Tray for non-combustible flavor inhaler

Abstract

This tray for a non-combustible flavor inhaler comprises a recessed part that is formed by folding a blank, and that is able to accommodate a non-combustible flavor inhaler, a hollow cushioning frame surrounding the recessed part, and a cushioning space formed in the interior of the cushioning frame, wherein the cushioning frame is formed so as to fit with and retain a non-combustible flavor inhaler accommodated in the recessed part.

Description

Tray for non-burning flavor inhaler

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a tray for a non-burning flavor inhaler.

[0002]

[0003] Conventionally, packaging materials that contain electronic devices and other items and protect the items from shocks when dropped or vibrations during transportation have been widely used. A known packaging material is a packing tray that is formed by folding a single cardboard sheet multiple times and has an upper opening for storing accessories (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In recent years, non-combustion flavor inhalers that allow users to enjoy the flavor of tobacco without burning it have become popular as an alternative to cigarettes. Known examples of such inhalers include heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-049434 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-96520 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3200836 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-014965

[0005] As non-combustion type flavor inhalers become more widespread, there is a need for packaging materials that can protect non-combustion type flavor inhalers from impacts and vibrations. However, conventional packaging materials have not been able to adequately protect non-combustion type flavor inhalers.

[0006] The technology disclosed herein aims to provide a tray that can suitably protect a non-combustion type flavor inhaler.

[0007] The technology according to the present disclosure employs the following configuration to solve the above-mentioned problems: That is, the technology according to the present disclosure is a tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler formed by folding a blank, and includes a recess capable of accommodating a non-combustion type flavor inhaler, a hollow buffer frame surrounding the recess, and a buffer space formed inside the buffer frame, and the buffer frame is formed to fit and hold the non-combustion type flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0008] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the opening of the recess may be formed to fit the outer shape of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler housed in the recess.

[0009] Furthermore, the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure may further include a bottom cushioning body that forms a cushioning space at the bottom of the recess.

[0010] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the buffer frame may be formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, and may include a first buffer frame portion and a second buffer frame portion extending in a first direction, and a third buffer frame portion and a fourth buffer frame portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0011] In addition, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, both end portions of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are inclined so that the length in the first direction becomes shorter as the frame portion approaches the recess in the second direction, and both end portions of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are inclined so that the length in the second direction becomes shorter as the frame portion approaches the recess in the first direction, and one end portion of the third buffer frame portion is inserted into one end portion of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap with the one end portion, thereby forming a gap between the third buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion. The third buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion may be connected by inserting the other end of the third buffer frame portion into one end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the third buffer frame portion, the fourth buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion may be connected by inserting the one end of the fourth buffer frame portion into the other end of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion, and the fourth buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion may be connected by inserting the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion into the other end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion.

[0012] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, when the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame part that receives the end of the other end with respect to the first direction is θ1 and the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame part that is inserted into the end of the other end with respect to the second direction in the pair of buffer frame parts that are connected to each other in the buffer frame body is θ2, 30°≦θ1≦60°, 55°≦θ2≦85°, or 90°<θ1+θ2 may be satisfied.

[0013] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, both end portions of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion may be linearly inclined, and both end portions of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion may be curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward.

[0014] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the non-combustion type flavor inhaler may be held between a pair of opposing buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body, and the pair of opposing buffer frame portions may be configured such that the distance between them narrows from one side to the other in the direction in which the pair of buffer frame portions extend.

[0015] In the tray for a non-burning flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the blank may have a basis weight of 400 gsm or more.

[0016] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the blank may include a rectangular base panel having first and second edges extending in a first direction and third and fourth edges extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and spacer panels connected to each edge of the base panel, and the buffer frame may be formed by folding the spacer panels.

[0017] In addition, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the buffer frame is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, and the blank includes a first spacer panel connected to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel connected to the second edge, a third spacer panel connected to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel connected to the fourth edge, and a cover panel connected to the fourth spacer panel, and the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel each include an outer tube wall panel connected to the base panel and folded upright relative to the base panel, a cover side tube wall panel connected to the outer tube wall panel and folded to face the base panel, and a cover side tube wall panel connected to the cover side tube wall panel. and a base side cylindrical wall panel connected to the inner cylindrical wall panel and folded so as to face the outer cylindrical wall panel, and a base side cylindrical wall panel connected to the inner cylindrical wall panel and folded so as to face the cover side cylindrical wall panel and overlapping the base panel, wherein these are folded together to form a cylindrical buffer frame portion, and the fourth spacer panel includes a base side gutter wall panel folded so as to overlap the base panel, a groove bottom wall panel connected to the base side gutter wall panel and folded so as to stand up relative to the base panel, and a cover side gutter wall panel connected to the groove bottom wall panel and folded so as to face the base side gutter wall panel, wherein these are folded together to form a concave buffer frame portion, and the cover panel is folded so as to face the base panel, and an opening of the concave portion may be formed in either the base panel or the cover panel.

[0018] Furthermore, in the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, the opening of the recess may be formed in the base panel, and the blank may further include a fifth spacer panel connected to any one of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the cover panel, and the fifth spacer panel may be folded to face the cover panel, thereby forming the bottom surface of the recess and forming a buffer space between it and the cover panel.

[0019] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to suitably protect a non-combustion type flavor inhaler.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a non-combustion type flavor inhaler is housed in the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a front view of a buffer frame according to embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a front view showing a third buffer frame. FIG. 8 is a front view showing a state in which an inhaler is housed in the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank for forming the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 10 is a diagram (1) for explaining the assembly procedure of the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a diagram (2) for explaining the assembly procedure of the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a package, which is an example of a packaging box using the tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 13 is a rear view of the front tray according to embodiment 1. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a tray according to embodiment 2. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along C-C in FIG. 14. Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a plan view of a blank for forming a tray according to embodiment 2. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing one step in the assembly procedure for the tray according to embodiment 2. Fig. 19 is a table showing the results of a drop test.

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments are not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention to those alone, unless otherwise specified. The non-combustion flavor inhaler, which is the object housed in the tray for a non-combustion flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure, is an inhaler for inhaling flavor without combustion. The specific structure, etc. of the non-combustion flavor inhaler according to the present disclosure is not particularly limited, and known structures can be appropriately adopted. In this specification, a numerical range expressed using "to" means a range that includes the numerical values ​​written before and after "to" as the lower and upper limits, for example, "A to B" means greater than or equal to A and less than or equal to B.

[0022] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tray 100 for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler (hereinafter referred to as the tray 100) according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a non-combustion type flavor inhaler 500 (hereinafter referred to as the inhaler 500) is housed in the tray 100 according to Embodiment 1. Arrows shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 indicate the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions of the tray 100. Note that in Embodiment 1, the up-down direction corresponds to the "first direction," the left-right direction that is perpendicular to the up-down direction corresponds to the "second direction," and the front-rear direction that is perpendicular to the up-down and left-right directions corresponds to the "third direction." However, the "first direction" and "second direction" according to the present disclosure are not limited to the up-down direction or the left-right direction. The second direction may be any direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0023] [Overall Configuration] As shown in Fig. 3, the tray 100 according to the first embodiment is a packaging member for accommodating an inhaler 500. The inhaler 500 is, for example, a heating device for an electrically heated inhaler (a so-called heated tobacco product). The heating device generates an aerosol containing a flavor component by, for example, heating a flavor inhalation article containing a tobacco material and an aerosol source. However, the inhaler 500 is not limited to a heating device for an electrically heated inhaler.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the tray 100 has a generally rectangular box-like shape. The tray 100 includes a front wall S1, a rear wall S2, a left side wall S3, a right side wall S4, a bottom wall S5, and a top wall S6. The front wall S1, the rear wall S2, the left side wall S3, the right side wall S4, the bottom wall S5, and the top wall S6 respectively define the front, rear, left side, right side, bottom, and top surfaces of the tray 100. The front wall S1 and the rear wall S2 are perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the tray 100 and are located opposite each other in the front-to-rear direction. The left side wall S3 and the right side wall S4 are perpendicular to the left-to-right direction of the tray 100 and are located opposite each other in the left-to-right direction. The bottom wall S5 and the top wall S6 are perpendicular to the up-to-down direction of the tray 100 and are located opposite each other in the up-to-down direction.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tray 100 has a recess 10 that opens in the front wall S1. As shown in Figure 3, the tray 100 is configured to be able to accommodate an aspirator 500 in the recess 10. Here, in this specification, "accommodating" means that at least a portion of an object to be accommodated is accommodated, and does not necessarily mean that the entire object to be accommodated is accommodated. Therefore, the recess 10 may accommodate a portion of the aspirator 500, or the entire aspirator 500. As shown in Figure 3, approximately half of the rear side of the aspirator 500 is accommodated in the recess 10 of the tray 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the tray 100 also includes a buffer frame 20 formed in a frame shape to surround the recess 10. The buffer frame 20 is provided between the front wall S1 and the rear wall S2. In FIG. 2 , the recess 10 is represented by a dot pattern. The recess 10 is formed by a space surrounded by the buffer frame 20. The buffer frame 20 is hollow, and a buffer space 30 is formed inside the buffer frame 20 to protect the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10 from external impact. The buffer space 30 is formed around the entire periphery of the buffer frame 20. Therefore, the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10 is surrounded by the buffer space 30. This protects the aspirator 500 from impacts in all directions (up, down, left, and right).

[0027] 2, the buffer frame 20 is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions 1. Specifically, the buffer frame 20 includes a first buffer frame portion 11 and a second buffer frame portion 12 extending in the up-down direction (first direction), and a third buffer frame portion 13 and a fourth buffer frame portion 14 extending in the left-right direction (second direction perpendicular to the first direction), which are connected to form a frame shape.

[0028] The first and second buffer frames 11, 12 face each other across a gap in the left-right direction, with the first buffer frame 11 located on the left and the second buffer frame 12 located on the right. The third and fourth buffer frames 13, 14 face each other across a gap in the up-down direction, with the third buffer frame 13 located on the lower side and the fourth buffer frame 14 located on the upper side.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction (vertical direction). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction (horizontal direction). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first buffer frame 11, the second buffer frame 12, and the third buffer frame 13 are formed as cylindrical bodies with a rectangular cross-section. As shown in FIG. 5, the fourth buffer frame 14 is formed as a concave body with a U-shaped cross-section and is concave in the first direction. A first space 301, a second space 302, a third space 303, and a fourth space 304 are formed inside the first buffer frame 11, the second buffer frame 12, the third buffer frame 13, and the fourth buffer frame 14, respectively. Inside the buffer frame 20 , a first space 301 , a second space 302 , a third space 303 , and a fourth space 304 are connected together to form a frame-shaped buffer space 30 .

[0030] FIG. 6 is a front view of the buffer frame 20 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6 , both ends of the first buffer frame 11 and the second buffer frame 12 are inclined so that their lengths in the first direction (up-down direction) become shorter as they approach the recess 10 in the second direction (left-right direction). Specifically, the lower end 111 of the first buffer frame 11 is inclined linearly so as to be displaced upward toward the right. The upper end 112 of the first buffer frame 11 is inclined linearly so as to be displaced downward toward the right. Similarly, the lower end 121 of the second buffer frame 12 is inclined linearly so as to be displaced upward toward the left. The upper end 122 of the second buffer frame 12 is inclined linearly so as to be displaced downward toward the left.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 6 , both ends of the third buffer frame 13 and the fourth buffer frame 14 are inclined so that their lengths in the second direction (left-right direction) become shorter as they approach the recess 10 in the first direction (up-down direction). Specifically, the left end 131 of the third buffer frame 13 is inclined in a curved manner so as to be displaced to the right as it approaches the upper side. The right end 132 of the third buffer frame 13 is inclined in a curved manner so as to be displaced to the left as it approaches the upper side. The left and right ends 131, 132 of the third buffer frame 13 are curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward (be outwardly convex). Similarly, the left end 141 of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inclined in a curved manner so as to be displaced to the right as it approaches the lower side. The right end 142 of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inclined in a curved manner so as to be displaced to the left as it approaches the lower side. The left end 141 and the right end 142 of the fourth buffer frame 14 are curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward.

[0032] 6 , the third buffer frame 13 and the first buffer frame 11 are connected by inserting the left end 131 (one end) of the third buffer frame 13 into the bottom end 111 (one end) of the first buffer frame 11. Therefore, part of the left end 131 of the third buffer frame 13 and part of the bottom end 111 of the first buffer frame 11 overlap each other.

[0033] Furthermore, the right end 132 (other end) of the third buffer frame 13 is inserted into the bottom end 121 (one end) of the second buffer frame 12, thereby connecting the third buffer frame 13 and the second buffer frame 12. Therefore, part of the right end 132 of the third buffer frame 13 and part of the bottom end 121 of the second buffer frame 12 overlap each other.

[0034] Furthermore, the left end 141 (one end) of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inserted into the upper end 112 (the other end) of the first buffer frame 11, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame 14 and the first buffer frame 11. Therefore, part of the left end 141 of the fourth buffer frame 14 and part of the upper end 112 of the first buffer frame 11 overlap each other.

[0035] Furthermore, the right end 142 (other end) of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inserted into the upper end 122 (other end) of the second buffer frame 12, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame 14 and the second buffer frame 12. Therefore, part of the right end 142 of the fourth buffer frame 14 and part of the upper end 122 of the second buffer frame 12 overlap each other.

[0036] Here, we will explain the connection portions between the buffer frame parts 1 in the buffer frame 20. As described above, in the buffer frame 20, the first buffer frame part 11 and the third buffer frame part 13 are connected to each other, the first buffer frame part 11 and the fourth buffer frame part 14 are connected to each other, the second buffer frame part 12 and the third buffer frame part 13 are connected to each other, and the second buffer frame part 12 and the fourth buffer frame part 14 are connected to each other. A combination of buffer frame parts 1 connected to each other in the buffer frame 20 like this is referred to as a "pair of buffer frame parts connected to each other." If the combination of the second buffer frame portion 12 and the third buffer frame portion 13 is explained as an example of a pair of buffer frame portions 1, 1 that are connected to each other, the second buffer frame portion 12 is the buffer frame portion 1 that receives the end portion (right end portion 132) of the other side (third buffer frame portion 13), and the third buffer frame portion 13 is the buffer frame portion 1 that is inserted into the end portion (lower end portion 121) of the other side (second buffer frame portion 12).

[0037] Furthermore, the inclination angle with respect to the first direction of the end of the buffer frame 1 (i.e., the first buffer frame 11 or the second buffer frame 12) that receives the end of the other of a pair of connected buffer frame sections is defined as θ1. That is, θ1 is the inclination angle of the lower end 111 of the first buffer frame 11, the upper end 112 of the first buffer frame 11, the lower end 121 of the second buffer frame 12, and the upper end 122 of the second buffer frame 12. Note that the values ​​of θ1 do not have to be the same for the lower end 111 of the first buffer frame 11, the upper end 112 of the first buffer frame 11, the lower end 121 of the second buffer frame 12, and the upper end 122 of the second buffer frame 12; they may be different. 6 indicates a virtual line passing through both end points of the edge formed by the end of the receiving buffer frame 1 when viewed in a third direction (in this example, when viewed from the front to back direction) that is perpendicular to the first and second directions. As shown in FIG. 6, θ1 is defined as the inclination angle of the virtual line L1 with respect to the first direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the inclination angle with respect to the second direction of the end of the buffer frame 1 (i.e., the third buffer frame 13 or the fourth buffer frame 14) that is inserted into the end of the other of a pair of connected buffer frame sections is defined as θ2. That is, θ2 is the inclination angle of the left end 131 of the third buffer frame 13, the right end 132 of the third buffer frame 13, the left end 141 of the fourth buffer frame 14, and the right end 142 of the fourth buffer frame 14. Note that the values ​​of θ2 do not have to be the same for the left end 131 of the third buffer frame 13, the right end 132 of the third buffer frame 13, the left end 141 of the fourth buffer frame 14, and the right end 142 of the fourth buffer frame 14; they may be different. As shown in FIG. 6, θ2 is defined as the inclination angle of a virtual straight line L2 passing through both end points of the edge formed by the end of the buffer frame 1 to be inserted when viewed in the third direction, with respect to the second direction.

[0039] In the tray 100 according to the first embodiment, θ1 and θ2 are set so that 30°≦θ1≦60°, 55°≦θ2≦85°, and 90°<θ1+θ2 are satisfied. However, in the technology according to the present disclosure, the ranges of θ1 and θ2 are not limited to those described above.

[0040] By satisfying 90°<θ1+θ2, i.e., by making the sum of θ1 and θ2 exceed 90°, the ends of a pair of connected buffer frame sections overlap. This ensures the strength of the tray 100. Furthermore, by setting the ranges of θ1 and θ2 to 30°≦θ1≦60° and 55°≦θ2≦85°, the ease of connecting the buffer frame sections 1, i.e., the ease of assembling the tray 100, is ensured. From the perspective of ensuring strength, it is more preferable to satisfy 115°≦θ1+θ2, and most preferable to satisfy θ1+θ2=115°. Furthermore, from the perspective of ensuring strength, it is most preferable to satisfy θ1=45° and θ2=70°.

[0041] Furthermore, in the tray 100, the end of the buffer frame 1 (i.e., the third buffer frame 13 or the fourth buffer frame 14) that is inserted into the end of the other buffer frame of a pair of connected buffer frames is curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward. This increases the area over which the ends of the connected buffer frame are overlapped, thereby further increasing the strength of the tray 100. Furthermore, forming the end of the buffer frame 1 into an arc shape makes it easier to insert the end into the end of the other buffer frame.

[0042] FIG. 7 is a front view of the third buffer frame 13. Reference symbol L21 in FIG. 7 indicates an imaginary line segment connecting both ends of the edge of the buffer frame 1 that is inserted when viewed in the third direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the length of the imaginary line segment L21 is defined as a1. Furthermore, the height of the inserted end of the buffer frame 1 from the imaginary line segment L21 in a direction perpendicular to the imaginary line segment L21 and the third direction is defined as b1. If the ratio [%] of b1 to a1 is defined as c1, then c1 = b1 ÷ a1 × 100. In this case, it is preferable for the tray 100 to satisfy the conditions of 55°≦θ2≦85° and c1 [%] = (85°−θ2 [°]) × 0.47 [% / °], from the perspective of both improving the strength of the tray 100 and making it easier to assemble.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a front view showing the tray 100 according to the first embodiment with the inhaler 500 accommodated therein. As described above, in the buffer frame 20, the first buffer frame 11 and the second buffer frame 12 face each other, and the third buffer frame 13 and the fourth buffer frame 14 face each other. A combination of the buffer frame 20's opposing buffer frame sections is referred to as a "pair of opposing buffer frame sections." The tray according to the present disclosure is configured to sandwich a non-combustion flavor inhaler between at least a pair of opposing buffer frame sections in the buffer frame. As shown in FIG. 8 , the tray 100 according to the first embodiment sandwiches the inhaler 500 between the opposing first buffer frame 11 and the second buffer frame 12 from the left-right direction (second direction), and between the opposing third buffer frame 13 and the fourth buffer frame 14 from the top-bottom direction (first direction). As a result, the aspirator 500 is fitted into and held in the buffer frame 20. Note that the aspirator 500 may be clamped by only one of the pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 and the pair of buffer frame portions 13, 14.

[0044] Reference symbol P13 in FIG. 8 denotes a panel that defines the recess 10 in the first buffer frame portion 11 (i.e., that constitutes the inner wall of the recess 10). Reference symbol P23 denotes a panel that defines the recess 10 in the second buffer frame portion 12. Reference symbol P33 denotes a panel that defines the recess 10 in the third buffer frame portion 13. Reference symbol P42 denotes a panel that defines the recess 10 in the fourth buffer frame portion 14. As shown in FIG. 7 , the inner tube-wall panels P13 and P23 are not parallel to each other. Specifically, the inner tube-wall panel P13 is inclined so as to displace to the right as it moves from top to bottom. The inner tube-wall panel P23 is inclined so as to displace to the left as it moves from top to bottom. As a result, the pair of opposing buffer frames 11, 12 are configured so that the distance d1 between them narrows as it moves from top to bottom. On the other hand, the inner cylindrical wall panel P33 and the groove bottom wall panel P42 both extend in the up-down direction and are parallel to each other, so that the distance d2 between the pair of buffer frame portions 13, 14 in the left-right direction is constant.

[0045] The distance between the pair of buffer frames 11, 12 narrows from one side (upper side) to the other side (lower side) in the first direction (vertical direction) in which the pair of opposing buffer frames 11, 12 extend, so that the pair of buffer frames 11, 12 can firmly hold the aspirator 500. This allows the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10 to be stably held.

[0046] The pair of buffer frame portions 11, 12 may be configured so that the distance d1 between them narrows from bottom to top. Furthermore, the pair of opposing buffer frame portions 13, 14 may be configured so that the distance d2 between them narrows from one side to the other in the extension direction of the pair of buffer frame portions 13, 14 (i.e., the second direction). The angles of the inner tube wall panel P13, the inner tube wall panel P23, the inner tube wall panel P33, and the groove bottom wall panel P42 can be appropriately set depending on the shape of the aspirator 500 to be accommodated in the recess 10. The tray 100 may be configured so that the distance between at least one pair of opposing buffer frame portions narrows from one side to the other in the extension direction of the pair of buffer frame portions. This allows the aspirator 500 to be stably held.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8 , the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the front wall S1. The opening edge of the opening 101 is formed to fit the outer shape of the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10. The "outer shape of the aspirator 500" here specifically refers to the outline of a cross section of the aspirator 500 when the aspirator 500 is cut along a plane perpendicular to the third direction (front-rear direction) and at a position corresponding to the front wall S1 in the third direction. Because the opening edge of the recess 10 is formed to fit the outer shape of the aspirator 500, the front wall S1 can cover a gap that occurs between the aspirator 500 and the buffer frame 20 when the aspirator 500 is housed in the recess 10. This allows a good fit between the aspirator 500 and the tray 100 regardless of the shape of the aspirator 500, improving the appearance.

[0048] As described above, the tray 100 holds the aspirator 500 by the buffer frame 20, and the gap between the aspirator 500 and the buffer frame 20 is covered by the front wall S1, thereby enabling the tray 100 to accommodate various shapes of items.

[0049] [Blank] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank B100 for forming the tray 100 according to the first embodiment. Of the two surfaces of the blank B100, the surface visible in FIG. 9 is referred to as a first surface S10, and the opposite (back) surface is referred to as a second surface S20 (see FIG. 10(A)). The blank B100 is formed into a substantially rectangular sheet from paperboard primarily made of pulp. The dashed lines in FIG. 9 represent fold lines. The tray 100 is assembled by folding this single blank B100 along the fold lines. The blank B100 is formed, for example, by punching paperboard into the shape of the blank B100 and then forming fold lines and cut lines. The performance of the paperboard used to form the blank B100 is not particularly limited. However, considering the weight of the aspirator 500 and from the standpoint of protecting the aspirator 500, it is preferable that the paper thickness of the blank B100 be 400 to 600 μm. From the above viewpoints, the basis weight of the blank B100 is preferably 400 gsm or more. From the viewpoints of ease of molding and manufacturing costs, the basis weight of the blank B100 is preferably 600 gsm or less.

[0050] Because paperboard is easily recyclable, using paperboard for the tray 100 can reduce the environmental impact compared to using plastic materials. Furthermore, using paperboard for the tray 100 can reduce water consumption and CO2 emissions during tray manufacturing compared to using valve mold materials. Furthermore, because paperboard is easy to decorate with, for example, printing, using paperboard for the tray 100 can increase design freedom. Furthermore, because the tray 100 is assembled by folding the blank B100, development lead time, manufacturing lead time, and manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to tray manufacturing using a plastic mold or valve mold, which requires the creation of a mold. Note that the blank material according to the present disclosure is not limited to paper. The blank may be made of any bendable plate material, such as a plastic material or aluminum material.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 9, the blank B100 includes a rectangular base panel P10 and spacer panels P1, P2, P3, and P4 connected to the edges of the base panel P10.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4 , the base panel P10 is a panel that forms the front wall S1 of the tray 100. As shown in FIG. 9 , the base panel P10 has a first edge P10a and a second edge P10b extending in a first direction (vertical direction) and a third edge P10c and a fourth edge P10d extending in a second direction (horizontal direction). The first edge P10a and the second edge P10b are opposite each other, with the first edge P10a forming the left side of the base panel P10 and the second edge P10b forming the right side of the base panel P10. The third edge P10c and the fourth edge P10d are opposite each other, with the third edge P10c forming the bottom side of the base panel P10 and the fourth edge P10d forming the top side of the base panel P10. An opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the base panel P10.

[0053] The spacer panels P1, P2, P3, and P4 are folded together to form the buffer frame 20. The first spacer panel P1 is connected to the first edge P10a of the base panel P10 and is folded together to form the first buffer frame portion 11. The second spacer panel P2 is connected to the second edge P10b of the base panel P10 and is folded together to form the second buffer frame portion 12. The third spacer panel P3 is connected to the third edge P10c of the base panel P10 and is folded together to form the third buffer frame portion 13. The fourth spacer panel P4 is connected to the fourth edge P10d of the base panel P10 and is folded together to form the fourth buffer frame portion 14.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first spacer panel P1 includes a plurality of panels P11-P14 connected in sequence in the second direction via a folding line. Specifically, the first spacer panel P1 includes an outer tube wall panel P11 connected to the base panel P10, a cover-side tube wall panel P12 connected to the outer tube wall panel P11, an inner tube wall panel P13 connected to the cover-side tube wall panel P12, and a base-side tube wall panel P14 connected to the inner tube wall panel P13. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P11, the cover-side tube wall panel P12, the inner tube wall panel P13, and the base-side tube wall panel P14 are connected via the folding line. The first spacer panel P1 is folded along the folding line to form a cylindrical first buffer frame portion 11. An insertion slit SL1 extending in the first direction is formed in the folding line connecting the outer tube wall panel P11 and the cover-side tube wall panel P12. As shown in Figure 4, the outer tube wall panel P11 is folded upright relative to the base panel P10 to form the left side wall S3 of the tray 100. The cover-side tube wall panel P12 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P13 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P11. The base-side tube wall panel P14 is folded to face the cover-side tube wall panel P12 and is overlapped on the base panel P10.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 9 , the second spacer panel P2 includes a plurality of panels P21 to P24 connected in sequence in the second direction via a folding line. Specifically, the second spacer panel P2 includes an outer tube wall panel P21 connected to the base panel P10, a cover-side tube wall panel P22 connected to the outer tube wall panel P21, an inner tube wall panel P23 connected to the cover-side tube wall panel P22, and a base-side tube wall panel P24 connected to the inner tube wall panel P23. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P21, the cover-side tube wall panel P22, the inner tube wall panel P23, and the base-side tube wall panel P24 are connected via the folding line. The second spacer panel P2 is folded along the folding line to form a cylindrical second buffer frame portion 12. An insertion slit SL2 extending in the first direction is formed in the folding line connecting the outer tube wall panel P21 and the cover-side tube wall panel P22. As shown in Figure 4, the outer tube wall panel P21 is folded upright relative to the base panel P10 to form the right side wall S4 of the tray 100. The cover-side tube wall panel P22 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P23 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P21. The base-side tube wall panel P24 is folded to face the cover-side tube wall panel P22 and is overlapped on the base panel P10.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 9 , the third spacer panel P3 includes multiple panels P31-P34 connected in sequence in the first direction via folding lines. Specifically, the third spacer panel P3 includes an outer tube wall panel P31 connected to the base panel P10, a cover-side tube wall panel P32 connected to the outer tube wall panel P31, an inner tube wall panel P33 connected to the cover-side tube wall panel P32, and a base-side tube wall panel P34 connected to the inner tube wall panel P33. The base panel P10, the outer tube wall panel P31, the cover-side tube wall panel P32, the inner tube wall panel P33, and the base-side tube wall panel P34 are connected via folding lines. The third spacer panel P3 is folded along the folding lines to form a cylindrical third buffer frame portion 13. An insertion slit SL3 extending in the second direction is formed in the folding line connecting the outer tube wall panel P31 and the cover-side tube wall panel P32. As shown in Figure 5, the outer tube wall panel P31 is folded upright relative to the base panel P10 to form the bottom wall S5 of the tray 100. The cover-side tube wall panel P32 is folded to face the base panel P10. The inner tube wall panel P33 is folded to face the outer tube wall panel P31. The base-side tube wall panel P34 is folded to face the cover-side tube wall panel P32 and is layered on the base panel P10.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 9 , the fourth spacer panel P4 includes multiple panels P41-P43 connected sequentially in the first direction via fold lines. Specifically, the fourth spacer panel P4 includes a base side groove wall panel P41 connected to the base panel P10, a groove bottom wall panel P42 connected to the base side groove wall panel P41, and a cover side groove wall panel P43 connected to the groove bottom wall panel P42. The base panel P10, the base side groove wall panel P41, the groove bottom wall panel P42, and the cover side groove wall panel P43 are connected via fold lines. The fourth spacer panel P4 is folded along the fold line to form a recessed fourth buffer frame portion 14. As shown in FIG. 5 , the base side groove wall panel P41 is folded to overlap the base panel P10. The groove bottom wall panel P42 is folded upright relative to the base panel P10 to form the upper wall S6 of the tray 100. The cover gutter wall panel P43 is folded to face the base gutter wall panel P41.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 9 , the blank B100 further includes a rectangular cover panel P5 adjacent to the fourth spacer panel P4 in the first direction and connected to the cover side groove wall panel P43 of the fourth spacer panel P4 via a fold line. The cover panel P5 constitutes the rear wall S2 of the tray 100. As shown in FIG. 9 , the outer shape of the cover panel P5 is substantially the same as that of the first spacer panel P1. Insertion pieces EP1 and EP2 are provided on both side edges of the cover panel P5 in the second direction. Furthermore, an insertion piece EP3 is provided on an end of the cover panel P5 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 5 , the cover panel P5 is folded to face the base panel P10 to constitute the rear wall S2 of the tray 100. As shown in FIG. 4 , the insertion piece EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first spacer panel P1, and the insertion piece EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second spacer panel P2. 5, the insertion piece EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third spacer panel P3. This fixes the cover panel P5 to the buffer frame 20, maintaining the shape of the tray 100. By using the engagement between the insertion piece and the insertion slit, the shape of the tray 100 can be maintained without joining with adhesive tape or gluing.

[0059] 4 and 5, a recess 10 is defined by the inner cylindrical wall panel P13 of the first spacer panel P1, the inner cylindrical wall panel P23 of the second spacer panel P2, the inner cylindrical wall panel P33 of the third spacer panel P3, the groove bottom wall panel P42 of the fourth spacer panel P4, and the cover panel P5. The opening 101 of the recess 10 may be formed in the cover panel P5 constituting the rear wall S2 of the tray 100, rather than in the base panel P10 constituting the front wall S1. The opening 101 of the recess 10 may be formed in either the base panel P10 or the cover panel P5.

[0060] 10 and 11 are diagrams illustrating the assembly procedure for the tray 100 according to the first embodiment. The assembly procedure for the tray 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11 . First, as shown in FIG. 10A , the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the fourth spacer panel P4 are folded relative to the base panel P10 so that the first surface S10 of the blank B100 faces outward, thereby forming the first buffer frame portion 11, the second buffer frame portion 12, the third buffer frame portion 13, and the fourth buffer frame portion 14, as shown in FIG. 10B . Then, as shown in FIG. 10B , the left end portion 131 of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted into the lower end portion 111 of the first buffer frame portion 11, and the right end portion 132 is inserted into the lower end portion 121 of the second buffer frame portion 12. The left end 141 of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inserted into the upper end 112 of the first buffer frame 11, and the right end 142 is inserted into the upper end 122 of the second buffer frame 12. This forms the frame-shaped buffer frame 20, as shown in FIG. 11A. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the cover panel P5 is folded relative to the fourth spacer panel P4 so that the cover panel P5 overlaps the buffer frame 20. The insertion piece EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first spacer panel P1, the insertion piece EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second spacer panel P2, and the insertion piece EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third spacer panel P3, thereby securing the cover panel P5 to the buffer frame 20. This completes the assembly of the tray 100. As described above, the tray 100 can be assembled simply by folding the blank B100, without the need for adhesive tape or gluing. Furthermore, the outer surfaces (front, rear, left side, right side, bottom, and top) of the tray 100 are formed by the first surface S10 of the blank B100. In other words, the outer surfaces of the tray 100 are formed by only one side of the blank B100. Therefore, the aesthetic appeal of the tray 100 can be improved by simply applying decoration such as printing to one side of the blank B100 (the first surface S10 in this example), which is cost-effective.

[0061] [Package] Fig. 12 is an exploded view of a package 1000, which is an example of a packaging box using the tray 100 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 12, the package 1000 according to embodiment 1 is a box for packaging the inhaler 500, and includes the tray 100, a front tray 200, a body box 300, and a lid box 400. The front tray 200 accommodates approximately the front half of the inhaler 500 from the opposite side (i.e., the front side) of the tray 100. Fig. 13 is a rear view of the front tray 200 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 13, the front tray 200 differs from the tray 100 in that a recess 10 is opened in the rear wall S2 so that the inhaler 500 can be accommodated from the front side, but is generally similar to the tray 100 in other respects. 12 , the inhaler 500 is packaged in the package 1000 by sandwiching the inhaler 500 between the tray 100 and the front tray 200 from the front and rear, housing them in the body box 300, and closing the lid box 400. In the package 1000, the rear half of the inhaler 500 is housed in the tray 100, and the front half of the inhaler 500 is housed in the front tray 200. Housing the entire inhaler 500 between the tray 100 and the front tray 200 ensures that the inhaler 500 is suitably protected from impact and vibration.

[0062] [Actions and Effects] As described above, the tray 100 according to the first embodiment is formed by folding the blank B100, and includes the recess 10 capable of accommodating the aspirator 500, the hollow buffer frame 20 surrounding the recess 10, and the buffer space 30 formed inside the buffer frame 20. The buffer frame 20 is formed to fit and hold the aspirator 500 accommodated in the recess 10. With this tray 100, the aspirator 500 accommodated in the recess 10 is surrounded by the frame-shaped buffer space 30, thereby suitably protecting the aspirator 500 from impact and vibration. Furthermore, because the tray 100 is configured to fit and hold the aspirator 500 using the buffer frame 20, it can reliably hold the aspirator 500 even if it has a curved or streamlined shape. Furthermore, because the tray 100 is configured to include a hollow buffer frame 20, the strength of the tray 100 can be ensured even when paperboard is used for the blank B100 instead of a material with a relatively high basis weight such as cardboard. Note that the tray 100 according to the first embodiment does not have a bottom buffer 40 (see FIG. 14, etc.) like the tray 100A according to the second embodiment described below, and therefore uses less blank, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than the tray 100A according to the second embodiment.

[0063] Furthermore, the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed to fit the outer shape of the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10. This makes it possible to cover the gap that occurs between the aspirator 500 and the buffer frame 20 when the aspirator 500 is housed in the recess 10, improving the appearance. Also, because the opening of the recess 10 is shaped to fit the outer shape of the aspirator 500, the aspirator 500 can be gripped by the opening edge of the recess 10. This makes it possible to hold the aspirator 500 more securely.

[0064] Furthermore, the buffer frame 20 is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions 1, and includes a first buffer frame portion 11 and a second buffer frame portion 12 extending in a first direction (up-down direction), and a third buffer frame portion 13 and a fourth buffer frame portion 14 extending in a second direction (left-right direction) perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the aspirator 500 housed in the recess 10 to be surrounded on all sides by the buffer space 30, thereby more suitably protecting the aspirator 500.

[0065] Furthermore, both end portions of the first buffer frame portion 11 and the second buffer frame portion 12 are inclined so that their lengths in the first direction become shorter as they approach the recess 10 in the second direction, and both end portions of the third buffer frame portion 13 and the fourth buffer frame portion 14 are inclined so that their lengths in the second direction become shorter as they approach the recess 10 in the first direction. One end portion (left end portion 131) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted into one end portion (lower end portion 111) of the first buffer frame portion 11 so as to overlap this end portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion 13 and the first buffer frame portion 11. Furthermore, the other end portion (right end portion 132) of the third buffer frame portion 13 is inserted into one end portion (lower end portion 121) of the second buffer frame portion 12 so as to overlap this end portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion 13 and the second buffer frame portion 12. Furthermore, one end (left end 141) of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inserted into the other end (top end 112) of the first buffer frame 11 so as to overlap the other end, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame 14 to the first buffer frame 11. Furthermore, the other end (right end 142) of the fourth buffer frame 14 is inserted into the other end (top end 122) of the second buffer frame 12 so as to overlap the other end, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame 14 to the second buffer frame 12. Thus, by connecting the buffer frames 1 so that the ends overlap, the strength of the tray 100 can be ensured.

[0066] In the tray 100 according to the first embodiment, when the angle of inclination of the end of the buffer frame portion that receives the end of the other end in a pair of connected buffer frame portions in the buffer frame 20 relative to a first direction is θ1 and the angle of inclination of the end of the buffer frame portion that is inserted into the other end in a second direction is θ2, θ1 and θ2 are set so that 30°≦θ1≦60°, 55°≦θ2≦85°, and 90°<θ1+θ2. This ensures the strength and ease of assembly of the tray 100.

[0067] Furthermore, both ends of the first buffer frame 11 and the second buffer frame 12 are linearly inclined, and both ends of the third buffer frame 13 and the fourth buffer frame 14 are curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward. This increases the area where the ends of the connected buffer frame portions overlap, further increasing the strength of the tray 100. Furthermore, forming the end of the buffer frame 1 into an arc shape makes it easier to insert the end into the end of the other end.

[0068] Furthermore, the tray 100 according to the first embodiment sandwiches the aspirator 500 between a pair of opposing buffer frame parts 1, 1 among the multiple buffer frame parts 1, and the pair of opposing buffer frame parts 1, 1 is configured so that the distance between them narrows from one side to the other in the extension direction of the pair of buffer frame parts 1, 1. This allows the pair of opposing buffer frame parts 1, 1 to firmly sandwich the aspirator 500, and the aspirator 500 can be stably held.

[0069] The blank B100 according to the first embodiment includes a rectangular base panel P10 having a first edge P10a and a second edge P10b extending in a first direction and a third edge P10c and a fourth edge P10d extending in a second direction, and spacer panels P1, P2, P3, and P4 connected to the edges of the base panel P10. The buffer frame 20 is formed by folding the spacer panels P1, P2, P3, and P4 together. By using this blank B100, the tray 100 can be formed from a single blank.

[0070] More specifically, the blank B100 according to the first embodiment includes a first spacer panel P1 connected to the first edge P10a of the base panel P10, a second spacer panel P2 connected to the second edge P10b, a third spacer panel P3 connected to the third edge P10c, a fourth spacer panel P4 connected to the fourth edge P10d, and a cover panel P5 connected to the fourth spacer panel P4. The first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, and the third spacer panel P3 are respectively connected to the base panel P10 and folded upright relative to the base panel P10, and cover-side tube wall panels P12, P22, and P32 connected to the outer tube wall panels P11, P21, and P31 and folded to face the base panel P10. The base panel P10 includes inner tube wall panels P13, P23, P33 that are connected to the inner tube wall panels P13, P23, P33 and are folded to face the outer tube wall panels P11, P21, P31, and base side tube wall panels P14, P24, P34 that are connected to the inner tube wall panels P13, P23, P33 and are folded to face the cover side tube wall panels P12, P22, P32 and overlap the base panel P10, and by folding these together, cylindrical buffer frame portions 11, 12, 13 are formed. The fourth spacer panel P4 includes a base gutter wall panel P41 folded over the base panel P10, a gutter bottom wall panel P42 connected to the base gutter wall panel P41 and folded upright relative to the base panel P10, and a cover gutter wall panel P43 connected to the gutter bottom wall panel P42 and folded facing the base gutter wall panel P41. These panels are folded together to form a recessed buffer frame 14. The cover panel P5 is folded over to face the base panel P10. The opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in either the base panel P10 or the cover panel P5. Using this blank B100, the buffer frame 20 can be formed in a frame shape.

[0071] <Embodiment 2> A tray 100A for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler (hereinafter referred to as tray 100A) according to embodiment 2 will be described below. In the description of embodiment 2, differences from embodiment 1 will be mainly described, and the same components as those in embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0072] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a tray 100A according to the second embodiment. Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Fig. 14. Fig. 15 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the first direction (vertical direction). Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD of Fig. 14. Fig. 16 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the second direction (horizontal direction).

[0073] 14 to 16, the tray 100A according to the second embodiment differs from the tray 100 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a bottom cushioning body 40. The bottom cushioning body 40 forms a buffer space 50 at the bottom of the recess 10. More specifically, the bottom cushioning body 40 constitutes the bottom surface of the recess 10 and also forms the buffer space 50 between itself and the rear wall S2 (cover panel P5) of the tray 100A.

[0074] Fig. 17 is a plan view of a blank B100A for forming a tray 100A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 17, the blank B100A according to embodiment 2 differs from the blank B100 according to embodiment 1 in that it includes a fifth spacer panel P6 connected to the cover panel P5. The fifth spacer panel P6 is a panel that constitutes the bottom cushioning body 40 in the tray 100A, and is adjacent to the cover panel P5 in the first direction and connected to the cover panel P5 via a fold line. Note that, as in embodiment 1, the opening 101 of the recess 10 is formed in the base panel P10.

[0075] As shown in Figure 17, the fifth spacer panel P6 includes multiple panels P61 to P66. The panels P61 to P64 are connected in sequence in the first direction via fold lines. The panels P65 and P66 are connected to both side edges of the panel P63 in the second direction. An insertion piece EP4 is provided at the end of the fifth spacer panel P6 in the first direction.

[0076] An insertion slit SL4 extending in the second direction is formed in the folding line connecting the groove bottom wall panel P42 of the fourth spacer panel P4 and the cover side groove wall panel P43. In the blank B100A, an insertion piece EP3 is formed by a part of the panel P61.

[0077] It should be noted that the fifth spacer panel P6 does not necessarily have to be connected to the cover panel P5, and may be connected to any of the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the cover panel P5.

[0078] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the fifth spacer panel P6 is folded to face the cover panel P5, thereby forming the bottom surface of the recess 10 and forming a buffer space 50 between it and the cover panel P5. Specifically, as shown in Figure 16, the panel P61 is folded so as to be sandwiched between the cover panel P5 and the cover side tube wall panel P32 of the third spacer panel P3. The panel P62 is folded along the inner tube wall panel P33 of the third spacer panel P3 so as to stand up relative to the cover panel P5. The panel P63 is folded to face the cover panel P5 with a gap therebetween. The panel P64 is folded along the groove bottom wall panel P42 of the fourth spacer panel P4 so as to stand up relative to the cover panel P5. Also, as shown in Figure 15, the panel P65 is folded along the inner tube wall panel P13 of the first spacer panel P1 so as to stand up relative to the cover panel P5. The panel P66 is folded upright against the cover panel P5 along the inner cylindrical wall panel P23 of the second spacer panel P2.

[0079] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the panel P63 forms the bottom surface of the recess 10. A gap is formed between the panel P63 and the cover panel P5, thereby forming a buffer space 50. As shown in Figure 16, the insertion piece EP4 is inserted into the insertion slit SL4 of the fourth spacer panel P4. This secures the fifth spacer panel P6 to the buffer frame 20.

[0080] 18 is a diagram showing one step in the assembly procedure for the tray 100A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18 , after the spacer panels P1 to P4 are folded to form the buffer frame 20, the cover panel P5 is folded relative to the fourth spacer panel P4 so that the cover panel P5 overlaps the buffer frame 20. At the same time, the fifth spacer panel P6 is folded while inserting the insertion piece EP4 into the insertion slit SL4, thereby forming the bottom buffer 40. Then, the insertion piece EP1 is inserted into the insertion slit SL1 of the first spacer panel P1, the insertion piece EP2 is inserted into the insertion slit SL2 of the second spacer panel P2, and the insertion piece EP3 is inserted into the insertion slit SL3 of the third spacer panel P3, thereby fixing the cover panel P5 to the buffer frame 20. This completes the assembly of the tray 100A.

[0081] [Functions and Effects] The tray 100A according to embodiment 2 can also achieve the same functions and effects as the tray 100 according to embodiment 1. That is, according to the tray 100A, the aspirator 500 is surrounded by the frame-shaped buffer space 30, so that the aspirator 500 can be suitably protected from impacts and vibrations.

[0082] The tray 100A according to the second embodiment further includes a bottom cushioning body 40 that forms a buffer space 50 at the bottom of the recess 10. This not only protects the aspirator 500 from the side surface of the recess 10 by the buffer space 30, but also protects the aspirator 500 from the bottom surface of the recess 10 by the buffer space 50. This makes it possible to more suitably protect the aspirator 500 from impact and vibration.

[0083] The blank B100A according to the second embodiment includes a fifth spacer panel P6 connected to any one of the first spacer panel P1, the second spacer panel P2, the third spacer panel P3, and the cover panel P5. The fifth spacer panel P6 is folded to face the cover panel P5, thereby forming the bottom of the recess 10 and forming a buffer space 50 between the fifth spacer panel P6 and the cover panel P5. By using such a blank B100A, the tray 100A can be formed from a single blank. In the second embodiment, the first surface S10 of the blank B100A forms not only the outer surfaces (front, rear, left, right, bottom, and top) of the tray 100, but also the bottom of the recess 10. In other words, the outer surfaces of the tray 100 and the bottom of the recess 10 are formed by only one surface of the blank B100A. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the tray 100A can be improved by simply applying decoration such as printing to one side of the blank B100A (first side S10 in this example), which is advantageous in terms of cost. Furthermore, when only the first side S10 is decorated, the tray 100A according to the second embodiment has a decorative surface, since the bottom surface of the recess 10 is also decorated, and therefore the tray 100A according to the first embodiment is superior in aesthetics to the tray 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0084] The tray 100A according to the second embodiment may be used to configure a package as shown in Fig. 11. That is, in the package 1000 shown in Fig. 11, the tray 100A may be used in place of the tray 100 and the front tray 200.

[0085] <Strength Test> A drop test was conducted on a package using a tray to confirm the strength of the tray according to the embodiment. The package used in the drop test was the package 1000 according to embodiment 1, and the tray was the tray 100 according to embodiment 1. In the drop test, the presence or absence of deformation of the tray when the package was dropped onto concrete ground from a height of 1 m was confirmed. The surfaces that faced vertically downward when the package was dropped (i.e., the surfaces that hit the ground, hereinafter referred to as the "drop surfaces") were the bottom, top, right side, and left side of the package. In addition, the basis weight of the blank used as the tray material was compared between 350 gsm and 400 gsm. FIG. 19 is a table showing the results of the drop test. In the table of FIG. 19, cases where no deformation of the tray was observed in the drop test were marked with "Good," and cases where deformation was observed were marked with "Poor." 19, when the blank basis weight was 350 gsm, deformation of the tray was observed when the dropped surface was the top surface (when the package was dropped from the top surface) and the bottom surface, but no deformation was observed when the dropped surface was the right surface or the left surface. Also, when the blank basis weight was 400 gsm, no deformation of the tray was observed when the dropped surface was the top surface, bottom surface, right surface, or left surface.

[0086] <Others> Although the preferred embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described above, appropriate modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the technology according to the present disclosure.

[0087] The following additional notes are provided regarding the above embodiment.

[0088] (Note 1) A tray for a non-burning flavor inhaler formed by folding a blank, the tray comprising: a recess capable of accommodating a non-burning flavor inhaler; a hollow buffer frame surrounding the recess; and a buffer space formed inside the buffer frame, the buffer frame being formed to fit and hold the non-burning flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess.

[0089] (Supplementary Note 2) The tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein an opening of the recess is formed to fit the outer shape of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler housed in the recess.

[0090] (Supplementary Note 3) The tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to Supplementary Note 1 or 2, further comprising a bottom cushioning body that forms a cushioning space at the bottom of the recess.

[0091] (Supplementary Note 4) The tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the buffer frame is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, and includes first and second buffer frame portions extending in a first direction, and third and fourth buffer frame portions extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0092] (Supplementary Note 5) Both end portions of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are inclined so that the length in the first direction becomes shorter as the frame approaches the recess in the second direction; Both end portions of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are inclined so that the length in the second direction becomes shorter as the frame approaches the recess in the first direction; One end portion of the third buffer frame portion is inserted into one end portion of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap the one end portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion; The other end portion of the third buffer frame portion is inserted into one end portion of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the one end portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion; One end portion of the fourth buffer frame portion is inserted into the other end portion of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end portion, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion; the tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler described in Appendix 4, wherein the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion is inserted into the other end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion.

[0093] (Supplementary Note 6) A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to Supplementary Note 5, wherein, in a pair of buffer frame sections connected to each other in the buffer frame body, when the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame section that receives the end of the other side with respect to the first direction is θ1 and the inclination angle of the end of the buffer frame section that is inserted into the end of the other side with respect to the second direction is θ2, the following relationships are satisfied: 30°≦θ1≦60°, 55°≦θ2≦85°, 90°<θ1+θ2.

[0094] (Appendix 7) A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler according to appendix 5 or 6, wherein both end portions of each of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are linearly inclined, and both end portions of each of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward.

[0095] (Appendix 8) A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler as described in Appendix 4, wherein the non-combustion type flavor inhaler is sandwiched between a pair of opposing buffer frame portions of the buffer frame body, and the pair of opposing buffer frame portions are configured so that the distance between them narrows from one side to the other in the direction in which the pair of buffer frame portions extend.

[0096] (Supplementary Note 9) The tray for a non-burning flavor inhaler according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8, wherein the blank has a basis weight of 400 gsm or more.

[0097] (Appendix 10) A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler as described in any of Appendices 1 to 9, wherein the blank includes a rectangular base panel having first and second edges extending in a first direction and third and fourth edges extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and spacer panels connected to the edges of the base panel, and the buffer frame is formed by folding the spacer panels.

[0098] (Note 11) The buffer frame is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, and the blank includes a first spacer panel connected to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel connected to the second edge, a third spacer panel connected to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel connected to the fourth edge, and a cover panel connected to the fourth spacer panel, and the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel each include an outer tube wall panel connected to the base panel and folded upright relative to the base panel, a cover side tube wall panel connected to the outer tube wall panel and folded to face the base panel, an inner tube wall panel connected to the cover side tube wall panel and folded to face the outer tube wall panel, and a base side tube wall panel connected to the inner tube wall panel and folded to face the cover side tube wall panel and overlap the base panel, and a cylindrical buffer frame portion is formed by folding these together, The tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler described in Appendix 10, wherein the fourth spacer panel includes a base gutter wall panel folded so as to overlap the base panel, a gutter bottom wall panel connected to the base gutter wall panel and folded so as to stand up relative to the base panel, and a cover gutter wall panel connected to the gutter bottom wall panel and folded so as to face the base gutter wall panel, and these are folded together to form a concave buffer frame portion, the cover panel is folded so as to face the base panel, and an opening of the concave portion is formed in either the base panel or the cover panel.

[0099] (Appendix 12) A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler as described in Appendix 11, wherein an opening of the recess is formed in the base panel, the blank further includes a fifth spacer panel connected to any of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the cover panel, and the fifth spacer panel is folded to face the cover panel, thereby forming a bottom surface of the recess and forming a buffer space between it and the cover panel.

[0100] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1.....Buffer frame portion 10.....Recessed portion 20.....Buffer frame body 30.....Buffer space 100.....Tray for non-burning flavor inhaler B100..Blank

Claims

1. A tray for a non-combustion type flavor inhaler formed by folding a blank, A recess capable of accommodating a non-combustion type flavor inhaler; A hollow buffer frame surrounding the recess; A buffer space formed inside the buffer frame, The buffer frame is formed to fit and hold the non-combustion type flavor inhaler housed in the recess. Tray for non-combustion flavor inhaler.

2. The opening of the recess is formed to conform to the outer shape of the non-combustion type flavor inhaler accommodated in the recess. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising a bottom cushioning body that forms a cushioning space at the bottom of the recess. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The buffer frame is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, and includes a first buffer frame portion and a second buffer frame portion extending in a first direction, and a third buffer frame portion and a fourth buffer frame portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

5. both ends of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are inclined such that a length in the first direction becomes shorter as the length approaches the recess in the second direction, both ends of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are inclined such that a length in the second direction becomes shorter as the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion approach the recess in the first direction, one end of the third buffer frame portion is inserted into one end of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap the one end of the third buffer frame portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion; the other end of the third buffer frame portion is inserted into one end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the one end of the third buffer frame portion, thereby connecting the third buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion; one end of the fourth buffer frame portion is inserted into the other end of the first buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame portion and the first buffer frame portion; The other end of the fourth buffer frame portion is inserted into the other end of the second buffer frame portion so as to overlap the other end of the fourth buffer frame portion, thereby connecting the fourth buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 4.

6. In the pair of buffer frame portions connected to each other in the buffer frame body, when an inclination angle of an end portion of the buffer frame portion that receives an end portion of the other side with respect to the first direction is θ1 and an inclination angle of an end portion of the buffer frame portion that is inserted into the end portion of the other side with respect to the second direction is θ2, 30[°]≦θ1≦60[°], 55°≦θ2≦85°, 90°<θ1+θ2; The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 5.

7. Both end portions of the first buffer frame portion and the second buffer frame portion are linearly inclined, Both end portions of the third buffer frame portion and the fourth buffer frame portion are curved in an arc shape so as to bulge outward. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 5.

8. The non-combustion type flavor inhaler is sandwiched between a pair of opposing buffer frame portions of the buffer frame, The pair of buffer frames facing each other are configured such that the distance between them narrows from one side to the other side in the extension direction of the pair of buffer frames. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 4.

9. The basis weight of the blank is 400 gsm or more. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The blank includes a rectangular base panel having first and second edges extending in a first direction and third and fourth edges extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a spacer panel connected to each edge of the base panel, The spacer panel is folded to form the buffer frame. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The buffer frame is formed by a plurality of hollow buffer frame portions, the blank includes a first spacer panel contiguous to the first edge of the base panel, a second spacer panel contiguous to the second edge, a third spacer panel contiguous to the third edge, a fourth spacer panel contiguous to the fourth edge, and a cover panel contiguous to the fourth spacer panel; The first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, and the third spacer panel each include an outer cylindrical wall panel that is connected to the base panel and folded upright relative to the base panel, a cover side cylindrical wall panel that is connected to the outer cylindrical wall panel and folded opposite the base panel, an inner cylindrical wall panel that is connected to the cover side cylindrical wall panel and folded opposite the outer cylindrical wall panel, and a base side cylindrical wall panel that is connected to the inner cylindrical wall panel and folded opposite the cover side cylindrical wall panel to overlap the base panel, and these are folded together to form a cylindrical buffer frame portion, The fourth spacer panel includes a base gutter wall panel folded so as to overlap the base panel, a gutter bottom wall panel connected to the base gutter wall panel and folded so as to stand up against the base panel, and a gutter bottom wall panel connected to the gutter bottom wall panel and folded so as to overlap the base panel. A cover gutter wall panel folded to face the wall panel, and a concave buffer frame portion is formed by folding these together, The cover panel is folded over to face the base panel, The opening of the recess is formed in either the base panel or the cover panel. The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 10.

12. The recess opening is formed in the base panel, the blank further comprises a fifth spacer panel contiguous with any of the first spacer panel, the second spacer panel, the third spacer panel, and the cover panel; the fifth spacer panel is folded so as to face the cover panel, thereby forming a bottom surface of the recess and forming a buffer space between the fifth spacer panel and the cover panel; The tray for a non-burning type flavor inhaler according to claim 11.