Bag-in-box packaging system for bulk flowable materials

Abstract

 A bag-in-box packaging system for bulk flowable materials comprising: a collapsible rigid outer carton of generally rectangular or square cross-section formed from non-laminated corrugated board, the rigid outer carton having four hingedly connected side walls (2S,4S,6S,8S);
a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve formed from non-laminated corrugated board within the rigid outer carton, the reinforcing inner sleeve having four hingedly connected panels (20',20",22',22";30',30",32'32") each with two section (20S',20T',20S",...) to be doubled over at a central fold line to form an inner and an outer layer of four superimposed sections each, within and adjacent the four side walls (2S,4S,6S,8S) of the collapsible rigid carton, and a flexible inner liner within the rigid outer carton and the reinforcing inner sleeve, wherein the reinforcing inner sleeve comprises a first and a second flap (24,34;26,36) hingedly connected to opposite and sections (22S',22T"), corresponding end sections (22S",22T') being shorter than said opposite end sections.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bag-in-box packaging system for the storage and transportation of bulk flowable materials, such as liquids, pastes and flowable powders. The present invention also relates to a reinforcing inner sleeve for use in such a bag-in-box packaging system.

[0002] It is known to store and transport bulk flowable materials such as beverages, liquid food products, detergents and other chemicals in so-called bag-in-box containers, which comprise a rigid outer box and a flexible inner liner within the rigid outer box in which the flowable material is contained. In such containers, barrier properties, such as air impermeability, water resistance and chemical resistance, required to contain the flowable material are provided by the flexible inner liner, while the strength and rigidity required for storage and transportation of the flowable material are provided by the rigid outer box. The flexible inner liner is typically disposed after use, while the rigid outer carton is re-used or recycled. To reduce the space required to transport and store the bag-in-box container when empty, bag-in-box containers comprising collapsible rigid outer boxes are also known.

[0003] A number of bag-in-box containers that comprise collapsible rigid outer boxes formed from corrugated board are known in the art. To provide the strength and rigidity required for storage and transportation of the flowable material, the corrugated rigid outer boxes of such bag-in-box containers are often constructed by laminating multiple sheets of corrugated board together. However, the formation of rigid outer boxes from laminated corrugated board suffers from a number of disadvantages. Firstly, the manufacture of collapsible rigid outer boxes from laminated corrugated board requires large, rotating mandrels or similar specialized equipment. Secondly, collapsible rigid outer boxes formed of laminated corrugated board are often difficult to 'knock down' into a flat configuration for transport and storage.

[0004] It would be desirable to provide a bag-in-box container comprising a collapsible rigid outer box formed from corrugated board that can be produced using conventional corrugated container manufacturing equipment.

[0005] According to the invention there is provided a bag-in-box packaging system for bulk flowable materials comprising: a collapsible rigid outer carton of generally rectangular or square cross-section formed from non-laminated corrugated board, the rigid outer carton having four side walls; a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve formed from non-laminated corrugated board within the rigid outer carton, the reinforcing inner sleeve having four hingedly connected panels adjacent the four side walls of the rigid carton, each of the four hingedly connected panels having a first section and a second section hingedly connected along their upper or lower edges, the first and second sections being folded about their upper or lower edges so that the second section underlies the first section, between the first section and the rigid outer carton. The reinforcing inner sleeve comprises: a first panel and a second panel hingedly connected along a fold line; a third panel hingedly connected to the first panel; a fourth panel hingedly connected to the second panel; a first flap hingedly connected to the first section of the third panel; and a second flap hingedly connected to the second section of the fourth panel. The first flap of the reinforcing inner sleeve abuts the first section of the fourth panel and overlies the second section of the fourth panel thereof. The second flap of the reinforcing inner sleeve abuts the second section of the third panel and underlies the first section of the third panel thereof.

[0006] Throughout the specification, the term 'corrugated board' is used to denote packaging material comprising one or more layers of corrugated material ("fluting") sandwiched between two or more liners. The term 'single wall corrugated board' is used to denote packaging material comprising two liners between which is sandwiched a single layer of fluting (liner-fluting-liner). The term 'double wall corrugated board' is used to denote packaging material comprising three liners between which are sandwiched two layers of fluting (liner-fluting-liner-fluting-liner). The term 'triple wall corrugated board' is used to denote packaging material comprising four liners between which are sandwiched three layers of fluting (liner-fluting-liner-fluting-liner-fluting-liner).

[0007] Inclusion of a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve formed from a blank of non-laminated corrugated board in the collapsible rigid outer carton of bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention advantageously enables the collapsible rigid outer carton to be formed from non-laminated corrugated board while maintaining the overall strength and rigidity required for storage and transportation of the flowable material. Since each panel of the reinforcing inner sleeve has a first section and a second section underlying the first section, between the first section and the rigid outer carton, the thickness of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve is double that of the corrugated board from which it is formed.

[0008] For transport and storage, the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention may advantageously be folded along the fold line between the first and second panels of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve into a flat configuration, in which the first sections of corresponding panels on either side of the fold line are in contact with one another. To facilitate folding of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve into a flat configuration, the first panel and the second panel of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve are preferably hingedly connected along a heavy crease line or a double crease line. For example, the first panel and the second panel of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve may be hingedly connected along a heavy off-centre crease line. While in the erected position, the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve is advantageously 'locked' together within the rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention by the first and second flaps.

[0009] The ability to knock down the collapsible rigid outer carton and collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention into a flat configuration advantageously reduces the volume required during initial shipment, storage and, where applicable, return-shipment of bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention.

[0010] The first section and the second section of each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve may be hingedly connected along their upper edges. Alternatively, the first section and the second section of each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve may be hingedly connected along their lower edges. In a preferred embodiment of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention, each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve has only two sections. However, in an alternative embodiment of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention, each of the four hingedly connected panels of the reinforcing sleeve has a first section, a second section and a third section, the first section and the second section being hingedly connected along their upper edges and the first and the third section being hingedly connected along their lower edges, the first and second sections being folded about their upper edges and the first and third being folded about their lower edges so that the second and third sections underlie the first section, between the first section and the rigid outer carton.

[0011] Where each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve includes three sections, the combined height of the second and third sections of each of the four hingedly connected panels is preferably substantially the same as the height of the first sections thereof. More preferably, the height of the second sections of each of the four hingedly connected panels is substantially half the height of the first sections thereof, and the height of the third sections of each of the four hingedly connected panels is substantially half the height of the first sections thereof.

[0012] Where each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve includes three sections, the reinforcing sleeve preferably further comprises a third flap hingedly connected to the third section of the fourth panel, wherein the third flap abuts the third section of the third panel and underlies the first section of the third panel.

[0013] The rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention may be formed from a one-piece single wall corrugated board blank, a one-piece double wall corrugated board blank or a one-piece triple wall corrugated board blank. Preferably, the rigid outer carton is formed from a one-piece double wall corrugated board blank or a one-piece triple wall corrugated board blank. For example, the rigid outer carton may be formed from a one-piece CAA triple wall corrugated board blank.

[0014] The reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention may be formed from a one-piece single wall corrugated board blank, a one-piece double wall corrugated board blank or a one-piece triple wall corrugated board blank. Preferably, the reinforcing inner sleeve is formed from a one-piece double wall corrugated board blank or a one-piece triple wall corrugated board blank. For example, the reinforcing inner sleeve may be formed from a one-piece CAA triple wall corrugated board blank.

[0015] The rigid outer carton and the reinforcing sleeve of bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may be formed from the same type or different types of non-laminated corrugated board. For example, the rigid outer carton and the reinforcing sleeve may both be formed from one-piece double wall corrugated board blanks or one-piece triple wall corrugated board blanks. Alternatively, the rigid outer carton may be formed from a one-piece double wall corrugated board blank and the reinforcing sleeve may be formed from a one-piece triple wall corrugated board blank or vice versa.

[0016] The first and second sections of the first, second, third and fourth panels of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve are preferably hingedly connected along a slit score line. Where each of the four hingedly connected panels of the collapsible reinforcing sleeve includes three sections, the first and third sections of the first, second, third and fourth panels are preferably also hingedly connected along a slit score line.

[0017] Throughout the specification, the term slit score line is used to denote a partial cut through the corrugated board that leaves an outer liner of the corrugated board intact. In use, the slit score line acts as a hinge about which the first and second sections of the first, second, third and fourth panels of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve may be folded.

[0018] Preferably, the fold line along which the first and second panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve are hingedly connected is adjacent a joint or seam along which a pair of adjacent side walls of the rigid outer carton are connected.

[0019] Preferably, the first sections of the four panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve are of substantially the same height as the four side walls of the rigid outer carton.

[0020] Preferably, the rigid outer carton has four bottom flaps hingedly connected to the four hingedly connected side walls along lower edges thereof, the four bottom flaps being foldable inwardly to at least partially close the lower end of the rigid outer carton.

[0021] Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may further comprise known pallets. Preferably, bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention further comprise pallets of the type described in US-A-4,091,923. However, it will be appreciated that the rigid outer carton, reinforcing inner sleeve and flexible inner liner of may also be used in conjunction other suitable known pallets.

[0022] Preferably, the bag-in-box packaging system further comprises: a pallet comprising a base panel and a floor panel hingedly connected to the base panel and the base panel and the floor panel of the pallet and the four bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are folded such that a first opposed pair of the bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are above the floor panel of the pallet and a second opposed pair of the bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are below the floor panel of the pallet and above the base panel of the pallet.

[0023] Preferably, each of the second opposed pair of bottom flaps is hingedly connected to the lower edge of a side wall of the rigid outer carton along a pair of spaced apart parallel fold lines. Preferably, the parallel fold lines are spaced apart by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the floor panel of the pallet and the non-laminated corrugated board from which the rigid outer carton is formed.

[0024] Preferably, the dimensions of the four bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are such that when folded inwardly they do not completely close the lower end of the rigid outer carton. However, if desired the rigid outer carton may comprise one or more bottom flaps that when folded inwardly substantially completely close the lower end thereof.

[0025] Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention find particular application as intermediate bulk containers. Throughout the specification, the term intermediate bulk container (IBC) is used to denote a container having a capacity greater than 200 litres (i.e. a capacity greater than that of a 44 imperial gallon or 55 US liquid gallon drum). Such intermediate bulk containers must be transported using forklift trucks or other mechanical handling equipment. Typically, intermediate bulk containers have a capacity of less than 1800 litres (i.e. a capacity less than that of a 415 imperial gallon or 500 US liquid gallon bulk container).

[0026] Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention preferably have a capacity of at least about 500 litres. Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention preferably have a capacity of between about 500 litres and about 2000 litres, more preferably of between about 750 litres and about 1500 litres, and most preferably of about 1000 litres.

[0027] Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may comprise any suitable flexible inner liners known in the art including, but not limited to, known form-fit liners and known pillow-liners. Preferably, the flexible inner liner is a form-fit liner, more preferably a form-fit liner comprising four side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall. For example, bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may comprise form-fit flexible inner liners of the type described in US-A-5,788,121.

[0028] The form-fit liner may be filled in a conventional manner. Preferably a sealable inlet opening is provided in the top wall of the form-fit liner.

[0029] Preferably, a sealable outlet opening is provided in a lower portion of a side wall of the form-fit liner. Where bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention comprise a form-fit flexible inner liner with a sealable outlet opening provided in a lower portion of a side wall thereof, access apertures in registration with the sealable outlet opening are provided in lower portions of one of the side walls of the rigid outer carton and one of the panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve.

[0030] Bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may comprise form-fit flexible inner liners mounted on any suitable cassettes known in the art. For example, bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may comprise a form-fit flexible inner liner mounted on a cassette of the type described in US-A-4,863,021. Preferably, the form-fit flexible inner liner is mounted on a cassette comprising: a base wall of substantially the same dimensions as the internal cross-section of the reinforced inner sleeve; and at least two peripheral side walls extending upwardly from the base wall. More preferably, the form-fit flexible inner liner is mounted on a cassette comprising: a base wall of substantially the same dimensions as the internal cross-section of the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve; and four side walls extending upwardly from the base wall.

[0031] Preferably the cassette is formed for a folded board blank, more preferably from a corrugated board blank, most preferably from a single wall corrugated board blank.

[0032] The cassette advantageously ensures that the form-fit-flexible inner liner is correctly oriented within the rigid outer carton and reinforcing inner sleeve of the collapsible-bag-in-box packaging system. In addition, where a sealable outlet opening is provided in a lower portion of a side wall of the form-fit liner, the cassette advantageously ensures that the sealable outlet opening is aligned with the access apertures provided in lower portions of one of the side walls of the rigid outer carton and one of the panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve.

[0033] In addition, the upstanding side walls of the cassette advantageously hold the panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention in position within the rigid outer carton thereof, between the side walls of the rigid outer carton and the side walls of the cassette, before and during filing of the form-fit flexible inner liner.

[0034] The rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system of the invention may further comprise one or more top flaps, each hingedly connected to the upper edge of a side wall thereof along a fold line, the one or more top flaps being foldable inwardly to a least partially close the upper end of the rigid outer carton.

[0035] Preferably, the outer carton is provided with four top flaps each hingedly connected to the upper edge of one of the four side walls of the rigid outer carton.. Where bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention comprise a form-fit flexible inner liner with a sealable inlet opening provided in an upper wall thereof, the dimensions of the four top flaps are preferably, such that when folded inwardly they do not completely close the upper end of the rigid outer carton. However, rigid outer cartons of bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may comprise one or more top flaps that when folded inwardly substantially completely close the upper end of the rigid outer carton.

[0036] Alternatively or in addition, bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention may further comprise a removable lid. Preferably, bag-in-box packaging systems according to the invention further comprise a removable lid formed from a folded board blank, more preferably from a corrugated board blank, most preferably from a single wall corrugated board blank.

[0037] Preferably, the removable lid comprises a top wall of substantially the same dimensions as the external cross-section of the rigid outer carton and four peripheral side walls extending downwardly from the top wall.

[0038] According to the invention, there is also provided an elongate non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming the reinforcing inner sleeve of a bag-in-box packaging system for flowable materials according to the invention, the blank comprising: first and second central panels hingedly connected along a first transverse fold line; first and second end panels at opposite ends of the blank, the first end panel being hingedly connected to the first central panel along a second transverse fold line and the second end panel being hingedly connected to the second central panel along a third transverse fold line; a first longitudinal slit score line that divides each of the first and second central panels and each of the first and second end panels into a first section and a second section; a first flap hingedly connected to the first section of the first end panel along a fourth transverse fold line; and a second flap hingedly connected to the second section of the second end panel along a fifth transverse fold line, wherein the width of the first section of the first end panel in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the second section of the first end panel and the second flap, and the width of the second section of the second end panel in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the first section of the second end panel and the first flap.

[0039] Preferably, the first transverse fold line is a heavy crease line or a double crease line.

[0040] Preferably, the blank comprises a single longitudinal slit score line. However, the blank may comprise first and second longitudinal slit score lines that divide each of the first and second central panels and each of the first and second end panels into a first section, a second section and a third section, and a third flap hingedly connected to the third section of the second end panel along a fifth transverse fold line, wherein the width of the third section of the second end panel in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the first section of the second end panel and the first flap

[0041] Preferably, the first sections of the first and second central panels and first and second end panels are disposed between the respective second and third sections thereof.

[0042] Preferably, the combined height of the second and third sections of the first and second central panels and first and second end panels in the transverse direction of the blank is substantially the same as the height of the first sections thereof. More preferably, the height of the second sections of the first and second central panels and first and second end panels in the transverse direction of the blank is substantially half the height of the first sections thereof and the height of the third sections of the first and second central panels and first and second end panels in the transverse direction of the blank is substantially half the height of the first sections thereof.

[0043] The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming a collapsible rigid outer carton of a bag-in-box packaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a plan view of a board blank for forming a pallet of a bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention

Figure 3 is a plan view of a non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of a bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 is a plan view of a non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of a bag-in-box packaging system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a board blank for forming a form-fit flexible inner liner cassette of a bag-in-box packaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 6 is a plan view of a board blank for forming a removable lid of a bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0044] In Figures 1 to 6, solid lines are used to denote cut lines or outer borders of the blanks and dashed lines are used to denote fold lines, which are formed by compressing the material of the blanks by creasing, embossing or an equivalent process, along which the blanks are folded upon erection of the bag-in-box packaging system. In Figures 3 and 4, dashed and dotted lines are used to denote slit score lines, which are formed by partially cutting the corrugated board of the blank, along which the blank is folded erection of the reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system.

[0045] A preferred bag-in-box packaging system according to the invention generally comprises: a rigid outer carton of substantially square cross-section; a pallet; a reinforcing inner sleeve of substantially square cross-section, a substantially cubic form-fit flexible inner liner mounted on a cassette; and a lid. With reference to Figure 1, an elongate one-piece corrugated board blank for forming the collapsible rigid outer carton of a bag-in-box packaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention comprises four wall panels 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S, which form the side walls of the erected rigid outer carton, and a fixing flap or flange 10. The four wall panels 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S, and fixing flap 10 are separated from one another in the longitudinal direction of the blank by parallel transverse fold lines, which define the corners of the erected rigid outer carton. The blank further comprises four top flaps 2T, 4T, 6T, 8T, which are hingedly connected to the upper ends of the four wall panels 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S along fold lines, and four bottom flaps 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B, which are hingedly connected to the bottom ends of the four wall panels. Two of the bottom flaps 2B, 6B are hingedly connected to two non-adjacent wall panels 2S, 6S of the blank along single fold lines and two of the bottom flaps 4B, 8B are hingedly connected to the lower ends of the other two non-adjacent wall panels 4S, 8S of the blank along pairs of parallel spaced-apart fold lines.

[0046] The fixing flap 10 is hingedly connected to an outer side edge of one of the four wall panels 2S at one end of the blank. In the blank shown in Figure 1, the side flap 10 is hingedly connected to the outer side edge of a wall panel 2S, which has a bottom wall flap 4B hingedly connected to its lower edge along a single fold line. However, it will be appreciated that the side wall flap may alternatively be hingedly connected to the outer side edge of the wall panel 8S at the other end of the blank, which has a bottom wall flap hingedly connected to its lower edge along a pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, a central aperture for receiving a sealable outlet opening provided in a lower portion of a side wall of the form-fit flexible inner liner of the bag-in-box packaging system is provided at the base of the other non-adjacent wall panel 6S that has a bottom wall flap 4B hingedly connected to its lower edge along a single fold line. The top flap 6T connected to the opposed upper edge of the wall panel 6S is also provided with a central cut-out for receiving a fill bridge for filling the form-fit flexible liner through a sealable inlet opening provided in a top portion thereof.

[0048] The elongate one-piece corrugated board blank for forming the pallet of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 comprises a base panel 14 and a floor panel 16, which is hingedly connected to the base panels 14 along a pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines. The base panel 14 and the floor panel 16 are of substantially the same dimensions as the cross-section of the erected outer carton formed from the blank shown in Figure 1. For the purposes of shipping and/or storage of the bag-in-box packaging system, the floor panel 16 of the blank is folded about the pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines so that it lies on top of the base panel 14 thereof.

[0049] To erect the rigid outer carton, the four wall panels 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S and fixing flap 10 of the blank shown in Figure 1 are folded through 90 degrees about the fold lines there between, so as to form an open-ended sleeve of substantially square cross-section, and the fixing flap 10 is adhered, stapled, stitched or otherwise affixed inside the outer edge of the wall panel 8S at the opposite end of the blank. For the purposes of initial shipment, storage and/or return shipment of the bag-in-box packaging system, the rigid outer carton is 'knocked-down flat' so that the two wall panels 2S, 8S, two top flaps 2T, 8T and two bottom flaps 2B, 8B on either side of the joint formed by the fixing flap 10 lie on top of the other two wall panels 4S, 6S, two top flaps 4T, 6T and two bottom flaps 4B, 6B, respectively.

[0050] With the rigid outer carton in the form an open-ended sleeve, the four top flaps 2T, 4T, 6T, 8T, are temporarily folded inwardly and interlocked to close the upper end of the partially erected rigid outer carton. As shown in Figure 1, the adjacent facing free edges of the two top flaps 6T, 8T of the blank distant from the fixing flap 10 are angled to facilitate interlocking of the four top flaps 2T, 4T, 6T, 8T. As described further below, to allow access to a sealable inlet opening provided in the top wall of the form-fit flexible inner liner of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the dimensions of the four top flaps 2T, 4T, 6T, 8T are such that when folded inwardly they do not completely close the upper end of the rigid outer carton.

[0051] The partially erected rigid outer carton is then inverted and the two bottom flaps 2B, 6B that are hingedly connected to a pair of opposed side walls 2S, 6S thereof along single fold lines are folded inwardly.

[0052] To complete erection of the rigid outer carton and the pallet, the floor panel 16 of the blank for forming the pallet shown in Figure 2 is placed on the two inwardly folded bottom flaps 2B, 6B of the partially erected rigid outer carton. The two remaining bottom flaps 4B, 8B of the rigid outer carton, which are hingedly connected to the bottom ends of the other pair of opposed side walls thereof along pairs of parallel spaced-apart fold lines, are then folded inwardly to lie on the floor panel 16. The base panel 14 of the blank shown in Figure 2 is then folded about the pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines along which it is hingedly connected to the floor panel 16 thereof so that it lies on top of the two bottom flaps 4B, 8B of the erected rigid outer carton.

[0053] The erected rigid outer carton and pallet are then righted. Once righted, the four top flaps 2T, 4T, 6T, 8T are freed and folded outwardly to allow the reinforcing inner sleeve and the cassette of the bag-in-box packaging system to be inserted into the rigid outer container, as further described below.

[0054] In the upright position, the weight of the rigid outer carton, reinforcing inner sleeve, cassette and, when the flexible form-fit inner liner is filled, contents of the bag-in-box packaging system keep the rigid outer carton firmly connected to the pallet and the pallet firmly connected to the rigid outer carton.

[0055] The pairs of parallel fold lines along which the two bottom flaps 4B, 8B of the rigid outer carton are connected to the pair of opposed side walls thereof are spaced apart by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the blanks shown in Figures 1 and 2 from which the rigid outer carton and pallet, respectively, are formed. This advantageously allows the two bottom flaps 4B, 8B to be folded flat on to the floor panel 16 of the pallet and the other two bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton. It will be appreciated that alternatively all four bottom flaps 2B, 4B, 6B, 8B of the rigid outer carton may be similarly hingedly connected to the lower ends of the side walls thereof along pairs of parallel spaced-apart fold lines if desired.

[0056] The pair of parallel fold lines along which the floor panel 16 of the pallet is hingedly connected to the base panel 14 thereof are also spaced apart by a distance greater than the combined thickness of the blanks shown in Figures 1 and 2 from which the rigid outer carton and pallet, respectively, are formed. This advantageously allows the base 14 of the pallet to be folded flat on to the bottom flaps 4B, 8B of the rigid outer carton and the floor 16 of the pallet.

[0057] It will be appreciated that the pallet may further comprise known feet (not shown) depending from the bottom of the base panel thereof to, for example, raise the pallet off of the ground and/or enable the pallet to be lifted by a forklift truck.

[0058] Figure 3 shows an elongate one-piece non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of a bag-in-box packaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The blank comprises a pair of central panels 20', 20", which are separated from one another in the longitudinal direction of the blank by a transverse heavy crease line (shown by two parallel spaced-apart dotted lines in Figure 3), and a pair of end panels 22', 22" disposed on either side of the central panels 20', 20", at opposite ends of the blank, which are separated from the pair of central panels 20', 20" in the longitudinal direction of the blank by transverse fold lines parallel to the heavy crease line. The central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels are divided in the transverse direction of the blank into first 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" and second 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" sections by a longitudinal slit score line. As shown in Figure 3, the height of the first sections 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" of the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels in the transverse direction of the blank is substantially equal to the height of the second sections 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" thereof.

[0059] The blank further comprises a first flap 24, which is hingedly connected along a fold line to the first section 22S' of one of the end panels 22', and a second flap 26, which is hingedly connected along a fold line to the second section 22T" of the other end panel 22". As shown in Figure 3, the second section 22T' of the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected and the first section 22S" of the end panel 22" to which the second flap 26 is connected are reduced in width in the longitudinal direction of the blank compared to the other sections of the end panels 22', 22" and the first 20S', 20S" and second 20T', 20T" sections of the central panels 20', 20" by substantially the width of the first 24 and second 26 flaps.

[0060] A pair of opposed apertures 28 for receiving the sealable outlet opening provided in the lower portion of the side wall of the form-fit flexible inner liner of the bag-in-box packaging system are provided in the first 22S' and second 22T' sections of the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected, adjacent the outer free edges of the first 22S' and second 22T' sections distant from the slit score line.

[0061] To erect the reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the second 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" sections of the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels of the blank shown in Figure 3 are hinged about the slit score line and adhered or otherwise affixed to the first sections 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" thereof. Folding the second sections 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" of the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels of the blank about the slit score line to lie on the respective first sections 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" thereof brings the pair of opposed apertures 28 provided in the first 22S' and second 22T' sections of the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected into registration with one another.

[0062] For the purposes of initial shipment, storage and/or return shipment of the bag-in-box packaging system, the partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve is then folded in half along the transverse heavy crease line between the central panels 20', 20" so that first sections 20S', 20S" of the pair of central panels 20', 20" lie against one another and the first sections 22S', 22S" of the end panels 22', 22" lie against one another.

[0063] To complete erection of the reinforcing inner sleeve, the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels are folded about the transverse heavy crease line and fold lines there between to form an open-ended tube of triangular cross-section. To form the triangular tube, the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected and the adjacent central panel 20' are folded so that the outer free edge of the first flap 24 abuts the fold line along which the other end panel 22" and other central panel 20" of the reinforcing inner sleeve are connected. The end panel 22" to which the second flap 26 is connected is then folded about the fold line and abutting outer free edge of the first flap 24, so that the first section 22S" thereof lies against the second 22T' section of the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected. The end panels 22', 22" are preferably held together in this position by placing a removable clip (not shown) over the edge of the triangular tube along which the first 22S', 22S" and second 22T', 22T" sections of the end panels 22', 22" are connected. Alternatively, the end panels 22', 22" may be held together in this position by the individual erecting the reinforced inner sleeve.

[0064] The partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve in the form of the open-ended tube of triangular cross-section is inserted through the upper end of the erected rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system with the edge of the triangular tube formed by the outer free edges of the first 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" and second 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" sections of the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels at the base thereof. It will be appreciated, however, that the partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve in the form of the open-ended tube of triangular cross-section may be inserted through the upper end of the erected rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system with the edge of the triangular tube formed by the slit score line along which the first 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S" and second 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" sections of the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels are hingedly connected at the base thereof. The partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve is placed into the outer rigid carton so that the corner of the reinforcing inner sleeve formed by the heavy crease line between the central panels 20', 20" thereof is adjacent the corner of the rigid outer carton defined by the fold line along which the integral fixing flap 10 is hingedly connected to a side wall 2S of the rigid outer carton.

[0065] The clip holding the end walls 22', 22" of the reinforcing sleeve together is then removed and the central 20', 20" and end 22', 22" panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve pushed outwardly until the second sections 20T', 20T", 22T', 22T" thereof lie against the four side walls 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S of the rigid outer carton. In this position, the first flap 24 abuts the first section 22S" and overlies the second section 22T" of the end panel 22" to which the second flap 26 is connected, and the second flap 26 abuts the second section 22T' and underlies the first section 22S' of the end panel 22' to which the first flap 24 is connected. In addition, the pair of aligned apertures 28 provided in the first 22S' and second 22T' sections of the end panel 22' of the reinforcing inner sleeve are aligned with the aperture 14 provided in the lower portion of the side wall 6S of the rigid outer carton.

[0066] The reinforcing inner sleeve thus forms an open-ended tube of substantially square cross-section within the rigid outer container 'locked' together by the first 24 and second 26 flaps, which is double the thickness of the non-laminated corrugated board blank shown in Figure 3 from which it is formed.

[0067] Figure 4 shows an elongate one-piece non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming the collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. The blank shown in Figure 4 is of similar construction to the blank shown in Figure 3 and comprises a pair of central panels 30', 30", which are separated from one another in the longitudinal direction of the blank by a transverse heavy crease line (shown by two parallel spaced-apart dotted lines in Figure 4), and a pair of end panels 32', 32" disposed on either side of the central panels 30', 30", at opposite ends of the blank, which are separated from the pair of central panels 30', 30" in the longitudinal direction of the blank by transverse fold lines parallel to the heavy crease line. As shown in Figure 4, the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels are divided in the transverse direction of the blank into first 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S", second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections by a pair of parallel spaced-apart longitudinal slit score lines, the first sections 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" being disposed between the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections.

[0068] The blank further comprises a first flap 34, which is hingedly connected along a fold line to the first section 32S' of one of the end panels 32'. The blank also comprises a second flap 36 and a third flap 38, which are hingedly connected along fold lines to the second section 32T" and third section 32B", respectively, of the other end panel 32". The first section 32S" of the end panel 32" to which the second 36 and third 38 flaps are connected and the second 32T' and third 32B' sections of the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected are reduced in width in the longitudinal direction of the blank compared to the other sections of the end panels 32', 32" and the first 30S', 30S", second 30T', 30T" and third 30B', 30B" sections of the central panels 30', 30" by substantially the width of the first 34, second 36 and third 38 flaps.

[0069] A pair of opposed apertures 40 for receiving the sealable outlet opening provided in the lower portion of the side wall of the form-fit flexible inner liner of the bag-in-box packaging system are provided in the first 32S' and third 32B' sections of the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected, on either side of the slit score line separating the first 32S' and third 32B sections'.

[0070] To erect the reinforcing inner sleeve according to the alternative embodiment of the invention, the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections of the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels of the blank shown in Figure 4 are hinged about the pair of slit score lines to lie against the first sections 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" thereof. The height of the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections of the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels in the transverse direction of the blank is about half the height of the first sections 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" thereof. Consequently, the outer free edges of the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections abut when the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections of the central 30', 30" and end 322', 32" panels are lying on the first sections 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" thereof.

[0071] Folding the third sections 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" of the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels of the blank about the slit score line to lie on the respective first sections 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" thereof brings the pair of opposed apertures 40 provided in the first 32S' and third 32B' sections of the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected into registration with one another.

[0072] For the purposes of initial shipment, storage and/or return shipment of the bag-in-box packaging system, the partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve is then folded in half along the transverse heavy crease line so that first sections 30S', 30S" of the pair of central panels 30', 30" lie against one another and the first sections 32S', 32S" of the end panels 32', 32" lie against one another.

[0073] To complete erection of the reinforcing inner sleeve, the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels are folded about the heavy crease line and fold lines there between to form an open-ended tube of triangular cross-section. To form the triangular tube, the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected and the adjacent central panel 30' are folded so that the outer free edge of the first flap 34 abuts the fold line along which the other end panel 32" and other central panel 30" of the reinforcing inner sleeve are connected. The end panel 32" to which the second 36 and third 38 flaps are connected is then folded about the fold line and abutting outer free edge of the first flap 34, so that the first section 32S" thereof lies against the second 32T' and third 32B' sections of the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected. The end panels 32', 32" are preferably held together in this position by placing a removable clip (not shown) over the edge of the triangular tube along which the first 32S', 32S" and second 32T', 32T" sections of the end panels 32', 32" are connected. Alternatively, the end panels 32', 32" may be held together in this position by the individual erecting the reinforced inner sleeve.

[0074] The partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve in the form of the open-ended tube of triangular cross-section is inserted through the upper end of the erected rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system with the edge of the triangular tube along which the first 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections of the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels are connected at the base thereof. The partially erected reinforcing inner sleeve is placed into the outer rigid carton so that the corner of the reinforcing inner sleeve formed by the heavy crease line between the central panels 30', 30" thereof is adjacent the corner of the rigid outer carton defined by the fold line along which the integral fixing flap 10 is hingedly connected to a side wall 2S of the rigid outer carton.

[0075] The clip holding the end walls 32', 32" of the reinforcing sleeve together is then removed and the central 30', 30" and end 32', 32" panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve pushed outwardly until the second 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T" and third 30B', 30B", 32B', 32B" sections thereof lie against the four side walls 2S, 4S, 6S, 8S of the rigid outer carton. In this position, the first flap 34 abuts the first section 32S" and overlies the second 32T" and third 32B" sections of the end panel 32" to which the second 36 and third 38 flaps are connected, and the second 36 and third 38 flaps abut the second 32T' and third 32B' sections and underlie the first section 32S' of the end panel 32' to which the first flap 34 is connected. In addition, the pair of aligned apertures 40 provided in the first 32S' and third 32B' sections of the end panel 32' of the reinforcing inner sleeve are aligned with the aperture 14 provided in the lower portion of the side wall 6S of the rigid outer carton.

[0076] The reinforcing inner sleeve thus forms an open-ended tube of substantially square cross-section within the rigid outer container 'locked' together by the first 34, second 36 and third 38 flaps, which is double the thickness of the non-laminated corrugated board blank shown in Figure 4 from which it is formed.

[0077] Figure 5 shows a one-piece board blank for forming the cassette on which the form-fit flexible inner liner of the bag-in-box packaging system is mounted. The blank comprises a substantially square bottom wall panel 42, which is of substantially the same dimensions as the internal cross-section of the erected reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred or alternative embodiment of the invention, and four trapezoidal side wall panels 44 hingedly connected to the edges of the bottom wall panel 42 along pairs of parallel spaced-apart fold lines. The bottom wall panel is divided into two substantially triangular portions by a pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines that extend diagonally across the bottom wall panel 42.

[0078] As shown in Figure 5, a first, 'key-hole shaped' aperture covered by a hinged flap 46 is provided in a first side wall panel 44 of the blank and a second aperture 48 is provided in an second, adjacent side wall panel 44 of the blank.

[0079] To erect the cassette, the bottom wall of the empty form-fit flexible inner liner (not shown) is adhered or otherwise affixed to the base wall panel of the blank and the sealable outlet opening provided in the lower portion of a side wall of the form-fit flexible inner liner is passed through the first, key-hole shaped aperture in the side wall panel of the blank 44.

[0080] For the purposes of initial shipment, the side wall panels 44 of the blank are folded inwardly about the pairs of spaced-apart fold lines so that they lie on top of the empty form-fit flexible inner liner, substantially parallel to the base wall panel 42. The base wall panel 42 is then folded along the diagonally extending pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines, so that the first side wall panel 44 faces the second side wall panel 44, and the sealable outlet opening in the form-fit flexible inner liner is passed through the second aperture 48 in the second side wall panel 44. In this position, the folded form-fit flexible inner liner is contained and protected within the folded cassette, which forms an envelope of substantially right-angled triangular cross-section around the flexible inner liner.

[0081] The folded cassette in the form of the envelope of substantially right-angled triangular cross-section is inserted through the upper end of the erected rigid outer carton and erected reinforcing inner sleeve of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred or alternative embodiment of the invention, with the section of the base wall panel 42 of the folded cassette to which the second side wall panel 44 is hingedly connected at the base thereof. The folded cassette is placed into the outer rigid carton and reinforcing inner sleeve so that the hypotenuse of the right-angled triangle, along which the base wall of the cassette is folded, extends between the heavy crease line between the central panels 20', 20", 30', 30" of the reinforcing inner sleeve and a diagonally opposite heavy crease line or fold line thereof.

[0082] The sealable outlet opening of the form-fit flexible inner liner is released from the second aperture 48 and the base wall 42 of the cassette is unfolded about the diagonally extending pair of parallel spaced-apart fold lines so that it lies flat at the bottom of the rigid outer carton. The side walls 44 are folded outwardly about the pairs of the spaced-apart fold line into an upright position lying against the first sections 20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S" of the central 20', 20", 30', 30" and end 22', 22", 32', 32" panels of the reinforcing inner sleeve. Folding the first side wall 44 of the cassette outwardly into an upright position brings the sealable outlet opening of the form-fit flexible inner liner into registration with the pair of aligned apertures 28, 40 provided in the end panel 22', 32' of the reinforcing inner sleeve and the aligned aperture 14 provided in the lower portion of the side wall 6S of the rigid outer carton.

[0083] A one-piece board blank for forming the removable lid of the bag-in-box packaging system according to the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 6. The blank comprises a top wall panel 50, which is of substantially the same dimensions as the external cross-section of the erected rigid outer carton of the bag-in-box packaging system, and four rectangular side wall panels 52, 54 hingedly connected to the edges of the top wall panel 50. Substantially rectangular flaps 56 are hingedly connected to the opposed free edges of a first opposed pair of the rectangular side wall panels 52. Each of the second opposed pair of rectangular side wall panels 54 is divided into two substantially rectangular sections by pairs of spaced apart parallel lines of perforations (shown as dotted lines in Figure 6): an first section adjacent the top wall panel 50 and a second section distant from the wall panel 50. As shown in Figure 6, a pair of spaced apart outwardly projecting tabs 58 is provided along the outer longitudinal free edge of each of the second pair of rectangular wall panels 54. A pair of slots 60, longitudinally aligned with the tabs 58, is provided along the edges of the top wall panel 50 of the blank to which the second pair of rectangular wall panels 54 are hingedly connected.

[0084] The blank shown in Figure 6 is folded in a conventional manner to erect the removable lid.

Claims

1. A bag-in-box packaging system for bulk flowable materials comprising:

a collapsible rigid outer carton of generally rectangular or square cross-section formed from non-laminated corrugated board, the rigid outer carton having four hingedly connected side walls (2S, 4S, 6S, 8S);

a collapsible reinforcing inner sleeve formed from non-laminated corrugated board within the rigid outer carton, the reinforcing inner sleeve having four hingedly connected panels (20', 20", 22', 22", 30', 30", 32', 32") adjacent the four side walls (2S, 4S, 6S, 8S) of the collapsible rigid carton, each of the four hingedly connected panels (20', 20", 22', 22", 30', 30", 32', 32") having a first section (20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and a second section (20T', 20T", 22T', 22T", 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") hingedly connected along their upper or lower edges, the first (20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and second (20T', 20T", 22T', 22T", 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") sections being folded about their upper or lower edges so that the second section (20T', 20T", 22T', 22T", 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") underlies the first section (20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S"), between the first section (20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and the rigid outer carton; and

a flexible inner liner within the rigid outer carton and the reinforcing inner sleeve, wherein the reinforcing inner sleeve comprises;

a first panel (20', 30') and a second panel (20", 30") hingedly connected along a fold line;

a third panel (22', 32') hingedly connected to the first panel (20', 30');

a fourth panel (22", 32") hingedly connected to the second panel (20", 30");

a first flap (24, 34) hingedly connected to the first section (22S', 32S') of the third panel (22, '32'); and

a second flap (26, 36) hingedly connected to the second section (22T", 32T") of the fourth panel (22", 32")

wherein the first flap (24, 34) abuts the first section (22S", 32S") of the fourth panel (22", 32") and overlies the second section (22T", 32T") of the fourth panel (22", 32"), and the second flap (26, 36) abuts the second section (22T', 32T') of the third panel (22', 32') and underlies the first section (22S', 32S') of the third panel (22', 32').

2. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 1 wherein each of the four hingedly connected panels (30', 30", 32', 32") has a first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S"), a second section (30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") and a third section (30B', 30B", 32B', 32B"), the first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and the second section (30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") being hingedly connected along their upper edges and the first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and the third section (30B', 30B", 32B', 32B") being hingedly connected along their lower edges, the first (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and second (30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") sections being folded about their upper edges and the first (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and third (30B', 30B", 32B', 32B") sections being folded about their lower edges so that the second (30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") and third (30B', 30B", 32B', 32B") sections underlie the first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S"), between the first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and the rigid outer carton.

3. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 2 wherein the reinforcing inner sleeve further comprises:

a third flap (38) hingedly connected to the third section (32B") of the fourth panel (32")

wherein the third flap (38) abuts the third section (32B') of the third panel (32') and underlies the first section (32S') of the third panel (32').

4. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the rigid outer carton has four bottom flaps (2B, 4B, 6B, 8B) hingedly connected to the four hingedly connected side walls (2S, 4S, 6S, 8S) along lower edges thereof, the four bottom flaps (2B, 4B, 6B, 8B) being foldable inwardly to at least partially close the lower end of the rigid outer carton.

5. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 4 further comprising:

a pallet comprising a base panel (14) and a floor panel (16) hingedly connected to the base panel (14),

wherein the base panel (14) and the floor panel (16) of the pallet and the four bottom flaps (2B, 4B, 6B, 8B) of the rigid outer carton are folded such that a first opposed pair (2B, 6B) of the bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are above the floor panel (16) of the pallet and a second opposed pair (4B, 8B) of the bottom flaps of the rigid outer carton are below the floor panel (16) of the pallet and above the base panel (14) of the pallet.

6. A bag-in-box packaging system according to any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the flexible inner liner is a form-fit liner having four side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall.

7. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 6 wherein the form-fit flexible inner liner is mounted on a cassette comprising:

a base wall (42) of substantially the same dimensions as the internal cross-section of the reinforcing inner sleeve;

and at least two side walls (44) extending upwardly from the base wall (42).

8. A bag-in-box packaging system according to claim 6 or 7 wherein a sealable inlet opening is provided in the top wall of the form-fit liner, a sealable outlet opening is provided in a lower portion of a side wall of the form-fit liner and access apertures (14, 28, 40) in registration with the sealable outlet are provided in a side wall (6S) of the rigid outer carton and a panel (22', 32') of the reinforcing inner sleeve.

9. A bag-in box packaging system according to any preceding claim further comprising:

a removable lid having a top wall (50) of substantially the same dimensions as the external cross-section of the rigid outer carton.

10. An elongate non-laminated corrugated board blank for forming the reinforcing inner sleeve of a bag-in-box packaging system for flowable materials according to claim 1, the blank comprising:

first and second central panels (20', 20", 30', 30") hingedly connected along a first transverse fold line;

first and second end panels (22', 22", 32', 32") at opposite ends of the blank, the first end panel (22', 32') being hingedly connected to the first central panel (20', 30') along a second transverse fold line and the second end panel (22", 32") being hingedly connected to the second central panel (20", 30") along a third transverse fold line;

a first longitudinal slit score line that divides each of the first and second central panels (20', 20", 30', 30") and each of the first and second end panels (22', 22", 32', 32") into a first section (20S', 20S", 22S', 22S", 30S', 30S", 32S', 32S") and a second section (20T', 20T", 22T', 22T", 30T', 30T", 32T', 32T");

a first flap (24, 34) hingedly connected to the first section (22S', 32S') of the first end panel (22', 32') along a fourth transverse fold line; and

a second flap (26, 36) hingedly connected to the second section (22T", 32T") of the second end panel (22", 32") along a fifth transverse fold line

wherein the width of the first section (22S', 32S') of the first end panel (22', 32') in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the second section (22T', 32T') of the first end panel (22', 32') and the second flap (26, 36), and the width of the second section (22T", 32T") of the second end panel (22", 32") in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the first section (22S", 32S") of the second end panel (22", 32") and the first flap (26, 36).

11. An elongate non-laminated corrugated board blank according to claim 10 comprising:

first and second longitudinal slit score lines that divide each of the first and second central panels (30', 30") and each of the first and second end panels (32', 32') into a first section (30S', 30S", 32S', 32S"), a second section (30T', 30T", 32T', 32T") and a third section (30B', 30B", 32B', 32B"), the blank further comprising:

a third flap (38) hingedly connected to the third section (32T") of the second end panel (32") along a sixth transverse fold line

wherein the width of the third section (32T") of the second end panel (32") in the longitudinal direction of the blank is substantially the same as the combined width of the first section (32S') of the second end panel (32') and the first flap (36).

Drawing