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(11) | EP 4 365 097 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | A BLANK CONFIGURED TO BE ERECTED INTO A PACKAGE WITH A DOCUMENT COMPARTMENT, AND A METHOD OF ERECTING A PACKAGE |
| (57) The disclosure relates to a blank configured to be erected into a package having
a document compartment configured to receive a document. The blank comprises a plurality
of main panels arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction. The main
panels are configured to form a plurality of side walls when the blank is erected
to form the package. A first top panel is being foldably connected to a first main
panel of the plurality of main panels along a longitudinally extending edge of the
first main panel. A peripheral top panel is being foldably connected to the first
top panel along a transversally extending edge of the first top panel. The disclosure also relates to a package formed by the blank, and a method of erecting a package. |
Field of invention
[0001] The invention relates to a blank configured to be erected into a package with a document compartment. The invention also relates to a method of erecting a package.
Technical Background
[0002] When designing a package, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The package 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 is mechanically stable. It is often desirable that it is convenient and simple to acquire information about the package in order for the package to be readily handled in logistical contexts.
[0003] In logistical contexts, the packages are most often provided with e.g., plastic pouches containing documents with information, in order for the user handling the package to acquire information about the package. In alternative situations, the packages might instead be provided with documents simply attached to an outwardly facing surface of a panel of the package using e.g., glue or tape. In some cases, documents might also be partially inserted to empty pockets formed between the folded panels of the package.
[0004] However, plastic pouches are not environmentally friendly. It is also cumbersome to attach plastic pouches on the package and insert documents into the plastic pouches. During acts of logistics, externally attached plastic pouches containing documents, or externally attached documents, or partially inserted documents into empty pockets, might fall off.
Summary of invention
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution addressing at least some of the design criteria that the package should make efficient use of the material, be easy to transport to the point of use, be easy to prepare for use and be mechanically stable. It is especially an object of the invention to provide a package which entails a convenient impartation of the package information.
[0006] This object has been achieved by a blank configured to be erected into a package having a document compartment configured to receive a document, the blank comprising:
a plurality of main panels arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction, the main panels being configured to form a plurality of side walls when the blank is erected to form the package;
a first top panel being foldably connected to a first main panel of the plurality of main panels along a first longitudinally extending edge of the first main panel;
a peripheral top panel being foldably connected to the first top panel along a transversally extending edge of the first top panel;
a second top panel being foldably connected to a second main panel of the plurality of main panels along a first longitudinally extending edge of the second main panel;
a third main panel arranged between the first main panel and the second main panel;
wherein the first main panel is configured to form part of a first side wall of the package and the second main panel is configured to form part of a second side wall of the package, the first and second side walls being opposing side walls of the package;
wherein the peripheral top panel is configured to be folded about a fold line between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel towards the first top panel into a folded position in which a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel; and,
wherein the second top panel is configured to be folded over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel towards the first top panel, and to be attached to the first top panel, thereby keeping the peripheral top panel in the folded position.
[0007] An advantage with this design is that by foldably connecting the peripheral top panel to the first top panel, the peripheral top panel may be folded about the fold line between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel and thereby a compartment for inserting documents may be provided. It may be noted that the peripheral top panel becomes positioned on top of the first top panel after the peripheral and the first top panels has been folded to form part of the top of the package. When the package is handled in logistical contexts, information about the package often needs to be imparted in a convenient way to the user handling the package, hence enabling an efficient management of the package throughout the complete logistical process. This design allows a user, typically a first user at the sender site, to conveniently provide documents to the package and allows a user, typically second user at the recipient site, to conveniently retrieve documents. The first user may conveniently position the documents in position and close the insert with the second top panel. Once documents have been inserted into the insert, the documents are secured in the insert. The second user may conveniently remove the documents inserted into the insert by removing a portion of the peripheral top panel, thus revealing the documents.
[0008] Another advantage with this design is that the components forming the document compartment are part of a single blank forming the package, thereby making it possible to make efficient use of material, since the disclosed design makes it possible to make use of areas within a rectangular imaginary perimeter to provide both the package as such and also the panels forming the compartment. As the package with a document compartment may be formed from a single blank, the blank is also easy to prepare for use, as opposed to attaching an external separate document compartment to the package. Furthermore, this makes the blank easy to transport to the point of use, considering that it is most often easier to transport a single unit rather than to transport several separable components forming the same unit.
[0009] It may be noted that as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank, those longitudinal edges of the main panels to which the top panels are foldably connected faces in a common first transversal direction from the respective main panel and that those longitudinal edges of the main panels to which the bottom panels are foldably connected faces in a common second transversal direction, the second transversal direction being opposite the first transversal direction. When the blank has been folded into a package or box which is oriented in the preferred orientation of the package, those longitudinal edges of the main panels to which the top panels are foldably connected will be facing upwardly and those longitudinal edges of the main panels to which the bottom panels are foldably connected will face downwardly. The main panels are foldably interconnected to the respective neighbouring main panels by fold lines each having a major extension along, and preferably fully aligned with, a transversal direction being orthogonal to said longitudinal direction.
[0010] It may in this context be noted that the second top panel may be attached in a more or less permanent or non-detachable manner, or alternatively be attached in an easily removable or detachable manner to the first top panel.
[0011] The first top panel may be provided with a slit being configured to receive a securing tab being connected to the second top panel, whereby when the slit has received the securing tab, the peripheral top panel is kept in the folded position.
[0012] An advantage with this design is that the peripheral top panel is provided with the capability of being removably attached to the first top panel. By folding the second top panel over the compartment towards the first top panel, and removably attaching the second top panel to the first top panel by inserting the securing tab into the slit of the first top panel, the peripheral top panel is kept in its folded position, thereby securing the documents in the compartment. In other words, the risk of a document positioned in the compartment accidently being removed from its intended position in the compartment is minimized. Thereby, when the package e.g., is being handled by a user or being transported, any external impacts, disturbances and displacements of the package will not compromise the documents inserted into the compartment. In other words, with this design, the documents in the document compartment are protected and are not jeopardized during transportation.
[0013] The blank may further comprise
a fourth main panel foldably connected to the first main panel, on a side of the first main panel being opposite the third main panel,
a fifth main panel foldably connected to the fourth main panel, the fifth main panel being configured to, together with the second main panel, form part of the second side wall of the package, and
a top panel being foldably connected to the longitudinally extending first edge of the fifth main panel, . This forms a basis for allowing interconnections of various top panels as will be presented below.
[0014] The blank may further comprise a top panel connected to the fourth main panel, wherein the top panel connected to the fifth main panel is foldably interconnected to the top panel being foldably connected to the fourth main panel
[0015] An advantage with this design is that the blank can be erected more efficiently, especially should the blank be erected in an automated manner. The interconnection between each of the interconnected top panels facilitates the erection of the blank since folding either of the interconnected top panels will simultaneously fold the remaining interconnected top panel in the same direction.
[0016] Another advantage with this design is that the interconnection between the interconnected top panels renders said top panels substantially stationary when the blank has been erected. The interconnection between the interconnected top panels is strong enough such that the interconnected top panels are both kept substantially stationary when the blank has been erected into a package. Should the top panels not be interconnected to each other, the risk of content of the package interfering with the top panels increases when the package is in motion. Hence, the interconnection between the interconnected top panels enhances the structural integrity of the package.
[0017] The top panel connected to the fifth main panel and/or the top panel connected to the fourth main panel may comprise an internal, diagonally extending, fold line forming an intermediate panel between said top panels. The provision of such an intermediate panel formed by an internal, diagonally extending, fold line facilitates the folding operation. Diagonally extending refers to a direction having a component along both the longitudinal and transversal direction. The starting point of the diagonal direction is preferably in or close to a point of intersection between the fold line between the fourth and fifth main panels and a longitudinal line transversally positioned between the longitudinally extending first edge of the fourth, respectively the fifth main panels.
[0018] The blank may further comprise a top panel being foldably connected to a longitudinally extending first edge of the third main panel,
wherein the top panel connected to the fifth main panel is provided with a closing tab being foldably connected to said top panel along a transversally extending edge of said top panel,
wherein the closing tab is configured to be attached to the top panel connected to the third main panel and thereby foldably interconnecting the top panels connected to the third, respectively the fifth main panel.
[0019] This interconnection facilitates keeping the package closed and stable in a manner similar to as discussed above with reference to the interconnection between the top panels connected to the fourth and fifth main panels.
[0020] In the preferred embodiment, the closing tab is connected to the transversally extending edge of said top panel connected to the fifth main panel facing along the longitudinal direction in a direction away from the fourth main panel.
[0021] The top panel connected to the third main panel may be provided with an internal, diagonally extending, fold line forming a closing portion foldably about said internal, diagonally extending, fold line, relative to the portion of the top panel foldable about the longitudinally extending first edge of the third main panel.
[0022] The provision of such a closing tab, or intermediate panel, formed by an internal, diagonally extending, fold line facilitates the folding operation. Diagonally extending refers to a direction having a component along both the longitudinal and transversal direction. The starting point of the diagonal direction is in respect of this fold line preferably in or close to a point of intersection of the fold line between the second and third main panels and a longitudinal line transversally positioned between the longitudinally extending first edge of the second, respectively the third main panels.
[0023] The first top panel of the package is configured to be attached to the top panel connected to the fifth main panel.
[0024] An advantage with this design is that the package is provided with an efficient closure. By removably attaching the first top panel to the top panel connected to the fifth main panel when erecting the blank to a package by means of e.g., adhesive, the first top panel is secured to said top panel. Accordingly, the risk of content residing inside the package falling out during handling of the package is at least decreased.
[0025] Another advantage with this design is that by attaching the first top panel to an additional top panel when erecting the blank to a package, said package is provided structural integrity. During handling of the package, external forces may arise which is being directed towards the surface formed by the first top panel. However, the impact of the external forces is at least minimized since the first top panel is secured to an additional top panel hence forming a resilient enclosure being able to absorb a portion of said impact of the external forces. Therefore, the content residing inside the package is being protected from the external forces. Furthermore, the first top panel is removably attached to an additional top panel foldably connected to an additional main panel of the plurality of the main panels, said main panel being opposing side wall to the first main panel of the package, such that the first top panel and said additional top panel lies substantially in the same plane. The impact of external forces being directed in parallel to said plane towards the package is at least minimized hence preventing the walls being perpendicular to the plane from collapsing. Therefore, the content residing inside the package is further being protected. It may in this context be noted that the first top panel may be attached in a more or less permanent or non-detachable manner, or alternatively be attached in an easily removable or detachable manner.
[0026] The peripheral top panel may be provided with a tear strip, and wherein the tear strip extends with an angle with respect to the fold line between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel, preferably transversal to the fold line.
[0027] An advantage with this design is that documents residing inside the document compartment may conveniently be retrieved by tearing up the tear strip of the peripheral top panel by a pulling movement. Thus, it is convenient and simple to acquire information about the package. The provision of a tear line may also be used as a tamper evidence if the second top panel is configured to be permanently attached to the first top panel.
[0028] The first top panel may be provided with a tear strip extending with an angle with respect to the fold line between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel, preferably transversal to the fold line.
[0029] An advantage with this design is that the user is provided with the possibility to conveniently retrieve content residing inside the package by tearing up the tear strip of the first top panel by a pulling movement. This is especially advantageous should the first top panel be attached to another top panel being foldably connected to an additional main panel of the plurality of the main panels, said main panel being opposing side wall to the first main panel of the package.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment there is a single tear line formed in both the peripheral top panel and the first top panel. This may be expressed as that the first top panel and the peripheral top panel may be provided with a tear strip extending from a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the peripheral top panel towards a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the first top panel, and wherein the tear strip extends with an angle with respect to a fold line between the peripheral top panel p and the first top panel, preferably transversal to the fold line.
[0031] An advantage with this design is that documents residing inside the document compartment and content residing inside the package may be conveniently retrieved by tearing up the tear strip of the first top panel and the peripheral top panel by a single pulling movement. In order to retrieve the documents residing inside the document compartment, the user would have to tear up the tear strip of the peripheral top panel. Once the tear strip has been sufficiently teared up, the peripheral top panel and the second top panel are bisected whereafter the documents inside the document compartment may be received. Once the user has received the documents, the portion of the tear strip corresponding to the portion needed to be teared up to bisect the peripheral top panel and the second top panel, may be used as a grip portion in order to continue the pulling movement of the remaining portion of the tear strip of the first top panel.
[0033] An advantage with this design is that paper-based materials are recyclable hence making efficient use of the material. Paper-based materials are also renewable and sustainable. It is also comparably easy to cut a sheet of paper-based material into the desired shape of the blank. It is also comparably easy to fold a paper-based blank into the desired package.
[0034] It may in this context be reiterated that it is preferred that the main panels and the top panels discussed above are all formed in a single blank.
[0035] It may also be said that the above mentioned object has been achieved by the provision of a package formed by folding said blank.
[0036] The advantages of the associated various features of the blank according to the various preferred embodiments have been discussed with reference to the blank, and those advantages and also those preferred embodiments are equally applicable to the package. By the main panels of the plurality of main panels panel as an integrally formed major blank, it is facilitated to provide a strong storage box.
[0037] The above-mentioned object may also be achieved by a method of erecting a package, having a document compartment configured to receive a document, by folding a blank, the method comprising:
erecting a plurality of main panels, being foldably interconnected with each other and being arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction as seen in flat-laid state of the blank, and thereby forming a plurality of side walls of the package,
folding a peripheral top panel about a fold line between the peripheral top panel and a first top panel towards the first top panel into a folded position such that a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel, and
folding a second top panel over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel towards the first top panel such that the second top panel becomes attached to the first top panel, thereby keeping the peripheral top panel in the folded position.
[0038] It is preferred that the method is accomplished by making use of a blank as disclosed in various levels of details in the summary above and as disclosed in further various of levels of details in the following.
[0039] The advantages of the associated various features of the blank according to the various preferred embodiments have been discussed with reference to the blank, and those advantages and also those preferred embodiments are equally applicable to the method.
[0040] It may be noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. are mainly to be seen as labels facilitating reading and that it does not necessarily mean that there need to be all the intervening numbers of portions present. It may e.g., be noted that it is contemplated to have a design where there is a first portion, a second portion, a third portion and a fifth portion, with the fourth portion being omitted. However, to facilitate reading, we have consistently used the numbering first, second, third, fourth, etc., as labels, and in a sense based on an embodiment including all conceivable portions. It may also be noted that the labels first, second, third, fourth and fifth does not necessarily mean that the portions or panels are arranged in a specific order based on the labels from first to fifth. The labels first, second, third, fourth and fifth are introduced in an order facilitating reading of the disclosure. It may e.g., be noted that the main panels are arranged as seen along the longitudinal direction in the order, the second main panel, the third main panel, the first main panel, the fourth main panel, and the fifth main panel.
[0041] It may also be noted that panel names such as top, bottom or floor, respectively, wall are intended meant to be read as labels, not necessarily defining the orientation of the panel. As an example, the package does not need to be oriented such that the first top panel actually forms the top of the package. The package may be oriented such that the panel labelled first top panel actually forms a side wall or even forms a bottom of the package. However, in the preferred embodiment, the package will be oriented so that the bottom panels face downward, the top panels face upward, and the wall panels face outwards from an axis between top and bottom.
[0042] 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.
[0043] The invention may also in short be said to relate to a blank configured to be erected into a package having a document compartment configured to receive a document, the blank comprising: a plurality of main panels, a first top panel, a peripheral top panel, a second top panel, wherein the peripheral top panel is configured to be folded about a fold line between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel towards the first top panel into a folded position in which a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel and, wherein the second top panel is configured to be folded over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel and the first top panel towards the first top panel, and to be removably attached to the first top panel, thereby keeping the peripheral top panel in the folded position.
Brief description of the drawings
[0044] The invention will by way of example be described in more detail with reference to the appended schematic drawings, which shows a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 1 illustrates a blank according to a first embodiment configured to form a package having a document compartment.
Fig. 2a-d illustrates the blank of Fig. 1 in a partly assembled state.
Fig. 2e illustrates the blank of Fig. 1 in an assembled state.
Fig. 3a-b illustrates the insertion of a document into the document compartment of the blank of Figs. 2a-e.
Fig. 3c-d illustrates the blank of Figs. 3a-b where the tear strip of the peripheral top panel is removed and the document inside the document compartment is being revealed.
Fig. 3e-f illustrates the blank of Figs. 3c-d where the tear strip of the first top panel is removed, and the content of the package is being revealed.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments
[0045] 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 construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.
[0046] In the following, the blank configured to be erected into a package having a document compartment configured to receive a document will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 1.
[0047] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the blank 1 comprises a plurality of main panels arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction L. In other words, the main panels of the plurality of the main panels are foldably connected to one after another along transversally extending edges of the neighbouring main panel of the plurality of the main panels. The main panels form a plurality of side walls when the blank is erected to form the package. In the preferred embodiment, there are four main panels, a first main panel 10mp, a second main panel 20mp, a third main panel 30mp, a fourth main panel 40mp, and a fifth main panel 50mp. In order to keep the third, first, fourth, and fifth main panels 30mp, 10mp, 40mp, 50mp in the intended position as the side walls of the package, there is also a closing tab 51mp which is foldably connected to the fifth main panel 50mp and which is configured to be attached to the third main panel 30mp as will be disclosed in more detail below.
[0048] The blank 1 may be made of a paper-based material. The paper-based material may comprise a corrugated layer which flutes. The flutes of the corrugated layer may extend along the longitudinal direction L. However, the flutes of the corrugated layer may alternatively extend along the transversal direction T.
[0049] The blank 1 comprises a first top panel 10. The first top panel 10 is foldably connected to a first main panel 10mp of the plurality of main panels along a longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp. The first top panel 10 is provided with a slit 11 . In the preferred embodiment, the slit 11 is a through-going slit 11. The slit 11 extends along a direction which preferably has at least a component, preferably a major component, along the longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp. The slit 11 as illustrated is being substantially in parallel with the longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp but may extend with an angle not being equivalent to being in parallel with the longitudinally extending first edge.
[0050] Continuing with Fig. 1, a peripheral top panel 10p is being foldably connected to the first top panel 10 along a transversally extending edge of the first top panel 10. Hence, the connection between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 along a transversally extending edge of the first top panel 10 defines a fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10.
[0051] The first top panel 10 is provided with a tear strip 12. The tear strip 12 as illustrated is being transversal to the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10. In other words, the tear strip 12 as illustrated is substantially in parallel with a longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp. However, the tear strip 12 may extend with an angle with respect to the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 not being equivalent to being in parallel with the longitudinally extending first edge, yet preferably along a direction having at least a major component along the longitudinal direction.
[0052] The peripheral top panel 10p is provided with a tear strip 12p. The tear strip 12p as illustrated is being transversal to the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10. In other words, the tear strip 12p is being substantially in parallel with a longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp. However, the tear strip 12p may extend with an angle with respect to the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 not being equivalent to being in parallel with the longitudinally extending edge, yet preferably along a direction having at least a major component along the longitudinal direction. A tear strip may be a local weakening and/or a local strengthening making it easier to achieve a tearing operation along an intended tear line. A local weakening may e.g., be a line of perforations or a crease line. The line of perforations may extend along the complete length of the intended tear line or may alternatively just provide an initial tear indication. A local strengthening may e.g., be a plastic tape laminated into or provided onto a paper-based blank. In the disclosed embodiment there is made use of short perforations or cuts providing tear indications in combination with a plastic tape basically extending along the length of the intended tear line.
[0053] As disclosed in Fig. 1, the tear strip 12 provided on the first top panel 10 is connected to the tear strip 12p provided on the peripheral top panel 10p. In the disclosed embodiment this is accomplished by means of a tear strip bridge, preferably formed of a single plastic tape, provided across the fold line 10fl thereby forming a single continuous tear strip. In other words, Fig. 1 illustrates a single continuous tear strip extending from a transversally extending free outer edge of the peripheral top panel 10p towards an oppositely facing transversally extending free outer edge of the first top panel 10. The single continuous tear strip as illustrated is being transversal to a fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10. In other words, the single continuous tear strip is being substantially in parallel with a longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel 10mp. However, the single continuous tear strip may extend with an angle with respect to the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 not being equivalent to being in parallel with the longitudinally extending edge, yet preferably along a direction having at least a major component along the longitudinal direction.
[0054] However, the tear strip 12 provided on the first top panel 10 may not necessarily be directly connected to the tear strip 12p provided on the peripheral top panel 10p hence omitting the tear strip bridge provided on the fold line 10fl. Instead, each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral 10p may have a respective single tear strip 12, 12p. Furthermore, the single continuous tear strip must not necessarily extend from a transversally extending free outer edge of the peripheral top panel 10p to a transversally extending free outer edge of the first top panel 10. Instead, the single continuous tear strip may be terminated at a distance from one or both of the transversally extending free outer edges and thereby be said to extend from a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the peripheral top panel 10p to a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the first top panel 10. Similarly, in the case when each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p may have a respective single tear strip 12, 12p, each of the tear strips 12, 12p may not necessarily extend all the way from a respective transversally extending free outer edge of each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p to the fold line 10fl. Instead, each of the tear strips 12, 12p may be terminated at a distance therefrom and may, for instance, extend from a respective transversally extending free outer edge portion of each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p to a respective transversally extending edge portion of each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p. The skilled person realizes that, in the case when the blank 1 comprises a single continuous tear strap, the single continuous tear strap may be dimensioned in another way with remained function. Analogously, the skilled person realizes that, in the case when each of the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p comprises a respective single tear strip 12, 12p, each of the respective single tear strip 12, 12p may be dimensioned in another way with remained function.
[0055] The blank 1 comprises a second top panel 20. The second top panel 20 is foldably connected to the second main panel 20mp of the plurality of main panels along a longitudinally extending edge of the second main panel 20mp. The second top panel 20 comprises a securing tab 21. At least one peripheral securing tab 21a-b is foldably connected to the securing tab 21 along a respective transversally extending edge of the securing tab 21. The securing tab 21 as illustrated is foldably connected to the second top panel 20 along a longitudinally extending edge of the second main panel 20mp. However, the securing tab 21 is not necessarily foldably connected to the second top panel 20, but may be connected to the second top panel by means of e.g., adhesion or any other means normally used in the art. Furthermore, the securing tab 21 is not necessarily connected to the second top panel 20 along a longitudinally extending edge of the second main panel 20mp. Instead, the securing tab 21 may, for example, be connected to the second top panel 20 in a corner portion thereof.
[0056] In the following description, the terms "third main panel 30mp", "fourth main panel 40mp" and "fifth main panel 50mp" will be used. Unless nothing else is explicitly given, the terms "third main panel 30mp", "fourth main panel 40mp" and "fifth main panel 50mp" should be understood as additional main panels of the plurality of the main panels of the blank 1. Further, unless nothing else is explicitly given, the aforementioned terms should not be understood as the blank 1 being limited to five main panels.
[0057] As shown in Fig. 1, and as briefly mentioned above, the blank 1 comprises a third main panel 30mp of the plurality of main panels arranged between the first main panel 10mp and the second main panel 20mp. The third main panel 30mp is foldably connected to each of the first main panel 30mp and the second main panel 20mp along a respective transversally extending edge of each of the main panels 10mp, 30mp. However, it should be understood that the blank 1 is not limited to having only one additional main panel arranged between the first main panel 10mp and the second main panel 20mp. As illustrated, a third top panel 30 is foldably connected to the main panel 30mp along a portion of a longitudinally extending edge of the third main panel 30mp. The blank 1 also comprises a fourth main panel 40mp being foldably connected to the first main panel 10mp along a transversally extending edge of the first main panel 10mp. A fourth top panel 40 is foldably connected to the fourth main panel 40mp along a longitudinally extending edge of the fourth main panel 40mp. Further, a fifth main panel 50mp is foldably connected to the fourth main panel 40mp along a transversally extending edge of the fourth main panel 40mp. A fifth top panel 50 is foldably connected to the fifth main panel 50mp along a longitudinally extending edge of the fifth main panel 50mp. The fourth and fifth top panel 40, 50 are interconnected by an intermediate panel 41. The intermediate panel 41 is foldably connected to a respective transversally extending edge of the fourth and fifth top panels 40, 50.
[0058] In the following description, the terms "first bottom panel 10bp", "third bottom panel 30bp", "fourth bottom panel 40bp" and "fifth bottom panel 50bp" will be used. Unless nothing else is explicitly given, the terms "first bottom panel 10bp", "third bottom panel 30bp", "fourth bottom panel 40bp" and "fifth bottom panel 50bp" should be understood as bottom panels of the blank 1. Further, unless nothing else is explicitly given, the aforementioned terms should not be understood as the blank 1 being limited to four bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp. For instance, the blank 1 may further comprise a second bottom panel 20bp. Additionally, it should be understood that the prefixes "first", "third", "fourth" and "fifth" are used to designate the main panel of the plurality of main panels 10mp, 30mp, 40mp, 50mp to which the respective bottom panel 10bp, 30bp, 40bp and 50bp is foldably connected to. For example, the first bottom panel 10bp is foldably connected to the first main panel 10mp, the third bottom panel 30bp is foldably connected to the third main panel 30mp, and so forth.
[0059] Fig. 1 further illustrates that each main panel of the plurality of main panels 10mp, 30mp, 40mp, 50mp is provided with a respective bottom panel 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp. Each of the bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp is foldably connected to a longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel of the plurality of main panels 10mp, 30mp, 40mp, 50mp.
[0060] In the following, the erection of the blank 1 into a package 2 having a document compartment 3 configured to receive a document will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 2a-e.
[0061] Starting with Fig. 2a, the blank 1 has been erected into a partially assembled package 2. The first main panel 10mp forms part of a first side wall of the package 2. The second main panel 20mp is configured to form part of a second side wall of the package 2. The first and second side walls are configured to be opposing side walls. When erecting the blank 1 into the folded state as illustrated in Fig. 2a, a major surface of the fifth main panel 50mp forms an inwardly facing surface. As such, the second main panel 20mp is folded towards a major surface of the fifth main panel 50mp forming an outwardly facing surface. Hence, since the fifth main panel 50mp is arranged inside an inwardly facing surface of the second main panel 20mp in an erected state of the blank 1. The fifth main panel 50mp and the first main panel 10mp are also opposing side walls. Although not being visible in Fig. 2a, a closing tab 51mp as shown in Fig. 1 is foldably connected to the fifth main panel 50mp along a transversally extending edge of the fifth main panel 50m. The closing tab 51mp is configured to be connected to a closing portion 31mp of the third main panel 30mp by means of an adhesive, in this case, glue. However, the closing tab 51mp may be connected to the closing portion 31mp by other means than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means normally used in the art.
[0062] Continuing with Fig. 2a, the third main panel 30mp of the plurality of main panels arranged between the first main panel 10mp and the second main panel 20mp forms part of a third side wall of the package 2. A fourth main panel 40mp of the plurality of main panels arranged between the first main panel 10mp and the fifth main panel 50mp forms part of a fourth side wall of the package 2. Thus, the third main panel 30mp being the third side wall of the package 2, and the fourth main panel 40mp being the fourth side wall of the package 2, are opposing side walls. A third and a fourth top panel 30, 40 are foldably connected to each of the third and fourth main panel 30mp, 40mp along a longitudinally extending first edge, respectively. The second and third top panel 20, 30 are as illustrated in Fig. 1 two tearably connected panels being connected by a discontinuous incision or cut 22 formed between a transversally extending edge being common for the second and third top panel 20, 30 before being teared. This tearable connection is preferable since it facilitates handling of the blank during transportation, but the second and third top panels 20, 30 may be designed such that there is not provided any connection therebetween. When folding the blank 1 into a package, the second and third top panel 20, 30 are separated by tearing the discontinuous incision or cut 22. The third and fourth top panels 30, 40 are configured to be folded inwardly such that a major surface of each of the third and fourth top panels 30, 40 are substantially in parallel with each other.
[0063] Turning to Fig. 2b, an additional top panel, in the disclosed embodiment a fifth top panel 50, is foldably connected to an additional main panel, in the disclosed embodiment the fifth main panel 50mp, of the plurality of main panels. The fifth main panel 50mp and the first main panel 10mp are opposing side walls of the package 2. That is, the fifth main panel 50mp and the first main panel 10mp form opposing side walls of the package 2. As shown in the figures, a major surface forming an inwardly facing surface of the fifth top panel 50 is configured to be attached to a major surface forming an outwardly facing surface of a folding portion 31 of the third top panel 30. The folding portion 31 of the third top panel 30 is configured to be folded towards the third top panel 30 such that, in relation to each other, the folding portion 31 forms an upper panel and the third top panel 30 forms a lower panel. The folding potion 31 is folded relative the third top panel 30 along a fold line extending along a virtual direction extending from a point formed by an intersection between the second top panel 20, the third top panel 30, the second main panel 20mp, and the third main panel 30mp and extending from the from the second main panel 20mp in both a longitudinal L and transversal T direction.
[0064] The outwardly facing surface of the folding portion 31 of the third top panel 30 may comprise an adhesion portion 32 being configured to adhere to an attachment tab 51 being foldably connected to said top panel 50 along a transversally extending edge of said top panel 50. In other words, the third top panel 30 is attached to the fifth top panel 50 via said attachment tab 51 being adhered to the folding portion 31 of the third top panel 30.
[0065] The fifth top panel 50 is via the attachment tab 51 connected to the folding portion 31 by means of an adhesive, in this case, glue. However, the attachment tab 51 may be connected to the folding portion 31 by other means than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means normally used in the art. In other embodiments, a portion of the fifth top panel may instead comprise an adhesive portion being configured to adhere to the outwardly facing surface of the folding portion 31 of the third top panel 30.
[0066] As shown in the figures, the fifth top panel 50 may be interconnected to the fourth top panel 40 by means of an intermediate panel 41. As such, the third, fourth and fifth top panels 30, 40, 50 are configured to be interconnected. When the top panel 40 is folded inwardly, the intermediate panel 41 is configured to be folded towards the top panel 40 such that, in relation to each other, the intermediate panel 41 forms an upper panel and the fourth top panel 40 forms a lower panel. The intermediate panel 41 is folded relative to the fourth top panel 40 along an inclined fold line extending along a virtual line extending from a point formed by an intersection between the fourth top panel 40, the fifth top panel 50, the fourth main panel 40mp, and the fifth main panel 50mp and extending from the from the fifth main panel 50mp in both a longitudinal L and transversal T direction.
[0067] Although not being visible in Fig. 2a-b, bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp are being configured to be folded inwardly such that a major surface of each of the bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp are substantially in parallel with each other. Hence, the bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp form a floor or bottom of the package.
[0068] An adhesive portion 31bp of the third bottom panel 30bp is configured to be removably attached to a folding portion 11bp of the first bottom panel 10bp by means of an adhesive, in this case, glue. However, the third bottom panel 30bp may be removably connected to the first bottom panel 10bp by other means than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means normally used in the art. An adhesive portion 51bp of the fifth bottom panel 50bp is configured to be removably attached to a folding portion 41bp of the fourth bottom panel 40bp by means of an adhesive, in this case, glue. However, the fifth bottom panel 50bp may be removably connected to the fourth bottom panel 40bp by other means than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means normally used in the art.
[0069] The skilled person realizes that the set of bottom panels 10bp, 30bp may not necessarily be removably attached to each other as described above. Analogously, the set of bottom panels 40bp, 50bp may not necessarily be removably attached to each other as described above. The skilled person realizes that there exist other permutations where the bottom panels 10bp, 30bp, 40bp, 50bp may be removably attached to each other in another way to reach a condition in which a floor or bottom of the package is formed. For instance, the first bottom panel 10bp may be removably attached to the fourth bottom panel 40bp, in which case the third bottom panel 30bp could be removably attached to the fifth bottom panel 50bp.
[0070] Turning to Fig. 2c-d, the partially assembled package 2 is further assembled. The first top panel 10 is folded inwardly. A major surface forming an inwardly facing surface of the top panel 10 comprises an adhesive portion 13. The adhesive portion 13 extends from a respective first transversally extending free outer edge to a second transversally extending free outer edge of the top panel 10.
[0071] The first top panel 10 of the package 2 is in broad terms configured to be removably attached to a top panel being foldably connected to a main panel of the plurality of the main panels, wherein said main panel is configured to be opposing side wall to the first main panel 10mp of the package. In the embodiments illustrated in the figures, the first top panel 10 of the package 2 is configured to be removably attached to the fifth top panel 50 being foldably connected to the fifth main panel 50mp. The additional main panel and the first main panel are being opposing side walls of the package 2. The first top panel 10 and the fifth top panel 50 are opposing side walls of the package 2. The first top panel 10 is configured to be removably attached to the fifth top panel 50 by means of an adhesive. In the preferred embodiment, this is accomplished by the above mentioned adhesive portion 13, which preferably is a double-sided tape. However, the first top panel 10 may be removably attached to the fifth top panel 50 by other means, such as by other types of adhesives or glues or any other means normally used in the art.
[0072] The peripheral top panel 10p is then folded about the fold line 10fl between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 towards the first top panel 10 into a folded position. As such, a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10. Hence, a portion of a major surface of the peripheral top panel 10 forming an inwardly facing surface abuts a major surface of the first top panel 10 forming an outwardly facing surface.
[0073] In Fig. 2e, the blank 1 has been erected into a fully assembled package 2. The second top panel 20 is folded over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10 towards the first top panel 10. Then, the slit 11 of the first top panel 10 receives the securing tab 21 of the second top panel 20 by folding the at least one peripheral securing tab 21a-b from a flat position into a folded position such that the securing tab 21 may be inserted into the slit 11. The securing tab 21 is dimensioned such that when the peripheral securing tab 21a-b is folded into the folded position, the securing tab 21 may be inserted into the slit. Hence, when the slit 11 has received the securing tab 21, the peripheral top panel 10p is kept in a folded position since the peripheral securing tab 21a-b of the securing tab 21 relaxes towards the flat position, thereby locking in place the securing tab 21. In other words, the securing tab 21 becomes removably attached to the first top panel 10. The skilled person realizes that the securing tab 21 may be dimensioned to reach this condition in another way with remained function. What is preferred is that the securing tab 21 is resilient enough to keep the peripheral top panel 10p in its folded state to such extent that the document in the document compartment is not jeopardized during transportation. By flat position it is meant that the peripheral securing tab 21a-b is being in a condition where a major surface of the securing tab 21a-b is substantially in parallel with a major surface of the securing tab 21. Therefore, a major surface of the second top panel 20 forming an inwardly facing surface abuts partially the outwardly facing major surface of the first top panel 10 and partially a major surface of the peripheral top panel 10p forming an outwardly facing surface.
[0074] In the following, the insertion of a document into the document tab of the package 2 will now be described in detail with reference to Figs. 3a-d.
[0075] As seen in Fig. 3a, once having formed the compartment between the peripheral top panel 10p and the first top panel 10, a document may be inserted into the compartment. A document is being inserted into the compartment through an open-end of the compartment by a sliding movement.
[0076] Fig. 3b illustrates that, in order to keep the document in an intended position inside the compartment, the slit 11 receives the securing tab 21 hence the securing tab 21 being removably attached to the first top panel 10. By intended position it is meant a position where the document resides in the compartment. By doing this, the peripheral top panel 10p is kept in the folded position and the inserted document is kept in the intended position. In this context it may be noted that the blank 1, further comprises a tab 23 connected to a transversally extending edge of the second top panel 20. The tab 23 is foldably connected to the second top panel 20. Simultaneously as the securing tab 21 is inserted into slit 11, the tab 23 is inserted into a slit 24 formed along a connection between the third main panel 30mp and the third top panel 30, wherein the slit 24 is positioned at a longitudinal position corresponding to the transversal position of the tab 23 as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank. The tab 23 is preferably provided with a peripheral portion having a length and/or position along the transversal direction being slightly longer than the length and/or position of the slit 24 such that once the tab 23 has been inserted into the slit 24, the tab 23 cannot be pulled out of the slit 24 without deformation occurring. Thus, the compartment is formed by the outer surface of the first top panel 10 and the inner surface of the peripheral top panel 10p. The edges of this flat compartment are all at least partly closed. On one side the edge is closed by the fold between the first top panel 10 and the first main panel 10mp. On the side opposite to this, the edge is closed by the securing tab 21 being folded downwardly into the slit 21 from the second top panel 20 extending on top of the peripheral top panel 10p. On one of the other sides, the edge is closed by the fold between the first top panel 10 and the peripheral top panel 10p. On the side opposite to this, the edge is closed by the tab 23 being folded downwardly into the slit 24 from the second top panel 20 extending on top of the peripheral top panel 10p. Thus, all four sides of the compartment are at least partly closed.
[0077] As viewed in Fig. 3c, in order to retrieve the document from the compartment, the tear strip 12p is removed by a pulling movement. The tear strip 12p as illustrated in Fig. 3c extends longitudinally from the fold line 10fl to a transversally extending free edge of the peripheral top panel 10p. The transversally extending free edge of the peripheral top panel 10p is not visible in Fig. 3c since the transversally extending free edge of the peripheral top panel 10p is covered by the second top panel 20. The removal of the tear strip 12p is initialized by a pulling movement of an end of the tear strip 12p starting from the fold line 10fl. It should be understood that the tear strip 12p may be dimensioned to allow the retrieval of the document in the compartment in another way with remained function. For instance, the tear strip 12p may instead extend from a first transversally extending edge portion to a second transversally extending edge portion of the peripheral top panel 10p. Since a portion of the second top panel 20 is covering a portion of an extension of the tear strip 12p, the force required to further remove the tear strip 12p is such that the pulling movement of the tear strip 12p towards the transversally extending edge portion of the peripheral top panel 10p will simultaneously initialize the removal of the portion of the second top panel 20 covering the portion of the extension of the tear strip 12p. In other words, the portion of the second top panel 20 covering the portion of the extension of the tear strip 12p is teared up. Once the tear strip 12p has been removed from the peripheral top panel 10p, the teared up portion of the second top panel 20 that initially covered a portion of the extension of the tear strip 12p is removed by a pulling movement thereof towards a transversally free outer edge of the second top panel 20. Consequently, the peripheral top panel 10p and the second top panel 20 are bisected. By doing this, the document may be retrieved by the user.
[0078] As seen in Fig. 3d, once the tear strip 12p of the peripheral top panel 10p has been removed and the peripheral top panel 10p and the second top panel 20 are bisected, the document in the compartment is revealed and ready to be retrieved by a user.
[0079] Fig. 3e illustrates that in order to retrieve the content of the package, the removal of the tear strip 12 of the first top panel 10 is initialized by a pulling movement of an end of the tear strip 12 starting from the fold line 10fl towards a transversally extending free edge of the first top panel 10. It should be understood that the tear strip 12 may be dimensioned to allow the retrieval of the content of the package in another way with remained function. For instance, the tear strip 12 may instead extend from a first transversally extending edge portion to a second transversally extending edge portion of the first top panel 10. Consequently, the first top panel 10 is bisected. By doing this, the content of the package may be retrieved by the user.
[0080] As seen in Fig. 3f, once the tear strip 12 of the first top panel 10 has been removed and the first top panel 10 is bisected, the content of the package is revealed and ready to be retrieved by the user.
It will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. Several modifications and variations are thus conceivable within the scope of the present invention.
[0081] The person skilled in the art realizes 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.
[0082] Additionally, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage.
1. A blank (1) configured to be erected into a package (2) having a document compartment
(3) configured to receive a document, the blank (1) comprising:
a plurality of main panels (10mp, 20mp, 30mp, 40mp, 50mp) arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction (L), the main panels being configured to form a plurality of side walls when the blank (1) is erected to form the package (2);
a first top panel (10) being foldably connected to a first main panel (10mp) of the plurality of main panels along a longitudinally extending first edge of the first main panel (10mp);
a peripheral top panel (10p) being foldably connected to the first top panel (10) along a transversally extending edge of the first top panel (10);
a second top panel (20) being foldably connected to a second main panel (20mp) of the plurality of main panels along a longitudinally extending first edge of the second main panel (20mp);
a third main panel (30mp) arranged between the first main panel (10mp) and the second main panel (20mp);
wherein the first main panel (10mp) is configured to form part of a first side wall of the package (2) and the second main panel (20mp) is configured to form part of a second side wall of the package (2), the first and second side walls being opposing side walls of the package (2);
wherein the peripheral top panel (10p) is configured to be folded about a fold line (10fl) between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10) towards the first top panel (10) into a folded position in which a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10); and,
wherein the second top panel (20) is configured to be folded over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10) towards the first top panel (10), and to be attached to the first top panel (10), thereby keeping the peripheral top panel (10p) in the folded position.
2. The blank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first top panel (10) is provided with
a slit (11) being configured to receive a securing tab (21) being connected to the
second top panel (20), whereby when the slit (11) has received the securing tab (21),
the peripheral top panel (10p) is kept in the folded position.
3. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising
a fourth main panel (40mp) foldably connected to the first main panel (10mp),
a fifth main panel (50) foldably connected to the fourth main panel (40mp), the fifth main panel (50mp) being configured to, together with the second main panel (20mp), form part of the second side wall of the package (2), and
a top panel (50) being foldably connected to the longitudinally extending first edge of the fifth main panel (50mp),
4. The blank (1) according to claim 3, further comprising
a top panel (40) foldably connected to a longitudinally extending first edge of the fourth main panel (40mp),
wherein the top panel (50) connected to the fifth main panel (50mp) is foldably interconnected to the top panel (40) connected to the fourth main panel (40mp).
5. The blank (1) according to claim 4, wherein the top panel (50) connected to the fifth
main panel (50mp) and/or the top panel (40) connected to the fourth main panel (40mp)
comprises an internal, diagonally extending, fold line forming an intermediate panel
(41) between said top panels (40, 50).
6. The blank (1) according to any one of claim 3-5, further comprising
a top panel (30) being foldably connected to a longitudinally extending first edge of the third main panel (30mp),
wherein the top panel (50) connected to the fifth main panel (50mp) is provided with an attachment tab (51) being foldably connected to said top panel (50) along a transversally extending edge of said top panel (50),
wherein the attachment tab (51) is configured to be attached to the top panel (30) connected to the third main panel (30mp) and thereby foldably interconnecting the top panels (30, 50) connected to the third, respectively the fifth main panel (30mp, 50mp).
7. The blank (1) according to claim 6, wherein the top panel (30) connected to the third
main panel (30mp) is provided with an internal, diagonally extending, fold line forming
a closing portion (31) foldably about said internal, diagonally extending, fold line,
relative to the portion of the top panel (30) foldable about the longitudinally extending
first edge of the third main panel (30mp).
8. The blank (1) according to any one of claims 3-7, wherein the first top panel (10)
is configured to be attached to the top panel connected to the fifth main panel.
9. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral
top panel (10p) is provided with a tear strip (12p), and wherein the tear strip (12p)
extends with an angle with respect to the fold line (10fl) between the peripheral
top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10), preferably transversal to the fold line
(10fl).
10. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first top
panel (10) is provided with a tear strip (12) extending with an angle with respect
to the fold line (10fl) between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel
(10), preferably transversal to the fold line (10fl).
11. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first top
panel (10) and the peripheral top panel (10p) is provided with a tear strip (12) extending
from a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the peripheral top panel
(10p) towards a transversally extending free outer edge portion of the first top panel
(10), and wherein the tear strip (12) extends with an angle with respect to a fold
line (10fl) between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10), preferably
transversal to the fold line (10fl).
12. The blank (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (1) is formed
of a paper-based material.
13. Method of erecting a package (2), having a document compartment (3) configured to
receive a document, by folding a blank (2), the method comprising:
erecting a plurality of main panels, being foldably interconnected with each other and being arranged one after another along a longitudinal direction as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (2), and thereby forming a plurality of side walls of the package (2),
folding a peripheral top panel (10p) about a fold line (10fl) between the peripheral top panel (10p) and a first top panel (10) towards the first top panel (10) into a folded position such that a compartment for receiving documents is formed between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10), and
folding a second top panel (20) over the compartment formed between the peripheral top panel (10p) and the first top panel (10) towards the first top panel (10) such that the second top panel (20) becomes attached to the first top panel (10), thereby keeping the peripheral top panel (10p) in the folded position.