Technical field
[0001] The present invention relates to a box for displaying and holding consumer goods
on an elongated support member.
Background art
[0002] In the consumer goods industry, especially for consumer goods which are presented
to a buyer thereof on racks, shelves or boards in stores, products are oftentimes
adapted to be supported or suspended from racks or boards using elongated support
members for displaying and dispensing articles. The products therefore have holes
in their packaging, or even additional packaging for suspending or supporting the
products from the elongated support members. Hence, the products need to be handled
one by one by personnel working in the stores in order to support each product on
the elongated support members. This is of course both time-consuming and tedious.
Further, the additional packaging sometimes needed leads to an increased use of e.g.
plastic material which need to be separately sorted and recycled.
[0003] Further, it may be important to communicate both the brand identity as well as imagery
which may appear on a package for products. For example, it is desirable to present
e.g. a unitary look and feel for the visual appearance for products belonging to the
same brand to a customer. Therefore, a certain brand may have an entire shelf, rack
or board with only products belonging to that brand. However, stores may not always
offer the entire range of products of a certain brand for sale, or enough products
to motivate the use of an entire shelf, rack or board dedicated to the specific brand.
Thus, it may not be possible to ensure that the visual identity of the brand is thoroughly
communicated. Therefore, it may be desirable to keep the visual identity similar between
different products from a certain brand, even though they have dissimilar sizes and/or
shapes, in order for the product to fit on e.g. standardized storage solutions such
as e.g. the aforementioned elongated support members used in stores.
[0004] Hence, there is a generally desire to reduce the time required to suspend each individual
product on an elongated support member. It is also desired by brand owners to improve
the appearance of products, or product packaging to be supported or suspended from
elongated support members in stores. Further, it is desirable that the product are
easily removed from the elongated support member, in order to reduce any possible
hindrance for a customer removing a product from the elongated support member for
e.g. inspection or directly buying the product.
[0005] EP 2599723 discloses a box which can be arranged to an elongated support member. The box has
a bottom, two side walls, a rear wall, a front wall, and two flaps which may be folded
down from the bottom. The flaps have openings partially aligned with each other. An
elongated support member is inserted through the two flaps under the bottom such that
the box stands with the bottom on the elongated support member which also extends
further than the box. Hence, there are numerous disadvantages with the box discloses
in
EP 2599723. For example, the elongated support member is visible which may degrade the perceived
visual appearance. Further, the material of the flaps needs to be thick and/or sturdy,
as otherwise the box may be sit unstable on top of the elongated support member. Furthermore,
the hinged flaps may tear, and there is a risk that the box falls from the elongated
support member. Moreover, each time the box is to be inserted over an elongated support
member the insertion into the flaps requires additional handling and precision.
[0006] Hence, there is still a desire to at least provide a package or box which improves
the appearance of the packaging for products to be supported or suspended from elongated
support members. Further, it is desirable to provide a package or box which reduces
the time and handling required for e.g. refilling shelves, racks or boards. There
is thus a need for improving the state of the art to provide packaging for products
to be suspended or supported from elongated support members.
Summary of the invention
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to solve at least some of the above problems,
and to provide an improved box for displaying and holding consumer goods on an elongated
support member.
[0008] The invention is based on the insight that by having a support portion arranged above
the bottom of the box, and which support portion is adapted to support the box on
the elongated support member, the elongated support member does not have to be visible
for a consumer and hence a box may get an improved visual appearance where the box
is perceived as floating in the air while supported by the elongated support member.
By having a space at least partly above the support portion the box is adapted to
receive the consumer goods above the support portion and hence cover the elongated
support member inside the box and at the same time accomplish that the consumer goods
are easy to remove from the box, as the elongated support member is not in the way
for a consumer reaching into the box for a consumer good arranged therein.
[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a box for
displaying and holding consumer goods on an elongated support member, which elongated
support member is adapted for displaying and dispensing articles of the type which
have holes for suspending the articles from the elongated support member, the box
comprises a bottom, at least a first sidewall, and at least one area in the first
side wall or in the bottom via which area the box is adapted to receive the elongated
support member, a support portion arranged above the bottom and adapted to support
the box on the elongated support member, and a space arranged at least partly above
the support portion, the space being adapted to receive the consumer goods above the
support portion.
[0010] An advantage is that the box requires no additional handling relating to the support
portion, such as e.g. handling flaps or the like. This reduces the time need to refill
or restock a storage solution with elongated support members. Further, as the support
portion does not require any additional handling, the support portion may be made
sturdier than e.g. flaps. Thereby, the box may be more securely attached to the elongated
support member, and may sit more stable, during use, on the elongated support member.
An additional advantage is that products may be arranged within the box, and the box
is thereby used to, indirectly, suspend or support the products from an elongated
support member. Hence, the need for additional packaging or adaption of the packaging
of product is reduced. This also means that the box reduces the time required by personnel
in a store to refill or restock products as the each product does not need to be handled
separately. Another advantage is that since no support portion is arranged protruding
from the bottom of the box, the box may equally well be suited for being arranged
standing on a shelf. Hence, the number of different packaging solutions for each product
may be reduced, as the box may standardize the packaging for some products. Thereby,
it may also be possible to reduce the costs related to transport of the products.
[0011] The support portion enables the box to be supported during use by arranging said
elongated support member between said support portion and said bottom. Hence, it is
understood that using a box for consumer goods may comprise sliding the box over a
elongated support member, e.g. inserting the elongated support member into the box,
such that the elongated support member is received via at least one area in the first
side wall or in the bottom and the box becomes supported on the elongated support
member by the support portion arranged above the bottom. In the context of this application,
any terms determining a relative position such as 'above' or the like should be construed
as being described during the use of the box.
[0012] The space arranged at least partly above the support portion should be understood
to be at least partly delimited by the bottom and sidewalls of the box. Furthermore,
in order to receive the consumer goods above the support portion the top of the space
may be open, in other words, the box may be an open-topped box or an at least partly
open-topped box. The box may optionally have an opening in the first side wall in
order to remove a product from the box. The box may also comprise a lid.
[0013] The at least one area in the first side wall or in the bottom via which area the
box is adapted to receive the elongated support member may be arranged towards the
bottom of the box in the first sidewall. The at least one area in the first side wall
or in the bottom via which area the box is adapted to receive the elongated support
member may comprise a hole, or perforations in order to simplify the insertion of
an elongated support member through the at least one area. It should of course be
noted that the elongated support member may have a sharp end and/or be pointed such
that there is no need for a hole or perforations.
[0014] The elongated support member may be an elongated hook or an elongated spear. An elongated
spear may comprise two or more straight elongated support members, i.e. two or more
prongs. Alternatively, an elongated spear having single straight elongated member
may be arranged in proximity of another elongated spear having single straight elongated
member such that the two elongated spears form a elongated support member. An elongated
hook may be known in the art as a peg hook. An elongated hook, e.g. a peg hook, may
comprise and end portion which is bent slightly upwards. An elongated spear may also
comprise an end portion which is bent slightly upwards. An elongated spear, an elongated
hook, or a peg hook may be attached to a board or a rack which is adapted to hold
a plurality of thereto attached elongated spears, elongated hooks, peg hooks.
[0015] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion is a first support
portion arranged at or adjacent to the first sidewall, and the box further comprises
a second support portion arranged above the bottom and spaced apart from the first
support portion. The second support portion being arranged such that it is adapted
to support the box on the elongated support member. This means that the elongated
support member, during use, is arranged between the second support portion and the
bottom. Hence, it should be understood that separate, e.g. a first and second support
portions may be arranged above the bottom. The first and second support portion may
be e.g. a portions attached to the bottom of the box and are adapted to receive the
elongated support member through the portion. The portions may be pre-formed or adapted
to be bent upwards. The first and second support portion may be formed e.g. by small
amount of material left over from producing the box. Alternatively, the first and
second support portions may be formed integral to the bottom and/or sidewalls of the
box.
[0016] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the box comprises at least one opening
in the area in the first side wall, and the support portion may be formed by the opening
in the first sidewall or arranged adjacent the first side wall. Advantageously, the
support portion is formed by an at least one opening in the area in the first sidewall
which is adapted to receive the elongated support member, thereby using the strength
of the sidewall to perform the support function. Alternatively, the support portion
is formed adjacent to the first sidewall. The opening may be configured to be formed
by punching the area in the sidewall adapted to receive the elongated support member.
For example, the opening may comprise perforations outlining a larger opening intended
to receive the elongated support member. Hence, the opening may easily be formed by
punching the area with the elongated support member while arranging the box to be
supported from the elongated support member. Alternatively, the opening is a through
going hole formed e.g. while manufacturing the box.
[0017] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion extends from
or adjacent to the first sidewall towards a second sidewall, which is arranged opposite
to the first side wall. By having a support portion which extends towards a second
side wall the support portion gets an elongated extension, which enables the box to
sit stable on the elongated support member. The support portion may extend for a portion
of the longitudinal extension of the box from the first sidewall to the second sidewall.
[0018] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion may extend for
about 20-30 %, or 30-40 %, or 40-50%, or 50-60 %, or 60-70 %, or 70-80%, or 80-90%,
or more than 90% of the longitudinal extension of the box from the first sidewall
to the second sidewall.
[0019] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion may extend for
substantially the entire length of the longitudinal extension of the box from the
first sidewall to the second sidewall.
[0020] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the length of the support portion
is less than the length of the elongated support member to be received. Configuring
the support portion to be shorter than the elongated support member which is to be
received may allow the support portion to be adapted to features of e.g. the elongated
support member. For example, it is common that the elongated support members which
are used in stores have an end portion which is bent slightly upwards in order to
prevent products hanging thereon for falling off.
[0021] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion is approximately
230 mm long or less, while an elongated support member, e.g. a peg hook or elongated
spear to be received may vary in length between 100 and 400 mm in increments of 50
mm. Further, the width of a peg hook or elongated spear, to be received typically
varies between 26 and 30 mm.
[0022] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the support portion is an insert
adapted to be arranged on the bottom. Herewith, the support portion may be understood
as an additional separate part formed by an insert. Alternatively, the insert may
be formed by an additional portion integral to the material supplied to form the box.
The additional portion may be glued onto the material which is supplied for making
the box before e.g. folding is performed, or may be an additional flap of the flat
material before e.g. folding the material into the box.
[0023] The insert may be held, e.g. secured or attached to the bottom of the box by the
sidewalls of the box being configured such that when folded, the sidewall hold the
insert to the bottom. Alternatively, the insert may be attached or secured to the
bottom by any suitable attachment means such as glue, rivets, thumbtacks, protrusions
in the insert matching corresponding recesses in the sidewalls of the box, etc.
[0024] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the insert is an additional bottom.
Thereby, the box may be understood to have a double bottom, when the insert is arranged
on the bottom, as the elongated support member, during use, is received between the
bottom and the additional bottom of the insert.
[0025] The insert may have an additional surface facing upwards, the additional surface
being supplied with openings having a shape adapted to receive consumer goods. Thereby,
the insert can also be used to set product having complex shapes, or products which
are to be presented to a customer in an upright orientation. Alternatively, a product
insert may be used to provide an additional surface facing upwards, the additional
surface being supplied with openings having a shape adapted to the receive consumer
goods.
[0026] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, a portion of the insert is arranged
a distance from the bottom and the portion forms together with the bottom an elongated
channel, which elongated channel accommodates the elongated support member between
the insert and the bottom during use. The elongated channel may be essentially straight.
[0027] The elongated channel may be on both sides delimited by walls in the longitudinal
direction of the elongated channel, at least one of the walls being part of the insert.
Hence, the elongated channel may also be understood as an elongated tunnel which is
delimited by the bottom, the insert, and the walls, of which at least one wall may
be part of the insert. The walls in the longitudinal direction prevent the box from
moving laterally, during use, on the elongated support member.
[0028] In other words, the insert may comprises at least one protruding portion extending
from the insert, the protruding portion being in contact with the bottom of the box
in use, whereby at least one space is defined between the insert and the bottom for
receiving the elongated support member. The at least one protruding portion may be
formed by an additional layer of material which is attached to the insert e.g. by
glue. At least two such protruding portions may form an elongated channel which defines
the at least one space for receiving the elongated support member. Hence, the protruding
portions themselves may also be elongated to form the walls of the elongated channel.
[0029] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the elongated channel comprises a
first section and a second section and the first section may be wider than the second
section. The first section may thus facilitate the insertion of the elongated support
member. Hence, the first section of the elongated channel may be understood to be
arranged towards the at least one area via which area the box is adapted to receive
the elongated support member
[0030] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the elongated channel may further
comprise a third section arranged opposite the first section, and the insert comprises
an opening at least partly matching the third section, the opening faces the space
of the box, such that the elongated support member is allowed to protrude through
the opening during use, wherein the third section is wider than the second section.
[0031] That the opening at least partly matches the third section in this case means that
the opening at least partly has the same shape and/or size as the third section of
the elongated channel. In particular, the opening allows an end portion of an elongated
support member which is bent slightly upwards to partly protrude through the opening.
The third section being wider than the second section allows the third section of
the elongated channel to receive the elongated support member with less deformation
to the insert while the elongated support member is inserted into the elongated channel
and into the third section.
[0032] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second section is configured
such that the distance between the two walls forming the elongated channel is smaller
than the width of the elongated support member which is to be received in the elongated
channel and at least one of the walls are adapted to deform by the elongated support
member. Thereby, the elongated support member is securely held, during use, in the
box by the second section of the elongated channel in which at least one of the walls
deforms to receive the elongated support member, as the deformation of the material
provide a force counteracting the deformation.
[0033] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the box comprises at least two elongated
channels spaced apart from each other, each elongated channel being adapted to receive
an elongated support member. For products requiring a wider box, the box may comprise
at least two elongated channels spaced apart such that the box sits securely on at
least two elongated support members. These two elongated channels may be identical
in design or they may differ.
[0034] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the insert comprises deformable material,
whereby the support portion is formed, in use, by inserting the elongated support
member through the insert. Thereby, there may be no requirement to provide a pre-defined
elongated channel or the like to receive the elongated support member. Further, the
deformable material making space for the elongated support member may be compressed
and thereby more securely hold the elongated support member by providing a force counteracting
the deformation.
[0035] The deformable material may comprise styrofoam. The styrofoam may be selected such
that it has properties, e.g. density and plasticity, which allows an elongated support
member being either an elongated hook, or an elongated spear to penetrate the styrofoam.
Alternatively, the deformable material may comprise corrugated cardboard. The corrugated
cardboard may also be selected such that it allows for the elongated support member
being either an elongated hook, or an elongated spear to penetrate the corrugated
cardboard. Alternatively, the deformable material may comprise a rubber or plastic
material which is deformable such that it allows for the elongated support member
being either an elongated hook, or an elongated spear to penetrate the rubber or plastic
material.
[0036] Alternatively, the deformation may be provided by one or more flexible elongated
members arranged in the longitudinal direction of the box. The one or more flexible
elongated members being bent such that they may receive the elongated support member
between the one or more flexible elongated member and a sidewall of the box, or between
two or more such flexible elongated members. The elongated flexible members may be
made of e.g. spring steel, plastic or similar material in order has an elasticity
which may allow them to return to their original shape.
[0037] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the box is formed by folding. Hence,
the box may be supplied as a pre-formed or pre-cut shape of flat sheet material which
when folded forms a box in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
[0038] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the box is a cardboard box. Cardboard
is cheap, recyclable and a common material used for packaging and e.g. boxes formed
through folding a sheet of cardboard. Alternatively, the box may comprise plastic
material.
[0039] 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.
[0040] Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent
when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled person
realizes that different features of the present invention may be combined to create
embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the
scope of the present invention.
Brief description of the drawings
[0041] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present
invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting
detailed description of embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the
appended drawings, where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements,
wherein:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a box with a support portion exploded from the
box in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention and an elongated support
member;
Figure 2 shows the box in figure 1 partly assembled and in a different perspective
view and with the elongated support member arranged in the box;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a box according to a second embodiment of the
invention;
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the box in figure 1, 2 or 3 folded together;
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a box in accordance with a third embodiment of
the invention;
Figure 6a is a bottom-up view of the insert shown in figure 1 and figure 2;
Figure 6b shows cross-section A-A of the support portion in figure 6b; and
Figure 7 shows cross-section B-B of the partly assembled box shown in figure 2.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
[0042] In the present detailed description, embodiments of a box according to the present
invention are mainly discussed with reference to views showing a box according to
various embodiments of the invention. It should be noted that this by no means limits
the scope of the invention, which is also applicable in other circumstances for instance
with other types or variants of boxes or elongated support members than the embodiments
shown in the appended drawings. Further, that specific features are mentioned in connection
to an embodiment of the invention does not mean that those components cannot be used
to an advantage together with other embodiments of the invention.
[0043] Generally for all the embodiments shown in the appended drawings and described below,
the boxes showed therein is formed by folding. Hence, the boxes may be supplied as
a pre-formed or pre-cut shape of flat sheet material which when folded forms a box
in accordance with the different embodiments. For example, the boxes may be cardboard
boxes. Alternatively, the boxes may comprise plastic material, or be entirely made
from plastic. The invention will now be described with reference to the enclosed drawings
where first attention will be drawn to the structure, and secondly to the function.
[0044] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a box 100. The box 100 comprises a bottom 102,
a first sidewall 104, a second sidewall 106 opposite the first sidewall 104, a third
sidewall 108, and a fourth sidewall 110 opposite the third sidewall 108. The sidewalls
104, 106, 108, 110 thus form a substantially rectangular shape as seen from above.
The bottom 102 and the sidewalls 104, 106, 108, 110 define a space above the bottom
102 in which consumer goods may be received. Hence, the box 100 may be understood
as an open-topped box.
[0045] The box 100 is used for displaying and holding consumer goods on an elongated support
member 300. The elongated support member 300, as shown in figure 1 is typically adapted
for displaying and dispensing articles, e.g. products, of the type which have holes,
or additional packaging for suspending the articles from the elongated hook 300. The
elongated support member 300 shown in figure 1 has an end portion 302 which connect
two prongs, and may therefore be known as an elongated hook 300. The end portion 302
is bent slightly upwards in order to prevent articles from falling of the elongated
hook 300 when the elongated hook is attached horizontally from a board or a rack.
It is of course possible to use the box 100 with another type of elongated hook 300,
for example without any end portion 302 which connects the two prongs, e.g. where
two prongs represents the elongated hook 300. Alternatively, the elongated hook may
just comprise one or more prongs, e.g. substantially straight elongated members, which
in use support the box 100.
[0046] The box 100 comprises at least one area in the bottom 102 or one of the sidewalls
104, 106, 108, 110 via which area the box 100 is adapted to receive the elongated
hook 300. In the embodiments shown throughout the appended drawings, and thus for
the embodiment shown in figure 1 the area is shown as an opening 112, e.g. a through-going
hole 112 in the first sidewall 104. Alternatively, the opening 112 may comprise several
through-going holes, or a perforation outlining an opening to be punched, in order
to simplify the insertion of the elongated hook 300. It should of course be noted
that the elongated hook 300 may instead have a sharp end and/or be pointed such that
there is no need for a pre-formed hole(s) or perforations and the opening 112 is thus
formed in e.g. the first sidewall 104 by the insertion of the elongated hook 300.
[0047] As shown in Figure 1 the third sidewall 108 has first portion 108a, and a second
portion 108b. The first portion 108a, in use, forms an outer side of the third sidewall
108, and the second portion 108b, in use, forms an inner side of the third sidewall
108. In figure 1 the second portion 108b is shown in an upright position prior to
folding the second portion 108b into the box 100. In figure 4, the second portion
108b is shown folded into the box 100. The second portion 108b of the third sidewall
has two locking protrusions 109a arranged at opposite ends of the second portion 108b.
The first sidewall 104 and the second sidewall 106 has locking recesses 109b which
correspond to the two locking protrusions 109a of the second portion 108 b of the
third sidewall. Likewise, the fourth sidewall 110 has first portion 110a, and a second
portion 110b. The first portion 110a, in use, forms an outer side of the fourth sidewall
110, and the second portion 110b, in use, forms an inner side of the fourth sidewall
110. In figure 1 the second portion 108b is shown in an upright position prior to
folding the second portion 108b into the box 100. The second portion 110b of the fourth
sidewall has two locking protrusions 111 a arranged at opposite ends of the second
portion 110b. The first sidewall 104 and the second sidewall 106 have locking recesses
111 b which correspond to the two locking protrusions 111 a of the second portion
110b of the third sidewall.
[0048] The box further comprises a support portion formed by an insert 200. The insert 200
has an outer shape which corresponds the bottom 102 such that the insert is elongated
and extends from the first sidewall 104 to the second sidewall 106, and from the third
sidewall 108 to the fourth sidewall 110. The insert 200 comprises a first protruding
portion 214 and a second protruding portion 216. The first and second protruding portions
214, 216 in use, acts as spacers for a portion of the insert 200, e.g. layer 230,
such that the layer 230 is arranged at a distance from the bottom 102 of the box 100
when the insert 200 is placed on the bottom 102 of the box 100. When the insert 200
is placed on the bottom 102, the layer 230 and the protruding portions 214, 216 thereby
creates an elongated channel 202 which can accommodate the elongated hook 300 between
the insert 200 and the bottom 102 during use. The insert 200 comprises an opening
218 which, in use, faces the space inside the box 100, such that the end portion 302
of the elongated hook 300 may protrude through the opening 218.
[0049] It should be noted that the opening 218 in the insert 200 is optional. For example,
when the elongated support member is a straight elongated spear or the like without
an end portion which is bent slightly upwards, there is no need for the opening 218
and the layer 230 may cover substantially the entire bottom 102.
[0050] In use, the insert 200 is placed on the bottom 102 of the box 100 between the sidewalls
104, 106, 108, 110 as indicated by the arrow in figure 1. Note that the insert 200
is placed such that the protruding portions 214, 216 are facing the bottom 102. Subsequently,
the second portion 108b of the third sidewall is folded about the first portion 108a
such that the second portion 108b is aligned substantially parallel with the first
portion 108a, and such that the locking protrusions 109a of the second portion engage
with the locking recesses 109b. The second portion 110b of the fourth sidewall is
folded about the first portion 110a such that the second portion 110b is aligned substantially
parallel with the first portion 110a, and such that the locking protrusions 111 a
of the second portion engage with the locking recesses 111 b. Thereby, the insert
200 is secured to the box, i.e. the bottom 102, by being held to the bottom 102 by
the second portion 108b of the third sidewall and the second portion 110b of the fourth
sidewall. The insert 200 thereby forms an additional bottom by the layer 230. A perspective
view of the box 100, with the insert 200 placed on the bottom 102 is shown in figure
2. A view of the box 100, with the insert 200 placed on the bottom 102 and the second
portions 108b, 110b of the third and fourth sidewalls 108, 110 folded is shown in
figure 4.
[0051] With the insert 200 placed and secured to the bottom 102, the box 100 is ready to
receive the elongated hook 300 via the opening 112, below the insert 200, through
the elongated channel 202 and thereby be supported from the elongated hook 300 by
the insert 200. The space 1000, see figure 4, above the insert 200 is adapted to receive
consumer goods.
[0052] The insert 200, as mentioned previously, extends from the first sidewall 104 to the
second sidewall 106 to create a support portion which extends along the longitudinal
extension of the box, from the first sidewall 104 towards the second sidewall 106
of the box 100. It is of course possible and within the scope of the invention that
the insert 200 only extends partially from the first sidewall 104 to the second sidewall
106, such that the support portion extend for about 20-30 %, or 30-40 %, or 40-50%,
or 50-60 %, or 60-70 %, or 70-80%, or 80-90%, of the longitudinal extension of the
box 100 from the first 104 sidewall to the second sidewall 106.
[0053] It should of course be noted that the insert 200 may be attached or held to the bottom
102 by other means than the second portion 108b and 110b, such as glue, rivets, thumbtacks,
the insert 200 having protrusions which match corresponding recesses in the sidewalls
104, 106, 108, 110 of the box 100, etc.
[0054] In one alternative embodiment (not shown), the insert 200 may be attached via e.g.
hinged means to either one of the second portions 108b, 110b of the sidewalls in order
reduce the risk that either the box 100 or the insert 200 becomes separated and either
one lost.
[0055] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the box 100 in figure 1 where the insert 200
has been placed in the bottom 102, and the insert 200 forms an additional bottom by
the layer 230 above which the consumer goods may be received. The elongated hook 300
is also shown inserted through the opening 112 (see figure 1) where the end portion
302 of the elongated hook protrudes through the opening 218 of the insert 200. The
opening 218 is discussed in further detail in connection to figure 7 below.
[0056] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the box 400. The box
400 is similar to the box 100 shown in figure 1, and the all features shown with reference
numerals have the same or substantially similar functionality. However, one difference
is that the insert 200 of figure 1 is not provided as a separate part or piece, it
is instead formed by a first insert portion 112 and a second insert portion 114 being
attached or formed integrally to the third and fourth sidewalls 108, 110, respectively.
The first insert portion 112 has an elongated recess 113. The second insert portion
114 has an opening 115. The opening 115 is similar to the opening 218 of the insert
200, referred to in connection with e.g. figure 1 previously and figure 7 below.
[0057] Hence, as is understood and indicated by the arrows in figure 3, the second portion
108b of the third sidewall 108 is folded about the first portion 108a of the third
sidewall, and the first insert portion 112 is folded such that it is arranged on the
bottom 102. Subsequently, the second portion 110b of the fourth sidewall is folded
about the first portion 110a of the fourth sidewall, and the second insert portion
114 is folded such that it is arranged on the first insert portion 112. The first
and second insert portions 112, 114 are secured to the bottom by the locking protrusions
109a, 111 a engaging the locking recesses 109b, 111 b in the same manner as described
in connection with figure 1. Alternatively, the second insert portion 114 may comprise
a protrusion (not shown) which locks into a recess (not shown) of the second portion
108b of the third sidewall facing the inside of the box when the second portion 108b
has been folded. It should of course be noted that the insert portions 112, 114 may
be attached or held to the bottom 102, or to each other, by other means than the locking
protrusions 109a, 111 a and locking recesses 109b, 111 b, such as glue, rivets, thumbtacks,
the insert 200 having protrusions which match corresponding recesses in the sidewalls
104, 106, 108, 110 of the box 100, etc.
[0058] In the folded state, the elongated recess 113 forms an elongated channel similar
to the elongated channel 202 referred to in connection with figures 1, 6a, and 6b,
together with the bottom 102 and the second insert portion 114. It is of course possible
that the elongated recess 113 comprises the same sections and features as referred
to in figures 6a and 6b below in connection with the elongated channel 202 and insert
200.
[0059] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of either one of the boxes 100, 400 shown in figure
1, 2 or 3 where the insert 200 or insert portions 112, 114 has or have been arranged
or placed on the bottom and the sidewall portions 108b, 110b folded to secure the
insert to the bottom of the box 100, 300.
[0060] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a third embodiment of the box 500. The box 500
is similar to the box 100 shown in figure 1, and the all features shown with reference
numerals have the same or substantially similar functionality. However, rather than
having the support portion being formed by an insert 200 as in figure 1, the box 500
comprises a first support portion formed by the opening 112 in the first sidewall
104 and a second support portion 250 arranged above the bottom 102 and spaced apart
from the first support portion 112.
[0061] The second support portion 250 is arranged and adapted to support the box 400 on
the elongated hook 200 e.g. by receiving the elongated hook 300 between the second
support portion 250 and the bottom 102. Hence, the second support portion 250 may
be any kind of loop, bridge like member or fastener which allows the elongated hook
300 to protrude through the second support portion 250. The second support portion
250 may be integrated in the bottom 102 of the box 300, or supplied separately and
attached during assembly of the box with any suitable means for attachment such as
such as glue, rivets, thumbtacks, or that the second support portion 250 has protrusions
which matches corresponding recesses in the sidewalls 104, 106, 108, 110 or the bottom
102 of the box 100, etc.
[0062] In one alternative embodiment not shown in the appended drawings, the first support
portion may be formed by a support portion similar to the second support portion 250
shown in figure 5. In such an embodiment the first support portion is arranged adjacent
to the first sidewall 104. Hereby, the opening 112 may not support or bear any load
when the box is supported or suspended from an elongated hook 300.
[0063] In yet another embodiment not shown in the appended drawings, the second support
portion may be formed by an opening in the second sidewall 106 similar to the opening
112. In such an embodiment, the box would be supported or suspended by the first and
second sidewalls 104, 106.
[0064] Figure 6a and 6b shows the insert 200 of figure 1 in detail. Now referring to figure
6b, note that the insert 200 comprises the previously mentioned layer 230 intended
to form the additional bottom. The layer 230 may have a thickness between 0,05 mm
and 5 mm. For example, the layer 230 may be approximately 2 mm thick. The insert 200
comprises a first protruding portion 214 and a second protruding portion 216. The
first and second protruding portions 214, 216 may have a thickness between 1 mm and
10 mm. For example, the first and second protruding portions 214, 216 may be approximately
4 mm thick. The first and second protruding portions 214, 216 may be formed by an
additional layer of flat material which is attached to the insert 200 e.g. by glue
or any other of the previously mentioned attachment means. Alternatively, the first
and second protruding portions 214, 216 may be formed by removing material from the
insert 200.
[0065] Now referring to figure 6a and 6b, the elongated channel 202 of the insert 200 comprises
a first section 220 which is to be arranged closest to the first sidewall 104, and
a second section 222 arranged between the first section 222 and a third section 224
arranged towards the opposite end, i.e. towards the second sidewall 106 in use. Thus,
as the elongated hook 300 is inserted into the box 100 via the opening 112, the first
section 220 is the first section of the elongated channel 202 which the elongated
hook 300 encounters. Further, the insert 200 has an opening 218 which matches the
third section 224, i.e. the material of the layer 230 is absent e.g. through the pre-formed
shape of the layer 230 or by cutting the layer 230, such that the opening 218 in use
allows the elongated hook 300, or the end portion 302 of the elongated hook to protrude
through the opening 218 (see figure 7).
[0066] Hence, as is understood the elongated channel 202 is defined by a space formed between
the insert 200 and the bottom 102 of the box 100, which space is on both sides delimited
by walls 215, 217 in the longitudinal direction to define the elongated channel 202.
In the embodiments shown in the appended drawings, the walls 215, 217 are formed by
the protruding portions 214, 216 of the insert 200. However, it is of course possible
that at least one such wall may instead be one of the third and fourth sidewalls 108,
110 of the box 100.
[0067] The second section 222 has substantially the same width d
2 along the longitudinal extension of the elongated channel 202. The first section
220 has a tapered shape with a smaller width d
1, equal to the width d
2 of the second section, where the first section 220 meets the second section 222.
The first section 220 tapers to a larger width D
1 where the first section 220 meets on the longitudinal end of the insert 200 which
is to be arranged closest to the opening 112 in the box. The tapering of the first
section 220 makes the insertion of the elongated hook 300 easier. Likewise, the third
section 224 has a tapered shape with a smaller width d
3, equal to the width d
2 of the second section 220, where the third section 224 meets the second section 222.
The third section 224 tapers to a larger width D
3 where the third section 224 meets one longitudinal end of the insert 200.
[0068] The width of the d
2 second section 222 is configured such that the distance between the two walls 215,
217 forming the elongated channel 202 is smaller than the width of the elongated hook
300 which is to be received in the elongated channel 202. At least one of the walls
215, 217, e.g. either one or both of the protruding portions 214, 216 is/are adapted
to deform by the insertion of the elongated hook 300. Therefore, the insert 200, e.g.
the layer 230 and the first and second protruding part 214, 216 may be made of a deformable
material. For example, the insert 200, e.g. the layer 230 and the first and second
protruding part 214, 216 may be made of cardboard.
[0069] Figure 7 shows cross-section B-B in figure 2 of the box 100 with the elongated hook
300, except that the elongated hook 300 in figure 7 is longer than the elongated hook
in figures 1 and 2, arranged in the box. Further, the space 1000 arranged above the
insert 200 adapted to receive the consumer goods is clearly seen in figure 7. The
end portion 302 of the elongated hook protrudes up through the opening 218 of the
insert 200. That the end portion 302 protrudes through the opening 218 means that
the box 100 is prevented from being accidentally removed from the elongated hook 300
as the deformation caused to the insert 200 by the end portion 302 being pulled through
the elongated channel 202 increases the force needed to pull the box 100, 200 off
the elongated hook 300.
[0070] Note that the elongated hook 300 is longer than the box 100 but does not protrude
through the second sidewall 106. As the consumer goods are arranged above the insert
200, and the customer encounters the box from the front side, i.e. from the second
sidewall 106 towards the first sidewall 104, the box 100 provides an improved visual
appearance. The box 100, 200 may also protect a person from harming themselves on
the elongated hook 300 which is often made of metal and is thus hard, and may also
be sharp or pointed.
[0071] Numerous modifications may be made to the invention and still be within the general
inventive concept of the invention. A non-exhaustive list of examples follows below.
[0072] For products requiring a wider box, a box may comprise at least two elongated channels
spaced apart such that the box sits securely on at least two elongated support members.
Each elongated channel is then adapted to receive an elongated support member. The
two or more elongated channels may be identical in design or they may differ.
[0073] The insert may comprises deformable material such that the elongated channel and
thus support portion is formed by inserting the elongated support member through the
insert.
[0074] The insert may have an additional surface which faces upwards, the additional surface
being supplied with openings having a shape adapted to receive consumer goods. Thereby,
the insert can also be used to set product having complex shapes, or products which
are to be presented to a customer in an upright orientation. Alternatively, a product
insert, i.e. a separate insert, is used to provide an additional surface facing upwards,
the additional surface being supplied with openings having a shape adapted to the
receive consumer goods, in e.g. an upright position.
[0075] The skilled person realizes that a number of modifications of the embodiments described
herein are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined
in the appended claims.
1. A box (100,400, 500) for displaying and holding consumer goods on an elongated support
member (300), which elongated support member (300) is adapted for displaying and dispensing
articles of the type which have holes for suspending the articles from the elongated
support member (300), said box (100,400, 500) comprising:
- a bottom (102);
- at least a first sidewall (104);
- at least one area (112) in said first side wall (104) or in said bottom (102) via
which area (112) said box (100,400, 500) is adapted to receive said elongated support
member (300);
- a support portion (200, 250) arranged above said bottom (102) and adapted to support
said box on said elongated support member (300); and
- a space (1000) arranged at least partly above said support portion (200, 250), said
space (1000) being adapted to receive said consumer goods above said support portion
(200, 250).
2. A box (500) according to claim 1, wherein said support portion is a first support
portion (112) arranged at or adjacent to said first sidewall, and said box further
comprises a second support portion (250) arranged above said bottom (102) and spaced
apart from said first support portion (112), said second support portion (250) being
arranged such that it is adapted to support said box on said elongated support member
(300).
3. A box (100,400, 500) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said box (100,400,
500) comprises at least one opening (112) in said area in said first side wall (104)
and said support portion is formed by said opening (112) in said first sidewall or
arranged adjacent said first side wall.
4. A box (100,400, 500) according to any one of preceding claims, wherein said support
portion (200, 250) extends from or adjacent to said first sidewall (104) towards a
second sidewall (106), which is arranged opposite to said first side wall (104).
5. A box (100, 400) according to claim to any one of preceding claims, wherein said support
portion is an insert (200, 112, 114) adapted to be arranged on said bottom (102).
6. A box (100, 400) according to claim 5, wherein said insert (200, 112, 114) is an additional
bottom.
7. A box (100, 400) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein a portion (230) of said insert
(200) is arranged a distance from said bottom (102) and said portion (230) forms together
with said bottom (102) an elongated channel (202), which elongated channel (202) accommodates
said elongated support member (300) between said insert (200) and said bottom (102)
during use.
8. A box (100, 400) according to claim 7, wherein said elongated channel (202) is on
both sides delimited by walls (215, 217) in the longitudinal direction of said elongated
channel (202), said walls (215, 217) being part of said insert (200).
9. A box (100, 400) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said elongated channel (202) comprises
a first section (220) and a second section (222) and said first section (220) is wider
than said second section (222).
10. A box (100, 400) according to claim 9, wherein said elongated channel (202) comprises
a third section (224) arranged opposite said first section (220), and said insert
(200) comprises an opening (218) at least partly matching the third section (224),
said opening (218) faces the space (1000) of the box (100, 400), such that the elongated
support member (300) is allowed to protrude through the opening during use, wherein
said third section (224) is wider than said second section (222).
11. A box (100, 400) according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein said second section (222)
is configured such that the distance between said two walls (215, 217) forming said
elongated channel (202) is smaller than the width of the elongated support member
(300) which is to be received in said elongated channel (202) and at least one of
said walls (215, 217) are adapted to deform by said elongated support member (300).
12. A box (100, 400) according to any one of 8-11, wherein said box comprises at least
two elongated channels spaced apart from each other, each elongated channel being
adapted to receive an elongated support member (300).
13. A box (100, 400) according to any one of claims 5-12, wherein said insert (200) comprises
deformable material, whereby said support portion is formed, in use, by inserting
said elongated support member (300) through said insert.
14. A box (100, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said box
is formed by folding.
15. A box (100, 400, 500) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said box
is a cardboard box.