DE20017540U1 - Shipping goods - Google Patents

Description

Gesthuysen, by Rohr & Eggert

00.959.4.tr

Essen, 11 October 2000

Utility model application

from Mr

Günther Baumann Münzinger Weg 31

71686 Remseck

with the label

Shipping goods

i : : i

Shipping goods

The present invention relates to a shipping item according to the preamble of claim 1 or 5.

Such a shipping item is known from practice, for example in the form of a rectangular, multiply folded leaflet. When folded, the visible (outer) folding sections usually lie congruently on top of one another. In particular, these folding sections also determine the shape or surface area of the shipping item, thus forming the outer surfaces of the shipping item when folded.

The disadvantage of the current technology is that unfolding is often difficult, as the individual folding sections are relatively difficult to grasp and unfold depending on the material used. Furthermore, the use of the outer surface of the shipping item is limited, as this is only made up of one folding section - i.e. a continuous piece of surface.

In practice, a shipping item is also known which is made from a blank in the form of a uniform trapezoid, whereby the blank is folded inwards starting from a parallelogram-shaped folding section formed on a short trapezoid side. This first folding line therefore runs diagonally to the parallel long sides of the trapezoid. The remaining trapezoid section is folded along its central axis, perpendicular to its parallel long sides, so that when folded together, the outer folding sections lie congruently on top of one another and a triangular section protrudes laterally from the inner parallelogram section.

Cutting the above-mentioned shipping items results in a relatively high proportion of waste. Folding the shipping items is relatively laborious due to the non-parallel fold lines. Unfolding the shipping items is very difficult due to the internal parallelogram section over the protruding triangular section. In addition,

The external shape or surface shape of the goods being shipped is very irregular when folded and therefore not very suitable for postal delivery.

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a shipping item which is universally usable while being simple and cost-effective to produce and, in particular, is easy to ship and easy to open.

The above object is achieved by a shipping item according to claim 1 or 5. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the subclaims.

A basic idea of the present invention is to provide the blank with at least two fold lines that run diagonally to the longitudinal axis and parallel to each other and to fold it along these fold lines. In particular, all fold lines of the blank run parallel to each other. This enables simple, cost-effective production of the folded shipping item.

The individual folding sections do not lie on top of each other, but protrude from each other, making it easy to unfold the goods being shipped. This applies in particular to the folding sections that are on the outside when folded.

Due to the multiple offset of the folding sections, the shipping item or its cut can be used more universally for advertising purposes, since, for example, different information or representations can be realized by combining differently visible areas of different folding sections.

Simple, cost-effective production is particularly supported by the fact that the cut can be formed and folded in a highly symmetrical manner.

An alternative idea of the present invention is to provide at least three fold lines, all of which run diagonally to each other and each pair encloses the same angle. This results in the same

or at least similar advantages as in the embodiment described above.

Further objects, advantages, properties and features of the present invention are explained below with reference to the drawing of preferred embodiments. It shows:

Fig. 1 shows an unfolded cut of a proposed

sandguts according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the production of the blank

according to Fig. 1 from an endless track;

Fig. 3 the shipping goods made from the blank according to Fig. 1 in the

ready for dispatch, i.e. folded condition;

Fig. 4 shows an unfolded cut of a proposed

sandguts according to another embodiment;

Fig. 5 a, b an unfolded blank of a proposed shipping item according to further embodiments;

Fig. 6 shows an unfolded cut of a proposed

sandguts according to another embodiment;

Fig. 7 shows an unfolded cut of a proposed

sandguts according to another embodiment;

Fig. 8 a - c different folding alternatives of the blank;

Fig. 9 shows an unfolded cut of a proposed

sandguts according to another embodiment; and

Fig. 10 shows the shipping item made from the blank according to Fig. 9 in the ready-to-ship, i.e. folded, state.

-A-

Below, a proposed shipping item 1 in various embodiments is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. In particular, the shipping item 1 is an advertising letter, information carrier or the like. Depending on the design of the shipping item 1, it can be shipped directly or in a sleeve, envelope or the like.

The proposed shipping item 1 comprises a blank 2 which is folded. When the shipping item 1 is ready for shipping, the blank is therefore folded together.

Various embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. The same reference numerals are used for identical or similar parts. Corresponding advantages and properties result, even if a repeated description is omitted.

Fig. 1 shows an unfolded blank 2 which, according to a first embodiment, is at least essentially parallelogram-shaped. The blank 2 is elongated and accordingly has a longitudinal axis 3. The blank 2 also has several fold lines 4 running obliquely to the longitudinal axis 3. All fold lines 4 run parallel to one another and the blank 2 is folded exclusively around these fold lines 4. The fold lines 4 preferably run parallel to a short side of the flat blank 2.

The fold lines 4 here have at least essentially the same distance A. Preferably, the fold lines 4 also have a corresponding distance A from the adjacent short sides, so that a uniform division of the blank results. However, this is not mandatory.

In particular, the distance A - the largest distance in the case of varying distances - is dimensioned such that it at least substantially corresponds to the height or width of a postcard or a standard letter not shown, or is slightly smaller.

· y y ,

-5-

This ensures that the shipping item 1 largely takes advantage of size-independent price levels during shipping.

The examples shown each show three fold lines 4. Of course, only two or more than three fold lines 4 may be provided.

Fig. 2 illustrates a possible production of the blank 2. A continuous web 5 supplies the required surface material for the blank 2. The surface material is divided into individual, parallelogram-shaped blanks 2 by cuts 6 at an angle to the conveying or machine direction 7 of the material. The full width of the material web can be used here. This enables cost-optimized production.

In the aforementioned production or any other production, the (later) folding lines 4 preferably run in or parallel to the conveying or machine direction 7. This enables particularly small bending or folding radii of the material, since - especially in the case of paper, cardboard and the like - the material fibers also run at least substantially in this direction.

Fig. 3 shows the finished shipping item 1, i.e. the blank 2 in the folded state in a schematic representation illustrating the folding.

It is noteworthy that the folding sections 8 of the blank 2 separated from one another by the individual folding lines 4 do not lie congruently on top of one another. This applies here at least to adjacent folding sections 8, i.e. those lying directly on top of one another, but in particular to all folding sections 8 of the blank 2 or the shipping item 1. Accordingly, the individual folding sections 8 can be very easily grasped separately, so that the shipping item 1 can be very easily opened or unfolded in the desired manner.

Fig. 3 shows that the visible, in particular different surface sections of the offset folding sections 8 allow for universal display options for information, advertising, etc. For example, a display can extend over the entire outer

visible surface of the shipping item 1 or the folded blank 2, whereby after opening or unfolding the uppermost visible folding section 8 a different overall impression is created or a second representation, in particular again extending over the entire surface.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the blank 2. Here, the corner areas of the blank 2 which are furthest diagonally away, i.e. the edge-side folding sections 8, are shortened or cut off at right angles to the folding lines 4 in such a way that the folded blank 2 or the resulting shipping item 1 has an at least essentially rectangular shape. In particular, the edge-side folding sections 8 in the corner areas mentioned are shortened over their entire width at right angles to the folding lines 4.

Fig. 5 a) and b) show further embodiments of the blank 2. In contrast to the previous embodiments, the long sides of the blank are stepped here, whereby in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 a) at least essentially rectangular and according to 5 b) parallelogram-shaped folding sections 8 result. Otherwise, the corresponding advantages arise as with the other embodiments.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment. Here, the blank 2 is at least essentially rectangular. In the example shown, a fold line 4 runs through a corner 9 of the blank 2. If required, both outer fold lines 4 - i.e. the two fold lines 4 closest to the short sides of the blank 2 - can each begin or end at a corner 9 of the blank 2. However, none of the fold lines 4 can run through a corner 9.

Fig. 7 shows a further embodiment. Here, the blank 2 has long sides that run diagonally or are inclined towards each other, with short sides that are parallel to each other. It is therefore a right-angled trapezoid. In the example shown, the fold lines 4 run diagonally to the short sides. Alternatively, the fold lines 4 can also run parallel to the short sides. If necessary, the outer fold lines 4 can each run through a corner 9 of the blank 2.

Fig. 8 a) - c) show various preferred folding alternatives. A first folding option is shown in Fig. 8 a). Here, the blank 2 is folded accordion-like, i.e. alternately in opposite directions around the folding lines 4.

When folding according to Fig. 8 b), the two edge-side folding sections 8 - which are outer in the unfolded state - are folded towards each other, i.e. in opposite directions, in particular inwards.

When folding according to Fig. 8 c), all folding sections 8 - starting from a folding section 8 on the edge - are folded in the same direction around the folding lines 4, i.e. folded in a wrap-like manner. This folding corresponds to the folding of the shipping item 1 or its cut 2 shown as an example in Fig. 3.

Fig. 9 shows an alternative design with fold lines 4 that are not parallel to one another. Instead, all fold lines 4 run diagonally to one another. Neighboring fold lines 4 are each inclined to one another by the same angle W. In particular, the fold lines 4 run along the blank 2 in such a way that their extensions all intersect at a point 10. If necessary, one of the outer fold lines 4 can also run through a corner 9 of the blank 2.

Fig. 10 shows the shipping item 1 formed from the blank 2 according to Fig. 9 in the ready-to-ship, i.e. folded, state. Here too, the corresponding advantages arise as in the embodiments already described above.

In particular, a fold as shown in Fig. 8 c) is provided here. However, other folds are also possible.

If necessary, one of the edge folding sections 8 can be reduced in size or omitted. This applies in particular to the right folding section 8 in Fig. 9 in order to prevent a triangular tip from protruding in the folded state, as is the case in Fig. 10.

-8th-

As already explained, the blanks 2 are preferably made from continuous material. Alternatively, however, the blanks 2 can also be made from a sheet-like material or the like.

Paper, cardboard, paperboard, foil or a composite material, in particular made of the aforementioned materials, can be considered as the material for the blanks 2. If necessary, the surface can be painted, metallized or coated in some other way, for example covered with plastic. In particular, it can be a composite material with a cover layer made of foil - made of plastic or metal.

If required, the material can be printed or otherwise provided with information, advertising, etc. before cutting into individual blanks 2. If required or additionally, printing or other attachment of advertising, information, etc. can also take place after cutting, before folding the blanks 2 and/or after folding the blanks 2.

If necessary, the shipping item 1 or the respective cut 2 can also be provided with stickers or the like.

If required, the shipping item 1 can be secured against unintentional unfolding during shipping with a detachable closure (not shown), for example an adhesive closure, an adhesive strip or the like.

Claims (20)

1. Shipping item ( 1 ) with an elongated, multiply folded blank ( 2 ), characterized in that the blank ( 2 ) has several folding lines ( 4 ) running obliquely to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) and parallel to one another and is folded along these folding lines ( 4 ). 2. Shipping item according to claim 1, characterized in that the blank ( 2 ) is folded exclusively along fold lines ( 4 ) which run obliquely to the longitudinal axis ( 3 ) and parallel to one another. 3. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding lines ( 4 ) run in the machine direction and/or conveying direction ( 7 ) of the material of the blank ( 2 ) and/or of a continuous web ( 5 ) forming blanks ( 2 ). 4. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several, preferably all, of the folding sections ( 8 ) of the blank ( 2 ) formed by the folding lines ( 4 ) have at least substantially the same shape and size and are preferably at least substantially symmetrical, rectangular or parallelogram-shaped. 5. Shipping item ( 10 ) with a multiply folded blank ( 2 ), characterized in that the blank ( 2 ) has at least three fold lines ( 4 ) and is folded along these fold lines ( 4 ), wherein the fold lines ( 4 ) all run obliquely to one another and adjacent fold lines ( 4 ) each enclose the same angle (W). 6. Shipping item ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that extensions of all fold lines ( 4 ) intersect at one point ( 10 ). 7. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a folding line ( 4 ) runs through a corner ( 9 ) of the blank ( 2 ). 8. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all fold lines ( 4 ) are spaced apart from one another. 9. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the folding lines ( 4 ) are all at least substantially equally spaced. 10. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (A) of the folding lines ( 4 ) of the unfolded blank ( 2 ) corresponds at least substantially to the width or height of a postcard or a standard letter. 11. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unfolded blank ( 2 ) is at least substantially rectangular or parallelogram-shaped. 12. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blank ( 2 ) is made of cardboard, paper, film and/or a composite material. 13. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blank ( 2 ) is made from a continuous web ( 5 ). 14. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shipping item ( 1 ) is at least substantially square, rectangular, trapezoidal or parallelogram-shaped. 15. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shipping item ( 1 ) has at least substantially the width and/or height of a postcard or a standard letter. 16. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all folding sections ( 8 ) of the blank ( 2 ) are folded alternately in opposite directions around the folding lines ( 4 ). 17. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that folding sections ( 8 ) arranged on opposite edges of the unfolded blank ( 2 ) are folded opposite to one another. 18. Shipping item according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that all folding sections ( 8 ) of the blank ( 2 ) are folded one after the other in the same direction, starting from one edge of the blank ( 2 ). 19. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one edge-side folding section ( 8 ) of the blank ( 2 ) is located on the outside. 20. Shipping item according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least three, preferably all, folding sections ( 8 ) are offset from one another.