SINGLE BOX

Abstract

A box for packaging printing plates comprises a back panel (2) and two front panels (3,4), at least one of the front panels being provided with means to provide access to the inside of the box.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to packaging, in particular to a packaging structure that will comprise a single box.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many products are delivered to customers within containers or boxes. Unfortunately although the product may have been packaged correctly the box may be damaged during transit. This may be due to incorrect handling of the box. With products such as printing plates damage to the box may also result in damage to the product within.

Printing plates are packaged in wrapped packs, each comprising a number of plates. This can range from five to a hundred. In conventional prior art boxes used for the packaging of printing plates a single pack of plates is held in the box by pressure sensitive glue. The box is closed and held together with two or three straps. Although the straps are only designed to hold the box closed they are often used to lift the box. The amount of torsion and deflection that is put on the box when lifted by the straps can be significant. The boxes may be glued to give more rigidity but this leads to problems with opening.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

The invention aims to provide improved access to the items contained within the box by improving the method of opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a box for packaging printing plates comprising a back panel and two front panels, at least one of the front panels being provided with means to provide access to the inside of the box.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECT OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides improved access to the product within the box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of one embodiment of the invention, in which the box structure is fully open;

FIG. 2 is a view of this embodiment in which the box is fully closed;

FIG. 3 is an end view of this embodiment; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of this embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described in relation to boxes for printing plates.

FIG. 1 shows a packaging structure in accordance with the present invention.

The structure 1 comprises a back panel 2 and two front panels 3 and 4. In the embodiment illustrated the front panel 3 is wider than front panel 4. However the front panels may be the same width. When the box is closed the front panels 3 and 4 lie flush. Joining the back panel 2 to the front panels 3 and 4 are two narrow panels 9 formed by a double row of large perforated lines. These panels 9 form the sides of the box when it is folded and closed. A fold line 8 is provided at the upper and lower ends of the back panel 2 and two front panels 3 and 4. The fold line is formed of a line of perforations. The upper and lower ends of the panels 2, 3 and 4 are folded over at the fold line to form a double thickness secured by a line of glue, not shown. The glue lines ensure the folds are secure. These folds form the top and bottom of the box when the box is closed.

A line of perforations 5 is provided across the bottom and top of the front panels 3 and 4, above and below the fold line 8 respectively. This forms a tear strip. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 a double line of perforations is shown. However it is not essential to the invention, or even preferred, that two lines of perforations are provided. A single line of perforations 5 may be provided instead. It is also not essential to the invention that both front panels are provided with perforations. The line of perforations may be provided on only one of the front panels. The perforations also may only extend part way across a front panel.

At the outer edge of each front panel, at the end of the line of perforations, the perforations diverge to form an enlarged opening 10. This feature allows the person opening the box to more firmly grip and tear the strip of perforations. Indeed it is not essential that the perforations are provided—the means to provide access to the inside of the box may comprise the opening 10 alone. In such an embodiment the opening is likely to be larger than if there are perforated lines as well.

When the box is closed an additional line of glue, not illustrated, is provided on the folded over sections to secure the front panels to the back panel at the top and bottom of the box. A length of tape may be provided along the edge where the two front panels meet.

Printing plates come in many different sizes and it is not cost effective to provide a box for each individual size. Consequently each box will be used for a number of different sized plates. When a pack of printing plates is placed in the box it is held in place by at least one strip of pressure sensitive glue, not shown. This is to prevent movement of the pack within the box. The pressure sensitive glue strips will be located such that the upper edge of the pack will lie above the line of perforations 5, whatever size of pack is placed inside. This is to ensure access to the pack when the line of perforations is torn. The strips of pressure sensitive glue are provided on both sides of the box to hold both sides of the pack.

When the box is to be opened a hand can be inserted into the opening 10. The strip of perforations 5 provides a weakened line that tears much more easily than the rest of the box. Hence the box will open along this line, giving access to the package of printing plates inside.

The invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A box for packaging printing plates comprising a back panel and two front panels, at least one of the front panels being provided with means to provide access to the inside box, and wherein adhesive is on the inside of at least one of said back panel and two front panels to hold the printing plates.

2. A box as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means comprises at least one line of perforations at the top section of a front panel.

3. A box as claimed in claim 2 wherein both front panels are provided with at least one line of perforations.

4. A box as claimed in claim 1, wherein the means comprises at least one opening located at the outer edge of a front panel.

5. The box as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adhesive is on one of the front panels.

6. The box as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adhesive is on the back panel.

7. The box as claimed in claim 1 wherein the adhesive is on the back panel and at least one front panel.

8. The box, as claimed in claim 1 wherein the means to open comprises parallel perforations that diverge at the outer edge of a front panel.