Blanks configured to be assembled into packages and packages formed from such blanks

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a blank (1) configured to form a package (2), and to such a package (2), wherein the blank (1) is configured to be folded flat and into a box-like configuration, the blank having at least four main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) arranged one after the other along a longitudinal direction (L) and foldably connected along transversely extending major fold lines (MF) when viewed in a flat state, attachment tabs (A45), and one or more pieces or portions of a liner (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide the package with additional properties such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance. The two main panels (A20, A40) comprise a piece or portion of liner (23, 43) on each main panel (A20, A40) configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into a package, and each of the two main panels is provided with at least two laterally extending internal fold lines (IF) that enable the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby enabling the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat-folded state, the internal fold lines (IF) being distinct from the main fold lines (MF), and the internal fold lines (IF) being separated from each other along the longitudinal direction (L) by a distance corresponding to approximately twice the material thickness of the piece or portion of liner (23, 43) on each main panel (A20, A40).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to blanks configured to be erected into lined packages. The present invention also relates to packages formed by assembling the blanks to form said packages. [Background technology]

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

[0003] To insulate and / or protect the contents of the package, the packages may be provided with a lining that has a desired function after they are assembled.

[0004] However, applying a lining to a package after it has been assembled is tedious. It is time-consuming and inefficient for a user to assemble a package and then apply a lining to it at the time of use. Furthermore, this involves storing the blank and lining separately until the time of use, which takes up an unnecessary amount of space and requires additional logistics management.

[0005] On the other hand, providing a package that already has a lining when the package is in blank format presents difficulties in terms of the freedom of package design, the possibility of transporting the blank in a flat lay, the possibility of providing a continuous lining, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution that addresses at least some of the design criteria that a package should make efficient use of materials, be easy to transport to the point of use, be easy to prepare for use, and be mechanically stable. It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a package that can be provided with thermal insulation. It is even a particular object of the present invention to provide a package that can provide mechanical protection for its contents.

[0007] This object is achieved by a blank configured to form a package, the package being configured to be folded flat and to be folded into a box-like configuration, the blank having, when viewed in a flat position: at least four main panels arranged in series along a longitudinal direction of the blank when viewed flat, the at least four main panels being foldably connected along transversely extending major fold lines and configured to form respective side walls of the package; an attachment tab foldably connected to one main panel at the first outer laterally extending edge of the blank and configured to be attached to the opposing main panel such that the main panel forms a main panel interconnecting loop when the blank is folded into a package; 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 of the liner being positioned on the inner surface of each main panel such that, when the blank is viewed flat, longitudinal and transversely extending gaps or grooves are formed between adjacent pieces or portions of the liner along their respective transversely extending major fold lines to allow the blank to be folded into the package; a set of one or more bottom panels configured to form the bottom of the package; Including, two main panels configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into the package each having at least two laterally extending internal fold lines that allow the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby allowing the main panel loops to be folded into said flat folded state; The internal fold line is distinct from the main fold line, and The internal fold lines are separated from one another longitudinally by a distance such that when each main panel is folded in half about the internal fold line, the opposing inner surfaces of each main panel are separated from one another by a distance of 50% to 150%, preferably 80% to 120%, of the nominal bifold material thickness of the piece or portion of the liner on each bifolded main panel.

[0008] The provision of at least two internal fold lines in the two main panels, combined with a defined separation between the internal fold lines and relative to the main fold line, provides a solution to the problem of providing a blank onto which a liner can be provided that can be designed universally and still be folded into a flat-folded state, thereby allowing the flat-folded blanks to be stacked on top of each other to facilitate their transportation and to provide blanks ready for assembly into a package in an efficient manner at the time of use.

[0009] The internal fold lines are separated longitudinally by a distance such that, when each main panel is folded in half about the internal fold line, the opposing inner surfaces of the respective main panels are separated by 50% to 150%, preferably 80% to 120%, of the nominal bifold material thickness of the liner piece or portion on the respective bifolded main panel. This allows two main panels having transversely extending internal fold lines to be folded such that, when viewed in a folded-flat state, the associated pieces of liner material can be folded such that their two major portions form opposing portions. By separating the internal fold lines by approximately twice the material thickness of the pieces of liner material, the two opposing major portions of the associated pieces of liner material can abut against each other without deformation of the major components of the pieces of liner material. However, it may be useful to slightly compress the liner material, for example, during shipping, to reduce size and / or to provide a counterforce against clamping straps or the like that generate a clamping force to hold the folded-flat package in place on a pallet or the like. Similarly, it may be useful to slightly tilt the small intermediate panels formed between the internal fold lines. This is achieved by separating the internal fold lines so that the opposing inner surfaces end at a distance slightly greater than the nominal total material thickness of the initially folded liner material. Such a design is useful, for example, when one of the internal fold lines is located near a particular feature, such as an opening or a locking tab, where it is desirable to minimize compression strain. By slightly increasing the distance between the inner surfaces, the intermediate panel tilts in one direction during shipping of the flat-folded package, resulting in one intermediate fold forming an acute angle and the other forming an obtuse angle where the material is not compressed to the same extent. It is believed that a suitable balance between the different scenarios described above is achieved when the distance between the opposing inner surfaces formed by folding each main panel in half is 50% to 150% of the nominal double-fold material thickness, preferably 80% to 120%, i.e., 50% to 150% of twice the material thickness of the liner material.Thus, the blank may be substantially flat when viewed in a folded flat state, which is advantageous as it allows several flat folded blanks to be stacked efficiently and reliably, optimizing storage space requirements.

[0010] Separating the internal fold lines from the major fold lines facilitates providing a package with distinct folded corners formed by the major fold lines when the blank is assembled into a box-like configuration, because the major fold lines remain unaffected when the blank is folded flat. The distance between a major fold line and an adjacent internal fold line is preferably at least one, and preferably at least two, times the material thickness of the liner piece on the main panel to which said liner is attached. Providing sufficient distance between a major fold line and an adjacent internal fold line facilitates folding the major fold line about an internal fold line without affecting the major fold line.

[0011] The term "laid flat" refers to the state of the blank when it is laid along a single plane.

[0012] The term "flat-folded" refers to a folded state of the blank that is intermediate between the state in which the blank is laid flat and the blank's assembled or box-shaped state. The main panels of the blank are in the "flat-folded" state, interconnected using attachment tabs. This configuration, with the main panels interconnected, can be considered the first state of the package. The loops of the main panels thus formed are folded flat in this state of the package, such that the main panels extend along two planes, typically two parallel planes.

[0013] The term "assembled" or "boxed" refers to a blank in which at least the main panels have been folded to form side walls extending around an interior compartment. In the initial "assembled" or "boxed" state, the bottom panel need not yet be folded into its intended position. The term "assembled" or "boxed" is also applicable to a state in which the bottom panel is actually folded into its intended position and the top panel is in either an open or closed position.

[0014] The attachment tab is foldably connected to one main panel at a first outer, laterally extending edge of the blank, the term "outer" being intended to be interpreted with respect to the blank as viewed along its longitudinal direction when laid flat.

[0015] The attachment tab is further configured to be attached to opposing main panels. The term "opposing" is intended to be interpreted with consideration given to the longitudinal orientation of the blank's main panels when viewed flat. The attachment tab may be attached to the opposing main panels, for example, using adhesive or by being stapled thereto. Thus, the main panel to which the attachment tab is attached is opposite the main panel to which the attachment tab is foldably connected, thereby forming an interconnected loop of main panels. In a preferred embodiment, the opposing main panels have a size corresponding to the size of the sidewalls they are configured to form. Preferably, all main panels each have a size corresponding to the size of the respective sidewalls they are intended to form. The attachment tab is preferably attached to the opposing main panels such that a corner formed along a fold line between the main panel and the attachment tab essentially coincides with the outer, laterally extending edge of the opposing main panel, i.e., the main panel to which the attachment tab is attached. Preferably, the attachment tab is attached to an inner surface of said opposing main panels.

[0016] The longitudinal and transverse extension gaps or grooves are provided so that the liner does not interfere with the folding of the main panels about the major fold lines. For example, there may be multiple liner pieces distributed so that one piece is placed on each main panel, with multiple gaps between adjacent liner pieces, and one gap at each major fold line between adjacent pieces. The gap can have a width, for example, measured longitudinally, equal to the material thickness of one of the adjacent liner pieces, and can be positioned, for example, such that one side, measured longitudinally, extends along a portion of the laterally extending edge of a first one of the main panels, i.e., essentially coincides with the major fold line, and the other side of the gap is positioned a distance from the major fold line, i.e., a longitudinal distance into the extension of a second adjacent main panel, so that the edge of the liner piece on the adjacent main panel can be folded inwardly such that the edge surface of the liner piece terminates toward the inner surface of the liner piece positioned on the inner surface of the first main panel. The inner surface of the liner piece refers to the free major surface of the liner piece that is configured to face the interior compartment formed from the blank when folded into the package. The inner surface of the main panel refers to the major surface that is configured to face the interior compartment formed from the blank when folded into the package. The edges of the pieces of material on the second main panel can thus abut the inner surface of the adjacent pieces of material disposed on the inner surface of the first main panel. In this regard, it should be noted that in this section of the disclosure regarding the gap or groove, the first and second main panels refer only to the main panels on either side of the respective gap or major fold line. Alternatively, or as a complement to the gap, the liner may be provided with grooves, which extend along the respective major fold lines. In such cases, the liner may be a separate piece on each side of the groove, or the liner may be divided into portions on each side of the groove.The groove may be, for example, V-shaped, with a bottom angle of about 90° or greater. Such a V-shaped groove may, for example, extend essentially through the entire material thickness of the liner. Such a gap may, for example, be positioned so that the bottom of the V essentially coincides with the major fold line. A combination gap and groove may, for example, be formed from a relatively narrow gap centered relative to the major fold line, with the upper edge portion of the liner shaped according to the aforementioned V-shape. The designs disclosed above can be used to provide a package in which pieces or portions of liner material abut each other, forming a continuous, closed loop of liner material. Such a continuous, closed loop of liner material is typically desirable, for example, when the liner is intended to provide thermal insulation.

[0017] However, the pieces or portions of liner material, or opposing sides of a gap or groove, do not necessarily need to abut one another. In some cases, a gap may exist between them. Such a gap may be acceptable when the liner is intended, for example, to provide mechanical resistance and thermal insulation is not particularly important.

[0018] It should be understood that the use of the term "edge" does not necessarily mean that the piece of material is limited to shapes having sharp edges. By way of example, a piece of liner may have a generally rectangular or parallelepiped shape, and its edges may be chamfered or rounded.

[0019] The two main panels that form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into the package are not limited to having two laterally extending internal fold lines, but may have at least two laterally extending internal fold lines. The two main panels may have, for example, three, four, five, or more internal fold lines. One advantage of having two internal fold lines in the two main panels is that it provides significant folding of the package, thereby facilitating handling of the package. One advantage of having three or more internal fold lines in the two main panels is that the liner may be bent at a larger angle than if it were bent at an acute angle, thereby reducing the compression strain of the liner.

[0020] Each interior fold line may be separated from its respective major fold line by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel.

[0021] By each main panel, we mean a main panel having an internal fold line thereon. By separating each internal fold line from its respective primary fold line by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel, the user is provided with a lever to easily fold the blank.

[0022] Each internal fold line is preferably separated from a respective major fold line by a distance, measured along the longitudinal direction, that is at least twice the material thickness of the piece or pieces or portions of the liner on the main panel. This separation of the internal fold lines from the major fold lines helps ensure that the folding of the blank to a flat folded state is actually accomplished by a folding operation about the internal fold lines and not by inadvertently initiating a fold about a major fold line.

[0023] The internal fold lines may be parallel to one another.

[0024] This design allows the main panels of the blank to be assembled into an at least partially rectangular and symmetrical package. This is advantageous in that it facilitates handling of the blank. This is also advantageous in that it facilitates assembly of the blank to form a package. Another advantage of this design is that it provides efficient storage of the blank, particularly when the blank is folded flat or in an assembled state, due to efficient use of space. When assembling the blank into a box-shaped package, the design with parallel internal fold lines allows the package to stand sturdy. Another advantage of this design is that by being able to assemble the blank into an at least partially rectangular and symmetrical package, any external forces acting on the blank are evenly distributed, particularly when the blank is folded flat or in an assembled state, thereby improving the mechanical stability of the blank. This design is also advantageous in that it facilitates maintenance of the interconnected loops, at least in part, by ensuring that the major portions of the attachment tabs are attached to the major surfaces of the opposing side walls.

[0025] The blank can have a first material thickness, excluding one or more pieces or portions of the liner configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, and the pieces or portions of the liner configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, can have a second material thickness, preferably at least twice the first material thickness.

[0026] The prefixes "first" and "second" are merely labels and do not imply that the blank and liner pieces are necessarily made of different materials. For example, the blank and liner pieces may be made of the same material. Each of the liner pieces may be made of a different material.

[0027] In order for the package to provide sufficient insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the liner material piece or portion should ideally have a certain minimum thickness. The material thickness and material grade of the first material of the blank are selected to provide sufficient strength while still allowing easy folding. This design is advantageous in that ensuring that the second material thickness is at least twice the thickness of the first material facilitates providing sufficient insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance in combination with a sufficiently strong and easily bendable blank.

[0028] One or more pieces or portions of the liner that are configured to provide additional properties to the package, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, are resiliently compressible, allowing the pieces to be locally compressed, thereby allowing the main panel to fold in half about the internal fold line, thereby allowing the package to assume said flat-folded state.

[0029] After folding the blank from a flat-folded state to a box-shaped state, the liner pieces or portions preferably at least partially recover their shape, even after being locally compressed during the folding of the flat-folded main panels. One advantage of the resiliently compressible liner pieces is that, even after being locally compressed, each liner at least partially returns to its unaffected state before the main panels were folded in half. Another advantage of this design is that the ability to at least partially return to its unaffected state at least partially restores the ability to optimally provide thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the package. Yet another advantage of this design is that the blank with the liner pieces positioned thereon can be used multiple times while maintaining the liner pieces in an at least partially unaffected state. This is cost-effective and reduces environmental impact. The liner preferably recovers at least 50% of its original material thickness after being folded flat and then erected into a box-shaped state.

[0030] The blank is preferably made of a paper-based material, excluding one or more pieces or portions of the liner that are configured to provide additional properties. Thus, a blank referred to as being made of a paper-based material is one that includes a main panel and attachment tabs, and optionally a set of top and bottom panels. The advantage of a paper-based blank is that the paper-based material is recyclable, thus efficiently using materials. Paper-based materials are also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively easy to cut a sheet of paper-based material into the desired shape of the blank. It is also relatively easy to fold the paper-based blank into the desired package.

[0031] The blank can further include 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-like configuration. Preferably, the tops are openable and closable. Note that, while it is preferred, there is one top panel associated with each main panel, this is not required. An example of such a top panel is disclosed in FIG. 1.

[0032] If there are top panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels described above as having internal fold lines, those top panels also each preferably have internal fold lines aligned with the internal fold lines of their respective main panels, thereby facilitating folding of the blank into a flat-folded condition.

[0033] The top panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels having internal fold lines can also be provided with said liner pieces or portions. In the disclosed embodiment, referring to Figure 2, for example, only the corresponding bottom panels are provided with such liners, but the top panels may also be provided with such liners in a corresponding manner. Providing liners on at least some of the top panels facilitates providing a package with additional desired properties at the top of the package as well.

[0034] The blank may further include a set of upper rim panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the associated main panels and configured to form, in the box-shaped configuration, inwardly folded rims, preferably configured to at least partially cover the upwardly facing edges of the liner pieces or portions. Such rims reinforce the upper edge of the package when the blank is in the box-shaped configuration. Furthermore, because the rims at least partially cover the upwardly facing edges of the liner pieces or portions, they facilitate the insertion of items into the package without accidentally catching on or damaging the upwardly facing edges of the liner pieces or portions. Such an embodiment is clearly shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 4. The upper rim panels are preferably foldable about an internal longitudinally extending fold line such that a first portion is foldable about the main panels to form a top surface and a second portion is foldable about the first portion to extend downwardly along the inner surface of the liner pieces or portions.

[0035] The upper rim panels foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of those main panels having internal fold lines preferably also have internal fold lines aligned with the internal fold lines of their respective main panels, thereby facilitating folding of the blank to a flat-folded condition.

[0036] The blank includes a set of one or more bottom panels. Preferably, the blank includes a set of bottom panels foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of the associated main panels. The bottom panels are configured to form the bottom of the package when folded into a box-like configuration. Note that, while it is preferred, there is one bottom panel associated with each main panel, this is not required. An example of such a bottom panel is disclosed in Figure 1. Another example of such a bottom panel is disclosed in Figure 2.

[0037] If there are bottom panels foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of those main panels described above as having internal fold lines, those bottom panels also each preferably have internal fold lines aligned with the internal fold lines of their respective main panels, thereby facilitating folding of the blank into a flat-folded condition.

[0038] The bottom panels foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of those main panels having the internal fold lines can also be provided with a piece or portion of the liner. Providing a liner on at least some of the bottom panels facilitates providing a package with additional desired properties at the bottom of the package.

[0039] The above objects are also achieved by a package formed from a blank, the package being configured to be folded flat and to be folded into a box-like configuration, the package comprising: at least four main panels arranged in series along a circumferentially extending longitudinal direction, the at least four main panels being foldably connected along transversely extending major fold lines to form respective side walls of the package; 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 interconnecting loop of the main panels; 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 of the liner being positioned on the inner surface of each main panel such that, when the blank is viewed flat, longitudinal and transversely extending gaps or grooves are formed between adjacent pieces or portions of the liner along their respective transversely extending major fold lines to enable the blank to be folded into a package; a set of one or more bottom panels forming the bottom of the package; Including, two main panels configured to form opposing side walls of the package each having at least two laterally extending internal fold lines that allow the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into said flat-folded condition; The internal fold line is distinct from the main fold line, and The internal fold lines are separated from one another longitudinally by a distance such that when each main panel is folded in half about the internal fold line, the opposing inner surfaces of each main panel are separated from one another by a distance of 50% to 150%, preferably 80% to 120%, of the nominal bifold material thickness of the piece or portion of the liner on each bifolded main panel.

[0040] In this regard, it should be noted that in preferred embodiments, the package is folded from a blank of the type disclosed above. However, any type of blank that provides a package having the above-described characteristics can be used. The features introduced directly above with respect to the package structurally correspond to the features described above with reference to the blank, and the advantages associated with the various features of the blank according to the various preferred embodiments are equally applicable to the package. Also, the features and advantages associated with the preferred embodiments of the blank structurally correspond to the corresponding features of the package, and they are equally applicable to the package. The fact that the blank is an integrally formed primary blank facilitates providing a robust package.

[0041] It should be noted that the use of first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc. should be viewed primarily as labels for ease of reading and does not necessarily mean that all intervening numbers of portions must be present. For example, it should be noted that it is contemplated to have a design in which there is a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fifth portion, with the fourth portion omitted. However, for ease of reading, the numbering of first, second, third, fourth, etc. is used consistently as a label and is in some sense based on an embodiment that includes all possible portions.

[0042] It should also be noted that panel names such as top, bottom, or floor wall are intended to be read as labels and do not necessarily define the orientation of the panels. As an example, the package need not be oriented so that the first top panel actually forms the top of the package. The package may be oriented so that the panel labeled as the first top panel actually forms a side wall or forms the bottom of the package. However, in a preferred embodiment, the package is oriented so that the bottom panel faces downward, the top panel faces upward, and the wall panels face outward from the axis between the top and bottom.

[0043] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art unless otherwise expressly defined herein. All references to "a / an / the [element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc.]" should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of said element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless otherwise specified. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless otherwise specified.

[0044] The present disclosure can also be said to relate to a blank configured to form a package, the blank being configured to be folded flat and into a box-shaped state, the blank including, when viewed in a flat state, at least four main panels arranged one after the other along a longitudinal direction and foldably connected along laterally extending major fold lines, attachment tabs, and one or more pieces or portions of a liner configured to provide the package with additional properties such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance, the two main panels configured to form opposing side walls when the blank is folded into the package each having at least two laterally extending internal fold lines that allow the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby allowing loops of the main panels to be folded into the flat-folded state, the internal fold lines being distinct from the major fold lines and separated from each other along a longitudinal direction by a distance corresponding to approximately twice the material thickness of the pieces or portions of the liner on each main panel.

[0045] The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings showing presently preferred embodiments of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1A-1C disclose a flat-laid blank according to a first embodiment configured to form a package configured to be folded flat and into a box shape. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 discloses a blank according to a second embodiment in a partially folded state. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 discloses the blank of FIG. 2 in a flat folded state. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 discloses the blank of FIG. 2 in an assembled box-like state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0048] The blank 1 as folded flat and as assembled into a box shape will now be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1 , blank 1 includes a plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, and A40 arranged in sequence along a longitudinal direction L. In other words, the main panels A10, A20, A30, and A40 are foldably connected in sequence along the laterally extending edges of adjacent main panels A10, A20, A30, and A40. The main panels form a plurality of side walls when blank 1 is assembled to form package 2. 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. To hold the first, second, third, and fourth panels A10, A20, A30, and A40 in their intended positions as side walls of the package 2, there is also an attachment tab A45 foldably connected to the fourth main panel A40 and configured to be attached to the first main panel A10, thereby forming an interconnecting loop for the first, second, third, and fourth panels A10, A20, A30, and A40. The attachment tab A45 may be attached to the first main panel A10 by an adhesive, such as glue. However, the attachment tab A45 may also be connected to the first main panel A10 by means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesive, or any other means commonly used in the art.

[0050] However, it should be noted that the terms "first main panel A10," "second main panel A20," "third main panel A30," and "fourth main panel A40" are used throughout the description, and unless otherwise specified, the foregoing terms should not be understood to limit blank 1 to four main panels.

[0051] 1 , blank 1 includes a plurality of transversely extending major fold lines MF that overlap laterally extending edges along which the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 are foldably connected, one after the other, along the longitudinal direction L. Alternatively, each of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 can be said to be foldably connected along a respective transversely extending major fold line MF common to two adjacent main panels.

[0052] Additionally, the blank 1 includes a plurality of internal fold lines IF extending along the transverse direction T. In a preferred embodiment, each of the two main panels that form opposing side walls when the blank 1 is folded into the package 2 includes a plurality of internal fold lines IF. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 each include two transversely extending internal fold lines IF. However, each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 is not limited to including two transversely extending internal fold lines IF. Each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 may include three or more transversely extending internal fold lines IF. For example, each of the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 may alternatively include, for example, three, four, five, or more internal fold lines. A large number of internal fold lines may result in a somewhat curved shape when folded in half as shown in FIG. 2. It is also contemplated that the two outermost internal fold lines in a set of internal fold lines may be spaced apart by a greater distance than would be the case if only two internal fold lines were present. In a preferred embodiment, the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 each have the same number of internal fold lines IF. It should be understood that the second and fourth main panels A20, A40 are not the only main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 that are limited to having internal fold lines IF. Alternatively, the first and third main panels A10, A30 may be the main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 that have internal fold lines IF. The internal fold lines IF are separate from the major fold lines MF. In a preferred embodiment, each internal fold line IF may be separated from its respective major fold line MF by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective main panel. In a preferred embodiment, each of the internal fold lines IF of each main panel A20, A40 are parallel to one another.The internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 may extend at an angle to the transverse direction, and more preferably along a direction that has at least a major component aligned with the transverse direction. In preferred embodiments, each internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 is parallel to the major fold line MF. In preferred embodiments, the internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 extends completely from the first longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40 to the second longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40. However, the internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 does not necessarily extend completely from the first longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40 to the second longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40. Instead, each of the internal fold lines IF of the respective main panels A20, A40 terminates at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges, thereby extending from a portion of the respective first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to a portion of the respective second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40. Note that the internal fold lines IF may, but need not, be located in the center of the respective main panel A20, A40, as disclosed in the drawings. The internal fold lines IF may be offset when viewed along the longitudinal direction L, or alternatively, may be positioned offset. In such a case, the internal fold lines IF of both main panels A20, A40 are offset in the same direction so that the package 2 can be folded flat. Such an offset may be useful when one or both of the internal fold lines IF would otherwise interfere with another feature of the package 2, such as an opening or tab.

[0053] FIG. 1 illustrates a blank 1 provided with a set of one or more top panels A11, A21, A31, and A41. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, each of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, and A40 is provided with a respective top panel A11, A21, A31, and A41. Each of the top panels A11, A21, A31, and A41 is foldably connected to a first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A10, A20, A30, and A40. Thus, each of the top panels A11, A21, A31, and A41 has a respective free outer longitudinally extending edge and respective first and second free outer laterally extending edges. Alternatively, the top panels A11, A21, A31, and A41 may be omitted.

[0054] In Figures 2 to 4, the top panels are disclosed in the form of top rim panels 11, 21, 31, 41.

[0055] Each of the top panels or upper rim panels 21, 41 foldably connected to the main panels A20, A40 having the plurality of internal fold lines IF is also provided with an internal fold line IF. Alternatively, the first and third main panels A10, A30 may be the main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 having the internal fold lines IF, in which case the top panels or upper rim panels 11, 31 instead have the internal fold line IF. Further characteristics of the upper rim panels and top panels are disclosed with reference to the top panels. The internal fold line IF is distinct from the free outer laterally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41. In preferred embodiments, each internal fold line IF is separated from the respective free outer laterally extending edge by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective top panel A21, A41. In preferred embodiments, each of the internal fold lines IF of the respective top panels A21, A41 are parallel to one another. The internal fold line IF of each top panel A21, A41 may extend at an angle to the transverse direction T, more preferably along a direction with at least a major component aligned with the transverse direction. In preferred embodiments, each internal fold line IF of each top panel A21, A41 is parallel to the major fold line MF. In preferred embodiments, the internal fold line IF of each top panel A21, A41 is aligned with the internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 along the transverse direction. In preferred embodiments, the internal fold line IF of each top panel A21, A41 extends completely from the first longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of each top panel A21, A41. However, the internal fold line IF of each top panel A21, A41 does not necessarily have to extend completely 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.Instead, each of the internal fold lines IF of the respective top panels A21, A41 can be said to terminate at a distance from one or both of the first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 and the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41, thereby extending from a portion of the first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to a portion of the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective top panel A21, A41.

[0056] Figure 1 further illustrates that blank 1 is provided with a set of one or more bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, each main panel 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 foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of a respective main panel of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40. Thus, each of the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, A42 has a respective free outer longitudinally extending edge and respective first and second free outer laterally extending edges. The bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 are configured to be folded inward so that, in the assembled state of the blank 1, the major surfaces of the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 are generally parallel to one another. The bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 are thus configured to form the bottom or floor of the package 2. The bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 may be configured to be attached to one another by, for example, glue. However, the bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 may also be configured to be attached to one another by 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 set of bottom panels A12, A22, A32, and A42 may be attached to one another in other ways to form the package floor. FIG. 1 discloses a first type of bottom panel, and FIGS. 2 to 4 disclose a second type of bottom panel.

[0057] Each of the bottom panels A22, A42 foldably connected to the main panels A20, A40 having the plurality of internal fold lines IF is also provided with an internal fold line IF. Alternatively, the first and third main panels A10, A30 may be the main panels of the plurality of main panels A10, A20, A30, A40 having the internal fold lines IF, in which case the bottom panels A12, A32 instead have the internal fold line IF. The internal fold lines IF are distinct from the free outer laterally extending edges of the respective bottom panels A22, A42. In preferred embodiments, each internal fold line IF is separated from the respective free outer laterally extending edges by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of the respective bottom panels A22, A42. In preferred embodiments, each of the internal fold lines IF of the respective bottom panels A22, A42 are parallel to one another. The internal fold line IF of each bottom panel A22, A42 may extend at an angle to the transverse direction, more preferably along a direction with at least a major component aligned with the transverse direction. In preferred embodiments, each internal fold line IF of each bottom panel A22, A42 is parallel to the major fold line MF. In preferred embodiments, the internal fold line IF of each bottom panel A22, A42 is aligned with the internal fold line IF of each main panel A20, A40 along the transverse direction T. In preferred embodiments, the internal fold line IF of each bottom panel A22, A42 extends completely from the second longitudinally extending edge of each main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of each bottom panel A22, A42. However, the internal fold line IF of each bottom panel A22, A42 does not necessarily extend completely from the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42.Instead, each of the internal fold lines IF of the respective bottom panels A22, A42 terminates at a distance from one or both of the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 and the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42, and can thereby be said to extend from a portion of the second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel A20, A40 to a portion of the free outer longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel A22, A42.

[0058] Alternatively, each of the two main panels A20, A40 and their associated top and bottom panels A21, A22, A41, A42 may preferably be provided with at least two continuous, laterally extending, internal fold lines IF, each of which may be said to be a single, continuous line extending through the respective main panel A20, A40 and associated bottom and top panels A21, A22, A41, A42. By single, continuous, we mean that each of the internal fold lines IF may extend essentially completely 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.

[0059] The blank 1 is preferably made from a paper-based material. An advantage of the blank 1 being paper-based is that the paper-based material is recyclable, thus efficiently using materials. The paper-based material is also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively easy to cut a sheet of the paper-based material into the desired shape of the blank 1. It is also relatively easy to fold the paper-based blank 1 into the desired package 2. The paper-based material may include a corrugated layer which flutes. The flutes of the corrugated layer may extend along the longitudinal direction L. However, the flutes of the corrugated layer may alternatively extend along the transverse direction T. The blank 1 may be made of any material commonly used in the art for packaging. By way of example, the blank 1 may be made of plastic or wood.

[0060] Starting with FIG. 2 , each of the plurality of main panels 10, 20, 30, 40 of the blank 1 is provided with a piece or portion of a liner 13, 23, 33, 43, respectively. Each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43 may be attached to an associated main panel of the plurality of main panels 10, 20, 30, 40 by an adhesive, such as glue. However, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43 may also be attached to the associated main panel 10, 20, 30, 40 by means other than glue, such as double-sided tape, other types of adhesive, or any other means commonly used in the art. Two of the bottom panels 22, 42 are also provided with pieces of liners 24, 44. Each of the liners 24, 44 may be attached to the associated bottom panel 22, 42 by an adhesive, such as glue. However, each of the liners 24, 44 may 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. The respective liners 24, 44 on the respective bottom panels 22, 42 may alternatively be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Figure 2, the top panels or top rim panels 11, 21, 31, 41 are not provided with any liners to facilitate the inward folding of the top panels 11, 21, 31, 41 when folding the blank 1 into its assembled box shape. However, the top panels 11, 21, 31, 41 may be provided with liners, and in particular, the top panels 11, 21, 31, 41 should be dimensioned to form a lid or top of the package 2.

[0062] The liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, and 44 are preferably made from a cellulose-based airlaid material. For example, the airlaid material can include cellulose and / or lignocellulosic fibers in a concentration of at least 70% by weight of the cellulose-based airlaid material and a polymeric binder, e.g., a thermoplastic polymeric binder, in a concentration selected within the range of 2.5 to 30% by weight of the cellulose-based airlaid material. The airlaid material may also include one or more additives. The airlaid material is formed by a process known as airlaid, in which cellulose and / or lignocellulosic fibers and a polymeric binder are mixed with air to form a porous fibrous mixture that is deposited on a support and consolidated or bonded by heating. The airlaid material is characterized by its porous nature, having the properties of an open-cell foam, and being produced by a so-called dry-casting process, i.e., generally without the addition of water. The airlaid material has an average density of 10 to 60 kg / m. 3 It is preferable to select the average density of the airlaid material within the range of 15 to 60 kg / m 3 It is preferable that the range is 15 to 50 kg / m 3 It is more preferable that the range is within the range of

[0063] Alternatively, the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made from a foam material. The liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made from a wood fiber-based material such as cellulose, cellulose foam, wood foam, molded fiber, fiber sheet, or fiber mat. Alternatively or additionally, the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made from a plastic-based material such as polyethene foam or expanded polystyrene. The liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 may be made from a biocomposite material, such as wood foam.

[0064] The liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, and 44 may alternatively be paper-based, but may also be formed of any material commonly used in the art to provide additional properties to packaging, such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance. The advantage of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, and 44 being paper-based is that the paper-based material is recyclable, thus efficiently using materials. Paper-based materials are also renewable and sustainable. It is also relatively easy 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, and 44 is formed of the same material. Alternatively, the liners may be formed of the same material as the blank 1. This is advantageous, for example, because it allows for the utilization of by-products from the manufacturing process associated with producing the blank 1, eliminating waste. In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, and 44 is of uniform thickness. In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 is the same material thickness, thus making the lining material easier and more cost-effective to manufacture. The liners are preferably resiliently compressible, allowing pieces of the liner to be locally compressed, thereby allowing the main panel to be folded in half to a flat folded state. The liners preferably recover to at least 50% of their original material thickness after being folded to a flat folded state and then erected to a box-shaped state.

[0065] The blank 1 can have a first material thickness. The liners 13, 23, 33, 43, 24, 44 can have a second material thickness. The second material thickness may be at least twice the first material thickness.

[0066] In this regard, it should also be noted that the separation between the internal fold lines IF and the respective major fold lines MF may also be expressed in terms of the material thickness of one or more pieces or portions of the liner 23, 43 on the main panels A20, A40. Accordingly, each internal fold line IF is preferably separated from its respective major fold line MF by a distance, measured along the longitudinal direction L, that is approximately twice the material thickness of one or more pieces or portions of the liner 23, 43 on the main panels A20, A40. The internal fold lines IF are separated from one another longitudinally by a distance such that, when each main panel A20, A40 is folded in half about the internal fold lines IF, the opposing interior surfaces of the respective main panels A20, A40 are separated from one another by a distance of 50% to 150%, preferably 80% to 120%, of the nominal bifold material thickness of the piece or portion of the liner on the respective bifolded main panels A20, A40.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 extends completely from the respective first laterally extending edge to the respective second laterally extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 without interfering with the folding of the blank 1. However, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 may alternatively terminate at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second laterally extending edges, thereby being said to extend from a portion of the respective first laterally extending edge of the respective main panel 10, 30 to a portion of the respective second laterally extending edge of the respective main panel 10, 30.

[0068] Thus, in a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 extends completely from the respective first longitudinally extending edge to the respective second longitudinally extending edge, which facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 without interfering with the folding of the blank 1. However, each of the liners 13, 33 of the respective main panels 10, 30 may alternatively terminate at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges, thereby being said to extend from a portion of the respective first longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel 10, 30 to a portion of the respective second longitudinally extending edge of the respective main panel 10, 30.

[0069] In a preferred embodiment, each of the liners 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 terminates at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second laterally extending edges, and is thereby said to extend from a portion of the respective first laterally extending edge of the respective main panel 20, 40 to a portion of the respective second laterally extending edge of the respective main panel 20, 40. Thus, respective longitudinal and laterally extending gaps are formed in the respective main panels 20, 40 along the respective laterally extending major fold lines MF. This facilitates folding of the blank 1 into a flat-folded and assembled state. However, each of the liners 23, 43 of the respective main panels 20, 40 may alternatively extend completely from the respective first laterally extending edge to the respective second laterally extending edge. In such a case, the liners on each adjacent main panel may be formed with such longitudinal extensions to form respective longitudinal and transverse extension gaps on each adjacent main panel along the respective transversely extending major fold lines MF, thereby facilitating folding of the blank 1 into the flat-folded and assembled state. In a preferred embodiment, none of the respective liners extends beyond the longitudinal or transversely extending edges of the respective associated panel.

[0070] It should be noted that instead of providing gaps between the liners at each major fold line MF, the liners may extend across the major fold line MF and may have grooves, e.g., V-shaped grooves, along the major fold line MF facing inward toward the interior of the package and toward the open side. Preferably, the grooves are shaped so that the sidewalls of each groove do not interfere with each other, at least not significantly enough to make folding difficult, allowing the blank 1 to be folded into a box-like configuration about the major fold line MF. However, the grooves are preferably shaped so that the sidewalls of each groove are close together so that the grooves disappear completely or at least essentially when the blank 1 is folded about the major fold line MF. Thus, preferably, the sidewalls of the grooves at each major fold line MF form an interior angle corresponding to the intended angle at which the blank 1 will be folded at each major fold line MF. If the blank 1 is intended to be folded into a right-angle corner at the major fold line MF when folded into a box-like configuration, the sidewalls of the grooves at the major fold line MF preferably form a 90° interior angle. A larger angle of the corner is associated with a correspondingly smaller groove angle, and vice versa. It should be noted that the grooves do not have to be symmetrical, and the side walls may be inclined at different angles relative to the plane formed from the blank when viewed with the blank lying flat, so long as the intended interior angle is provided.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, each liner 23, 43 of a respective main panel 20, 40 extends completely from its respective first longitudinally extending edge to its respective second longitudinally extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 without interfering with the folding of the blank 1. However, each liner 23, 43 of a respective main panel 20, 40 may alternatively terminate at a distance from one or both of its respective first and second longitudinally extending edges, thereby extending from a portion of its respective first longitudinally extending edge to a portion of its respective second longitudinally extending edge.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, each liner 24, 44 of a respective bottom panel 22, 42 extends completely from its respective first laterally extending edge to its respective second laterally extending edge. This facilitates providing optimal thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the contents of the package 2 without interfering with the folding of the blank 1. However, each liner 24, 44 of a respective bottom panel 22, 42 may alternatively terminate at a distance from one or both of its respective first and second laterally extending edges, thereby being said to extend from a portion of its respective first laterally extending edge to a portion of its respective second laterally extending edge.

[0073] In preferred embodiments, each liner 24, 44 of a respective bottom panel 22, 42 terminates at a distance from one or both of the respective first and second longitudinally extending edges, and is thereby said to extend from a portion of the respective first longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel 22, 42 to a portion of the respective second longitudinally extending edge of the respective bottom panel 22, 42. Thus, respective longitudinal and lateral extension gaps are formed on the respective bottom panel 22, 42 along the respective second longitudinally extending edges. This facilitates folding of the blank 1 into a flat-folded and assembled state. However, in some embodiments, each liner 24, 44 of a respective bottom panel 22, 42 may alternatively extend completely from the respective first longitudinally extending edge to the respective second longitudinally extending edge. In such cases, the liners on each adjacent main panel may be formed with such transverse extensions to form respective longitudinal and transverse extension gaps on each adjacent main panel along the respective second longitudinally extending edges, thereby facilitating folding of blank 1 into a flat-folded and assembled state. In preferred embodiments, none of the respective liners extends beyond the longitudinal or transversely extending edges of the respective associated panel.

[0074] It should be understood that the blank 1 shown in FIG. 1 merely discloses one embodiment of the present invention. By way of example, main panels 10, 30 shown in FIG. 2 are wider than main panels 20, 40 when viewed along their longitudinal direction. Liners 13, 33 are correspondingly wider than liners 23, 43 when viewed along their longitudinal direction. However, those skilled in the art will understand that blank 1, and correspondingly, each liner of the liner-bearing panels, may be sized in other ways with remaining functionality. Those skilled in the art will also understand that different sets of panels may be provided with liners with remaining functionality.

[0075] As shown in Figure 3, the blank 1 of Figure 2 has been folded into a flat-folded state of the blank 1. The blank 1 may be folded so that the two major portions of the liners 13, 33 and respective liners 23, 43, 24, 44 abut / lie flat against one another. The internal fold lines IF of the respective panels 20, 22, 40, 42 are separated from one another longitudinally by a distance equal to twice the material thickness of the respective associated liners 23, 24, 43, 44, thereby enabling the blank 1 to be folded in half into the flat-folded state shown in Figure 3.

[0076] Bottom panel 12 may be provided with a longitudinally extending slit 15. Bottom panel 32 may be provided with a protrusion 35. In such cases, slit 15 and protrusion 35 are configured to engage with each other in forming the floor of package 2 to hold bottom panels 12, 22, 32, 42 in their intended positions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the floor of package 2 may be formed by alternative mechanisms.

[0077] Continuing with FIG. 4, blank 1 of FIG. 2 is assembled into box-shaped package 2. Blank 1 may be assembled into package 2 from a flat lay or folded flat. The floor of package 2 may be formed by folding bottom panels 12, 22, 32, 42 inward to engage slits 15 in bottom panel 12 with protrusions 35 in bottom panel 32. Top rim panels 11, 21, 31, 41 may be folded inward toward the free major surfaces of associated liners 13, 23, 33, 43 and may engage with each other to facilitate maintaining package 2 in the folded state. Top rim panels 11, 21, 31, 41 may be folded inward such that each major surface of top panels 11, 21, 31, 41 abuts the free major surface of the associated piece of liner 13, 23, 33, 43. The main panels 20, 40 of the blank 1 may be provided with through holes or openings 46 that function as handles. Any other main panels may be provided with through holes that function as handles. Alternatively, the through holes may be omitted.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above, but on the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0079] Furthermore, variations to the disclosed embodiments can 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 appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does 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 indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A blank (1) configured to form a package (2), said package (2) being configured to be folded flat and into a box-like configuration, said blank (1) having, when viewed flat, At least four main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) arranged in sequence along the longitudinal direction (L) of the blank (1) when viewed in a flat state, the at least four main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) being foldably connected along transversely extending main fold lines (MF) and 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 laterally extending edge of the blank (1), the attachment tab (A45) being configured to be attached to an opposing main panel (A10) such that the main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) form interconnecting loops of main panels when the blank is folded into a package; one or more pieces or portions of a liner (13, 23, 33, 43) configured to provide additional properties such as thermal insulation and / or mechanical impact resistance to the package (2), the one or more pieces or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) being disposed on the inner surface of each of the main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) such that, when the blank (1) is viewed in a flat position, longitudinal and transversely extending gaps or grooves are formed between adjacent pieces or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) along their respective transversely extending main fold lines (MF) to enable the blank (1) to be folded into a package (2); a set of one or more bottom panels (A12, A22, A32, A42) configured to form the bottom of said package (2); Including, the 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 laterally extending internal fold lines (IF) that allow the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into the flat folded state; the internal fold line (IF) is distinct from the main fold line (MF); and The internal fold lines (IF) are separated from each other along the longitudinal direction (L) by a distance such that when the respective main panels (A20, A40) are folded in half about the internal fold lines (IF), the opposing inner surfaces of the respective main panels (A20, A40) are separated from each other by a distance of 50% to 150% of the nominal folded material thickness of the piece or portion of the liner (23, 43) on the respective folded main panel (A20, A40).

2. 2. A blank (1) according to claim 1, wherein each of said internal fold lines (IF) is separated from each of said main fold lines (MF) by a distance of at least 25% of the longitudinal extension of each of said main panels (A20, A40), as measured along said longitudinal direction (L).

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

4. A blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the internal fold lines (IF) are parallel to one another.

5. 5. A blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liner has a first material thickness except for one or more pieces or portions thereof, and the pieces or portions of the liner have a second material thickness, the second material thickness being at least twice the first material thickness.

6. 6. The blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein 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 (2) are elastically compressible, allowing the pieces to be locally compressed, thereby allowing the main panel to be folded in half about the internal fold line (IF), thereby allowing the package (2) to assume the flat-folded state.

7. 7. The blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, made from a paper-based material, except for one or more pieces or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) that are configured to provide additional properties.

8. 8. A blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a set of top panels (A11, A21, A31, A41) foldably connected to first longitudinally extending edges of associated main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40).

9. 9. The blank (1) according to claim 8, wherein the top panels (A21, A41) foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal fold lines (IF) also each have an internal fold line (IF) aligned with the internal fold line (IF) of the respective main panel (A20, A40).

10. 10. The blank (1) according to claim 9, wherein the top panel (A21, A41), which is foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edge of the main panel (A20, A40), which is provided with an internal fold line (IF), is provided with a piece or portion of a liner.

11. 8. A blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a set of upper rim panels (11, 21, 31, 41) foldably connected to first longitudinally extending edges of associated main panels (A10, A20, A30, A40) and which, in said box-shaped state, form inwardly folded rims, preferably adapted to at least partially cover the upwardly facing edges of pieces or portions of said liners (13, 23, 33, 43).

12. 12. The blank (1) according to claim 11, wherein the upper rim panels (A21, A41) foldably connected to the first longitudinally extending edges of the main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal fold lines (IF) also each have an internal fold line (IF) aligned with the internal fold line (IF) of the respective main panel (A20, A40).

13. 13. A blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the set of bottom panels (A12, A22, A32, A42) is foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of the associated main panel (A10, A20, A30, A40).

14. 14. The blank (1) according to claim 13, wherein the bottom panels (A22, A42) foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edges of the main panels (A20, A40) provided with internal fold lines (IF) also each have an internal fold line (IF) aligned with the internal fold line (IF) of the respective main panel (A20, A40).

15. 15. The blank (1) according to claim 14, wherein a piece or portion of a liner (24, 44) is provided on the bottom panel (A22, A42) foldably connected to the second longitudinally extending edge of the main panel (A20, A40) having an internal fold line (IF).

16. A package (2) formed from a blank (1) adapted to be folded flat and to be folded into a box shape, At least four main panels (10, 20, 30, 40) arranged in sequence along a longitudinal direction (L) extending in a circumferential direction, foldably connected along transversely extending main fold lines (MF), and forming respective side walls of the package (2); an attachment tab (45) foldably connected to one main panel (40) at a first outer laterally extending edge of the blank (1) and attached to the opposing main panel (10) so as to form an interconnecting loop of the main panels; one or more pieces 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 pieces or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) being disposed on the inner surface of each main panel (10, 20, 30, 40) such that, when the blank (1) is viewed in a flat position, longitudinal and transversely extending gaps or grooves are formed between adjacent pieces or portions of the liner (13, 23, 33, 43) along their respective transversely extending main fold lines (MF) to enable the blank (1) to be folded into a package (2); a set of one or more bottom panels (12, 22, 32, 42) forming the bottom of said package (2); Including, two main panels (20, 40) configured to form opposing side walls of the package (2) each having at least two laterally extending internal fold lines (IF) that allow the two main panels to be folded in half, thereby allowing the loops of the main panels to be folded into the flat-folded state; the internal fold line (IF) is distinct from the main fold line (MF); and the internal fold lines (IF) are separated from one another along the longitudinal direction (L) by a distance such that, when the respective main panels (20, 40) are folded in half about the internal fold lines (IF), the opposing inner surfaces of the respective main panels (20, 40) are separated from one another by a distance of 50% to 150% of the nominal folded material thickness of the piece or portion of the liner (23, 43) on the respective folded main panels (20, 40).

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