WO2017012634A1

WO2017012634A1 - Packaging box, blank, method for forming a packaging box, and method for packaging a product

Info

Publication number: WO2017012634A1
Application number: PCT/EP2015/066416
Authority: WO
Inventors: Magnus VISTRÖM; Rickard HÄGGLUND
Original assignee: Sca Forest Products Ab
Priority date: 2015-07-17
Filing date: 2015-07-17
Publication date: 2017-01-26
Also published as: EP3325360A1; JP2018521920A

Abstract

There is provided a packaging box. The packaging box is formed from a contiguous packaging blank (100). The packaging box has an openable end and a closed end. The packaging box has an inner compartment. The inner compartment defines a first space for accommodating a product. The packaging box has an outer cover. The outer cover defines a second space for accommodating the inner compartment. The packaging box has a connecting member (101). The connecting member connects the inner compartment with the outer cover. The inner compartment is disposed within the second space. The inner compartment is configured to slide between a closed first state and an open second state. In the closed first state the inner compartment is substantially contained within the outer cover. In the open second state the inner compartment partially extends past the outer cover on the openable end. The connecting member is arranged to prevent the inner compartment from being fully removed from the outer cover.

Description

PACKAGING BOX, BLANK, METHOD FOR FORMING A PACKAGING BOX,

AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a packaging box, and particularly to a packaging box which is formed from a contiguous packaging blank and provides a visually attractive and convenient opening sequence. The present disclosure also relates to a contiguous packaging blank for forming the packaging box, a method of forming the blank into the packaging box, a method of packaging a product in the packaging box.

Background

Conventional packaging boxes which are slidable between a closed state and an open state are typically formed from two separate blanks. Such packaging boxes require additional steps in the manufacturing process and require the cutting of two different blanks. Such extra steps result in increased costs. Such conventional packaging boxes may result in a substantial gap on the closed side when in the open position which can be visually unattractive.

Accordingly, there is need for an improved packaging box which is slidable from a closed state to an open state, is formed from a single blank, is convenient to open and is visually attractive. There is also a need for improved blanks from which the box can be formed, together with improved methods for assembling the blanks into boxes, and methods of packaging a product in the packaging box. Summary of the Disclosure

According to a first aspect there is provided a packaging box. The packaging box is formed from a contiguous packaging blank. The packaging box has an openable end and a closed end. The packaging box has an inner compartment. The inner compartment defines a first space for accommodating a product. The packaging box has an outer cover. The outer cover defines a second space for accommodating the inner compartment . The packaging box has a connecting member. The connecting member connects the inner compartment with the outer cover. The inner compartment is disposed within the second space. The inner compartment is configured to slide between a closed first state and an open second state. In the closed first state the inner compartment is substantially contained within the outer cover. In the open second state the inner compartment partially extends past the outer cover on the openable end. The connecting member is arranged to prevent the inner compartment from being fully removed from the outer cover.

In one embodiment, the inner compartment comprises a first end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank. The inner compartment comprises a first top panel of the contiguous packaging blank and a first bottom panel of the contiguous packaging blank arranged on opposite sides of the first end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the first end portion. The inner compartment comprises a first top panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank and a first bottom panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank each being connected by a respective fold line to the first top panel and the first bottom panel respectively. The first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are engaged with each other. In one embodiment, the inner compartment has open ends on the openable end and the closed end of the packaging box. In one embodiment, the connecting member does not abut the edge of the first top panel on the openable end, and thereby defines an opening. In one embodiment, the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel on the openable end are not aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, the edge of the first top panel on the openable end is concave shaped and the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end is convex shaped.

In one embodiment, the concave and convex shapes are semi-circles .

In one embodiment, the connecting member abuts the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end and does not abut the edge of the first top panel on the openable end, and thereby defines an opening.

In one embodiment, the connecting member has a length from the connections between the inner compartment and the connecting member and the outer cover and the connecting member equal to the sum of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel, and the length of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel on the closed end. In one embodiment, the outer cover comprises a second end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank. The outer cover comprises a second top panel of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel of the contiguous packaging blank arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the second end portion. The outer cover comprises a second top panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank each being connected by a respective fold line to the second top panel and the second bottom panel respectively. The second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are engaged with each other .

In one embodiment, the outer cover comprises a second end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank. The outer cover comprises a second top panel of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel of the contiguous packaging blank arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the second end portion. The outer cover comprises a second top panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank each being connected by a respective fold line to the second top panel and the second bottom panel respectively. The second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are engaged with each other. The edges of the second top panel and the first bottom panel on the openable end are aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, the first bottom panel, the second top panel, and the second bottom panel are the same shape. In one embodiment, the outer cover has open ends on the openable end and the closed end of the packaging box.

In one embodiment, the connecting member is formed as a centre portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank adjacent to the first end portion and adjacent to the second end portion.

In one embodiment, the connecting member connects to the first end portion on the openable side and connects to the second end portion on the closed side. In one embodiment, the packaging box has a front end and a rear end. The connecting member connects to the inner compartment on the rear end and connects to the outer cover on the rear end.

In one embodiment, the connecting member passes between the inner compartment on the front end and the outer cover on the front end. In one embodiment, the connecting member is configured to bend on the closed end.

In one embodiment, the centre portion is resiliently bendable. In one embodiment, the length of the connecting member from the connections between the inner compartment and the connecting member and the outer cover and the connecting member is at least equal to the sum of the length of the inner compartment from the closed end to the openable end and twice the width of the inner compartment in a direction perpendicular to a line joining the closed end and the openable end.

According to a second aspect there is provided a contiguous packaging blank for forming a packaging box. The contiguous packaging blank comprises a panel having a first end portion, a centre portion and a second end portion arranged in order with respect to a first direction. The contiguous packaging blank comprises a first top panel and a first bottom panel arranged on opposite sides of the first end portion. Each is connected by a respective fold line to the first end portion. The first top panel and the first bottom panel each extend away from the respective fold line with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The contiguous packaging blank comprises a first top panel tab and a first bottom panel tab. Each is connected by a respective fold line to the first top panel and the first bottom panel respectively. The first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab each extend away from the respective fold line with respect to the second direction. The contiguous packaging blank comprises a second top panel and a second bottom panel arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion. Each is connected by a respective fold line to the second end portion. The second top panel and the second bottom panel each extend away from the respective fold line with respect to the second direction. The contiguous packaging blank comprises a second top panel tab and a second bottom panel tab. Each is connected by a respective fold line to the second top panel and the second bottom panel respectively. The second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab each extend away from the respective fold line along the second direction. The length of the panel in the first direction is greater than the sum of the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction, and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel.

In one embodiment, the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to the sum of twice the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction, and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel.

In one embodiment, the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel is the same length as the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, and the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to the sum of three times the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, and twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction. In one embodiment, the length of the panel in the first direction is less than or equal to the sum of the length of a perimeter around the first bottom panel and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion.

In one embodiment, the sum of the widths of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab in the second direction is at least equal to the width of the panel in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the sum of the widths of the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab in the second direction is at least equal to the width of the panel in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the length of the first top panel tab, and the length of the first bottom panel tab in the first direction are the same.

In one embodiment, the length of the second top panel tab, and the length of the second bottom panel tab in the first direction are the same . In one embodiment, the first bottom panel, the second top panel, and the second bottom panel are the same shape.

In one embodiment, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel, the length of the fold line between the second bottom panel and the second end portion, and the length of the fold line between the second bottom panel tab and the second bottom panel are the same.

In one embodiment, the panel has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to the first direction. The first half corresponds to the half of the panel having the first end portion, the second half corresponding to the half of the panel having the second end portion. The second half does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the panel does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction. In one embodiment, the panel has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to a first direction. The first half corresponds to the half of the panel having the first end portion, the second half corresponding to the half of the panel having the second end portion. The first half has one or more fold lines extending in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel that face the centre portion are not aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel that face away from the centre portion are aligned with one another. In one embodiment, the edges of the second top panel and the second bottom panel that face away from the centre portion are aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, the edges of the second top panel and the second bottom panel that face the centre portion are aligned with one another.

In one embodiment, the edge of the first bottom panel that faces the centre portion is concave shaped and the edge of the first top panel that faces the centre portion is convex shaped . In one embodiment, the concave and convex shapes are semicircles .

In one embodiment, the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to be engageable with each other. The second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are shaped to be engageable with each other .

In one embodiment, the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to mate with one another.

In one embodiment, the panel is elongate in the first direction.

In one embodiment, the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to twice the width of the panel in the second direction. In one embodiment, the length of the panel in the first direction is three times the width of the panel in the second direction.

In one embodiment, the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel are elongate in the first direction.

In one embodiment, the lengths of the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel in the first direction are greater than or equal to twice the widths of the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel in the second direction, respectively. In one embodiment, the length of the centre portion in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel that faces the centre portion, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel, and the length of the edge of the first bottom panel that faces away from the centre portion. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a packaging box from the contiguous packaging blank according to the second aspect, the method comprises forming an inner compartment. The inner compartment is formed by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab. The method comprises winding the centre portion and the second end portion. The centre portion and the second end portion are wound around the inner compartment. The centre portion and the second end portion are wound such that the second end portion lies against the first end portion. The method comprises forming an outer cover. The outer cover encloses the inner compartment. The outer cover is formed by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab. In one implementation, forming the inner compartment further comprises folding along the fold line between the first top panel and the first end portion and along the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion. Folding along the fold line between the first top panel tab and the first top panel and along the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel.

In one implementation, forming the outer cover further comprises folding along the fold line between the second top panel and the second end portion and along the fold line between the second bottom panel and the second end portion. Forming the outer cover further comprises folding along the fold line between the second top panel tab and the second top panel and along the fold line between the second bottom panel tab and the second bottom panel. In one implementation, the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to mate with one another. Engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab comprises bringing the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab into mating contact with each other.

In one implementation, the centre portion has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to a first direction. The first half corresponds to the half of the centre portion adjacent to first end portion, the second half corresponds to the half of the centre portion adjacent to the second end portion. The second half does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction. Winding the centre portion around the inner compartment does not comprise folding the second half along a fold line extending in the second direction. According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of packaging a product in a packaging box formed from the contiguous packaging blank of the second aspect . The method comprises placing the product on the first bottom panel or the first top panel. The method comprises forming the inner compartment by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab such that the product is disposed at least partially within the inner compartment. The method comprises winding the centre portion and the second end portion around the inner compartment such that the second end portion lies against the first end portion. The method comprises forming the outer cover enclosing the inner compartment by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab.

In one implementation, the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the step of forming the inner compartment. In one implementation, the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the steps of forming the inner compartment and winding the centre portion.

In one implementation, the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the steps of forming the inner compartment, winding the centre portion, and forming an outer cover.

According to a fifth aspect there is provided a method of packaging a product in a packaging box formed from the contiguous packaging blank of the second aspect. The method comprises forming the inner compartment by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab. The method comprises disposing the product at least partially within the inner compartment . The method comprises winding the centre portion and the second end portion around the inner compartment such that the second end portion lies against the first end portion. The method comprises forming the outer cover enclosing the inner compartment by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab.

In one implementation, the winding occurs in two stages and disposing the product at least partially within the inner compartment occurs between the two stages. In this implementation, the first stage may comprise winding the centre portion around the inner compartment on the openable end side.

Brief Description of the Drawings

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGS. 1 to 11 show an implementation of a method of assembling a packaging box being an embodiment of the present invention from a contiguous packaging blank being an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a partially opened packaging box being an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG . 13 shows a fully opened packaging box being an embodiment of the present invention.

Description

FIG. 1 shows a packaging blank 100 being an embodiment of the present invention suitable for folding into packaging box 200 also being an embodiment of the present invention. Packaging box 200 is shown in FIG. 11, while FIGS . 2 to 10 show intermediate stages in the process of assembling packaging blank 100 into packaging box 200.

The packaging blank 100 has a generally planar form, and is formed of a single, continuous sheet of packaging. For example, the packaging material could be a flexible plastic or a cardboard material, such as the smoothly bendable board as described and/or claimed in WO 2013/012362 Al, the entire contents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

The packaging blank 100 of FIG. 1 has several principal portions, as will be described further below.

A panel 101 is provided having a generally rectangular shape. The panel 101 has a first end portion 101b, a centre portion 101a and a second end portion 101c arranged in order with respect to a first direction. The panel 101 is elongate in the first direction. A first top panel 102 and a first bottom panel 103 are arranged on opposite sides of the first end portion 101b of the panel 101. The first top panel 102 is connected via a fold line 102a to the first end portion 101b. The first bottom panel 103 is connected via a fold line 103a to the first end portion 101b. The fold lines 102a, 103a each extend in the first direction. The length of fold lines 102a, 103a define a length of the first end portion 101b. First end portion 101b may be considered to connect to centre portion 101a at a straight line joining respective centre-portion ends of fold lines 102a, 103a. The first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103 each extend away from their respective fold lines 102a, 103a with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103 are thus spaced apart in the second direction by a width of the first end portion 101b.

The panel 101 has a pair of opposite edges, a top edge lOld and a bottom edge lOle, spaced apart in the second direction and each extending in the first direction. The first top panel

102 is connected via the fold line 102a to the top edge lOld of the first end portion 101b. The first bottom panel 103 is connected via the fold line 103a to the bottom edge lOle of the first end portion 101b.

The first top panel 102 has opposite edges 102b, 102c that extend in the second direction. The edges 102b, 102c are spaced apart in the first direction. The first bottom panel

103 has opposite edges 103b, 103c that extend in the second direction. The edges 103b, 103c are spaced apart in the first direction. Edge 103c is arranged nearer the centre portion 101a than edge 102c. Edge 103c is arranged nearer the centre portion 101a than edge 103b. Edge 102c is arranged nearer the centre portion 101a than edge 102b.

A first top panel tab 106 is connected via a fold line 106a to the first top panel 102. The first top panel tab 106 extends away from the fold line 106a in the second direction. The fold line 106a is opposite to the fold line 102a in the second direction. The fold lines 102a, 106a are spaced apart in the second direction. The fold line 106a extends in the first direction.

The first top panel tab 106 has an edge 106b which extends along the first direction and is opposite to the fold line 106a in the second direction. The edge 106b and the fold line 106a are spaced apart in the second direction.

A first bottom panel tab 107 is connected via a fold line 107a to the first bottom panel 103. The first bottom panel tab 107 extends away from the fold line 107a in the second direction. The fold line 107a is opposite to the fold line 103a in the second direction. The fold lines 103a, 107a are spaced apart in the second direction. The fold line 107a extends in the first direction. The first bottom panel tab 107 has an edge 107b which extends along the first direction and is opposite to the fold line 107a in the second direction. The edge 107b and the fold line 107a are spaced apart in the second direction. The edges 106b, 107b of the first top panel tab 106 and first bottom panel tab 107, respectively, are shaped to mate with one another when the edges 106b, 107b are approximated in a plane . The edges 102c, 103c of the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103, respectively, are not aligned in the first direction. The edge 102c of the first top panel 102 is curved and concave shaped. The edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103 is curved and convex shaped. In this embodiment, the edges 102c, 103c form corresponding halves of a semi-circle. The edges 102b, 103b of the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103, respectively, are aligned in the first direction. The edges 102b, 103b are curved and convex shaped. In this embodiment, the edges 102b, 103b form corresponding halves of a semi-circle.

In this embodiment, the shape and size of each of the edges 102b, 103b, 103c are the same. A second top panel 104 and a second bottom panel 105 are arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion 101c of the panel 101. The second top panel 104 is connected via a fold line 104a to the second end portion 101c. The second bottom panel 105 is connected via a fold line 105a to the second end portion 101c. The length of fold lines 104a, 105a define a length of the second end portion 101c. Second end portion 101c may be considered to connect to centre portion 101a at a straight line joining respective centre-portion ends of fold lines 104a, 105a. The fold lines 104a, 105a each extend in the first direction. The second top panel 104 and the second bottom panel 105 each extend away from their respective fold lines 104a, 105a with respect to the second direction. The second top panel 104 and the second bottom panel 105 are spaced apart in the second direction.

The second top panel 104 is connected via the fold line 104a to the top edge lOld of the second end portion 101c. The second bottom panel 105 is connected via the fold line 105a to the bottom edge lOle of the second end portion 101c.

The second top panel 104 has opposite edges 104b, 104c that extend in the second direction. The edges 104b, 104c are spaced apart in the first direction. The second bottom panel 105 has opposite edges 105b, 105c that extend in the second direction. The edges 105b, 105c are spaced apart in the first direction. A second top panel tab 108 is connected via a fold line 108a to the second top panel 104. The second top panel tab 108 extends away from the fold line 108a in the second direction. The fold line 108a is opposite to the fold line 104a in the second direction. The fold lines 104a, 108a are spaced apart in the second direction. The fold line 108a extends in the first direction.

The second top panel tab 108 has an edge 108b which extends along the first direction and is opposite to the fold line 108a in the second direction. The edge 108b and the fold line 108a are spaced apart in the second direction.

A second bottom panel tab 109 is connected via a fold line 109a to the second bottom panel 105. The second bottom panel tab 109 extends away from the fold line 109a in the second direction. The fold line 109a is opposite to the fold line 105a in the second direction. The fold lines 105a, 109a are spaced apart in the second direction. The fold line 109a extends in the first direction.

The second bottom panel tab 109 has an edge 109b which extends along the first direction and is opposite to the fold line 109a in the second direction. The edge 109b and the fold line 109a are spaced apart in the second direction.

The second top panel tab 108 and second bottom panel tab 109 are shaped and sized to engage with one another. The edges 104c, 105c of the second top panel 104 and second bottom panel 105, respectively, are aligned in the first direction. The edges 104c, 105c are curved and convex shaped. The edges 104b, 105b of the second top panel 104 and second bottom panel 105, respectively, are aligned in the first direction. The edges 104b, 105b are curved and convex shaped. The shape and size of the edges 104b, 104c, 105b, 105c are the same. In this embodiment, the edges 104b, 104c, 105b, 105c are in the shape of a semi-circle.

In this embodiment, the first bottom panel 103, second top panel 104, and second bottom panel 105 are all the same shape and size.

The length of the panel 101 in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the fold line 103a between the first bottom panel 103 and the first end portion 101b, the length of the edge 103c, the length of the fold line 107a between the first bottom panel tab 107 and the first bottom panel 103, the length of the edge 103b and the length of the fold line 105a between the second bottom panel 105 and the second end portion 101c.

The length of the centre portion 101a in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the edge 103c, the length of the fold line 107a between the first bottom panel tab 107 and the first bottom panel 103, and the length of the edge 103b.

The widths in the second direction of the first top panel 102, first bottom panel 103, second top panel 104, and second bottom panel 105 are the same.

The sum of the widths in the second direction of the first top panel tab 106 and the first bottom panel tab 107 is equal to the width of the first end portion 101b of the panel 101.

The sum of the widths in the second direction of the second top panel tab 108 and second bottom panel tab 109 is greater than or equal to the width of the second end portion 101c of the panel 101.

The panel 101 has no fold lines extending in the second direction. This allows for the centre portion 101a to be smoothly bent along the first direction during folding of the blank. The panel 101 has no fold lines extending in the first direction. The panel 101 may be sufficiently flexible to bend along the first and/or second directions without permanently deforming. This also allows for the centre portion 101a to be smoothly bent along the first direction during folding of the blank .

By virtue of the above construction, the packaging blank 100 shown in FIG. 1 may be assembled into a packaging box 200 as shown in FIG. 11 by the process shown in FIGS. 2 to 11.

In FIG. 2, the first bottom panel 103 has been folded relative to the first end portion 101b along the fold line 103a. The first bottom panel 103 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the first end portion 101b. In FIG. 2, the first bottom panel tab 107 has been folded relative to the first bottom panel 103 along the fold line 107a. The first bottom panel tab 107 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the first bottom panel 103.

In FIG. 3, the first top panel 102 has been folded relative to the first end portion 101b along the fold line 102a. The first top panel 102 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the first end portion 101b.

In FIG. 4, the first top panel tab 106 has been folded relative to the first top panel 102 along the fold line 106a. The first top panel tab 106 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the first top panel 102. In FIG. 4, the edge 106b of the first top panel tab 106 has been brought into mating contact with the edge 107b of the first bottom panel tab 107. The edges 106b and 107b may or may not be adhered to one another. In the configuration shown, the edges 106b and 107b are formed so as to mate with one another to form a planar region of material , and a securing means such as adhesive tape may be used to adhere the edges 106b and 107b to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the edges 106b and 107b may be extended so as to overlap, and another securing means such as glue or one or more staples may be used to secure the panel tabs 106 and 107 in an overlapping configuration. Thereby, an inner compartment 201 is formed by first top and bottom panels 102 and 103, with one sidewall formed by the first end portion 101b of the panel 101 and an opposite sidewall formed by the mated (or alternatively overlapped) first top panel tab 106 and first bottom panel tab 107. As the widths in the second direction of the first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103 are the same, and the sum of the widths in the second direction of the first top panel tab 106 and the first bottom panel tab 107 is equal to the width of the first end portion 101b of the panel 101, the sidewalls of the inner compartment 201 may be arranged to be parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103, as shown in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, the centre portion 101a of the panel 101 has been smoothly bent along part of the edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103 so as to begin a winding of the centre portion 101a about the perimeter of at least first bottom panel 103. Part of the centre portion 101a has been brought into abutment with part of the edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103. The edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103 thereby guides the winding of the centre portion 101a about the first bottom panel 103. In FIG. 5, the centre portion 101a has been smoothly bent along the first direction. The flexibility of centre portion 101a is such that centre portion 101a can be bent into a radius of curvature corresponding to a minimum radius of curvature of edge 103c without creasing.

In FIG. 6, the centre portion 101a has been further bent so as to run along the whole length of the perimeter of edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103, thereby to come into contact with first side panel tabs 106 and 107. Contact of the centre portion 101a with the perimeter of at least the edge 103c of the first bottom panel 103 prevents centre portion 101a from being drawn, during the winding, into the space defined between first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103. As the edges 102c, 103c of the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103, respectively, are not aligned in the first direction, the centre portion 101a does not come into contact with at least some portions of the edge 102c of the first top panel 102. In FIG . 7, the centre portion 101a of the panel 101 has been smoothly bent along part of the edges 102b and 103b of the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103 respectively. Part of the centre portion 101a has been brought into abutment with part of both of the edges 102b and 103b. Again, similarly to the situation shown in FIG 5, the edges 102b and 103b of the first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103, respectively, guide the winding of the centre portion 101a about the first top panel and the first bottom panel 103. As the edges 102b, 103b of the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103, respectively, are aligned in the first direction, the centre portion 101a comes into contact with at least some portions of both of the edges 102b and 103b. In FIG. 7, the centre portion 101a has been smoothly bent along the first direction. The flexibility of centre portion 101a is such that centre portion 101a can be bent into a radius of curvature corresponding to a minimum radius of curvature of edge 103b or the edge 102b without creasing.

In FIG. 8, the centre portion 101a has been further bent so as to run along the whole length of the perimeters of edges 102b and 103b. Contact of the centre portion 101a with the perimeter of at least the edge 103b of the first bottom panel 103 or the edge 102b of the first top panel 102 prevents centre portion 101a from being drawn, during the winding, into the space defined between first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103. The second end portion 101c has been brought into contact with the first end portion 101b, and thereby overlaps the first end portion 101b. As the length of the panel 101 in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the fold line 103a, the length of the edge 103c, the length of the fold line 107a, the length of the edge 103b and the length of the fold line 105a, the second end portion 101c fully overlaps the first end portion 101b. Of course, in a variant in which edge 103c and/or edge 103b have notches or cut-out portions, for example to provide finger-holes, the length of the respective edge should be assumed to include an imaginary line extending so as to bridge such cut-outs, in the same way that the centre portion 101a, during the winding, would bridge the cut-outs .

In FIG. 9, the second bottom panel 105 has been folded relative to the second end portion 101c along the fold line 105a. The second bottom panel 105 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the second end portion 101c, thereby to come into contact with first bottom panel 103. In FIG. 9, the second top panel 104 has been folded relative to the second end portion 101c along the fold line 104a. The second top panel 104 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the second end portion 101c, thereby to come into contact with first top panel 102. In this configuration, top and bottom edges lOld and lOle of centre portion 101a rest against the surfaces of the second top panel 104 and the second bottom panel 105, respectively. As the first bottom panel 103, the second top panel 104, and the second bottom panel 105 are the same shape and size, and the winding of the centre portion 101a is guided by the edges 102b, 103b and 103c, perimeters of the second top panel 104 and the second bottom panel 105 in this configuration approximately align with the bent shape of the edges lOld and lOle of panel 101, respectively.

In FIG. 10, the second bottom panel tab 109 has been folded relative to the second bottom panel 105 along the fold line 109a. The second bottom panel tab 109 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the second panel 105, thereby to come into contact with the centre portion 101a.

In FIG. 11, the second top panel tab 108 has been folded relative to the second top panel 104 along the fold line 108a. The second top panel tab 108 has been folded until it is perpendicular to the second top panel 104. As the sum of the widths in the second direction of the second top panel tab 108 and second bottom panel tab 109 is greater than or equal to the width of the second end portion 101c, the second top panel tab 108 and second bottom panel tab 109 to come into contact with each other at this stage. At this stage, the second top panel tab 108 and the second bottom panel tab 109 may be secured to one another with a securing means, for example by application of adhesive or by use of staples or tape. Thereby, an outer cover 202 is formed by second top and bottom panels 104 and 105, with one sidewall formed by the second end portion 101c of the panel 101 and an opposite sidewall formed by the secured second top panel tab 108 and second bottom panel tab 109. The second top panel tab 108 and the second bottom panel tab 109 are secured such that the sidewalls of the outer cover 202 are parallel to each other and parallel to the sidewalls of the inner compartment 201 and parallel to the centre portion 101a of the panel 101.

FIG. 11 shows the completed packaging box 200 which is the result of the process shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 10. The packaging box 200 is formed from the inner compartment 201 (see FIG. 4) , the outer cover 202, and a connecting member 203. The packaging box 200 has an openable end and an opposite closed end; the packaging box 200 also has a front end and an opposite rear end. The inner compartment 201 is configured to slide between a closed first state, in which the inner compartment 201 is substantially contained within the outer cover 202, and an open second state, in which the inner compartment 201 partially extends past the outer cover 202. The closed first state is shown in FIG. 11 and the open second state is shown in FIG. 13, FIG. 12 shows an intermediate state between the closed first state and the open second state.

The connecting member 203 is formed from the centre portion 101a of the panel 101. The connecting member 203 connects to the first end portion 101b on the openable side and connects to the second end portion 101c on the closed side. The connecting member 203 connects to the inner compartment 201 on the rear end and connects to the outer compartment 203 on the rear end. The connecting member 203 passes between the inner compartment 201 and the outer cover 202. The connecting member 203 winds about the inner compartment 201 to connect with the outer cover 202.

The inner compartment 201 and parts of the connecting member 203 cooperate to define a chamber. The inner compartment 201 and part of the connecting member 203 cooperate to define an opening 204 in the chamber. In the present embodiment, the opening 204 is defined between the top edge lOld of the panel 101 as it curves around convex edge 103c of first bottom panel 103 and the concave edge 102c of first top panel 102. By appropriately selecting the shape and size of convex edge 103c of first bottom panel 103 and the concave edge 102c of first top panel 102, the size and shape of the opening 204 may be adjusted. A product may be contained within the chamber. A cross-section of the product may be the same shape and size or smaller than the size and shape of the opening 204, thereby to enable the product to be easily removed from the chamber via the opening 204. As the first bottom panel 103, second top panel 104, and second bottom panel 105 are all be the same shape and size, in this conf guration, the first bottom panel 103, the second top panel 104, and the second bottom panel 105, exactly overlap. The present embodiment thus provides a closed second state in which products contained in the box may be substantially or completely enclosed. In FIG. 12, the inner compartment 201 (see FIG. 4) has been partially translated in an elongation direction of second top panel 104 and second bottom panel 105 relative to the outer cover 202 thereby partially exposing the opening 204. Because at least top and bottom edges lOld and lOle of centre portion 101a rest against second top panel 104 and second bottom panel 105, translation of inner compartment 201 causes centre portion 101a to slide against second top panel 104 and second bottom panel 105. In this configur tion, the connecting member 203 has been further bent on the closed end, but has become at least partly separated from edge 103b of the first bottom panel 103 as the inner compartment 201 translates out of the outer cover 202. FIG. 13 shows the packaging box 200 in the second open state. The second open state is achieved when the portion of the connecting member 203 extending from an overlap with first top panel tab 106 and first bottom panel tab 107 to the connection with second end portion 101c becomes taut. Further translation of the inner compartment 201 is thus not possible. In this configuration, the opening 204 is fully exposed.

As the length of the panel 101 in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the fold line 103a, the length of the edge 103c, the length of the fold line 107a, the length of the edge 103b and the length of the fold line 105a, the connecting member 203 has sufficient length such that the packaging box may be transitioned from the closed first state to the open second state by the bending of the connecting member 203.

As the length of the centre portion 101a in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the edge 103c, the length of the fold line 107a, and the length of the edge 103b, the connecting member 203 has sufficient length such that the packaging box may be transitioned from the closed first state to the open second state by the bending of the connecting member 203.

The first end portion 101b and second end portion 101c bend minimally or not at all when the inner compartment 201 is translated relative to the outer cover 202. However, the area of the second end portion 101c which is connected to the connecting member 203 may bend when the inner compartment 201 is translated, especially when the user tries to further translate the inner compartment 201 past the open second state .

As the panel 101 is bent without permanently deforming when packaging box 200 is transitioned from the closed first state to the second open state, reversal of the steps shown and described with regard to FIG. 11, 12 and 13 results in the box returning to the closed first state without any permanent deformation. In one embodiment, the panel 101 is resiliently bendable and thereby acts to bias the inner compartment 201 towards the closed first position when translated towards the open second position. Contact between edges 103b, 102b of the first bottom panel 103 and the first top panel 102, respectively, and centre portion 101a prevents inner compartment 201 from translating in the reverse direction beyond the closed first state shown in FIG. 11.

To fill the packaging box 200 with the product, the inner compartment 201 is at least partially translated relative to the outer cover 202 to at least partially expose the opening 204 (for example, the states shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) and the product is disposed in the chamber via the opening 204. The product may be contained in the packaging box 200 by folding the packaging box 200 around the product. In one example method, the first bottom panel 103 of the packaging blank 100 is kept horizontal. The product is then placed on the first bottom panel 103. Then the inner compartment 201 is formed around the product according to the steps described above in reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. After this stage, the product is at least partially disposed in the inner compartment 201. Then the centre portion 101a and the second end portion 101c are wound around the inner compartment 201 such that the second end portion 101c lies against the first end portion 101b according to the steps described above in reference to FIGS. 5 to 8. After this stage, the product is disposed in the chamber formed by the inner compartment 201 and parts of the connecting member 203. Then, the outer cover 202 is formed according to the steps described above in reference to FIGS. 9 to 11 such that it encloses the inner compartment. After this stage, the product is contained in the chamber of the packaging box 200. Alternatively, the first bottom panel 103 of the packaging blank 100 is not kept horizontal but the product is held in contact with the first bottom panel 103 and/or the inner compartment 201 after forming the inner compartment by contact with the surfaces of the first top panel 102 and the first bottom panel 103 or by external means.

In an alternative method, the packaging blank 100 is folded according to the steps described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 6, and then the product is at least partially disposed in the inner compartment 201. Then, the remaining steps of forming the packaging box described in relation to FIGS 7 to 11 are completed thereby containing the product in the chamber of the packaging box 200. Although the above explanation is considered to fully clarify how the present invention may straightforwardly be put into effect by those skilled i the art, it is to be regarded as purely exemplary.

In particular, there are a number of variations which are possible, as may be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, it is possible to have a panel 101 which is not rectangular. In particular, the panel 101 may be square. Also, the panel 101 may not be elongate in the first direction but elongate in the second direction.

Each of the edges 102b, 102c; 103b, 103c; 104b, 104c; 105b, 105c of the first top panel 102; first bottom panel 103; second top panel 104; second bottom panel 105, respectively, extending in the second direction may be variously shaped and sized. These edges may correspond to one another or have substantially different shapes. Corresponding edges are preferred where a box is to be formed without substantial gaps. The edges may be curved, straight or polygonal, although curved edges are considered to best assist the winding of the centre portion 101a and the transition between the closed first state to the open second state. The particular form of the edges 103c and 103b, 102b may define the bend in the connecting member 203 on the openable side and the closed side respectively when the packaging box 200 is in the closed first state. The edge 103c may define the bend in the connecting member 203 on the openable side in both the closed first state and the second open state. However, it is not essential that the connecting member 203 abuts all or any of the edges 103c, 103b, 102b. In such an embodiment, the connecting member 203 may rest on the surface of the first bottom panel 103 on the openable side and/or pass between the first top panel 102 and first bottom panel 103 on the closed side. In such an embodiment, the length of the panel 101 in the first direction may be less that that shown and described with regard to in FIG. 1. The first top panel tab 106 and the first bottom panel tab 107 may not have edges 106b, 107b that are shaped to mate with one another. The first top panel tab 106 and first bottom panel tab 107 may be shaped and sized so that the surfaces of the first top panel tab 106 and the first bottom panel tab 107 are to be brought into contact with one another in a similar manner to the second top panel tab 108 and the second bottom panel tab 109. In this way, the surfaces of the first top panel tab 106 and first bottom panel tab 107 may be adhered to one another.

The panel 101 has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to a first direction, the first half corresponding to the half of the panel 101 having the first end portion 101b, the second half corresponding to the half of the panel 101 having the second end portion 101c. In the above-described embodiment, the panel 101 has no fold lines in at least the second direction across the panel. However, in another embodiment, the panel 101 may have fold lines extending in the second direction. For example, the first half of the panel 101 may have one or more fold lines extending in the second direction. In particular, fold lines in the first half of the centre portion 101a of the panel 101. In this embodiment, the openable end side of the connecting member 203 may have a fold so that it defines a point, or the openable end side of the connecting member 203 may have two folds so that it defines two right angles.

The first bottom panel 103, the second top panel 104, and the second bottom panel 105 may be different sizes and shapes. For example, the second bottom panel 105 may be smaller than the first bottom panel 103 such that it does not overlap the whole area of the first bottom panel 103. All of the above are fully in the scope of the present disclosure, and are considered to form the basis for alternative embodiments in which one or more combinations of the above-described features are applied, without limitation to the specific combinations disclosed above.

The box of the present disclosure is easy to assemble from a corresponding blank in a manual, machine assisted or automated fashion, and is economical in the use of materials. Furthermore, the packaging box also provides improved attractiveness and a convenient opening sequence. In light of this, there will be many alternatives which implement the teaching of the present disclosure. It is expected that one skilled in the art will be able to modify and adapt the above disclosure to suit its own circumstances and requirements within the scope of the present invention, while retaining some or all technical effects of the same, either disclosed or derivable from the above, in light of his common general knowledge in this art. All such equivalents, modifications or adaptions fall within the scope of the invention hereby defined and claimed.

Claims

Claims :

1. A packaging box formed from a contiguous packaging blank, the packaging box having an openable end and a closed end and comprising:

an inner compartment defining a first space for accommodating a product;

an outer cover defining a second space for accommodating the inner compartment; and

a connecting member connecting the inner compartment with the outer cover,

wherein:

the inner compartment is disposed within the second space ;

the inner compartment is configured to slide between a closed first state, wherein the inner compartment is substantially contained within the outer cover, and an open second state, wherein the inner compartment partially extends past the outer cover on the openable end; and

the connecting member is arranged to prevent the inner compartment from being fully removed from the outer cover.

2. The packaging box of claim 1, wherein the inner compartment comprises :

a first end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank;

a first top panel of the contiguous packaging blank and a first bottom panel of the contiguous packaging blank arranged on opposite sides of the first end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the first end portion; and

a first top panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank and a first bottom panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank each being connected by a respective fold line to the first top panel and the first bottom panel respectively,

and wherein the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are engaged with each other.

3. The packaging box of claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner compartment has open ends on the openable end and the closed end of the packaging box.

4. The packaging box of claim 2 or 3 , wherein the connecting member does not abut the edge of the first top panel on the openable end, and thereby defines an opening.

5. The packaging box of claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel on the openable end are not aligned with one another.

6. The packaging box of claim 5, wherein the edge of the first top panel on the openable end is concave shaped and the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end is convex shaped.

7. The packaging box of claim 6, wherein the concave and convex shapes are semi-circles.

8. The packaging box of any one of claims 2 to 7 , wherein the connecting member abuts the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end and does not abut the edge of the first top panel on the openable end, and thereby defines an opening.

9. The packaging box of claim 2 to 8, wherein the connecting member has a length from the connections between the inner compartment and the connecting member and the outer cover and the connecting member equal to the sum of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel on the openable end, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel, and the length of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel on the closed end.

10. The packaging box of any preceding claim, wherein the outer cover comprises:

a second end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank;

a second top panel of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel of the contiguous packaging blank arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the second end portion; and

a second top panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank and a second bottom panel tab of the contiguous packaging blank each being connected by a respective fold line to the second top panel and the second bottom panel respectively,

and wherein the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are engaged with each other.

11. The packaging box of any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the outer cover comprises:

a second end portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank;

wherein the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are engaged with each other,

and wherein the edges of the second top panel and the first bottom panel on the openable end are aligned with one another .

12. The packaging box of claim 11, wherein the first bottom panel, the second top panel, and the second bottom panel are the same shape .

13. The packaging box of any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the outer cover has open ends on the openable end and the closed end of the packaging box.

14. The packaging box of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the connecting member is formed as a centre portion of a panel of the contiguous packaging blank adjacent to the first end portion and adjacent to the second end portion.

15. The packaging box of claim 14, wherein the connecting member connects to the first end portion on the openable side and connects to the second end portion on the closed side.

16. The packaging box of any preceding claim, wherein the packaging box has a front end and a rear end, and wherein the connecting member connects to the inner compartment on the rear end and connects to the outer cover on the rear end.

17. The packaging box of claim 16, wherein the connecting member passes between the inner compartment on the front end and the outer cover on the front end.

18. The packaging box of any preceding claim, wherein the connecting member is configured to bend on the closed end.

19. The packaging box of any preceding claim, wherein the centre portion is resiliently bendable .

20. The packaging box of any preceding claim, wherein the length of the connecting member from the connections between the inner compartment and the connecting member and the outer cover and the connecting member is at least equal to the sum of the length of the inner compartment from the closed end to the openable end and twice the width of the inner compartment in a direction perpendicular to a line joining the closed end and the openable end.

21. A contiguous packaging blank for forming a packaging box comprising:

a panel having a first end portion, a centre portion and a second end portion arranged in order with respect to a first direction;

a first top panel and a first bottom panel arranged on opposite sides of the first end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the first end portion, the first top panel and the first bottom panel each extending away from the respective fold line with respect to a second direction perpendicular to the first direction;

a first top panel tab and a first bottom panel tab each being connected by a respective fold line to the first top panel and the first bottom panel respectively, the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab each extending away from the respective fold line with respect to the second direction,- a second top panel and a second bottom panel arranged on opposite sides of the second end portion and each being connected by a respective fold line to the second end portion, the second top panel and the second bottom panel each extending away from the respective fold line with respect to the second direction; and

a second top panel tab and a second bottom panel tab each being connected by a respective fold line to the second top panel and the second bottom panel respectively, the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab each extending away from the respective fold line along the second direction,

wherein:

the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than the sum of the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction, and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel .

22. The contiguous packaging blank of claim 21, wherein the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to the sum of twice the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction, and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel.

23. The contiguous packaging blank of claim 21 or 22, wherein the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel is the same length as the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, and the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to the sum of three times the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, and twice the width of the first bottom panel in the second direction.

24. The contiguous packaging blank of claim 21, 22 or 23, wherein the length of the panel in the first direction is less than or equal to the sum of the length of a perimeter around the first bottom panel and the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion.

25. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

24, wherein the sum of the widths of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab in the second direction is at least equal to the width of the panel in the second direction.

26. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

25, wherein the sum of the widths of the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab in the second direction is at least equal to the width of the panel in the second direction.

27. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

26, wherein the length of the first top panel tab, and the length of the first bottom panel tab in the first direction are the same .

28. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

27, wherein the length of the second top panel tab, and the length of the second bottom panel tab in the first direction are the same .

29. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

28, wherein the first bottom panel, the second top panel, and the second bottom panel are the same shape .

30. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

29, wherein the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel , the length of the fold line between the second bottom panel and the second end portion, and the length of the fold line between the second bottom panel tab and the second bottom panel are the same.

31. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 30, wherein the panel has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to the first direction, the first half corresponding to the half of the panel having the first end portion, the second half corresponding to the half of the panel having the second end portion, and wherein the second half does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction.

32. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the panel does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction.

33. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the panel has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to a first direction, the first half corresponding to the half of the panel having the first end portion, the second half corresponding to the half of the panel having the second end portion, and wherein the first half has one or more fold lines extending in the second direction.

34. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

33, wherein the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel that face the centre portion are not aligned with one another.

35. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

34, wherein the edges of the first top panel and the first bottom panel that face away from the centre portion are aligned with one another.

36. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

35, wherein the edges of the second top panel and the second bottom panel that face away from the centre portion are aligned with one another.

37. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

36, wherein the edges of the second top panel and the second bottom panel that face the centre portion are aligned with one another .

38. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

37, wherein the edge of the first bottom panel that faces the centre portion is concave shaped and the edge of the first top panel that faces the centre portion is convex shaped.

39. The contiguous packaging blank of claim 38, wherein the concave and convex shapes are semi-circles.

40. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

39, wherein the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to be engageable with each other, and wherein the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab are shaped to be engageable with each other.

41. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

40, wherein the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to mate with one another.

42. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

41, wherein the panel is elongate in the first direction.

43. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

42, wherein the length of the panel in the first direction is greater than or equal to twice the width of the panel in the second direction.

44. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

43, wherein the length of the panel in the first direction is three times the width of the panel in the second direction.

45. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 44, wherein the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel are elongate in the first direction.

46. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 45, wherein the lengths of the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel in the first direction are greater than or equal to twice the widths of the first top panel, the first bottom panel, the second top panel and the second bottom panel in the second direction, respectively.

47. The contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 46, wherein the length of the centre portion in the first direction is equal to the sum of the length of the edge of the first bottom panel that faces the centre portion, the length of the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel, and the length of the edge of the first bottom panel that faces away from the centre portion.

48. A method of forming a packaging box from the contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to 47, the method comprising the steps of:

forming an inner compartment by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab;

winding the centre portion and the second end portion around the inner compartment such that the second end portion lies against the first end portion; and

forming an outer cover enclosing the inner compartment by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein forming the inner compartment further comprises :

folding along the fold line between the first top panel and the first end portion and along the fold line between the first bottom panel and the first end portion; and

folding along the fold line between the first top panel tab and the first top panel and along the fold line between the first bottom panel tab and the first bottom panel.

50. The method of claim 48 or 49, wherein forming the outer cover further comprises :

folding along the fold line between the second top panel and the second end portion and along the fold line between the second bottom panel and the second end portion; and

folding along the fold line between the second top panel tab and the second top panel and along the fold line between the second bottom panel tab and the second bottom panel.

51. The method of claim 48, 49 or 50, wherein the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab are shaped to mate with one another, and wherein engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab comprises bringing the edges opposite to the fold lines in the second direction of the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab into mating contact with each other.

52. The method of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the centre portion has a first half and a second half arranged in order with respect to a first direction, the first half corresponds to the half of the centre portion adjacent to first end portion, the second half corresponds to the half of the centre portion adjacent to the second end portion, wherein the second half does not have any fold lines extending in the second direction, and wherein winding the centre portion around the inner compartment does not comprise folding the second half along a fold line extending in the second direction.

53. A method of packaging a product in a packaging box formed from the contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

47, the method comprising the steps of:

placing the product on the first bottom panel or the first top panel;

forming the inner compartment by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab such that the product is disposed at least partially within the inner compartment; winding the centre portion and the second end portion around the inner compartment such that the second end portion lies against the first end portion; and

forming the outer cover enclosing the inner compartment by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the step of forming the inner compartment .

55. The method of claim 53, wherein the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the steps of forming the inner compartment and winding the centre portion.

56. The method of claim 53, wherein the first bottom panel or the first top panel on which the product is placed is kept horizontal during the steps of forming the inner compartment, winding the centre portion, and forming an outer cover.

57. A method of packaging a product in a packaging box formed from the contiguous packaging blank of any one of claims 21 to

47, the method comprising the steps of:

forming the inner compartment by engaging the first top panel tab and the first bottom panel tab;

disposing the product at least partially within the inner compartment ;

forming the outer cover enclosing the inner compartment by engaging the second top panel tab and the second bottom panel tab .

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the winding occurs in two stages and disposing the product at least partially within the inner compartment occurs between the two stages.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein the first stage may comprise winding the centre portion around the inner compartment on the openable end side.