to the proximate non indexing wall.

15. A container formed from a blank, the blank itself having been cut (by any means) from a sheet of a laminate which includes at least one corrugated core layer which defines a flute run direction, said container comprising or including a rectangular or square base, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second indexing wall of each indexing wall flap sequence being connected to its associated first indexing wall flap by a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap at each end thereof beyond a fold line or curvature commencement extending substantially normal to said first and second fold lines, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other two sides of said base, wherein said container has said second indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence inwardly of its associated first indexing wall flap and one or both of the flap extensions at each end of that indexing wall flap sequence is directly affixed to a non indexing wall flap, and wherein, above a transition between each associated first and second indexing -wall flap, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps, of an indexing wall flap sequence there is defined at least one indexing projection stack indexable, or each stack indexable, by an identical container reliant on a cut, or cuts, of the blank which in the erected container provide an accessible (or accessible) from below opening(s) and/ or scallop(s) for that purpose, and whetein the or each indexing projection is flanked on at least one side in its indexing wall by a hinging transition which involves said second fold line between its first indexing wall flap and its second indexing wall flap, and wherein at least at about the level of, or above, such hinging transition, there is an upward exposure of cut core layer material, such cut(s) being transverse to the flute run direction, and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either

(i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap) attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(I) in the indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and

(II) in the non indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material,

OR 91 _

(ii) directly or inditectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) a hollow triangular post, and

(b) in the indexing wall, adjacent die triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

16. A container of claim 15 wherein (i) is present.

17. A container of claim 15 wherein (ii) is present.

18. A container of claim 17 wherein, in respect of (ϋ)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

19. A container of claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein there is direct attachment to the proximate non indexing wall.

20. A container formed from a blank, the blank itself having been cut (by any means) from a sheet of a laminate which includes at least one corrugated core layer which defines a flute run direction, said container comprising or including a rectangular or square base, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of two opposed sides of said base, the first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base at a first fold line, the second indexing wall of each indexing flap sequence being connected to its associated first indexing wall flap at least by a second fold line parallel to its said first fold line, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap at each end thereof optionally beyond a fold line or curvature commencement extending substantially normal to said first and second fold lines, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other two sides of said base, wherein said container has said second indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence inwardly of its associated first indexing wall flap and one or both of the flap extensions at each end of that indexing wall flap sequence is directly affixed to a non indexing wall flap, and wherein, above a transition between each associated first and second indexing wall flap, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps, of an indexing wall flap sequence there is defined an indexing projection stack indexable, or a plurality of indexing projections each stack indexable, by an identical container reliant on a cut out, or cut outs, of the blank which, or each of which, in the erected container provides an accessible from below indexing opening or scallop, and wherein the or each indexing projection is flanked (immediately or reasonably closely) on at least one side in its indexing wall (A) by a hinging transition which involves said second fold line between its said first indexing wall flap and its second indexing wall flap, and

(B) further from the indexing projection and beyond said hinging transition, an upwardly exposed cut core layer material cut transverse to the flute run direction, said cut of said core layer material being at or above the level of said hinging transition. and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either

(i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/ or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

OR (ϋ) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and

21. A container of claim 20 wherein (i) is present.

22. A container of claim 20 wherein (ii) is present.

23. A container of (ii)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

24. A container of any one of claims 20 to 23 wherein there is more than one indexing wall projection per indexing wall.

25. A container of any one of claims 20 to 24 wherein cut core layer material cut edges are defined between each projection and in part at or towards a triangulated corner.

26. A container of any one of claims 20 to 25 wherein said cut edges are also defined in part for each corner by one or two indexing wall flap extensions.

27. A container of any one of claims 20 to 26 wherein each second indexing wall flap sits on a pre-crushed region of the base.

28. A container of any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein a scallop is interposed between each said hinging transition and a said cut edge pair.

29. A container of a kind having one or more indexing projections each skirted in its wall

("indexing wall") by a hinge region and skirted there beyond in its indexing wall by exposed cross cut flutes at least to the level of the hinge region(s), and whet ein each indexing wall has two wall panels with each panel having an extension flap (i) and wherein each extension flap directly or indirectly), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on a said wall panel thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

OR (H) directly or indirectly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on a said wall panel thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(a) a hollow triangular post, and (b) in the indexing wall, adjacent the triangular post, three thicknesses of the blank material, or, in the indexing wall, as part of the hollow triangular post, three thicknesses of blank material.

30. A container of claim 24 wherein (i) is present.

31. A container of claim 24 wherein (ii) is present.

32. A container of claim 31 wherein, in respect of (H) (b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

33. A container formed from a blank of a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction, said container comprising or including: a rectangular or square base having a first opposed pair of sides and a second opposed pair of sides, said base (at least in part) including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of the sides of said first pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected by a hinging transition to the first indexing wall flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap beyond a fold-line extending normal or substantially normal to said fold-Line of said first indexing wall flap with the base, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, wherein, each indexing wall flap sequence has been folded to define a substantially upwardly directed indexing wall, and wherein each indexing wall flap of each indexing wall flap sequence has, as the connection providing hinging transition between the two indexing wall flaps of the indexing wall flap sequence, at least one hinging transition above the level of which there is at least one indexing projection provided, or each provided, by some of the blank material that projects from one wall flap of that sequence, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings (at least in part) of the base of another erected like container in or when in a stacking relationship therewithin, and wherein the blank, by a cut between each indexing wall flaps of said indexing wall flap sequence and transverse to the flute run direction, preferably has provided a cut edge or edges of each indexing wall flap of said indexing wall flap sequence that is at, or is (are) above, the level of the or each hinging transition of that indexing wall, and wherein each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

(I) in the indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and (II) in the non indexing wall, adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR (ii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) a hollow triangular post, and

34. A container of claim 33 wherein (i) is present.

35. A container of claim 33 wherein (ii) is present.

36. A container of claim 35 wherein, in respect of (ϋ)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

37. A container of any one of claims 33 to 36 where each of the extensions from each indexing wall flap of an indexing wall flap sequence is each disposed one on either side of the adjacent non indexing wall flap (i.e. sandwiches the same).

38. A container of any one of claims 33 to 36 wherein both extension flaps of each indexing wall flap sequence are fixed one to the other internally of the associated non indexing wall flap with one only of the extensions directly being adhesively affixed to the non indexing wall flap.

39. A container of any one of claims 33 to 38 wherein there are a plurality of projections on each indexing wall structure.

40. A container of claims 39 wherein the projections are on the longer pair of sides of a rectangular base.

41. A container of any one of claims 33 to 38 wherein there is a single indexing projection on each of the shorter pair of walls of a rectangular base.

42. A container formed from a blank, said container comprising: a rectangular base having opposed longer sides and opposed shorter sides, a flap sequence of two indexing wall flaps extending from each of two opposed sides of said rectangular base, a first indexing wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap beyond a fold-line extending substantially normal to said fold-line of said first indexing wall flap with the base, and a non-indexing wall flap extending from each of the other two opposed sides of said base, said base including a plurality of openings, and said container, when erected, each indexing wall flap sequence having been folded to define an upwardly directed, inwardly inclined indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there are defined a plurality of projections, each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein, each extension flap of each second indexing wall flap either (i) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), but preferably directly, attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to returning on itself without truncation of its corner to then be attached on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material, (a) in the indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material, and (b) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, three thicknesses of the blank material in addition to a thickness of the blank not topped by transversely cut flute material, OR

(ii) directly or indirectly (e.g. via the extension flap of its proximate first indexing wall flap), attaches to the proximate non indexing wall flap prior to the truncating its own corner to then be attached back on its own second indexing wall flap thereby defining at and/or adjacent its own corner, each topped by exposed transversely cut flute material,

43. A container of claim 42 wherein each indexing wall is inwardly inclined.

44. A container of claim 42 or 43 wherein (i) is present.

45. A container of claim 42 or 43 wherein (ϋ) is present.

46. A container of claim 45 wherein, in respect of (ϋ)(b), the three thicknesses is adjacent the triangular post.

47. A container of any one of claims 42 to 46 wherein said non indexing wall flaps extend substantially vertically from the base.

48. A container of any one of claims 42 to 47 wherein said blank is a laminate including a flute providing medium having a flute direction such that the flutes extend substantially vertically in said indexing walls.

49. A container of any one of claims 42 to 48 wherein a handle opening is provided through each of the two indexing wall flaps of a flap sequence of each indexing wall.

50. A container of any one of claims 42 to 49 wherein each non indexing wall is provided with a recess extending from an upper extremity thereof to facilitate air flow therethrough.

51 A container of any one of claims 42 to 50 wherein the inwardly inclined indexing walls include a top to top separation distance between the indexing walls of 8 mm less than a separation distance between the fold lines of said first indexing wall flap of the flap sequences from said base.

52. A container of any one of claims 42 to 51 wherein an angle of about 2° is provided when a spacing between the fold lines from the base of said indexing wall flap sequences is about 396mm.

53. A container hand erectable from a blank, or a container hand erected from blank, said container, wherein the blank is a laminate having a corrugated flute run direction and definining, a rectangular or square base having two opposed pairs of sides, said base including a plurality of openings, a flap sequence ("indexing wall flap sequence") of two wall flaps ("indexing wall flaps") extending from each of a pair of sides of said base, a first indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the base by a fold line, and the second indexing wall flap of each indexing flap sequence being connected to the first flap, and each indexing wall flap of each flap sequence having an extension flap, and a wall flap ("non-indexing wall flap") extending from each of the other sides of said base, whetein said container, when erected, has each indexing wall flap sequence folded to define an upwardly directed indexing wall, and, in the erected form, above a transition between, or above each or at least one of the two wall flaps of, each sequence of the first indexing wall flaps and second indexing wall flaps there is or are defined, at least in part, by the indexing wall at least one projection, the or each projection being indexable by one of said plurality of openings of the base of another erected container in a stacking configuration, and wherein there is at least one hinging zone at the transition resulting from the non cutting fully of the blank material along the transition (whether fully cut in some place or places, or not, and whether not cut at all in some place or places, or not) such that there is defined at the top of each indexing wall both (i) at least one exposed flute end cut region for direct bearing under a like container in a stacking condition, and

(III) in the indexing wall adjacent the corner, there are two thicknesses of the blank material, and

(IV) in the non indexing wall adjacent the corner, there are three thicknesses of the blank material in addition the a thickness of the non indexing wall flap and fold over flap thereof.

54. A blank of a container of any one of the preceding claims.

55. A container substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

56. A blank which, irrespective of any additional contouring or openings thereof, is otherwise a blank substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of being erected or which has been erected, to provide a container of a kind substantially as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.