Ergonomic package flap system

Abstract

Carton for transport with reinforced carrying flap, characterized in that the flap is made of a tear-resistant woven or mixed material which is generously glued along the bending edges and side edges, the corners being formed with radii to prevent tearing.

Description

1. Background

[0001] Many packages in the postal, courier, and shipping sectors are heavy or unwieldy. Carrying them over long distances or up and down stairs can lead to back and joint strain for both staff and private customers. Standard parcel boxes lack handles or handholds, making ergonomic carrying difficult. While moving boxes do have elongated handholds that need to be punched out, they serve only as a comparison, not as the intended product. 2. Objectives

[0002] Development of a universal tab system that: - Allows for ergonomic carrying of packages (especially from 10 kg). - Protects and keeps content inaccessible. - Fast handling allowed (approx. 3 seconds). - Offers back protection and health protection for both staff and private users. - Environmentally friendly (reinforcement made from natural materials such as jute or linen). 3. Construction 3.1 Basic principle - Large fold-out flap on two opposite sides of the package. - The flap is perforated on three sides; the upper side remains as a flexible joint. - A small access tab is integrated into the large tab, allowing handling without direct access to the cardboard box. 3.2 Reinforcement and assembly - Large flap completely covered with jute or linen. - Generous bonding at the bending edge upwards and downwards as well as laterally along the perforations, cut or separated, to allow the flap to unfold easily. - The positioning of the tab ensures that the main forces during lifting do not act directly on the bending edges at the bottom, thus keeping the tab stable. Reinforcement applies to all packages, regardless of weight. 3.3 Privacy screen Reinforcement material ensures that the package contents are not visible or accessible despite the flap being unfolded. 3.4 Inner cover - A continuous cover is attached to the inside of the box, protecting the package contents from access. - This cover simultaneously increases the stability of the tab, as it distributes the forces when pulling out and lifting. - The cover is not cut or perforated to ensure maximum stability. 3.5 Operation 1. Release the large tab over the small strip to unfold. 2. Unfold the small access flap. 3. Grab and carry the package - all in about 3 seconds. 3.6 Weight classes - Up to 10 kg: ergonomic carrying alone. - 10-31.5 kg: Main application range, reduces back strain. - Very large or heavy packages: Reinforce the strap material; carrying by two people is possible. 3.7 Notes on cardboard stability - The tab system holds securely; the forces act on the cardboard sides and bending edges. - With lightweight recycled material, the cardboard may deform or tear, which must be accepted since cardboard boxes are disposable or packaging material anyway. - Users should be informed that the boxes may be damaged after lifting. 3.8 Alternative Packaging - Not all packages are shipped in cardboard boxes (e.g., paper or polybags). - The flap system is specifically designed for cardboard boxes; other packaging does not require flaps. - The system complements existing packaging, but does not replace it. 4. Advantages - Ergonomic carrying: Protects the back and joints for staff and private customers. - Universal: same flaps for all boxes, material reinforcement scaled according to weight. - Quick & easy: Operation takes just a few seconds. - Environmentally friendly: natural, recyclable materials. - Safe: Contents remain protected, flaps are robust and tear-proof. 5. Comparison to moving boxes - Moving boxes have elongated access holes that usually need to be broken out. - These serve as inspiration, but do not replace the need for a universal flap solution for parcel boxes without handles.

Claims

[1] Carton with reinforced carrying handle, characterized by that the flap is made of a tear-resistant fabric or mixed material, which is generously glued along the bending edges and side edges, with the corners formed with radii to prevent tearing. [2] Transport carton according to claim 1, characterized by that the flap is attached in such a way that the bending edge is located at the lower edge position instead of the upper edge position, thereby directing the tensile forces outwards away from the cardboard surface. [3] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that instead of a small fold-out flap, two holes are provided in the large flap, which serve as ergonomic openings and enable a stable carrying position. [4] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fabric or mixed material consists of a natural or synthetic tape material, in particular jute, linen, fiberglass or woven tape, which can withstand high tensile forces. [5] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fabric strip is glued to the side edges and beyond the bending edge, with separation cuts provided at the perforation lines, which, however, do not completely cut through the material. [6] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the flap positioning is rotated by 180 degrees, thereby reducing the stress on the corners and improving the structural strength of the cardboard. [7] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an inner cover is provided which completely conceals the contents of the box, so that no direct access to the contents is possible when carrying it. [8] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that an internal, non-tearable strap is led out from the bottom or side walls, thus enabling the carton to be carried without external flaps. [9] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the corners of the cardboard wall are additionally reinforced, for example by glued-on reinforcing strips made of identical or fiber-reinforced material. [10] Transport carton according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a double inner wall is provided, extending over the entire inner dimension of the side wall and further increasing the load-bearing capacity of the cardboard box.