Patent Description:
When designing a package, it is often desirous to take into account a number of different design criteria. The package should e.g. often be designed such that it makes efficient use of the material, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use, and provide a strong structure.

It is often desirous that the packages are designed in such a way that several packages can be stacked upon each other in a stable way. It is further also often desirous that the packages are designed such that they can be erected without the use of glue. Packages made from cardboard are often beneficial since they do not take up much space before they are erected, such as during transport to the site of use. There exist numerous attempts to address the above design criteria in connection to designing a package of cardboard material.

<CIT> discloses a partitioned container being made of paperboard and having self-locking top and bottom forming flaps. There is also disclosed a blank and a method of erecting the blank into a container. After being erected, the container is partitioned by internal panels and provides a stable container for stacking. The blank forming the container comprises several wall panels, hingedly secured along hinge lines to each other. The wall panels have bottom forming flaps, hingedly secured along hinge lines to the wall panels. Said bottom forming flaps are further connected to each other by fold lines and intermediate triangular panels, so as to form bellows when the blank is erected to a container.

<CIT> discloses a container with overlapping flap system and a container blank for making the same. The blank is made of paperboard. The blank consists of four side wall panels, attached by fold lines and to which bottom flaps are attached along fold lines. A first bottom flap is attached to a first side wall, wherein the first bottom flap has a middle fold line. A first pair of minor bottom flaps are connected to the bottom side of a second end wall panel wherein the first pair of minor bottom flaps are separated by a first minor bottom flap vertical slot, and wherein each minor bottom flap has a minor bottom flap fold line. A second bottom flap is attached to a third side wall, wherein the second bottom flap has a middle fold line. A second pair of minor bottom flaps are connected to the bottom side of a fourth side wall panel, wherein the second pair of minor bottom flaps are separated by a second minor bottom flap vertical slot, and wherein each second minor bottom flap has a minor bottom flap fold line. When erecting the blank into a container, the first minor bottom flap vertical slot and the second minor bottom flap vertical slot are capable of receiving each bottom half of the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap, wherein the first bottom flap and the second bottom flap are folded toward the inner container portion along each bottom fold line and along each middle fold line.

<CIT> discloses a container for a bag-in-box system where it is disclosed that, in order to facilitate folding of the blank into a container, the various panels are provided with handle-forming cut-outs. Another container is known from <CIT>.

It may be noted that none of the prior art documents discloses a box which adequately addresses the combined set of design criteria that the box should make efficient use of the material, be easy to transport, be easy to erect, and provide a strong structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a blank which makes efficient use of the material, which is easy to transport, and which is easy to erect into a package, and which provides a package which is mechanically stable and has a strong structure.

To achieve at least this object and also other objects that will be obvious from the description, there is according to the present invention provided a blank for forming a package, the blank comprising.

With such a design, it is possible to provide a strong package which is easy to erect, and which is suitable for carrying heavy loads. When erecting the package, the internal, inclined fold lines of the first bottom panel and of the two side wall portions allows for easy handling and reduces the risk that the bottom part being incorrectly folded or damaged. The internal, inclined fold lines create during the folding operation a space between the transversally extending side of the first bottom panel and the longitudinally extending side of each side wall portion, allowing them to fit close to each other in the erected state but with a reduced risk of them being damaged during folding. This configuration makes it easier for the user to erect the package. Erection of the package is facilitated since the edges and the triangular flaps formed by the fold lines of the first bottom panel will interact with the edges and triangular flaps formed by the associated fold lines of the side wall portions. This is accomplished by the provision of fold lines in both the first bottom panel and in the side wall portions in combination with the fact that the fold lines have a major component in the transverse direction respectively the longitudinal direction such that they will interact in the intended manner. Additionally, the bottom parts each originating at a respective one of two opposing side wall panels of the package and being folded one beneath the other allows for the bottom part to curve slightly when force is applied by the package being lifted with heavy load inside the package. This transfers some of the force from being applied to only the bottom part and its connection towards the sides solely as tearing forces, by transferring some of the force to the end walls of the package and by allowing the forces to be transmitted partly as pulling forces over the connection between the bottom parts and the side walls. This further increases the strength and decreases the risk of tearing of the bottom when force is being applied from heavy loads, which may happen if the bottom is designed such that the bottom is in one piece and no curvature of the bottom is possible, since the entire load then will be applied as tear forces at the connection between the bottom and the side walls. With the provided design, it is possible to provide a blank which is easy to transport between the time of use, and which is easy to erect into a package with a reduced risk of damaging the blank. Thereby, the blank and the package formed from the blank may be used a greater number of times compared to prior art designs. This is especially useful if the blank and package is used as a moving box.

At least one, and preferably each, of the internal, inclined fold lines of the first bottom panel may originate at a respective one of corners created by the fold line extending in the longitudinal direction connecting the first side wall panel to the first bottom panel and the respective one of the free transversally extending sides. This configuration allows each flap created between each internal, inclined fold line and each transversally extending side of the first bottom panel to extend over the entire transversally extending side, thereby providing the advantage of reduced risk of damage for the entire transversally extending side.

At least one, and preferably each, of the internal, inclined fold lines of each of the side wall portions may originate at a free, outer end of each of a respective one of fold lines between the second bottom panel and a respective one of the side wall portions. This configuration allows each flap created between the internal, inclined fold line and each longitudinally extending side of each side wall portion to extend over the respective entire longitudinally extending sides, thereby providing the advantage of reduced risk of damage for the entire longitudinally extending sides. It may be noted that during erection of the package, the internal, inclined fold line of each side wall portion meets the internal, inclined fold line of the respective side of the first bottom panel. This configuration is such that the erection of the package can be made without damaging the corners of the first bottom panel or the side wall panels.

The first bottom panel may be provided with a cut-out configured to form a handle. The cut-out preferably extends in the longitudinal direction. The cut-out is preferably positioned across one of the internal, inclined fold lines of the first bottom panel. The cut-out is preferably positioned between a free corner of a free transversally extending side and a free longitudinally extending side and a centre point of the free longitudinally extending side. The cut-out is preferably positioned closer to the free corner of the free transversally extending side and the free longitudinally extending side than to the centre point of the free longitudinally extending side. The provision of a cut-out configured to form a handle simplifies the folding and unfolding of the package for the user by providing the cut-out as a handle to lift the first bottom panel during folding and unfolding. The various preferred features concerning the longitudinal extension, the positioning across one of the internal fold lines, and the positioning relative to the free corner, may be provided separately, in various permutations, or altogether and aids in facilitating access to the handle.

It may further be noted that the first bottom panel may have chamfered corners. This allows for a tight overlap of the first and second bottom panels, when erected, without the corners of the first bottom panel being folded which could happen if the corners of the first bottom panel are perfectly lining the corner between the third side wall panel, the respective second and fourth side wall panel and the second bottom panel.

The second bottom panel may be provided with a cut-out configured to form a handle. The cut-out preferably extends in the longitudinal direction. The cut-out in the second bottom panel is preferably positioned between a fold line to the side wall portion and a centre point of a free longitudinally extending side of the second bottom panel. The cut-out is preferably positioned closer to the corner of the fold line to the side wall portion and the free longitudinally extending side of the bottom panel, than to the centre point of the free longitudinally extending side of the second bottom panel. It may be noted that the various preferred features may be provided separately, in various permutations, or altogether. This provision of a cut-out configured to form a handle simplifies the folding and unfolding of the package by providing the user with a handle to use for lifting the second bottom panel.

In one embodiment of the invention, each side wall portion is being separably connected to a respective one of the second and fourth side wall panel, preferably by a perforated separation line. The blank in this configuration will be comparably easy to keep flat and without extending parts. This allows for easy handling while transporting the blank before initial erection to form a package.

In a preferred embodiment, the blank is made of a paper-based material, preferably of a corrugated cardboard material. This material will provide a light weight package, yet suitable for carrying heavy loads and it may be mechanically stable. The paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, may provide a blank that is easy to erect and easy to transport to the site before use. A blank of a paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, is typically environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner.

The third top panel is configured to be folded such that it positions a portion of the first top panel underneath it in the erected closed state, thereby forming an essentially flat top of the package. Thus, the package, when in the closed state, is provided with a flat top, such that the provided package may be easy to stack. By such a configuration of the third top panel, the risk of unintentional unfolding and opening of the package may be prevented during stacking thereof.

When the locking flaps are folded into the cut-outs of the respective second and fourth side wall panels, a smooth handle is formed that may prevent any tearing of the blank when the package is lifted. The combination of providing the internal, inclined fold lines and the locking flaps is especially useful since the internal, inclined fold lines during the folding operation allowing the transversally extending side of the first bottom panel and the longitudinally extending side of each side wall portion to fit close to each other in the erected state such that the intended rectangularity of the package may be achieved with tight tolerances which in turn is used to allow the locking flaps to also fit with tight tolerances, thereby providing a strong locking effect. By providing a locking effect also at the top part of the package, dynamic deformations of the package during transportation is reduced. Such reduction of dynamic deformations will reduce the dynamic load carried by the bottom part of the package, thereby reducing the risk of undesired wear on the edges of the first and second bottom panels. Thereby the provision of locking flaps will increase the number of times the bottom will provide the desired tight tolerances. This is especially useful considering that the package is especially adapted to be used as a moving box, where it is advantageous if the cost of the box may be allocated to an increased number of occasions of use.

With such a design, it is possible to provide a strong package that is easy to erect, and which is suitable for carrying heavy loads. Any unintentional tearing of the top of the package may be reduced due to the configuration of the top panels. Any unintentional unfolding of the top panels when handling the package may be reduced as a result of the locking panels being folded into the cut-outs of the side wall panels. Tearing of the handle structure and thereby also tearing of the blank during lifting or handling thereof may be reduced with the provided package. With the provided design, it is possible to provide a blank which is easy to transport between the time of use, and which is easy to erect into a package with a reduced risk of damaging the blank. Thereby, the blank and the package formed from the blank may be used a greater number of times compared to prior art designs. This is especially useful if the blank and package is used as a moving box.

Each locking flap may comprise an internal fold line having an extension in the transverse direction and being configured to, when the blank has been erected to the package, be folded inwards such that an outer part is configured to be folded into the cut-outs forming the handle and thereby locking the package in the closed state. By the provision of the internal fold line of the locking flap, erection of the package may be facilitated. By locking the outer part towards an inside of the package, any unintentional unfolding of the locking flaps may be prevented.

A first distance may be defined by the longitudinal extension of the locking flap past the extension of the fold line between the third side wall panel and the second side wall panel and the internal fold line of the locking flap, respectively the longitudinal extension of the locking flap past the extension of the fold line between the third side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel and the internal fold line of the locking flap.

A second distance may be defined by a distance between the cut-out in the second top panel and the fold line between the second side wall panel and the second top panel, respectively a distance between the cut-out of the fourth top panel and the fold line between the fourth side wall panel and the fourth top panel.

The first distance may correspond to, and may preferably be equal to, the second distance. By such a configuration, the internal fold line of the locking flap may become folded about an edge of the cut-out. Thereby, the handling of the package in the erected, and closed state, may be facilitated. Unintentional unfolding of the locking flaps and therewith the top panel may be avoided.

A third distance may be defined by a distance between the fold line between the third side wall panel and the third top panel and a longitudinally extending side of the locking flap facing the third side wall panel.

A fourth distance may be defined by a distance between the cut-out of the second top panel and the extension of the fold line between the third side wall panel and the second side wall panel, respectively by a distance between the cut-out of the fourth top panel and the extension of the fold line between the third side wall panel and the fourth side wall panel.

The third distance may correspond to and may preferably be equal to the fourth distance. By such a configuration, when the package is about to be put in a closed state the locking flap may be snugly inserted alongside an edge, of the respective cut-out, being closest to the third top panel. The risk of unintentional unfolding of the locking flaps and therewith the top panel may thereby be reduced. Thereby, there is achieved a tight locking effect keeping the third top panel snugly in place. Moreover, the outer portion of the locking flap, preferably having a greater transversal extension than the other parts of the locking flap, may be only marginally larger than the other parts and still provide a distinct locking effect.

The blank may made of a paper-based material. Preferably the blank is made of a corrugated cardboard material. Paper-based material will provide a light weight package, yet suitable for carrying heavy loads. By the provision of a package as disclosed made of paper-based material, a mechanically stable package may be provided. The paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, may provide a blank that is easy to erect and easy to transport to the point of use. A blank of a paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, is typically environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner.

Each cut-out of the second and fourth side wall panels may have a shape corresponding to a shape of the associated cut-out of the respective second and fourth top panel. It is to be noted that by the shape of the cut-outs of the second and fourth side wall panels being corresponding to the respective cut-out of the second and fourth top panel, the width and/or height of the cut-outs may differ. By way of example, the cut-out of the respective second and fourth side wall panel may have a greater width than the cut-out of the respective second and fourth top panel. The sizes of the cut-outs may differ slightly, such that the locking flaps of the third top panel are inserted into the handles and locked in a desirous position. Thereby any unintentional unfolding of the locking flaps in the closed state may be prevented. It is to be noted that by the cut-outs having corresponding shapes but varying size, the locking flap may easily be inserted through the first cut-out and then lock relative to the second cut-out.

When cutting the blank, each locking flap may be cut from a geometrical rectangular extension of the respective second and fourth top panel. By such a configuration of the blank, the blank may be cut as a single piece blank. The amount of material needed for forming the package is reduced by the locking flaps essentially being formed by cuts of the respective second and fourth top panel. It is preferred that the locking flaps are cut such that no critical part of the respective second and fourth top panel is harmed. Thus, a package making efficient use of material may be provided while still providing mechanical stability and a strong structure.

The inventive concept may in short be said to relate to a blank for forming a package comprising a blank for forming a package, the blank comprising a set of side wall panels, a first bottom panel and a second bottom panel, wherein the second bottom panel is configured to be positioned beneath the first bottom panel when the blank has been erected into a package. The blank further comprises two opposing side wall portions, each being foldably connected to the second bottom panel. The first bottom panel comprises two internal, inclined fold lines, wherein each internal, inclined fold line extends along a direction having a major component in the transverse direction, and wherein each internal, inclined fold line extends from a transversally extending side of the first bottom panel to a free, longitudinally extending side of the first bottom panel. Each side wall portion comprises an internal, inclined fold line extending in a direction having a major component in the longitudinal direction, each internal, inclined fold line extending from a longitudinally extending side of the side wall portion opposing the set of side wall panels to a respective free, transversally extending side of the respective side wall portion.

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 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.

This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and to convey examples within the scope of the invention to the skilled person.

With reference to <FIG>, there is disclosed a blank <NUM> for forming a package <NUM>, the blank comprising a set of four side wall panels; namely a first <NUM>, a second <NUM>, a third <NUM>, and a fourth <NUM> side wall panel arranged in the blank <NUM> consecutively after each other along a longitudinal direction L and foldably connected to each other along fold lines extending in a transversal direction T. As shown in <FIG>, the blank <NUM> is configured to be folded at the fold line between the first side wall panel <NUM> and the second side wall panel <NUM> and at the fold line between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth side wall panel <NUM> to be assembled to a flat-laid but assembled state. A fifth wall panel <NUM> is provided at a transversally extending side of the fourth side wall panel <NUM> and is attached to the first side wall panel <NUM> or vice versa. It may be attached using glue, staples, or any other kind of attachment method commonly used for paper-based materials. In this assembled, but still flat-laid configuration, the blank <NUM> is prepared to be easy to transport and store before use. It may be noted that in <FIG>, dashed lines typically represent fold lines and solid lines typically represents cut-lines where the material is cut and separated or perforation-lines where the material is perforated and intended to be separated.

The blank <NUM> also comprises a first bottom panel <NUM> and a second bottom panel <NUM>. Each bottom panel <NUM>, <NUM> is foldably connected to the respective first side wall panel <NUM> and the third side wall panel <NUM> along fold lines extending in the longitudinal direction L.

The first bottom panel <NUM> comprises two internal, inclined fold lines 107a-b. The internal, inclined fold lines 107a-b extend along a direction having a major component in the transverse direction T. Further, each of the internal, inclined fold lines extend from a respective transversally extending side 106a, 106b of the first bottom panel <NUM> to a free, longitudinally extending side 106c of the first bottom panel <NUM>. In a preferred embodiment, the internal, inclined fold lines originate at each of the corners created by the fold line FL16 extending in the longitudinal direction L connecting the first side wall panel <NUM> to the first bottom panel <NUM> and each of the free transversally extending sides 106a, 106b. Further, the free corners 106ac, 106bc of the free longitudinally extending side of the first bottom panel <NUM> may be chamfered.

In one embodiment, the first bottom panel <NUM> comprises a cut-out 112a, configured to form a handle. The cut-out 112a preferably extends in the longitudinal direction L. The cut-out 112a may be positioned at a position across one of the internal, inclined fold lines 107b. The cut-out 112a may be positioned between the free corner 106ac of the free transversally extending side 106b and the free longitudinally extending side 106c and a centre point of the free longitudinally extending side 106c, and is preferably positioned closer to the free corner 106ac of the free transversally extending side 106b and the free longitudinally extending side 106c than to the centre point of the free longitudinally extending side 106c.

Two opposing side wall portions 110a, 110b are each foldably connected to a respective transversally extending side of the second bottom panel <NUM>. Each of the side wall portions 110a, 110b may be separate from or may be separably connected to the respective one of the second side wall panel <NUM> and fourth side wall panel <NUM>, preferably by a perforated separation line. As shown in <FIG>, this configuration allows for the blank to be flat and facilitates securing that no parts extend from the blank <NUM> when the blank <NUM> is transported and before a first-time erection into a package <NUM>. Further, each of the side wall portions 110a, 110b comprises an internal, inclined fold line 111a, 111b extending in a direction having a major component in the longitudinal direction L. Each of the internal, inclined fold lines 111a, 111b extends from a longitudinally extending side 110ac, 110bc of the side wall portion 110a, 110b opposing the set of side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> to a free, transversally extending side 110aa, 110bb of the side wall portion 110a, 110b. In a preferred embodiment, each of the internal, inclined fold lines 111a, 111b of each of the side wall portion 110a, 110b originates at the free, outer end FL80a', FL80b' of each of the fold line FL80a, FL80b between the second bottom panel <NUM> and each side wall portion 110a, 110b.

The second bottom panel <NUM> may comprise a cut-out 112b configured to form a handle. The cut-out 112b preferably extends in the longitudinal direction L. The cut-out 112b may be positioned between a fold line FL80b to the side wall portion 110b and a centre point of a free longitudinally extending side 108c of the second bottom panel <NUM>. The cut-out 112b is preferably positioned closer to the fold line FL80b to the side wall portion 110b than to the centre point of the free longitudinally extending side 108c of the second bottom panel <NUM>.

The second side wall panel <NUM> and fourth side wall panel <NUM> may comprise a cut-out <NUM> configured to form a handle. The cut-out <NUM> preferably extends in the longitudinal direction L.

From <FIG>, the locking flap <NUM> at the free transversally extending side of the fourth side wall panel <NUM> may be attached to the free transversally extending side of the first side wall panel <NUM>. This may be accomplished by e.g. using glue or any other adhesive or by mechanical attachment such as by stapling. The result is a flat-laid intermediate state as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> shows the blank being erected to a package <NUM>. When the blank <NUM> is erected so as to configure it into a package <NUM>, the first side wall panel <NUM> becomes positioned opposite to the third side wall panel <NUM>, and the second side wall panel <NUM> becomes positioned opposite to the fourth side wall panel <NUM> whereby the side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> define the package volume. Using the cut-out 112a as a handle, the first bottom panel <NUM> is folded into the package volume relative to the first side wall panel <NUM>. The side wall portions 110a, 110b are folded relative to the second bottom panel <NUM> and moved towards the volume of the package <NUM> by folding the second bottom panel <NUM> relative to the third side wall panel <NUM> using the cut-out 112b as a handle. The side wall portions 110a, 110b are folded relative to the second bottom panel <NUM> such that the side wall portions 110a, 110b becomes positioned parallel to the respective inside of the second side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth side wall panel <NUM>. The first bottom panel <NUM> is folded back downwardly towards the second bottom panel <NUM>, wherein each internal, inclined fold line 107a, 107b of the first bottom panel <NUM> are folded so as to form flaps created from folding pointing towards the inside of the first side wall panel <NUM>, thereby facilitating passage of the first bottom panel <NUM> between the side wall portions 110a, 110b extending alongside the insides of the second and fourth side walls <NUM>, <NUM>.

Folding the side wall portions 110a, 110b at their respective internal, inclined fold lines 111a, 111b such that the outer flaps created from folding are pointing towards the second side wall panel <NUM> and fourth side wall panel <NUM> facilitates folding the first bottom panel <NUM> down into the volume and further down to be placed on top of the second bottom panel <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the package is designed to be erected using the above described procedure. The procedure is explained in more detail below.

<FIG> discloses the state of the package after step vii (<NUM>-<NUM>) has been completed. It may be noted that the package may be left in this position.

The fact that the flaps and edges formed by the fold lines will interact, significantly facilitates the erection of the package. It is e.g. no longer necessary to keep the first bottom panel <NUM> in position after the first side wall portion 110a has been folded upwardly; it is automatically kept in place. Moreover, the first bottom panel <NUM> is allowed to lean inwardly into the volume such that it is easily accessible. Furthermore, it is e.g. no longer necessary for the user to position the side wall portions 110a, 110b tightly against the side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> before first bottom panel <NUM> can be folded down into its final position.

The side wall portions 110a, 110b are provided with fold lines 111a, 111b. The fold lines 111a, 111b are oriented with a major component in the longitudinal direction L, which results in that there are formed inwardly extending flaps formed by the portions outside the fold lines 111a, 111b that can interact with the flaps of the first bottom panel <NUM>. Moreover, the inwardly extending flaps will also automatically push the side wall portions 110a, 110b outwardly against the side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> directly when the first bottom panel <NUM> is folded downwardly which in a sense directly corrects any non-correct positioning of the side wall portions 110a, 110b.

It may be noted that the longitudinal extension of the side wall portions 110a, 110b is such that the free ends 110aa, 110bb essentially coextends with the fold lines between the first and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> respectively between the first and second side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>. The bottom panels <NUM>, <NUM> and the side wall portions 110a, 110b have free ends 106c, 108c, 110ac, 110bc extending at a transversal distance from the first, second, third and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> essentially being equal to or marginally smaller than the longitudinal extension of the second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> such that the bottom panels <NUM>, <NUM> and the side wall portions <NUM>0a, 110b may be folded into the volume of the package <NUM> and still cover the bottom and form stable connections between the side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>.

The blank <NUM> may be made of a paper-based material. Preferably the blank <NUM> is made of a corrugated cardboard material. Paper-based material will provide a light weight package, yet suitable for carrying heavy loads. By the provision of a package <NUM> as disclosed made of paper-based material, a mechanically stable package may be provided. The paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, may provide a blank <NUM> that is easy to erect and easy to transport to the point of use. A blank <NUM> of a paper-based material, such as a corrugated cardboard material, is typically environmentally friendly and can be recycled in a simple manner.

The blank <NUM> may further comprise a set of top panels. The set of top panels comprises a first, second, third and a fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. Each top panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is foldably connected to an associated side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The third top panel <NUM> comprises two locking flaps <NUM>. Each locking flap <NUM> is connected to a respective transversally extending side of the third top panel <NUM> and is foldable relative to the third top panel <NUM> along fold lines extending in the transverse direction T. Each locking flap <NUM> has a longitudinal extension from the third top panel <NUM> past an extension of the fold line FL23 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the second side wall panel <NUM>, respectively past an extension of the fold line FL34 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth side wall panel <NUM>.

The second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>,<NUM> each comprises a cut-out <NUM> configured to form a handle in the side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM>. The respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM> each comprises a cut-out <NUM>. When erecting the package, the second and fourth top panels <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to be folded relative to the second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> such that the cut-out <NUM> of the respective side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> and the cut-out <NUM> of the associated top panel <NUM>, <NUM> overlap and together form a handle.

With reference to <FIG>, there is disclosed a package formed by erecting the blank <NUM>. <FIG> discloses the package during erection of the blank <NUM>, and <FIG> discloses the package <NUM> in the closed state. When the blank <NUM> is erected into a package <NUM>, the package <NUM> is configured to be put in a closed state by folding the first and third top panels <NUM>, <NUM> such that the third top panel <NUM> is configured to at least party overlap and is positioned above the first top panel <NUM>, and by folding the locking flaps <NUM> into the cut-outs <NUM>, <NUM>. The locking flaps <NUM> are folded inwards into the cut-outs, and then preferably also folded relative to the respective side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> in an upward motion. Thereby the locking flaps <NUM> form an upper, smooth part of the handle and also locks the package <NUM> in the closed state. The third top panel <NUM> partly overlaps the first top panel <NUM>. It may be noted that the third top panel <NUM> only presents a single edge whereby an almost flat exterior of the top of the package <NUM> is formed when the package <NUM> is in the closed state. By such flat top of the package <NUM>, the package is easily stackable, and there is a reduced risk of packages catching the flaps or panels of other packages during stacking and handling, which would increase the risk of unintentional opening of packages or unintentional damaging of packages or increase the risk of incorrect relative positioning when stacking the packages.

Each locking flap <NUM> may comprise an internal fold line FL216 having an extension in the transverse direction T. The internal fold line FL216 may provide the locking flap <NUM> with an outer part 216b. When the blank <NUM> has been erected into the package, the locking flap <NUM> is configured to be folded inwards such that the outer part 216b may be folded into the cut-outs <NUM>, <NUM> forming the handle and thereby lock the package <NUM> in the closed state. The outer portion 216b preferably has an extension in the transverse direction T being greater than the rest of the locking flap <NUM>, at least wider than the part of the locking flap <NUM> where the internal fold line FL216 is provided. The internal fold line FL216 is preferably formed of more than one parallel fold line to allow the part of the locking panel <NUM> being provided with the internal fold lines <NUM> to be folded into the cut-outs <NUM>, <NUM> and to allow the outer part 216b to be folded upwardly alongside the inner side of the respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>.

When cutting the blank <NUM>, each locking flap <NUM> may be cut from a geometrical rectangular extension of the respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>.

The cut-out <NUM> of the second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> may each have a shape corresponding to the shape of the associated cut-out <NUM> of the respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>. The cut-outs <NUM> of the second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM> may be wider than the cut-out <NUM> of the respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>. Hence, the outer part 216b of the locking flap can easily pass through the cut-out <NUM> of the respective second and fourth side wall panels <NUM>, <NUM>, and lock relative to the cut-out <NUM> of the respective second and fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>.

As is evident from <FIG>, the cut-outs <NUM> forming a handle of the side wall panels may be partially a cut-out comprising a fold line on a side facing the second respective fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>. By such a configuration, the partly cut-out <NUM> may be folded inwards when the package <NUM> is erected to form a mechanical locking mechanism between the respective second or fourth side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> and the respective second or fourth top panel <NUM>, <NUM>.

The longitudinal extension of the locking flap <NUM> past the extension of the fold line FL23 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the second side wall panel <NUM> and the internal fold line FL216 of the locking flap <NUM>, respectively the longitudinal extension of the locking flap <NUM> past the extension of the fold line FL34 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth side wall panel <NUM> and the internal fold line FL216 of the locking flap <NUM> may be defined as a first distance D1.

A distance between the cut-out <NUM> in the second top panel <NUM> and the fold line FL2 between the second side wall panel <NUM> and the second top panel <NUM>, respectively a distance between the cut-out <NUM> of the fourth top panel <NUM> and the fold line FL4 between the fourth side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth top panel <NUM> may be defined as a second distance D2.

The first distance D1 may correspond to the second distance D2. It is preferred that the first distance D1 is equal to the second distance D2. By such a design, the internal fold line FL216 of the locking flap <NUM> becomes folded about an edge of the cut-out <NUM> when erecting the package. By the first distance D1 being equal to the second distance D2, the locking mechanism of the locking flap <NUM> may be provided having a high mechanical stability.

A distance between the fold line FL3 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the third top panel <NUM> and a longitudinally extending side of the locking flap <NUM> facing the third side wall panel <NUM> may define a third distance D3.

A distance between the cut-out <NUM> of the second top panel <NUM> and the extension of the fold line FL23 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the second side wall panel <NUM>, respectively a distance between the cut-out <NUM> of the fourth top panel <NUM> and the extension of the fold line FL34 between the third side wall panel <NUM> and the fourth side wall panel <NUM> may define a fourth distance D4.

The third distance D3 may correspond to the fourth distance D4. It is preferred that the third distance D3 is equal to the fourth distance D4. By such a configuration the locking tab <NUM> may be snugly inserted around an edge of the cut-outs <NUM> facing the third top panel <NUM> when the package <NUM> is about to be put in a closed state.

It is contemplated that there are numerous modifications of the embodiments described herein, which are still within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

The side wall portions <NUM>0a, 110b may for instance comprise a cut-out preferably extending in the transversal direction T. The cut-out may be placed centrally on the side wall portion as seen along the free transversally extending side of each side wall portion. The cut-out of the side wall portions 110a, 110b may be configured such that each coincide with the respective cut-out <NUM> of the second side wall panel <NUM> and fourth side wall panel <NUM>. This configuration allows the bottom part to, in a sense, be locked to the side walls, thereby further increasing the strength of the package <NUM>. The provision of such a cut-out is especially useful if the cut-out <NUM> is positioned fairly low on the respective side wall panel <NUM>, <NUM> such that the longitudinal extension of the respective side wall portion 110a, 110b, as seen in a flat-laid state of the blank <NUM>, is such that the side wall portions 110a, 110b will extend upwardly along the inside of the respective side wall <NUM>, <NUM> to a height above the cut-outs <NUM> when the blank <NUM> is folded into a package <NUM>. In the disclosed embodiment, the cut-outs <NUM> are provided fairly high compared to the longitudinal extension of the side wall portions 110a, 110b such that the side wall portions 110a, 110b will not reach the cut-outs <NUM> when the blank <NUM> is folded into a package <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A blank (<NUM>) for forming a package (<NUM>), the blank (<NUM>) comprising:
a set of side wall panels comprising a first, second, third and fourth side wall panel (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) arranged consecutively one after another along a longitudinal direction (L) and foldably connected to each other along fold lines extending in a transverse direction (T),
a first bottom panel (<NUM>) foldably connected to the first side wall panel (<NUM>) along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction (L),
a second bottom panel (<NUM>) foldably connected to the third side wall panel (<NUM>) along a fold line extending in the longitudinal direction (L), wherein the second bottom panel (<NUM>) is configured to be positioned beneath the first bottom panel (<NUM>) when the blank (<NUM>) has been erected into a package (<NUM>), and
two opposing side wall portions (110a, 110b), each being foldably connected to a respective transversally extending side of the second bottom panel (<NUM>),
and wherein the second bottom panel (<NUM>) is configured such that, when the blank (<NUM>) is erected into a package (<NUM>), the side wall portions (110a, 110b) are folded relative to the second bottom panel (<NUM>) and form together with the respective second (<NUM>) and fourth (<NUM>) side wall panel two opposing double-walled side walls, characterized in that the first bottom panel (<NUM>) comprises two internal, inclined fold lines (107a, 107b), wherein each internal, inclined fold line (107a, 107b) extends along a direction having a major component in the transverse direction (T), and wherein each internal, inclined fold line (107a, 107b) extends from a transversally extending side (106a, 106b) of the first bottom panel (<NUM>) to a free, longitudinally extending side (106c) of the first bottom panel (<NUM>),
wherein each side wall portion (110a, 110b) comprises an internal, inclined fold line (111a, 111b) extending in a direction having a major component in the longitudinal direction (L), each internal, inclined fold line (111a, 111b) extending from a longitudinally extending side (110ac, 110bc) of the side wall portion (110a, 110b) opposing the set of side wall panels (<NUM> - <NUM>) to a respective free, transversally extending side (110aa, 110bb) of the respective side wall portion (110a, 110b).