DE202016101196U1 - carton - Google Patents

Abstract

A carton (10) having a first end wall (12), a second end wall (14), a first side wall (16), a second side wall (18), and a bottom (20), the carton having a first configuration in a first configuration Enclosing the volume and the carton is convertible to a second configuration in which it encloses a second, smaller volume, wherein the first side wall (16) comprises a first portion (16A) and a second portion (16B), wherein the first portion (16) 16A) and the second portion (16B) in the first configuration extend substantially in a plane and wherein the first portion (16A) and the second portion (16B) are at least partially overlapped in the second configuration.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a shipping carton, as it is useful for goods of different sizes. The carton is typically not tailored to a particular product, but is useful for a variety of different goods. Frequently, filling and cushioning materials are used inside the box. In typical form, the cardboard is cuboid.

Background of the invention

Cartons of this type are known in many forms and designs. Their use increases significantly in times of online trading. Small economic advantages also play a major role here. In particular, a transport can be cheaper, if the carton size can be adapted exactly to the cargo. This applies both to the transport of a large number of cartons and for individual transport, ie in particular the case where a carton is handed over individually to the post office or a transport company. In addition, the adaptability of the size can also cause better protection of the cargo.

The publication DE 196 43 837 A1 discloses a carton having an angular cross-section. The carton has a footprint limiting side walls. Three parallel creasing lines are provided all around in these side walls. In addition, openings are provided. By this design of the creasing lines and corresponding openings Knickfalze can be formed, which make the carton variable in height. This functional design of a carton allows a certain variability of the internal volume, but appears in many ways consuming, especially since only a limited adaptability of the volume is achieved.

The registration letter WO 99/25619 discloses a blank from which a plurality of transport containers can be folded. The blank is provided with crease lines. The crease lines run longitudinally and transversely with respect to the edges of the blank. Further crease lines run diagonally. By providing a plurality of such creases, it is possible to fold boxes of different sizes from one and the same blank. However, in some cases it seems necessary to use relatively complicated folding patterns. Furthermore, it is necessary for certain sizes to provide additional cuts. Therefore, this principle seems interesting for professional packaging stations, but for less experienced users and especially for home users, this approach is probably too complicated. It should also be borne in mind that a box of one size usually can not be converted into a box of a different size.

The invention seeks to provide a carton in a simple and economical manner, which means an improvement of the prior art and avoids its disadvantages. In particular, the box should be transferred from a first size in a self-explanatory and convenient way to a box of a second size.

These advantages are achieved by a carton according to claim 1.

The carton should therefore have a first end wall, a second end wall opposite the first end wall, a first side wall and a second side wall opposite thereto. The carton should also have a bottom. Conveniently, the cardboard is cuboid, but it can also have other shapes. For example, a rhomboid base area comes into question. It is also possible that rise above a rectangular base diamond-shaped end and / or side walls. Often it is useful if the carton also has a lid. However, this is not required in all embodiments.

The carton should enclose a first volume in a first configuration. He should be convertible into a second configuration, in which he encloses a second, smaller volume. This transfer should be possible by a few simple folding steps. The first side wall should therefore comprise a first section and a second section. In the configuration, the first section and the second section should extend substantially in one plane. In the second configuration, however, the first section and the second section are to be arranged at least partially overlapping. The first portion may be separated from the second portion by a score line, a perforation, or generally by a fold and / or score line. It may also be sufficient if, for example, it is conveyed by graphical marking, at which point the first section merges into the second section. It is therefore possible to partially overlap the first portion relative to the second portion in the second configuration. This can be achieved by folding both sections together. If the sections are the same size, the full-surface overlap of the two sections can be achieved.

By such a convolution, the first side wall can be greatly shortened, which already reduces the volume of the carton. expedient It is when the first side wall is folded completely or in part on an end wall, expediently, the second end wall. It is very expedient if the second section of the first side wall is folded at least partially or else completely over the second end wall. Particularly useful is a Z-fold, which are collectively formed by the first portion of the first side wall, the second portion of the first side wall and the second wall. By transferring the end wall and sidewalls from the first larger volume configuration into this Z-fold, a second configuration can be efficiently formed in which the carton encloses a substantially smaller volume of space.

In the context of the present invention, a cuboid box is useful. It is very useful if the side walls are twice as long as the end walls. Then it can be achieved that the first portion and the second portion of the first side wall and the second end wall are dimensioned at least approximately equal. These sections can be folded over one another efficiently with a Z-fold. In order to facilitate the Z-folding, it may be expedient to form individual sections a little shorter than the respective adjacent sections.

It is useful in the context of the present invention to provide the carton with a lid. A lid may consist of one or more than one, so a plurality of lid tabs. Often, four lid tabs are used, two lid tabs hinged to the end panels and two lid tabs hinged to the sidewalls.

In the context of the present invention, it is expedient if a first cover lug is hinged to the first side wall or the cover lugs are connected in any other way to the first side wall. Like the side wall, the lid tabs may have two sections, so it may have a first section and a second section. It is expedient if, in the first configuration, the two sections extend essentially in one plane, whereas in the second configuration the sections of the cover flap are also arranged at least partially overlapping. Again, it is expedient if the sections of the cover tabs overlap over the entire surface.

It is also expedient if a second cover flap is articulated on the second end wall, or a second cover flap is connected in a different manner to the end wall. Corresponding to the arrangement of the sections of the first side wall and the second end wall, it is also expedient if, in the second configuration, a Z-fold is formed in the cover lugs. In this configuration, therefore, the lid flap associated with the second end wall can form a Z-fold together with the first section of the first lid flap and the second section of the first lid flap.

It is also expedient if individual cover flaps are separable. The Z-fold results in a triple layer, which almost inevitably makes the lid flap quite stiff. It may therefore be expedient to remove one or more otherwise overlapping cover tabs. For this purpose, the cover tabs can be made separable. Such separability can be generated by a line of weakness, for example by a perforation line. The perforation line can run along the line at which the respective cover tabs are hinged to the walls. The first portion of the first lid flap and the second portion of the first lid flap may also be separately separable. Then a line of weakness should also run between these two sections.

The floor can be designed to correspond to the lid. For this purpose, it is expedient if the soil also has at least one bottom flap, but alternatively a plurality of bottom flaps, that is, at least two bottom flaps.

It is expedient, in turn, if the first side wall has a first bottom tab, which in turn has a first portion and a second portion. Upon transfer from the first configuration to the second configuration, the bottom flaps may be transferred from a planar arrangement to an at least partially overlapping arrangement.

It is also expedient if the second end wall has a second bottom flap. The second bottom flap can in turn form a Z-fold with the first section of the first bottom flap and with the second section of the first bottom flap. In turn, it may be expedient if the first section of the first bottom tab and / or the second section of the first bottom tab and / or the second bottom tab are separable. Here, corresponding to the situation in the lid, it can be achieved that a triple flap is avoided even in the region of the bottom.

The carton may be made from any of the rigid or semi-rigid materials known to those skilled in the art. Particularly useful are cardboard, kraft cardboard and corrugated cardboard.

Other features, but also advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the figures and in the accompanying descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features may also be included in other combinations of an article of the invention. Each disclosed feature is thus also to be regarded as disclosed in technically meaningful combinations with other features. The illustrations are partly slightly simplified and schematic.

1 shows a perspective view of a carton according to the invention in a first configuration;

2 shows in a corresponding perspective view of a carton according to the invention in a second configuration;

3 shows a perspective view of the folding scheme and the main elements of the carton in the first configuration;

4 shows in perspective the transfer of the cardboard from the first to the second configuration;

5 shows a carton according to the invention, which has been converted substantially to the second configuration;

6 shows a blank for the carton according to the invention.

1 shows a perspective view of a carton according to the invention 10 , This is shown in its first configuration, in which it covers the larger volume. One looks at the front of the first wall 12 , Opposite is the second front wall 14 , Next, the cardboard is limited by the first side wall 16 and the opposite second side edge 18 , The carton has a lid 20 on (consists of several, but unspecified tabs) and a bottom 22 ,

2 shows the carton according to the invention in a second configuration in which it provides less volume. It has about half the volume compared to the configuration 1 because the length of the side walls, as on the side wall 18 recognizable, reduced to half.

3 shows the cardboard according to the invention in a perspective view. The carton is essentially in its first configuration, in which it encloses (with closed bottom and top flaps) the larger volume.

In this configuration, the side walls and the end walls are all substantially in one plane. The second side wall 18 has a fold line 24 through which it is divided in the middle. This fold line 24 determines the first section 18A and the second section 18B , which collectively form the second side wall.

Corresponding is in the first sidewall 16 a fold line 26 intended. Along this fold line is the side wall 16 slightly buckled, leaving the first section 16A clear from the second section 16B different and these sections are no longer completely in one plane.

It can also be seen from this illustration that the bottom flaps and the cover flaps, when unfolded, can be brought into a plane with the corresponding side walls and end walls. It is circumferentially a fold line 30 provided which separates the lid tabs from the walls and it is circumferentially a fold line 40 provided, which separates the bottom flaps from the walls.

It can be seen from the figure that the side walls can be made of a section of material which, with the help of the adhesive flap 28 is connected.

The cover flaps can be made in one piece with the side walls. So can the lid flap 32 just to the first end wall 12 be hinged, accordingly, as shown, the lid flap 34 to the second end wall 14 hinged and the lid flap 38 gets to the second sidewall 18 hinged.

In a corresponding manner, the bottom flaps can be separated from a circumferential fold line of the side walls and end walls. This is the fold line 40 which separates the bottom flaps from the end walls and side walls. The first end wall 12 goes into the bottom flap 42 across, opposite is the second end wall 14 in the bottom flap 44 over and the second side wall 18 goes into the bottom flap 48 above.

4 shows how the carton can be transferred from the first configuration to the second configuration after unfolding the bottom flaps and (if present) lid flaps. As an essential step is along the fold line 26 the first side wall folded in. This causes the first section 16A the first side wall on the second section 16B the first side wall is folded. Along the bend line 26 In this case, an acute angle is described, which assumes a value of approximately 0 ° when fully folded.

The second fold line forms the line between the second end wall 14 and the first sidewall 16 out. Along this line becomes the second section 16B on the second end wall 14 folded.

Parallel to this is the second side wall 18 along the fold line 24 folded. This then borders the first section 18A the second side wall 18 from the second section 18B the second side wall 18 from. Along the fold line 24 In this case, an angle of about 90 ° is formed.

5 shows in the same perspective the substantially transferred to the second configuration carton 10 , This box is now limited again by four smooth walls. The walls rise above a rectangular, almost square base. The first end wall 12 now lies the second section of the second side wall 18 as a new front wall opposite. Sidewalls are formed by the wall section 16A and opposite through the wall section 18A , Behind the wall section 16A lies the wall section 18B and the section which previously had the second end wall 14 has trained.

By folding down the lid flaps and bottom flaps, starting from this configuration, a carton of smaller volume can be easily produced. When converting from one configuration to the other configuration, no cuts are required. There is no need to cut any material. Therefore, this transfer also succeeds the layman very well and reliably.

6 shows a convenient blank for the carton according to the invention. The blank has essentially an elongated rectangular shape, which makes its manufacture simple and inexpensive and allows the use of conventional machines.

At one end of the rectangle is the glue flap 28 educated. At this adhesive flap join different blank sections, but which are determined only by weakening or creasing lines. Immediately adjacent to the adhesive flap 28 is the section for the first end wall 12 , (Relative to 6 the sections of the blank are labeled as the walls in the finished box.) This is followed by the first side wall 16 at first its first section 16A and then her second section 16B , These sections are covered by the fold line 26 separated. To the section 16B closes the second end wall 14 and on this the second side wall closes 18 at. In the second sidewall are a first section 18A and a second section 18B educated. The two sections are through the fold line 24 separated from each other. The provision of the two fold lines is particularly straightforward, since they are simply perpendicular to the main extension direction of the blank.

Parallel to the main extension direction are a first fold line 30 and a second fold line 40 intended. These fold lines, which are also very easy to implement, allow lid flaps and bottom flaps to be formed adjacent to the walls.

The fold lines 24 and 26 ensure that adjacent to the side walls both the top flaps and the bottom flaps are each divided into two sections. It suffices between the bottom flaps and the cover flaps, which belong to different side walls or end walls, cuts or recesses 50 provided.

It turns out that the versatile and sophisticated cardboard concept can be made from an extremely simple cut. This is an additional aspect and significant advantage of the invention.

Overall, it can be seen how a particularly universally applicable cardboard can be produced in a very expedient manner. A particular advantage of the present invention arises when considering the use of the carton in mail order. It is conceivable that the carton is delivered in the first configuration, is transferred from a receiver to the second configuration, and is used in this configuration. In particular, it is possible that the carton is used in a second configuration for a return, for example in the context of an exchange. For the exchange is then a box ready, which incidentally usually less postage costs caused by the return than the sending has caused.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

carton

12

first end wall

14

second end wall

16

first sidewall

18

second side wall

20

cover

22

ground

24

fold line

26

fold line

28

adhesive flap

30

fold line

32

cover flap

34

cover flap

36

cover flap

38

cover flap

40

fold line

42

bottom flap

44

bottom flap

46

bottom flap

48

bottom flap

50

recess

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 19643837 A1 [0003]
• WO 99/25619 [0004]

Claims (14)

Carton ( 10 ), which has a first end wall ( 12 ), a second end wall ( 14 ), a first side wall ( 16 ), a second side wall ( 18 ) and a floor ( 20 ), wherein the carton encloses a first volume in a first configuration and the carton is convertible to a second configuration in which it encloses a second, smaller volume, wherein the first side wall (16) 16 ) a first section ( 16A ) and a second section ( 16B ), the first section ( 16A ) and the second section ( 16B ) in the first configuration substantially in one plane, and wherein the first section ( 16A ) and the second section ( 16B ) are arranged in the second configuration at least partially overlapping. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first section ( 16A ) to the second section ( 16B ) is folded. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein in the second configuration the first section ( 16A ) and the second section ( 16B ) substantially overlap over the entire surface. Carton ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section ( 16B ) on the second end wall ( 14 ) is folded. Carton ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first section ( 16A ), the second section ( 16B ) and second end wall ( 14 ) form a Z-fold in the second configuration. Carton ( 10 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid ( 20 ) is provided and the lid ( 20 ) from a plurality of lid flaps ( 32 . 34 . 36 . 38 ), which are hinged to the side walls and / or the end walls. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, in which the first side wall ( 16 ) a first lid flap ( 36 ) having a first section ( 36A ) and a second section ( 36B ), the first section ( 36A ) and the second section ( 36B ) in the first configuration substantially in one plane, and wherein the first section ( 36A ) and the second section ( 36B ) are arranged in the second configuration at least partially overlapping. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second end wall ( 16 ) a second lid flap ( 34 ) and the first section ( 36A ) of the first lid flap ( 36 ), the second section ( 36B ) of the first lid flap ( 36 ) and the second lid flap ( 34 ) form a Z-fold in the second configuration. Carton ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in the first section ( 36A ) of the first lid flap ( 36 ) and / or the second section ( 36B ) of the first lid flap ( 36 ) and / or the second lid flap ( 34 ) are separable. Carton ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the floor ( 22 ) of a variety of bottom flaps ( 42 . 44 . 46 . 48 ), which are hinged to the side walls and / or the end walls. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, in which the first side wall ( 16 ) a first bottom flap ( 46 ) having a first section ( 46A ) and a second section ( 46B ), the first section ( 46A ) and the second section ( 46B ) in the first configuration substantially in one plane, and wherein the first section ( 46A ) and the second section ( 46B ) are arranged in the second configuration at least partially overlapping. Carton ( 10 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second end wall ( 16 ) a second bottom flap ( 44 ) and the first section ( 46A ) of the first bottom flap ( 46 ), the second section ( 46B ) of the first bottom flap ( 46 ) and the second bottom flap ( 44 ) form a Z-fold in the second configuration. Carton ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in the first section ( 46A ) of the first bottom flap ( 46 ) and / or the second section ( 46B ) of the first bottom flap ( 46 ) and / or the second bottom flap ( 44 ) are separable. Carton ( 10 ) according to one of the preceding claims, which is made of corrugated cardboard.

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