Packing box

Abstract

To provide a packaging box that can be transported with similar handling to the conventional packaging box, can be easily provided with an opening for displaying a commodity, and can maintain an aligned state in the left-right direction during pile-up display.SOLUTION: A packaging box (100) comprises an end plate (10) including an opening-end plate (11) provided with at least part of an opening-formable line (15) to form an opening (5). The opening-end plate (11) has, in at least one of upper and lower edge portions (13) and (14) of the opening-end plate (11), a first breakable line (17) allowed to form a first connection (6) including at least part of the opening-end plate (11) and separated from the opening-end plate (11). An end-plate flap (30), contiguous to the other of the upper and lower edge portions (13) and (14) of the opening-end plate (11), has a second breakable line (34) allowed to form a second connection (7) having a shape capable of being connected to the first connection (6).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging box provided with an opening.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an invention relating to a packaging box, which is a packaging box that allows an opening to be easily formed on the side surface of the packaging box when displayed at a retail store. Since the packaging box according to the above invention is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, it can be handled in a conventional manner during the transportation stage. In addition, when displaying products at a retail store, the opening can be easily provided on the side surface of the packaging box by the provided breakable line. The packaging box according to the above invention is characterized in that the product can be visually recognized through the opening provided on the side surface, so that the appeal of the product can be conveyed to customers, and customers can easily take out the product inside the packaging box.

[0003] When displaying packaging boxes at retail stores, it is common practice to stack the packaging boxes to exhibit the products. Since the above packaging box is provided with an opening on the side surface, the products inside the packaging boxes other than the topmost one can also be shown through the opening.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the stacked packaging boxes may sometimes be displaced without being aligned in the left-right direction. In addition, even when the packaging boxes are aligned and stacked without being displaced from each other, the packaging boxes may shift when a customer touches the packaging box or the product. For this reason, customers may perceive the stacked packaging boxes as unsightly.

[0006] To address this issue, packaging boxes have been devised that are designed to maintain an aligned and stacked state. For example, a flat rectangular box without a top panel is used as a tray case for fruits and vegetables. This packaging box has multiple projections at the upper end of a vertical plate that surrounds the box in a frame-like structure, extending from the vertical plate. Multiple recesses are provided on the outer circumference of the lower surface of the packaging box that is stacked on top, and the projections of the lower packaging box are inserted into and supported by the recesses of the upper packaging box, thus preventing shifting.

[0007] However, for food products other than fresh produce, such as retort foods and pasta sauces, it is not possible to use packaging boxes that expose the product during transport. Therefore, there was a need for packaging boxes that could be transported with the same ease of handling as conventional packaging boxes, that could be easily opened for product display, and that could prevent shifting when stacked.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a packaging box that can be transported in the same manner as conventional packaging boxes, has an opening that can be easily provided when displaying goods, and can maintain a horizontal alignment when stacked. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The packaging box according to the present invention comprises a pair of end plates facing each other, a pair of side plates facing each other, end plate flaps connected to the upper and lower edges of each end plate, and side plate flaps connected to the upper and lower edges of each side plate, and is assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, the end plates include an opening end plate provided with at least a portion of an opening-forming line that forms an opening, the opening end plate has a first breakable line that includes at least a portion of the opening end plate and is separated from the opening end plate at either the upper or lower edge of the opening end plate, and the end plate flap connected to either the upper or lower edge of the opening end plate has a second breakable line that can form a second connecting portion which has a shape to which the first connecting portion can be connected.

[0010] The packaging box according to the present invention, when transported, has a rectangular parallelepiped shape without protrusions, similar to conventional packaging boxes. Furthermore, the packaging box according to the present invention has an opening end plate or a surrounding area thereof with a line for forming an opening, a first breakable line for forming a first connection part, and a second breakable line for forming a second connection part to which the first connection part can be connected. Since the processing area is concentrated around the opening end plate, there is no need to change the processing surface during work, and work can be easily performed without readjusting the box. Therefore, the packaging box according to the present invention can be made into a packaging box that can be easily opened and can maintain a horizontal alignment when stacked for display.

[0011] Furthermore, in the packaging box according to the present invention, it is preferable that the opening-forming line and the first breakable line share at least a portion of each other.

[0012] As a result, the packaging box according to the present invention allows for continuous work on the opening, the first connecting part, and the second connecting part, making it easier to create the opening, and also allows for maintaining a horizontal alignment when stacked for display.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first breakable line of the packaging box according to the present invention is continuously provided from the opening end plate to the end plate flap connected to the first breakable line side of the opening end plate, and that all side plate flaps are formed in a shape that does not overlap with the first connection portion and the second connection portion in the vertical direction of the packaging box when it is assembled into a box.

[0014] As a result, the packaging box according to the present invention can reduce the possibility of the first and second connecting parts interfering with the side panel flaps, and can form a second connecting part that has sufficient space for the corresponding portion of the first connecting part to be fully fitted. Therefore, the first and second connecting parts can be securely fixed. Consequently, a packaging box with a high effect in preventing displacement can be easily obtained.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first connecting portion of the packaging box according to the present invention has a fold line that allows the first connecting portion to be folded.

[0016] As a result, the first connecting portion of the packaging box according to the present invention can be easily bent to form a three-dimensional shape, thereby increasing the amount of protrusion from the surface on which the first connecting portion is provided. Therefore, the first connecting portion can be securely connected to the corresponding second connecting portion. Consequently, a packaging box with a high effect in preventing misalignment can be easily obtained.

[0017] Furthermore, in the packaging box according to the present invention, a first starting point and a second starting point are provided on the line on which an opening can be formed, and the upper edges of one side plate and the other side plate connected to the opening end plate are designated as a first endpoint and a second endpoint, respectively, with a third breakable line provided between the first starting point and the first endpoint via one side plate, and between the second starting point and the second endpoint via the other side plate.

[0018] As a result, the packaging box according to the present invention can be easily cut along the third breakable line to remove the top of the packaging box. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a packaging box that makes the contents easier to see and remove.

[0019] Furthermore, in the packaging box according to the present invention, the end plate flap on the side of the first breakable line is provided with a second breakable line, the ends of which are connected to the ends of the first breakable line on the fold line, and the two together form a closed curve that surrounds a part of the open end plate and a part of the end plate flap, forming a first connection part, and the end plate on the side of the second breakable line is provided with a first breakable line, the ends of which are connected to the ends of the second breakable line on the fold line, and the two together form a closed curve that surrounds a part of the end plate flap and a part of the open end plate, forming a second connection part forming part that can form a second connection part, and it is preferable that the first connection part and the second connection part forming part are separable from the packaging box.

[0020] As a result, the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion forming portion of the packaging box according to the present invention can be easily separated from the packaging box. A part of the first connecting portion can be inserted between the end plate flap and the side plate flap of the portion where the first connecting portion has been cut out and exposed, thereby fixing the first connecting portion in place. Furthermore, the second connecting portion forming portion can be inserted between the end plate flap and the side plate flap, and the entire second connecting portion forming portion can be accommodated, so that a second connecting portion to which the first connecting portion can be connected can be formed while improving the appearance around the second connecting portion. Therefore, a packaging box that can maintain a horizontal alignment when stacked can be obtained. In addition, if the packaging box is configured such that the abutting portions of the side plate flaps are sealed with tape and both ends of the tape are attached to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion forming portion, respectively, the sealing tape can be easily peeled off from the packaging box by pulling the separated first connecting portion and the second connecting portion forming portion, respectively.

[0021] Furthermore, the opening-forming line of the packaging box according to the present invention preferably includes two straight sections arranged parallel to and at a predetermined distance from each end of the opening end plate that is in contact with the side plates on both sides, and it is preferable that the two straight sections extend from the upper edge to the lower edge of the opening end plate.

[0022] As a result, the packaging box according to the present invention, when an opening is formed, has portions of a certain width at a predetermined distance from each end of the opening end plate that is in contact with the side plates on both sides of the opening end plate, extending from the upper edge to the lower edge of the opening end plate. Therefore, even when an opening is formed, a plate member exists continuously in the vertical direction at a certain width from the upper edge to the lower edge of the opening end plate, thus providing the opening end plate with vertical strength to withstand the vertical load of the packaging boxes stacked above it. Thus, a packaging box that can maintain a horizontal alignment when stacked for display can be obtained.

[0023] Further, in the packaging box according to the present invention, the second connection portion is an opening portion formed by cutting off a part of the end plate flap, the second breakable line is provided continuously with the line capable of forming an opening, and it is preferable that the line capable of forming an opening and the second breakable line are formed as a closed curve surrounding a part of the opening end plate and a part of the end plate flap.

[0024] Thereby, the packaging box according to the present invention can form the opening portion and the second connection portion at the same time by breaking the line capable of forming an opening and the second breakable line which continuously form one closed curve. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a packaging box in which the opening portion and the second connection portion can be easily provided.

[0025] Further, it is preferable that the line capable of forming an opening of the packaging box according to the present invention is provided across the opening end plate and the side plate.

[0026] Thereby, the packaging box according to the present invention can be provided with a large opening portion extending across the side plate, as compared with the case where the opening portion is provided only on the opening end plate. Therefore, a customer can easily visually recognize the product inside the packaging box, and can easily take out the product from inside the packaging box. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the state of the packaging box according to the first embodiment of the present invention during transportation. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view showing the state at the time of display in which the opening portion is provided in the packaging box of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing the state before assembly of the packaging box of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of the operation of providing the opening portion in the packaging box of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the opening portion is provided in the packaging box of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of the operation of processing the connection portion of the packaging box of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing the procedure of the operation of processing the connection portion of the packaging box of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a stack of packaging boxes equipped with openings and connecting parts. [Figure 9] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the upper packaging box after it has been processed into a tray shape. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing the state before assembly in a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing the state of the packaging box according to the second embodiment of the present invention during transport. [Figure 12] Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the packaging box with an opening provided, in the state when it is on display. [Figure 13] Figure 11 is a plan view showing the packaging box before assembly. [Figure 14] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure for creating an opening in the packaging box. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram showing the procedure for processing the connecting parts of the packaging box shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the procedure for processing the opening and connecting parts of the packaging box. [Figure 17] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a stack of packaging boxes with openings and connecting parts. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a perspective view showing the upper packaging box after it has been processed into a tray shape. [Figure 19] This is a plan view showing the state before assembly in a modified example of the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] <First Example> Referring to Figures 1 to 3, a packaging box 100 of the first embodiment according to the present invention will be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the assembled packaging box 100 in its state during transport. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 100 in its display state. Figure 3 is a plan view showing the packaging box 100 before assembly. The packaging box 100 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled and is a so-called A-type corrugated cardboard box type packaging box 100. The packaging box 100 is used for transporting goods and other items contained inside, and for displaying those goods. An example of a product is food, such as packaged foods like retort curry, pasta sauce, and prepared food mixes.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the packaging box 100 can be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped, i.e., an A-type corrugated cardboard box, when assembled. After the packaging box 100 is assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped and the goods are placed inside, the side panel flaps 40 are used as outer flaps and sealed with tape 9. The packaging box 100, with the goods inside and packed, has no protrusions on its outer surface and can be transported in the same way as conventional packaging boxes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the packaging box 100 is designed to be easily processed by retailers, etc., so that the goods inside can be stacked and displayed in a visible manner.

[0030] The structure of the packaging box 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The packaging box 100 comprises a pair of end plates 10 facing each other, a pair of side plates 20 facing each other, end plate flaps 30 connected to the upper edge 13 and lower edge 14 of each end plate 10, and side plate flaps 40 connected to the upper edge 23 and lower edge 24 of each side plate 20. The end plate flaps 30 are inner flaps, and the side plate flaps 40 are outer flaps. The longitudinal direction of the corrugated sheets inside the corrugated cardboard that makes up the packaging box 100 is formed parallel to the vertical direction, as shown in part A of Figure 3. The directions are defined as follows: The direction in which the end plate flaps 30 are connected to the end plates 10, the direction in which the side plates 20 are connected to the end plates 10, and the direction perpendicular to the end plates 10 are referred to as the vertical direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction of the packaging box 100, respectively.

[0031] The end plate 10 and the side plates 20 are connected in an alternating order in one direction, and a fold line 3 is provided between them. On one side plate 20, an adhesive piece 2 is connected to the side opposite to the end plate 10, and a fold line 3 is provided between the two. When the adhesive piece 2 is bonded to one of the end plates 10, the pair of end plates 10 and the pair of side plates 20 form a body section 1. A fold line 4 is provided between the end plate 10 and the end plate flap 30, and between the side plate 20 and the side plate flap 40. The fold lines 3 and 4 are processed lines that can be easily folded, for example, linear portions of a certain length that are indented by pressing. Note that the fold lines 3 and 4 surrounding the outer circumference of the end plate 10 are included in both the end plate 10 and the connected end plate flap 30.

[0032] The end plate 10 includes an open end plate 11 and a non-open end plate 12. Both the open end plate 11 and the first breakable lines 17 and 18 are provided on the open end plate 11. Neither of these are provided on the non-open end plate 12. Note that the breakable lines such as the open-forming line 15 and the first breakable line 17 can be any line that can be broken, and may be breakable lines formed by perforations with multiple linear, discontinuous cuts.

[0033] The opening-forming line 15 is described below. The opening-forming line 15 includes a first opening-forming line 15a, a second opening-forming line 15b, and a third opening-forming line 15c. The opening-forming line 15 is a processing line that allows an opening 5 to be formed in the opening end plate 11. The opening 5 is a roughly rectangular opening formed in the opening end plate 11, with a portion cut out. The first opening-forming line 15a, the second opening-forming line 15b, and the third opening-forming line 15c are connected to form a closed curve, the opening-forming line 15. The opening 5 is formed by breaking the opening-forming line 15 and removing the opening-forming portion 5a.

[0034] The first opening-forming lines 15a are straight sections formed around the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, respectively. The left and right first opening-forming lines 15a are formed parallel to and at a predetermined distance or more from the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, i.e., the fold lines 3 of the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, from the fold line 4 of the upper edge 13 to the fold line 4 of the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11.

[0035] The second opening-forming line 15b and the third opening-forming line 15c are portions formed on the upper edge 13 and lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11, respectively. The upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b are straight portions extending in the left-right direction, and the third opening-forming line 15c is connected to the central portion in the left-right direction of both second opening-forming lines 15b.

[0036] The second opening-forming lines 15b on both the upper left and right sides are formed to coincide with the fold line 4 of the upper edge 13. The left end of the left side of the upper second opening-forming line 15b is connected to the upper end of the left first opening-forming line 15a, and the right end of the right side is connected to the upper end of the right first opening-forming line 15a. The left and right sides of the lower second opening-forming line 15b are formed to coincide with the fold line 4 of the lower edge 14. The left end of the left side of the lower second opening-forming line 15b is connected to the lower end of the left first opening-forming line 15a, and the right end of the right side is connected to the lower end of the right first opening-forming line 15a.

[0037] The third opening-forming lines 15c, positioned in the central portions of the upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b, are connected at both ends to the upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b, respectively. The upper and lower third opening-forming lines 15c are each formed with their central portions projecting in a roughly triangular shape from the fold line 4 toward the center of the opening-forming portion 5a. The roughly triangular tip is not pointed but formed in an arc shape, making it easy to break the opening-forming line 15 by pressing the area around the tip with a finger. The opening-forming line 15 can be any breakable line, and may be a breakable line formed by perforations with multiple linear, discontinuous cuts.

[0038] At the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, even when the opening 5 is provided, a vertical plate portion 19 with a predetermined width in the left-right direction is provided from the fold line 4 on the upper edge portion 13 to the fold line 4 on the lower edge portion 14. Therefore, when another packaging box, such as another packaging box 100, is placed on top of the packaging box 100 with the opening 5, and a vertical load is applied, the vertical plate portion 19 provided between the upper and lower ends can resist the vertical load. Thus, another packaging box 100 can be stably stacked on top of the packaging box 100 with the opening 5.

[0039] The first breakable lines 17 and 18 are described below. The open end plate 11 is provided with the first breakable lines 17 and 18. The first breakable line 17 is a processed line that can form the first connection portion 6. The first breakable line 18, together with the second breakable line 34 which will be described later, is a processed line that can form the second connection portion forming portion 7a.

[0040] The first connecting portion 6 is a portion separated from the opening end plate 11, including at least a part of the opening end plate 11, and is a portion that can be connected to a corresponding portion of the mating member. The corresponding portion of the mating member is the portion of the upper packaging box 100 that is shaped so that the first connecting portion 6 of the lower packaging box 100 can be connected when the packaging box 100 is stacked on top of other packaging boxes 100, etc. For example, it is the second connecting portion 7 that is formed when the second connecting portion forming portion 7a of the packaging box 100 is removed.

[0041] The first breakable lines 17 and 18 are formed on either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the open end plate 11, and on either the upper or lower edge 14, respectively.

[0042] The first breakable line 17 and the opening-forming line 15, and the first breakable line 18 and the opening-forming line 15, can each be formed by sharing at least a portion of each other. In the first embodiment, the first breakable lines 17 and 18 have the same total length as a portion of the opening-forming line 15 and are formed by sharing.

[0043] The first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a, which are formed in a roughly triangular shape, can be separated from the open end plate 11 by breaking the first breakable lines 17 and 18, respectively. The straight portions corresponding to the bases of the roughly triangular first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a coincide with the fold line 4 at the end on the upper edge portion 13 side and the fold line 4 at the end on the lower edge portion 14 side, respectively. Therefore, the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a can be easily bent along the fold line 4. In addition, the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a may be provided with other fold lines in addition to the fold line 4.

[0044] The end plate flaps 30 connected to the upper and lower ends of the open end plate 11 each have second breakable lines 33 and 34. The second breakable line 33 is a processing line that can break a part of the end plate flap 30 to form a first connecting part 6 separated from the end plate flap 30. The second breakable line 34 is a processing line that can break a part of the end plate flap 30 to separate the second connecting part forming part 7a from the end plate flap 30 to form a second connecting part 7. The second breakable lines 33 and 34 are roughly arc-shaped processing lines with a straight line near the center.

[0045] The ends of the second breakable line 33 are connected to the ends of the first breakable line 17, which is located on the fold line 4, and are formed on the end plate flap 30. That is, the first breakable line 17 surrounds a portion of the area on the open end plate 11 side of the fold line 4, and the second breakable line 33 surrounds a portion of the area on the end plate flap 30 side of the fold line 4, and the two together form a closed curve. By breaking both the first breakable line 17 and the second breakable line 33, the first connection part 6 can be separated from the open end plate 11 and the end plate flap 30. Also, by breaking both the first breakable line 18 and the second breakable line 34, the second connection part forming part 7a can be separated from the open end plate 11 and the end plate flap 30.

[0046] Furthermore, the distance from the fold line 4 to the second breakable line 33 and the second breakable line 34 in the direction perpendicular to the fold line 4 is such that the second breakable line 34 is larger. As a result, the second connecting portion 7 formed by breaking the second breakable line 34 is slightly larger than the first connecting portion 6 formed by breaking the second breakable line 33, allowing the first connecting portion 6 to be securely fitted into the second connecting portion 7.

[0047] Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the third breakable lines 25 and 26 that allow the packaging box 100 to be processed into a tray shape will be explained. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the packaging box 100 processed into a tray shape. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are processing lines that can be broken to remove the upper part of the packaging box 100. By providing the third breakable lines 25 and 26, the packaging box 100 can be processed into a tray shape consisting only of the lower part, making it easier to display and access the products contained in the packaging box 100.

[0048] A third breakable line 25 is provided extending from the open end plate 11 to the left side plate 20 of the open end plate 11, and a third breakable line 26 is provided extending from the open end plate 11 to the right side plate 20 of the open end plate 11. By breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26, the upper halves of the left and right vertical plate portions 19 of the open end plate 11, the upper halves of the side plates 20, and the side plate flaps 40 can be removed. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are formed by connecting straight sections from a first starting point 25a and a second starting point 26a, through intermediate points 25b, 26b, 25c, and 26c, to a first endpoint 25d and a second endpoint 26d, respectively.

[0049] The first starting point 25a and the second starting point 26a are located on the first opening-forming line 15a to the left and the first opening-forming line 15a to the right, respectively. The height from the fold line 4 on the lower edge 14 side of the first starting point 25a and the second starting point 26a is the same, and they are located at a height of approximately 1 / 3 of the total height of the opening end plate 11. The intermediate points 25b and 26b are located on the left vertical plate portion 19 and the right vertical plate portion 19, slightly higher than the first starting point 25a and the second starting point 26a, and located on the side of the fold line 3, respectively.

[0050] Intermediate points 25c and 26c are located on the left and right side plates 20 of the open end plate 11, slightly higher than intermediate points 25b and 26b, and around the fold line 3 distal to the open end plate 11. The first endpoint 25d and the second endpoint 26d are located at the upper edge corners of each side plate 20, distal to the open end plate 11.

[0051] The angles of each straight section of the third breakable lines 25 and 26 with respect to the left-right direction are as follows: From the first starting point 25a and the second starting point 26a to intermediate points 25b and 26b, the angle is approximately 40° to 50°; from intermediate points 25b and 26b to intermediate points 25c and 26c, the angle is approximately 10° to 20°; and from intermediate points 25c and 26c to the first endpoint 25d and the second endpoint 26d, the angle is approximately 50° to 60°. The position of each point is determined within the above range, or appropriately outside the above range, depending on the left-right and front-back dimensions of the packaging box 100, the shape of the product and its thickness in the front-back direction, etc.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the notches 41 provided in the side panel flaps 40 will be explained. The notches 41 prevent interference between the first connection portion and the side panel flaps 40 and form the second connection portion 7 for connection. Rectangular notches 41 are provided in a total of four locations on the opening end plate 11 side corners of the leading edge ends of both side panel flaps 40 on each of the two side panels 20. Due to the notches 41, when the packaging box 100 is assembled, the side panel flaps 40 are formed in such a shape that they do not overlap with the first connection portion 6 and the second connection portion 7 in the vertical direction of the packaging box 100.

[0053] If, in the assembled state of the packaging box 100, the corresponding pair of side panel flaps 40 are formed to the same dimensions so that their ends meet, then without the notch 41, the entire outer surface of each end panel flap 30 would be covered by the side panel flap 40. By providing the notch 41, as shown in Figure 2, the second connecting portion 7 is exposed to the outside, and the first connecting portion 6 can be fitted into the second connecting portion 7.

[0054] A pair of side flap plates 40, positioned on the top and bottom surfaces of the packaging box 100, are folded and their ends are abutted against each other, then sealed with tape 9. The tape 9 sealing the top surface of the packaging box 100 has one end fastened to the second connecting portion 7 of the open end plate 11 and attached to the ends of the abutted side flap plates 40, while the other end is fastened to the non-opening end plate 12. The tape 9 sealing the bottom surface of the packaging box 100 has one end fastened to the first connecting portion 6 of the open end plate 11 and attached to the ends of the abutted side flap plates 40, while the other end is fastened to the non-opening end plate 12. When each flap is secured with tape 9 as described above, the tape 9 can be easily peeled off by pulling the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a, respectively. In addition, the end plate flaps 30 and side plate flaps 40 can be secured using adhesives such as hot melt or vinyl acetate resin adhesive, staples, or double-sided tape instead of tape 9.

[0055] <Method for processing packaging boxes 100 for stacking> Referring to Figures 4 to 9, the processing procedure for stacking and displaying the packaging boxes 100 will be explained.

[0056] (1) Machining of opening 5 (see Figures 4 and 5) As shown in Figure 4, press the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a of the packaging box 100 with your finger to break the third opening-forming line 15c. Insert your finger into the opening that has been opened by pressing the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion forming portion 7a, break the opening-forming line 15 around the entire circumference of the opening-forming portion 5a, remove the opening-forming portion 5a, and return to the state shown in Figure 5.

[0057] (2) Machining of the second connecting part 7 (see Figure 6) As shown in Figure 6, holding the second connection part forming section 7a with one end of the tape 9 still attached at the top of the packaging box 100, the second breakable line 33 is broken to separate the second connection part forming section 7a from the end plate flap 30. With one end of the tape 9 still attached, the separated second connection part forming section 7a is inserted between the side plate flap 40 and the end plate flap 30 from the end side of the second connection part forming section 7a where the tape 9 is not attached, thereby inserting the entire second connection part forming section 7a.

[0058] (3) Machining of the first connecting part 6 (see Figure 7) At the bottom of the packaging box 100, hold the first connecting portion 6 with one end of the tape 9 still attached, and break the second breakable line 33 to separate the first connecting portion 6 from the end plate flap 30. Fold the separated first connecting portion 6 along the fold line 4 provided on the first connecting portion 6. With one end of the tape 9 still attached, insert the end of the first connecting portion 6 from the end where the tape 9 is not attached between the side plate flap 40 and the end plate flap 30, and insert the first connecting portion 6 to the position of the fold line 4. In this state, as shown in Figure 7, the end of the first connecting portion 6 with one end of the tape 9 attached protrudes diagonally downward from the fold line 4.

[0059] (4) Stacking of packaging boxes 100 (see Figure 8) The two packaging boxes 100 processed as described above are stacked on top of each other. At this time, the first connecting part 6 attached to the bottom of the upper packaging box 100 is fitted onto the second connecting part 7 provided on the top of the lower packaging box 100. This connection structure ensures that the first connecting part 6 of the upper packaging box 100 is securely connected to the second connecting part 7 of the lower packaging box 100, preventing the packaging boxes 100 from shifting from side to side.

[0060] (5) Tray shaping of packaging box 100 (see Figure 9) Figure 9 shows the packaging box 100 after it has been processed into a tray shape. After the opening 5 is provided in the packaging box 100, the upper part of the packaging box 100 is removed by breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26, thereby processing it into a tray shape. Even when the packaging box 100 placed on top is processed into a tray shape, the connection structure between the first connection part 6 of the upper packaging box 100 and the second connection part 7 of the lower packaging box 100 remains unchanged, and the upper and lower packaging boxes 100 can be held securely.

[0061] [Differentiation] A modified example of the first embodiment is described below.

[0062] Referring to Figure 10, a packaging box 101 capable of having an opening shape extending from the opening end plate 11 to the side plates 20 will be described. In the above description, a packaging box 100 was described in which the entire opening-forming line 15 is provided on the opening end plate 11 including the fold lines 4 at the upper and lower ends. The packaging box 101 has opening-forming lines 15d that are provided on the opening end plate 11 and on each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11, instead of the opening-forming line 15a of the opening-forming line 15.

[0063] The upper and lower ends of the right-hand ends of the upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b are connected to the upper and lower ends of the right-hand first opening-forming line 15d toward the opening end plate 11, respectively. The upper and lower ends of the left-hand ends of the upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b are connected to the upper and lower ends of the left-hand first opening-forming line 15d toward the opening end plate 11, respectively. Each side plate 20 is provided with a first starting point 25a' and a second starting point 26a' of the third breakable lines 25 and 26, respectively. The right-hand and left-hand first opening-forming lines 15d connect to the upper and lower second opening-forming lines 15b via the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a', respectively. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are formed by connecting the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a' with straight sections, passing through the intermediate points 25c and 26c to the first endpoint 25d and the second endpoint 26d.

[0064] The first opening-forming line 15d is formed by a combination of curves or straight lines in a convex shape with the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a' as its vertices, toward each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11. As a result, the opening 5 of the packaging box 101 is formed by cutting out the opening end plate 11 side of each side plate 20 in a substantially arc shape. This makes it possible to form an opening 5 across the opening end plate 11 and the side plates 20 connected to both sides of the opening end plate 11 by breaking the first opening-forming line 15d and removing the opening-forming portion 5a, thereby further improving the above features.

[0065] The opening 5 of the packaging box 101 is provided across the opening end plate 11 and each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11. This allows for a larger opening 5 that extends across the side plates 20 compared to a case where the opening 5 is provided only on the opening end plate 11. Therefore, customers can easily see the products inside the packaging box 101 and easily remove the products from the packaging box 101. Furthermore, the packaging box 101 can be processed into a tray shape, similar to the packaging box 100, by breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26.

[0066] Other variations are described below. The opening-forming line 15 and the first breakable line 17 may be formed as separate processing lines that do not share any part. For example, the opening-forming line 15 may be formed to form a rectangular opening 5 in the central part of the opening end plate 11. In the above case, the first breakable line 17 may be formed at a distance from the opening-forming line 15 at either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11, with both ends of the first breakable line 17 positioned on the fold line 4, or with the first breakable line 17 intersecting the fold line 4.

[0067] Furthermore, the second breakable line 34 may be formed on the end plate flap 30 without contacting the opening-forming line 15. In the above case, the second breakable line 34 may be formed on the end plate flap 30 adjacent to either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11, without contacting the opening-forming line 15. In that case, the second breakable line 34 may be formed as a continuous line that can form a shape, for example, a rectangle, that allows the second connecting portion 7 to connect to the first connecting portion 6.

[0068] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 6 and the second connecting portion 7 may be formed with their upper and lower positions reversed on the packaging box 100. Also, the third breakable lines 25 and 26 may not be provided.

[0069] <Second Example> A second embodiment of the packaging box 200 according to the present invention is described below. The packaging box 200 of the second embodiment is a corrugated cardboard box of the same A-type as the packaging box 100 of the first embodiment. The main differences between the packaging box 200 and the packaging box 100 are as follows: The second connecting portion 107, which is an opening provided in the end plate flap 30, is provided on the lower edge portion 14 side of the opening end plate 11 and is formed in connection with the opening 105. Also, the first connecting portion 106 of the packaging box 200 is on the upper edge portion 13 side. In addition, the end plate flap 30 is the outer flap and the side plate flap 40 is the inner flap.

[0070] In the following description, components in the second embodiment whose shape and structure are the same as or similar to those in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0071] The packaging box 200 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 13. Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the assembled packaging box 200 in its state during transport. Figure 12 is a perspective view showing the packaging box 200 in its display state. Figure 13 is a plan view showing the packaging box 200 before assembly. As shown in Figure 11, the packaging box 200 can be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped, i.e., an A-type corrugated cardboard box, when assembled. After the packaging box 200 is assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped and the goods are placed inside, the end flap 30 and side flap 40 are sealed with adhesive. The packaging box 200, with the goods inside and packed, has no protrusions on its outer surface and can be transported in the same way as conventional packaging boxes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the packaging box 200 is configured to be easily processed at retail stores, etc., so that the goods inside can be easily stacked and displayed in a way that is visible.

[0072] As shown in Figure 11, the packaging box 200 can be formed into a rectangular parallelepiped shape when assembled. The packaging box 200 has no protrusions on its outer surface when assembled. Therefore, the packaging box 200 can be transported in the same way as conventional packaging boxes. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the packaging box 200 is configured so that a portion of it can be removed at retail stores, etc., allowing the contents inside to be visible for display.

[0073] The structure of the packaging box 200 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 13. The packaging box 200 comprises an end plate 10 having an open end plate 11 and a non-open end plate 12, side plates 20, end plate flaps 30, side plate flaps 40, a body 1, adhesive pieces 2, and fold lines 3 and 4. The configuration, arrangement, and connection state of each are the same as those of the packaging box 100 of the first embodiment. However, the end plate flap 30 of the packaging box 200 is an outer flap, and the side plate flap 40 is an inner flap. The longitudinal direction of the corrugated sheets inside the corrugated cardboard that constitutes the packaging box 200 is formed parallel to the vertical direction, as shown in part B of Figure 13. The respective directions are defined as follows. The direction in which the end plate flap 30 connects to the end plate 10, the direction in which the side plate 20 connects to the end plate 10, and the direction perpendicular to the end plate 10 are referred to as the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-back direction of the packaging box 200, respectively.

[0074] The end plate 10 includes an open end plate 11 and a non-open end plate 12. Both the open end plate 11 and the non-open end plate 12 are provided with a breakable opening-forming line 115 and a first breakable line 117. Neither of these is provided on the non-open end plate 12.

[0075] The opening-forming line 115 is described below. The opening-forming line 115 includes a first opening-forming line 115a, a second opening-forming line 115b, and a third opening-forming line 115c. The opening-forming line 115 is a processing line that allows an opening 105 to be formed in the open end plate 11. The opening 105 is a substantially rectangular opening formed in the open end plate 11. The first opening-forming line 115a, the second opening-forming line 115b, and the third opening-forming line 115c are connected to form a closed curve, the opening-forming line 115. The opening 105 is formed by breaking the opening-forming line 115 and removing the opening-forming portion 105a.

[0076] The first opening-forming lines 115a are straight sections formed around the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, respectively. The left and right first opening-forming lines 115a are formed parallel to and separated by a predetermined distance from the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, i.e., the fold lines 3 of the left and right ends of the opening end plate 11, from the fold line 4 of the upper edge 13 of the opening end plate 11 to the fold point around the lower edge 14. From the fold point around the lower edge 14 to the fold line 4 of the lower edge 14, the first opening-forming lines 115a are formed extending to the fold line 4 in a direction that approaches each other at an angle of approximately 40° to approximately 50° with respect to the perpendicular. The lower ends of the left and right first opening-forming lines 115a are each located on the fold line 4.

[0077] The second opening-forming line 115b and the third opening-forming line 115c are both formed on either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11. In the second embodiment, both are formed on the upper edge 13. Two third opening-forming lines 115c are formed in the central part of the upper edge 13, extending downward from the fold line 4. From the two third opening-forming lines 115c to the left and right first opening-forming lines 115a, two second opening-forming lines 115b are formed on the fold line 4. The left end of the left portion of the upper second opening-forming line 15b is connected to the upper end of the left first opening-forming line 115a, and the right end of the right portion is connected to the upper end of the right first opening-forming line 115a.

[0078] The third opening-forming line 115c is defined as a shape that protrudes from the fold line 4 toward the center of the opening-forming portion 5a. A semicircular indentation portion 106b is formed at the tip of the protruding shape. The third opening-forming line 115c is designed to be easily broken by pressing the indentation portion 106b with a finger. The opening-forming line 115 can be any line that can be broken, and may be a break line formed by perforations with multiple linear, discontinuous cuts.

[0079] The opening end plate 11 has a first opening-forming line 115a formed so that even when the opening 105 is provided, vertical plate portions 119, which are plate portions with a predetermined width in the left-right direction or greater, are provided at the left end and right end of the opening end plate 11, from the fold line 4 on the upper edge portion 13 to the fold line 4 on the lower edge portion 14. Therefore, even when another packaging box, such as another packaging box, is placed on top of the packaging box 200 and a vertical load is applied, the opening end plate 11 can withstand the vertical load even when the opening 105 is provided, because it has vertical plate portions 119 provided between its upper and lower ends. Thus, another packaging box, such as another packaging box, can be stably stacked on top of the packaging box 200 with the opening 105.

[0080] The first breakable line 117 is described below. The first breakable line 117 is provided on either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the open end plate 11. The first breakable line 117 is a processing line that can form the first connection portion 106.

[0081] The first connection portion 106 is formed by a first breakable line 117 on either the upper edge portion 13 or the lower edge portion 14. As shown in Figure 13, the second connection portion forming portion 107a is formed by a second breakable line 134 provided on the opening end plate 11 side of the end plate flap 30, which is connected to the other of the upper edge portion 13 or the lower edge portion 14.

[0082] The first breakable line 117 and the third opening-forming line 115c can be formed sharing at least a portion of each other. In the second embodiment, the first breakable line 117 includes the entire portion of the third opening-forming line 115c. Furthermore, each end of the third opening-forming line 115c on the fold line 4 is connected to a second breakable line 133 that extends toward the end plate flap 30.

[0083] The first connecting portion 106 is a portion separated from the opening end plate 11, including at least a part of the opening end plate 11, and is a portion that can be connected to a corresponding portion of the mating member. The corresponding portion of the mating member is the portion of the upper packaging box 200 that is formed in a shape that allows the first connecting portion 106 of the lower packaging box 200 to be connected when another packaging box 200 is stacked on top of the packaging box 200. The corresponding portion of the mating member is, for example, the second connecting portion 107, which is the opening portion of the end plate flap 30 formed by removing the second connecting portion forming portion 107a.

[0084] Even if the first breakable line 117 and the second breakable line 133 are broken, the first connecting portion 106 remains connected to the end plate flap 30 with the fold line 135 as its base end. When processing the packaging box 200 into a display state, the first connecting portion 106 is processed so that the first breakable line 117 and the second breakable line 133 are broken, and the connecting portion 106 remains connected to the end plate flap 30 while being folded along the fold line 135. The first connecting portion 106 has a fold line 4 and a fold line 136 formed parallel to each other. The length dimension of the first connecting portion 106 perpendicular to the fold line 4 is divided into approximately three equal parts by the fold lines 4 and 136. As shown in Figure 16, the first connecting portion 106 can be folded along the fold lines 4, 135, and 136 to form a hollow triangular prism-shaped portion. Since the first connecting portion 106 can be formed in a triangular prism shape, it has a large protrusion from the surface of the end plate flap 30. Therefore, the first connecting portion 106 can be deeply fitted into the second connecting portion 107 to which it is connected, so a significant anti-shifting effect can be obtained when the packaging boxes 200 are stacked.

[0085] A second breakable line 134 is formed on the side of the end plate flap 30 adjacent to the lower side of the open end plate 11, on the side facing the open end plate 11. The second breakable line 134 defines the second connection part forming part 107a and is a processing line that can be broken to form the second connection part 107. The second breakable line 134 is formed in a substantially U-shape. In the second embodiment, both ends of the substantially U-shaped second breakable line 134 are positioned on the fold line 4 and are connected to both ends of the first opening-forming line 115a on the fold line 4, respectively. Therefore, the first opening-forming line 115a and the second breakable line 134 can be broken in succession to separate the opening-forming part 105a and the second connection part forming part 107a from the packaging box 200. Thus, the opening 105 and the second connection part 107 can be easily manufactured.

[0086] Alternatively, the opening-forming portion 105a and the second connecting portion 107a may be housed in the lower part of the packaging box 200 by breaking the first opening-forming line 115a and the second breaking line 134, and folding the second breaking line 134a without breaking it. The second breaking line 134, which is formed in a roughly U-shape, includes the second breaking line 134a which constitutes the bottom part of the U-shape. Breakable lines such as the second breaking line 134a can also be folded without breaking them. When housing the opening-forming portion 105a in the lower part of the packaging box 200 without separating it, the portion of the second breaking line 134 other than the second breaking line 134a is broken, and the opening-forming portion 105a is housed in the lower part of the packaging box 200 by folding the second breaking line 134a.

[0087] Referring to Figures 13 and 18, the third breakable lines 25 and 26 that allow the packaging box 200 to be processed into a tray shape will be described. Figure 18 shows a perspective view of the packaging box 200 processed into a tray shape. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are processing lines that can be broken to remove the upper part of the packaging box 200. By providing the third breakable lines 25 and 26, the packaging box 200 can be processed into a tray shape consisting only of the lower part, allowing the products contained in the packaging box 200 to be displayed in a more visible and easily accessible manner.

[0088] A third breakable line 25 is provided extending from the open end plate 11 to the left side plate 20 of the open end plate 11, and a third breakable line 26 is provided extending from the open end plate 11 to the right side plate 20 of the open end plate 11. By breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26, the upper halves of the left and right vertical plate portions 19 of the open end plate 11, the upper halves of the side plates 20, and the side plate flaps 40 can be removed. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are formed by connecting a first starting point 25a and a second starting point 26a, passing through points 25b and 26b, to a first ending point 25d and a second ending point 26d, respectively, with straight sections. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are formed in a substantially straight line from the first starting point 25a and a second starting point 26a to the first ending point 25d and a second ending point 26d. The angles of the third breakable lines 25 and 26 with respect to the horizontal plane are approximately 30° to approximately 60°. These angles can be appropriately determined depending on the dimensions of the packaging box 100, the goods to be contained, etc.

[0089] Figure 13 shows that a notch 41 is provided in the side panel flap 40. The position and shape of the notch 41 are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0090] The top and bottom surfaces of the packaging box 200 are arranged in pairs of side flaps 40, which are designated as inner flaps, and the bottom surfaces are arranged in pairs of end flaps 30, which are designated as outer flaps. The side flaps 40 are folded and their upper edges 23 are butted together. The end flaps 30 are then folded and placed on top of them. The end flaps 30 and the side flaps 40 are fixed together with adhesive. Alternatively, instead of adhesive, they can be fixed together using staples, single-sided tape, or double-sided tape.

[0091] <Method for processing packaging boxes 200 for stacking> Referring to Figures 14 to 18, the processing procedure for stacking and displaying the packaging boxes 200 will be explained.

[0092] (1) Machining of the opening 105 (see Figure 14) As shown in Figure 14, press the indentation portion 106b of the packaging box 200 with your finger, insert your finger into the opening created, and pull the opening forming portion 105a to break the opening forming line 115 and remove the opening forming portion 105a.

[0093] (2) Machining of the first connecting portion 106 (see Figure 15) As shown in Figure 15, the first connecting portion 106 is pulled upward at the top of the packaging box 200 to break the first breakable line 117 and the second breakable line 133 provided on the end plate flap 30.

[0094] (3) Machining of the first connecting portion 106 (see Figure 16) The first connecting portion 106 is bent along the fold lines 4 and 136 provided on it, processing it into a triangular prism shape, and the tip of the first connecting portion 106 is inserted between the end plate flap 30 and the side plate flap 40 and fixed in place.

[0095] (4) Stacking of packaging boxes 200 (see Figure 17) The two processed packaging boxes 200 are stacked as described above. At this time, the second connecting part 7, which is open on the lower side of the upper packaging box 200, is fitted onto the first connecting part 106, which is provided on the upper side of the lower packaging box 200. This connection structure ensures that the first connecting part 106 of the upper packaging box 200 is securely connected to the second connecting part 7 of the lower packaging box 200, preventing the packaging boxes 200 from shifting from side to side.

[0096] (5) Tray shaping of packaging box 200 (see Figure 18) Figure 18 shows a packaging box 200 that has been processed into a tray shape. After the opening 105 is provided in the packaging box 200, the upper part of the packaging box 200 is removed by breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26, thereby processing it into a tray shape. Even after the packaging box 200 has been processed into a tray shape, the connection structure between the first connecting part 106 of the upper packaging box 200 and the second connecting part 7 of the lower packaging box 200 remains unchanged, and the upper and lower packaging boxes 200 can be firmly held together without shifting in the left-right direction.

[0097] [Differentiation] A modified example of the second embodiment is described below.

[0098] Referring to Figure 19, a packaging box 201 capable of having an opening shape extending from the opening end plate 11 to the side plates 20 will be described. In the above description, a packaging box 200 was described in which the entire opening-forming line 115 is provided on the opening end plate 11 including the fold lines 4 at the upper and lower ends. The packaging box 201 has opening-forming lines 115d that are provided on the opening end plate 11 and on each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11, instead of the opening-forming line 115a of the opening-forming line 115.

[0099] The upper end of the right-side first opening-forming line 115d is connected to the right-side second opening-forming line 115b toward the opening end plate 11. The lower end of the right-side first opening-forming line 115d is connected to the intersection of the right-side second breakable line 134 and the fold line 4. The upper end of the left-side first opening-forming line 115d is connected to the left-side second opening-forming line 115b toward the opening end plate 11. The lower end of the left-side first opening-forming line 115d is connected to the intersection of the left-side second breakable line 134 and the fold line 4. Each side plate 20 is provided with a first starting point 25a' and a second starting point 26a' of the third breakable lines 25 and 26, respectively. The right-side and left-side first opening-forming lines 115d are formed by a combination of curves or straight lines, passing through the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a', respectively. The third breakable lines 25 and 26 are formed by straight lines from the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a' to the first endpoint 25d and the second endpoint 26d, respectively.

[0100] The first opening-forming line 115d is formed in a convex shape with the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a' as its vertices, toward each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11. As a result, the opening 105 of the packaging box 201 is formed by cutting out each side plate 20 toward the opening end plate 11 in a substantially arc shape. This makes it possible to form an opening 105 in the packaging box 201 across the opening end plate 11 and the side plates 20 connected to both sides of the opening end plate 11 by breaking the first opening-forming line 115d and removing the opening-forming portion 105a and the second connecting portion forming portion 107a.

[0101] Because the opening 105 of the packaging box 201 extends across the opening end plate 11 and each side plate 20 adjacent to the opening end plate 11, a larger opening 105 can be provided that extends across the side plates 20 compared to a case where the opening 105 is only provided on the opening end plate 11. Therefore, customers can easily see the products inside the packaging box 201 and easily remove the products from inside the packaging box 201. Furthermore, the packaging box 201 can be processed into a tray shape, similar to the packaging box 200, by breaking the third breakable lines 25 and 26, thereby further improving the above features.

[0102] Note that the first opening-forming line 115d may be formed by a different path; for example, instead of the first opening-forming line 115d, the first opening-forming line 115e shown in Figure 19 may be used. The portion of the first opening-forming line 115e above the first starting point 25a' and the second starting point 26a' is common with the first opening-forming line 115d, while the lower portion is located above the first opening-forming line 115d. The lower end of the first opening-forming line 115e includes the extension of the opening end plate 11 of the second breakable line 134 and connects to the intersection of the second breakable line 134 and the fold line 4. When the opening 105 is formed by the first opening-forming line 115e passing above the first opening-forming line 115d, the plate area remaining at the lower end of the opening end plate 11 can be made larger. Therefore, the plate portion at the lower end of the opening end plate 11 can sufficiently hold down the lower part of the product, making it easier to prevent the product from falling out of the packaging box 201. Alternatively, multiple first opening-forming lines, such as the first opening-forming line 115d and the first opening-forming line 115e, may be provided, allowing the opening 105 to be formed by appropriately selecting one of them during packaging box processing, depending on the product or store conditions.

[0103] Other variations are described below. The opening-forming line 115 and the first breakable line 117 may be formed as separate processing lines that do not share any part. For example, the opening-forming line 115 may be formed to form a rectangular opening 105 in the central part of the opening end plate 11. In the above case, the first breakable line 117 may be formed at either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11, spaced apart from the opening-forming line 115, with both ends of the first breakable line 117 positioned on the fold line 4, or with the first breakable line 117 intersecting the fold line 4.

[0104] Furthermore, the second breakable line 134 may be formed on the end plate flap 30 without contacting the opening-forming line 115. In the above case, the second breakable line 134 may be formed on the end plate flap 30 adjacent to either the upper edge 13 or the lower edge 14 of the opening end plate 11, without contacting the opening-forming line 115. In that case, the second breakable line 134 may be formed as a continuous line that can form a shape, for example, a rectangle, that allows the second connecting portion 107 to connect to the first connecting portion 106.

[0105] Furthermore, the first connecting portion 106 and the second connecting portion 107 may be formed with their upper and lower positions reversed on the packaging box 200. Also, the third breakable lines 25 and 26 may not be provided. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1 Torso 2 adhesive strips Fold lines 3, 4, 135, 136 5,105 openings 5a,105a Opening forming part 6,106 First connection section 7,107 Second connection section 7a, 107a Second connection part forming part 9 tapes 10 End plate 11 Open end plate 12 Closed end plate 13,23 Upper edge 14,24 Lower edge 15,115 Possible opening line 15a,15d,115a,115d First opening formation possible line 15b,115b Second opening formation possible line 15c, 115c Third opening formation possible line 17,18,117 First breakable line 19,119 Vertical plate section 20 Side panels 25,26 Third breakable line 25a 1st starting point 26a 2nd starting point 30 End plate flap 33, 34, 133, 134, 134a Second breakable line 40 Side panel flap 100,101,200,201 Packaging box

Claims

1. A pair of end plates facing each other, A pair of side panels facing each other, A packaging box that can be assembled into a rectangular parallelepiped shape, comprising end plate flaps connected to the upper and lower edges of each end plate, and side plate flaps connected to the upper and lower edges of each side plate, The end plate includes an opening end plate provided with at least a portion of the opening-forming line that forms the opening, The open end plate has a first breakable line that includes at least a portion of the open end plate and separates from the open end plate, at either the upper edge or the lower edge of the open end plate, and is capable of forming a first connecting portion. A packaging box in which the end plate flap, connected to either the upper edge or the lower edge of the opening end plate, has a second breakable line that can form a second connecting portion, which has a shape to which the first connecting portion can be connected.

2. The packaging box according to claim 1, wherein the opening-forming line and the first breakable line share at least a portion of each other.

3. The first breakable line is provided continuously from the open end plate to the end plate flap connected to the first breakable line side of the open end plate, The packaging box according to claim 2, wherein all of the side panel flaps are formed in such a shape that they do not overlap with the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion in the vertical direction of the packaging box when it is assembled into a box.

4. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting portion has a fold line that allows the first connecting portion to be folded.

5. The opening-forming line has a first starting point and a second starting point provided on the opening-forming line. At the upper edges of one side plate and the other side plate connected to the opening end plate, the upper edge corners located on the opposite side from the opening end plate are designated as the first endpoint and the second endpoint, respectively. From the first starting point, through one of the side plates, to the first ending point, and The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a third breakable line is provided between the second starting point, via the other side plate, and to the second ending point.

6. The end plate flap on the side of the first breakable line is provided with a second breakable line, the ends of which are connected to the ends of the first breakable line on the fold line, and the two together form a closed curve that surrounds a part of the open end plate and a part of the end plate flap, forming the first connection part. The end plate on the side of the second breakable line is provided with a first breakable line, the ends of which are connected to the ends of the second breakable line on the fold line, and the two together form a closed curve that surrounds a part of the end plate flap and a part of the open end plate, forming a second connection part forming part that can form the second connection part. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion forming portion are each separable from the packaging box.

7. The opening-forming line includes two straight sections arranged parallel to and at a predetermined distance from each end of the opening end plate that is in contact with the side plates on both sides. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the two straight sections are each provided from the upper edge to the lower edge of the opening end plate.

8. The second connecting portion is an opening formed by cutting off a part of the end plate flap. The second breakable line is provided in continuity with the opening-forming line, The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening-forming line and the second breakable line are formed as closed curves surrounding a part of the opening end plate and a part of the end plate flap.

9. The packaging box according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening-forming line is provided extending from the opening end plate to the side plate.

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