WO2023012740A1

WO2023012740A1 - Method for forming a box with buffer, a box with buffer and a blank therefore

Info

Publication number: WO2023012740A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/057309
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Michel PROVOOST
Original assignee: Avercon BV
Current assignee: Avercon BV
Priority date: 2021-08-06
Filing date: 2022-08-05
Publication date: 2023-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-06
Also published as: BE1029664B1; BE1029664A1

Abstract

A box (10) which can be made from a foldable material, wherein the box comprises a first part (20) and a second part (30), wherein each of the first and the second part has a base panel (22, 32) which is provided at the position of two edges with respective buffer zones (21a, 21 b, 31a, 31 b) extending from the same side of the base panel, such that the box is formable by connecting the first part and the second part so that all buffer zones lie between the base panels of the first and second part and so that a packaging space is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones and the base panels.

Description

METHOD FOR FORMING A BOX WITH BUFFER, A BOX WITH BUFFER AND A BLANK THEREFORE

The invention relates to a box. The invention further relates to a blank for forming the box and to a method for forming the box.

The sale of goods via the internet in particular has increased greatly in recent years. The sale of goods via the internet is also expected to continue increasing for some time. A diverse selection of goods of different sizes and shapes is offered online. When an online purchase is made, this can comprise one or more of the same or different goods. The goods are delivered to a delivery address via a parcel service or courier. The goods are for this purpose typically packaged together in one or more boxes.

In practice, a box is selected from a series of boxes with different standard dimensions, with the object of packaging the goods in a box which provides the best fit. The box will almost always be too large. Because the box is too large, the goods for packaging are movable in the box during transport. Such goods will in practice be damaged during transport. Additional filler material is therefore often added in practice in order to fill the empty space and secure the goods. This entails an additional cost and adds to the waste stream. It has furthermore been found in practice that the additional filler material is not reliable, whereby the goods are damaged anyway.

It is an object of the invention to provide a box which protects goods for packaging in a reliable manner. It is a further object of the invention to provide a blank and a method for forming a box which protects the goods in reliable manner.

The invention provides for this purpose a box which can be made from a foldable material, wherein the box comprises a first part and a second part. Each of the first and second part has a base panel provided at the position of two edges with respective buffer zones extending from the same side of the base panel. The buffer zones extend such that the box is formable by connecting the first part and the second part so that all buffer zones lie between the base panels of the first and second part and so that a packaging space is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones and the base panels.

The buffer zones of the first and the second part extend between the respective base panels or, in other words, are directed toward each other. Because each base panel is provided at the position of two edges with respective buffer zones, the buffer zones form four buffer walls or side walls of the box which is formed by the first and the second part. The advantage of a box with a four-sided buffer is further based on the insight that goods move substantially in a horizontal plane during transport. The goods can for instance slide when a vehicle of the courier service brakes. Because the buffer zones are formed on four sides of the box, the buffer zones form a reliable protection for the goods in every direction of the horizontal plane. The two edges are preferably two opposite edges of the base panel. In this way the base panel forms an almost central panel of the first and the second part, wherein the buffer zones are positioned on opposite edges of the central panel. This simplifies connection of the first and the second part and moreover allows goods to be aligned on the first or the second part in simple manner so that packaging of the goods is simplified.

The first part and the second part can preferably be made by folding by providing a blank comprising the base panel and comprising on each of the two edges at least three mutually adjacent buffer panels which are in each case separated by a fold line so that the at least two buffer zones can be made by folding, by folding the at least three adjacent buffer panels relative to each other along the respective fold line. A blank is a piece of foldable material, for instance cardboard, which is adapted to fold a box therefrom. In this way the first part and the second part are each formed integrally, or in other words, the first part and the second part are each formed from one piece. The three mutually adjacent buffer panels which are separated by a fold line are preferably folded in a direction of the base panels. Folding the adjacent buffer panels toward the base panel on one hand considerably increases the bending strength, as seen in a direction transversely relative to the buffer zones, of the base panel of the first and the second part. On the other hand, the at least three buffer panels form a double-walled buffer zone, wherein one of the at least three buffer panels forms an outer wall of the box and wherein a further buffer panel of the at least three buffer panels bounds the packaging space, or in other words forms an inner wall of the box. The double-walled buffer zone further allows for improved shock absorption.

The fold lines preferably extend in substantially the same direction. This simplifies production of the first and second parts and simplifies dimensioning of the box.

The direction of the fold lines of the first part preferably has a first angle of rotation with the direction of the fold lines of the second part. The first angle of rotation is further preferably at least 90°. In this way a box with improved bending strength characteristics is formed. More specifically, the first part has an improved bending strength in a first direction and the second part an improved bending strength in a second direction. Owing to the mutual first angle of rotation, the finally formed box has the advantage of both the improved bending strength in the first direction and the improved bending strength in the second direction. A further advantage of his that the box can be formed in simple manner. More specifically, this allows the fold lines to be arranged in the same direction, the box to then be folded in the same direction, and subsequent rotation of only one of the first or the second part relative to the other part.

A distal buffer panel of the at least three buffer panels preferably comprises a glue zone whereby the buffer zone is attachable to the base panel. The glue zone allows a simple adhesion between the base panel and the distal buffer panel. The at least three buffer panels moreover form together with the base panel a per se closed loop whereby the first and the second part are further formed more robustly.

The buffer zones of the first part are preferably formed to fit between the buffer zones of second part. In this way an overall dimension of the box remains relatively limited. This in turn allows the space taken up by the box during transport to be minimized so that the space available in the transport vehicle is utilized optimally. A further advantage is that the mutual freedom of movement of the first part relative to second part is limited further.

The buffer zones of the first and the second part preferably have the same height. This simplifies mutual connection of the first part and the second part.

The first part preferably further comprises adjacently of the buffer zones at least two attaching panels which are configured to attach the first part to the second part. The attaching panels fix the first part to the second part. In this way goods are sealed in the packaging space in optimal manner. The at least two attaching panels are further preferably provided foldably on the buffer panel. Providing the two attaching panels foldably is advantageous because the attaching panels can extend beyond an edge of the second part to a surface of the second part, so that the attaching panels have an angle with the buffer zones of the first part. The mutual connection between the first part and the second part is improved in this way.

The distance between the buffer zones of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part preferably determine respectively a length and width of the packaging space. This allows the box to be given an optimal form so that the amount of empty space in the packaging space is minimal, so that the freedom of movement of the goods in the packaging space is minimal.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a blank formed from a fanfold material for making a box as described above.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for folding a box from at least one blank, wherein the method comprises of:

- forming a first and a second part, wherein the forming comprises for each first part and second part of:

- supplying a sheet-like material on a feed line with a forward direction of movement;

- arranging a plurality of scores in the sheet-like material in order to form a base panel and at least three buffer panels at the position of two edges of the base panel;

- folding the buffer panels in the direction of the base panel in order to form respective buffer zones; - forming the box by connecting the first part and the second part so that all buffer zones lie between the base panels of the first and second part and so that a packaging space is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones and the base panels.

Advantages and effects described above in relation to the box also apply to the method for making the box.

The plurality of scores are preferably arranged at the position of two opposite edges of the base panel.

The plurality of scores are preferably arranged in substantially the same direction.

Forming of the box preferably further comprises of connecting the first part and the second part such that the plurality of scores of the first part have a first angle of rotation with the direction of the fold lines of the second part. The first angle of rotation is further preferably at least 90°.

Forming the first and the second part preferably further comprises of glueing together respectively two distal buffer panels of the plurality of buffer panels in order to attach the buffer zones to the base panel.

The buffer zones of the first part are preferably formed to fit between the buffer zones of the second part.

The plurality of scores are preferably arranged such that the buffer zones of the first and the second part have the same height.

The method preferably further comprises of forming at least two attaching panels adjacently of the buffer zones of the first part and of attaching the first part to the second part with the attaching panels.

The method preferably further comprises of providing the at least two attaching panels foldably on the buffer panel.

The method preferably further comprises, before forming the first and second part, of determining maximum dimensions of goods for packaging; and wherein the first part and the second part are formed such that the distance between the buffer zones of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part define respectively a length and width of the packaging space corresponding to the dimensions of the goods for packaging. A length and width of the packaging space corresponding to the dimensions of the goods for packaging is understood to mean that the formed box connects closely to the goods for packaging and that a space between the goods for packaging and an inner wall of the part formed by the first and second part is limited. The maximum distance between the box and the goods for packaging is preferably smaller than 10 mm, more preferably smaller than 5 mm.

The sheet-like material is preferably formed from fanfold material, wherein the fanfold material comprises fanfold scores and wherein the sheet-like material has at least one fixed score which extends transversely over the sheet-like material. The plurality of scores are then arranged such that the plurality of scores have a second angle of rotation with the direction of the at least one false score of the sheet-like material. Fanfold material is a stack of sheet-like and foldable material which are mutually connected to each other. In other words, a plurality of sheet-like materials lie on each other and these sheet-like materials are respectively connected on a first side to a sheet-like material lying thereunder. On a second side lying opposite the first side the sheetlike material is connected to a sheet-like material lying thereabove. In this way the stack of sheetlike materials forms a fanfold of sheet-like materials. The fanfold material is thus a form of endless sheet-like material. At the position of each mutual connection is situated a fanfold score, so that the sheet-like materials can be folded relative to each other. The advantages of arranging the plurality of scores so that the plurality of scores have a second angle of rotation with the direction of the at least one false score of the sheet-like material are based on the insight that these fanfold scores which extend over the sheet-like material rarely lie on the sheet-like material exactly there where the sheet-like material must be folded. As such, false scores or fanfold scores form weak points in the sheet-like material, which can cause determined parts of the sheet-like material to collapse, bend, tear or otherwise fail during folding. Because the plurality of scores have an angle of rotation with the direction of the false score, these drawbacks are substantially wholly obviated. Because the angle of rotation is provided, the sheet-like material after all compensates for the weakening when the sheet-like material is folded according to the angle of rotation. The second angle of rotation is further preferably substantially 90°. Substantially 90° is understood to mean that the second angle of rotation is between 80° and 100°, preferably between 85° and 95°, and more preferably is 90°.

The invention will now be further described on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing.

In the drawing: figure 1 is a perspective view of a box according to an exemplary embodiment; figure 2 is a perspective view of a box according to another exemplary embodiment; figures 3A and 3B are respective schematic views of a blank of a first and a second part for forming a box illustrated in figure 1 or 2; figures 4A and 4B are respective schematic views of the fold lines of the blank according to figures 3 A and 3B;

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment wherein the buffer zones are provided on adjacent edges of the base panel. The following detailed description relates to determined specific embodiments. The teaching hereof can however be applied in different ways. The same or similar elements are designated in the drawings with the same reference numerals.

The present invention will be described with reference to specific embodiments. The invention is however not limited thereto, but solely by the claims.

As used here, the singular forms “a” and “the” comprise both the singular and plural references, unless clearly indicated otherwise by the context.

The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “composed of’ as used here are synonymous with “including”. The terms “comprising”, “comprises” and “composed of’ when referring to stated components, elements or method steps also comprise embodiments which “consist of’ the components, elements or method steps.

The terms first, second, third and so on are further used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a sequential or chronological order, unless this is specified. It will be apparent that the thus used terms are mutually interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described here can operate in an order other than described or illustrated here.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” means that a determined feature, structure or characteristic described with reference to the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The manifestations of the sentences “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, “some aspects”, “an aspect” or “one aspect” in different places in this specification thus do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspects. As will be apparent to a skilled person in this field, the specific features, structures or characteristics can further be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or aspects. Although some embodiments or aspects described here comprise some but no other features which are included in other embodiments or aspects, combinations of features of different embodiments or aspects are further intended to fall within the context of the invention and to form different embodiments or aspects, as would be apparent to the skilled person. In the appended claims all features of the claimed embodiments or aspects can for instance be used in any combination.

Figures 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a box 10 which can be made from a foldable material. Examples of foldable materials are thick paper, corrugated cardboard, cardboard, and so on. Box 10 can furthermore be formed from any suitable foldable material, which are generally known to the skilled person.

Box 10 comprises a first part 20 and a second part 30. The first part 20 and the second part 30 each have a base panel 22, 32. More specifically, the first part 20 has a base panel 22 and the second part 30 has a base panel 32. The base panel preferably determines the length and width dimensions of the box. Each base panel 22, 32 is provided at the position of two edges with respective buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b. It will be apparent that the buffer zones can be provided on the edge or at least in the vicinity of the edge, for instance at a short distance therefrom. The buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b extend from the same side of base panel 22, 23. According to a preferred embodiment, illustrated in figures 1 and 2, the two edges are two opposite edges of base panel 22, 32. In this way the two buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b of each of the first and the second part 20, 30 lie opposite each other. The corresponding base panel 22, 32 is thus situated at least partially between buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b or forms a substantially central panel. In other words, in such an embodiment the central panel extends between the two buffer zones. Alternatively, as illustrated in figure 5, the two edges can be two adjacent edges. Two adjacent edges are edges of the base panel which together form a corner of the base panel, i.e. mutually intersecting edges.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate particularly that the box 10 can be formed by connecting first part 20 and second part 30. More specifically, first part 20 and second part 30 are connected to each other such that the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b lie between the base panels 22, 32 of first part 20 and second part 30. First part 20 and second part 30 are furthermore connected such that a packaging space 40, illustrated in figures 1 and 2 using a three-dimensional rectangle, is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b and the base panels 22, 32 when the box is closed. Box 10 can is closable by attaching the first part to the second part. The illustrated preferred embodiment shows that the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b are provided on opposite edges of each base panel 22, 32. The buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b form together with the corresponding base panels 22, 32 a U-shaped first part and U-shaped second part, as seen in a cross-section. The U-shape is bounded by an inner wall 25, 35 of the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 3 lb and the central panel, more specifically the side of the base panel 22, 32 from which the buffer zones extend.

The buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b are zones of the first and the second part 20, 30 which form a buffer that protects the packaged material, for instance during transport. The buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b have an outer wall 23 and an inner wall 25. The outer wall 23, 33 and inner wall 25, 35 are provided at a distance from each other so that the buffer zone is formed. A space between the inner and outer wall can be filled, for instance with an elastically deformable material, but is preferably empty in order to save on weight and waste. The buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b can more preferably be made by folding, as will be further elucidated with reference to figures 3A and 3B. Compared to figure 1, figure 2 shows a box 10 with dimensions differing as seen in a longitudinal direction L and in width direction B. More specifically, the box 10 formed by the first and second part has in figure 2 a greater dimension as seen in the longitudinal direction L than in the width direction B. The outer dimensions of box 10 are substantially determined by the outer dimensions of the first part 20 and the second part 30. The dimensions of the packaging space 40 are preferably determined by the distance Y5 between the inner walls 25, 35 of the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b lying opposite each other. The distance between the buffer zones of first part 20 and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part define respectively a length and width of the packaging space 40.

In the illustrated embodiment the distance Y5 between the buffer zones 31a, 31b of the second part 30 determines a maximum width dimension of the packaging space 40. A distance Y5 between the buffer zones 21a, 21b of the first part 20 determines a maximum length dimension of the packaging space 40. As described above, the packaging space 40 is demarcated at least partially by the buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b. The inner wall 25, 35 can for instance comprise an uninterrupted surface. The inner walls 25, 35 of the buffer zones preferably extend over the whole width or length of the packaging space. In this way the goods for packaging are optimally protected. The buffer zones 21a, 21b of first part 20 are preferably formed to fit between the buffer zones 31a, 31b of second part 30. In this way an overall dimension of box 10 remains relatively limited. This in turn allows the space taken up by the box during transport to be minimized so that the loading space available in a transport vehicle is utilized optimally. A further advantage is that the mutual freedom of movement of first part 10 relative to second part 20 is limited further. According to an example hereof, the distance Y5 between two inner walls 35 of second part 30 corresponds with a dimension X of the inner walls 25 of the buffer zones 21a, 21b of first part 20, as seen in a longitudinal direction B thereof. In this way first part 20 and second part 30 are connectable to each other by arranging the two buffer zones 21a, 21b of first part 20 between the at least two buffer zones 31a, 31b of second part 30. The inner walls 25, 35 form together with the base panels 22, 32 a peripheral wall of the packaging space in which the goods for packaging can be arranged.

Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B show a top view of a blank for forming the first part 20 and the second part 30, and will be discussed collectively. A blank is a piece of sheet-like material formed for forming the first or the second part therewith. First and second part 20, 30 can be formed from a blank having the same form or each individually from different blanks, for instance a first and a second blank as shown in the figures 3 A, 3B, 4A and 4B. The sheet-like material is typically a cardboard. Alternatively, a blank can also be manufactured from plastic. Forming a blank for making a box is typically understood to mean cutting out the sheet-like material and forming scores in the sheet-like material. Figures 4A and 4B show a blank in which scores are arranged at the position of the broken lines. A score is an impression in the sheet-like material which facilitates folding of the sheet-like material at the position of the impression. Alternatively, a score can also be a partial score, wherein the sheet-like material is cut partially, i.e. not through its whole thickness or over its whole length, such that a weakening of the sheet-like material results at the position of the cut. This weakening facilitates the folding of the sheet at the position of the cut.

Figures 3A and 3B show a respective top view of a blank for forming the first part 20 and the second part 30. The first part 20 and the second part 30 can thus preferably be made by folding. For this purpose a blank comprising the base panel 22, 32 is provided. Forming the first and the second part comprises of supplying a sheet-like material on a feed line with a forward direction of movement, this direction of movement being shown in the figure using the arrow P. The sheet-like material can be supplied in different ways, endless cardboard can for instance be provided. Endless cardboard can also be described as a continuous length of cardboard. When the continuous length is supplied as a succession of cardboard sheets, i.e. the continuous length of cardboard, which are folded in zigzag manner and lie in a stack, each fold will form a so-called false score in the blank. A false score is a score which, although present in the blank, was not arranged as a folding aid in folding of the cardboard for the purpose of forming the box. The forming further comprises of arranging a plurality of scores in the sheet-like material in order to form a base panel and at least three buffer panels at the position of two edges of the base panel. This has an additional advantage. Arranging of the plurality of scores is done transversely of the direction of the false scores which are present in endless cardboard. In figure 3A a false score is illustrated by the bold broken line R. Forming the first and the second part in this manner has the further advantage that the false scores need hardly be taken into consideration. The blank in figure 3A can for instance be trimmed at the position of the false score so that a false score at an unfortunate position in the blank cannot disrupt the whole folding process of the box at that position on the blank. In this way the base panel 22,

32 comprises on each of the two edges at least three mutually adjacent buffer panels 23, 24, 25, 26; 33, 34, 35, 36. Four adjacent buffer panels are in each case shown in the figures. The buffer panels are in each case separated via a fold line so that the at least two buffer zones 21a, 21b; 31a, 31b are made by folding, by folding the at least three adjacent buffer panels relative to each other along the respective fold line. The at least three buffer panels can be named depending on the distance of the respective buffer panels relative to the base panel. A proximal buffer panel 32, 23 is thus defined as the buffer panel which initially lies adjacently of the base panel 22, 32 and is connected directly via a fold line or score to the base panel 32, 22. A first buffer panel 24, 34 is defined as the buffer panel which lies adjacently of the proximal buffer panel 23, 33, i.e. the proximal buffer panel 23,

33 is situated between the base panel 22, 23 and the first buffer panel 24, 34. A second buffer panel 25, 35 is defined as the buffer panel which initially lies adjacently of the first buffer panel 24, 34, i.e. both the first buffer panel and the proximal buffer panel lie between the second buffer panel and the base panel. The distal buffer panel 26, 36 then lies adjacently of the second buffer panel 25, 35 and forms the distal outer end of the blank. The buffer zones are formed by folding the buffer panels relative to each other, preferably in a direction of the base panel. When according to a preferred embodiment at least three buffer panels are provided, the proximal buffer panel and the first buffer panel will be the inner and outer wall of the first and second part, and the buffer zone formed thereby will have a triangular cross-section, which preferred embodiment is not shown. When according to a preferred embodiment at least four buffer panels are provided, as shown in figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, the proximal buffer panel 23, 33 and the second buffer panel 25, 35 will form the inner wall and outer wall of the first and second part. The first buffer panel 24, 34 extends between the proximal buffer panel and the second buffer panel. In such a preferred embodiment the formed buffer zone has a quadrangular cross-section. Folding the adjacent buffer panels toward the base panel on one hand considerably increases the bending strength, as seen in a direction transversely relative to the buffer zones, of the base panel of the first and the second part. On the other hand, the at least three buffer panels form a double-walled buffer zone, wherein one of the at least three buffer panels forms an outer wall of the box and wherein a further buffer panel of the at least three buffer panels bounds the packaging space, or in other words forms an inner wall of the box. The double-walled buffer zone 21a, 21b, 31a, 31b further allows for improved shock absorption.

The sheet-like material is preferably formed from fanfold material, wherein the fanfold material comprises fanfold scores and wherein the sheet-like material has at least one false score R which extends transversely over the sheet-like material. The figure shows that the false score R is situated on a side of the blank and that, in order to accommodate this, a cut can be made there, as was elucidated above. The false score may just as well be situated in the centre of the blank (this situation is not shown). In that situation a cut cannot be used because the first and/or the second part would then be too small for the goods to be packaged. In order to take into consideration such a false score the plurality of scores are arranged such that the plurality of scores have a second angle of rotation angle with the direction of the at least one false score R of the sheet-like material. The second angle of rotation thus lies between a primary direction of the at least one false score R and a direction of each of the plurality of scores. In the figure the second angle of rotation could preferably be 90°. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the second angle of rotation can vary slightly from 90°, wherein the second angle of rotation lies in the range of 80° to 100°, preferably in the range of 85° to 95°. The advantages of arranging the plurality of scores so that the plurality of scores have a second angle of rotation with the direction of the at least one false score R of the sheet-like material are based on the insight that these fanfold scores R which extend over the sheet-like material rarely lie on the sheet-like material exactly there where the sheet-like material must be folded. As such, false scores or fanfold scores form weak points in the sheet-like material, which can cause determined parts of the sheet-like material to collapse, bend, tear or otherwise fail during folding. Because the plurality of scores have an angle of rotation with the direction of the false score, these drawbacks are substantially wholly obviated. Particularly because the second angle of rotation is provided, the sheet-like material after all compensates for the weakening when the sheet-like material is folded according to the angle of rotation. Such a preferred embodiment is highly advantageous when it is combined with determining the outer dimensions of goods to be packaged and forming the first and second part such that the distance between the buffer zones of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part define respectively a length and width of the packaging space corresponding to the determined outer dimensions of the goods to be packaged. The determining of outer dimensions and the adjusting of the box on the basis of the determined outer dimensions will be further elucidated. The combination of a box with buffer zones which is adjusted to a size of the goods for packaging and which is manufactured from a fanfold material, and the plurality of scores of which have an angle of rotation relative to the false score, has multiple advantages. A packaging space is thus optimally utilized during transport, and the box is produced in optimal manner so that the goods for packaging are tightly enclosed by the box. The ratio of sheet-like material relative to the packaged goods is furthermore also optimal, so that waste is limited to a minimum during production of the box. The combined preferred embodiment further also provides the advantage that false scores are taken into consideration in ingenious manner so that the consumption of sheet-like material is further improved.

As described above, the buffer panels 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, 36 are mutually separated by a fold line. The fold lines are shown in figures 4A and 4B using a broken line, although it will be apparent to the skilled person that the fold lines are also present in figures 3 A, 3B. The fold lines are however not shown in figures 3A, 3B in order to keep the figures orderly. In figures 3A and 3B hatched portions of the blank of the first part 10 are designated to show that, according to a preferred embodiment, a portion of the blank is cut away in order to form buffer zones which fit between the buffer zones of the second part. In other words, the hatched parts are trimmed off depending on the dimensions of the box to be formed.

Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B show a preferred embodiment wherein the fold lines extend in substantially the same direction. This simplifies production of the first and second parts and simplifies dimensioning of the box. Although the two blanks are shown rotated relative to each other, as seen along a direction of the fold lines, the blanks can be supplied in the same orientation during arranging of a plurality of scores, these scores forming the fold lines. This allows the scores to be formed in the same direction in simple manner, with the same score arranging device. When the first and second parts are formed according to such a preferred embodiment, the fold lines of the first part 20 preferably have a first angle of rotation with the direction of the fold lines of the second part 30, as shown in figures 3 A, 3 and 4A, 4B. Such a preferred embodiment can be made either by arranging the scores on the first or the second part according to the shown first angle of rotation or by rotating the blank or the second part about an axis perpendicularly of a plane of the base panel of the blank. The first angle of rotation is preferably at least 90° in order to mutually connect the first and the second part as shown in figures 1 and 2. The first angle of rotation can however also be 180° when the buffer zones are formed on two intersecting edges, as shown in figure 5. In this way a box with improved bending strength characteristics is formed. More specifically, the first part 20 has an improved bending strength in a first direction and the second part 30 an improved bending strength in a second direction. Owing to the mutual first angle of rotation, the finally formed box has the advantage of both the improved bending strength in the first direction and the improved bending strength in the second direction.

Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B further show a distal buffer panel 26, 36. The distal buffer panel 26, 36 of the at least three buffer panels preferably comprises a glue zone whereby the buffer zone is attachable to the base panel. The glue zone allows a simple adhesion between base panel 22, 32 and distal buffer panel 26, 36. In this way the at least three buffer panels form together with the base panel 22, 32 a per se closed loop whereby the first and the second part are further formed more robustly. The adhesion of the distal buffer panel to the base panel can be performed in different ways. On one hand, a first side of the distal buffer panel can comprise the glue zone so that the distal buffer panel 26, 36 is adherable between the buffer zones of the first and second part, see figures 1 and 2. On the other hand, a second side of the distal buffer panel 26, 36 can comprise the glue zone so that the distal buffer panel 26, 36 is adherable between the proximal buffer panel and the first and/or the second buffer panel.

According to a preferred embodiment, the buffer zones of the first and the second part have the same height. This simplifies mutual connection of the first part and the second part. An example hereof is shown in figures 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, wherein a proximal buffer panel 23, 33 of the first part and the second part extend over substantially the same distance Y2 from base panel 22, 32. The proximal buffer panel forms the outer wall of the first and the second part when the buffer panels are folded toward the base panel. Because the proximal buffer panel 23 of the first part 20 extends over the same distance Y2 as the proximal buffer panel 33 of the second part 30, the outer walls of the first and the second part thus have the same height. Such an embodiment is further advantageous when the buffer zones are formed such that the buffer zones of the first part fit between the buffer zones of the second part.

The distance between the buffer zones 21a, 21b 31a, 31b of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part preferably define respectively a length and width of the packaging space. The distances are adjustable by arranging the scores at a distance from each other. These distances are designated in figures 3 A and 3B with Yl, Y2, Y3, Y4. Y1 shows the distance between opposite scores or fold lines which separate the base panel from the buffer panels 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, 36. This distance Yl determines a first outer dimension of the first and the second part. It will be apparent to the skilled person that the length dimension of the box is determined either by the dimension Yl of the first part or by the dimension Yl of the second part, and that the width dimension can be determined in corresponding manner by the dimension Yl of the second part or by the dimension Yl of the first part, or vice versa.

Further scores are then arranged at a mutual distance so that each buffer panel 23, 24, 25, 26, 33, 34, 35, 36 which is separated by the scores or fold lines extends over a respective distance Y2, Y3, Y4. As described above, the dimension Y2 of the proximal buffer panel 33, 36 determines a height of the first and the second part. In order to form according to a preferred embodiment a rectangular buffer zone, as seen in a cross-section, the dimension of the proximal buffer panel is equal to the dimension of the second buffer panel as seen in the direction away from the base panel. The first buffer panel 24, 34 is in this way oriented substantially parallel to the base panel 22, 32 and can then function as support surface of the corresponding base panel of the first or the second part. The box formed in this way is more robust and provides better protection for the packaged goods.

Figures 3A, 3B, 4A and 4B further show that the first part 20 further comprises at least two attaching panels 27 adjacently of the buffer zones. The attaching panels 27 are configured to attach the first part to the second part. In this way the attaching panels fix the first part to the second part, for instance by adhering the attaching panels to the second part. In this way goods are sealed in the packaging space in optimal manner. The at least two attaching panels 27 are further preferably provided foldably on the proximal buffer panel. Figure 4B particularly shows that the attaching panels extend from an edge of the proximal buffer panel 23. Providing the two attaching panels foldably is advantageous because the attaching panels 27 can extend beyond an edge of the second part to a surface of the second part so that the attaching panels have an angle with the buffer zones of the first part. The angle is shown in figures 1 and 2.

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment wherein the buffer zones are provided on adjacent edges of the base panel. The above described features of the first and second parts are also applicable to the exemplary embodiment shown in figure 5. The skilled person will appreciate on the basis of the above description that the invention can be embodied in different ways and on the basis of different principles. The invention is not limited to the above described embodiments. The above described embodiments and the figures are purely illustrative and serve only to increase understanding of the invention. The invention will not therefore be limited to the embodiments described herein, but is defined in the claims.

Claims

1. Method for forming a box from at least one blank, wherein the method comprises of:

- folding the buffer panels in the direction of the base panel in order to form respective buffer zones;

- forming the box by connecting the first part and the second part so that all buffer zones lie between the base panels of the first and second part and so that a packaging space is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones and the base panels.

2. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the plurality of scores are arranged at the position of two opposite edges of the base panel.

3. Method according to any one of the claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of scores are arranged in substantially the same direction.

4. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein forming of the box further comprises of connecting the first part and the second part such that the plurality of scores of the first part have a first angle of rotation with the direction of the fold lines of the second part.

5. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the first angle of rotation is at least 90°.

6. Method according to any one of the claims 1-5, wherein forming the first and the second part further comprises of glueing together respectively two distal buffer panels of the plurality of buffer panels in order to attach the buffer zones to the base panel.

7. Method according to any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the buffer zones of the first part are formed to fit between the buffer zones of the second part.

8. Method according to any one of the claims 1-7, wherein the plurality of scores are arranged such that the buffer zones of the first and the second part have the same height.

9. Method according to any one of the claims 1-8, further comprising of forming at least two attaching panels adjacently of the buffer zones of the first part and of attaching the first part to the second part with the attaching panels.

10. Method according to the foregoing claim, further comprising of providing the at least two attaching panels foldably on the buffer panel.

11. Method according to any one of the claims 1-10, further comprising, before forming the first and second part, of determining outer dimensions of goods for packaging; and wherein the first part and the second part are formed such that the distance between the buffer zones of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part define respectively a length and width of the packaging space corresponding to the determined outer dimensions of the goods for packaging.

12. Method according to at least the claims 1-2, and optionally any one of the claims 3-11, wherein the forming further comprises the following steps of: forming the sheet-like material from fanfold material, wherein the fanfold material comprises fanfold scores, wherein the sheet-like material has at least one fixed score which extends transversely over the blank. arranging the plurality of scores so that the plurality of scores have a second angle of rotation with the direction of the at least one false score of the sheet-like material.

13. Method according to the foregoing claim, wherein the second angle of rotation is substantially 90°.

14. A box (10) made from a foldable material according to the method according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the box comprises a first part (20) and a second part (30), wherein each of the first and second part has a base panel (22, 32) which is provided at the position of two edges with respective buffer zones (21a, 21b; 31a, 31b) extending from the same side of the base panel, such that the box is formable by connecting the first part and the second part so that all buffer zones lie between the base panels of the first and second part and so that a packaging space (40) is at least partially demarcated by the buffer zones and the base panels. 17

15. The box (10) according to the foregoing claim, wherein the two edges are two opposite edges of the base panel.

16. The box (10) according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-15, wherein the first part (20) and the second part (30) can be made by folding by providing a blank comprising the base panel and comprising on each of the two edges at least three mutually adjacent buffer panels (23, 24, 25, 26; 33, 34, 35, 36) which are in each case separated by a fold line so that the at least two buffer zones can be made by folding, by folding the at least three adjacent buffer panels relative to each other along the respective fold line.

17. The box (10) according to the foregoing claim, wherein the fold lines extend in substantially the same direction.

18. The box (10) according to the foregoing claim, wherein the direction of the fold lines of the first part has a first angle of rotation with the direction of the fold lines of the second part.

19. The box (10) according to the foregoing claim, wherein the first angle of rotation is at least 90°.

20. The box (10) according to any one of the claims 16-19, wherein a distal buffer panel (36) of the at least three buffer panels comprises a glue zone whereby the buffer zone is attachable to the base panel.

21. The box (10) according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-20, wherein the buffer zones of the first part are formed to fit between the buffer zones of the second part.

22. The box (10) according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-21, wherein the buffer zones of the first and the second part have the same height.

23. The box (10) according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-22, wherein the first part further comprises adj acently of the buffer zones at least two attaching panels (27) which are configured to attach the first part to the second part. 18

24. The box (10) according to claim 23, wherein the at least two attaching panels (27) are provided foldably on the buffer panel (23).

25. The box (10) according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-24, wherein the distance between the buffer zones of the first part and the distance between the buffer zones of the second part define respectively a length and width of the packaging space.

26. Blank formed from a fanfold material for making a box according to any one of the foregoing claims 14-25.