BLANK CONFIGURED TO BE FOLDED INTO A PROTECTION STRUCTURE, AND A PROTECTION STRUCTURE FORMED BY SUCH A BLANK

Abstract

 The disclosure relates to a blank, and a protection structure formed by such a blank, wherein the blank is configured to be folded into a protection structure having buffer sections, the blank comprising a longitudinally extending central main panel, a first longitudinally extending side panel being foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel along a first longitudinally extending main fold line, a second longitudinally extending side panel, wherein the first side panel is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line, wherein the internal fold lines together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions are configured to be wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam, wherein the second side panel is configured to be folded relative to the central main panel onto the first side panel.

Description

Field of invention

[0001] The invention relates to a blank configured to be folded into a protection structure. The invention also relates to a protection structure having buffer sections, the protection structure being folded from a blank.

Technical Background

[0002] When designing a protection structure, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The protection structure should e.g., often be designed such that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to prepare for use with a minimum use of adhesive, provides a strong structure and good protection. It is often desirable that it is convenient to handle at point of use. Moreover, it is often desirable that the protection structure is able to retain its shape and is easy to position correctly.

[0003] Goods often need protection against external forces during transportation. Goods may be protected in several ways. Goods may e.g., often be transported in cardboard boxes having a cushioning material. The cardboard boxes may also be provided with a protection structure such as edge protectors of a suitable material; often cardboard or plastic. Alternatively, protection structures may be directly arranged on fragile and exposed areas of the goods.

[0004] However, when designing a protection structure, it is often difficult to make the protection structure capable of providing good protection and retaining its shape over a sufficient time period, especially during transport.

[0005] There exist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection to designing a protection structure of cardboard material.

[0006] JP4452250B2 discloses a cushioning material. The cushioning material is formed by folding a flat corrugated cardboard to protect edges and corners of various goods.

[0007] However, it may be noted that the prior art document does not adequately address the set of design criteria that the protection structure should make efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use with a minimum use of adhesive, and provides a strong structure and good protection. Moreover, the prior art document does not adequately address the set of design criteria that the protection structure should be convenient to handle at point of use, and be able to retain its shape.

Summary of invention

[0008] It is an object of the invention to provide a solution addressing at least some of the design criteria that the protection structure should make efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use with a minimum use of adhesive, and provides a strong structure and good protection. It is especially an object of the invention to provide a protection structure being convenient to handle at point of use, and being able to retain its shape.

[0009] This object has been achieved by a blank configured to be folded into a protection structure having buffer sections, the blank comprising:

a longitudinally extending central main panel,

a first longitudinally extending side panel being, along at least parts of its longitudinal extension, foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel along a first longitudinally extending main fold line, and wherein the first side panel or at least a base portion of the first side panel is along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel by one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines,

a second longitudinally extending side panel being foldably connected to a second longitudinal side of the central main panel along a second longitudinally extending main fold line,

wherein the first side panel is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line, wherein the internal fold lines together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion between the main panel and a base portion of the first side panel, wherein the first, second and third internal fold lines are longitudinally broken and positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is formed a plurality of longitudinally extending and longitudinally separated buffer sections where there is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines and the respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel such that, as the first longitudinally extending side panel is folded relative to the central main panel about the first main fold line and onto the central main panel, the buffer sections provided with the first, second, and third internal fold lines are configured to be folded about said internal fold lines whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions are configured to be wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam being transversally positioned at the first side of the central main panel and being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the reinforcement beam and those parts where the first side panel is foldably connected to the central main panel and thereby form the respective buffer section, and,

wherein the second side panel is configured to be folded relative to the central main panel onto the first side panel after the first side panel has been folded onto the central main panel such that at least a portion of the first side panel becomes sandwiched between the central main panel and the second side panel.

[0010] An advantage with this design is that the by the blank being configured to be folded into a protection structure having buffer sections, there is provided a protection structure capable of providing goods protection, especially during transportation. The protection structure may be arranged along an edge or on a corner of a good.

[0011] Another advantage with this design is that there is provided a blank capable of making efficient use of material, is easy to prepare for use and is convenient to fold and handle. By the overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines and the respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel, it is provided a blank whereupon folding the blank into a protection structure, the configuration of the blank allows for parts of the blank itself to form part of the buffer sections. By parts of the blank forming part of the buffer sections, there is provided a blank having, at least partly, integrally formed buffer sections. By this design, it is possible to make efficient use of material. As the protection structure having buffer sections being, at least partly, formed from a single blank, the blank is also easy to prepare for use. Furthermore, this makes the blank easy to transport to the point of use, considering that it is often easier to transport lesser separate components configured to be assembled to form a single unit. Moreover, by providing the first cut-lines, along the first main fold line and/or transversally offset thereof, there is provided longitudinally extending sections or gaps between the buffer sections along which the first side panel may be distinctly flat-laid onto the central main panel.

[0012] Yet another advantage with this design is that by the second side panel being configured to folded relative to the central main panel onto the first side panel after the first side panel has been folded onto the central main panel, it is provided a blank being configured to be folded into a triple-walled protection structure. The triple-walled protection structure provides a thickness capable of withstanding mechanical deformation. Further, the triple-walled protection structure is strong, resilient and able to retain its shape after and during use.

[0013] The first side panel is provided with at least one locking tab being formed by a cut which has end portions connecting with the third internal fold line, and which has a longitudinally extending central portion being transversally offset relative the third internal fold line in a direction towards the base portion of the first side panel, wherein the locking tab is longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the locking tab, the first, second, and third internal fold lines, and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel, and wherein the locking tabs are configured to interact with the central main panel and thereby keep the intermediate panels folded around the reinforcement beams in the folded position.

[0014] An advantage with this design is that by the locking tabs providing the intermediate panels the capability of being kept in the folded position there is provided a protection structure capable of being mechanically strong over a sufficient time period and retaining its shape during handling. The locking tabs may interact with the central main panel or any other panel being configured to be arranged on the central main panel. Furthermore, the locking tabs may be integrally formed with the first side panel. By the locking tabs being a part of a single blank forming the protection structure, it is possible to make efficient use of material. As the protection structure having locking tabs that may be formed from a single blank, the blank is also easy to prepare for use, as opposed to attaching external locking tabs to the first side panel or the protection structure. 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 separate components configured to be assembled to form a single unit.

[0015] The central main panel may be provided with at least one longitudinally extending opening being transversally positioned at a distance from the first longitudinally extending main fold line corresponding to a transversal distance between the first and second internal fold lines, and being longitudinally positioned such that, along the longitudinal direction, the respective opening at least overlaps with the respective locking tab such that the respective opening is configured to receive the respective locking tab and thereby keep those parts of the first side panel being folded around the reinforcement beams in the folded position.

[0016] An advantage with this design is that the locking tabs may be connected to central main panel without use of any adhesive and allows for the buffer sections to be quickly formed upon folding the blank into a protection structure. By using adhesive to connect the locking tabs with the central main panel, or for that matter using adhesive to connect any parts of the protection structure together, the locking tabs and the central main panel may run the risk of being tarnished. Any adhesive used on the locking tabs or the central main panel may damage the surface of the locking tabs and the central main panel during disassembling of the protection structure in that the surface of the locking tabs and the central main panel might be ripped off during disassembling of the protection structure, and consequently might even lead to deformation of the blank if the adhesive is adhered to the any surface too strongly. The use of adhesive may also make the protection structure difficult to disassemble and recycle at time of disposal. However, with this design, the locking tabs are attached to the central main panel without use of adhesive hence the risk of damaging the locking tabs and the central main panel during disassembling of the protection structure is reduced and allows for multiple uses of the blank, thereby making efficient use of material and providing a protection structure capable of being reusable.

[0017] Another advantage with this design is that by the at least one longitudinally extending opening being transversally positioned at a distance from the first longitudinally extending main fold line corresponding to a transversal distance between the first and second internal fold lines, the intermediate portions may form buffer section side walls being substantially perpendicular to the underlying panel. This design facilitates forming of the buffer sections and keeping the reinforcement beams in their intended position, which buffer sections would otherwise wobble had the buffer section side walls formed e.g., an obtuse angle relative the underlying panel.

[0018] The second side panel may be provided with at least one securing tab having a longitudinal extension and extending transversely outwardly from a side of the second side panel being opposite the central main panel as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank, the securing tab being longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the securing tab and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel thereby allowing the securing tab to extend into a longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections.

[0019] The securing tab may further be configured to engage with the underlying panel and/or neighbouring buffer sections. For instance, the respective securing tab may be dimensioned to have a substantially equal longitudinal extension to that of the respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections. Alternatively, the respective securing tab may be dimensioned to have a slightly longer longitudinal extension, hence requiring a slight force to allow the respective securing tab to extend into a respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections. An advantage with this design is that the securing tab facilitates in keeping the second side panel in its folded position.

[0020] Said at least one securing tab may be provided with at least one securing tongue being foldably connected to the securing tab about a transversally extending fold line, the securing tab and securing tongue being longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the securing tongue and a buffer section adjoining with the longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections into which the securing tab extends whereby the securing tongue is configured to engage with the respective buffer section and thereby keep the second side panel in the position folded onto the first side panel.

[0021] An advantage with this design is that by the securing tab keeping the second side panel in the folded position where the second side panel is folded onto the central main panel, it is facilitated to keep the protection structure in its triple-walled folded position. When the protection structure is e.g., being handled by a user or being transported, any external impacts, disturbances and displacements of the protection structure or the product to which the protection structure is attached will not compromise the folded position of the second side panel by the second side panel accidently unfolding from its folded position. Thus, the protection structure is able to retain its shape.

[0022] Another advantage with this design is that the securing tab may be configured to engage with the buffer sections without use of any adhesive and allows for the secuing tab to assume an intended position quickly and conveniently.

[0023] The central main panel and the first side panel, respectively, may be provided with at least one internal through-going opening being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the openings of the central main panel and the first side panel, respectively, such that a respective through-going opening is formed when the first side panel is folded relative the central main panel and onto the central main panel,

wherein the second side panel is provided with at least one internal attachment tab being foldable relative to the second side panel,

whereby when the second side panel is folded relative to the central main panel about a second main fold line and onto the first side panel, the respective attachment tab is configured to be folded relative to the second side panel towards the central main panel at least partly through the respective through-going opening and thereby keep the second side panel in the folded position.

[0024] An advantage with this design is that the second side panel is provided with the capability of being connected to the central main panel by use of internally formed structures, in this case at least one internal through-going opening and at least one internal attachment tab, as opposed to providing the protection structure externally formed structures. This design allows for the blank to be more compactly formed and is thus more convenient to transport.

[0025] When the second side panel is folded relative to the central main panel about the second main fold line and onto the first side panel, the respective attachment tab may be configured to be folded relative to the second side panel towards the central main panel at least partly through the respective through-going opening and thereby keep the second side panel in the folded position. By partly it is meant that the respective attachment tab is not necessarily folded such that the respective attachment tab has completely passed the respective through-going opening. On the contrary, the respective attachment tab may be folded such that the respective attachment tab may be configured to be positioned inside the respective through-going opening. Hence, another advantage with this design is that at least a portion of a free outer edge of the respective attachment tab may abut a perimeter of the respective through-going opening and may be kept in the folded position by e.g., friction. Another advantage with this design is that the second side panel may be connected to central main panel without use of any adhesive and allows for the second side panel to be quickly and conveniently connected to the central main panel by use of the at least one internal through-going opening and at least one internal attachment tab upon folding the blank into a protection structure.

[0026] Further, by the second side panel being kept in its folded position, it is facilitated to keep the protection structure in its triple-walled folded position. When the protection structure is e.g., being handled by a user or being transported, any external impacts, disturbances and displacements of the protection structure or the product to which the protection structure is attached will not compromise the folded position of the second side panel by the second side panel accidently unfolding from its folded position. Thus, the protection structure is able to retain its shape during use.

[0027] The respective opening of the central main panel may comprise a first portion being transversally and longitudinally positioned such that there, is an overlap between the first portions, the openings of the first side panel, and the attachment tabs of the second side panel, wherein the respective opening of the central main panel further comprises a second portion being longitudinally offset said first portion, and wherein the respective attachment tab is configured to be folded through the first portion of the respective opening of the central main panel around an edge of the respective opening of the first side panel and back into the respective second portion.

[0028] An advantage with this design is that the respective attachment tab may assume a position where it is essentially co-planar with the central main panel. Since the attachment tab is positioned within the material thickness of the central main panel, there is minimal risk that the attachment tab is unintentionally moved from this locked position. The shape of the attachment tabs may match the shape of the second portions of the openings of the central main panel. The attachment tabs may be slightly bigger than the second portions of the openings of the central main panel. The attachment tabs may slightly deform in order to fit into the second portions. The friction therebetween facilitates in keeping the attachment tabs in their intended position inside the second portions. Hence, the second side panel is kept in its folded position, thereby facilitating to keep the protection structure in its triple-walled folded position.

[0029] The blank, excluding the reinforcement beams, may have a material thickness and wherein the reinforcement beams have a thickness being at least two times the material thickness.

[0030] In order for the protection structure to provide sufficient product protection the reinforcement beams should ideally have a certain minimum thickness. The material thickness and material grade of the material of the blank is chosen to provide a sufficient strength and still an easy folding. This design is advantageous in that by ensuring that the thickness of the reinforcement beams is at least two times the material thickness, the buffer sections provide sufficient product protection in combination with a sufficiently strong and easily foldable blank. It may in this context be noted that the reinforcement beams having a thickness refers to the height or thickness in the same direction as the material thickness of the central main panel. The reinforcement beam may in turn be formed by folding a material similar to, or even the same as, the blank. In such a case the respective reinforcement beam is folded such that the height is the specified one.

[0031] The reinforcement beams are configured to provide additional properties, such as thermal insulation, to the protection structure, and being compressible, preferably resiliently compressible, allowing the reinforcement beams to be locally compressed.

[0032] The forming of the buffer sections is such that those parts folded around the reinforcement beams locally compress the reinforcement beams. Hence, the folded parts abut the locally compressed reinforcement beams. It is preferable that the reinforcement beams at least partly regain their shape even after being locally compressed during the folding of said parts. An advantage with this design is that the reinforcement beams will, due to the act of at least partly regaining their shape, exert an outwardly directed force towards the abutting folded parts. The friction therebetween facilitates in keeping the reinforcement beams in their intended position. Thus, the risk of a at least one reinforcement beam of a buffer section being accidently removed from its intended position is reduced. Further, the reinforcement beams are, at least partly, prevented from being displaced e.g., during transportation or when the protection structure is being handled, thereby preventing the buffer sections from being jeopardized.

[0033] Another advantage with this design is that by the reinforcement beams being able to at least partly return to its unaffected state, the ability to optimally provide other properties such as thermal insulation to the protection structure is at least partly regained.

[0034] Yet another advantage with this design is that by the reinforcement beams being resiliently compressible they may be used multiple times with the reinforcement beams having an at least partly maintained unaffected state. This is cost-efficient and the environmental impact may be reduced. It is preferable that the reinforcement beams regain a material thickness of at least 50% of its original material thickness after it has been locally compressed by the folded parts.

[0035] The reinforcement beams may be formed of a paper-based material, the paper-based material preferably being folded into a shape including a stack of a plurality of layers, the stack preferably being arranged such that the layers are oriented in the same plane as the central main panel.

[0036] An advantage with the reinforcement beams being paper-based is that paper-based materials are recyclable hence making efficient use of the material. Paper-based materials are also renewable and sustainable. The reinforcement beams may be formed of the same material as the blank. This is advantageous in that e.g., by-products of manufacturing processes pertinent to the production of the blank may be utilized and not go to waste. This is cost-efficient and facilitates the production of the reinforcement beams. Further, it is provided efficient use of material.

[0037] The blank may be formed of a paper-based material.

[0038] The blank is preferably made of a paper-based material. An advantage with the blank being paper-based 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 protection structure. The paper-based material may comprise a corrugated layer with flutes. The flutes of the corrugated layer may extend along the longitudinal direction. However, the flutes of the corrugated layer may alternatively extend along the transversal direction. The blank may be made of any material normally used in the art for packaging. By way of example, the blank may be made of plastic or wood-based.

[0039] The second longitudinally extending side panel may be along parts of its longitudinal extension foldably connected to the second longitudinal side of the central main panel along the second longitudinally extending main fold line, and is along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel by one or more longitudinally extending second cut-lines.

[0040] An advantage with this design is the provision of a pronounced folding of the protection structure hence facilitating handling of the protection structure.

[0041] There may be a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines separating the second side panel from the central main panel and the first cut-lines separating the first side panel from the central main panel.

[0042] Those parts of the second side panel being along parts of its longitudinal extension foldably connected to the second longitudinal side of the central main panel along the second main fold line may be slightly compressed when folding the second side panel onto the underlying panel. Hence, those parts of the second side panel overlapping with the buffer sections exert a slight restoring force towards a direction being opposite to a folding direction of the second side panel. Hence, there may be a slight gap between those parts of the second side panel overlapping with the buffer sections and the underlying panel. On the contrary, by having a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines separating the second side panel from the central main panel and the first cut-lines separating the first side panel from the central main panel it is allowed for those parts of the second side panel extending into a respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections to lie flat against the underlying panel when the second side panel has been folded onto the underlying panel. Hence, an advantage with this design is that there is provided a protection structure having buffer sections adjoining with a planar bridge extending into the longitudinal gap between said buffer sections. Thus, the protection structure is made compact and easy to handle.

[0043] By the term bridge it is meant those parts of the second side panel extending into a respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections. By the term planar it is meant that the bridge lies flat against the underlying panel. By allowing parts of the panels to lie flat against each other, it is made possible to provide a distinct transversal extension of those sections formed between the buffer sections. It is e.g., possible to have the distances between the different overlapping cut-lines chosen such that there is formed three layers of material where all three layers are cut at both opposing longitudinally extending sides at corresponding positions such that there locally is formed three coinciding planar layers. This will provide a distinct shape which in turn may be used to provide a distinct positioning of the protection structure.

[0044] There may be a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines separating the second side panel from the central main panel and the securing tabs.

[0045] By the provision of a protection structure having buffer sections adjoining with a planar bridge extending into the longitudinal gap between said buffer sections it is made possible that those parts of the second side panel extending into a respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections may lie flat against the underlying panel. Hence, by having a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines separating the second side panel from the central main panel and the securing tabs it is made possible that the securing tabs may lie flat against the underlying panel. An advantage with this design is that there are provided securing tabs capable of assuming their intended position and thus facilitating in keeping the triple-walled protection structure in its folded position.

[0046] The above-mentioned object may also be achieved by a protection structure having buffer sections, the protection structure being folded from a blank comprising:

a longitudinally extending central main panel,

a first longitudinally extending side panel being, along parts of its longitudinal extension, foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel along a first longitudinally extending main fold line, and being along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel by one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines,

a second longitudinally extending side panel being foldably connected to a second longitudinal side of the central main panel along a second longitudinally extending main fold line,

wherein the first side panel is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line, wherein the internal fold lines together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion between the main panel and a base portion of the first side panel, wherein the first, second and third internal fold lines are longitudinally broken and positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is formed a plurality of longitudinally extending and longitudinally separated buffer sections where there is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines and the respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel and wherein the first longitudinally extending side panel is folded relative to the central main panel about the first main fold line and onto the central main panel such that the buffer sections provided with the first, second, and third internal fold lines are folded about said internal fold lines whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions are wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam being transversally positioned at the first side of the central main panel and being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the reinforcement beam and those parts where the first side panel is foldably connected to the central main panel and thereby forming the respective buffer section, and,

wherein the second side panel is folded relative to the central main panel onto the first side panel after the first side panel has been folded onto the central main panel such that at least a portion of the first side panel is sandwiched between the central main panel and the second side panel.

[0047] Advantages of the associated various features of the blank and protection structure have been discussed above with reference to the blank, and those advantages are equally applicable to the protection structure. Moreover, the various preferred embodiments which have been discussed with reference to the blank, and associated advantages of those preferred embodiments, are equally applicable to the protection structure.

[0048] It may be noted that the use of first, second, 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 also be noted that the labels first and second does not necessarily mean that the portions or panels are arranged in a specific order based on the labels from first to second. The labels first, and second are introduced in an order facilitating reading of the disclosure. It may e.g., be noted that in the preferred embodiment, the main panels are arranged as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank along the transversal direction in the order, the second side panel, the central main panel, and the first side panel.

[0049] 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.

[0050] The invention may also in short be said to relate to a blank, and a protection structure formed by such a blank, wherein the blank is configured to be folded into a protection structure having buffer sections, the blank comprising a longitudinally extending central main panel, a first longitudinally extending side panel being foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel along a first longitudinally extending main fold line, a second longitudinally extending side panel, wherein the first side panel is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line, wherein the internal fold lines together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions are configured to be wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam, wherein the second side panel is configured to be folded relative to the central main panel onto the first side panel.

Brief description of the drawings

[0051] 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 discloses a flat-laid blank configured to form a protection structure according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 discloses a perspective view of a partly assembled protection structure according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 3 discloses a perspective view of a partly assembled protection structure according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 4 discloses a perspective view of a partly assembled protection structure according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 5 discloses a perspective view of an assembled protection structure according to a first embodiment.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0052] 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.

[0053] In the following, the blank 1 configured to be erected into a protection structure having buffer sections 28 will be described in detail.

[0054] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the blank 1 comprises a longitudinally extending central main panel 10, a first longitudinally extending side panel 20 and a second longitudinally extending side panel 30.

[0055] The first longitudinally extending side panel 20 is along parts of its longitudinal extension, foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel 10 along a first longitudinally extending main fold line 10mfl1, and being along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel 10 by one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines 10c11. It may be noted that this separation may be formed by cuts extending along the first main fold line 10mfl1 or may be formed by cuts being transversely offset from the first main fold line 10mfl1. It may further be noted that the respective one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines 10cl1 may each be positioned at different transversal positions on the central main panel 10. In the preferred embodiment shown in Fig. 1, there are double first cut-lines 10cl1 and there is a piece of material cut-out between the first cut-lines 10cl1 extending along the first main fold line 10mfl1 and the first cut-lines 10cl1 being transversally positioned between the first and second internal fold lines 20ifl1, 20ifl2.

[0056] The second longitudinally side panel 30 is foldably connected to a second longitudinal side of the central main panel 10 along a second longitudinally extending main fold line 10mfl2.

[0057] The first side panel 20 is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line 20ifl1-3. The first side panel 20 may be provided with a plurality of first, second, and third internal fold line 20ifl1-3. The respective first, second, and third internal fold line 20ifl1-3 may overlap with each other along a longitudinal direction L.

[0058] The internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line 10mfl1 may form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion 20ip1-3. The respective first, a second, and a third intermediate portion 20ip1-3 may overlap with each other along a longitudinal direction L.

[0059] As best seen in Fig. 1, the first side panel 20 of the blank 1 is provided with two buffer sections 28 at a respective one of transversally extending edge portions. The first side panel 20 is further provided with two buffer sections 28 centrally arranged on a central portion of the first side panel 20 in the vicinity of the connection between the first side panel 20 and the central main panel. The two buffer sections 28 at a respective one of transversally extending edge portions of the first side panel are each longitudinally separated from a respective adjacent centrally arranged buffer section 28. However, the centrally arranged buffer sections 28 are connected to each other. Each of the centrally arranged buffer sections 28 may be provided with a respective set of internal fold lines 20ifl1-3. The internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 of the respective set of internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 may be transversally separated. However, a respective at least one of the internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 of the respective set of internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 may connect with a respective at least one of the internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 of the adjacent respective set of internal fold lines 20ifl1-3. Fig. 1 shows that the first internal fold line 20ifl1 of the respective set of internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 of the centrally arranged buffer sections 28 are connected to each other. Hence, the respective first and second intermediate portions 20ip1-2 are connected to each other It may be noted that in some embodiments, the respective third intermediate portions 20ip3 may connect to each other as well. As best seen in Figs. 4-5, the protection structure 200 is provided with two centrally arranged buffer sections 28 adjoining with each other by the respective first and second intermediate portions 20ip1-2 adjoining with each other. It may alternatively be said that the centrally arranged buffer sections 28 form a single centrally arranged buffer section 28. It may be conceivable that the protection structure 200 may be provided with more, or less, than four buffer sections 28. For instance, the protection structure 200 may be provided with five, six, seven, eight, or more buffer sections 28. Said buffer sections 28 may be separately formed. Alternatively, said buffer sections 28 may adjoin with each other in a similar manner as disclosed above and may hence be said to form a single buffer section 28 extending between two transversally extending edge portions of the first side panel 20. It may be conceivable that in some embodiments the first panel 20 may along its whole longitudinal extension be foldably connected to the first longitudinal side of the central main panel 10 along the first main fold line 10mfl1. In that case, the base portion of the first side panel 20 is separated from the central main panel 10 by the first cut-lines 10cl1 being positioned at a transversal distance from the first main fold line 10mfl1. This transversal distance may e.g., be like the first cut-lines 10cl1 discussed above as being transversally positioned between the first and second internal fold lines 20ifl1, 20ifl2. This will produce a continuous rear wall of a kind as the intermittent one formed by the first intermediate panels 20ip1.

[0060] The first, second and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 are longitudinally broken and positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction L, is a plurality of longitudinally extending and longitudinally separated buffer sections 28 where there is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3. A respective set of first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 may overlap with each other along a transversal direction T. Hence, a respective set of first, a second, and a third intermediate portion 20ip1-3 may overlap with each other along a transversal direction T. Each intermediate portion of the respective set of first, a second, and a third intermediate portion 20ip1-3 may have a longitudinal extension being substantially equal.

[0061] The respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel 10 such that, as the first longitudinally extending side panel 20 is folded relative to the central main panel 10 about the first main fold line 10mfl1 and onto the central main panel 10, the buffer sections 28 provided with the first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 are configured to be folded about said internal fold lines 20ifl1-3.

[0062] The first, second, and third intermediate portions 20ip1-3 are configured to be wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam 40 being transversally positioned at the first side of the central main panel 10 and being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction L, is an overlap between the reinforcement beam 40 and those parts where the first side panel 20 is foldably connected to the central main panel 10 and thereby form a buffer section 28. Preferably, each buffer section 28 has an equal thickness as measured along the direction of a material thickness of the central main panel 10.

[0063] The second side panel 30 is configured to be folded relative to the central main panel 10 onto the first side panel 20 after the first side panel 20 has been folded onto the central main panel 10 such that at least a portion of the first side panel 20 becomes sandwiched between the central main panel 10 and the second side panel 30.

[0064] Continuing with Fig.1, the first side panel 20 may be provided with at least one locking tab 22. The locking tab 22 may be formed by a cut. Alternatively, the locking tab 22 may be formed by a perforation. The locking tab 22 may have end portions connecting with the third internal fold line 20ifl3. The locking tab 22 may form part of the third intermediate portion 20ip3. The locking tab 22 may be foldably connected to the third intermediate panel 20ip3 along the third internal fold line 20ifl3. The locking tab 22 may have a longitudinally extending central portion being transversally offset relative the third internal fold line 20ifl3 in a direction towards the base portion of the first side panel 20. Hence, the locking tab 22 may form a protrusion extending outwardly relative the third internal fold line 20ifl3. The locking tab 22 may be longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3, and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel 10. It may in this context be noted that the term overlap does not necessarily imply that the longitudinal extension of each of the respective first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3, and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel 10 is the same. On the contrary, each of the respective first, second, and third internal fold lines 20ifl1-3, and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel 10 may have a different longitudinal extension. Preferably, there is at least provided an overlap of said components such that there is provided a set of intermediate potions 20ip1-3 capable of being wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam 40. Preferably, the locking tabs 22 may be configured to interact with the central main panel 10 and thereby keep the intermediate panels 20ip1-3 folded around the reinforcement beams 40 in the folded position. The locking tabs 22 may interact with the central main panel 10 by means of adhesive. Alternatively, the locking tabs 22 may interact with the central main panel 10 by being arranged on an upwardly facing major surface of the central main panel 10 and thereby be kept in their intended position by friction therebetween. By upwardly facing major surface it is meant that surface on which the reinforcement beams 40 are configured to be formed.

[0065] The central main panel 10 may be provided with at least one longitudinally extending opening 14. The opening 14 may be a through-going opening. Alternatively, the opening 14 may be a slit. Alternatively, the material in the opening 14 may still be present, but may be easily pushed inwardly or outwardly relative the central main panel 10 by a portion of the opening 14 being defined by a perforation or a cut forming a loop around said opening 14.

[0066] The opening 14 may be being transversally positioned at a distance from the first longitudinally extending main fold line 10mfl1 corresponding to a transversal distance between the first and second internal fold lines 20ifl1-2. Hence, the respective intermediate panel 20ip2 of the buffer sections 28 may be configured to be in parallel with the central main panel 10. The opening 14 may be longitudinally positioned such that, along the longitudinal direction L, the respective opening 14 at least overlaps with the respective locking tab 22 such that the respective opening 14 is configured to receive the respective locking tab 22 and thereby keep those parts of the first side panel 20 being folded around the reinforcement beams 40 in the folded position. The respective locking tab 22 may be dimensioned slightly larger than the respective opening 14, hence requiring a slight force to allow the respective locking tab 22 to be inserted into the respective opening 14. This would ensure that those parts of the first side panel 20 being folded around the reinforcement beams 40 would be kept in their folded position. Alternatively, it may be conceivable that the respective locking tab 22 may be dimensioned equal to, or slightly smaller than the respective opening 14. The respective locking tab 22 may be inserted into the respective opening 14 and be kept in its intended position by not being able to pass a perimeter of the respective opening 14 unless the respective locking tab 22 and/or the intermediate portion 20ip3 to which the respective locking tab 22 is connected is bent.

[0067] Continuing with Fig. 1, the second side panel 30 may be provided with at least one securing tab 32. The securing tab 32 may be formed by a cut. The securing tab 32 may have a longitudinal extension. The securing tab 32 may extend transversely outwardly from a side of the second side panel 30 being opposite the central main panel 10 as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 1. The securing tab 32 may form part of the second side panel 30. The securing tab 32 may be foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along a longitudinally extending edge of the second side panel 30.

[0068] The securing tab 32 may be longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction L, is an overlap between the respective securing tab 32 and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel 10 thereby allow the respective securing tab 32 to extend into a longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections 28. It may in this context be noted that the term overlap does not necessarily imply that the longitudinal extension of the respective securing tab 32 and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel 10 is the same. On the contrary, the respective securing tab 32 and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel 10 may have a different longitudinal extension. The respective securing tab 32 and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel 10 may be dimensioned to have a substantially equal longitudinal extension. Alternatively, the respective securing tab 32 may be dimensioned to have a slightly longer longitudinal extension, hence requiring a slight force to allow the respective securing tab 32 to extend into a respective longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections 28. This facilitates in keeping the second side panel 30 in its folded position.

[0069] Said at least one securing tab 32 may be provided with at least one securing tongue 32a, b being foldably connected to the securing tab 32 about a transversally extending fold line. As illustrated in Fig. 1, a respective securing tab 32 of the second side panel 30 may be provided with two securing tongues 32a, b being foldably connected to the respective securing tab 32 along a respective one of two transversally extending fold lines of the respective securing tab 32. It may in this context be noted that all of the securing tabs 32 may not necessarily be provided with a securing tongue 32a, b. For instance, Fig. 1 discloses a securing tab 32 being connected to a central portion of the second side panel 30, the securing tab 32 not being provided with any securing tongues 32a, b.

[0070] The securing tab 32 and securing tongue 32a, b may be longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction L, is an overlap between the securing tongue 32a, b and a buffer section 28 adjoining with the longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections 28 into which the securing tab 32 extends whereby the securing tongue 32a, b is configured to engage with the respective buffer section 28 and thereby keep the second side panel 30 in the position folded onto the central main panel 10. Preferably there is a longitudinal overlap between the respective securing tongue 32a, b and the respective third intermediate portion 20ip3 such that the respective securing tongue 32a, b may be inserted into the respective buffer section 28 and be kept in position by not being able to pass the overlap with the respective third intermediate portion 20ip3 unless the respective securing tongue 32a, b is first folded relative to the respective securing tab 32 about a respective transversally extending fold line of the respective securing tab 32.

[0071] The central main panel 10 and the first side panel 20, respectively, may be provided with at least one internal through-going opening 16, 26. The respective opening 16, 26 may be longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction L, is an overlap between the openings 16, 26 of the central main panel 10 and the first side panel 20, respectively, such that a respective through-going opening 36 is formed when the first side panel 20 is folded relative the central main panel 10 and onto the central main panel 10. The respective through-going opening 36 is best seen in Fig. 4.

[0072] The second side panel 30 may be provided with at least one internal attachment tab 35 being foldable relative to the second side panel 30. The attachment tab 35 may be foldably connected to the second side panel 30 along a transversally extending fold line.

[0073] When the second side panel 30 is folded relative to the central main panel 10 about the second main fold line 10mfl2 and onto the first side panel 20, the respective attachment tab 35 may be configured to be folded relative to the second side panel 30 towards the central main panel 10 at least partly through the respective through-going opening 36 and thereby keep the second side panel 30 in the folded position. By partly it is meant that the respective attachment tab 35 is not necessarily folded such that the respective attachment tab 35 has completely passed the respective through-going opening 36. On the contrary, the respective attachment tab 35 may be folded such that the respective attachment tab 35 may be configured to be positioned inside the respective through-going opening 36. At least a portion of a free outer edge of the respective attachment tab 35 may abut a perimeter of the respective through-going opening 36 and may be kept in the folded position by e.g., friction.

[0074] Continuing with Fig. 1, the respective opening 16 of the central main panel 10 may comprise a first portion 16a being transversally and longitudinally positioned such that there, is an overlap between the first portions 16a, the openings 26 of the first side panel 20, and the attachment tabs 35 of the second side panel 30.

[0075] The respective opening 16 of the central main panel 10 may further comprise a second portion 16b being longitudinally offset said first portion 16a. The respective attachment tab 35 may be configured to be folded through the first portion 16a of the respective opening 16 of the central main panel 10 around an edge of the respective opening 26 of the first side panel 20 and back into the respective second portions 16b.

[0076] The skilled person realizes that respective opening 16, 26 may be dimensioned in a number of different ways with remained function. Preferably, the shape of the attachment tabs 35 may match the shape of the second portions 16b of the openings 16 of the central main panel 10. Hence, when the respective attachment tab 35 is folded back into the respective second portions 16b, the respective attachment tab 35 may assume a position where it is essentially co-planar with the central main panel 10.

[0077] As best seen in Fig. 5, the protection structure 200 is in an assembled state. The attachment tabs 35 have yet to be folded back into the respective second portions 16b of the central main panel. Preferably, the shape of the attachment tabs 35 may match the shape of the first portions 16a and the openings 26 of the first side panel 10. This allows the attachment tabs 35 to be folded through the respective though-going opening 36. Alternatively, the first portions 16a and the openings 26 may be dimensioned slightly larger than the attachment tabs 35. It may be noted that the shape of the attachment tabs 35 may not necessarily match the shape of the of the first portions 16a and the openings 26 of the first side panel 10. Preferably, the first portions 16a and the openings 26 may be dimensioned to allow the respective attachment tab 35 to be folded through the respective through-going opening 36. Hence, the shape of the first portions 16a and the openings 26 may both be e.g., circular, square or hexagonal while still allowing the respective attachment tab 35 to be folded through the respective through-going opening 36.

[0078] Since the attachment tab 35 is configured to be positioned within the material thickness of the central main panel 10, there is minimal risk that the attachment tab 35 is unintentionally moved from this locked position. The attachment tabs 35 may be slightly bigger than the second portions 16b of the openings 16 of the central main panel 10. The attachment tabs 35 may slightly deform in order to fit into the second portions 16b. The friction therebetween facilitates in keeping the attachment tabs 35 in their intended position inside the second portions 16b. Hence, the second side panel 30 is kept in its folded position, thereby facilitating to keep the protection structure 200 in its triple-walled folded position.

[0079] The blank 1, excluding the reinforcement beams 40, may have a material thickness. The reinforcement beams 40 may have a thickness being at least two times the material thickness. It may in this context be noted that the reinforcement beams 40 having a thickness refers to the height or thickness in the same direction as the material thickness of the central main panel 10. The reinforcement beam 40 may in turn be formed by folding a material similar to, or even the same as, the blank 1. In such a case the respective reinforcement beam 40 is folded such that the height is the specified one.

[0080] The reinforcement beams 40 may be configured to provide additional properties, such as thermal insulation, to the protection structure 200. The reinforcement beams 40 may be compressible, preferably resiliently compressible, allowing the reinforcement beams 40 to be locally compressed.

[0081] This local compressibility may be used to facilitate those parts provided with the internal fold lines 20ifl1-3 to be folded around the reinforcement beams 40 into a folded position. However, the reinforcement beams 40 being locally compressible is advantageous when it comes to the capability of providing a buffer against mechanical impacts even though some parts of the reinforcement beam 40 might already be compressed by the goods.

[0082] A respective reinforcement beam 40 may extend into a portion of an adjacent longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections 28. A respective securing tab 32 may extend under said respective reinforcement beam 40 and be locked in position. Preferably, a respective reinforcement beam 40 may have a longitudinal extension being substantially equal to that buffer section 28 in which the respective reinforcement beam 40 is positioned. In some embodiments, the protection structure 200 may be provided with a single reinforcement beam 40 extending between two opposing transversally extending free outer edge portions of the central main panel 10. Hence, there may be provided a buffer section 28 having a longitudinal extension being substantially equal to the longitudinal extension of the central main panel 10.

[0083] The reinforcement beams 40 may be formed of a paper-based material. Alternatively, the reinforcement beams 40 may be formed of any material suitable as a buffer material. For instance, the reinforcement beams 40 may be formed of plastic, plastic foam, wood, metal foam, or cloth. Preferably, the reinforcement beams 40 may be formed of paper or cardboard. The paper-based material may have a longitudinal extension. The skilled person realizes that the paper-based material may be formed in a number of different ways in order to form a reinforcement beam 40. The paper-based material may be folded back and forth along a transversal direction T into e.g., a hollow shape or a more or less solid stack of material. The paper-based material may preferably be folded into a shape including a stack of a plurality of layers. The stack may preferably be arranged such that the layers are oriented in the same plane as the central main panel 10. The protection structure 200 may be provided with a plurality of reinforcement beams 40. Each of the buffer sections 28 may be provided with a plurality of reinforcement beams 40. It may in this context be noted that the term reinforcement beam may refer to a single layer of material. Alternatively, the term reinforcement beam may refer to a stack of a plurality of single layers of material. Alternatively, the term reinforcement beam may refer to a single layer of material being folded into a shape including a stack of a plurality of layers. Preferably, the reinforcement beams 40 are formed of the same material. The reinforcement beams 40 may be formed of the same material as the blank 1. This is advantageous in that e.g., by-products of manufacturing processes pertinent to the production of the blank 1 may be utilized and not go to waste. This is cost-efficient and facilitates the production of the reinforcement beams 40.

[0084] The blank 1 may be formed of a paper-based material. An advantage with the blank being paper-based 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 protection structure. The paper-based material may comprise a corrugated layer with flutes. The flutes of the corrugated layer may extend along the longitudinal direction. However, the flutes of the corrugated layer may alternatively extend along the transversal direction. The blank may be made of any material normally used in the art for packaging. By way of example, the blank may be made of plastic or wood-based.

[0085] The second longitudinally extending side panel 30 may be along parts of its longitudinal extension foldably connected to the second longitudinal side of the central main panel 10 along the second longitudinally extending main fold line 10mfl2. The second side panel 30 may be along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel 10 by one or more longitudinally extending second cut-lines 10cl2. It may be noted that this separation may be formed by cuts extending along the second main fold line 10mfl2 or may be formed by cuts being transversely offset from the second main fold line. It may further be noted that the respective one or more longitudinally extending second cut-lines 10cl2 may each be positioned at different transversal positions on the central main panel 10. The second main fold line 10mfl2 may be formed of a double fold line between the central main panel 10 and the second side panel 30. Hence, the double fold line may define at least one intermediate panel. The intermediate panel may have a transversal extension which is, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank 1, being substantially equal to an accumulated material thickness of the central main panel 10, first side panel 20 and the second side panel 30. This is advantageous since it allows for the second side panel 30 to be easily folded onto the first side panel 20 after the first side panel 20 has been folded onto the central main panel 10. The double fold line may provide a pronounced folding of the protection structure 200 since the intermediate panel may form a pronounced planar edge of the protection structure 200.

[0086] There may be a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines 10cl2 separating the second side panel 30 from the central main panel 10 and the first cut-lines 10cl1 separating the first side panel 20 from the central main panel 10.

[0087] There may be a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines 10cl2 separating the second side panel 30 from the central main panel 10 and the securing tabs 32.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

Claims

1. A blank (1) configured to be folded into a protection structure (200) having buffer sections (28), the blank (1) comprising:

a longitudinally extending central main panel (10),

a first longitudinally extending side panel (20) being, along at least parts of its longitudinal extension, foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel (10) along a first longitudinally extending main fold line (1 0mfl1), wherein the first side panel (20) or at least a base portion of the first side panel (20) is along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel (10) by one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines (1 0cl1),

a second longitudinally extending side panel (30) being foldably connected to a second longitudinal side of the central main panel (10) along a second longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl2),

wherein the first side panel (20) is provided with a first, a second, and a third internal transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line (20ifl1-3), wherein the internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl1) form a first, a second, and a third intermediate portion (20ip1-3) between the main panel (10) and a base portion of the first side panel (20), wherein the first, second and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) are longitudinally broken and positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction (L), is formed a plurality of longitudinally extending and longitudinally separated buffer sections (28) where there is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) and the respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel (10) such that, as the first longitudinally extending side panel (20) is folded relative to the central main panel (10) about the first main fold line (10mfl1) and onto the central main panel (10), the buffer sections (28) provided with the first, second, and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) are configured to be folded about said internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions (20ip1-3) are configured to be wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam (40) being transversally positioned at the first side of the central main panel (10) and being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction (L), is an overlap between the reinforcement beam (40) and those parts where the first side panel (20) is foldably connected to the central main panel (10) and thereby form the respective buffer section (28), and,

wherein the second side panel (30) is configured to be folded relative to the central main panel (10) onto the first side panel (20) after the first side panel (20) has been folded onto the central main panel (10) such that at least a portion of the first side panel (20) becomes sandwiched between the central main panel (10) and the second side panel (30).

2. The blank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first side panel (20) is provided with at least one locking tab (22) being formed by a cut which has end portions connecting with the third internal fold line (20ifl3), and which has a longitudinally extending central portion being transversally offset relative the third internal fold line (20ifl3) in a direction towards the base portion of the first side panel (20), wherein the locking tab (22) is longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction, is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3), and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel (10), and wherein the locking tabs (22) are configured to interact with the central main panel (10) and thereby keep the intermediate panels (20ip1-3) folded around the reinforcement beams (40) in the folded position.

3. The blank (1) according to claim 2, wherein the central main panel (10) is provided with at least one longitudinally extending opening (14) being transversally positioned at a distance from the first longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl1) corresponding to a transversal distance between the first and second internal fold lines (20ifl1-2), and being longitudinally positioned such that, along the longitudinal direction (L), the respective opening (14) at least overlaps with the respective locking tab (22) such that the respective opening (14) is configured to receive the respective locking tab (22) and thereby keep those parts of the first side panel (20) being folded around the reinforcement beams (40) in the folded position.

4. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second side panel (30) is provided with at least one securing tab (32) having a longitudinal extension and extending transversely outwardly from a side of the second side panel (30) being opposite the central main panel (10) as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank (1), the securing tab (32) being longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction (L), is an overlap between the securing tab (32) and those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is separated from the central main panel (10) thereby allowing the securing tab (32) to extend into a longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections (28).

5. The blank (1) according to claim 4, wherein said at least one securing tab (32) is provided with at least one securing tongue (32a-b) being foldably connected to the securing tab (32) about a transversally extending fold line, the securing tab (32) and securing tongue (32a-b) being longitudinally positioned such that there along a longitudinal direction (L), is an overlap between the securing tongue (32a-b) and a buffer section (28) adjoining with the longitudinal gap between neighbouring buffer sections (28) into which the securing tab (32) extends whereby the securing tongue (32a-b) is configured to engage with the respective buffer section (28) and thereby keep the second side panel (30) in the position folded onto the first side panel (10).

6. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the central main panel (10) and the first side panel (20), respectively, are provided with at least one internal through-going opening (16, 26) being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction (L), is an overlap between the openings (16, 26) of the central main panel (10) and the first side panel (20), respectively, such that a respective through-going opening (36) is formed when the first side panel (20) is folded relative the central main panel (10) and onto the central main panel (10),

wherein the second side panel (30) is provided with at least one internal attachment tab (35) being foldable relative to the second side panel (30),

whereby when the second side panel (30) is folded relative to the central main panel (10) about a second main fold line (10mfl2) and onto the first side panel (20), the respective attachment tab (35) is configured to be folded relative to the second side panel (30) towards the central main panel (10) at least partly through the respective through-going opening and thereby keep the second side panel (30) in the folded position.

7. The blank (1) according to claim 6, wherein the respective opening (16) of the central main panel (10) comprises a first portion (16a) being transversally and longitudinally positioned such that there, is an overlap between the first portions (16a), the openings (26) of the first side panel (20), and the attachment tabs (35) of the second side panel (30), wherein the respective opening (16) of the central main panel (10) further comprises a second portion (16b) being longitudinally offset said first portion (16a), and wherein the respective attachment tab (35) is configured to be folded through the first portion (16a) of the respective opening (16) of the central main panel (10) around an edge of the respective opening (26) of the first side panel (20) and back into the respective second portion (16b).

8. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (1), excluding the reinforcement beams (40), has a material thickness and wherein the reinforcement beams (40) have a thickness being at least two times the material thickness.

9. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement beams (40) are configured to provide additional properties, such as thermal insulation, to the protection structure (200), and being compressible, preferably resiliently compressible, allowing the reinforcement beams (40) to be locally compressed.

10. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the reinforcement beams (40) are formed of a paper-based material, the paper-based material preferably being folded into a shape including a stack of a plurality of layers, the stack preferably being arranged such that the layers are oriented in the same plane as the central main panel (10).

11. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the blank (1) is formed of a paper-based material.

12. The blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims,
wherein the second longitudinally extending side panel (30) is along parts of its longitudinal extension foldably connected to the second longitudinal side of the central main panel (10) along the second longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl2), and is along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel (10) by one or more longitudinally extending second cut-lines (10cI2).

13. The blank (1) according to claim 12, wherein there is a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines (10cl2) separating the second side panel (30) from the central main panel (10) and the first cut-lines (10cl1) separating the first side panel (20) from the central main panel (10).

14. The blank according to claim 12 or 13, wherein there is a longitudinal overlap between the second cut-lines (10cl2) separating the second side panel (30) from the central main panel (10) and the securing tabs (32).

15. Protection structure (200) having buffer sections (28), the protection structure (200) being folded from a blank (1) a longitudinally extending central main panel (10),

a first longitudinally extending side panel (20) being, along parts of its longitudinal extension, foldably connected to a first longitudinal side of the central main panel (10) along a first longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl1), and being along parts of its longitudinal extension separated from the central main panel (10) by one or more longitudinally extending first cut-lines (10cl1),

a second longitudinally extending side panel (30) being foldably connected to a second longitudinal side of the central main panel (10) along a second longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl2),

wherein the first side panel (20) is provided with a first (20ifl1), a second (20ifl2), and a third internal (20ifl3) transversally separated and longitudinally extending fold line, wherein the internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) together with the first longitudinally extending main fold line (10mfl1) form a first (20ip1), a second (20ip2), and a third (20ip3) intermediate portion between the main panel (10) and a base portion of the first side panel (20), wherein the first, second and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) are longitudinally broken and positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction (L), is formed a plurality of longitudinally extending and longitudinally separated buffer sections (28) where there is an overlap between the first, second, and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) and the respective one of those parts where the first longitudinally extending side is foldably connected to the central main panel (10) and wherein the first longitudinally extending side panel (20) is folded relative to the central main panel (10) about the first main fold line (1 0mfl1) and onto the central main panel (10) such that the buffer sections (28) provided with the first, second, and third internal fold lines (20ifl1-3) are folded about said internal fold lines (20ift1-3) whereby the first, second, and third intermediate portions (20ip1-3) are wrapped around at least one longitudinally extending separately formed reinforcement beam (40) being transversally positioned at the first side of the central main panel (10) and being longitudinally positioned such that there, along a longitudinal direction (L), is an overlap between the reinforcement beam (40) and those parts where the first side panel (20) is foldably connected to the central main panel (10) and thereby forming the respective buffer section (28), and,

wherein the second side panel (30) is folded relative to the central main panel (10) onto the first side panel (20) after the first side panel (20) has been folded onto the central main panel (10) such that at least a portion of the first side panel (20) is sandwiched between the central main panel (10) and the second side panel (30).

Drawing