Blanks configured to erect into packages and packages formed from such blanks

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a blank (1) configured to form a package (2), and such a package (2), in which the blank (1) is configured to be folded into a flat folded state and into a box-shaped state, the blank comprising, as found in a tiled state of the blank, at least four main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40), the present invention relates to a packaging comprising one or more liners (13, 23, 33, 43) arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction (L) and connected in a collapsible manner along a main fold line (MF) extending transversely, attachment tabs (A45), one or more pieces or portions of liners (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide additional properties to the packaging, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical shock resistance, wherein two main panels (A20, A40) configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into the package are each provided with at least two laterally extending inner fold lines (IF) that allow the two main panels to be folded doubly and thereby allow the loops of the main panels to be folded into the flat folded state, wherein the inner fold lines (IF) are separated from the main fold lines (MF), and wherein the inner fold lines (IF) are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction (L) by a distance corresponding to approximately twice the material thickness of said piece or portion of the liner (23, 43) on the respective main panel (A20, A40).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a blank configured to be erected into a package having an inner liner. The present invention also relates to a package formed by erecting the blank to form the package. Background Art

[0002] When designing a package, it is often desirable to consider a variety of different design criteria. The package should, for example, be typically designed so that it makes efficient use of materials, is easy to transport to the point of use, is easy to prepare for use, and is mechanically stable. It is often desirable that the package provide thermal insulation for its contents. It is also often desirable that the contents of the package be protected from impact.

[0003] In order to insulate or protect the contents of the package, the package may be provided with a liner that performs the desired function after it has been erected.

[0004] However, providing the package with a liner after it has been erected is cumbersome. It is time consuming and inefficient for the user to erect the package and then provide it with a liner at the point of use. Further, this requires that the blank and liner be stored separately until the point of use, which consumes an unnecessary amount of space and requires additional logistics.

[0005] On the other hand, providing the package with a liner while it is in blank form introduces difficulties when considering the freedom of package design, the possibility of transporting the blank in a flat state, the possibility of providing a continuous liner, etc. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a solution that addresses at least some of the following design criteria: the packaging should be material efficient, easy to transport to the point of use, easy to prepare for use and mechanically stable. The object of the present invention is in particular to provide such a packaging, which can possess thermal insulation. The object of the present invention is in particular further to provide such a packaging, which can provide mechanical protection for its contents.

[0007] This object has been achieved by a blank configured to form a package configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and into a box-shaped state, the blank comprising, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank,

[0008] at least four main panels arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank, wherein the main panels are connected in a foldable manner along transversely extending main folding lines and are configured to form respective side walls of the package,

[0009] an attachment tab foldably connected to one of the main panels at a first outer, transversely extending edge of the blank and configured to be attached to an opposing main panel such that the main panels form an interconnected loop of main panels when the blank is folded into a package,

[0010] one or more pieces or portions of a liner configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the one or more pieces or portions being arranged on the inside surface of a respective main panel so that, as seen in the lay-flat state of the blank, longitudinally and transversely extending gaps or channels are formed between adjacent pieces or portions of the liner along respective transversely extending main fold lines, allowing the blank to be folded into a package, and

[0011] a set of one or more bottom panels configured to form a bottom of the package,

[0012] wherein two main panels configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into a package are each provided with at least two transversely extending internal fold lines allowing the two main panels to be double-folded and thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat-folded condition,

[0013] where the inner fold lines are separate from the main fold lines, and

[0014] Wherein the internal folding lines are separated from each other by a distance in the longitudinal direction so that when the respective main panels are doubly folded about the internal folding lines, the relative inner surfaces of the respective main panels are separated from each other by a distance between 50%-150%, preferably between 80-120%, of the nominal double material thickness of the piece or portion of the lining on the respective doubly folded main panel.

[0015] By providing the two main panels with at least two internal fold lines in combination with a defined separation between the internal fold lines and also relative to the main fold lines, a solution is provided to the problem of providing a lined blank which can be designed in a variety of ways and still be folded into a flat-folded condition. This allows the flat-folded blanks to be stacked on top of each other which facilitates their transport and it allows providing a blank which is conveniently erected into a package in an efficient manner at the point of use.

[0016] The internal fold lines are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction by a distance such that when the respective main panel is doubly folded about said internal fold line, the opposing inside surfaces of the respective main panel are spaced apart from each other by a distance between 50% and 150%, preferably between 80 and 120%, of the nominal double material thickness of said panel or portion of the lining on the respective doubly folded main panel. This allows two main panels provided with transversely extending internal fold lines to be folded such that, as seen in the flat-folded state, the associated panel of lining material can be folded such that its two main parts form opposing parts. By having the internal fold lines spaced apart from each other by about twice the material thickness of the panel of lining material, the two opposing main parts of the associated panel of lining material can be brought against each other without any deformation of the main parts of the panel of lining material. However, it is sometimes useful to compress the lining material slightly, such as during transport, in order to reduce the size and / or in order to provide a counter force to a strap or the like so as to generate a clamping force that keeps the flat-folded package in place on a pallet or the like. Similarly, it is sometimes useful to allow a small intermediate panel formed between the internal fold lines to have a slight angle. This is achieved by separating the internal fold lines so that the opposing inside surfaces initially end up at a distance slightly greater than the nominal total material thickness of the double folded liner material. Such a design is useful, for example, if one of the internal fold lines happens to be located close to a particular feature, such as an opening, locking tab, etc., where it is desired that the compression set (compression set) be minimized. By making the distance between the inside surfaces slightly larger, the middle panel becomes angled in one direction during transportation of the flat-folded package, which results in one middle fold forming an acute angle and the other forming an obtuse angle, at which the material is not compressed to the same extent. It is believed that a suitable balance between the above different situations is achieved when the distance between the opposing inside surfaces formed by the double folding of the respective main panels is between 50%-150%, preferably between 80%-120%, of the nominal double folded material thickness, i.e., 50%-150% of twice the material thickness of the liner material. Thus, the blank can be substantially flat as seen in the flat-folded state. This is advantageous because a plurality of flat-folded blanks can be stacked in an efficient and safe manner and the required storage space can be optimized.

[0017] By providing the inner fold line to be separate from the main fold line, providing the package with a distinct folded corner formed by the main fold line when the blank is erected in a box-shaped condition is facilitated, as the main fold line remains undisturbed when the blank is folded into a flat folded condition. It is preferred that the distance between a main fold line and an adjacent inner fold line is at least one, preferably at least two, times the material thickness of the panel of liner on the main panel provided with said liner. By providing sufficient distance between a main fold line and an adjacent inner fold line, folding the main fold line about the inner fold line while leaving the main fold line unaffected is facilitated.

[0018] The term "laid-flat state" refers to a state of a blank in which the blank is spread out along a single surface.

[0019] The term "flat-folded state" refers to a folded state of the blank intermediate between the flat-laid state of the blank and the erected or box-shaped state of the blank. The main panels of the blank are in a "flat-folded state" connected to each other by the use of attachment tabs. This form, in which the main panels are connected to each other, can be regarded as a first state of the package. The loop of main panels so formed is flat-folded in such a packaging state, so that the main panels extend along two faces, typically along two parallel faces.

[0020] The term "erected state" or "box-shaped state" refers to a blank that has been folded so that at least the main panels form a plurality of side walls extending around the inner chamber. In the initial state of the "erected state" or "box-shaped state", the bottom panel does not yet need to be folded into its desired position. The term "erected state" or "box-shaped state" may also be used for a state in which the bottom panel has actually been folded into its intended position and the top panel is in an open position or in a closed position.

[0021] The attachment tab is foldably connected to one of the main panels at a first outer, transversely extending edge of the blank.The term "outer" is intended to be interpreted from the perspective of the blank viewed in the longitudinal direction as seen in its laid-flat state.

[0022] The attachment tab is further configured to be attached to the relative main panel. The term "relative" is intended to be interpreted from the perspective of the main panel of the blank observed in the longitudinal direction as seen in the flat state of the blank. The attachment tab can be attached to the relative main panel using, for example, an adhesive or by binding it. Therefore, the interconnected loops of the main panels are formed in the following manner: the main panel to which the attachment tab is attached is opposite to the main panel connected to the attachment tab in a foldable manner. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the relative main panel corresponds to the size of the side wall it is configured to form. Preferably, the size of each of all the main panels corresponds to the size of the respective side wall it is intended to form. The attachment tab is preferably attached to the relative main panel so that the corner formed along the fold line between the main panel and the attachment tab is substantially coincident with the outer, transversely extending edge of the relative main panel (i.e., the main panel to which the attachment tab is attached). Preferably, the attachment tab is attached to the inner side surface of the relative main panel.

[0023] Longitudinally and transversely extending gaps or grooves are provided to ensure that the liner does not interfere with the folding of the main panels about said main folding lines. For example, there may be a plurality of distributed panels of the liner so that one panel is arranged on each main panel, wherein a plurality of gaps are provided between adjacent panels of the liner; one gap at each main folding line between adjacent panels at respective main folding lines. For example, the width of the gap measured in the longitudinal direction may be equal to the material thickness of one of the adjacent panels of the liner, and for example, the position of the gap measured in the longitudinal direction may be such that one side thereof extends along a transversely extending edge portion of a first of the main panels, i.e. substantially coincides with the main folding line, and the other side of the gap is positioned a distance from the main folding line, i.e. a longitudinal distance into the extension of the second adjacent main panel, so that the edge of the panel of the liner on said adjacent main panel may be folded inwardly so that the edge surface of the panel of the liner eventually faces the inner surface of the panel of the liner arranged on the inner side surface of the first main panel. The inner surface of the panel of the liner refers to the free main surface of the panel of the liner which is configured to face the formed inner cavity of the blank when folded into said package. The inside surface of the main panel refers to the main surface of the inner chamber formed by the blank when it is folded into the package. The edge of the piece of material on the second main panel can be arranged on the inner surface of the first main panel in this way. The adjacent piece of material internal surface. It can be noted in this context that the first and second main panels only refer to a main panel on the respective sides of the respective gaps or main folding lines, and the corresponding other main panel in the part of the present disclosure that relates to the gap or groove. Alternatively, or as a supplement to the gap, a groove can be provided in the liner, and the groove extends along the respective main folding line. In such a case, the liner can be a separate piece on each side of the groove, or it can be a liner divided into multiple parts on each side of the groove. For example, the groove can be V-shaped, wherein the bottom angle is about 90 ° or greater. For example, such a V-shaped groove can extend substantially through the material thickness of the liner. For example, the position of such a gap can make the bottom of the V-shape substantially coincide with the main folding line. For example, the combination of gap and groove may be formed by a relatively narrow gap placed centrally relative to the main fold line, wherein the upper edge portion of the liner has a V-shape according to the above description. The above disclosed aspects may be used to provide a package in which pieces or portions of liner material abut against each other and form a continuous and closed loop of liner material. For example, if the liner is intended to provide thermal insulation, such a continuous and closed loop of liner material is typically desired.

[0024] However, the opposite sides of the pieces or parts of the lining material or the gaps or grooves do not necessarily have to abut against each other. In some cases, gaps may be created between them. Such gaps are acceptable if the lining is intended to provide mechanical resistance and thermal insulation is not particularly concerned, for example.

[0025] It should be understood that the use of the word "edge" does not necessarily imply that the piece of material is limited to geometric shapes with sharp edges. For example, a piece of liner may have an overall rectangular or parallelepiped shape and its edges may be chamfered or rounded.

[0026] The two main panels configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into a package are not limited to being provided with two transversely extending internal fold lines, but may also be provided with at least two transversely extending internal fold lines. The two main panels may be provided with, for example, three, four, five, or more internal fold lines. An advantage of providing the two main panels with two internal fold lines is that significant folding of the package is provided, thereby facilitating handling of the package. An advantage of providing the two main panels with more than two internal fold lines is that the liner can be bent more than being sharply bent and the compression set of the liner can thereby be reduced.

[0027] The interior fold lines may each be separated from the respective main fold line by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel.

[0028] The respective main panel means the main panel on which the internal fold lines are provided.By keeping each of the internal fold lines separated from the respective main fold line by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel, a user is provided with a lever to facilitate folding the blank.

[0029] The internal fold lines are each separated from the respective main fold line by a distance, measured in the longitudinal direction, preferably of at least two times the material thickness of the one or more panels or portions of the lining on the main panel. This separation (separation) between the internal fold lines and the main fold lines facilitates ensuring that folding of the blank into a flat-folded condition is in fact carried out by a folding operation about the internal fold lines rather than accidentally causing folding about the main fold lines.

[0030] The internal fold lines may be parallel to each other.

[0031] The design allows the main panel of the blank to be erected into at least partially rectangular and symmetrical packaging. This is advantageous because it provides simple handling of the blank. This is also advantageous because it facilitates the erection of the blank to form a package. Another advantage of the design is that efficient storage of the blank is provided, because space is efficiently utilized, especially when the blank is in a flat folded or erected state. When the blank is erected into a box-shaped package, the design with parallel internal folding lines allows the package to stand firmly. Another advantage of the design is that by enabling the blank to be erected into at least partially rectangular and symmetrical packaging, any external force acting on the blank, especially when the blank is in a flat folded or erected state, is evenly distributed. This enhances the mechanical stability of the blank. The design is also advantageous because it facilitates the retention of interconnected rings, because the main part of the attachment lug at least partially ensures attachment to the main surface of the opposite side wall.

[0032] The blank may have a first material thickness excluding the one or more pieces or portions of the liner configured to provide additional properties (such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance) to the package. The pieces or portions of the liner configured to provide additional properties (such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance) to the package may have a second material thickness, wherein the second material thickness is preferably at least twice the first material thickness.

[0033] The prefixes "first" and "second" are only for reference and do not imply that the blank and the pieces of the liner are necessarily made of different materials. For example, the blank and the pieces of the liner may be made of the same material. Each of the pieces of the liner may be made of different materials.

[0034] In order for the package to provide adequate thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the piece or portion of the lining material should ideally have a certain minimum thickness. The material thickness and material grade of the first material of the blank are selected to provide adequate strength and also easy folding. The design is advantageous in that by ensuring that the second material thickness is at least twice the thickness of the first material, this facilitates providing adequate thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance combined with a sufficiently strong and easily foldable blank.

[0035] The one or more panels or portions of the liner configured to provide additional properties to the package (such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance) may be elastically compressible, which allows the panels to be locally compressed and thereby allows the main panel to be double folded about an internal fold line and thereby allows the package to assume the flat-folded state.

[0036] After folding the blank from the flat-folded state into the box-shaped state, it is preferred that the pieces or portions of the liner at least partially regain their shape, even after being locally compressed during the double folding of the main panel in the flat-folded state. An advantage of the pieces of the liner being elastically compressible is that even after being locally compressed, each of the liners at least partially returns to its unaffected state that existed before the main panel was folded double-folded. Another advantage of the design is that by being able to at least partially return to its unaffected state, the ability to optimally provide thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the package is at least partially regained. Yet another advantage of the design is that the blank with the pieces of the liner arranged thereon can be used multiple times, wherein the pieces of the liner have an unaffected state that is at least partially maintained. This is cost-effective and can reduce environmental impact. It is preferred that after the liner has been folded into the flat-folded state and then erected into the box-shaped state, it regains a material thickness of at least 50% of its original material thickness.

[0037] In the case of excluding the one or more pieces or parts of the liner configured to provide other properties, the blank is preferably made of paper-based material. Therefore, the blank referred to as being made of paper-based material is a blank comprising a main panel and an attachment lug and optionally also a group of a top panel and a bottom panel. The advantage of the blank being paper-based is that the paper-based material is recyclable, so the material is efficiently utilized. The paper-based material is also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively simple to cut the sheet of paper-based material into the desired shape of the blank. It is also relatively simple to fold the paper-based blank into the desired packaging.

[0038] The blank may further comprise a set of top panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the associated main panels. The top panels are configured to form the top of the package when folded into a box-shaped state. Preferably, the top is openable and closable. It may be noted that there is preferably, but not necessarily, one top panel associated with each main panel. Examples of such top panels are disclosed in Figure 1 middle.

[0039] Where there is a top panel foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels described above as being provided with internal fold lines, those top panels are preferably each also provided with an internal fold line aligned with the internal fold line of the respective main panel. This facilitates folding of the blank into a flat-folded condition.

[0040] The top panel foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the main panels provided with internal fold lines is also provided with the said piece or portion of lining. In the disclosed embodiments, see for example, Figure 2 , only the corresponding bottom panel is provided with such a lining, but in a corresponding manner, the top panel can be provided with such a lining. Providing at least some of the top panels with a lining facilitates providing a package that also has desirable additional properties at the top of the package.

[0041] The blank may further comprise a set of top edge panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the associated main panels and configured to, in the box-shaped state, form an inwardly folded edge, preferably at least partially covering the upwardly facing edge of the panel or portion of the liner. Such an edge reinforces the upper edge of the package when the blank is in the box-shaped state. Further, since the edge at least partially covers the upwardly facing edge of the panel or portion of the liner, this facilitates placing the goods into the package without being accidentally caught or damaged by the upwardly facing edge of the panel or portion of the liner. For example, such an embodiment is clearly shown in Figure 2 and 4The top edge panel is preferably also foldable about an inner longitudinally extending fold line so that the first portion is foldable about the main panel and forms the top surface and the second portion is in turn foldable about the first portion so that the second portion extends downwardly along the inside surface of the panel or portion of the lining.

[0042] The top edge panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels provided with internal fold lines are preferably each also provided with an internal fold line aligned with the internal fold line of the respective main panel. This facilitates folding the blank into a flat-folded condition.

[0043] The blank comprises a set of one or more bottom panels. Preferably, the blank comprises a set of bottom panels foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of the associated main panel. The bottom panels are configured to form the bottom of the package when folded into a box-shaped state. It may be noted that there is preferably, but not necessarily, one bottom panel associated with each main panel. Examples of such bottom panels are disclosed in Figure 1 Other examples of such bottom panels are disclosed in Figure 2 middle.

[0044] Where there is a bottom panel foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of those main panels described above as being provided with internal fold lines, those bottom panels are preferably each also provided with an internal fold line aligned with the internal fold line of the respective main panel. This facilitates folding of the blank into a flat-folded condition.

[0045] The bottom panel foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of the main panel provided with the inner fold line may also be provided with the said piece or part of the lining. By providing lining for at least some of the bottom panels, this facilitates providing a packaging having a desired additional property also at the bottom of the packaging.

[0046] The above objects are also achieved by a package formed from a blank, wherein the package is configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and folded into a box-shaped state, wherein the package comprises

[0047] at least four main panels arranged successively in a circumferentially extending longitudinal direction, wherein the main panels are connected in a foldable manner along transversely extending main folding lines and form respective side walls of the package,

[0048] an attachment tab foldably connected to one main panel at a first outer, laterally extending edge of the blank and attached to an opposing main panel such that the main panels form an interconnected loop of main panels,

[0049] one or more panels or portions of a liner configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the one or more panels or portions being arranged on the inside surface of a respective main panel so that, as seen in the lay-flat condition of the blank, along respective transversely extending main fold lines, there are longitudinally and transversely extending gaps or grooves between adjacent panels or portions of the liner, allowing the blank to be folded into a package, and

[0050] a set of one or more bottom panels which form the bottom of the package,

[0051] wherein two main panels configured to form opposite side walls of the package are each provided with at least two transversely extending internal fold lines allowing the two main panels to be double folded and thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat-folded condition,

[0052] where the inner fold lines are separate from the main fold lines, and

[0053] Wherein the internal folding lines are separated from each other by a distance in the longitudinal direction so that when the respective main panels are doubly folded about the internal folding lines, the relative inner surfaces of the respective main panels are separated from each other by a distance between 50%-150%, preferably between 80-120%, of the nominal double material thickness of the piece or portion of the lining on the respective doubly folded main panel.

[0054] In this context it may be noted that in a preferred embodiment the package is folded from a blank of the type disclosed above. However, any type of blank providing a package having the above-described features may be used. The features described above directly with respect to the package correspond in structure to those discussed above with reference to the blank and the advantages associated with the features of the blank according to the preferred embodiments are equally applicable to the package. The features and advantages associated with the preferred embodiments of the blank also correspond in structure to the corresponding features of the package and they are equally applicable to the package. By forming the blank as a whole as a main blank, this facilitates providing a package having strength.

[0055] It is noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. is primarily considered as a reference for ease of reading and does not necessarily mean that all intermediate parts need to be present. For example, it is noted that a design is envisioned in which there is a first part, a second part, a third part, and a fifth part, in which the fourth part is omitted. However, for ease of reading, the numbering of first, second, third, fourth, etc. has been used uniformly as a reference and in the sense of an embodiment based on including all conceivable parts.

[0056] It can also be noted that panel names such as top, bottom or base plate, walls are intended to be read as markings respectively, and the orientation of panels is not necessarily defined. For example, packaging does not need to be oriented so that the first top panel is actually formed on the top of packaging. Packaging can be oriented so that the panel marked as the first top panel actually forms sidewalls or even forms the bottom of packaging. However, in a preferred embodiment, packaging can be oriented so that the bottom panel is toward the bottom, the top panel is toward the top, and the wall panel is toward the outside from the axis between the top and the bottom.

[0057] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field unless otherwise explicitly defined herein. All references to "one / an / the [element, device, component, means, step, etc.] should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one (one) instance of the element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise explicitly stated. Unless explicitly stated, the steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed.

[0058] In short, the present invention can also be said to relate to a blank configured to form a package, which is configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and folded into a box-shaped state, the blank comprising, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank, at least four main panels, which are arranged successively in the longitudinal direction and are connected in a foldable manner along a main folding line extending laterally; attached tabs, one or more pieces or portions of a lining, which are configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance; wherein two main panels configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into a package are each provided with at least two laterally extending internal folding lines, which allow the two main panels to be double-folded and thereby allow the loops of the main panels to be folded into the flat-folded state, wherein the internal folding lines are separated from the main folding lines, and wherein the internal folding lines are separated from each other in the longitudinal direction by a distance corresponding to approximately twice the material thickness of the pieces or portions of the lining on the respective main panels. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will now be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawing, which shows a currently preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Figure 1 A lay-flat blank configured to form a package according to a first embodiment is disclosed that is configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and into a box-shaped state.

[0061] Figure 2 A blank in a partially folded state according to a second embodiment is disclosed.

[0062] Figure 3 The flat folded state is revealed Figure 2 of blanks.

[0063] Figure 4 The box-shaped state is disclosed Figure 2 of blanks. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown. However, the present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0065] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 1 The blank 1 is described in detail and is configured to be erected in a flat-folded state and a box-shaped state.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown in , the blank 1 comprises a plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40, which are arranged successively along the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the main panels in the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 are successively connected in a foldable manner along the transversely extending edges of the adjacent main panels in the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40. When the blank 1 is erected to form the package 2, the main panels form a plurality of side walls. In a preferred embodiment, there are four main panels, a first main panel A10, a second main panel A20, a third main panel A30, and a fourth main panel A40. In order to keep the first, second, third and fourth panels A10, A20, A30, A40 in the desired position as the side wall of the package 2, there is also an attachment tab A45, which is connected to the fourth main panel A40 in a foldable manner and is configured to be attached to the first main panel A10 and thereby form an interconnected loop of the first, second, third and fourth panels A10, A20, A30, A40. The attachment tab A45 can be attached to the first main panel A10 by means of an adhesive (e.g., glue). However, the attachment tab A45 can be connected to the first main panel A10 by other means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means commonly used in the art.

[0067] However, it may be noted that although the terms "first main panel A10", "second main panel A20", "third main panel A30" and "fourth main panel A40" are used throughout this specification, unless expressly provided otherwise, the aforementioned terms should not be understood as limiting the blank 1 to four main panels.

[0068] continue Figure 1, the blank 1 comprises a plurality of main folding lines MF extending in a transverse direction. The main folding lines MF overlap with transversely extending edges along which the main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 are successively connected in a foldable manner along the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, it can also be said that each of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 is connected in a foldable manner along its own transversely extending main folding line MF, which is common to adjacent main panels.

[0069] Further, the blank 1 comprises a plurality of internal fold lines IF extending in the transverse direction T. In a preferred embodiment, two main panels configured to form opposite side walls when the blank 1 is folded into the package 2 are each provided with a plurality of internal fold lines IF. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 are each provided with two transversely extending internal folding lines IF. However, each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 is not limited to comprising two transversely extending internal folding lines IF. Each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 may be provided with more than two transversely extending internal folding lines IF. For example, each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 may alternatively be provided with, for example, three, four or five or more internal folding lines. If a greater number of internal folding lines are provided, Figure 2The double fold shown in will become more or less curved. It is also conceivable that the distance between the two outermost inner fold lines in the inner fold line group is located at a distance from each other that is greater than the distance from each other when there are only two inner fold lines. In a preferred embodiment, each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 is provided with the same number of inner fold lines IF. It should be understood that the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 are not the only main panels limited to being provided with inner fold lines IF in the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40. Alternatively, it is possible that the first and third main panels A10, A30 are the main panels provided with inner fold lines IF in the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40. The inner fold lines IF are separated from the main fold lines MF. In a preferred embodiment, the inner fold lines IF are each separated from the respective main fold lines MF by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panels. In a preferred embodiment, each of the inner fold lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 is parallel to each other. The internal folding lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 may extend at a certain angle relative to the transverse direction, and preferably also extend in a direction having at least a major component in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 is parallel to the main folding line MF. In a preferred embodiment, the internal folding lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 extend from the respective first longitudinally extending edges of the respective main panels A20, A40 to the respective second longitudinally extending edges. However, the internal folding lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 do not necessarily extend from the respective first longitudinally extending edges to the respective second longitudinally extending edges. On the contrary, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 may terminate at a certain distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges and is thus referred to as extending from the respective first longitudinally extending edge portions of the respective main panels A20, A40 to the respective second longitudinally extending edge portions of the respective main panels A20, A40. It may be noted that the internal fold line IF may, but need not, be located at the center of the respective main panels A20, A40, as disclosed in the drawings. The internal fold line IF may be shifted, or alternatively represented as being offset as seen in the longitudinal direction L. In this case, the internal fold lines IF of the two main panels A20, A40 are shifted in the same direction so that the package 2 can be folded flat. Such a shift may be useful if one or both of the internal fold lines would otherwise interfere with other features, such as an opening or a tab of the package 2.

[0070] Figure 1 The blank 1 is shown provided with a set of one or more top panels A11, A21, A31, A41. Figure 1In the embodiment, each main panel of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 is provided with a respective top panel A11, A21, A31, A41. Each of the top panels A11, A21, A31, A41 is connected to the first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 in a foldable manner. Therefore, each of the top panels A11, A21, A31, A41 has a respective free outer longitudinally extending edge, and a respective first and second free outer transversely extending edge. Alternatively, the top panels A11, A21, A31, A41 can be omitted.

[0071] exist Figure 2-4 In the embodiment, the top panel is disclosed in the form of a top edge panel 11, 21, 31, 41.

[0072] Any of the top panels or top edge panels 21, 41 foldably connected to those of the main panels A20, A40 provided with a plurality of internal folding lines IF is also provided with an internal folding line IF. Alternatively, it is possible that the first and third main panels A10, A30 are main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 provided with an internal folding line IF, in which case the top panels or top edge panels 11, 31 are alternatively provided with an internal folding line IF. Further properties of the top edge panels and the top panels will be disclosed with reference to the top panels. The internal folding line IF is separated from the free outer transversely extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41. In a preferred embodiment, the internal folding lines IF are each separated from the free outer transversely extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41 by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective top panel A21, A41. In a preferred embodiment, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 is parallel to each other. The inner fold line IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 may extend at an angle relative to the transverse direction T, and preferably also extends in a direction having at least a major component in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, each of the inner fold lines IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 is parallel to the main fold line MF. In a preferred embodiment, the inner fold line IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 is aligned with the inner fold line IF of the respective main panel A20, A40 in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, the inner fold line IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 extends from the respective first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41. However, the inner fold line IF of the respective top panel A21, A41 does not necessarily have to extend from the first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41. On the contrary, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective top panels A21, A41 may terminate at a certain distance from the first longitudinal extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 and one or both of the free outer longitudinal extending edges of the respective top panel A21, A41 and is thereby referred to as extending from the first longitudinal extending edge portion of the respective main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinal extending edge portion of the respective top panel A21, A41.

[0073] Figure 1 It is further shown that the blank 1 is provided with a set of one or more bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42. Figure 1In the embodiment, each of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 is provided with a respective bottom panel A12, A22, A32, A42. Each of the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 is connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 in a foldable manner. Therefore, each of the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 has a respective free outer longitudinally extending edge, and a respective first and second free outer transversely extending edge. The bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 are configured to fold inwardly so that the main surface of each of the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 is substantially parallel to each other in the erected state of the blank 1. Therefore, the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 are configured to form the bottom or bottom plate of the package 2. The bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 can be configured to be attached to each other by means of, for example, glue. However, the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 can be configured to be attached to each other by other means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives, or any other means commonly used in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the group of bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 can be attached to each other in other ways to achieve the condition of forming the bottom panel of the package. Figure 1 In, a first type of bottom panel and in Figure 2-4 A second type of bottom panel is disclosed in .

[0074] Each of the bottom panels A22, A42 foldably connected to those of the main panels A20, A40 provided with a plurality of internal folding lines IF is also provided with an internal folding line IF. Alternatively, it is possible that the first and third main panels A10, A30 are main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 provided with an internal folding line IF, in which case the bottom panels A12, A32 are provided with an internal folding line IF instead. The internal folding line IF is separated from the free outer transversely extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42. In a preferred embodiment, the internal folding lines IF are each separated from the free outer transversely extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective bottom panel A22, A42. In a preferred embodiment, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective bottom panels A22, A42 is parallel to each other. The internal folding lines IF of the respective bottom panels A22, A42 may extend at an angle relative to the transverse direction, and preferably also extend in a direction having at least a major component in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, each of the inner fold lines IF of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 is parallel to the main fold line MF. In a preferred embodiment, the inner fold line IF of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 is aligned with the inner fold line IF of the respective main panel A20, A40 in the transverse direction T. In a preferred embodiment, the inner fold line IF of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 extends from the respective second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 all the way to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42. However, the inner fold line IF of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 does not necessarily have to extend from the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 all the way to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42. On the contrary, each of the internal folding lines IF of the respective bottom panels A22, A42 may terminate at a certain distance from the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 and one or both of the free outer longitudinally extending edges of the respective bottom panel A22, A42 and is thereby referred to as extending from the second longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective bottom panel A22, A42.

[0075] Alternatively, it can be said that each of the two main panels A20, A40 and the associated top and bottom panels A21, A22, A41, A42 may preferably be provided with at least two continuous transversely extending internal fold lines IF, each internal fold line being a single continuous line extending across the respective main panel A20, A40 and the associated bottom and top panels A21, A22, A41, A42. Single continuous means that each of the internal fold lines IF may extend substantially from the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42.

[0076] The blank 1 is preferably made of a paper-based material. The advantage of the blank 1 being paper-based is that the paper-based material is recyclable, thereby making efficient use of the material. Paper-based materials are also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively simple to cut a sheet of paper-based material into the desired shape of the blank 1. It is also relatively simple to fold the paper-based blank 1 into the desired package 2. The paper-based material may comprise a corrugated layer with grooves. The grooves of the corrugated layer may extend in the longitudinal direction L. However, alternatively, the grooves of the corrugated layer may extend in the transverse direction T. The blank 1 may be made of any material commonly used for packaging in the art. For example, the blank 1 may be made of plastic or wood.

[0077] from Figure 2 Initially, each of the plurality of main panels 10, 20, 30, 40 of the blank 1 is provided with a piece or a portion of a lining 13, 23, 33, 43, respectively. Each of the linings 13, 23, 33, 43 can be attached to the associated main panel of the plurality of main panels 10, 20, 30, 40 by means of, for example, an adhesive, such as glue. However, each of the linings 13, 23, 33, 43 can be attached to the associated main panel 10, 20, 30, 40 by means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives or any other means commonly used in the art. The two bottom panels 22, 42 are also provided with pieces of linings 24, 44. Each of the linings 24, 44 can be attached to the associated bottom panel 22, 42 by means of, for example, an adhesive, such as glue. However, each of the liners 24, 44 can be attached to the associated bottom panel 22, 42 by means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesives, or any other means commonly used in the art. Alternatively, the respective liners 24, 44 in the respective bottom panels 22, 42 can be omitted.

[0078] like Figure 2As shown in the figure, the top panel or top edge panel 11,21,31,41 is not provided with any lining to facilitate folding the top panel 11,21,31,41 inwardly when the blank 1 is folded into the upright box-shaped state. However, the top panel 11,21,31,41 can be provided with a lining, especially when the size of the top panel 11,21,31,41 is designed to be able to form a lid or top of the package 2.

[0079] Liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 are preferably made of cellulose-based air-laid materials. For example, the air-laid material may contain cellulose and / or lignocellulosic fibers having a concentration of at least 70% by weight of the cellulose-based air-laid material and a polymer binder, such as a thermoplastic polymer binder, selected from a concentration of 2.5 to up to 30% by weight of the cellulose-based air-laid material. The air-laid material may also contain one or more additives. The air-laid material is formed by a process called air-laying, in which cellulose and / or lignocellulosic fibers and a polymer binder are mixed with air to form a porous fiber mixture, which is deposited on a carrier and consolidated or bonded by heating. The air-laid material is characterized in that it is porous, has the characteristics of an open-cell foam and is produced by a so-called dry forming method, i.e., generally no water is added. The average density of the air-laid material is preferably selected between 10 and 60 kg / m 3 Preferably, the average density of the air-laid material is between 15 and 60 kg / m 3 and more preferably in the range of 15 to 50 kg / m 3 within the range.

[0080] Alternatively, the liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made of a foam material. The liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made of a wood fiber based material, such as cellulose, cellulose foam, wood foam, formed fibers, fiber sheets or fiber felt. Alternatively, or in addition, the liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made of a plastic based material, such as polyethylene foam or expanded polystyrene. The liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made of a biocomposite material, such as wood foam.

[0081] Alternatively, the liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be paper-based but may also be formed of any material commonly used in the art to provide additional properties for packaging, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance. The advantage of the liner 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 being paper-based is that the paper-based material is recyclable, so the material is used efficiently. The paper-based material is also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively simple to cut a sheet of paper-based material into the desired shape of the liner. In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 is formed of the same material. Alternatively, the liner may be formed of the same material as the blank 1. Advantageously, for example, byproducts of the manufacturing process associated with the production of the blank 1 may be utilized without becoming waste. In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 is uniform in thickness. In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 has the same material thickness. Thus, production of the lining material is facilitated and cost-effective. Preferably, the liner is elastically compressible, which allows the panels of the liner to be locally compressed and allows the main panel to be double-folded into a flat-folded condition. It is preferred that after the liner has been folded into a flat-folded condition and subsequently erected into a box-shaped condition, the liner regains a material thickness of at least 50% of its original material thickness.

[0082] The blank 1 may have a first material thickness. The lining 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may have a second material thickness. The second material thickness may be at least twice the first material thickness.

[0083] In this context, it may be noted that the separation between the internal folding line IF and the respective main folding line MF may also be expressed in relation to the material thickness of one or more pieces or portions of the lining 23, 43 on the main panel A20, A40. Thus, it is preferred that each of the internal folding lines IF is separated from the respective main folding line MF by a distance measured in the longitudinal direction L of about twice the material thickness of one or more pieces or portions of the lining 23, 43 on the main panel A20, A40. The internal folding lines IF are separated from each other by a distance in the longitudinal direction L such that when the respective main panel A20, A40 is doubly folded about the internal folding line IF, the opposing inner side surfaces of the respective main panel A20, A40 are separated from each other by a distance of 50-150%, preferably 80-120%, of the nominal double material thickness of the piece or portion of the lining on the respective doubly folded main panel A20, A40.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 extends from the respective first transversely extending edge all the way to the respective second transversely extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 while not interfering with the folding of the blank 1. Alternatively, however, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 may terminate at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second transversely extending edges and is thereby referred to as extending from the respective first transversely extending edge portion of the respective main panel 10, 30 to the respective second transversely extending edge portion of the respective main panel 10, 30.

[0085] Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 extends from the respective first longitudinally extending edge all the way to the respective second longitudinally extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 while not interfering with the folding of the blank 1. However, alternatively, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 may terminate at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges and is therefore referred to as extending from the respective first longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective main panel 10, 30 to the respective second longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective main panel 10, 30.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, each of the linings 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 terminates at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second transversely extending edges and is thus referred to as extending from the respective first transversely extending edge portion of the respective main panels 20, 40 to the respective second transversely extending edge portion of the respective main panels 20, 40. Thus, a respective longitudinally and transversely extending gap is formed on the respective main panels 20, 40 along the respective transversely extending main folding lines MF. This facilitates folding the blank 1 into its flat folded and erected state. However, alternatively, each of the linings 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 may extend from the respective first transversely extending edge all the way to the respective second transversely extending edge. In this case, the linings formed on the respective adjacent main panels may be longitudinally extended in such a way that a respective longitudinally and transversely extending gap is formed on the respective adjacent main panels along the respective transversely extending main folding lines MF. This facilitates folding the blank 1 into its flat folded and erected state. In a preferred embodiment, each lining does not extend beyond any longitudinally or transversely extending edge of the respective associated panel.

[0087] It may be noted that, unlike providing a gap between the liners at the respective main folding lines MF, the liners may extend across the main folding lines MF and be provided with grooves along the main folding lines MF, such as V-shaped grooves, the open sides of which face inwardly towards the interior of the package. Preferably, the grooves are shaped so that they allow the blank 1 to be folded into a box-shaped state about the main folding lines MF, while the side walls of the respective grooves do not interfere with each other, at least not significantly interfere to the extent that folding is difficult. However, preferably, the grooves are shaped so that when the blank 1 is folded about the main folding lines MF, the side walls of the respective grooves approach each other so that the respective grooves disappear completely or at least substantially. Therefore, preferably, the side walls of the grooves at the respective main folding lines MF form an internal angle corresponding to the desired angle to which the blank 1 is folded at the respective main folding lines MF. If it is desired that the blank 1 be folded into a right angle corner at the main folding line MF when the blank 1 is folded into a box-shaped state, the side walls of the grooves at the main folding line MF preferably form an internal angle of 90°. A larger corner angle is associated with a correspondingly smaller groove angle, and vice versa. It may be noted that the grooves need not be symmetrical, and the sidewalls may be inclined at different angles relative to the formed face of the blank, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank, as long as the desired internal angle is provided.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 extends from the respective first longitudinally extending edge all the way to the respective second longitudinally extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 while not interfering with the folding of the blank 1. Alternatively, however, each of the liners 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 may terminate at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges and is thus referred to as extending from the respective first longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective main panels 20, 40 to the respective second longitudinally extending edge portion of the respective main panels 20, 40.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 24, 44 of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 extends from the respective first transversely extending edge all the way to the respective second transversely extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 while not interfering with the folding of the blank 1. Alternatively, however, each of the liners 24, 44 of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 may terminate at a distance from the respective first and second transversely extending edges and is thus referred to as extending from the respective first transversely extending edge portion of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 to the respective second transversely extending edge portion of the respective bottom panels 22, 42.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, each of the linings 24, 44 of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 terminates at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges and is thus referred to as extending from the respective first longitudinally extending edge portions of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 to the respective second longitudinally extending edge portions of the respective bottom panels 22, 42. Therefore, there is a gap extending longitudinally and transversely along the respective second longitudinally extending edges on the respective bottom panels 22, 42. This facilitates folding the blank 1 into its flat folded and erected state. However, in some embodiments, alternatively, each of the linings 24, 44 of the respective bottom panels 22, 42 may extend from the respective first longitudinally extending edges to the respective second longitudinally extending edges. In this case, the linings formed on the respective adjacent main panels may be extended in such a transverse manner so as to form respective longitudinally and transversely extending gaps on the respective adjacent main panels along the respective second longitudinally extending edges. This facilitates folding the blank 1 into its flat folded and erected state. In a preferred embodiment, each lining does not extend beyond any longitudinal or transversely extending edge of the respective associated panel.

[0091] Should understand Figure 1 The blank 1 shown in discloses only one embodiment of the present invention. For example, the main panels 10, 30 shown in 2 are wider than the main panels 20, 40 when viewed in the longitudinal direction. When viewed in the longitudinal direction, the linings 13, 33 are respectively wider than the linings 23, 43. However, the skilled person realizes that the blank 1, and accordingly the size of the lining of each panel with a lining, can be designed in other ways while retaining the function. The skilled person also realizes that different groups of panels with linings that retain the function can be provided.

[0092] like Figure 3 As disclosed in Figure 2 The blank 1 has been folded into a flat folded state of the blank 1. The blank 1 can be folded so that the lining 13, 33 and the two main parts of the respective lining 23, 43, 24, 44 lie flat against each other. By separating the inner fold lines IF of the respective panels 20, 22, 40, 42 from each other in the longitudinal direction by a distance corresponding to twice the material thickness of the respective associated lining 23, 24, 43, 44, the blank 1 is allowed to be double folded into Figure 3 The flat-folded state shown in .

[0093] The bottom panel 12 may be provided with a longitudinally extending slit 15. The bottom panel 32 may be provided with a protrusion 35. In this case, the slit 15 and the protrusion 35 are configured to engage with each other when forming the bottom panel of the package 2 to maintain the bottom panel 12, 22, 32, 42 in its desired position. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the bottom panel of the package 2 may be formed by alternative mechanisms.

[0094] continue Figure 4 , Figure 2 The blank 1 has been erected into a box-shaped package 2. The blank 1 can be erected into a package 2 from a flat state, or erected into a package 2 from a flat folded state. The base of the package 2 can be formed by folding the bottom panel 12, 22, 32, 42 inwardly, and the slit 15 of the bottom panel 12 is engaged with the projection 35 of the bottom panel 32. The top edge panel 11, 21, 31, 41 can be folded inwardly toward the free (free) main surface of the relevant liner 13, 23, 33, 43, and can engage with each other, so as to promote that the package 2 is maintained in a folded state. The top edge panel 11, 21, 31, 41 can be folded inwardly so that the main surface of each of the top panel 11, 21, 31, 41 is against the free main surface of the relevant piece of the liner 13, 23, 33, 43. The main panel 20, 40 of the blank 1 can be provided with a through hole or opening 46 that serves as a handle. Any other main panel may also be provided with a through hole acting as a handle. Alternatively, the through hole may be omitted.

[0095] A person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, numerous changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0096] Furthermore, variations of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the claims. In the claims, the words "comprising" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A blank (1) configured to form a package (2) configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and folded into a box-shaped state, the blank (1) comprising, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (1), at least four main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) arranged successively along a longitudinal direction (L) as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (1), wherein the main panels are connected in a foldable manner along transversely extending main folding lines (MF) and are configured to form respective side walls of the package (2), an attachment tab (A45) foldably connected to one main panel (A40) at a first outer, transversely extending edge of the blank (1) and configured to be attached to an opposing main panel (A10) such that when the blank is folded into a package, the main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) form an interconnected loop of main panels, one or more panels or portions of a liner (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide additional properties to the package (2), such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the one or more panels or portions being arranged on the inner surface of the respective main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) so that, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (1), longitudinally and transversely extending gaps or grooves are formed between adjacent panels or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) along respective transversely extending main fold lines (MF), allowing the blank (1) to be folded into the package (2), and a set of one or more bottom panels (A12, A22, A32, A42) configured to form the bottom of the package (2), wherein two main panels (A20, A40) configured to form opposing side walls when the blank (1) is folded into the package (2) are each provided with at least two transversely extending internal folding lines (IF) allowing the two main panels to be double folded and thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat-folded state, where the internal fold line (IF) is separated from the main fold line (MF), and Wherein the internal folding lines (IF) are separated from each other by a distance along the longitudinal direction (L) so that when the respective main panels (A20, A40) are doubly folded about the internal folding lines (IF), the relative inner side surfaces of the respective main panels (A20, A40) are separated from each other by a distance between 50% and 150% of the nominal double material thickness of the piece or portion of the lining (23, 43) on the respective doubly folded main panels (A20, A40).

2. A blank (1) according to claim 1, wherein the internal folding lines (IF) are each separated from the respective main folding line (MF) by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel (A20, A40) measured along the longitudinal direction (L).

3. A blank (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal folding lines (IF) are each separated from their respective main folding lines (MF) by a distance of at least twice the material thickness of the one or more pieces or parts of the lining (23, 43) on the main panel (A20, A40) measured along the longitudinal direction (L).

4. Blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the internal folding lines (IF) are parallel to each other.

5. A blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (1), excluding the one or more pieces or parts of the lining, has a first material thickness and wherein the pieces or parts of the lining have a second material thickness, wherein the second material thickness is at least twice the first material thickness.

6. A blank (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more pieces or parts of the lining configured to provide the package (2) with additional properties such as insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance are elastically compressible, which allows the pieces to be locally compressed thereby allowing the main panel to be doubly folded about an internal folding line (IF) and thereby allowing the package (2) to present the flat-folded state.

7. A blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the blank (1) is made of a paper-based material excluding the one or more pieces or parts of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide additional properties.

8. A blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a group of top panels (A11, A21, A31, A41), which are connected to the first longitudinally extending edge of the associated main panel (A10, A20, A30, A40) in a foldable manner.

9. A blank (1) according to claim 8, wherein the top panels (A21, A41) which are foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal folding lines (IF) are each also provided with internal folding lines (IF) aligned with the internal folding lines (IF) of their respective main panels (A20, A40).

10. A blank (1) according to claim 9, wherein the top panel (A21, A41) which is foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edge of those main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal folding lines (IF) is provided with a piece or portion of lining.

11. The blank (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, further comprising a group of top edge panels (11, 21, 31, 41), which are connected to the first longitudinally extending edge of the associated main panel (A10, A20, A30, A40) in a foldable manner and are configured to, in a box-shaped state, form an inwardly folded edge, preferably at least partially covering the upward-facing edge of the piece or part of the lining (13, 23, 33, 43).

12. The blank (1) according to claim 11, wherein the top edge panels (A21, A41) which are foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal folding lines (IF) are each also provided with internal folding lines (IF) aligned with the internal folding lines (IF) of the respective main panels (A20, A40).

13. A blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a group of bottom panels (A12, A22, A32, A42) is connected in a foldable manner to a second longitudinally extending edge of an associated main panel (A10, A20, A30, A40).

14. A blank (1) according to claim 13, wherein the bottom panels (A22, A42) which are foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of those main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal folding lines (IF) are each also provided with internal folding lines (IF) aligned with the internal folding lines (IF) of their respective main panels (A20, A40).

15. A blank (1) according to claim 14, wherein the bottom panel (A22, A42) which is foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of those main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal folding lines (IF) is provided with a piece or part of a lining (24, 44).

16. A package (2) formed from a blank (1), wherein the package (2) is configured to be folded into a flat-folded state and folded into a box-shaped state, Package (2) contains at least four main panels (10, 20, 30, 40) arranged successively in a circumferentially extending longitudinal direction (L), wherein the main panels are connected in a foldable manner along transversely extending main folding lines (MF) and form respective side walls of the package (2), an attachment tab (45) foldably connected to one main panel (40) at a first outer, transversely extending edge of the blank (1) and to an opposing main panel (10) such that the main panels form an interconnected loop of main panels, one or more panels or portions of a liner (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide additional properties to the package (2), such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the one or more panels or portions being arranged on the inside surface of the respective main panels (10, 20, 30, 40) such that, as seen in the flat-laid state of the blank (1), there are longitudinally and transversely extending gaps or grooves between adjacent panels or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) along respective transversely extending main fold lines (MF), allowing the blank (1) to be folded into the package (2), and a set of one or more bottom panels (12, 22, 32, 42) forming the bottom of the package (2), wherein two main panels (20, 40) configured to form opposite side walls of the package (2) are each provided with at least two transversely extending internal folding lines (IF) allowing the two main panels to be double folded and thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat folded state, where the internal fold line (IF) is separated from the main fold line (MF), and Wherein the internal folding lines (IF) are separated from each other by a distance in the longitudinal direction (L) so that when the respective main panels (20, 40) are doubly folded about the internal folding lines (IF), the relative inner side surfaces of the respective main panels (20, 40) are separated from each other by a distance between 50% and 150% of the nominal double material thickness of the piece or portion of the lining (23, 43) on the respective doubly folded main panels (20, 40).

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