WO2009131503A1

WO2009131503A1 - Combined transport and display container and a blank for forming the container

Info

Publication number: WO2009131503A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/050470
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fredrik Jacobsson; Filip Klepacki
Original assignee: Sca Packaging Marketing Nv
Priority date: 2008-04-24
Filing date: 2008-04-24
Publication date: 2009-10-29

Abstract

A container for the storage, transport, display and dispensing of products, in which at least the side walls of the container comprise bellows, being arranged so as to allow front and rear panels of the container to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L; such that the distance L1 between the front and rear panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1. A cover, blank and tray for said container is also described.

Description

COMBINED TRANSPORT AND DISPLAY CONTAINER AND A BLANK FOR FORMING THE CONTAINER

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a container for storage, transport, display and dispensing of products It further relates to a blank for forming said container,

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Retailers have always attempted to balance good presentation of a sufficient quantity of products against space restrictions and the risk of taking up space with unsold goods To this end, containers called "Stock Keeping Units" (SKUs) have been developed which contain and display products at the retail premises

In addition, it is desirable to combine the storage, transport and display properties of a container or package, such that a single container can fulfil the requirements of each part of the supply chain For example, containers for storage and transport must be robust enough to tolerate the handling processes thereof, while containers for display must present the products in an attractive manner, at the same time as allowing easy access to the product

Many advantages are obtained if a single container can be used for storage, transport and display For example, products do not have to be unloaded individually onto shelves in a store, and the product can be presented and displayed in accordance with the manufacturer's wishes Using the same container for storage, transport and display can also lead to savings in materials, as one container can be used throughout the supply chain

It is often desirable to display products in retail outlets at an angle, so that the product leans slightly backwards The front of the product is thus presented clearly to the consumer, which is especially relevant for products on low-lying shelves Products which are angled backwards show a reduced chance of falling forwards on the shelf, obscuring the front thereof, and even risking falling off the shelf In addition, products displayed at an angle are often able to slide forwards in their container, so that the front of the container is always filled with product Typically, if angled presentation of retail products is desired, a special insert is required in the container The insert is corrugated such that products lean backwards and are held in place However, such inserts require extra material and manufacturing steps, and do not allow products to slide forwards to the front of the container

US 5377837 concerns a bag for diapers, one end of which is expandable The bag allows compressible articles to be tightly packaged, but still to be removable from the bag when opened

EP 0 763 473 shows a small bellows between a tray and lid, which lets the lid sink down upon the tray for transport of the carton

One problem with the containers of the prior art is that containers which are well suited for storage and transport (ι e which can be efficiently and stably stacked) are not necessarily best suited for display of products and vice-versa Storage and transport of products in an angled form usually leads to wasted space in the container, or rhomboid containers which do not stack well

There remains a need for containers which are capable of addressing the above- mentioned problems, in particular in providing effective product containment during transport and storage, yet effective display in the retail outlet

Other advantages of the invention will become evident from the following description text

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a container for the storage, transport, display and dispensing of products, said container comprising a opposing rigid front and rear panels which - in a first configuration A - are separated by a distance L1 in the longitudinal direction L, b opposing first and second side walls extending between said front and rear panels and separated by a distance T1 in the transverse direction T, c a bottom wall defined by said front panel, rear panel and side walls, characterised in that said first side wall comprises at least one rigid first side panel and a first bellows and said second side wall comprises at least one rigid second side panel and a second bellows, said first and second bellows being arranged so as to allow the front and rear panels to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that the distance L1 between the front and rear panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1 in a second configuration B

The bottom wall may comprise at least one rigid bottom panel which is joined to the rigid first side panel, the second side panel and, optionally, the rigid front panel

The bottom wall of the container may comprise a flap which is joined via a hinge to that edge of said rigid bottom panel which lies closest to the rear panel, said rigid bottom panel having an extension in the longitudinal direction which is substantially equal to distance L1 , wherein said flap is folded upwards against said rear panel in the first configuration A, but is angled against said rear panel or lies in the plane of the bottom wall in the second configuration B

The bottom wall may also comprise at least one rigid bottom panel and at least one third bellows For example, the bottom wall may comprise two rigid bottom panels, one of which is joined to the front panel and the other of which is joined to the rear panel, said rigid bottom panels being joined to one another via third bellows arranged in said bottom wall

Each side wall may comprise one rigid side panel, each of which is joined to the front panel Alternatively, each side wall comprises two rigid side panels, two of which are joined to the front panel and the other two of which are joined to the rear panel, wherein the rigid side panels in each side wall are joined to one another via first and second bellows arranged in said side walls, respectively

The first and second bellows are suitably located in respective first and second side walls at the same distance from the rear panel in the longitudinal direction L More suitably, the first and second bellows are located in respective side walls, adjacent the rear panel of the container Typically, the front panel is substantially parallel to the rear panel, both when separated by the distance L1 and when separated by the distance L1 + ΔL1 The relative movement between front and rear panels usually takes place substantially exclusively in the longitudinal direction L

Preferably, the front panel, rear panel and bottom wall of the container are independently rectangular or square

The container may comprised a cover adapted such that - when said cover is placed over said container - the front and rear panels of the container are held at a distance L1 in the first configuration A, and - when said cover is removed from said container - the front and rear panels of the container are free to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that the distance L1 between the front and rear panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1 in the second configuration B

The cover suitably comprises a a front panel and a rear panel, b first and second side panels extending between and joined to said front and rear panels, and, c optionally, a top panel extending between and joined to said front and rear panels and said side panels, such that - when said cover is placed over said container - the front and rear panels of the container are held at distance L1 through contact with the inside surfaces of the front and rear panels of the cover, respectively

The present invention provides a blank for forming the container described herein

The container may also further comprise a tray, said tray being located inside the container and comprising at least a bottom wall arranged to overlie the bottom wall of said container DEFINITIONS

A "wall" of the container is defined as a surface of the container in question, e g bottom or side wall The wall is limited by the maximal dimensions of container In that the container of the invention is expandable, the term "wall" is used to define the surface in both configurations A and B A "panel" is defined as a portion of a wall which is unitary, rigid and usually regular in shape A wall may thus comprise one or more panels, which may be joined together via one or more hinges or bellows

A component (such as a panel) which is "rigid" is not highly flexible, and maintains its structure under at least its own weight (ι e it is self-supporting) Rigid panels are relatively stiff, and are therefore able to protect the contents of a container, without support for said panels being provided by the contents of the container or other components of the container

The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are used in their usual sense - a component which is aligned with the horizontal plane lies substantially parallel to the ground, and a component which is aligned with the vertical plane lies substantially at right angles to the ground

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will now be more closely-described by way of example only with reference to the embodiments below and the enclosed Figures, in which

Figures 1A and 1 B show a container according to the invention,

Figure 1C shows the blank used to form the container of Figures 1A and B,

Figure 2A and 2B show an alternative embodiment of the container according to the invention,

Figure 2C shows the blank used to form the container of Figures 2A and B,

Figure 3A, 3B and 3C show an alternative embodiment of the container according to the invention,

Figure 3D shows the blank used to form the container of Figures 3A, 3B and 3C, Figure 4A and 4B show a tray which can be used in the container according to the invention,

Figure 5A, 5B and 5C show the container according to Figure 1 , filled with products DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1A and 1 B show a first embodiment of the container 100 of the invention Figure 1A shows the container 100 in a form best suited for efficient storage and transport, while Figure 1 B shows the container 100 in a form best suited for display and dispensing of products

The container 100 of the invention may be used to store, transport and display a wide range of products The products may be individually wrapped or packaged in small numbers The container may be used for snack products, such as e g potato chips, nuts or processed snacks or for confectionery, such as e g chocolate or candy bars and packaged candy The container may also be used for general food products, such as e g cooking ingredients or dried food products, or even for personal hygiene products such as e g toiletries (e g toothpaste, soap bars), sanitary articles (e g tampons, sanitary napkins and diapers) or paper tissue products (e g facial tissues) Ideally, the products to be stored within the container 100 have a planar form and are stacked vertically, with their primary wall aligned with front panel 102 in the first configuration A Preferably the products to be stored within the container are themselves not expandable, and have substantially the same thickness regardless of which configuration the container is in

The container 100 of the invention can be made of any material, even combinations of materials, and is formed of rigid material Suitable materials are metals, plastics (e g polyethylene, polypropylene or polystyrene), board (such as corrugated cardboard) or paper, or mixtures or laminates thereof (e g plastic-coated paper or cardboard) The preferred material is board, such as corrugated cardboard If made of board or paper, the container 100 can be disassembled when empty and flattened out, thus saving space

The container 100 extends in both the longitudinal L and transverse T directions In a first configuration A, opposing rigid front 101 and rear panels 102 of the container are separated by a distance L1 in the longitudinal direction L, as shown The longitudinal direction L is defined as the direction perpendicular to front 101 and rear 102 panels of the container 100 Opposing first 103 and second 104 side walls extend between said front 101 and rear 102 panels and are separated by a distance T1 in the transverse direction T, as shown The transverse direction T is defined as the direction perpendicular to first 103 and second 104 side walls of the container 100 The container 100 also extends in the height direction H, being perpendicular to both the T and L directions, as shown in Figure 1A and 1 B

The front 101 panel is that wall of the container 100 which is designed to face outwards when the container 100 is placed on a shelf It may comprise a logo, design or text which is indicative of or complementary to the product to be contained within the container 100

As shown in the embodiments in the Figures, the first side wall 103 comprises at least one rigid first side panel 103' and a first bellows 110 Similarly, the second rigid side wall 104 comprises at least one rigid second side panel 104' and a second bellows 1 11 As described above, a panel is defined by a portion of the wall which is rigid and unitary For instance, each side wall 103, 104 may comprise one rigid side panel 103', 104', each of which is joined to the front panel 101 as shown in Figures 1 A and 1 B

The container 100 also comprises a bottom wall 105 defined by the front panel 101 , the rear panel 102 and first and second side walls 103, 104 For instance, as shown in Figure 1 , the bottom wall 105 may comprise at least one rigid bottom panel 105' which is joined to the rigid first side panel 103' the rigid second side panel 104' and - optionally - the rigid front panel 101 In that the bottom panel 105' is joined to the front panel 101 , rearward angling of the products in the container is promoted, as their lower edges (which rest upon the bottom panel 105') will effectively be pulled "forward" relative to the rear panel 102 The bottom panel 105' should not be directly joined to both the front 101 and rear 102 panels, otherwise the relative movement of these panels will be prevented

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, each side wall 103, 104 comprises two rigid side panels 103', 103", 104', 104" Two of said side panels 103', 104' are joined to the front panel 101 and the other two side panels 103", 104" are joined to the rear panel 102 The rigid side panels 103', 103" and 104', 104" in each side wall 103, 104 are joined to one another via first 1 10 and second 1 1 1 bellows arranged in said side walls 103, 104, respectively, as shown in Figure 2

A bellows is a section of the container 100 which is expandable It may comprise two or more portions of container wall which are hinged to one another and to the container 100, as shown in Figures 1 and 2 The bellows 1 10, 11 1 may be a separate material from the material of the container 100 and may be manufactured separately and joined to the container during its construction However, it is preferred that the bellows 1 10, 111 are unitary with the container 100, and comprise a portion of the container material which is weakened in some way to allow it to fold To promote folding of the bellows, the bellows may be of a smaller cross-section than the remainder of the wall comprising said bellows, as shown in Figure 2 The bellows may be held closed in the first configuration A by e g glue or welding

The first and second bellows 1 10, 11 1 are suitably located in respective first and second side walls 103, 104, at the same distance from the rear panel 102 in the longitudinal direction L This simplifies manufacture and allows the container 100 to be expanded evenly and symmetrically The first 110 and second 1 11 bellows may be located in respective side walls 103, 104, adjacent the rear panel 102 of the container 100, as shown in Figure 1 The bottom wall 105 and side walls 103, 104 can therefore be joined to one another along a major portion of the container 100, and a stable container is obtained

In the embodiment of Figure 1 , the bottom panel 105' is not joined to the rear panel 102, which allows the rear panel 102 to move as described below However the bottom wall 105 may comprise a flap 115 which is joined via a hinge to that edge of said rigid bottom panel 105' which lies closest to the rear panel 102 When the rigid bottom panel 105' has an extension in the longitudinal direction which is substantially equal to distance L1 , said flap 1 15 is folded upwards against said rear panel 102 in the first configuration A, but is angled against said rear 102 panel or lies in the plane of the bottom wall 105 in the second configuration B This flap 1 15 helps support products at an angle, but can also assist in maintaining the bellows 1 10, 11 1 in their expanded state in the second configuration B As an alternative to the flap 115 shown in Figure 1 , the rigid bottom panel 105' may be connected to the rear panel 102 via a third bellows 1 12 This is illustrated in the embodiment of Figure 2

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the bottom wall 105 comprises a third bellows 112 and two rigid bottom panels 105', 105" One of the bottom panels 105' is joined to the front panel 101 and the other of the bottom panels 105" is joined to the rear panel 102 The rigid bottom panels 105', 105" are joined to one another via third bellows 112 arranged in said bottom wall 105 In this embodiment, a continuous connection is made between the rear 102 and front 101 panels via the rigid bottom panels 105', 105" and the third bellows 112 in the bottom wall 105 The bottom wall 105 thus expands in conjunction with the first and second side walls 103, 104 from the first configuration A to the second configuration B

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, in which the bottom wall 105 comprises a third bellows 1 12, the first and second bellows 1 10, 1 11 may be located at any point along the side walls 103, 104 and the third bellows 112 may be located at any point along the bottom wall 105 However, it is preferred that all three bellows 1 10, 1 11 , 1 12 are located at the same distance from the rear panel 102 in the longitudinal direction L in each wall, and even more preferred that all three bellows 110, 111 , 112 are located adjacent the rear panel 102 in each wall

During transport and storage, the container adopts the configuration shown in Figure 1A, in which the bellows 1 10, 111 are folded against one or more of the side walls 103, 104, front panel 101 or rear panel 102 In this configuration, the products are held substantially upright in the container, as shown in Figure 5B During display and dispensing of the products, the bellows 110, 1 1 1 are expanded, so that the container adopts the configuration shown in Figure 5C in which the distance L1 between the front 101 and rear 102 panels is increased by a distance ΔL1 In this configuration, the products lean backwards, where they will be supported by the upper edge of the rear panel 102 In other words, the bellows 110, 111 allow the front 101 and rear 102 panels to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that the distance L1 between the front 101 and rear 102 panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1

Suitably, the front panel 101 is substantially parallel to the rear 102 panel, both when separated by the distance L1 and when separated by the distance L1 + ΔL1 (ι e both prior to the container being expanded, and after expansion) The front 101 and rear 102 panels are preferably aligned at right angles to the bottom wall 105, both before and after expansion of the container 100

During expansion, the relative movement between the front 101 and the rear 102 panels of the container 100 may take place substantially exclusively in the longitudinal direction L That is, there is no relative movement of the front 101 and rear panels 102 in the transverse or vertical directions during expansion of the container 100 The front 101 and rear 102 panels, side walls 103, 104 and bottom wall 105 may independently have a trapezoid form (with one pair of parallel edges), a parallelogram form (with opposing pairs of parallel edges), a rectangular form or a square form One or more edges of the walls may have an irregular form, e g it may be curved outwards, 5 inwards, or may comprise recesses Preferably, the bottom wall 105 is rectangular or square

Typically, the container 100 suitably has a total extension in the longitudinal direction of between 10 and 60cm, a total extension in the transverse direction of between 3 and 10 30cm, and a total height H of between 3 and 20cm in the first configuration A In the second configuration, B, the total extension of the container 100 in the longitudinal direction lies between 5 and 40cm, such that the distance ΔL1 lies between 2 and 10cm

The container does not comprise a top panel, i e the upper edges of the front 101 and 15 rear 102 panels and side 103, 104 walls define an opening which extends across the entire upper surface of the container 100 The maximum space is therefore available for products to be placed vertically in the container 100, and for them to be able to lean backwards upon display

20 The container 100 according to the invention may comprise a cover 200 The cover 200 is adapted such that - when said cover 200 is placed over said container 100 - the front 101 and rear panels 102 of the container 100 are separated by a distance L1 , and - when said cover 200 is removed from said container 100 - the front and rear panels 102 of the container 100 are free to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such 5 that the distance L1 between the front 101 and rear 102 panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1 In a simple embodiment, the cover 200 may comprise a wrapper 210 The wrapped 210 may be made of paper, nonwoven material, plastic film or metal film, or combinations of these material The wrapper 210 is wrapped tightly around the container 100 and is secured in place, e g by gluing or thermal or ultrasonic welding of portions of 0 the wrapper 210 to each other or to the container 100

Cover 200 may be formed of a rigid material, such as those materials used for forming the container 100 The cover 200 may therefore comprise a front panel 201 and a rear panel

202, first 203 and second 204 side panels extending between and joined to said front and 5 rear panels 201 , 202 In a first embodiment, the cover 200 thus forms a sleeve which fits over the container 100 and which comprises front panel 201 , rear panel 202 and first 203 and second 204 side panels

Optionally, in a second embodiment, the cover 200 may comprise a top panel 205 5 extending between and joined to said front and rear panels 201 , 202 and said side panels 203, 204 In this case, the cover 200 encloses the container on all sides apart from the bottom wall 105 thereof (shown in Figure 5A)

In both of the above embodiments - when said cover 200 is placed over said container

10 100 - the front 101 and rear panels 102 of the container 100 are held at distance L1 through contact with the inside surfaces of the front 201 and rear 202 panels of the cover 200, respectively That is, the cover 200 has inner dimensions which correspond to the outer dimensions of the container 100, and fits closely over the container 100 For maximum protection of the products within the container, and minimal waste of space, the

15 height of the cover 200 in the H direction is substantially the same as the height of the container 100 in the H direction A cover 200 formed of rigid material can be used to protect fragile products better than the wrapper 210, and - in combination with the container 100 - provides a stable unit which can be readily stacked during transport and storage This is shown in Figure 5A

20

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the cover 200 is formed integrally with the container 100 In other words, the front panel 201 of the cover 200 is a continuation of the front panel 101 of the container 100, the rear panel 202 of the cover 200 is a continuation of the rear panel 102 of the container 100 and side panels 203, 204 of the cover 200 are

25 continuations of the side walls 103, 104 of the container 100 in the vertical (height) direction The cover 200 is attached to the container 100 via perforations, so that it can easily be removed therefrom The bellows 1 10, 1 1 1 in the side walls 103, 104 of the container 100 continue through the side panels 203, 204 of the cover 200 The top panel 205 of the cover 200 should not be connected to one of the front panel 201 or rear panel

30 202 of the cover 200 Figure 3A shows the container 100 with integral cover 200 held in the first configuration A by the front panel 201 and rear panel 202 of the cover 200 being joined to the upper edge of front 101 and rear 102 panels of the container 100 Removal of the cover 200 along the perforation lines provides the container in the first configuration A (Figure 3B) which can be expanded to the second configuration B (Figure 3C) The

35 blank used for forming the embodiment of Figure 3A, 3B and 3C is shown in Figure 3D The material of the cover 200 may be the same as that of the container 100 In particular, in the third embodiment, the cover 200 and container 100 may be formed from the same blank, as shown in Figure 3D Different regions, panels or walls of the cover 200 may be 5 formed from different materials

The present invention also relates to a blank 400 for forming the container 100 according to the above-described embodiments A blank 400 suitable for forming the container 100 of Figures 1A and 1 B is shown in Figure 1C Adjacent panels can be folded along the join

10 line (shown by dashed lines in the Figure 1 C) The blank comprises a bottom panel 405 extending in the longitudinal L and transverse T directions Two rigid side panels 403', 404' are joined to opposite longitudinal edges of the bottom panel 405 A front panel 401 is joined to one transverse edge of the bottom panel 405 Each side panel 403', 404' is joined to a bellows 410, 41 1 at each transverse edge thereof which is located furthest

15 from the front panel 401 Each bellows 410, 411 comprises two sections of container wall which are joined and are capable of being folded via a Z-fold (shown as region Z) when constructing the container 100, allowing the rear panel 402 to lie against the side panels 403', 404' A rear panel 402 is joined to the end of one bellows 41 1 which lies furthest from the front panel 401 Construction flaps 420 suitable for connecting the front panel

20 401 to the side panels 403', 404' and the rear panel 402 to the bellows 410 are placed at suitable locations on the blank 400 (in this case, at the end of the other bellows 410 which lies furthest from the front panel 401 , and at the edges of the side panels 403', 404' which lie adjacent the front panel 401 ) The bottom panel 405 is not joined to the rear panel 402 Instead, the bottom panel 405 is joined at the edge located furthest from the front

25 panel 401 in the longitudinal direction to a flap 415, which forms flap 1 15 in the container 100 when constructed

A blank 400 suitable for forming the container 100 of Figures 2A and 2B is shown in Figure 2C Adjacent panels can be folded along the join line (shown by dashed lines in

30 the Figure 2C) The blank comprises two bottom panels 405', 405" extending in the longitudinal L and transverse T directions One of said bottom panels is joined to a front panel 401 and the other is joined to a rear panel 402 The bottom panels are joined to one another via bellows 412 Each bottom panel 405', 405" is joined to a first 403', 403" and a second 404', 404" side panel Respective first 403', 403" and a second 404', 404"

35 side panels are joined to each other via bellows 410, 41 1 , as shown Each bellows 410, 41 1 , 412 comprises two sections of container wall which are joined and are capable of being folded via a Z-fold (shown as region Z) when constructing the container 100 Construction flaps 420 suitable for connecting the front panel 401 to the first side panels 403', 404' and the rear panel 402 to the second side panels 403", 404" are placed at suitable locations on the blank 400

The blank 400 used for forming the container 100 of Figure 3A, 3B and 3C is shown in Figure 3D Adjacent panels can be folded along the join line (shown by dashed lines in the Figure 3D) The blank comprises two bottom panels 405', 405" extending in the longitudinal L and transverse T directions The bottom panels are joined to one another via bellows 412 Two first side panels 403', 403" are joined to one longitudinal edge of each bottom panel 403', 403", and joined to each other by bellows 410, as shown Each of said first side panels 403', 403" is connected via perforations (shown by dash-dot lines) to the first side panel 203 of the cover 200 This first side panel 203 of the cover 200 is in turn joined to the top panel 205 of the cover 200 The second side panel 204 of the cover 200 is joined to the other longitudinal edge of the top panel 205, as shown, and connected by perforations to the second side panel 404', 404" Bellows 411 join the second side panels 404', 404" A front panel 401 and a rear panel 402, and front panel 201 of the cover 200 are suitably arranged as shown in Figure 3D Construction flaps 420 are placed at suitable locations on the blank 400

It is within the knowledge of the skilled person to vary the blanks 400 such that containers 100 within the scope of the invention can be constructed Simple variations in the above- described embodiments, such as changing the location or connectivity of panels or construction flaps to alternative positions which still allow a container 100 to be constructed are considered within the scope of the present invention The container 100 is typically constructed by means of adhesive located on construction flaps 420 - the location and type of said adhesive being suitable for assembling the container 100

The container 100 according to the invention may comprise a tray 300, which is located inside the container and which overlies at least the bottom wall 105 thereof (see Figure 4) The tray 400 is separate from the container 100 and preferably removable therefrom The tray 400 may be fastened in the container 100 via tabs which lock into recesses or holes in the container 100, or by adhesive located between the tray 400 and the container 100 Products inside the container 100 stand on the tray 300 The tray 300 may comprise the same material as the container 100, or may be different The tray 300 is preferably rigid The tray 300 helps to reduce the effect on the products of expanding the container 100, and may assist the products being angled backwards The tray 300 comprises at least a bottom wall 305 arranged to overlie the bottom wall 105 of the container The bottom wall 5 305 of the tray 300 may comprise a flap 315 which is joined via a hinge to that edge of said rigid bottom panel 305' which lies closest to the rear panel 102 of the container 100 such that - when the rigid bottom panel 305' of the tray has an extension in the longitudinal direction which is substantially equal to distance L1 - said flap 315 is folded upwards against said the rear panel 102 of the container in the first configuration A0 (Figure 4A), but is angled against said rear 102 panel of the container 100, or lies flat against the bottom wall 105 in the second configuration B (Figure 4B) This is particularly useful in the embodiment in which the bottom wall 105 of the container comprises a bellows 1 12 Interference between the products and the bellows 112 of the bottom wall 105 of the container 100 can be substantially reduced by the tray 300 5

To form a more complete unit, the tray 300 may also comprise first and second side walls 303, 304 and front 301 and rear 302 panels, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B Each first and second side walls 303, 304 of the tray 300 may comprise at least one bellows 310, 31 1 , as per the side walls 103, 104 of the container 100 This allows expansion of the0 tray 300 in the longitudinal direction L The bottom wall 305 of the tray may also comprise at least one bellows 312, allowing it to expand in a similar way to the container 100 illustrated in Figure 2

A blank 400 suitable for constructing one embodiment of the tray 300 is illustrated in5 Figure 4C Adjacent panels can be folded along the join line (shown by dashed lines in

Figure 4C) The blank comprises a bottom panel 405' extending in the longitudinal L and transverse T directions Said bottom panel 405' is joined to a front panel 401 and a rear panel 402, as shown The bottom panel 405' is also joined to a first 403' and a second

404' side panel Construction flaps 420 suitable for connecting the front panel 401 to the0 side panels 403', 404' are placed at suitable locations on the blank 400

An alternative blank 400 suitable for constructing another embodiment of the tray 300 is illustrated in Figure 4D Adjacent panels can be folded along the join line (shown by dashed lines in Figure 4D) The blank comprises two bottom panels 405', 405" extending5 in the longitudinal L and transverse T directions One of said bottom panels is joined to a front panel 401 and the other is joined to a rear panel 402, as shown. The bottom panels are joined to one another via bellows 412. Each bottom panel 405', 405" is joined to a first 403', 403" and a second 404', 404" side panel. Respective first 403', 403" and a second 404', 404" side panels are joined to each other via bellows 410, 411 , as shown. Each bellows 410, 411 , 412 comprises two sections of container wall which are joined and are capable of being folded via a Z-fold when constructing the container 100. Construction flaps 420 suitable for connecting the front panel 401 to the first side panels 403', 404' and the rear panel 402 to the second side panels 403", 404" are placed at suitable locations on the blank 400.

Figure 4E and 4F show the function of the tray 300 in the container 100 illustrated in Figure 2. Figure 4E shows the container 100 in its first configuration (A), with the bellows 110, 111 , 1 12 closed. The bottom wall 305 of the tray 300 overlies the bottom wall 105 of the container 100, while the flap 315 of the tray 300 is maintained upright by the rear wall 102 of the container 100. In the second, expanded, configuration (B), shown in Figure 4F, the bellows 1 10, 1 1 1 , 112 are expanded and the rear wall 102 of the container 100 moves backwards. The flap 315 of the tray 300 is of a suitable length that it moves backwards and downwards, so that the total length of the tray bottom wall 305 and the tray flap 315 is substantially equal to the expanded length (L1 + ΔL1 ) of the container 100.

Figure 4G and 4H show the function of the tray 300 in the container 100 illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 4G shows the container 100 in its first configuration (A), with the bellows 110, 1 11 closed. The bottom wall 305 of the tray 300 overlies the bottom wall 105 of the container 100, while the flap 315 of the tray 300 is maintained upright by the rear wall 102 of the container 100. In the second, expanded, configuration (B), shown in Figure 4H, the bellows 1 10, 111 are expanded and the rear wall 102 of the container 100 moves backwards. The flap 315 of the tray 300 is of a suitable length that it moves backwards and downwards, so that the total length of the tray bottom wall 305 and the tray flap 315 is substantially equal to the expanded length (L1 + ΔL1 ) of the container 100. The flap 315 need not lie completely flat (i.e. parallel with the bottom wall 105 of the container 100) in the second expanded configuration (B), but may instead be angled, and if desired, lean against the rear panel 102 of the container 100.

Although the invention has been described with reference to a number of embodiments and Figures, it should not be understood as being limited thereby. Features from embodiments may be combined at will - for example, the various covers and trays disclosed above may be used in combination with any of the embodied containers. The scope of the invention is determined by the enclosed claims.

Claims

1 A container (100) for the storage, transport, display and dispensing of products, said container (100) comprising a opposing rigid front (101 ) and rear panels (102) which - in a first configuration A - are separated by a distance L1 in the longitudinal direction L, b opposing first (103) and second (104) side walls extending between said front (101) and rear (102) panels and separated by a distance T1 in the transverse direction T, c a bottom wall (105) defined by said front panel (101 ), rear panel (102) and side (103, 104) walls, characterised in that said first side wall (103) comprises at least one rigid first side panel (103') and a first bellows (110) and said second side wall (104) comprises at least one rigid second side panel (104') and a second bellows (11 1 ), said first and second bellows (110, 111) being arranged so as to allow the front (101) and rear (102) panels to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that the distance L1 between the front (101 ) and rear (102) panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1 in a second configuration B

2 A container (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the bottom wall (105) comprises at least one rigid bottom panel (105') which is joined to the rigid first side panel (103'), the second side panel (104') and, optionally, the rigid front panel (101 )

3 A container (100) according to claim 2, wherein the bottom wall (105) comprises a flap (115) which is joined via a hinge to that edge of said rigid bottom panel (105') which lies closest to the rear panel (102), said rigid bottom panel (105') having an extension in the longitudinal direction which is substantially equal to distance L1 , wherein said flap (1 15) is folded upwards against said rear panel (102) in the first configuration A, but is angled against said rear panel (102) or lies in the plane of the bottom wall (105) in the second configuration B 4 A container (100) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the bottom wall (105) comprises at least one rigid bottom panel (105') and at least one third bellows (112)

5 A container (100) according to claim 4, wherein the bottom wall (105) comprises two rigid bottom panels (105', 105"), one of which is joined to the front panel (101 ) and the other of which is joined to the rear panel (102), said rigid bottom panels (105', 105") being joined to one another via third bellows (1 12) arranged in said bottom wall (105)

6 A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each side wall (103, 104) comprises one rigid side panel (103', 104'), each of which is joined to the front panel (101)

7 A container (100) according to any of claims 1-5, wherein each side wall (103, 104) comprises two rigid side panels (103', 103", 104', 104"), two of which are joined to the front panel (101) and the other two of which are joined to the rear panel (102), wherein the rigid side panels (103', 103" and 104', 104") in each side wall (103, 104) are joined to one another via first (1 10) and second (1 11) bellows arranged in said side walls (103, 104), respectively

8 A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first and second bellows (110, 111 ) are located in respective first and second side walls (103, 104) at the same distance from the rear panel (102) in the longitudinal direction L

9 A container (100) according to claim 8, wherein the first (1 10) and second (11 1 ) bellows are located in respective side walls (103, 104), adjacent the rear panel (102) of the container

10 A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel (101 ) is substantially parallel to the rear (102) panel, both when separated by the distance L1 and when separated by the distance L1 + ΔL1 A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the relative movement between front (101) and rear (102) panels takes place substantially exclusively in the longitudinal direction L

A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the front panel (101), rear panel (102) and bottom (105) wall of the container (100) are independently rectangular or square

A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, said container (100) comprising a cover (200) adapted such that - when said cover (200) is placed over said container (100) - the front (101 ) and rear panels (102) of the container (100) are held at a distance L1 in the first configuration A, and - when said cover (200) is removed from said container (100) - the front and rear panels (102) of the container (100) are free to move relative to one another in the longitudinal direction L, such that the distance L1 between the front (101) and rear (102) panels can be increased by a distance ΔL1 in the second configuration B

A container (100) according to claim 13, wherein said cover (200) comprises a a front panel (201) and a rear panel (202), b first (203) and second (204) side panels extending between and joined to said front and rear panels (201 , 202), and, c optionally, a top panel (205) extending between and joined to said front and rear panels (201 , 202) and said side panels (203, 204), such that - when said cover (200) is placed over said container (100) - the front (101) and rear panels (102) of the container (100) are held at distance L1 through contact with the inside surfaces of the front (201 ) and rear (202) panels of the cover (200), respectively

A blank (400) for forming the container (100) according to any of the preceding claims

A container (100) according to any of the preceding claims, said container (100) further comprising a tray (400), said tray (400) being located inside the container (100) and comprising at least a bottom wall (305) arranged to overlie the bottom wall (105) of said container (100)