WO2022130199A1

WO2022130199A1 - Blank configured to be erected into a box, and a box formed of such blank

Info

Publication number: WO2022130199A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/061696
Authority: WO
Inventors: Miia VETTENRANTA
Original assignee: Stora Enso Oyj
Priority date: 2020-12-15
Filing date: 2021-12-14
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Also published as: SE2051465A1; SE544522C2; EP4263370A1

Abstract

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

Description

BLANK CONFIGURED TO BE ERECTED INTO A BOX, AND A BOX FORMED OF SUCH BLANK Field of the invention The invention relates to a blank configured to be erected into a box. The invention also relates to a box formed of such a blank. Background art When designing a box, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The box should e.g. often be designed such that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use, and provides a strong structure. It is often desirable that it is strong during handling and stable in the erected state. Moreover, it should often be capable of being erected into a box without the use of any adhesive or similar means of keeping the erected, or at least with a minimum use of such adhesive of similar means. When designing a box, it is often desirous that the box may be locked in a simple manner in an erected state. When designing boxes, it is typically desirous to consider other aspects as well, such as that it should be stable to stack on top of other boxes and that is should be easy to carry. Boxes made from cardboard are beneficial since they do not take up much space before they are erected, during for example transport. There exist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection to designing a box of cardboard material. US2005023161 A1 for instance discloses a box which comprises a bottom plate, two side rectangular bodies fixedly connected to two sides of the bottom panel and a lower side plates fixedly connected to the lower side of the bottom plate. The document further discloses how strength is achieved by having panels being “coiled”. Thus, it is e.g. disclosed that the two rectangular bodies of the box comprise an outer side piece, an upper side piece, an inner side piece and a lower side piece connected in sequence, such that the outer side piece is connected to the bottom plate. GB1210753 for instance discloses a box wherein a side wall of the box comprises auxiliary flaps which may be folded over the side wall. The document further discloses that cut-out portions of hand holes may be released towards the auxiliary flaps to lock the auxiliary flaps. However, it may be noted that the prior art documents do not adequately address the set of design criteria that the box should make efficient use of the material, be easy to erect and be locked in a simple manner in the erected state. The prior art document do neither adequately address the set of design criteria that the box should provide a strong structure, while being capable of being erected into a box without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at least minimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being stable to stack and easy to carry. Summary of the invention It is an object of the invention to provide a box concept which addresses at least some of the design criteria described above, namely that the box should make efficient use of the material, be easy to erect, be locked in a simple manner in the erected state. Provide a strong structure and provide a box that may be erected into a box without the use of any adhesive or any similar means of keeping the box erected and/or closed, or at least minimum use of such adhesive or similar means, while also being stable to stack and easy to carry. This object has been achieved by a blank configured to be erected into a box. The blank comprising a first end wall panel, a first side wall panel, a second end wall panel and a second side wall panel, and a first end top panel and a first support panel being foldably connected one after the other to the first end wall panel as seen along a longitudinal direction of the blank, and a first bottom panel foldably connected to the first end wall panel, the first side wall panel, the second end wall panel, or the second side wall panel, wherein the first end wall panel is configured to form a first end wall of the box, wherein the first end top panel is configured to be folded in a first folding direction relative to the first end wall panel such that the first end top panel extends inwardly from the first end wall panel and forms a first top surface of the box, wherein the first support panel is configured to be folded relative to the first end top panel along the first folding direction such that the first support panel extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the first end wall panel such that an upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel form a triangle when the blank is erected into the box, and wherein the first end wall panel further comprises a cut-out and a cut- out locking flap being formed by the cut-out and being foldably connected to the first end wall panel, wherein the cut-out locking flap is configured to be folded in a second folding direction, opposite the first folding direction, inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel, wherein the cut-out is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel being at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall panel when the blank has been erected into the box. With the disclosed design, it is made possible to provide one blank comprising all the above-mentioned components, whereby the provision of a box which makes efficient use of the material and at the same time is easy to erect is facilitated. It is preferred that the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel extend along a single, common plane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank is erected to form the box, the first end top panel is at a right angle to the upper portion of the first end wall panel. Put differently, in a preferred embodiment, the triangle formed by the upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel may be a right-angled triangle. With a triangle, and especially with a right-angled triangle, a more stable and strong structure is achieved. Further, by forming the triangle from the upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel provides for that the structure is kept in place when the blank is erected to form the box. The disclosed design also provides for that the stiffness of the first end wall is improved. It may be noted that the first end top panel forms a first top surface which only covers a fraction of the geometrical top surface of the box. Thus, the box may be a so-called open top box or be closed by a lid. The first top surface may e.g. be used as a support surface when another box is stacked on top of the box according to the invention. With the disclosed design, where one blank comprises all the above discussed components, the provision of a box which makes efficient use of the material and at the same time is easy to erect is facilitated. It is preferred that the first end wall panel, the first side wall panel, the second end wall panel and the second side wall panel extend along a single, common plane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. Since the cut-out is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel being at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall panel when the blank has been erected into the box in combination with the fact that the cut-out locking flap being formed by the cut- out and being foldably connected to the first end wall panel is configured to be folded in a second folding direction, opposite the first folding direction, inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel, a strong structure is achieved. By folding the cut-out locking flap inwardly and upwardly such that the cut-out locking flap is in contact with the first support panel provides for that the triangle formed by the upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel being kept in place. Thus, the cut-out locking flap aids in keeping the triangle in the intended shape which provides for a high compressive strength. By having a structure with high compressive strength provides for strong and stable structure when the blank is erected to form the box. Further, with the disclosed design, wherein the triangle and the cut-out locking flap are collaborating in order to keep the structure in place, it facilitates provision of a structure which is capable of being handled without too easily being unfolded unintentionally. The length of the first end top panel, the length of the first support panel, and the length of the cut-out locking flap in combination with the height of the position of the fold line between the cut-out locking flap and the remaining portions of the first end wall panel are chosen such that the first support panel will come into contact with the inside surface of the first end wall panel at a position at a height located between on one hand the fold line between the first end wall panel and the first end top panel and on the other hand the fold line between the cut-out locking flap and the remaining portions of the first end wall panel. They are preferably also chosen such that the cut- out locking flap will come into contact with a first major surface of the part of the blank forming the first support panel which first major surface of the blank on the part forming first end wall panel forms an outside surface of the box. It may be noted that the first major surface which forms an outside surface on the part forming first end wall panel will along the extension of the first support panel face downwardly and inwardly into the box. This may alternatively be expressed as that the upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel form a triangle and that the cut-out locking flap comes into contact with the first support panel on a surface of the first support panel facing away from the triangle. The cut-out locking flap is preferably connected to remaining portions of the first end wall panel about a fold line extending along an upper side of the cut-out such that the cut-out locking flap when folded in the second folding direction inwardly and upwardly leaves the cut-out open to act as a handle and extends from an upper side of the cut-out upwardly into contact with the first support panel. Thereby a force may be transmitted along a straight line from the first support panel, via the cut-out locking flap and via the fold line to the remaining portions of the end wall panel. The fold line is preferably a transversely extending fold line. The cut-out comprised in the first end wall panel may be used as a handle and thereby makes it easy to carry the box formed from the blank. Thus, there is provided a blank for a box having an integrated handle such that the box may be easy to carry when the box is in the erected state. The triangle and the cut-out may together form the handle of the box such that the box may not only be easy to carry but also comfortable to carry. Thus, there may be none, or a small amount, of sharp edges which may cut into the hand while carrying the box. It may especially be noted that the upper edge of the handle inside the cut-out is formed by the fold between the first end wall panel and the cut-out locking flap. When carrying the box, there are loads applied to the box, but with the disclosed design, wherein an improved stiffness is achieved, a stronger and more stable structure may be achieved as well. It may especially be noted that the fact that the cut-out locking flap on one hand forms part of the handle and on the other hand forms part in locking the triangular shape in place, the additional external forces applied to the box when the box is carried is automatically in a sense counter-acted by the same action, namely the act of lifting the box. The collaboration between the triangle and the cut-out locking flap provides for a stronger and more stable structure such that the possibilities of stacking boxes is improved. Thus, the disclosed design provides for a durable and sturdy box construction which is easy to lock in the erected state as well as being easy and stable to carry by using the triangle and the cut-out in collaboration. It may in this context be noted that blank may generally have a bottom formed by one or more bottom panels connected to one or more of the side and end wall panels. The cut-out may be an internal cut-out such that the cut-out may be surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel. With the cut-out being surrounded by continuous remaining portions, a strong and stable structure, when carrying the box by using the cut-out, may be provided. Thus, the forces that are applied to the box when carrying the box may be divided between the continuous remaining portions. With the cut- out being surrounded by continuous remaining portions may also provide for an easier and more user-friendly box to carry. The first support panel may comprise a cut-out recess configured to receive at least a cut-out locking flap portion of the cut-out locking flap of the cut-out. By the cut-out recess being configured to receive at least a portion of the cut-out locking flap, the cut-out locking flap may be kept in place without any need of adhesive or similar means. By having the cut-out locking flap kept in place, the triangle may be locked in place. Thus, the cut-out locking flap may be received by the first support panel of the triangle such that the triangle may be locked in place. This provides for a strong and stable structure. The cut-out recess may receive the whole width of the cut-out locking flap. The cut-out recess may receive only a portion of the width of the cut-out locking flap; the portion may e.g. be a protruding cut-out locking flap portion. The cut-out may be positioned at a height such that, when the cut-out locking flap is folded into contact with the first support panel, the cut-out locking flap may extend at least to the contact between the first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall such that the cut-out locking flap may reach the cut-out recess. The cut-out may be positioned at a height such that, when the cut-out locking flap is folded into contact with the first support panel, the cut-out locking flap may extend beyond the contact between the first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall and through the recess of the first support panel. By the cut-out locking flap extending at least to the contact between the first support panel and the inside surface of the first end wall, the cut-out locking flap may be configured to be received by the cut-out recess of the first support panel. Thus, the cut-out may be positioned at a height such that the cut-out locking flap may reach the cut-out recess and thereby being kept in place. The first support panel may comprise one or more support panel locking flaps extending upwardly away from the first support panel along the longitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank such that the support panel locking flaps may extend away from the first support panel in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank has been erected into the box. The first end wall panel may comprise one or more recesses configured to receive the one or more support panel locking flaps of the first support panel. By the provision of one or more support panel locking flaps and the one or more recesses, the first support panel may be kept in place in relation to the first end wall panel. Thus, the one or more support panel locking flaps and the one or more recesses may be configured to keep the triangle in place when the blank is erected into the box. Thereby, the cut-out locking flap and the cut-out recess as well as the one or more support panel locking flaps and the one or more recesses may together be configured to keep the structure, especially the triangle, in place when the blank is erected to form the box. Thus, a strong and stable structure is achieved. Put differently, the one or more support panel locking flaps may be received by the one or more recesses such that the triangle may be folded in the correct way as well as being kept in place. Thereafter, the cut-out locking flap may be received by the cut-out recess such that the triangle may be locked in place. Thus, with the cut-out locking flap and the cut-out recess as well as the one or more support panel locking flaps and the one or more recesses, it facilitates provision of a structure which is strong, which is easy to erect and which is capable of being handled without easily being unfolded unintentionally. The one or more recesses of the first end wall panel may be internal recesses such that the one or more recesses may be surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel. With the one or more recess being surrounded by continuous remaining portions provides for a strong and stable structure when the blank is in the erected state. Thus, with the one or more recesses being surrounded by continuous remaining portions, the one or more support panel locking flaps may be kept in place when being received by the one or more recesses. The blank may further comprise a first bottom panel being foldably connected to the first end wall panel as seen along the longitudinal direction of the blank. Preferably, the first bottom panel forms a part of a bottom of the box, when the blank is erected to form the box. The blank may further comprise a second bottom panel being foldably connected to the second end wall panel as seen along the longitudinal direction of the blank. Preferably, the second bottom panel forms a part of a bottom of the box, when the blank is erected to form the box. The blank may further comprise an end wall flap being foldably connected to the first end wall panel along a first longitudinally extending side of the first end wall panel as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank. The end wall flap may be attached, such as adhesively attached, to a side wall at the opposing side of the blank as seen along the transverse direction of the blank. This attachment may be performed at the site of erection. Alternatively, this attachment may be performed as a pre-attachment such that the blank is transported to the site of erection in a pre-attached but still flat laid state. In this latter pre-attached configuration, the structure may be erected and kept in place without any need of adhesive or similar means when the blank is erected into the box. The first side wall panel, the second end wall panel and the second side wall panel may be foldably connected one after the other as seen along a transverse direction of the blank, wherein the first side wall panel may be foldably connected to the first end wall panel along a second longitudinally extending side of the blank. The second end wall panel may be foldably connected to a second end top panel and a second support panel as seen along the longitudinal direction of the blank, wherein the second end wall panel may be configured to form a second end wall of the box, wherein the second end top panel may be configured to be folded in a first folding direction relative to the second end wall panel such that the second end top panel may extend inwardly from the second end wall panel and form a second top surface of the box, wherein the second support panel may be configured to be folded relative to the second end top panel along the first folding direction such that the second support panel may extend in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the second end wall panel such that an upper portion of the second end wall panel, the second end top panel and the second support panel form a triangle when the blank is erected to the box, and wherein the second end wall panel may further comprise a cut-out and a cut-out locking flap being formed by the cut-out and being foldably connected to the second end wall panel, wherein the cut-out locking flap may be configured to be folded in a second folding direction, opposite the first folding direction, inwardly and upwardly into contact with the second support panel. Effects and features of the second end wall panel, the second end top panel and the second support panel are analogous to those described above in connection with the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel. Typically, the second end top panel and the second support panel are designed such that their basic configuration is identical to the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel. However, it should be noted that minor differences may be allowed, as long as the triangle may be formed in a more or less similar way as the triangle discussed above. By having an identical or at least similar arrangement of the second end wall panel, the second end top panel and the second support panel as the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel such that a triangle is formed also at the second end wall, the strength and stability of the structure is even further improved. It may be noted that it may also or alternatively be said that the second end wall panel, the second end top panel and the second support panel are foldably connected one after the other as seen along the longitudinal direction of the blank. The first side wall panel may be foldably connected to a first side wall inside panel along a first transversally extending side as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank and wherein the second side wall panel is foldably connected to a second side wall inside panel along the first transversally extending side as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank. Preferably, the first and second side wall inside panels are configured to be folded relative to the first and second side wall panels, respectively, when the blank is erected into the box, such that double-layer side walls are provided. Preferably, the first and second side wall inside panels are kept in place, when the blank has been erected into the box, by the triangles formed by the first end wall panel, the first end top panel, the first support panel and the second end wall panel, the second end top panel, the second support panel, respectively. The first side wall panel may be foldably connected to a first side wall bottom panel along a second transversally extending side as seen in the flat- laid state of the blank and wherein the second side wall panel may be foldably connected to a second side wall bottom panel along the second transversally extending side as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank, wherein the first side wall bottom panel is formed such that it tapers out when extending away from the second transversally extending side of the blank, i.e. with the width along the transverse direction being smaller as the distance from the second transversally extending side increases, and such that a free end thereof forms a side wall locking flap; and wherein the second side wall bottom panel comprises a bottom locking recess configured to receive the side wall locking flap of the first side wall bottom panel. By the side wall locking flap and the bottom locking recess, a bottom of the box, formed by the first bottom panel, a second bottom panel, the first side wall bottom panel and the second side wall bottom panel, may be kept in place. This may further provide for a strong and stable structure capable of supporting goods inside the box when the box is carried or stacked on top of other boxes. The blank may be made of a paper-based material. Paper-based material may provide a lightweight box. Paper-based material is environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner. Paper- based material may provide a box that is easy to transport and handle before erection of the box. It may be noted that the blank may be made of other materials. It may be noted that the blank as a whole may be made of paper- based material. It may be noted that the blank may be made of a paper-based material coated with another material, such as a plastic coating on the inside and/or on the outside. It may be noted that the blank need not to be made of the same material through-out. The above-mentioned object has also been achieved by a box formed from a blank of the kind disclosed above. The box is formed from the blank, wherein the first end wall panel forms a first end wall of the box, wherein the first end top panel is folded relative to the first end wall panel such that the first end top panel extends inwardly from the first end wall panel and forms a first top surface of the box, wherein the first support panel is folded relative to the first end top panel such that the first support panel extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the first end wall panel such that an upper portion of the first end wall panel, the first end top panel and the first support panel form a triangle, and wherein the cut-out locking flap is folded relative to the first end wall panel such that the cut-out locking flap extends inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel. Advantages associated with the different features and preferred embodiments have been discussed in detail in the above in relation to the blank. The discussion is equally valid in relation to the box. The disclosure may also in short be said to relate to a blank configured to be erected into a box, wherein the blank comprises a first end wall panel, a first end top panel and a first support panel. The first end top panel may be folded in a first folding direction such that the first end top panel extends inwardly from the first end wall and forms a first top surface of the box. The first support panel may be folded relative to the first end top panel along the first folding direction such that the first support panel extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface of the first end wall. An upper portion of the first end wall, the first end top panel and the first support panel form a triangle. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to “a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.]” are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. Brief description of the drawings The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements, wherein: Figure 1 discloses a blank for forming a box. Figure 2 discloses a box. Figure 3 discloses a portion of the box in further detail. Figure 4a-b discloses the portion of the box disclosed in Fig. 3 in further detail. Description of Embodiments The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be constructed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled person. Figure 1 shows a blank 100. The blank 100 is configured to be erected into a box 200 as shown in Figures 2-4. The blank 100 comprises a first end wall panel 102a, a first end top panel 104a and a first support panel 106a. The first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a are foldably connected one after the other as seen along a longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. It is preferred that the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top 104a panel and the first support panel 106a extend along a single, common plane, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall panel 124a, a second end wall panel 102b and a second side wall panel 124b. The first end wall panel 102a, the first side wall panel 124a, the second end wall panel 102b and the second side wall panel 124b are foldably connected one after the other as seen along a transverse direction TD of the blank 100. It is preferred that the first end wall panel 102a, the first side wall panel 124a, the second end wall panel 102b and the second side wall panel 124b extend along a single, common plane, as seen in the flat-laid sate of the blank 100. The first end wall panel 102a comprises a cut-out 208a and a cut-out locking flap 108a (see Figs 2-4 for the cut-out 208a). The cut-out 208a is an internal cut-out such that the cut-out 208a is surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel 102a. The cut-out locking flap 108a is formed by the cut-out 208a. The cut-out locking flap 108a may comprise a cut-out locking flap portion 110a. It may be noted that, in the flat- laid state of the blank 100, the cut-out locking flap portion 110a extends downwardly from the cut-out locking flap 108a. Alternatively expressed, the cut-out locking flap portion 110a is foldable about a fold line extending along an upper side of the cut-out 208a. The cut-out locking flap 108a is foldably connected to the first end wall panel 102a. The cut-out 208a may be used as a handle and thereby makes it easy to carry the box 200 formed from the blank 100. Preferably, the cut-out 208a is centrally arranged in the first end wall panel 102a along the transverse direction TD such that, when carrying the box 200 using the cut-out 208a, the box 200 may be in equilibrium. Preferably, the cut-out 208a is arranged at a height above a center-line as seen along the longitudinal direction LD such that, when carrying the box 200 using the cut-out 208a, the box 200 preferably has its point of gravity below the handle formed by the cut-out 208a. It may be noted that the cut-out locking flap 108a may have a size corresponding to the cut-out 208a. Alternatively, the cut-out locking flap 108a has a size being smaller than the cut-out 208a. The cut-out locking flap 108a may e.g. be smaller than the cut- out 208a as seen along the transverse direction TD, and/or as seen along the longitudinal direction LD as long as it has a size sufficient to reach and interact with the first support panel 106a. The first end wall panel 102a further comprises one or more recess 116a. Preferably, the one or more recesses 116a are positioned at a level or height as seen along the longitudinal direction LD between the cut-out 208a and the first end top panel 104a. As seen along the transverse direction TD, the one or more recesses 116a are positioned outside, such as on either side of, the cut-out 208a. The one or more recess 116a are internal recesses such that the one or more recesses 116a are surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel 102a. The first end wall panel 102a further comprises an end wall panel cut- out 120. The end wall panel cut-out 120 may be used as an alternative handle of the box 200 compared to the cut-out 208a when the blank 100 has been erected into the box 200. The first end top panel 104a comprises an end top panel cut-out 124. The end top panel cut-out extending upwardly from a folding line between the first end wall panel 102a and the first end top panel 104a. The first support panel 106a comprises a cut-out recess 112a. The cut- out recess 112a is configured to receive the cut-out locking flap 108a. The cut-out recess 112a may receive the complete width of the cut-out locking flap 108a or may receive a portion of the cut-out locking flap 108a. This is illustrated in further detail in connection with Fig. 4a-b. The first support panel 106a preferably extends along the complete width of the box 200 whereas the cut-out 208a, and thereby also the cut-out locking flap 108a, only covers part of the width. The first support panel 106a further comprises one or more support panel locking flaps 114a. The one or more support panel locking flaps 114a extend upwardly away from the first support panel 106a along the longitudinal direction LD as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. Thus, the one or more locking flaps 114a extend away form the first support panel 106a in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank 100 has been erected into the box 200. The one or more support panel locking flaps 114a are configured to be received by the one or more recesses 116a of the first end wall panel 102a when the blank 100 is erected to form the box 200. This is further illustrated in connection with Fig. 4a-b. With reference to Fig. 3, a portion 300 of the box 200 is illustrated in further detail. The first end wall panel 102a is configured to form a first end wall of the box 200 when the blank 100 has been erected to the box 200. The first end top panel 104a is configured to be folded in a first folding direction FD1 (see Fig. 4a-b for the first folding direction FD1). The first folding direction FD1 is relative to the first end wall panel 102a. The first end top panel 104a extends inwardly, preferably horizontally, from the first end wall panel 102a and forms a first top surface of the box 200 when the blank 100 has been erected to the box 200. Preferably, the first top surface is at a right angle to the first end wall. Preferably, the first end top panel 104a extends along the longitudinal direction LD, wherein the extension is less than 20 % of the length of the first and second side wall panels 124a, 124b along the transverse direction TD. Put differently, preferably at least 60 % of a geometric top surface length of the box 200 is not covered by the first end top panel 104a or a second end top panel 104b. This is illustrated in further detail in connection with Fig. 2. The first support panel 106a is configured to be folded relative to the first end top panel 104a along the first folding direction FD1 such that the first support panel 106a extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface 206 of the first end wall panel 102a. An upper portion 402 of the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a form a triangle. A purpose of the triangle is to provide for a more stable and strong structure when the blank 100 has been erected to form the box 200. The cut-out 208a is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel 102a at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the first support panel 106a and the inside surface 206 of the first end wall panel 102a when the blank 100 has been erected into the box 200. The cut-out locking flap 108a is configured to be folded in a second folding direction FD2 inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel 106a (see Fig. 4a-b for the second folding direction FD2). Preferably, the second folding direction is opposite the first folding direction FD1. With reference to Fig. 4a, a cross section view A in Fig. 3 is illustrated. Fig. 4a illustrates how the recess 116a of the first end wall panel 102a receives the support panel locking flap 114a of the first support panel 106a when the blank 100 is erected into the box 200. Preferably, the support panel locking flap 114a extends though the first end wall panel 102a. The support panel locking flap 114a extends away from the first support panel 106a in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank 100 has been erected into the box 200. With reference to Fig. 4b, a cross section view B in Fig. 3 is illustrated. Fig. 4b illustrates how the cut-out recess 112a of the first support panel 106a receives the cut-out locking flap portion 110a. Preferably, the cut-out recess 112a is arranged such that the cut-out locking flap portion 110a extends into the cut-out recess 112a. Put differently, the cut-out locking flap portion 110a is arranged between the inside surface 206 of the first end wall panel 102a and the first support panel 106a. Referring to Fig. 1, the blank 100 further comprises an end wall flap 122. The end wall flap 122 is foldably connected to the first end wall panel 102a along a first longitudinally extending side TS1 of the first end wall panel 102a as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100. The first longitudinally extending side TS1 is located on a first side when following the transverse direction TD. The first side wall panel 124a is foldably connected to the first end wall panel 102a along a second longitudinally extending side TS2 of the first end wall panel 102a as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. The second longitudinally side TS2 is located on an opposite side of the first end wall panel 102a relative to the first longitudinally side TS1. The second longitudinally extending side TS2 is located on a second side when following the transverse direction TD The blank 100 further comprises a second end top panel 104b and a second support panel 106b. The second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b and the second support panel 106b are foldably connected one after the other as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. The second end wall panel 102b is configured to form a second end wall 202b of the box 200. The second end top panel 106b is configured to form a second top surface 204b of the box 200. The second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b and the second support panel 106b are configured to be folded in the similar way as the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a as discussed in connection with Fig. 3 such that a further triangle is formed. An upper portion 402 of the second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b and the second support panel 106b form the further triangle. The second end wall panel 102b comprises the cut-out 208b and the cut-out locking flap 108a, wherein the cut-out locking flap 108a comprises the cut-out locking flap portion 110a. The second end wall panel 102b further comprises the one or more recesses 116b. The second end wall panel 102b further comprises the end wall panel cut-out 120. The second end top panel 104b comprises the end top panel cut-out 124. The second support panel 106b comprises the cut-out recess 112b. The second support panel 106b comprises the one or more support panel locking flaps 114b. In order to avoid undue repetition, references made to the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a, the first support panel 106a and their components discussed above are valid for the second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b, the second support panel 106b and their respective components as well. Referring to Fig. 1, the blank 100 further comprises a first bottom panel 118a. The first bottom panel 118a is foldably connected to the first end wall panel 102a as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. The first bottom panel 118a is configured to be a part of a bottom of the box 200 when the blank 100 is erected into the box 200. The blank 100 further comprises a second bottom panel 118b. The second bottom panel 118b is foldably connected to the second end wall panel 102b as seen along the longitudinal direction LD of the blank 100. The second bottom panel 118b is configured to be a part of a bottom of the box 200 when the blank 100 is erected into the box 200. The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall inside panel 126a and a second side wall inside panel 126b. The first side wall inside panel 126a is foldably connected to the first side wall panel 124a along a first transversally extending side LS1 as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 100. The second side wall inside panel 126b is foldably connected to the second side wall panel 124b along the first transversally extending side LS1 as seen in the flat- laid state of the blank 100. The blank 100 further comprises a first side wall bottom panel 128a and a second side wall bottom panel 128b. The first side wall bottom panel 128a is foldably connected to the first side wall panel 124a along a second transversally extending side LS2 as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100. The second side wall bottom panel 128b is foldably connected to the second side wall panel 124b along the second transversally extending side LS2 as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100. The first side wall bottom panel 128a is formed such that it tapers out, i.e. having a diminishing width, when extending away from the second transversally extending side LS2 of the blank 100 and such that a free end thereof forms a side wall locking flap 130. The second side wall bottom panel 128b comprises a bottom locking recess 132. The bottom locking recess 132 is configured to receive the side wall locking flap 130 of the first side wall bottom panel 128a. Thus, the side wall locking flap 130 and the bottom locking recess 132 are configured to lock the bottom of the box 200 when the blank 100 is erected to form the box 200. In a preferred embodiment, wherein the blank 100 is erected into the box 200, as illustrated in Fig. 2, the first end wall panel 102a is configured to form a first end wall of the box 200. The first side wall panel 124a is folded relative to the first side wall panel 102a such that the first side wall panel 124a forms a first side wall of the box 200. Preferably, the first side wall panel 124a forms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a. The second end wall panel 102b is folded relative to the first side wall panel 124a such that the second side wall panel 102b forms a second end wall 202b. Preferably, the second end wall panel 102b forms a right angle to the first side wall panel 124a. The second side wall panel 124b is folded relative to the second end wall panel 102b such that the second side wall panel 124b forms a second side wall. Preferably, the second side wall panel 124b forms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a and to the to the second end wall panel 102b. The end wall flap 122 is folded relative to the first end wall panel 102a such that the end wall flap 122 is facing an inside of the second side wall panel 124b. Preferably, the end wall flap 122 forms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a. Alternatively, the end wall flap 122 is pre-attached to the second side wall panel 124 and the erection of the box 200 is at the site of erection initiated by the blank being erected into a tubular shape whereafter the other panels are folded relative to the side wall panels 124a, 124b and the end wall panels 102a, 102b. The bottom panels 118a, 118b are folded relative to the first and second end wall panels 102a, 102b respectively. Preferably, the first bottom panels 118a forms a right angle to the first end wall panel 102a and the second bottom panel 118b forms a right angle to the second end wall panel 102b. The second side wall bottom panel 128b is folded relative to the second side wall panel 124b. Preferably, the second side wall bottom panel 128b forms a right angle to the second side wall panel 124b. Preferably, the second side wall bottom panel 128b is folded such that an inside surface of the second side wall bottom panel 128b is facing an outside surface of the first or second bottom panel 118a, 118b. The first side wall bottom panel 128a is folded relative to the first side wall panel 124a. Preferably, the first side wall bottom panel 128a forms a right angle to the first side wall panel 124a. Preferably, the first side wall bottom panel 128a is folded such that an inside surface of the first side wall bottom panel 128 is facing an outside surface of the second side wall bottom panel 128b. The side wall locking flap 130 is inserted in the bottom locking recess 132 such that the locking recess 132 receives the side wall locking flap 130 of the first side wall bottom panel 128a. The first and second side wall inside panels 126a, 126b are configured to be folded relative to the first and second side wall panels 124a, 124b, respectively. Preferably, the first side wall inside panel 126a is folded such that the first side wall inside panel 126a is facing an inside of the first side wall panel 124a and the second side wall inside panel 126b is folded such that the second side wall inside panel 126b is facing an inside of the second side wall panel 124b. Thus, at least a portion of the first and second side walls may be double-layered side walls. The first and second end top panels 104a, 104b are configured to be folded relative to the first and second end wall panels 102a, 102b, respectively. The first end top panel 104a is configured to form a first top surface of the box 200, wherein the first top surface is at a right angle to the first end wall. The second end top panel 104b is configured to form a second top surface 204b of the box 200, wherein the second top surface 204b is at a right angle to the second end wall 202b. The first and second support panels 106a, 106b are configured to be folded relative to the first and second end top panels 104a, 104b, respectively, along the first folding direction FD1. The first and second support panels 106a are configured to extend in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface 206 of the first and second end wall panels 102a, 102b, respectively. An upper portion 402 of the first end wall panel 102a, the first end top panel 104a and the first support panel 106a form a triangle. An upper portion 402 of the second end wall panel 102b, the second end top panel 104b and the second support panel 106b form a further triangle. The two triangles are configured to keep the first and second side wall inside panels 126a, 126b in place as well as to provide for a strong and stable structure. The cut-out locking flaps 108a, 108b are configured to be folded in a second folding direction FD2, opposite the first folding direction FD1, inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first and second support panels 106a, 106b, respectively, such that the two triangles are kept in place. The blank 100 also comprises a cut extending from the fold line between the respective end wall panel 102a, 102b and the respective end top panel 104a, 104b, into the respective end top panel 104a, 104b and back to said fold line. This will form a tab 150a, 150b remaining with an extension along the extension of the end wall panel 102a, 102b when respective end top panel 104a, 104b is folded. As is shown in Fig. 2, this will form upright standing tabs 150a, 150b. The blank 100 is also provided with cut-outs 151a, 151b at the fold line between the respective end wall panel 102a, 102b and the respective bottom panel 118a, 118b. The material removed by these cut- outs forms recesses extending upwardly from the bottom and a short distance on the respective end wall panel 102a, 102b. The tabs 150a, 150b of a first box are intended to be inserted into the cut-outs 151a, 151b of a second box being placed on top of the first box and thereby aid in keeping the stacked boxes in the intended position. The person skilled in the art realize that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims. For instance, the bottom panels 118a, 118b, 128a, 128b may be configured differently. At a minimum there need to be one bottom panel connected to any one of the end or side wall panels 102a, 102b, 124a, 124b. Preferably, there are at least two oppositely arranged bottom panels, such as e.g. the two bottom panels 128a, 128b connected to the two side wall panels 124a, 124b or alternatively the two bottom panels 118a, 118b connected to the two end wall panels 102a, 102b. The bottom may be of the disclosed kind with two opposing bottom panels interlocking with each other. Alternatively, the bottom may be of a kind where the bottom panels connected to the end wall panels have a hook shaped edge interacting with an recess of a bottom panel connected to one of the side wall panels, such as e.g. disclosed in FEFCO 0215-0217. Alternatively, the bottom may be of a kind where they are interconnected and nested into each other such that they are automatically folded into a bottom as the side and end wall panels are moved into their parallelepipedic shape, such as e.g. disclosed in FEFCO 0701-0713. However, the bottom may also be of a kind with a plurality of bottom panels which are simply laid over each other and which are adhesively held in place, such as being glued or taped, such as e.g. disclosed in FEFCO 0200-0205.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A blank (100) configured to be erected into a box (200), the blank comprising an end wall flap (122), a first end wall panel (102a), a first side wall panel (124a), a second end wall panel (102b) and a second side wall panel (124b), and a first end top panel (104a) and a first support panel (106a) being foldably connected one after the other to the first end wall panel (102a) as seen along a longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), and a first bottom panel (118a) foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a), the first side wall panel (124a), the second end wall panel (102b), or the second side wall panel (124b), wherein the first end wall panel (102a) is configured to form a first end wall of the box (200), wherein the first end top panel (104a) is configured to be folded in a first folding direction (FD1) relative to the first end wall panel (102a) such that the first end top panel (104a) extends inwardly from the first end wall panel (102a) and forms a first top surface of the box (200), wherein the first support panel (106a) is configured to be folded relative to the first end top panel (104a) along the first folding direction (FD1) such that the first support panel (106a) extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface (206) of the first end wall panel (102a) such that an upper portion (402) of the first end wall panel (102a), the first end top panel (104a) and the first support panel (106a) form a triangle when the blank (100) is erected into the box (200), and wherein the first end wall panel (102a) further comprises a cut-out (208a) and a cut-out locking flap (108a) being formed by the cut-out (208a) and being foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a), wherein the cut-out locking flap (108a) is configured to be folded in a second folding direction (FD2), opposite the first folding direction (FD1), inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel (106a), wherein the cut-out (208a) is positioned in a portion of the first end wall panel (102a) being at a height being beneath the height of the contact between the first support panel (106a) and the inside surface (206) of the first end wall panel (102a) when the blank (100) has been erected into the box (200). 2. The blank (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cut-out (208a) is an internal cut-out such that the cut-out (208a) is surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel (102a). 3. The blank (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first support panel (106a) comprises a cut-out recess (112a) configured to receive at least a cut-out locking flap portion (110a) of the cut-out locking flap (108a) of the cut-out (208a). 4. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support panel (106a) comprises one or more support panel locking flaps (114a) extending upwardly away from the first support panel (106a) along the longitudinal direction (LD) as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (100) such that the support panel locking flaps (114a) will extend away from the first support panel (106a) in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly when the blank (100) has been erected into the box (200). 5. The blank (100) according to claim 5, wherein the first end wall panel (102a) comprises one or more recesses (116a) configured to receive the one or more support panel locking flaps (114a) of the first support panel (106a). 6. The blank (100) according to claim 6, wherein the one or more recesses (116a) of the first end wall panel (102a) are internal recesses such that the one or more recesses (116) are surrounded by continuous remaining portions of the first end wall panel (102a). 7. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first bottom panel (118a) is foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a) as seen along the longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), and wherein the blank (100) preferably further comprises a second bottom panel (118b) being foldably connected to the second end wall panel (102b) as seen along the longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100). 8. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (100) further comprises an end wall flap (122) being foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a) along a first longitudinally extending side (TS1) of the first end wall panel (102a) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank 100. 9. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side wall panel (124a), the second end wall panel (102b) and the second side wall panel (124b) are foldably connected one after the other as seen along a transverse direction (TD) of the blank (100), wherein the first side wall panel (124a) being foldably connected to the first end wall panel (102a) along a second longitudinally extending side (TS2) of the blank (100). 10. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second end wall panel (102b) is foldably connected to a second end top panel (104b) and a second support panel (106b) as seen along a longitudinal direction (LD) of the blank (100), wherein the second end wall panel (102b) is configured to form a second end wall (202b) of the box (200), wherein the second end top panel (104b) is configured to be folded in a first folding direction (FD1) relative to the second end wall panel (102b) such that the second end top panel (104b) extends inwardly from the second end wall panel (102b) and forms a second top surface (204b) of the box (200), wherein the second support panel (106b) is configured to be folded relative to the second end top panel (104b) along the first folding direction (FD1) such that the second support panel (106b) extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface (206) of the second end wall panel (102b) such that an upper portion (402) of the second end wall panel (102b), the second end top panel (104b) and the second support panel (106b) form a triangle when the blank is erected to the box, and wherein the second end wall panel (102b) further comprises a cut-out (208b) and a cut-out locking flap (108b) being formed by the cut-out (208b) and being foldably connected to the second end wall panel (102b), wherein the cut-out locking flap (108b) is configured to be folded in a second folding direction (FD2), opposite the first folding direction (FD1), inwardly and upwardly into contact with the second support panel (106b). 11. The blank (100) according to claim 10, wherein the first side wall panel (124a) is foldably connected to a first side wall inside panel (126a) along a first transversally extending side (LS1) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (100) and wherein the second side wall panel (124b) is foldably connected to a second side wall inside panel (126b) along the first transversally extending side (LS1) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (100). 12. The blank (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the first side wall panel (124a) is foldably connected to a first side wall bottom panel (128a) along a second transversally extending side (LS2) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (100) and wherein the second side wall panel (124b) is foldably connected to a second side wall bottom panel (128b) along the second transversally extending side (LS2) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (100), and wherein the first side wall bottom panel (128a) is formed such that it tapers out when extending away from the second transversally extending side (LS2) of the blank (100) and such that a free end thereof forms a side wall locking flap (130); and wherein the second side wall bottom panel (128b) comprises a bottom locking recess (132) configured to receive the side wall locking flap (130) of the first side wall bottom panel (128a). 13. The blank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (100) is made of a paper-based material. 14. A box (200) formed from a blank (100) according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the first end wall panel (102a) forms a first end wall of the box (200), wherein the first end top panel (104a) is folded relative to the first end wall panel (102a) such that the first end top panel (104a) extends inwardly from the first end wall panel (102a) and forms a first top surface of the box (200), wherein the first support panel (106a) is folded relative to the first end top panel (104a) such that the first support panel (106a) extends in an inclined direction downwardly and outwardly and into contact with an inside surface (206) of the first end wall panel (102a) such that an upper portion (402) of the first end wall panel (102a), the first end top panel (104a) and the first support panel (106a) form a triangle, and wherein the cut-out locking flap (108a) is folded relative to the first end wall panel (102a) such that the cut-out locking flap (108a) extends inwardly and upwardly into contact with the first support panel (106a).