Plate element

Abstract

The invention relates to a plate element (1), which is foldable from an unfolded state into a folded state selectable from a plurality of defined folded states, wherein the plate element (1) has a rectangular basic shape in the unfolded state, wherein the plate element (1) forms a hollow body in the folded state and has a multiplicity of folding lines, along which the plate element (1) can be folded in order to achieve a transition from the unfolded state into a folded state, wherein each folded state forms a hollow body with a different volume, a first pair of fold lines (1') and a second pair of fold lines (1'') which are each oriented parallel to one another and parallel to the longitudinal edge (L) define a first group of fold lines (G1), a multiplicity of fold lines (3, 3', 3'', 6, 6', 6'', 6''', 7', 7'', 7''', 8, 8', 9, 9') which are oriented parallel to one another and parallel to the transverse edge (Q) define a second group of fold lines (G2), and a multiplicity of fold lines (2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) which are oriented parallel to one another and at an angle (w) with respect to the longitudinal edge define a third group of fold lines (G3), wherein a first dimension and a second dimension of the hollow body foldable from the plate element (1) are dependent on the selected pair of fold lines (1', 1'') of the first group (G1), wherein a third dimension of the hollow body foldable from the plate element (1) is dependent on selected fold lines (6, 6') of the second group of fold lines (G2).

Description

[0001] Panel element

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a plate element according to claim 1, which is designed to be foldable from an unfolded state into a folding state selectable from several defined folding states, wherein the plate element in the unfolded state is bounded by two mutually parallel longitudinal edges and two mutually parallel transverse edges to form a rectangular basic shape of the plate element, wherein the plate element in the folded state forms a hollow body whose side surfaces bound a cavity, wherein the plate element has a plurality of fold lines along which the plate element is designed to be foldable according to defined folding sequences in order to achieve a transition from the unfolded state to a defined folding state, wherein each defined folding sequence leads to a different folding state, and wherein each folding state forms a hollow body with a different volume.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for folding a hollow body from a plate element.

[0005] The invention further relates to a cuboid-shaped hollow body formed from the plate element by folding and / or by the method.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] The invention relates to a sheet element that can be used as primary or secondary packaging. This sheet element can also be described as a blank that can be folded into various sizes and volumes. Typically, the production of known blanks results in a significant amount of waste, and for the safe transport of goods, filler material usually has to be added to the packaging contents to fill the unused space. It is desirable to be able to use a sheet element as primary or secondary packaging that can be adjusted in length, width, and height, that makes optimal use of the available transport volume, and that is also efficient for storage by the customer and end user.

[0008] It is an object of the invention to eliminate or at least improve upon the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to create an optimized sheet element, preferably as primary or secondary packaging, which is adaptive in length, width, and height and efficient in production and storage, and which, through minimal waste, exhibits increased stability in addition to basic protection against external influences, and allows for reuse of the sheet element when folded correctly.

[0009] This problem is solved by a plate element having the features of claim 1. The problem is further solved by a method according to claim 24. Preferred embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] Brief description of the invention

[0011] According to the invention, a first pair of fold lines and a second pair of fold lines, each oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal edge, define a first group of fold lines, a plurality of fold lines oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the transverse edge define a second group of fold lines, and a plurality of fold lines oriented parallel to each other and at an angle to the longitudinal edge define a third group of fold lines, wherein a first dimension and a second dimension of the hollow body foldable from the plate element depend on the selected pair of fold lines of the first group, and wherein a third dimension of the hollow body foldable from the plate element depends on selected fold lines of the second group of fold lines.

[0012] This results in the advantage that the present invention provides a sheet element or a blank made of foldable material that is virtually waste-free in production. This is achieved through multiple horizontal, vertical, and diagonal fold lines, crease, or perforations, and by means of a special folding technique, creating a hollow body that can be adapted in length, width, and height and used as primary or secondary packaging. Production with minimal waste is not only advantageous due to its resource-saving nature, but also because it allows for multiple different sizes to be produced on a single sheet element. Furthermore, the ability to reproduce several different sizes on a single sheet element eliminates the need for frequent machine retooling. This, in turn, leads to reduced production times and thus lower costs.Because the panel element does not need to be glued or pre-folded before use, storage of the finished product is also optimized, as significantly more panels can be stored on a standard EUR pallet compared to conventional packaging. Minimizing the unavoidable waste generated during the production of the panel element provides the invention with further savings potential and advantages, since the typically discarded section is incorporated into the folding process, contributing to a more stable primary or secondary packaging. With intentional folding, the panel element can also be folded again by the end user and immediately used for a return or for transporting other goods, thus enabling a high degree of product reusability.

[0013] Advantageously, the sheet element comprises a rectangular shape made of foldable material, a plurality of horizontal fold lines or perforations, a plurality of vertical fold lines or perforations, and a plurality of diagonal fold lines or perforations, as well as optional tuck-in flaps and corresponding recesses. The pre-machined fold lines or perforations allow the front and back, as well as the top and bottom, and the two complementary side walls to be formed and transformed into a closed primary or secondary package. The invention preferably further comprises the folding of four hollow bodies of different sizes from the underlying rectangular sheet element or blank.The folding process allows for the creation of the inner side walls through vertical fold lines or perforations, the creation of the front panel through horizontal and diagonal fold lines or perforations below the base, and the securing of the front panel by means of tuck-in flaps and corresponding die-cut recesses. The creation of the back panel, top panel, and outer side walls is achieved through horizontal and diagonal fold lines or perforations above the base. To maximize the dimensions of the hollow body or primary or secondary packaging, the rectangular blank can also feature a flap extending beyond the folded surface, which is then used to securely close the outer packaging with adhesive materials such as tape.In order to enable the folding according to the invention, the length of the largest possible hollow body is preferably not less than twice the height of the largest possible hollow body, since otherwise undesirable overlaps of the material would occur when the front side is formed, which could make the further formation of the hollow body more difficult - there are no similar restrictions for the other possible dimensions.

[0014] It can be advantageously provided that the first group of fold lines, the second group of fold lines and the third group of fold lines are designed such that the plate element can be folded into at least two, preferably three, four, or more, different defined folding states, according to different folding sequences, wherein each folding state corresponds to a hollow body with a different volume.

[0015] It can further be advantageously provided that, in the unfolded state, the longitudinal edge and the transverse edge span a principal plane of the plate element, wherein the longitudinal edge is longer than the transverse edge, wherein the hollow body comprises a cuboid, wherein the first dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element defines a cuboid height which is oriented orthogonally to the principal plane, the second dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element defines a cuboid width which is oriented parallel to the transverse edge of the plate element, and the third dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element defines a cuboid length which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal edge of the plate element.

[0016] It can be provided that a first folding state forms a first cuboid with a first cuboid height, a first cuboid width and a first cuboid length, wherein a second folding state forms a second cuboid with a second cuboid height, a second cuboid width and a second cuboid length, wherein a third folding state forms a third cuboid with a third cuboid height, a third cuboid width and a third cuboid length, and wherein a fourth folding state forms a fourth cuboid with a fourth cuboid height, a fourth cuboid width and a fourth cuboid length.

[0017] It can be provided that the first pair of fold lines and the second pair of fold lines of the first group are designed such that the first cuboid height is equal to the second cuboid height and the third cuboid height is equal to the fourth cuboid height, wherein the first cuboid height and the second cuboid height can be formed by folding along the first pair of fold lines, and the third cuboid height and the fourth cuboid height can be formed by folding along the second pair of fold lines.

[0018] It may be provided that the first pair of fold lines and the second pair of fold lines of the first group are designed such that the first cuboid height or the second cuboid height is greater than the third cuboid height or the fourth cuboid height.

[0019] It can be provided that the first pair of fold lines and the second pair of fold lines of the first group are designed such that the first cuboid width is equal to the second cuboid width and the third cuboid width is equal to the fourth cuboid width, wherein the first cuboid width and the second cuboid width can be formed by folding along the first pair of fold lines, and the third cuboid width and the fourth cuboid width can be formed by folding along the second pair of fold lines.

[0020] It may be provided that the first pair of fold lines and the second pair of fold lines of the first group are designed such that the first cuboid width or the second cuboid width is smaller than the third cuboid width or the fourth cuboid width.

[0021] It can be provided that a fold line and a fold line of the second group of fold lines are designed such that the first cuboid length is equal to the third cuboid length and the second cuboid length is equal to the fourth cuboid length, wherein the first cuboid length and the third cuboid length can be formed by folding along the fold line, and wherein the second cuboid length and the fourth cuboid length can be formed by folding along the fold line.

[0022] It may be provided that the fold line and the fold line of the second group of fold lines are designed such that the first cuboid length or the third cuboid length is smaller than the second cuboid length or the fourth cuboid length.

[0023] It can be provided that the perpendicular distance between the two fold lines of the first pair of fold lines is greater than twice the perpendicular distance between a longitudinal edge of the plate element and the fold line of the first pair of fold lines closest to that longitudinal edge. In other words, the plate element, the first pair of fold lines, and the second pair of fold lines are designed such that the second cuboid width is greater than twice the second cuboid height.

[0024] It may be provided that, in the unfolded state, the second pair of fold lines is closer to the longitudinal edge than the first pair of fold lines.

[0025] It can be provided that, in the unfolded state, a longitudinal edge, the fold line of the second pair of fold lines nearest to the longitudinal edge, and the fold line of the first pair of fold lines nearest to the same longitudinal edge are equidistant from each other.

[0026] It may be provided that the plate element has tabs and corresponding recesses, wherein each tab can be inserted into a recess in order to fix a folded intermediate state of the plate element, which exists between the unfolded state and the folded state.

[0027] It can be provided that a tab is arranged section by section along a fold line of the first pair of fold lines, preferably one tab section by section along both fold lines of the first pair of fold lines, wherein one tab is arranged section by section along a fold line of the second pair of fold lines, preferably one tab section by section along both fold lines of the second pair of fold lines.

[0028] It can be provided that the fold lines of the first group have a length corresponding to the length of the longitudinal edge, the fold lines of the second group have a length corresponding to the length of the transverse edge, and the fold lines of the third group have a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal edge and shorter than the length of the transverse edge.

[0029] It can be provided that the fold lines of the third group extend from the two longitudinal edges at an angle to the fold lines of the second group, the angle preferably being substantially 45 degrees.

[0030] It can be provided that the cuboid foldable from the plate element is bounded by six side surfaces, wherein the side surfaces comprise a base plate lying in the main plane, a top plate oriented parallel thereto, and four side walls parallel in pairs, wherein the plate element is designed such that in each folding state a first side wall, in particular a front side, has at least two, preferably three or four, plate element layers folded over one another, wherein a second side wall and a third side wall each have at least two plate element layers folded over one another, wherein preferably the base plate has one, two or three plate element layers folded over one another depending on the folding state.

[0031] It may be provided that the foldable sheet element comprises cellulose, in particular corrugated cardboard with preferably one, two or three layers.

[0032] It can be provided that the fold lines have a reduced material thickness relative to non-foldable areas of the plate element, preferably being designed as fold grooves or perforations.

[0033] It can further be advantageously provided that the plate element is designed for reversible folding back from one of several defined folding states to the unfolded state, wherein the plate element is essentially planar in the unfolded state. The plate element can be essentially identical in design before and after folding.

[0034] It can be advantageously provided that the plate element and the fold lines of the first, second, and third groups are designed such that folding the plate element from its unfolded state into one of the defined folded states, and vice versa, occurs without damage or reversibly, in particular without cracking. In other words, the plate element can remain intact after folding, thereby increasing its reusability. Preferably, the entire material or the entire surface of the plate element is integrated into or incorporated within the folded hollow body.

[0035] It can be advantageously provided that fold lines of the third group—which define a first subgroup of the third group—are designed such that these fold lines extend in a first direction when folded, and that fold lines of the third group—which define a second subgroup of the third group—are designed such that these fold lines extend in a second direction when folded, wherein the first and second directions are oriented differently, in particular, the first direction being directed outwards, away from a center point of the folded hollow body, and the second direction being directed inwards, towards the center point of the hollow body. In other words, the fold lines of the first subgroup are folded outwards and the fold lines of the second subgroup are folded inwards, relative to an imaginary center point of the folded hollow body.

[0036] According to the invention, a method for folding a hollow body from a plate element is further provided, the method comprising the following chronological steps: a) forming two side walls of the hollow body by folding the plate element along the first pair of fold lines or the second pair of fold lines of the first group, b) forming a third side surface, in particular a front surface, of the hollow body by folding along fold lines of the third group and further along a fold line of the second group, followed by folding along a fold line of the second group to create an overlap layer on the third side surface, c) fixing the third side surface by inserting a tab into a corresponding recess, d) forming a fourth side surface, in particular a back surface, of the hollow body by folding along a fold line 6 of the second group, and by folding along fold lines 6a of the third group.e) Forming a cover plate of the hollow body and an overlap layer on two side walls by folding along fold lines 7a and by folding down the plate element material projecting from the cover plate towards the side walls, followed by folding along fold lines 8a of the third group and by folding along a fold line 8 and a fold line 9 to close the hollow body.

[0037] The method is advantageously designed such that the plate element is folded according to its structural design.

[0038] According to the invention, a cuboid-shaped folded body, hollow body or box formed by folding from a plate element according to the invention, as well as a cuboid-shaped folded body, hollow body or box, is obtained or available according to the method according to the invention.

[0039] Brief description of the characters

[0040] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an advantageous embodiment, to which, however, the invention is not limited.

[0041] The illustrations show:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a top view of a plate element according to the invention in its unfolded state; Figs. 2A to 21 show views of folding steps in a folding sequence for forming a first hollow body from the plate element according to the invention;

[0043] Fig. 3A to Fig. 3D Views of folding steps of a folding sequence for forming a second hollow body from the plate element according to the invention;

[0044] Figs. 4A to 4H Views of folding steps of a folding sequence for forming a third hollow body from the plate element according to the invention;

[0045] Figs. 5A to 5C show views of folding steps in a folding sequence for forming a fourth hollow body from the plate element according to the invention.

[0046] In the following figure descriptions, directional terms (such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc.) refer to the plane of the respective illustration. The term "inside" refers to an area located within the volume bounded by the closed, folded hollow body. The term "outside" refers to an area located outside the volume bounded by the closed, folded hollow body.

[0047] Detailed character description

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a panel element 1 according to the invention – which can also be referred to as a blank – which can be manufactured by machine with minimal waste. The panel element 1 comprises vertically oriented fold lines 1', 1" in the plane of the sheet – hereinafter also referred to as fold grooves – which form a first pair of fold lines T and a second pair of fold lines 1". The two parallel fold lines of the first pair of fold lines 1' and the two parallel fold lines 1" of the second pair of fold lines define a first group G1. The two fold lines of the first pair of fold lines 1' and the two fold lines of the second pair of fold lines 1" each run parallel to a longitudinal edge L of the panel element.

[0049] The plate element 1 further comprises a plurality of horizontal fold lines 3, 3', 3", 6, 6', 6", 6'", 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8', 9, 9' – hereinafter also referred to as fold lines or perforations – which define a second group G2 and run parallel to a transverse edge Q of the plate element. The plate element 1 further comprises a plurality of diagonally oriented fold lines 2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d – hereinafter also referred to as fold lines – which are parallel to each other and oriented at an angle w to the longitudinal edge. These diagonal fold lines define a third group G3. The angle is 45 degrees in the illustrated embodiment. The fold lines can be described as fold lines or as It may be designed with perforations.

[0050] In Fig. 1, the reference symbols of the fold lines of groups G1, G2, and G3 are outlined with dashed lines to visually indicate their group affiliation. For clarity, not all reference symbols have been outlined accordingly.

[0051] The arrangement according to the invention of the horizontal folding grooves 3, 3', 3", 6, 6', 6", 6'", 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8', 9, 9', the vertical folding groove pairs T, 1" and diagonal folding grooves 2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d makes it possible to create up to four different folding states, in each folding state the plate element 1 forming a defined hollow body, in this case a cuboid. The possible cuboids differ in their dimensions and volumes, since their length, width and height are adaptively designed (see Fig. 2I, Fig. 3D, Fig. 4H and Fig. 5C). The different cuboids that can be folded from the plate element 1 can be used as primary or secondary packaging.

[0052] Depending on the desired dimensions of the different parts, it can happen that the diagonally upward-oriented fold lines necessary for folding completely overlap; in the illustrated embodiment, this affects the diagonal fold grooves 6b and 7a, which are used both when forming the outer or left and right side walls of the first cuboid (Fig. 2A to Fig. 2I) and when forming the second (largest volume) cuboid.

[0053] Figures 2A to 2I show a folding sequence for forming a first cuboid (or the cuboid with the first defined volume). The folding sequence for the first cuboid utilizes the vertical fold lines T, which are folded upwards, thus forming the inner side walls and simultaneously the height of the cuboid (see Figure 2A). By now using the diagonally downward-facing fold lines 2a and folding them inwards, the lower part of the plate element can be folded over itself, allowing the insertion tabs 4a to be used subsequently (see Figure 2B). The resulting protruding part of the foldable material or the protruding plate element now has twice the material thickness compared to the unfolded state and represents the front face of the first cuboid (see Figure 2C).The inner front side is formed by folding the protruding double material thickness over the fold groove 3'. The lower edge of the rectangular plate element 1 meets a lower edge 3 of the base (see Fig. 1: the base is bounded, depending on the cuboid size, horizontally by fold lines 3 and 6 or 6' of group G2, and vertically by the two fold lines T or the two fold lines 1" of group G1). The front side of the outer packaging is secured by the strategically positioned tuck-in flaps 4a and their corresponding recesses 5a, thus preventing unintentional loosening (see Fig. 2D). Along the horizontal fold groove 6, which defines both the upper edge of the base (see Fig.1) as well as the lower edge of the back side, can be formed in combination with the diagonally upward-oriented folding creases 6a to create the back side of the cuboid by folding the diagonally upward-oriented folding creases 6a outwards, thereby folding the foldable material towards the user (see Fig. 2E). The horizontal folding crease 6' represents the upper edge of the back side; diagonally aligned to it are the folding creases 7a, which are folded inwards to form the top side of the primary or secondary packaging along 6', with the horizontal folding crease 8 aligning with the previously used folding creases 3' (see Fig. 2F).After the top is closed, it can be seen that the horizontal fold 8 aligns with the previously used fold 3', which forms the upper edge of the front. Simultaneously, the outer side walls can now be formed by folding down the foldable material, which is made possible by folding the diagonal fold 7a inwards (see Fig. 2G). By folding the diagonal fold 8a inwards, the foldable material can be folded along the horizontal fold 8, similar to what is shown in Fig. 2B, to a further double material thickness (see Fig. 2H). This double material thickness now forms the outer front of the packaging and can now completely close the cuboid along the horizontal fold 9 (see Fig. 2I).The user now has the option of using adhesive materials, such as adhesive tape (not shown), to ensure the safe storage of packaged goods that can be placed in the cavity.

[0054] This folding method of the first cuboid allows the front to be covered with four times the material thickness, parts of both side walls with three times the material thickness, and parts of the underside with three times the material thickness. The offcuts generated during production are thus optimally integrated into the folding, ensuring increased stability and improved protection of the cuboid.

[0055] Figures 3A to 3D show a folding sequence for forming a second cuboid, or the cuboid with the second defined volume. The folding sequence for the second cuboid initially uses the same procedure as for the first cuboid: the vertical fold lines T are folded upwards, thus forming the inner side walls and simultaneously the height of the second cuboid (see Figure 2A). By folding the diagonally downward-facing fold lines 2a inwards, the lower part of the plate element 1 can be folded over itself, and the insertion tabs 4a become usable (see Figure 2B). This creates the front face of the second cuboid, which has twice the material thickness (see Figure 2C). The protruding double material thickness is folded inwards over the fold line 3', thus forming the inner front face.The lower edge of the rectangular plate element 1 meets exactly the lower edge of the base 3 and the thoughtfully arranged insertion tabs 4a and their corresponding recesses 5a fix the front of the second cuboid and, in particular, protect against the unintentional loosening of the same (see Fig. 2D).

[0056] The previous steps for folding the second cuboid were identical to those for the first. The crucial difference lies in increasing the cuboid's length—that dimension of the cuboid which runs parallel to the longitudinal edge L of the plate element 1—by forming the back side along the fold groove 6'—instead of along the fold line 6 as with the first cuboid—which represents both the upper edge of the base and the lower edge of the back side. This is achieved in combination with the diagonally upward-oriented fold grooves 6b. For this purpose, the diagonally upward-oriented fold grooves 6b are folded outwards, thereby folding the foldable material forwards, or rather parallel to the front side (see Fig. 3A).The upper edge of the back side corresponds to the fold line 7'. Diagonally aligned to this are the fold lines 7b, which are folded inwards so that the top of the primary or secondary packaging can be formed along 7', with the fold line 8' aligning with the previously created fold line 3' (see Fig. 3B). By closing the top of the second cuboid, it can now be seen that the horizontal fold lines 8' and 3' have met and represent the outer and inner upper edges of the front side. At the same time, the outer, or left and right, side walls (in the plane of the sheet) can be closed by folding the foldable material downwards along the vertical fold lines T, which is achieved by folding the diagonal fold lines 7b inwards (see Fig. 3C).The diagonal fold lines or perforations 8b, located along the horizontal fold line 8', are folded inwards, and the protruding flap is folded over part of the front (see Fig. 3D). Using adhesive materials, such as adhesive tape (not shown), the second cuboid can be permanently and securely closed. Since the second cuboid represents the folded state with maximum volume, the front and large parts of the side walls have twice the material thickness to better protect the package.

[0057] Figures 4A to 4H show a folding sequence for forming a third cuboid, or a cuboid with the third defined volume. The folding sequence for the third cuboid utilizes the vertical fold lines 1", which are folded upwards, thus forming the inner side walls and also the height of the third cuboid (see Figure 4A). This height is reduced compared to the first and second cuboids—in this embodiment, the height is halved. The diagonal fold lines 2b are consequently folded inwards, allowing the use of the tuck-in tabs 4b (see Figure 4B). Due to these significant differences from the first and second cuboids, the width of the third cuboid is increased by reducing its height compared to the first / second cuboids. The protruding portion of the foldable material just produced is folded inwards along the fold line 3" (see Figure 4C).This forms the upper edge of the front panel 3' and provides the front panel with twice the material thickness. The horizontal folding grooves 3 and 3" also meet, forming the outer and inner lower edges of the front panel. The lower edge of the rectangular panel element 1 is inserted along the underside of the packaging and secured by means of the carefully positioned tuck tabs 4b and their corresponding recesses 5b to prevent unintentional detachment (see Fig. 4D).

[0058] Along the fold line 6, which forms both the upper edge of the base and the lower edge of the back, the diagonally upward-facing fold lines 6c are folded outwards, thus forming the inner back of the third cuboid (see Fig. 4E). The upper edge of the back is formed by the horizontal fold line 6". Diagonally aligned to this are the fold lines 7c, which are folded inwards to form the top of the third cuboid along the horizontal fold line 6", thereby aligning the horizontal fold line 7" with the upper edge of the front 3'. The outer side walls are also formed along the vertical fold lines 1" by folding down the foldable material (see Fig. 4F).By folding the diagonal fold lines 8c inwards, the protruding foldable material can be folded overlapping along the vertical fold lines 1" and creased over the horizontal fold lines 7" and 8 (see Fig. 4G). This allows the third cuboid to be folded completely, again enclosing the front along the horizontal fold lines 3' and 3", covering the cutouts 5a required for the first two possible cuboids, also covering the entire underside of the third cuboid up to the horizontal fold line 6, which coincides with the horizontal fold line 9', and finally covering the back of the outer packaging once more (see Fig. 4H). To ensure optimal protection during transport or storage, an adhesive material, such as adhesive tape (not shown), can be applied as a final step.This type of folding of the third cuboid results in the front being provided with at least three times the material thickness, and the underside, side walls and back with twice the material thickness, since the potential production waste is incorporated into the folding in the best possible way, this ensures increased stability and protection of the outer packaging.

[0059] Figures 5A to 5C show a folding sequence for forming a fourth cuboid, or a cuboid with the fourth defined volume. The folding sequence for the fourth cuboid begins with the same steps as the folding sequence for the third cuboid. The vertical fold lines 1" are folded upwards, thus forming the inner side walls and the height of the fourth cuboid, which is equal to the height of the third cuboid (see Figure 4A). Folding the diagonally downward-facing fold lines 2b inwards allows the use of the tuck-in tabs 4b (see Figure 4B). The protruding part of the foldable material is then folded inwards along the fold line 3" (Figure 4C). This forms the upper edge of the front face 3', and the front of the fourth cuboid is already twice the thickness of the material.The horizontal folding grooves 3 and 3" overlap and represent the outer and inner edges of the front, the lower edge of the rectangular plate element 1 is inserted along the underside of the fourth cuboid and fixed by means of the appropriately positioned insertion tabs 4b and their corresponding recesses 5b, thereby preventing unintentional loosening (see Fig. 4D).

[0060] The folding process for the fourth cuboid was identical to that for the third cuboid. The essential difference lies in the increase or lengthening of the fourth cuboid—analogous to the length increase between the first and second cuboids—by forming the back side of the fourth cuboid along the fold line 6' (instead of fold line 6), which represents both the upper edge of the base and the lower edge of the back side, in combination with the diagonally upward-oriented fold lines 6d. For this purpose, the diagonally upward-oriented fold lines 6d are folded outwards, thus folding the foldable material forwards, or parallel to the front side (see Fig. 5A).The horizontal fold line 6'" represents the upper edge of the back side. Diagonally oriented upwards are the fold lines 7d, which are folded inwards to form the top of the outer packaging along 6'", with the horizontal fold line 7'" aligning with the upper edge of the front side 3'. The outer, left and right side walls are also formed along the vertical fold lines 1" by folding down the foldable material (see Fig. 5B). By folding the diagonal fold lines 8d inwards, the protruding foldable material can be folded overlapping along the vertical fold lines 1" (see Fig. 5C).

[0061] By folding along the horizontal fold lines 7'" and 8, the fourth cuboid can be completely folded. The front is then enclosed again along the horizontal fold lines 3' and 3" and the cutouts 5a are covered. The final application of an adhesive material, such as tape (not shown), which is optional for each cuboid, allows for particularly secure shipping or storage of the fourth cuboid. Due to the folding method used for the fourth cuboid, the front is covered with at least three times the material thickness, and the left and right side walls and parts of the underside are covered with twice the material thickness. This allows the material waste normally generated during production to be integrated into the folding itself, further increasing the stability and protection of the cuboid.

[0062] The preceding description is based on four exemplary cuboid sizes and includes the necessary vertical, horizontal, and diagonal folding grooves or perforations. These do not represent a limitation but rather serve for illustration. Furthermore, a plate element 1 according to the invention (see Fig. 1) can contain fewer or more pre-applied folding grooves or perforations to allow for folding into fewer or more different sizes. Additionally, the terms relating to a direction—for example, top, bottom, side, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal—refer to the reader's understanding, regardless of the orientation of the plate element 1 according to the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A plate element (1) which is designed to be foldable from an unfolded state into a folding state selectable from several defined folding states, wherein the plate element (1) in the unfolded state is bounded by two mutually parallel longitudinal edges (L) and two mutually parallel transverse edges (Q) to form a rectangular basic shape of the plate element (1), wherein the plate element (1) in the folded state forms a hollow body whose side surfaces bound a cavity, wherein the plate element (1) has a plurality of fold lines along which the plate element (1) is designed to be foldable according to defined folding sequences to achieve a transition from the unfolded state to a defined folding state, wherein each defined folding sequence leads to a different folding state, wherein each folding state forms a hollow body with a different volume, characterized in thatthat a first pair of fold lines (T) and a second pair of fold lines (1"), each oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal edge (L), define a first group of fold lines (G1); a plurality of fold lines (3, 3', 3", 6, 6', 6", 6'", 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8', 9, 9'), oriented parallel to each other and parallel to the transverse edge (Q), define a second group of fold lines (G2); and a plurality of fold lines (2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), oriented parallel to each other and at an angle (w) to the longitudinal edge, define a third group of fold lines (G3), wherein a first dimension and a second dimension of the foldable element from the plate element (1) The hollow body depends on the selected pair of fold lines (1', 1") of the first group (G1), wherein a third dimension of the hollow body foldable from the plate element (1) depends on selected fold lines (6, 6') of the second group of fold lines (G2).

2. Plate element according to claim 1, wherein the first group of fold lines (G1), the second group of fold lines (G2) and the third group of fold lines (G3) are configured such that the plate element (1) is foldable into at least two, preferably three, four, or more, different defined folding states, according to different folding sequences, wherein each folding state corresponds to a hollow- bodies with different volumes.

3. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the unfolded state the longitudinal edge (L) and the transverse edge (Q) span a principal plane of the plate element (1), wherein the longitudinal edge (L) is longer than the transverse edge (Q), wherein the hollow body comprises a cuboid, wherein the first dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element (1) defines a cuboid height which is oriented orthogonally to the principal plane, the second dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element (1) defines a cuboid width which is oriented parallel to the transverse edge (Q) of the plate element (1), and the third dimension of the cuboid foldable from the plate element (1) defines a cuboid length which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal edge (L) of the plate element (1).

4. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a first folding state forms a first cuboid with a first cuboid height, a first cuboid width and a first cuboid length, wherein a second folding state forms a second cuboid with a second cuboid height, a second cuboid width and a second cuboid length, wherein a third folding state forms a third cuboid with a third cuboid height, a third cuboid width and a third cuboid length, wherein a fourth folding state forms a fourth cuboid with a fourth cuboid height, a fourth cuboid width and a fourth cuboid length.

5. Plate element according to claim 4, wherein the first pair of fold lines (1') and the second pair of fold lines (1") of the first group (G1) are designed such that the first cuboid height is equal to the second cuboid height and the third cuboid height is equal to the fourth cuboid height, wherein the first cuboid height and the second cuboid height can be formed by folding along the first pair of fold lines (T), and the third cuboid height and the fourth cuboid height can be formed by folding along the second pair of fold lines (1").

6. Plate element according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the first pair of fold lines (T) and the second pair of fold lines (1") of the first group (G1) are designed such that the first cuboid height or the second cuboid height is greater than the third cuboid height or the fourth cuboid height.

7. Plate element according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first pair of fold lines (T) and the second pair of fold lines (1") of the first group (G1) are designed such that the first cuboid width is equal to the second cuboid width and the third cuboid width is equal to the fourth cuboid width, wherein the first cuboid width and the second cuboid width can be formed by folding along the first pair of fold lines (T), and the third cuboid width and the fourth cuboid width can be formed by folding along the second pair of fold lines (1").

8. Plate element according to one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the first pair of fold lines (T) and the second pair of fold lines (1") of the first group (G1) are designed such that the first cuboid width or the second cuboid width is smaller than the third cuboid width or the fourth cuboid width.

9. Plate element according to one of claims 4 to 8, wherein a fold line (6) and a fold line (6') of the second group of fold lines (G2) are designed such that the first cuboid length is equal to the third cuboid length and the second cuboid length is equal to the fourth cuboid length, wherein the first cuboid length and the third cuboid length can be formed by folding along the fold line (6), and wherein the second cuboid length and the fourth cuboid length can be formed by folding along the fold line (6').

10. Plate element according to one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the fold line (6) and the fold line (6') of the second group of fold lines (G2) are designed such that the first cuboid length or the third cuboid length is smaller than the second cuboid length or the fourth cuboid length.

11. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the normal distance between the two fold lines of the first pair of fold lines (1') is greater than twice the normal distance between a longitudinal edge (L) of the plate element 1 and the fold line of the first pair of fold lines (1') nearest to the longitudinal edge (L).

12. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the unfolded state the second pair of fold lines (1") is closer to the longitudinal edge than the first pair of fold lines (T).

13. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in the unfolded state a longitudinal edge (L) which is the fold line of the second pair of fold lines nearest to the longitudinal edge (L) (1") and the fold line nearest to the same longitudinal edge of the first pair of fold lines (1') are equidistant from each other.

14. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate element (1) has tabs (4a, 4b) and corresponding recesses (5a, 5b), wherein each tab (4a, 4b) can be inserted into a recess (5a, 5b) to fix a folded intermediate state of the plate element (1), which exists between the unfolded state and the folded state.

15. Plate element according to claim 14, wherein a tab (4a) is arranged section by section along a fold line (T) of the first pair of fold lines (T), preferably one tab (4a) section by section along both fold lines of the first pair of fold lines (T), wherein a tab (4b) is arranged section by section along a fold line (1") of the second pair of fold lines (1"), preferably one tab (4b) section by section along both fold lines of the second pair of fold lines (1").

16. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fold lines (T, 1") of the first group (G1) have a length corresponding to the length of the longitudinal edge, wherein the fold lines (3, 3', 3", 6, 6', 6", 6'", 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8', 9, 9') of the second group (G2) have a length corresponding to the length of the transverse edge, wherein the fold lines (2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the third group (G3) have a length that is shorter than the length of the longitudinal edge and shorter than the length of the transverse edge.

17. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fold lines (2a, 2b, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d) of the third group (G3) extend from the two longitudinal edges at the angle (w) to the fold lines (3, 3', 3", 6, 6', 6", 6'", 7', 7", 7'", 8, 8', 9, 9') of the second group (G2), wherein the angle (w) is preferably 45 degrees.

18. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cuboid foldable from the plate element (1) is bounded by six side surfaces, the side surfaces comprising a base plate lying in the main plane, a top plate oriented parallel thereto, and four parallel side walls, wherein the plate element (1) is configured such that that in each folding state a first side wall, in particular a front wall, has at least two, preferably three or four, superimposed plate element layers, wherein a second side wall and a third side wall each have at least two superimposed plate element layers, wherein preferably the base plate has one, two or three superimposed plate element layers depending on the folding state.

19. Panel element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the foldable panel element (1) comprises cellulose, in particular corrugated board with preferably one, two or three layers.

20. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fold lines have a reduced material thickness relative to non-foldable areas of the plate element (1), wherein the fold lines are preferably designed as fold grooves or perforations.

21. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate element (1) is designed for reversible folding back from one of the several defined folding states to the unfolded state, wherein the plate element (1) is essentially planar in the unfolded state.

22. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plate element (1) and the fold lines of the first group (G1), the second group (G2) and the third group (G3) are designed such that folding of the plate element (1) from the unfolded state into one of the defined folded states, and vice versa, is free from damage, in particular without cracking.

23. Plate element according to one of the preceding claims, wherein fold lines (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) of the third group (G3) are configured such that these fold lines (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) extend in a first direction when folded, wherein fold lines (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) of the third group (G3) are configured such that these fold lines (7a, 7b, 7c, 7d) extend in a second direction when folded, wherein the first direction and the second direction are oriented differently, wherein in particular the first direction is directed outwards, away from a hollow body center of the folded hollow body, and the second direction is directed inwards, towards the hollow body center.

24. A method for folding a hollow body from a plate element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, the method comprising the following chronological steps: a) forming two side walls of the hollow body by folding the plate element (1) along the first pair of fold lines (T) or the second pair of fold lines (1") of the first group (G1), b) forming a third side surface, in particular a front surface, of the hollow body by folding along fold lines (2a) of the third group (G3) and further along a fold line (3) of the second group (G2), followed by folding along a fold line (3') of the second group (G2) to create an overlap layer on the third side surface, c) fixing the third side surface by inserting a tab (4a) into a corresponding recess (5a), d) forming a fourth side surface, in particular a back surface, of the hollow body by folding along a fold line (6) of the second group (G2).and by folding along fold lines 6a of the third group, e) forming a cover plate of the hollow body and an overlap layer on two side walls by folding along fold lines (7a) and by folding down towards the side walls the plate element material protruding from the cover plate, followed by folding along fold lines (8a) of the third group (G3) and by folding along a fold line (8) and a fold line (9) to close the hollow body.

25. Cuboid-shaped folded body, hollow body or box formed by folding from a plate element according to any one of claims 1 to 23 and / or obtained or obtainable by the method according to claim 24.

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