Tray for heated but non-fired flavor inhalers

Abstract

The tray for a heated but non-fired flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure comprises: a recess formed by folding a blank and capable of accommodating a heated but non-fired flavor inhaler; a hollow buffer frame body surrounding the recess portion; and a cushion space formed inside the cushion frame body, in which the cushion frame body is formed to cooperate with and hold the heated but non-fired flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tray for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, packaging members for accommodating an accommodated object (such as an electronic device) and protecting the accommodated object from the impact upon dropping and from vibration during transportation have been widely used. A packaging tray formed by folding a single sheet of cardboard multiple times and having an attachment accommodating recess with an upward opening is called a packaging member (for example, PTL1).

[0003] In addition, heat-not-burn flavor inhalers that allow experiencing flavors without burning tobacco have become increasingly popular in recent years as a substitute for cigarettes. Heated cigarettes and e-cigarettes are known examples of such inhalers.

[0004] Citation List

[0005] Patent Documents

[0006] PTL 1: JP 2013-049434 A

[0007] PTL 2: JP 2009-96520A

[0008] PTL 3: JP 3200836 U

[0009] PTL 4: JP 2005-014965 A Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical Problem

[0011] Since heat-not-burn flavor inhalers have become increasingly popular, there has been a need for a packaging member for protecting a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler from the impact and vibration. However, conventional packaging members cannot sufficiently protect a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0012] An object of the technology according to this disclosure is to provide a tray that can appropriately protect a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler.

[0013] Solution to the Problem

[0014] The technology according to this disclosure adopts the following features to solve the above problems. That is, the technology according to this disclosure constitutes a tray for a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler, which is formed by folding a blank and includes: a recess that can accommodate the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler; a hollow buffer frame body that surrounds the recess; and

[0015] A buffer space is formed inside the buffer frame body, where the buffer frame body is formed to cooperate with and hold the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0016] Furthermore, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the opening of the recess can be formed to follow the outer shape of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0017] In addition, the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray may further include a bottom surface buffer body that forms a buffer space on the bottom of the recess.

[0018] Moreover, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the buffer frame body can be formed by means of a plurality of hollow buffer frame parts, the plurality of hollow buffer frame parts including: a first buffer frame part and a second buffer frame part extending in a first direction; and a third buffer frame part and a fourth buffer frame part extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0019] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, both ends of each of the first buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part can be inclined such that the closer it is to the recess in the second direction, the smaller its length in the first direction; both ends of each of the third buffer frame part and the fourth buffer frame part can be inclined such that the closer it is to the recess in the first direction, the smaller its length in the second direction; one end of the third buffer frame part can be inserted at one end of the first buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame part and the first buffer frame part can be connected; one end of the third buffer frame part can be inserted at one end of the second buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part can be connected; one end of the fourth buffer frame part can be inserted at the other end of the first buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame part and the first buffer frame part can be connected; and the other end of the fourth buffer frame part can be inserted at the other end of the second buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part can be connected.

[0020] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, each pair of buffer frame portions joined together of the buffer frame body can be configured such that: when θ1 is the inclination angle of the end portion of the buffer frame portion at the receiving mating side with respect to the first direction, and when θ2 is the inclination angle of the end portion of the buffer frame portion inserted at the mating side with respect to the second direction, then: 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°], 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], and 90[°] < θ1 + θ2.

[0021] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, both ends of each of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion can be linearly inclined, and both ends of each of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion can be bent into an arc shape so as to expand outward.

[0022] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler can be clamped by a pair of buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body facing each other, and the pair of buffer frame portions facing each other can be configured such that the gap therebetween narrows from one side to the other side in the extending direction of the pair of buffer frame portions.

[0023] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the basis weight of the blank can be 400 [gsm] or greater.

[0024] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the blank can include: a square base panel having a first edge and a second edge extending in a first direction, and a third edge and a fourth edge extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and spacer panels connected to the edges of the base panel; and the buffer frame body can be formed by folding these spacer panels.

[0025] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the buffer frame body can be formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame parts; the blank can include: a first spacer panel connected to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel connected to the second edge, a third spacer panel connected to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel connected to the fourth edge, and a cover panel connected to the fourth spacer panel; the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel can each include: an outer tube wall panel connected to the base panel and folded to stand upright relative to the base panel; a cover-side tube wall panel connected to the outer tube wall panel and folded to face the base panel; an inner tube wall panel connected to the cover-side tube wall panel and folded to face the outer tube wall panel; and a base-side tube wall panel connected to the inner tube wall panel and folded to face the cover-side tube wall panel and located on the base panel, forming a tubular buffer frame part by folding the above panels; the fourth spacer panel can include: a base-side groove wall panel folded to be located on the base panel; a groove bottom wall panel connected to the base-side groove wall panel and folded to stand upright relative to the base panel; and a cover-side groove wall panel connected to the groove bottom wall panel and folded to face the base-side groove wall panel, forming a recessed buffer frame part by folding the above panels; the cover panel can be folded to face the base panel; and

[0026] The opening of the recess can be formed in either the base panel or the cover panel.

[0027] In addition, in the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure, the opening of the recess can be formed in the base panel; the blank can further include a fifth spacer panel connected to any one of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the cover panel; and the fifth spacer panel can be folded to face the cover panel and thus form the bottom surface of the recess, while also forming a buffer space with the cover panel.

[0028] Advantages of the present invention

[0029] The technology according to the present disclosure enables appropriate protection of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler. Description of the drawings

[0030] Figure 1 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0031] Figure 2 ​​​​Figure 2 It is a front view of the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0032] Figure 3 Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing a state in which the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler is accommodated in the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0033] Figure 4 Figure 4 It is Figure 2 a view of the A-A cross section in

[0034] Figure 5 Figure 5 It is Figure 2 a view of the B-B cross section in

[0035] Figure 6 Figure 6 It is a front view of the buffer frame body according to Embodiment 1.

[0036] Figure 7 Figure 7 It is a front view showing the third buffer frame portion.

[0037] Figure 8 Figure 8 It is a front view showing a state in which the inhaler is accommodated in the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0038] Figure 9 Figure 9 It is a plan view of the blank for forming the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0039] Figure 10 Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram (1) showing the assembly process of the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0040] Figure 11 Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram (2) showing the assembly process of the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0041] Figure 12 Figure 12 It is an exploded schematic diagram of the packaging which is an example of the packaging box adopting the tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0042] Figure 13 Figure 13 It is a rear view of the front-side tray according to Embodiment 1.

[0043] Figure 14 Figure 14 It is a perspective view of the tray according to Embodiment 2.

[0044] Figure 15 ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 15 is Figure 14 a view of the C-C cross-section therein.

[0045] Figure 16 Figure 16 is Figure 14 a view of the D-D cross-section therein.

[0046] Figure 17 Figure 17 is a plan view of a blank for forming a tray according to Embodiment 2.

[0047] Figure 18 Figure 18 is a schematic view showing steps in the assembly process of a tray according to Embodiment 2.

[0048] Figure 19 Figure 19 is a table showing the results of a drop test. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly stated, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components disclosed in the following embodiments should not be construed as limiting the technical scope of the present invention to those mentioned. A heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler is an inhaler for inhaling flavors without involving burning, and the inhaler is an object accommodated in a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler tray according to the present disclosure. There are no particular limitations on the specific structure, etc. of the heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, and well-known inhalers can be appropriately used. It should be noted that the numerical range indicated by "to" in the specification means a range including the values given before and after "to" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value. For example, "A to B" means equal to or greater than A and equal to or less than B.

[0050] <Embodiment 1>

[0051] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler tray 100 (hereinafter referred to as "tray 100") according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a front view of tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a heat-not-burn type flavor inhaler 500 (hereinafter referred to as "inhaler 500") is accommodated in tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figures 1 to 3 ​​​​​​​​The arrows indicated therein indicate the front / rear direction, the up / down direction, and the left / right direction of the tray 100. It should be noted that in Embodiment 1, the up / down direction corresponds to the "first direction", the left / right direction (which is the direction orthogonal to the up / down direction) corresponds to the "second direction", and the front / rear direction (which is the direction orthogonal to the up / down direction and the left / right direction) corresponds to the "third direction". However, the "first direction" and "second direction" according to the present disclosure are not limited to the up / down direction and the left / right direction. The second direction should be the direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0052] [Overall Structure]

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1 is a packaging member for accommodating the inhaler 500. The inhaler 500 is a heating device for an electrically heated inhaler (so-called heated cigarette). For example, the heating device heats a flavor inhaled product containing a tobacco material and an aerosol source, so that an aerosol containing a flavor component is generated. However, the inhaler 500 is not limited to the heating device for an electrically heated inhaler.

[0054] As Figure 1 shown, the tray 100 has an outer shape of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box. The tray 100 includes: a front wall S1, a rear wall S2, a left side wall S3, a right side wall S4, a lower wall S5, and an upper wall S6. The front wall S1, the rear wall S2, the left side wall S3, the right side wall S4, the lower wall S5, and the upper wall S6 constitute the front, rear, left side, right side, bottom, and top surfaces of the tray 100, respectively. The front wall S1 and the rear wall S2 are orthogonal to the front / rear direction of the tray 100 and are also oppositely arranged in the front / rear direction. The left side wall S3 and the right side wall S4 are orthogonal to the left / right direction of the tray 100 and are also oppositely arranged in the left / right direction. The lower wall S5 and the upper wall S6 are orthogonal to the up / down direction of the tray 100 and are also oppositely arranged in the up / down direction.

[0055] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown, the tray 100 is provided with a recess 10 that opens in the front wall S1. As Figure 3 shown, the tray 100 is configured to be able to accommodate the inhaler 500 in the recess 10. Here, as used in the specification, "accommodate" means accommodating at least a part of the object to be accommodated, and it is not necessary to accommodate the entire object to be accommodated. Therefore, the recess 10 can accommodate a part of the inhaler 500 or the entire inhaler 500. As Figure 3 shown, substantially the rear half side of the inhaler 500 is accommodated in the recess 10 of the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0056] In addition, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the tray 100 includes a buffer frame body 20, which is formed in a frame shape to surround the recess 10. The buffer frame body 20 is disposed between the front wall S1 and the rear wall S2. In Figure 2 the recess 10 is indicated by a dot pattern. The recess 10 is formed by the space enclosed by the buffer frame body 20. In addition, the buffer frame body 20 is formed in a hollow shape, and a buffer space 30 is formed inside the hollow shape to protect the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10 from the influence of external impacts. The buffer space 30 is formed along the entire perimeter of the buffer frame body 20. The inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10 is thus enclosed by the buffer space 30. This protects the inhaler 500 from external impacts on four sides (top / bottom / left / right).

[0057] As Figure 2 shown, the buffer frame body 20 is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions 1. Specifically, the buffer frame body 20 includes a first buffer frame portion 11 and a second buffer frame portion 12 extending in the up / down direction (the first direction); and a third buffer frame portion 13 and a fourth buffer frame portion 14 extending in the left / right direction (the second direction orthogonal to the first direction), and these buffer frame portions are connected together to form a frame shape.

[0058] The first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 face each other at a certain interval in the left / right direction, where the first buffer frame portion 11 is disposed on the left side, and the second buffer frame portion 12 is disposed on the right side. The third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 face each other at a certain interval in the up / down direction, where the third buffer frame portion 13 is disposed on the lower side, and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is disposed on the upper side.

[0059] Figure 4 is Figure 2 a view of the A-A cross-section in Figure 4 shows a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction (up / down direction). In addition, Figure 5 is Figure 2 a view of the B-B cross-section in Figure 5 shows a cross-section orthogonal to the second direction (left / right direction). As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the first buffer frame portion 11, the second buffer frame portion 12, and the third buffer frame portion 13 are formed as tubular bodies having a square cross-section. In addition, as Figure 5As shown, the fourth buffer frame part 14 is formed as a recessed body having a U-shaped cross section and is recessed in the first direction. A first space 301, a second space 302, a third space 303, and a fourth space 304 are respectively formed inside the first buffer frame part 11, the second buffer frame part 12, the third buffer frame part 13, and the fourth buffer frame part 14. The first space 301, the second space 302, the third space 303, and the fourth space 304 are connected inside the buffer frame body 20 and thus form a frame-shaped buffer space 30.

[0060] Here, Figure 6 is a front view of the buffer frame body 20 according to Embodiment 1. As Figure 6 shown, both ends of each of the first buffer frame part 11 and the second buffer frame part 12 are inclined such that the closer it is to the recess 10 in the second direction (left / right direction), the smaller its length in the first direction (up / down direction). Specifically, the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame part 11 is linearly inclined so as to be shifted upward toward the right. In addition, the upper end portion 112 of the first buffer frame part 11 is linearly inclined so as to be shifted downward toward the right. Similarly, the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame part 12 is linearly inclined so as to be shifted upward toward the left. In addition, the upper end portion 122 of the second buffer frame part 12 is linearly inclined so as to be shifted downward toward the left.

[0061] In addition, as Figure 6 shown, both ends of each of the third buffer frame part 13 and the fourth buffer frame part 14 are inclined such that the closer it is to the recess 10 in the first direction (up / down direction), the smaller its length in the second direction (left / right direction). Specifically, the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame part 13 is inclined in a curved shape so as to be shifted rightward toward the upper side. In addition, the right end portion 132 of the third buffer frame part 13 is inclined in a curved shape so as to be shifted leftward toward the upper side. The left end portion 131 and the right end portion 132 of the third buffer frame part 13 are curved in an arc shape so as to expand outward (form an outward protruding portion). Similarly, the left end portion of the fourth buffer frame part 14 is inclined in a curved shape so as to be shifted rightward toward the lower side. In addition, the right end portion 142 of the fourth buffer frame part 14 is inclined in a curved shape so as to be shifted leftward toward the lower side. The left end portion 141 and the right end portion 142 of the fourth buffer frame part 14 are curved in an arc shape so as to expand outward.

[0062] As Figure 6As shown, the left end portion 131 (one end portion) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted at the lower end portion 111 (one end portion) of the first buffer frame portion 11, whereby the third buffer frame portion 13 and the first buffer frame portion 11 are connected. Accordingly, a part of the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame portion 13 and a part of the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame portion 11 overlap each other.

[0063] In addition, the right end portion 132 (the other end portion) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted at the lower end portion 121 (one end portion) of the second buffer frame portion 12, whereby the third buffer frame portion 13 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are connected. Accordingly, a part of the right end portion 132 of the third buffer frame portion 13 and a part of the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame portion 12 overlap each other.

[0064] In addition, the left end portion 141 (one end portion) of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is inserted at the upper end portion 112 (the other end portion) of the first buffer frame portion 11, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and the first buffer frame portion 11 are connected. Accordingly, a part of the left end portion 141 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and a part of the upper end portion 112 of the first buffer frame portion 11 overlap each other.

[0065] In addition, the right end portion 142 (the other end portion) of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is inserted at the upper end portion 122 (the other end portion) of the second buffer frame portion 12, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are connected. Accordingly, a part of the right end portion 142 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and a part of the upper end portion 122 of the second buffer frame portion 12 overlap each other.

[0066] The connection between the buffer frame portions 1 of the buffer frame body 20 will be described herein. As described above, the first buffer frame portion 11 and the third buffer frame portion 13 of the buffer frame body 20 are connected together, the first buffer frame portion 11 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 are connected together, the second buffer frame portion 12 and the third buffer frame portion 13 are connected together, and the second buffer frame portion 12 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 are connected together. The combination of the buffer frame portions 1 of the buffer frame body 20 connected together in the above-described manner will be referred to as "pairs of connected buffer frame portions". Taking the combination of the second buffer frame portion 12 and the third buffer frame portion 13 as an example of a pair of connected buffer frame portions 1, 1, the second buffer frame portion 12 constitutes the buffer frame portion 1 that receives the end portion (right end portion 132) of the mating side (third buffer frame portion 13), and the third buffer frame portion 13 constitutes the buffer frame portion 1 that is inserted at the end portion (lower end portion 121) of the mating side (second buffer frame portion 12).

[0067] In addition, each pair of connected buffer frame portions is configured such that θ1 is the inclination angle of the end portion of the buffer frame portion 1 (i.e., the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12) that receives the mating side with respect to the first direction. That is, θ1 is the inclination angle of the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame portion 11, the upper end portion 112 of the first buffer frame portion 11, the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame portion 12, and the upper end portion 122 of the second buffer frame portion 12. It should be noted that at the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame portion 11, the upper end portion 112 of the first buffer frame portion 11, the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame portion 12, and the upper end portion 122 of the second buffer frame portion 12, θ1 does not have to be the same, and each θ1 can be different. Here, Figure 6 the reference line L1 in [reference] represents an imaginary straight line passing through the two end points of the edge formed by the end portion of the receiving buffer frame portion 1, as seen in the third direction orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction (seen in the front / rear direction in this example). As Figure 6 shown, θ1 is defined as the inclination angle of the imaginary straight line L1 with respect to the first direction.

[0068] In addition, each pair of connected buffer frame portions is configured such that θ2 is the inclination angle of the end portion of the buffer frame portion 1 (i.e., the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14) inserted at the mating side with respect to the second direction. That is, θ2 is the inclination angle of the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame portion 13, the right end portion 132 of the third buffer frame portion 13, the left end portion 141 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14, and the right end portion 142 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14. It should be noted that at the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame portion 13, the right end portion 132 of the third buffer frame portion 13, the left end portion 141 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14, and the right end portion 142 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14, θ2 does not have to be the same, and each θ2 can be different. As Figure 6 shown, θ2 is defined as the inclination angle of the imaginary straight line L2 with respect to the second direction, and this imaginary straight line passes through the two end points of the edge formed by the end portion of the inserted buffer frame portion 1, as seen in the third direction.

[0069] In the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1, θ1 and θ2 are set to satisfy 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°], 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], and 90[°] < θ1 + θ2. However, the ranges of θ1 and θ2 are not limited to those given above in the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0070] By satisfying 90[°]<θ1 + θ2, that is, by making the sum of θ1 and θ2 greater than 90[°], the ends of the pairs of buffer frame portions connected together overlap. This makes it possible to ensure the strength of the tray 100. In addition, by setting θ1 and θ2 within the ranges of 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°] and 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], it is ensured that the buffer frame portions 1 are easy to connect, that is, it is ensured that the tray 100 is easy to assemble. It should be noted that from the perspective of ensuring strength, 115[°] ≤ θ1 + θ2 is more preferable, and θ1 + θ2 = 115[°] is the most preferable. In addition, from the perspective of ensuring strength, θ1 = 45[°] and θ2 = 70[°] are the most preferable.

[0071] In addition, in the tray 100, the pairs of buffer frame portions connected together are configured such that the ends of the buffer frame portions 1 (i.e., the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14) inserted at the ends on the mating side are bent into an arc shape so as to expand outward. Therefore, the overlapping area between the ends of the pairs of buffer frame portions connected together can be increased. This makes it possible to further increase the strength of the tray 100. In addition, by forming the ends of the buffer frame portions 1 into an arc shape, these ends can be more easily inserted at the ends on the mating side.

[0072] Figure 7 is a front view showing the third buffer frame portion 13. Figure 7 In the figure, the reference numeral L21 represents an imaginary line segment connecting the two end points of the edge formed by the ends of the inserted buffer frame portions 1, as seen in the third direction. As Figure 7 shown, a1 is the length of the imaginary line segment L21. In addition, b1 is the height of the end of the inserted buffer frame portion 1 from the imaginary line segment L21 in a direction orthogonal to the imaginary line segment L21 and the third direction. If the ratio [%] of b1 to a1 is c1, then c1 = b1 ÷ a1 × 100. In this case, from the perspective of achieving a balance between improving strength and making the tray 100 easy to assemble, the tray 100 preferably satisfies the following conditions: 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°] and c1 [%] = (85[°] - θ2[°]) × 0.47 [% / °].

[0073] Figure 8is a front view showing a state in which an inhaler 500 is accommodated in a tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. Here, as described above, the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 of the buffer frame body 20 face each other, and the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 face each other. The combination of the buffer frame portions 1 of the buffer frame body 20 that face each other will be referred to as "each pair of buffer frame portions facing each other". The tray according to the present disclosure is configured such that a heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is clamped by at least one pair of buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body that face each other. As Figure 8 shown, in the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1, the inhaler 500 is clamped by the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 that face each other in the left / right direction (second direction), and the inhaler 500 is clamped by the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 that face each other in the up / down direction (first direction). In this way, the inhaler 500 cooperates with the buffer frame body 20 and is held thereby. It should be noted that the inhaler 500 may be clamped by only any one of the pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 and the pair of buffer frame portions 13, 14.

[0074] Figure 8 The reference numeral P13 shown is a panel that defines the recess 10 (i.e., the inner wall that constitutes the recess 10) of the first buffer frame portion 11. In addition, the reference numeral P23 is a panel that defines the recess 10 of the second buffer frame portion 12. In addition, the reference numeral P33 is a panel that defines the recess 10 of the third buffer frame portion 13. In addition, the reference numeral P42 is a panel that defines the recess 10 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14. As Figure 7 shown, the inner tube wall panel P13 and the inner tube wall panel P23 are not parallel to each other. Specifically, the inner tube wall panel P13 is inclined so as to shift to the right from the upper side toward the lower side. In addition, the inner tube wall panel P23 is inclined so as to shift to the left from the upper side toward the lower side. The pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 facing each other are configured such that the gap d1 therebetween becomes narrower from the upper side toward the lower side. At the same time, both the inner tube wall panel P33 and the groove bottom wall panel P42 extend in the up / down direction and are parallel to each other. Therefore, the gap d2 between the pair of buffer frame portions 13, 14 is constant in the left / right direction.

[0075] The gap between the pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 facing each other becomes narrower from one side (upper side) toward the other side (lower side) in the first direction (up / down direction), so that the pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 can firmly clamp the inhaler 500, and the first direction is the extending direction of the pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12. This enables the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10 to be stably held.

[0076] It should be noted that the pair of buffer frame portions 11 and 12 can also be configured such that the gap d1 therebetween narrows from the lower side toward the upper side. In addition, the pair of buffer frame portions 13 and 14 facing each other can also be configured such that the gap d2 therebetween narrows from one side toward the other side in the extending direction (i.e., the second direction) of the pair of buffer frame portions 13 and 14. The angles of the inner tube wall panels P13, inner tube wall panels P23, inner tube wall panels P33, and the groove bottom wall panel P42 can be appropriately set according to the shape of the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10. In the tray 100, at least a pair of buffer frame portions facing each other should be configured such that the gap therebetween narrows from one side toward the other side in the extending direction of the pair of buffer frame portions. By doing so, the inhaler 500 can be stably held.

[0077] As Figure 8 shown, the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the front wall S1. The opening edge of the opening 101 is formed to follow the outer shape of the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10. It should be noted that the "outer shape of the inhaler 500" mentioned herein more specifically refers to the contour of the cross-section of the inhaler 500 when the inhaler 500 is cut at a position corresponding to the front wall S1 in the third direction on a plane orthogonal to the third direction (front / rear direction). The opening edge of the recess 10 is formed to follow the outer shape of the inhaler 500, so that when the inhaler 500 is accommodated in the recess 10, the gap formed between the inhaler 500 and the buffer frame body 20 can be covered by the front wall S1. This makes it possible to create a sense of fit between the inhaler 500 and the tray 100 regardless of the shape of the inhaler 500, and also makes it possible to improve the appearance.

[0078] The tray 100 holds the inhaler 500 in the above-described manner by means of the buffer frame body 20, and the gap between the inhaler 500 and the buffer frame body 20 is covered by the front wall S1, so that the tray 100 compatibly accommodates various shapes.

[0079] [Blank]

[0080] Figure 9 is a plan view of a blank B100 for forming the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. The blank B100 has two surfaces here: the surface visible in Figure 9 is the first surface S10, and the surface on the opposite side (rear side) is the second surface S20 (see Figure 10 (A)). The blank B100 is made of cardboard containing pulp as its main material and is formed in the shape of a substantially rectangular sheet. Figure 9The chain lines therein represent folding lines. The tray 100 is assembled by folding a blank B100 at the folding line boundaries. The blank B100 is formed by stamping out the shape of the blank B100 from cardboard and forming folding lines or cutting lines. There is no particular limitation on the performance of the cardboard as the material constituting the blank B100, but from the perspective of protecting the inhaler 500, considering the weight of the inhaler 500, the thickness of the blank B100 is preferably 400 to 600 [μm]. Further, from the above perspective, the basis weight of the blank B100 is preferably 400 [gsm] or more. Further, from the perspective of easy formability and production cost, the basis weight of the blank B100 is preferably 600 gsm or less.

[0081] Compared with using plastic materials, cardboard is easily recyclable, and thus the environmental burden can be reduced by using cardboard as the tray 100. Compared with using pulp molding materials, the water consumption and CO2 emissions in tray production can be further reduced by using cardboard as the tray 100. Additionally, cardboard is easily decorated by printing or the like, and thus using cardboard as the tray 100 increases the degree of freedom in design. Further, the tray 100 is assembled by folding the blank B100, and thus compared with producing a tray by means of plastic molding or pulp molding that requires making a mold, the development lead time, production lead time, and production cost can be reduced. It should be noted that the material of the blank according to the present disclosure is not limited to paper. It is sufficient to form the blank by means of a bendable sheet material, and the blank can be formed of, for example, a plastic material or an aluminum material.

[0082] As Figure 9 shown, the blank B100 includes: a square base panel P10 and spacer panels P1, P2, P3, P4 connected to each edge of the base panel P10.

[0083] As Figure 4 shown, the base panel P10 is the panel constituting the front wall S1 of the tray 100. As Figure 9 shown, the base panel P10 includes: a first edge P10a and a second edge P10b extending in a first direction (up / down direction); and a third edge P10c and a fourth edge P10d extending in a second direction (left / right direction). The first edge P10a and the second edge P10b are in a relationship of opposite sides, where the first edge P10a constitutes the left side of the base panel P10, and the second edge P10b constitutes the right side of the base panel P10. The third edge P10c and the fourth edge P10d are in a relationship of opposite sides, where the third edge P10c constitutes the lower side of the base panel P10, and the fourth edge P10d constitutes the upper side of the base panel P10. The opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the base panel P10.

[0084] The spacer panels P1, P2, P3, and P4 are folded to form the buffer frame body 20. The first spacer panel P1 is connected to the first edge P10a of the base panel P10 and folded to form the first buffer frame portion 11. The second spacer panel P2 is connected to the second edge P10b of the base panel P10 and folded to form the second buffer frame portion 12. The third spacer panel P3 is connected to the third edge P10c of the base panel P10 and folded to form the third buffer frame portion 13. The fourth spacer panel P4 is connected to the fourth edge P10d of the base panel P10 and folded to form the fourth buffer frame portion 14.

[0085] As Figure 9 shown, the first spacer panel P1 includes a plurality of panels P11 to P14 successively connected in the second direction by folding lines. Specifically, the first spacer panel P1 includes: an outer tube wall panel P11 connected to the base panel P10; a lid side tube wall panel P12 connected to the outer tube wall panel P11; an inner tube wall panel P13 connected to the lid side tube wall panel P12; and a base side tube wall panel P14 connected to the inner tube wall panel P13. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P11, the lid side tube wall panel P12, the inner tube wall panel P13, and the base side tube wall panel P14 are connected by folding lines. The first spacer panel P1 is folded at the folding line boundary to form the tubular first buffer frame portion 11. An insertion slit SL1 extending in the first direction is formed at the folding line connecting the outer tube wall panel P11 and the lid side tube wall panel P12. As Figure 4 shown, the outer tube wall panel P11 is folded to stand upright with respect to the base panel P10 and thus constitutes the left side wall S3 of the tray 100. The lid side tube wall panel P12 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P13 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P11. The base side tube wall panel P14 is folded to face the lid side tube wall panel P12 and placed on the base panel P10.

[0086] As Figure 9As shown, the second spacer panel P2 includes a plurality of panels P21 to P24 successively connected in the second direction by fold lines. Specifically, the second spacer panel P2 includes: an outer tube wall panel P21 connected to the base panel P10; a lid side tube wall panel P22 connected to the outer tube wall panel P21; an inner tube wall panel P23 connected to the lid side tube wall panel P22; and a base side tube wall panel P24 connected to the inner tube wall panel P23. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P21, the lid side tube wall panel P22, the inner tube wall panel P23, and the base side tube wall panel P24 are connected by fold lines. The second spacer panel P2 is folded at the fold line boundaries to form a tubular second buffer frame portion 12. An insertion slit SL2 extending in the first direction is formed at the fold line connecting the outer tube wall panel P21 and the lid side tube wall panel P22. As Figure 4 shown, the outer tube wall panel P21 is folded to stand upright relative to the base panel P10 and thus constitutes the right side wall S4 of the tray 100. The lid side tube wall panel P22 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P23 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P21. The base side tube wall panel P24 is folded to face the lid side tube wall panel P22 and is placed on the base panel P10.

[0087] As Figure 9 shown, the third spacer panel P3 includes a plurality of panels P31 to P34 successively connected in the first direction by fold lines. Specifically, the third spacer panel P3 includes: an outer tube wall panel P31 connected to the base panel P10; a lid side tube wall panel P32 connected to the outer tube wall panel P31; an inner tube wall panel P33 connected to the lid side tube wall panel P32; and a base side tube wall panel P34 connected to the inner tube wall panel P33. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P31, the lid side tube wall panel P32, the inner tube wall panel P33, and the base side tube wall panel P34 are connected by fold lines. The third spacer panel P3 is folded at the fold line boundaries to form a tubular third buffer frame portion 13. An insertion slit SL3 extending in the second direction is formed at the fold line connecting the outer tube wall panel P31 and the lid side tube wall panel P32. As Figure 5 shown, the outer tube wall panel P31 is folded to stand upright relative to the base panel P10 and thus constitutes the lower side wall S5 of the tray 100. The lid side tube wall panel P32 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P33 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P31. The base side tube wall panel P34 is folded to face the lid side tube wall panel P32 and is placed on the base panel P10.

[0088] As Figure 9As shown, the fourth spacer panel P4 includes a plurality of panels P41 to P43 successively connected in the first direction by folding lines. Specifically, the fourth spacer panel P4 includes: a base-side groove wall panel P41 connected to the base panel P10; a groove bottom wall panel P42 connected to the base-side groove wall panel P41; and a lid-side groove wall panel P43 connected to the groove bottom wall panel P42. The base panel P10, the base-side groove wall panel P41, the groove bottom wall panel P42, and the lid-side groove wall panel P43 are connected by folding lines. The fourth spacer panel P4 is folded at the folding line boundaries, thereby forming the recessed fourth buffer frame portion 14. As Figure 5 shown, the base-side groove wall panel P41 is folded so as to overlap the base panel P10. The groove bottom wall panel P42 is folded so as to stand upright relative to the base panel P10, and thus constitutes the upper wall S6 of the tray 100. The lid-side groove wall panel P43 is folded so as to face the base-side groove wall panel P41.

[0089] As Figure 9 shown, the blank B100 further includes a square covering panel P5, which is adjacent to the fourth spacer panel P4 in the first direction and is connected to the lid-side groove wall panel P43 of the fourth spacer panel P4 by a folding line. The covering panel P5 is the panel that constitutes the rear wall S2 of the tray 100. As Figure 9 shown, the outer shape of the covering panel P5 is substantially the same as the outer shape of the first spacer panel P1. Insertion tabs EP1 and EP2 are respectively provided on two side edges of the covering panel P5 in the second direction. In addition, an insertion tab EP3 is provided on the end of the covering panel P5 in the first direction. As Figure 5 shown, the covering panel P5 is folded so as to face the base panel P10, and thus constitutes the rear wall S2 of the tray 100. As Figure 4 shown, the insertion tab EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first spacer panel P1, and the insertion tab EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second spacer panel P2. In addition, as Figure 5 shown, the insertion tab EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third spacer panel P3. In this way, the covering panel P5 is fixed to the buffer frame body 20, and the shape of the tray is maintained. By using the engagement of the insertion tabs and the insertion slits, the shape of the tray 100 can be maintained without using tape for adhesion or bonding.

[0090] As Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the recess 10 is defined by the inner tube wall panel P13 of the first spacer panel P1, the inner tube wall panel P23 of the second spacer panel P2, the inner tube wall panel P33 of the third spacer panel P3, the groove bottom wall panel P42 of the fourth spacer panel P4, and the cover panel P5. It should be noted that the opening 101 of the recess 10 can be formed in the cover panel P5 constituting the rear wall S2 in the same manner, rather than in the base panel P10 constituting the front wall S1 of the tray 100. The opening 101 of the recess 10 should be formed in either the base panel P10 or the cover panel P5.

[0091] [Assembly process]

[0092] Figure 10 and Figure 11 are schematic views showing the assembly process of the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. The assembly process of the tray 100 will be described below with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 . First, as shown in Figure 10 (A), the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the fourth spacer panel P4 are folded relative to the base panel P10 such that the first surface S10 of the blank B100 faces outward, thereby forming the first buffer frame portion 11, the second buffer frame portion 12, the third buffer frame portion 13, and the fourth buffer frame portion 14, as shown in Figure 10 (B). As shown in Figure 10 (B), then the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted at the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame portion 11, and the right end portion 132 is inserted at the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame portion 12. In addition, the left end portion 141 of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is inserted at the upper end portion 112 of the first buffer frame portion 11, and the right end portion 142 is inserted at the upper end portion 122 of the second buffer frame portion 12. Thus, a frame-shaped buffer frame body 20 is formed, as shown in Figure 11 (A). As shown in Figure 11As shown in (B), the covering panel P5 is then folded relative to the fourth spacer panel P4 such that the covering panel P5 lies on the buffer frame body 20. The insertion tab EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first spacer panel P1, the insertion tab EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second spacer panel P2, and the insertion tab EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third spacer panel P3, thereby fixing the covering panel P5 to the buffer frame body 20. The tray 100 is assembled in this way. The tray 100 can be simply assembled in the above-described manner by folding the blank B100 without using tape for adhesion or bonding. Further, the outer surfaces (front, rear, left side, right side, bottom, top) of the tray 100 are formed by the first surface S10 of the blank B100. That is, the outer surface of the tray 100 is formed by only one surface of the blank B100. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the tray 100 can be simply improved by decorating one surface (in this example, the first surface S10) of the blank B100 by printing or the like, and this is also advantageous from the perspective of cost.

[0093] [Packaging]

[0094] Figure 12 is an exploded view of a packaging 1000 which is an example of a packaging box incorporating the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. As Figure 12 shown, the packaging 1000 according to Embodiment 1 is a box for packaging an inhaler 500 and includes a tray 100, a front-side tray 200, a box bottom 300, and a box lid 400. The front-side tray 200 accommodates substantially the front half of the inhaler 500 from the opposite side (i.e., the front side) of the tray 100. Figure 13 is a rear view of the front-side tray 200 according to Embodiment 1. As Figure 13 shown, the front-side tray 200 is different from the tray 100 in that a recess 10 opens in its rear wall S2 so as to be able to accommodate the inhaler 500 from the front side, but the front-side tray 200 is otherwise largely the same as the tray 100. As Figure 12 shown, the packaging 1000 sandwiches the inhaler 500 between the tray 100 and the front-side tray 200 from the front and rear, and this assembly is then accommodated in the box bottom 300 and further covered by the box lid 400, thereby packaging the inhaler 500. In the packaging 1000, the rear half of the inhaler 500 is accommodated in the tray 100 and the front half of the inhaler 500 is accommodated in the front-side tray 200. The entire inhaler 500 is accommodated in the tray 100 and the front-side tray 200, whereby the inhaler 500 is appropriately protected from impacts and vibrations.

[0095] [Functions and effects]

[0096] As described above, the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1 is formed by folding a blank B100 and includes: a recess 10 capable of accommodating an inhaler 500; a hollow buffer frame body 20 surrounding the recess 10; and a buffer space formed inside the buffer frame body 20. Then, the buffer frame body 20 is formed to cooperate with and hold the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10. By means of such a tray 100, the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10 is surrounded by a frame-shaped buffer space 30, and thus the inhaler 500 can be appropriately protected from impacts and vibrations. In addition, the tray 100 is configured to cooperate with and hold the inhaler 500 by means of the buffer frame body 20, and thus the inhaler 500 can be firmly clamped even when it has a shape with a bent portion and / or a streamlined portion. In addition, the tray 100 includes a hollow buffer frame body 20, so that even if cardboard instead of a material with a large basis weight (such as corrugated fiberboard) is used as the blank B100, the strength of the tray 100 can be ensured. In addition, the amount of the blank used for the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1 is less than the amount of the blank used for the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2 to be described below, to the extent that the tray 100 does not have a bottom surface buffer body 40 (see Figure 14 etc.), and thus the tray 100 is superior to the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2 from the environmental and cost perspectives.

[0097] In addition, the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed to follow the outer shape of the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10. Therefore, when the inhaler 500 is accommodated in the recess 10, the gap formed between the inhaler 500 and the buffer frame body 20 can be covered, and the appearance can be improved. In addition, the opening of the recess 10 has a shape following the outer shape of the inhaler 500, so that the inhaler 500 can be clamped by the opening edge of the recess 10. This allows the inhaler 500 to be held more firmly.

[0098] In addition, the buffer frame body 20 is formed by means of a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions 1, and the plurality of hollow buffer frame portions include: a first buffer frame portion 11 and a second buffer frame portion 12 extending in a first direction (up / down direction); and a third buffer frame portion 13 and a fourth buffer frame portion 14 extending in a second direction (left / right direction) orthogonal to the first direction. Therefore, the inhaler 500 accommodated in the recess 10 can be surrounded by the buffer space 30 from four sides, and thus the inhaler 500 can be more appropriately protected.

[0099] In addition, both ends of each of the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are inclined such that the closer it is to the recess 10 in the second direction, the smaller its length in the first direction, and both ends of each of the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 are inclined such that the closer it is to the recess 10 in the first direction, the smaller its length in the second direction. Then, one end (left end 131) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted at one end (lower end 111) of the first buffer frame portion 11 so as to overlap with the one end, whereby the third buffer frame portion 13 and the first buffer frame portion 11 are connected. In addition, the other end (right end 132) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted at one end (lower end 121) of the second buffer frame portion 12 so as to overlap with the one end, whereby the third buffer frame portion 13 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are connected. In addition, one end (left end 141) of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is inserted at the other end (upper end 112) of the first buffer frame portion 11 so as to overlap with the other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and the first buffer frame portion 11 are connected. In addition, the other end (right end 142) of the fourth buffer frame portion 14 is inserted at the other end (upper end 122) of the second buffer frame portion 12 so as to overlap with the other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion 14 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are connected. In this way, the buffer frame portions 1 are connected by the overlapping ends, so that the strength of the tray 100 can be ensured.

[0100] In addition, in the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1, the pairs of buffer frame portions connected together of the buffer frame body 20 are configured such that: when θ1 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame portion that receives the end on the mating side with respect to the first direction, and when θ2 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame portion inserted at the end on the mating side with respect to the second direction, then θ1 and θ2 are set such that: 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°], 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], and 90[°] < θ1 + θ2. This makes it possible to ensure the strength of the tray 100 and facilitates assembly.

[0101] In addition, both ends of each of the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are linearly inclined, and both ends of each of the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 are bent in an arc shape so as to expand outward. Therefore, the overlapping area between the ends of the pairs of buffer frame portions connected together can be increased, and the strength of the tray can be further increased. In addition, by forming the ends of the buffer frame portion 1 in an arc shape, these ends can be more easily inserted at the ends on the mating side.

[0102] Further, in the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1, the inhaler 500 is sandwiched by a pair of buffer frame portions 1, 1 facing each other among the plurality of buffer frame portions 1, and the pair of buffer frame portions 1, 1 facing each other are configured such that a gap therebetween narrows from one side toward the other side in an extending direction of the pair of buffer frame portions 1, 1. In this way, the inhaler 500 can be firmly sandwiched by the pair of buffer frame portions 1, 1 facing each other, and the inhaler 500 can be stably held.

[0103] In addition, the blank B100 according to Embodiment 1 includes: a square base panel P10 having a first edge P10a and a second edge P10b extending in a first direction, and a third edge P10c and a fourth edge P10d extending in a second direction; and spacer panels P1, P2, P3, P4 connected to the edges of the base panel P10. Then, the spacer panels P1, P2, P3, P4 are folded to form the buffer frame body 20. By using such a blank B100, the tray 100 can be formed from a single blank.

[0104] More specifically, the blank B100 according to Embodiment 1 includes: a first spacer panel P1 connected to the first edge P10a of the base panel P10; a second spacer panel P2 connected to the second edge P10b; a third spacer panel P3 connected to the third edge P10c; a fourth spacer panel P4 connected to the fourth edge P10d; and a cover panel P5 connected to the fourth spacer panel P4. Then, the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, and the third spacer panel P3 each include: outer tube wall panels P11, P21, P31 that are connected to the base panel P10 and folded so as to stand upright with respect to the base panel P10; cover side tube wall panels P12, P22, P32 that are connected to the outer tube wall panels P11, P21, P31 and folded so as to face the base panel P10; inner tube wall panels P13, P23, P33 that are connected to the cover side tube wall panels P12, P22, P32 and folded so as to face the outer tube wall panels P11, P21, P31; and base side tube wall panels P14, P24, P34 that are connected to the inner tube wall panels P13, P23, P33 and folded so as to face the cover side tube wall panels P12, P22, P32 and are located on the base panel P10, and tubular buffer frame portions 11, 12, 13 are formed by folding the above panels. In addition, the fourth spacer panel P4 includes: a base side groove wall panel P41 that is folded so as to be located on the base panel P10; a groove bottom wall panel P42 that is connected to the base side groove wall panel P41 and folded so as to stand upright with respect to the base panel P10; and a cover side groove wall panel P43 that is connected to the groove bottom wall panel P42 and folded so as to face the base side groove wall panel P41, and a recessed buffer frame portion 14 is formed by folding the above panels. The cover panel P5 is folded so as to face the base panel P10. Then, an opening portion 101 of the recess 10 is formed in either the base panel P10 or the cover panel P5. By using such a blank B100, the buffer frame body 20 can be formed into a frame shape.

[0105] <Embodiment 2>

[0106] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray 100A according to Embodiment 2 (hereinafter referred to as "tray 100A") will be described below. The description of Embodiment 2 will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1, and components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be assigned the same reference numerals to avoid detailed description thereof.

[0107] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2. In addition, Figure 15 is Figure 14 a view of the cross-section C-C in Figure 15Shows a cross-section orthogonal to the first direction (up / down direction). In addition, Figure 16 is Figure 14 a view of the D-D cross-section in Figure 16 Shows a cross-section orthogonal to the second direction (left / right direction).

[0108] As Figures 14 to 16 shown, the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2 is different from the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1 in that the tray 100A includes a bottom surface buffer body 40. The bottom surface buffer body 40 forms a buffer space 50 at the bottom of the recess 10. More specifically, the bottom surface buffer body 40 constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 10 and also forms a buffer space 50 with the rear wall S2 (covering panel P5) of the tray 100A.

[0109] Figure 17 is a plan view of a blank B100A for forming the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2. As Figure 17 shown, the blank B100A according to Embodiment 2 is different from the blank B100 according to Embodiment 1 in that the blank B100A includes a fifth spacer panel P6 connected to the covering panel P5. The fifth spacer panel P6 is a panel that constitutes the bottom surface buffer body 40 of the tray 100A, is adjacent to the covering panel P5 in the first direction, and is connected to the covering panel P5 by a fold line. In addition, the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the base panel P10 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1.

[0110] As Figure 17 shown, the fifth spacer panel P6 includes a plurality of panels P61 to P66. The panels P61 to P64 are successively connected by fold lines in the first direction. The panels P65, P66 are connected to two side edges of the panel P63 in the second direction. In addition, an insertion tab EP4 is provided at an end of the fifth spacer panel P6 in the first direction.

[0111] An insertion slit SL4 extending in the second direction is formed at the fold line connecting the groove bottom wall panel P42 and the lid-side groove wall panel P43 of the fourth spacer panel P4. In addition, in the blank B100A, the insertion tab EP3 is formed by a part of the panel P61.

[0112] It should be noted that the fifth spacer panel P6 does not have to be connected to the covering panel P5, and the fifth spacer panel P6 can equally be connected to any one of the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the covering panel P5.

[0113] As Figure 15 and Figure 16As shown, the fifth partition panel P6 is folded so as to face the covering panel P5 and thus form the bottom surface of the recess 10, while also forming a buffer space 50 with the covering panel P5. Specifically, as Figure 16 shown, the panel P61 is folded so as to be inserted between the covering panel P5 and the lid-side pipe wall panel P32 of the third partition panel P3. The panel P62 is folded so as to stand upright with respect to the covering panel P5 along the inner pipe wall panel P33 of the third partition panel P3. The panel P63 is folded so as to face the covering panel P5 at a certain interval from the covering panel P5. The panel P64 is folded so as to stand upright with respect to the covering panel P5 along the groove bottom wall panel P42 of the fourth partition panel P4. In addition, as Figure 15 shown, the panel P65 is folded so as to stand upright with respect to the covering panel P5 along the inner pipe wall panel P13 of the first partition panel P1. The panel P66 is folded so as to stand upright with respect to the covering panel P5 along the inner pipe wall panel P23 of the second partition panel P2.

[0114] As Figure 15 and Figure 16 shown, the bottom surface of the recess 10 is formed by the panel P63. In addition, since the panel P63 is formed at a certain interval from the covering panel P5, the buffer space 50 is formed. In addition, as Figure 16 shown, the insertion tab EP4 is inserted into the insertion slit SL4 of the fourth partition panel P4. In this way, the fifth partition panel P6 is fixed to the buffer frame body 20.

[0115] Figure 18 is a schematic diagram showing the steps in the assembly process of the tray 100A according to Embodiment 2. As Figure 18 shown, in a state where the buffer frame body 20 has been formed by folding the partition panels P1 to P4, the covering panel P5 is folded with respect to the fourth partition panel P4 so that the covering panel P5 is located on the buffer frame body 20, and the insertion tab EP4 is inserted into the insertion slit SL4 while folding the fifth partition panel P6, thereby forming the bottom surface buffer body 40. Then the insertion tab EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first partition panel P1, the insertion tab EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second partition panel P2, and the insertion tab EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third partition panel P3, thereby fixing the covering panel P5 to the buffer frame body 20. The tray 100A is assembled in this way.

[0116] [Function and Effect]

[0117] The tray 100A according to Example 2 also enables the same functions and effects as the tray 100 according to Example 1 to be achieved. That is, by means of the tray 100A, the inhaler 500 is surrounded by the frame-shaped buffer space 30, and thus the inhaler 500 can be appropriately protected from impacts and vibrations.

[0118] The tray 100A according to Example 2 further includes a bottom surface buffer body 40 that forms a buffer space 50 on the bottom of the recess 10. Therefore, the inhaler 500 is not only protected by the buffer space 30 from the side of the recess 10, but the inhaler 500 can also be protected by the buffer space 50 from the bottom of the recess 10. Therefore, the inhaler 500 can be more appropriately protected from impacts and vibrations.

[0119] In addition, the blank B100A according to Example 2 includes a fifth spacer panel P6 connected to any one of the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the cover panel P5, and the fifth spacer panel P6 is folded so as to face the cover panel P5, and thus constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 10, while also forming the buffer space 50 with the cover panel P5. By using such a blank B100A, the tray 100A can be formed from a single blank. It should be noted that in Example 2, in addition to the outer surfaces (front, rear, left side, right side, bottom, top) of the tray 100, the bottom surface of the recess 10 is also formed by the first surface S10 of the blank B100A. That is, the outer surfaces of the tray 100 and the bottom surface of the recess 10 are formed by only one surface of the blank B100A. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the tray 100A can be improved simply by decorating one surface (in this example, the first surface S10) of the blank B100A by printing or the like, and this is also advantageous from the perspective of cost. In addition, when only the first surface S10 is used as the decorative surface, the bottom surface of the recess 10 also constitutes the decorative surface in the tray 100A according to Example 2, thus achieving a better aesthetic effect than the tray 100 according to Example 1.

[0120] In addition, a package such as Figure 11 shown can also be constructed by using the tray 100A according to Example 2. That is, the tray 100A can be used to replace Figure 11 the tray 100 or the front-side tray 200 in the package 1000 shown.

[0121] <Strength Test>

[0122] Subject the package using the tray to a drop test to confirm the strength of the tray according to the embodiment. Use the package 1000 according to Embodiment 1 as the package subjected to the drop test, and use the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1 as the tray. In the drop test, when the package is dropped from a height of 1 [m] onto a concrete floor, confirm the presence or absence of deformation of the tray. The surfaces that are vertically downwardly oriented when the package is dropped (i.e., the surfaces that strike the ground; hereinafter referred to as the drop surfaces) are the lower surface, the upper surface, the right side surface, and the left side surface of the package. In addition, a comparison is made for the cases where the basis weight of the blank constituting the tray material is 350 [gsm] and 400 [gsm]. Figure 19 is a table showing the results of the drop test. In Figure 19 the table of, "O" indicates that the tray has no obvious deformation in the drop test, and "Δ" indicates that the deformation is obvious. As Figure 19 shown, when the basis weight of the blank is 350 [gsm], the deformation of the tray is obvious when the drop surface is the upper surface (when the package is dropped from the upper surface) and the lower surface, while there is no obvious deformation when the drop surfaces are the right side surface and the left side surface. In addition, when the basis weight of the blank is 400 [gsm], there is no obvious deformation for any of the upper surface, the lower surface, the right side surface, and the left side surface as the drop surface.

[0123] <Other>

[0124] The preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described above, but suitable modifications can be added to these embodiments without departing from the main purpose of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0125] The following supplements can also be given regarding the above embodiments.

[0126] (Supplement 1)

[0127] A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray formed by folding a blank and comprising:

[0128] a recess capable of accommodating the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler;

[0129] a hollow buffer frame body surrounding the recess; and

[0130] a buffer space formed inside the buffer frame body,

[0131] wherein the buffer frame body is formed to cooperate with and hold the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0132] (Supplement 2)

[0133] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray disclosed in Supplement 1, wherein the opening of the recess is formed to follow the outer shape of the heated but not burned flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0134] (Supplement 3)

[0135] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray disclosed in Supplement 1 or 2, further comprising a bottom buffer body that forms a buffer space on the bottom of the recess.

[0136] (Supplement 4)

[0137] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray disclosed in any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the buffer frame body is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame parts, and the plurality of hollow buffer frame parts include: a first buffer frame part and a second buffer frame part extending in a first direction; and a third buffer frame part and a fourth buffer frame part extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0138] (Supplement 5)

[0139] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray disclosed in Supplement 4, wherein both ends of each of the first buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part are inclined such that the length in the first direction becomes smaller as it gets closer to the recess in the second direction;

[0140] Both ends of each of the third buffer frame part and the fourth buffer frame part are inclined such that the length in the second direction becomes smaller as it gets closer to the recess in the first direction;

[0141] Insert one end of the third buffer frame part at one end of the first buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame part and the first buffer frame part are connected;

[0142] Insert the other end of the third buffer frame part at one end of the second buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part are connected;

[0143] Insert one end of the fourth buffer frame part at the other end of the first buffer frame part so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame part and the first buffer frame part are connected; and

[0144] Insert the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion at the other end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are joined together.

[0145] (Supplement 6)

[0146] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in Supplement 5, wherein the pairs of buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body joined together are configured such that: when θ1 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame portion that receives the paired side end relative to the first direction, and when θ2 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame portion inserted at the paired side end relative to the second direction, then:

[0147] 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°],

[0148] 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], and

[0149] 90[°] < θ1 + θ2.

[0150] (Supplement 7)

[0151] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in Supplement 5 or 6, wherein the two ends of each of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are linearly inclined, and

[0152] The two ends of each of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are bent into an arc shape so as to expand outwards.

[0153] (Supplement 8)

[0154] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in Supplement 4, wherein the heated but not burned flavor inhaler is clamped by the pairs of buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body facing each other, and

[0155] A pair of buffer frame portions facing each other are configured such that the gap therebetween narrows from one side towards the other side in the extending direction of the pair of buffer frame portions.

[0156] (Supplement 9)

[0157] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in any one of Supplements 1 to 8, wherein the basis weight of the blank is 400 [gsm] or greater.

[0158] (Supplement 10)

[0159] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in any one of Supplements 1 to 9, wherein the blank includes: a square base panel having a first edge and a second edge extending in a first direction, and a third edge and a fourth edge extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and spacer panels connected to the edges of the base panel; and

[0160] The buffer frame body is formed by folding these spacer panels.

[0161] (Supplement 11)

[0162] A heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray as disclosed in Supplement 10, wherein the buffer frame body is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame parts;

[0163] The blank includes: a first spacer panel connected to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel connected to the second edge, a third spacer panel connected to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel connected to the fourth edge, and a cover panel connected to the fourth spacer panel;

[0164] Each of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel includes: an outer tube wall panel connected to the base panel and folded to be upright relative to the base panel; a cover side tube wall panel connected to the outer tube wall panel and folded to face the base panel; an inner tube wall panel connected to the cover side tube wall panel and folded to face the outer tube wall panel; and a base side tube wall panel connected to the inner tube wall panel and folded to face the cover side tube wall panel and located on the base panel, and a tubular buffer frame part is formed by folding the above panels;

[0165] The fourth spacer panel includes: a base side groove wall panel folded to be located on the base panel; a groove bottom wall panel connected to the base side groove wall panel and folded to be upright relative to the base panel; and a cover side groove wall panel connected to the groove bottom wall panel and folded to face the base side groove wall panel, and a recessed buffer frame part is formed by folding the above panels;

[0166] The cover panel is folded to face the base panel; and

[0167] The opening of the recess is formed in either the base panel or the cover panel.

[0168] (Supplement 12)

[0169] The heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray disclosed in Supplement 11, wherein the opening of the recess is formed in the base panel;

[0170] The blank further includes a fifth spacer panel, which is connected to any one of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the covering panel; and

[0171] The fifth spacer panel is folded to face the covering panel and thus form the bottom surface of the recess, while also forming a buffer space with the covering panel.

[0172] List of reference numerals

[0173] 1 ··········· Buffer frame part

[0174] 10 ··········· Recess

[0175] 20 ··········· Buffer frame body

[0176] 30 ··········· Buffer space

[0177] 100 ··········· Heated but not burned flavor inhaler tray

[0178] B100 ·········· Blank

Claims

1. A heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray formed by folding a blank and comprising: a recess capable of accommodating the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler; a hollow buffer frame body surrounding the recess; and a buffer space formed inside the buffer frame body, wherein the buffer frame body is formed to cooperate with and hold the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

2. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 1, wherein the opening of the recess is formed to follow the outer shape of the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

3. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a bottom buffer body that forms a buffer space on the bottom of the recess.

4. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the buffer frame body is formed by means of a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, the plurality of hollow buffer frame portions including: a first buffer frame portion and a second buffer frame portion extending in a first direction; and a third buffer frame portion and a fourth buffer frame portion extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

5. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 4, wherein both ends of each of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are inclined, such that the closer to the recess in the second direction, the smaller its length in the first direction; both ends of each of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are inclined, such that the closer to the recess in the first direction, the smaller its length in the second direction; insert one end of the third buffer frame portion at one end of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion are connected; insert the other end of the third buffer frame portion at one end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the said one end, whereby the third buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are connected; insert one end of the fourth buffer frame portion at the other end of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion are connected; and insert the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion at the other end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the said other end, whereby the fourth buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are connected.

6. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 5, wherein The pairs of buffer frame parts joined together of the buffer frame body are configured such that: when θ1 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame part that receives the end of the mating side with respect to the first direction, and when θ2 is the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame part inserted at the end of the mating side with respect to the second direction, then: 30[°] ≤ θ1 ≤ 60[°], 55[°] ≤ θ2 ≤ 85[°], and 90[°] < θ1 + θ2.

7. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, both ends of each of the first buffer frame part and the second buffer frame part are linearly inclined, and both ends of each of the third buffer frame part and the fourth buffer frame part are bent into an arc shape so as to expand outward.

8. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 4, wherein, the heat-not-burn flavor inhaler is clamped by pairs of buffer frame parts of the buffer frame body facing each other, and a pair of buffer frame parts facing each other are configured such that the gap therebetween narrows from one side to the other in the extending direction of the pair of buffer frame parts.

9. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, the basis weight of the blank is 400 [gsm] or greater.

10. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, the blank includes: a square base panel having a first edge and a second edge extending in a first direction, and a third edge and a fourth edge extending in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and spacer panels connected to the edges of the base panel; and the buffer frame body is formed by folding these spacer panels.

11. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 10, wherein, the buffer frame body is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame parts; the blank includes: a first spacer panel connected to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel connected to the second edge, a third spacer panel connected to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel connected to the fourth edge, and a cover panel connected to the fourth spacer panel; each of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel includes: an outer tube wall panel connected to the base panel and folded to be upright with respect to the base panel; a cover side tube wall panel connected to the outer tube wall panel and folded to face the base panel; an inner tube wall panel connected to the cover side tube wall panel and folded to face the outer tube wall panel; and a base side tube wall panel connected to the inner tube wall panel and folded to face the cover side tube wall panel and located on the base panel, and a tubular buffer frame part is formed by folding the above-mentioned panels; The fourth spacer panel includes: a base-side groove wall panel that is folded to be located on the base panel; a groove bottom wall panel that is connected to the base-side groove wall panel and folded to be upright relative to the base panel; and a lid-side groove wall panel that is connected to the groove bottom wall panel and folded to face the base-side groove wall panel, forming a recessed buffer frame portion by folding the above panels; The cover panel is folded to face the base panel; and An opening of the recess is formed in either the base panel or the cover panel.

12. The heat-not-burn flavor inhaler tray according to claim 11, wherein, The opening of the recess is formed in the base panel; The blank further includes a fifth spacer panel that is connected to any one of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the cover panel; and The fifth spacer panel is folded to face the cover panel and thus form the bottom surface of the recess, while also forming a buffer space with the cover panel.

Images