This application claims the benefit of priority to European Patent Application No. 21167549.1 filed on Apr. 9, 2021. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a one-piece blank for a cuboid folding box, and to a cuboid folding box and a method for producing a cuboid folding box.
It is known to use cuboid folding cartons made of cardboard for secondary packaging of primary-packaged products, such as flexible packaging made of plastic, in particular, stand-up pouches or flow pack packaging. It is desirable for this secondary packaging to also be suitable for presenting the products on a sales shelf.
The cuboid of the cuboid folding box is formed by folding a blank. The blank usually has several panel segments separated from each other by fold lines forming the edges of the cuboid. Usually, a fastening tab forming one end of the blank is glued to an edge of an opposite panel segment, forming four circumferential side surfaces of the cuboid. Panel segments connected to the side surfaces of the cuboid by fold lines form the lid and/or the bottom of the cuboid, which can be closed by folding along the fold lines. For the presentation of goods, conventionally, a top part of the folding box is removed from a bottom part, the products remaining in the bottom part, so that the primarily packaged products do not have to be removed from the packaging by the sales personnel and the customer can access the products directly. To this end, it is known that folding boxes have perforations that enable a top part to be separated from a bottom part.
However, such secondary packaging needs improvement because the perforation points where the top has been separated from the bottom are visible to the customer on the shelf and do not present an appealing visual appearance.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide improved one-piece blanks for folding cardboard boxes, each of which makes it possible for only punched edges of the blank to be visible to customers after a top portion has been separated from a bottom portion.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide blanks for cuboid folding boxes, cuboid folding boxes, and methods for producing folding boxes.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece blank for a cuboid folding box includes five main panel segments arranged in a row and separated from one another by main fold lines on transverse sides, wherein a first main panel segment defines a first end of the blank and a second main panel segment adjoins the first main panel segment and a third main panel segment adjoins the second main panel segment and a fourth main panel segment adjoins the third main panel segment and a fifth main panel segment adjoins the fourth main panel segment, the fifth main panel segment defines a second end of the blank, and the main panel segments are foldable about the main fold lines, and a second secondary panel segment including an edge, adjoins the second main panel segment on a longitudinal side in each case over a second secondary fold line, a third secondary panel segment adjoins the third main panel segment on the longitudinal side in each case over a third secondary fold line, and the secondary fold lines are perpendicular to the main fold lines. Further, the blank includes a first perforation line extending across the third main panel segment and at least partially across the third secondary panel segments, wherein the third secondary panel segments are each divided into two regions by the first perforation line, a first region is a region adjacent to the second secondary panel segment and a second region is a region adjacent to the fourth secondary panel segment, and shapes of the second secondary panel segments and a course of the first perforation line are configured such that, in a folded state, the second secondary panel segments project beyond the first perforation line in a region of the third secondary panel segments. In the folded state, the first perforation line is below edges of the second secondary panel segments, so that when the box is detached along the perforation line, a resulting perforation edge is not visible in a side view of the sides defined by the second secondary panel segments. The term “overhang” is understood to mean that a tear-off edge at a separation point defined by the perforation line is covered.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a second secondary fold line and a second main fold line separating the second main panel segment from the third main panel segment define an intersection point. x is a distance of a point on the second secondary fold line to the intersection point, wherein a height h of the second secondary panel segment is a function of x and the height h is a distance from the second secondary fold line to the edge of the adjacent second secondary panel segment at the point x. A width b of the third secondary panel segment, which is on the same side with respect to the longitudinal axis of the blank as the second secondary panel segment, in the first area is a function of y, respectively, where the width b is defined as the distance from a straight-line extension of the second main fold line to the perforation line, and y is the distance of a point on the straight-line extension of the second main fold line to the intersection point, where the following relationship is satisfied:
if y=x, then b(y)<=0.98*h(x).
This can ensure that the edges of the second secondary panel segments protrude far enough beyond the first perforation line in the folded state.
Preferably b(y)>=0.30*h(x), in particular b(y)>=0.50*h(x).
It is advantageous if the two second secondary panel segments are equal, and especially symmetrical to a central axis (longitudinal axis of the blank).
The blank is preferably made of cardboard, and more preferably, corrugated cardboard. The cardboard preferably has a thickness of less than about 8 mm.
Preferably, the first perforation line is parallel or substantially parallel to the main fold lines. It is also possible for the first perforation line to take on any shape, e.g., a round shape or a parabola.
In order to simplify detachment in the folded state of the folding box, a first incision preferably adjoins the first perforation line in the region of the third main panel segment.
It is further advantageous if the fifth main panel segment includes an edge, a bonding area and a second perforation line at least partially surrounding the bonding area, and the first main panel segment includes an edge, a course of the second perforation line and of the edge of the first main panel segment being configured such that, in the folded state, the first main panel segment projects above the second perforation line. In the folded state of the folding box, the second perforation line thus is below the edge of the first main panel segment, so that when the box is detached along the perforation line, the resulting perforation edge is not visible in a front view of the front side defined by the first main panel segment.
The second perforation line preferably extends along the sides of the bonding area remote from the edge. The second perforation line can extend straight and parallel to the main fold lines above the bonding area. However, the second perforation line can also be arranged or configured differently. The second perforation line need only run along the sides of the bonding area remote from the edge so that it is possible to tear off and thus detach an upper portion from a lower portion of the folding box defined by the blank.
Preferably, the longitudinal sides of the fourth main panel segment are each adjoined by fourth secondary panel segments which have a shape corresponding to the second secondary panel segments in such a way that, in the folded state of the cuboid folding box, the second and fourth secondary panel segments have no overlap region. This makes it particularly easy to separate the upper portion from the lower portion of the folding box along the first perforation line.
It is preferred if the third secondary panel segments are divided into two separate areas by the first perforation line, the third secondary panel segments each including an incision at their edges which adjoins the ends of the first perforation line. The incisions shorten the first perforation line, facilitating the separation process.
Preferably, in each case, a distance between the incision and the third secondary fold line is in a range between about 20% and about 60% of a distance between the third secondary fold line and a portion of the edge of the third secondary panel segment extending parallel thereto.
The shape of the incision is preferably adapted to the course of the edge of the second secondary panel segment.
The one-piece blank is preferably dimensioned so that the first and third main panel segments have a distance between the adjacent main fold lines of about 50 mm to about 700 mm.
The one-piece blank is preferably dimensioned so that the first and third main panel segments have a width along the main fold lines that is in a range between about 60 mm and about 400 mm.
The one-piece blank is preferably dimensioned so that the third main panel segment has a distance between the adjacent main fold lines of about 40 mm to about 300 mm.
Furthermore, a cuboid folding box may be constructed from a previously described one-piece blank folded along the main fold lines and secondary fold lines. Preferably, the third side panel segments have outer sides thereof fixed or glued to inner sides of the second and fourth side panel segments. When the tabs are on the inside, this results in an improved appearance.
Preferably, the second and fourth secondary panel segments each include tabs on outer transverse sides, the outer sides of which are bonded to the corresponding inner side of the first main panel segment and the fifth main panel segment. However, the tabs of the fourth secondary panel segment may alternatively be fixed or glued to the outer side of the fifth main panel segment, since this is in the tear-off area and thus does not interfere with the appearance.
It is advantageous if the fifth main panel segment defines a second tab which is bonded with its outer side in the bonding area to the inner side of the first main panel segment or the inner sides of the third tabs adjoining the second secondary panel segment as a cover securing device. The fifth main panel segment can then be separated from the first main panel segment along the second perforation line.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the two perforation lines allow the top portion to be separated from the bottom portion of the folding box, with the resulting tear-off edges being hidden by the first main panel segment and the second secondary panel segments in the front view and in the side views of the folding box.
The cuboid folding box preferably accommodates primary-packaged products arranged such that the packaged products can be removed from the lower portion via the front side of the folding box, which is defined by the first main panel segment. The first main panel segment preferably has, in a removal area, a maximum width (a maximum height of the front side of the lower portion) that is smaller than a minimum width of the first area of the third main panel segment (a minimum height of the rear side of the lower portion). Thus, it can be ensured that the primary-packaged products can rest against the rear side and can be easily removed towards the front.
Another preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of folding a cuboid folding carton including a one-piece blank described above, the method including folding in third secondary panel segments along third secondary fold lines by using an erector, applying adhesive to fourth secondary panel segments and second secondary panel segments (preferably the inner surfaces) or applying adhesive to the third secondary panel segments (preferably the outer surfaces), folding in the second and fourth secondary panel segments and the second and fourth main panel segments, bonding the second and fourth secondary panel segments (preferably the inner surfaces) to the third secondary panel segments (preferably the outer surfaces) via applied adhesive, loading products into the folding box open at a top portion, and closing the folding box.
It is understood that during the folding processes or folding operations, the corresponding segments are folded inwards around the fold lines at an angle of about 90°+/−5°. The process enables the folding boxes to be filled from above through the open front side in the so-called top-loading process, which can be carried out quickly and easily with the aid of robot arms. The adhesive is preferably glue, which is preferably sprayed on.
Preferably, the second and fourth secondary panel segments each include a tab on an outboard (the transverse sides facing away from the third secondary panel segments) secondary fold line, and the method further includes folding in the tabs of the second and fourth secondary panel segments, applying adhesive to the fifth main panel segment, folding in the fifth main panel segment and applying adhesive to the first main panel segment (alternatively, the adhesive can be applied to the outside of the folded-in fifth main panel segment), and then folding in the first main panel segment and joining the inside of the first main panel segment to the outside of the fifth main panel segment via the applied adhesive.
However, the method may also include folding in the tabs of the fourth secondary panel segments, applying adhesive to the tabs of the fourth secondary panel segments or applying adhesive to the inside of the fifth main panel segment, folding in the fifth main panel segment and joining the inside of the tabs of the fourth secondary panel segments to the fifth main panel segment via the applied adhesive, applying adhesive to the outside of the fifth main panel segment, and then folding in the tabs of the second secondary panel segments and joining the inside of the tabs of the second secondary panel segments to the fifth main panel segment via the applied adhesive, applying adhesive to the tabs of the second secondary panel segments or applying adhesive to the first main panel segment, and folding in the first main panel segment and joining the inner side of the first main panel segment to the outer sides of the tabs of the second secondary panel segments via the applied adhesive.
The method preferably includes, in further steps, separating an upper portion from a lower portion along the perforation lines.
Preferably, the method includes, after the separation, removing the products via the front side of the lower portion defined by the first main panel segment.
The above and other elements, features, steps, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the attached drawings.
In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Identical components or components with identical functions bear identical reference signs.
Fourth secondary panel segments 51 are laterally adjacent to the fourth main panel segment via fourth secondary fold lines 54. The fourth secondary panel segments 51 have no direct connection to the third secondary panel segments 50. The fourth secondary panel segments 51 have a constant height in a first area 510, which is about 20% of the width of the fourth main panel segment 43. This is followed by a linearly sloped edge 511, with the height of the fourth secondary panel segments 51 increasing in the direction of the fourth main panel segment 44. The shape of the fourth secondary panel segments 51 corresponds to the shape of the second secondary panel segments 49 which together form the side walls. Provision may be made both for the two secondary panel segments 49,51 to overlap or to be spaced apart by a gap at the edge. In this case, the edges can be adapted to the desired lateral appearance for the presentation of the goods. In the present preferred embodiment, the fourth secondary panel segments 51 have semicircular incisions 512 arranged approximately in the center of the width, which incisions 512 can be bent about a fold line and can thus be angled into the interior space formed by the folding box and assume a supporting function when the folding box is loaded. A fifth tab 513 extends from each of the two fourth secondary panel segments 51, each of which is defined by an extension of the fourth main fold line 48. The fifth tabs 513 thus are located laterally of the fifth main panel segment 44, but have no direct connection thereto. In the folded state of the folding carton, the two fifth tabs 513 are located internally behind the second tab 430 and are bonded thereto. In order to now separate the upper portion including the second area of the third main panel segment 421, the second regions 502 of the third secondary panel segments, as well as the fourth and fifth main panel segments 43,44 and the fourth secondary panel segments 51 including the fifth tabs 513 from the lower portion, a second perforation line 56 is formed on the second tab 430 around the bonding area 57. To present the merchandise on the shelf, the second tab 430 is depressed inwardly and separated at the second perforation line 56. The bonding area 57 and the second perforation line 56 are arranged in such a way that they are located below the edge of the first tab 400, the front view, in this area and are concealed by the first main panel segment. The tear-off edge provided on the second tab 430 as a result of the separation is therefore not visible to the viewer of the folding box standing on the shelf in the front view. In the next step, the upper portion is separated from the lower portion in the region of the rear wall by engaging in the centrally located incision 55 and detaching along the first perforation line 504. The upper portion can then be completely removed from the lower portion. In the folded state of the folding box, the first perforation line 504 is located below the edge of the second secondary panel segment 49 in the end region 491, so that the first tear-off edge formed during separation in the end region 491 is projected upwards from the edge of the side walls and the tear-off edge disappears behind the edge of the side walls and is concealed by the side walls.
The following describes a preferred embodiment of the second and third secondary panel segments and the first perforation line based on
The second secondary fold line 52 and the second main fold line 46 separating the second main panel segment 41 from the third main panel segment 42 define an intersection. x is the distance of a point on the second secondary fold line to the intersection point. The height h of the second secondary panel segment 49 is a function of x, and the height h is the distance from the second secondary fold line 52 to the edge of the second secondary panel segment 49 at the point x. In each case, the width b of the third secondary panel segment 50 in the first region 501 is a function of y, where the width b is defined as the distance from a straight-line extension of the second main fold line 46 to the perforation line 504 and y is the distance of a point on the straight-line extension of the second main fold line 46 to the intersection point. Preferably, the following relationship is satisfied:
if y=x, then b(y)<=0.98*h(x).
In this way, it can be ensured that along the edge of the second secondary panel segments, the secondary panel segments always overlap the perforation line.
The folding process of the cuboid folding box is explained with reference to
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is to be understood that variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. The scope of the present invention, therefore, is to be determined solely by the following claims.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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21167549.1 | Apr 2021 | EP | regional |