GB2642229A

GB2642229A - Injector pen container

Info

Publication number: GB2642229A
Application number: GB2409228.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Don Aimee; Oosterbaan Alison; Andrew Gavin; Mounshall Paul; John Tagg Christopher; Parmenter James
Original assignee: Real Digital International Ltd
Current assignee: Real Digital International Ltd
Priority date: 2024-06-27
Filing date: 2024-06-27
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: GB202409228D0; GB2642229A8; WO2026003498A1

Abstract

An injector pen storage box arranged to store injector pens, the storage box having a length greater than its height, and comprising a first face at a first end of the length of the box and a second end of the box, opposite the first end. The box comprises: a pen insertion opening through the first face of the box, wherein the first face of the box comprises at least one movable part, the movable part being arranged to be pushed aside so as to widen the pen insertion opening, and to return towards its original position when an applied force is removed. The box further comprises a barrier near to, but spaced from, the second end of the box, defining an enclosed space extending across the height and width of the box between the barrier and the second end of the box such that an internal volume of the box is split into two portions, wherein the barrier is at least substantially parallel to the first face, and closer to the second end than to the first end of the box.

Description

[0001] INJECTOR PEN CONTAINER

[0002] This invention relates to packing for medical "pens", otherwise known an injector pens (e.g. EpiPens'), and in particular to a container for storing and transporting used injector pens for recycling.

[0003] -Injector pens-are so named because they are generally pen-shaped and sized -being sized to be easily hand-held and often being cylindrical -and comprise a needle arranged to inject a fluid stored within the "pen-body on demand. The needle is contained within the pen prior to use, both to keep the needle protected and sterile before use, and for safety (avoiding accidental injection, scratching, or penetration), and should generally be removed from the body of the pen after use for sharps/medical waste disposal (retractable needles may be used in some cases, such that the needle can be retracted back inside the pen body rather than being removed). Users are often requested to return the pens and/or needles to a medical practice or other collection point for safe disposal.

[0004] Over 2.5 billion medical pens are being placed in landfill annually; it is therefore desirable to return used or expired pens to a centre that could recycle the various components. User compliance with instructions to return used or expired injector pens for safe disposal is however limited due to the inconvenience. Collecting the used pens at home and then posting them to a suitable centre is therefore desirable. However, improperly prepared and packaged injector pens may penetrate their packaging and potentially harm postal workers, or others handling such a container.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an injector pen storage box arranged to store injector pens (generally used injector pens, although storage of e.g. expired, unused, injector pens is also an option). The storage box has a length greater than its height, and comprises a first face at a first end of the length of the box and a second end of the box, opposite the first end, the box comprising: a pen insertion opening through the first face of the box, wherein the first face of the box comprises at least one movable part, the movable part being arranged to be pushed aside so as to widen the pen insertion opening, and to return towards its original position when an applied force is removed; a barrier near to, but spaced from, the second end of the box, defining an enclosed space within the box extending across the height and width of the box between the barrier and the second end of the box such that an internal volume of the box is split into two portions, wherein the barrier is at least substantially parallel to the first face, and closer to the second end than to the first end.

[0006] The or each movable part may be a flap, the flap being provided by a portion of the first face of the box.

[0007] The second end of the box maybe provided by a second face, parallel to the first face and optionally of the same dimensions as the first face.

[0008] Whilst it is desirable for a user to remove the needles from used pens prior to disposal, the barrier and associated enclosed space provide a safe enclosure for any needles not removed from used pens -the design of the pen insertion opening, coupled with its position with respect to the barrier, helps to ensure that any such needles point towards the barrier as the pen is inserted into the box. The pen insertion opening and the barrier therefore act in conjunction to assist with safe packaging of the used pens.

[0009] The at least one movable part being arranged to be pushed aside (e.g. inwardly -into the box) to widen the pen insertion opening -making it wide enough for a pen to fit through -provides some drag against the sides of the pen. A pen cannot simply be dropped in, and therefore must be pushed; this requirement to push the pen may encourage a user to put any protruding needle into the box first. Inserting the pen into the box needle-first ensures that the needle is pointed towards the barrier, as the pen insertion opening is through a surface which faces the barrier. The at least one movable part is biased towards its initial position (e.g. by a property of the material from which it is made, and/or by an additional biasing member such as an elastic membrane, or spring), and therefore available to provide drag against insertion of later pens, not just the first pen The pen insertion opening may comprise a plurality of cuts through the first face. The cuts may extend away from a central point of the opening. The plurality of cuts of the pen insertion opening may form a set of flaps in the first face of the box, the flaps being arranged to bend inwardly when an injector pen is pushed through the opening, and to return towards their initial positions once the pen is fully within the box. The se flaps may therefore provide the at least one movable part. A plurality of movable parts may therefore be provided.

[0010] As such, the first face of the box may be made of a single sheet of material; optionally, the box as a whole may be made from a single sheet of material. This may reduce complexity, and therefore cost, and may also facilitate recycling.

[0011] The pen insertion opening may comprise a hole, which may be central to the pen insertion opening. The hole may be smaller than a diameter of a pen to be inserted through the pen insertion opening, such that one or more movable parts adjacent to, e.g. forming at least part of an edge of, the hole must be pushed aside -widening the opening -for the pen to be inserted. The hole may be significantly wider than the needle, such that a needle facing the first, pen insertion, face will pass through the hole (instead of contacting a movable part) even if the pen from which the needle extends is not precisely aligned with the pen insertion opening.

[0012] In embodiments using a plurality of cuts to provide some or all of the opening, the plurality of cuts through the pen insertion face may be in the form of slits with negligible width, the slits optionally extending radially from the central point of the opening. In such embodiments, the pen insertion opening may comprise a hole forming a central part of the opening, with the cuts extending outwardly therefrom. The hole may be circular.

[0013] The pen insertion opening may consist of a plurality of cuts, each cut of the plurality of cuts being a narrow slit such that the box is at least substantially sealed until the flaps are bent by an applied force (e.g. a user pushing a pen through the opening).

[0014] The injector pen storage box may be made of card, the card optionally being recycled.

[0015] The box may therefore be sustainable and recyclable. The injector pen storage box may be made of hemp-based or wood-based card, for example, and optionally may be made from recycled paper/card materials. The injector pen storage box may therefore be made from materials which are mostly, or all, at least one of recyclable and biodegradable. Various embodiments therefore provide a container which supports the sustainability narrative; being made of recycled and/or recyclable material(s), itself, as well as facilitating recycling of the pens.

[0016] The card may have a minimum area density the range from 240 gsm to 400 gsm (grams per square meter -often referred to in the field as grammage). The card may have a maximum area density of around 600 gsm.

[0017] The card may have a thickness of at least 300 itm, and optionally a thickness in the range from 300 itm to 600 [mi. I 0

[0018] The card may have a bending resistance (measured as defined in the standard ISO 2493) in the range from 150 mN to 450 mN. In particular, the card may have a bending resistance between 170 mN long / 100 mN cross and 420 mN long / 250 mN cross (due to its method of manufacture, card/paper/board is generally anisotropic in bending resistance, with a higher bending resistance in the manufacturing machine direction ("long") than in the cross direction ("cross")).

[0019] The box may be arranged to be provided flat, and then folded along pre-prepared fold-lines. The enclosed space may be formed by folding or rolling a section of the box material extending from one end of the length of the box along fold-linos and tucking a structure formed thereby into the end of the box, so as to provide the barrier spaced from the second end of the box, supported by sections box material extending between the second end of the box and the barrier. Being able to provide, store, and ship, the box flat may minimise space taken, allowing the box to be posted out to users at minimal cost, and assembled at home / by a user. The box may be made from a single sheet of board, so facilitating manufacture as well as minimising space taken.

[0020] The width of the box may be significantly less than the height of the box, for example being no more than 30% of the height of the box.

[0021] The box may have a width of at least 15 mm, and optionally of at least 20 mm. The box may have a width of no more than 100 mm, and optionally may have a width in the range from 20 mm to 100 mm. The box may have a width in the range from 15 mm to 60 mm, and optionally in the range from 20 mm to 50 mm. The box may have a width of 35 mm.

[0022] The box may have a height of at least 100 mm, and optionally in the range from 100 mm to 150 mm. The box may have a height of 105 mm.

[0023] The box may have a length of at least 120 mm, and optionally in the range from 120 mm to 250 mm, or from 120 mm to 200 mm. The box may have a length of no more than 300 mm The box may have a length of 185 mm. The box dimensions may be selected such that its length is longer than its height.

[0024] The pen insertion opening may be located above a half-way point of the height of the box, such that it is closer to one side of the box (top, in the orientation described) than it is to an opposing side of the box (bottom, in the orientation described). The pen insertion opening may be located between one fifth and one third of the way down the box from the top of the box, and optionally around one quarter of the way down the box from the top of the box. The pen insertion opening may be located between 25 mm and mm down from the top of the box.

[0025] A central point of the pen insertion opening may therefore be located near to, but spaced from, an upper end of the first face, such that the opening is above a half-way point on the first face. Placing the opening near the top may facilitate positioning of pens under gravity. Placing the opening spaced from the top may ensure than an upper corner of the box is not unduly weakened.

[0026] The pen insertion opening may be located centrally with respect to the width of the box.

[0027] The pen insertion opening may extend across at least a majority of the width of the box.

[0028] The barrier may divide the internal space of the box in two, lengthways The injector pen storage box may therefore have a total length comprising: a first length extending from the first face to the barrier (the portion of the internal space arranged to contain the pens); and a second length extending from the barrier to the second end of the box (the "enclosed space" -i.e. the portion of the internal space arranged to contain any needles, once the needles penetrate the barrier to enter the enclosed space).

[0029] The total length of the box externally would also include thicknesses of the box material itself; however it win be appreciated that these thicknesses are generally negligible / unlikely to be more than a few millimetres in total and so not considered in detail here.

[0030] The first length may be at least equal to the pen length of pens intended to be used with the box, and optionally longer to allow space for movement (of pens and/or movable parts such as the flaps discussed above. The first length may be at least 100 mm, and optionally at least 120 mm, 140 mm, or 160 mm. The first length may be 165 mm. The first length may be at least 10 mm or 20 mm greater than the height.

[0031] The second length may be at least equal to the maximum length by which a needle can extend from a pen, and optionally longer to allow a safety margin (e.g. should the box be bent or squashed in transit). The second length may be at least IS mm, and optionally may be 20 mm.

[0032] The opening may have a maximum extent of 15 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm, the maximum extent optionally being defined between furthest points of a plurality of cuts forming the opening. The maximum extent may be determined when the movable part(s) are pushed aside.

[0033] Various embodiments therefore provide a container which takes up minimal space (being designed to fit the pens relatively closely), whilst remaining easy-to-use, secure, and capable of withstanding both months on a bathroom shelf and carriage through national postal systems.

[0034] The opening may comprise a central hole, and one or more slits extending therefrom. For example, the opening may comprise a plurality of radial slits (e.g. eight radial slits), arranged -optionally evenly -around a central hole. The central hole may provide a guide for a user as to where to insert the pen (the slits may not be highly visible before their first use), and may facilitate bending of the movable parts/flaps formed by the slits. The central hole may be being circular, optionally with a diameter of 10 mm. The presence of a central hole may assist in ensuring that any still-attached needle enters the box rather than getting stuck on, or penetrating, a movable part.

[0035] The injector pen storage box may further comprise a sealing flap extending from the first end of the box and arranged to block the pen insertion opening when folded thereacross. The sealing flap may serve to seal the box once the box is full or otherwise ready to be stored or moved.

[0036] The or each movable part may be a flap formed from the material of the first face of the box. As such, the moveable part(s) can be provided whilst using only a single sheet of material.

[0037] Various embodiments therefore provide a container which can be formed from a single sheet of board, be sent out flat to minimise carriage space, and create a secure and safe product for the carriage of the injector pens should the user absent-mindedly forget to remove the needle. The box described herein is designed in such a way as to encourage correct insertion of pens with needles still attached -a user will automatically arrange a pen to go through the opening needle-first as the pen needs to be pushed through the opening against drag provided by the moveable part(s); users would prick themselves if pushing the pen at the needle-end rather than the flat end.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts 20 comprising: an injector pen storage box according to the first aspect; and at least one injector pen arranged to be stored therein, wherein each injector pen has a length, L, a widest cross-sectional dimension, D, and a needle with a maximum extent, N, beyond the length of the injector pen, and wherein the storage box has a total length of at least (L+N), of which the enclosed space provides a length of at least N. such that, should the injector pen be pushed into the box with the needle still extending therefrom, the needle penetrates the barrier, extending into the enclosed space and being contained therewithin.

[0039] The height of the injector pen storage box may be selected to be less than L, such that injector pens cannot fit within the box oriented perpendicular to the first face (even without the needle).

[0040] The height of the injector pen storage box may be around six to eight times D. For example such that a maximum of around five to seven injector pens can be stored therewithin (a bit of space may generally be left at the top of the box, although the height may be selected to exactly fit a number of pens -e.g. six or eight -in some implementations).

[0041] The injector pen storage box may have an internal width smaller than its height, and optionally substantially equal to 1), such that only a single row of injector pens can fit therewithin. The width may instead be substantially equal to 21), such that two rows of injector pens can fit therewithin -i.e. the pens may sit two abreast. The box may be wider in some embodiments, optionally with a width of around 3D, so taking three rows of pens.

[0042] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a net for forming an injector pen storage box, the net comprising: four panels connected by fold lines along their longer edges to form an open -ended body of the box, the four panels being rectangular in shape and comprising a first pair of narrower panels arranged to face each other, and a second pair of broader panels arranged to face each other; a pen insertion panel extending from a shorter edge of one of the broader panels and arranged to form a first end face of the box, the pen insertion panel comprising at least one movable part, the movable part being arranged to be pushed aside so as to widen the pen insertion opening, and to return towards its original position when an applied force is removed; and a barrier flap structure extending from a shorter edge of a first of the broader panels, at a second end of the box, the barrier flap structure being arranged to fold within the box in use, and comprising: a second end face panel joined to the shorter edge of the first broader panel by a first fold line, the second end face panel being arranged to form a second end of the box in use; a first spacing panel joined to the second end face panel by a second fold line parallel to the first fold line, the first spacing panel being arranged to lie against and parallel to the second broader panel in use; a barrier panel joined to the spacing panel by a third fold line parallel to the second fold line, the barrier panel being arranged to split an internal volume of the box into two in use; and a second spacing panel joined to the barrier panel by a fourth fold line parallel to the third fold line, the second spacing panel being arranged to lie against and parallel to the first broader panel in use.

[0043] The barrier panel may be arranged to lie parallel to the pen insertion panel once the box is assembled.

[0044] The net may be used to form a box as described in the first aspect.

[0045] The pen insertion opening may comprise a hole, which may be central to the pen insertion opening. The hole may be sized to have a width less than the pen thickness, such that the hole alone is an insufficient width for a pen to fit therethrough.

[0046] The pen insertion opening may comprise a plurality of cuts through the pen insertion panel, the cuts extending away from a central point of the opening and forming flaps, the flaps constituting the one or more movable parts of the pen insertion panel. Such a pen insertion opening may comprise a hole from which each cut of the plurality of cuts extends. The hole may be sized to have a width less than the pen thickness, such that the hole alone is an insufficient width for a pen to fit therethrough; the flaps therefore have to bend during pen insertion.

[0047] The pen insertion panel may comprise an extension / flap connected thereto by a fold line parallel to the shorter edge of the broader panel to which the pen insertion panel is directly connected, the extension being arranged to fold into the box in use, so as to hold the pen insertion panel in place across the first end of the box.

[0048] A central point of the opening may be located near to, but spaced from, a first end of the pen insertion panel, such that the opening is closer to a first of the pair of narrower panels than to a second of the pair of narrower panels.

[0049] The net may further comprise a sealing flap extending from a shorter edge of whichever of the broader rectangles is not directly connected to the pen insertion panel, at the first end of the box. The sealing flap may be arranged to be folded to block the pen insertion opening, and optionally may comprise a layer of adhesive arranged to seal the sealing flap in place. I 0

[0050] The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following Figures, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a box for storage of injector pens with an injector pen partially inserted into the box; Figure 2 is a perspective view of one end of the injector pen storage box of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a close-up perspective view of the pen insertion opening of the injector pen storage box of Figure 1; Figure 4 provides a representation of various possible pen insertion opening designs; Figure 5/PRIOR AR]] is a representation of a standard injector pen of the prior art; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the injector pen storage box of Figure 1 with a scaling flap sealed so as to dose off the pen insertion opening; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the injector pen storage box of Figure I being held in a flattened, or unassembled, form, for example for storage and delivery pre-use; Figure 8 is a perspective view of the injector pen storage box of Figure 7 when released, popping up towards its assembled configuration; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the injector pen storage box of Figure 8 in a part-assembled form, with a barrier flap structure bent/rolled so as to separate a barrier portion from a spacer portion of the barrier flap structure; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the part-assembled injector pen storage box of Figure 9, with the barrier flap structure mostly bent/rolled into position within the body of the box; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the part-assembled injector pen storage box of Figure 10, with the barrier flap structure fully bent/rolled into position within the body of the box, and a securing flap ready to be folded over the barrier flap structure to form a second face of the box; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the part-assembled injector pen storage box of Figure 11, with the securing flap secured in its closed position; Figure 13 is a perspective view of the other end of the part-assembled box from that shown in Figure 12, showing the pen insertion face prior to this being folded into place to form the first end of the box; Figure 14 is a simplified side cross-sectional view of the completed box, illustrating the internal barrier; Figure 15 is a plan view of a net, or web, for making an injector pen storage box as described herein from a single sheet of card; Figure 16 is an equivalent of Figure 7 for a similar alternative injector pen storage box; Figure 17 is a perspective view of the injector pen storage box of Figure 16 when released, popping up towards its assembled configuration; and Figure 18 is an end view of the box of Figures 16 and 17, showing the barrier flap structure.

[0051] Figure 1 of the appended drawings illustrates a storage box 1 for injector pens 30 (often referred to as "pens" herein for brevity), showing a partially-inserted injector pen 30.

[0052] The Injector pen storage box 1 comprises a body 2, and a face 3 at a first end of the body 2 through which face 3 the injector pens 30 are intended to be inserted. This first face 3 of the box comprises a pen insertion opening 20 arranged to allow injector pens 30 to be inserted into the box 1, one at a time. Injector pens 30 are elongate; the pen insertion opening 20 is sized and shaped to allow pens 30 to be inserted end-on only -the pens 30 must be aligned at least substantially perpendicularly to the first face 3 in order to pass through the opening 20.

[0053] The opening 20 is arranged to provide some resistance to the movement of a pen 30 therethrough this resistance may be referred to as drag. A user is therefore required to push the pen 30 into the box 1, as opposed to simply dropping a pen 30 through a slot. If a pushing force applied to the pen 30 is removed part way through pen insertion, the pen therefore remains in a partially-inserted position, as shown in Figure 1, instead of continuing into the box 1. This pushing force could be applied by gripping the shaft 32 of the pen 30 for most of the length of the pen, but, especially once the majority of the pen 30 is within the box 1, pushing the pen by its end would be easier. As such, a user is automatically prompted by such a design to either (i) remove or retract the needle 34 before pushing the pen 30 into the box 1, or ensure that the needle 34 enters the box I first, such that the flat end of the pen 30 is available for pushing.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the opening 20 comprises a central hole 21 through the first face 3, and a plurality of cuts 22 through the first face 3, the cuts extending away from a central point of the opening 20. The cuts 22 take the form of slits of negligible width in this embodiment. The cuts 22 divide a region of the first face 3 surrounding the hole 21 into movable parts 23, in particular flaps 23. The central hole 21 has a smaller area than the cross-sectional area of the pen 30 -movement of the flaps 23 is therefore required to allow the pen 30 to be inserted into the box 1. As the pen 30 is pushed in, the flaps 23 fold inwardly so providing more space / a larger opening. Once the pen 30 is fully within the box 1, the flaps 23 may automatically return to, or toward, their original positions, so reducing the area of the opening 20, and at least partially sealing the box 1 -the likelihood of inserted pens moving back out of the box through the opening 20, even if the box 1 is dropped or shaken, may therefore be decreased as compared to if the opening were provided by a simple hole without movable parts. in preparing the box 1 for use, no fold line is made across the base of each flap 23, so encouraging the flaps 23 to return to their original position rather than remaining in the pushed aside position.

[0055] In the embodiment being described, the box 1 is relatively narrow, having a width, WB (the narrowest dimension of the box), only slightly greater than a width (e.g. greatest diameter) of the pen 30. A single row of pens 30 can therefore be contained therein. The first face 3 is therefore elongate, and, in the orientation shown, extends vertically. The opening 20 is located near to, but spaced from, an upper end of the first face 3, such that the opening is above a half-way point on the first face. The opening 20 is therefore near the top of the box 1, without being so close that the corner is weakened. Having the box I oriented such that the opening 20 is on one side of the box near the top, rather than on a top face, may encourage the pens 30 within the box to settle into a neat row under gravity, each pen 30 lying on its side.

[0056] The height, Hu, of the box I is greater than a width of the pen 30, generally by at least a factor of five or six such that multiple pens 30 may be stored in a row along its height. In the embodiment being described, HE is Set to be less than the length of a pen 30, such that pens cannot stand upright within the box 1 (in the orientation shown), such that a chance of pens getting jammed in a position perpendicular to their desired position, and so blocking proper use of the box 1, is reduced. Denser packing of pens may therefore be facilitated, so allowing for more efficient storage and postage than if the pens 30 were haphazardly oriented in a larger container. The box width, WE, may be set to be a close fit for pen width, and the box height, Hu, may be set to be as close a fit as reasonable for the number of pens intended to be contained whilst still allowing use of the opening 20 for inserting the final pen 30. For example, the final pen may be arranged to lie level with the opening 20, with a spacing above the opening being half the width of the pen. For a box I arranged to store six pens of maximum diameter, D, the height, HE, may therefore be 6.5D, for example (excluding the thickness of the box material itself -i.e. internal box height), if the width is only around D. If the width is around 21), ten to twelve pens may be stored in a box I of the same height.

[0057] The length of the box 1, LE, is greater than the length, L, of the pen 30 such that the pens 30 can fit within the box. The length of the box 1. Lu, is also greater than the length, L, of the pen 30 plus the maximum needle extent, N, from the pen, such that the pens 30 can fit within the box even with the needle extending therefrom. in embodiments such as that being described, in which the opening 20 is provided with flaps 23, the length may also be long enough to allow for the flaps to move inwardly and then return outwardly -i.e. an allowance may be provided to give space for flap movement. In embodiments in which no such flap allowance is provided, insertion of a final pen 30 may trap some or all of the flaps 23 in place within the box 1.

[0058] In the example pictures in Figures Ito 3, the length of the box is 185 mm, the height of the box is 105 mm, and the width of the box is 35 mm. Dimensions may vary in other embodiments, for example depending on pen dimensions and on an expected number of pens to be collected in the box 1.

[0059] As illustrated in Figure 4, many possible designs of the opening 20 may be envisaged -the example of Figures 1 to 3 is not intended to be limiting.

[0060] For the example opening 20 of Figures 1 to 3, eight slits 22 extend radially from a circular central hole 21. The slits 22 are evenly arranged and of the same length, such that a circle could connect the outermost points of thc slits 22 -this may be particularly suitable for cylindrical pens 30. More or fewer slits 22 may be provided around a central aperture 21 in other implementations, the slits 22 may not be evenly spaced, and/or the slits may not be of equal lengths (for example instead forming a more square outline, as for opening 20f shown in Figure 4). In alternative or additional implementations, the central aperture 21 may be of a different shape -for example square (e.g. for pens 10 with a square cross-section, or for manufacturing or aesthetic reasons). Opening 20b in Figure 4 illustrates a central aperture 21 in the shape of a star, with slits 22 extending from each point of the star so as to increase flap size, so increasing the maximum open area.

[0061] In still further implementations, no central hole may be provided, e.g. as shown for openings 20e and 20f in Figure 4, in these examples. The opening 20e,f consists of a set of slits, with eight slits extending radially from a central point for opening 20f, and four slits extending radially from a central point for opening 20e. Opening 20e further comprises a set of two slits offset from the central point, each extending across a respective outermost end of an opposed pair of radial slits -in this way, square or rectangular flaps 23 are provided as opposed to the at least substantially triangular flaps of examples 20 and 20f.

[0062] In still further implementations, the cuts 22 may not be in the form of slits (with negligible width), but instead may form specifically-shaped edges of the central aperture 21, as shown for openings 20a, 20c, and 20d in Figure 4. The edges of the star-shaped aperture of example 20b may also be described as cuts extending away from a central point of the opening, in addition to the slits of that example. The cuts 22 extending away from the central point to provide flaps 23 therefore do not need to be radial, and do not need to be collinear with a line passing through a central point of the opening. For the star-shaped apertures 20c,d, the cuts along the perimeter of the star provide a plurality of triangular flaps 23. The flaps of opening 20a have a more complex shape, with a triangular tip.

[0063] Finally, opening 20a provides an example of the use of curved cuts 22, providing curved, and optionally at least substantially semicircular, flaps 23 extending inwardly across the central aperture.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the examples 20a-f shown in Figure 4 are not intended to be limiting, instead providing examples selected from the broad range of possibilities encompassed by the present invention The box 1 of the embodiment being described additionally includes a flap 4 extending away from the first end of the box 1. The flap 4 is arranged to be folded so as to cover the first face 3, thereby blocking the opening 20, once the box is as full as wanted. This flap 4 may therefore prevent pens 30 from escaping from the box in transit, and may be referred to as a sealing flap 4. The sealing flap 4 extends from a shorter edge of whichever of the broader panels 5 is not directly connected to the pen insertion panel 3 -in this case, panel 5b, at the first end of the box 1, and is arranged to be folded to block the pen insertion opening 20. In the embodiment shown, this flap 4 covers the whole surface of the first face 3, and therefore the entire first end of the box 1. in other implementations, a flap 4 covering only part of the first face 3 may be provided -that part of the first face 3 including at least part of the opening 20. In the embodiment shown, the flap 4 comprises a section 4a arranged to fold against one side of the body 2 of the box 1 and to be sealed thereto so as to hold the flap 4 in place -for example, a pressure-sensitive adhesive may be provided, or a strip of adhesive with a removable cover, or a strip of an adhesive arranged to be moistened for use as for standard envelopes, along that section 4a so as to facilitate holding the flap 4 in place to close the opening 20 (on the flap 4 or on the box's body 2 -an adhesive strip is shown on the flap 4 in the example pictured). Any suitable fastening approach known in the art may be used instead of, or as well as, adhesive in other examples -e.g. a clip, a latch, or an elastic band around the box 1. In the example pictured, the flap 4 is sealed against a broader face 5 of the box I. the broader face extending between the first end of the box (provided by the first face 3) and an opposing second end of the box. In other examples, the flap may be sealed against the first face 3, and may not extend over the broader face 5 of the box 1. The broader face 5a provides one panel of the main body 2 of the box 1, with a matching broader face 5b (not shown/hidden in Figures 1 to 3) facing it, providing a second panel of the main body 2 of the box I. The box 1 can therefore be securely sealed for transport, e.g. b * post, preventing escape of pens 30 by blocking the opening 20.

[0065] As the box 1 is arranged to have pens 30 inserted thereinto needle first (should any needle be exposed), through the first face 3, a barrier 6 is provided within the box 1 to ensure that any such needle does not protrude through the second end of the box 1. The barrier 6 extends across the full internal width and height of the box I. The barrier 6 is arranged to be at least substantially parallel to the first face 3 (the pen insertion face).

[0066] At the second end of the box 1, opposite the first face 3 at the first end of the box, an enclosed space is provided between a second face 7 which provides the second end of the box 1 and the barrier 6 (in other implementations, the box 1 may narrow towards its second end, and the second end may instead be provided by a crease / edge of two side faces, rather than by a separate end face 7). The barrier 6 is positioned such that the enclosed space has a length (parallel to the length of the box 1) at least equal to, and generally greater than, a maximum needle extent, N, beyond the end of the pen 30. As such, the barrier 6 does not need to be strong enough to prevent penetration by the needle 34; instead, the 6 barrier prevents the closest end of the pen 30 from moving any further, and provides a "safe", enclosed, space in which the needle 34, if present, can be contained. The needle 34 is thereby prevented from penetrating an outer surface of the box 1. As the barrier 6 does not need to be strong enough to prevent penetration by the needle 34, it may be made of simple, relatively light-weight, card, and optionally from the same material as the rest of the box 1.

[0067] In the example pictures in Figures 1 to 3, the length of the box is 185 mm, and, of this, the enclosed space (between the barrier 6 and the second end of the box) has a length of 20 mm, and the space into which the pen insertion opening 20 opens (in which pens are to be received) has a length of 165 mm. The length of the pen-receiving space is generally set to be at least equal to the pen length. L. but smaller than the total length of the pen plus needle (L+N), to ensure that any needles 34 stick through the barrier 6.

[0068] In the example being described, and as shown most clearly in Figure 9, the barrier 6 is supported by spacers 8. The spacers 8 extend between the barrier 6 and the second end of the box (in particular in the example shown, the second face 7), holding the barrier 6 in place. The spacers 8 of this embodiment are provided by a pair of spacing flaps 8a, 8b, each connected to one side of the barrier 6 by a fold-line, and each arranged to lie parallel to and against a respective panel 5 of the body of the box 1. The spacers 8 of this embodiment extend across the broader panels 5 of the body 2 of the box 1, so extending across the full height of the box. In other implementations, such spacing flaps may, alternatively or additionally, extend across the narrower panels 9 of the body 2 of the box I. In alternative or additional embodiments, a different form of support may be provided for the barrier 6 -e.g. chocks adhered to an inner surface of the box 1. However, it will be appreciated that the spacing flaps 8 described herein facilitate manufacture of the box I from a single sheet of material and easy assembly (as described in more detail below).

[0069] In the implementation being described, the barrier 6 is formed from a portion of the same material as the rest of the box 1, and in particular by a single layer of that material. Multiple layers, and/or a different material, may be used in other implementations. The barrier 6, spacers 8, and second face 7 may be contiguous, separated by fold lines, and may be described as a barrier flap structure, as described in more detail below with respect to Figure 15.

[0070] In the implementation being described, the box I additionally comprises a securing flap 10, extending from a shorter edge of one of the broader panels 5 at the second end of the box 1 (to whichever of these panels 5 is not directly connected to the second face 7; in this example, panel 5b). The securing flap 10 is arranged to be folded to cover the second face 7, so assisting in securing the barrier 6 in place in this design by preventing the spacers 8 from slipping out of the body 2 of the box I. in the example shown, an extension / flap 10a is arranged to extend from the securing flap 10 and be folded onto the other of the broader panels 5 (in this case, panel 5a). A layer of adhesive is provided in this example, arranged to seal the securing flap 10 in place on that broader panel 5a.

[0071] The box I may be made from a net, or web, 100 formed from a single sheet of material, an example of which is shown in Figure 15 (it will be appreciated that many different flap designs and locations may be used to assemble even boxes 1 which looks at least substantially identical once assembled, and that the net 100 shown is in no way intended to be limiting). The net 100 is oriented with the part of the net 100 intended to form the first end of the box 1 uppermost.

[0072] The net 100 comprises four main panels 5a, Sb. 9a, 9b arranged to form the main body 2 of the box 1; a pair of broader panels 5 and a pair of narrower panels 9. The main panels 5, 9 are all rectangular in the example shown, and are contiguous in alternating sequence of narrower panels 9 and broader panels 5, separated by straight fold lines extending along the full length of the panels (along the longest edge of each panel 5, 9), such that the broader panels 5 face each other once assembled, and the narrower panels 9 face each other once assembled. The net 100 further comprises a body flap 2a extending from one of the main panels and arranged to be adhered to another of the main panels so as to form a "tube" shape for the body of the box 1. in the example shown, the body flap 2a is connected to a longer edge of one of the narrower panels 9b.

[0073] That first narrower panel 9a is connected to a first broader panel 5a by a fold line. That broader panel 5b is connected to the second narrower panel 9b by a fold line. That second narrower panel 9b is connected to a second broader panel 5b by a fold line. In other embodiments, the body flap 2a may extend from the broader panel 5 instead of from the narrower panel 9. Multiple separate body flaps 2a may be provided instead of a single body flap 2a in other examples.

[0074] The first face 3 with the pen insertion opening 20 -which may be referred to as a pen insertion panel 3 or a first end face panel -extends from the first end of the first broader panel 5a. connected thereto by a fold line along a shorter edge of the body panel 5a. A flap 3a extends from the opposite side of the pen insertion panel 3 and can be used to secure the pen insertion panel 3 in place across the first end of the body 2 of the box 1.

[0075] The sealing panel 4 extends from the first end of the second broader panel 5b, connected thereto by a fold line along a shorter edge of the body panel 5b. A flap 4a extends from the opposite side of the sealing panel 4 and can be used to secure the sealing panel in place across the first end of the body 2 of the box 1, covering the pen insertion opening 20 once the box 1 is full or otherwise no longer to be added to.

[0076] At the second end of the net 100, a barrier flap structure 6, 7, 8 extends from a shorter edge of a first 5a of the broader panels 5. This barrier flap structure 6-8 is arranged to fold within the box I in use, and to provide the barrier 6 described above.

[0077] The barrier flap structure 6-8 comprises a second end face panel 7, the second end face panel 7 being joined to the shorter edge of the first broader panel 5a by a first fold line.

[0078] The second end face panel 7 is arranged to form a second end of the box 1 in use. In the example shown, the box 1 is designed to be at least substantially cuboid in shape, and the second end face panel 7 is therefore the same size and shape as the first end face panel 3 (but without the pen insertion opening 20). The box 1 may be differently -shaped, e.g. with a narrower second end, in other examples.

[0079] The barrier flap structure 6-8 further comprises a first spacing panel 8a joined to the second end face panel 7 by a second fold line parallel to the first fold line, the first spacing panel Ra being arranged to lie against and parallel to the second broader panel 5b in use / once the box 1 is assembled.

[0080] The barrier flap structure 6-8 further comprises a barrier panel 6 joined to the spacing panel 8a by a third fold line parallel to the second fold line, the barrier panel 6 being arranged to split an internal volume of the box 1 into two in use / once the box 1 is assembled. This panel 6 therefore provides the barrier 6 described above.

[0081] The barrier flap structure 6-8 further comprises a second spacing panel 8b joined to the barrier panel by a fourth fold line parallel to the third fold line, the second spacing panel being arranged to lie against and parallel to the first broader panel 5a in use / once the box 1 is assembled. The second spacing panel 8b has a flap 7a extending therefrom in the example shown, joined to the second spacing panel 8b by a further fold line parallel to the fourth fold line. This flap 7a is arranged to lie against the second end face panel 7 once the box 1 is assembled, reinforcing the assembled barrier flap structure 6-8 and/or helping to improve alignment No such flap may be provided in other implementations.

[0082] A hole 7b is provided across the fold line between the second end face panel 7 and the first spacing panel 8a in the example shown -this may facilitate grip during assembly and disassembly. In other examples, a hole 6b may be provided in a different location instead of the hole 7b (e.g. as shown in Figures 16 to 18), or as well as the hole 7b. In the implementation shown in Figures 16 to 18, the hole 6b is located on a fold line between the barrier 6 and the spacing flap 8a, which spacing flap Ra connects the barrier 6 to the second end face panel 7. It was found that locating the hole 6b between the barrier flap 6 and its spacer 8a helped a user to understand where to press to get the barrier flap structure part of the net to "pop up" -i.e. causing the sections 7, 8a, 6, 8b to form a rectangular tube rather than lie flat against each other. In addition, having the hole 6b in this location also removes a section of material on the crease which may facilitate folding the net to form the box 1 by reducing resistance. The hole 6b would be entirely hidden within the box 1 once assembly is complete. Figure 18 shows that the fold-line between the second end face panel 7 and the spacer fla is perforated in this implementation instead of being simply creased -this perforation along the fold line may facilitate forming of the net into the box 1. One or more of creasing, perforation, and scoring, may be used as desired for each of the fold lines of the net.

[0083] Figures 16 to 18 therefore provide examples of how the net may be adjusted whilst still providing a substantially-identical box I. At the second end of the net 100, a securing panel 10 extends from a shorter edge of a second 5b of the broader panels 5. This securing panel 10 is arranged to fold over the second end of the box 1 in use, covering the second end face panel 7 and securing the barrier flap structure 6-8 in place once the box 1 is assembled. A flap 10a is provided extending from the securing panel 10 in the example shown, the flap 10a being arranged to be adhered to the first 5a of the broader panels 5 so as to hold the securing panel 10 in place.

[0084] In other examples, positions may be reversed, and e.g. the securing panel 10 may extend from the first broader panel 5a and the barrier flap structure 6-8 may extend from the second broader panel 5b (and/or the panel of the barrier flap structure immediately connected to the broader panel 5 may be a spacing panel arranged to fold within the box 1, rather than the second end face panel 7). Alternatively, no securing panel 10 may be provided -additional flaps, e.g. from the narrower edges of the second end face panel 7, may perform the securing roll instead, for example by being adhered to adjacent regions of the outer surface of the narrower panels 9.

[0085] The net 100 may be prepared by cutting a single sheet of material to shape, and then folding it along the marked fold lines.

[0086] In the implementations described herein, the selected box material is card, or 25 paperboard.

[0087] The card may be selected to have a thickness of at least 300 p.m. The card may be selected to have a thickness in the range from 300 jun to 600 jun, and optionally from 340 p.m to 560 pm. In the example shown, the card has a thickness of 435 p.m.

[0088] The card may have a minimum "substance" (also referred to as area density or grammage) of between 200 and 600 gsm, optionally between 200 and 500 gsm, and further optionally between 240 and 400 gsm.

[0089] The stiffness of a material is a measure of how the material reacts to an externally applied force or strain. When stress is applied it produces a strain or dimensional change. This may be an extension or compression depending on the type of stress. Many different procedures exist for the assessment of stiffness of paper and card, with some being more suitable for fine paper and others for thicker card. As the box 1 described herein uses card/paperboard rather than thin paper, ISO 2493 for measuring bending resistance (in mN) was selected (L&W 15 °). The bending moment required to deflect the free end of a 38 mm wide vertically-clamped specimen by 15° when the load is applied at a bending length of 50 mm is determined.

[0090] Since paperboard is an anisotropic material, measurements are made on strips cut in the machine direction ("long-) and cross direction ("cross-) of the paperboard. Card with a stiffness (in mN) of between 170 long 1 100 cross and 420 long / 250 cross was found to work well for this box 1 in tests performed.

[0091] Layers of adhesive, optionally covered with a removable protective strip, may be provided for assembly of the net 100 into the box 1. The box 1 /net 100 may be provided in an at least substantially flat configuration, e.g. for ease of storage and/or shipping. For example, the body flap 2a may be secured in place to form a complete loop of the body 2 of the box 1, but this may be the only flap secured pre-shipping, or one of only a small number of flaps secured. The panels of the net may remain flat -e.g. as shown in Figure 7 -the box 1 may therefore be just partially assembled for postage to a user. In this example, the flap 7a of the barrier flap structure 6-8 is also adhered to the back of the second end face panel 7 before delivery of the net 100 to a customer, to facilitate assembly by the customer.

[0092] Tension within the material from which the box 1 is made may cause the body 2 of the box 1 to "pop up" from the configuration shown in Figure 7 to the configuration shown in Figure 8 when pressure is released (e.g. when removed from an envelope). The net 100 is designed such that assembly is relatively self-explanatory, although instructions may also be provided (e.g. printed on the box itself, or provided on a letter or website).

[0093] The skilled person will appreciate that the user may assemble the box 1 starting at the first end or the second end of the popped-up "tube" shown in Figure R. The subsequent figures show assembly at the second end of the box I first by way of non-limiting example.

[0094] Figure 9 shows the barrier flap structure 6-8 after it has been "popped up-/ expanded -this may occur automatically on release of pressure holding the net 100 flat, or may be the result of a user pushing the outermost point of the barrier flap structure 6-8 towards the body 2 of the box, such that panels 6, 7, 8 which were previously lying flat against each other separate. This structure 6-8 can then be -rolled" into the body 2 of the box 1, through the position shown in Figure 10 to that in Figure 11. The hole 7b may allow a user to pull the barrier flap structure 6-8 back out -e.g. if it has been pushed too far or not folded properly, or to flatten the box -more easily than otherwise, and without bending the body 2 of the box 1.

[0095] Once the barrier flap structure 6-8 is in place, securely locating the barrier 6 within the box 1, the securing panel 10 may then be folded across the second end face panel 7 and secured in place, e.g. by using an adhesive strip on the associated flap 10a (an adhesive strip with a removable, peel-off, cover is shown in the example pictured). This securing panel 10 may prevent the barrier flap structure 6-8 from moving. In addition, the two layers of box material 7, 10 provide a thicker end to the box I which may strengthen it, and which may also provide some protective "padding" for any needle tips should the box be damaged in transit. Figure 12 shows the box 1 with the second end assembly completed.

[0096] Figure 13 shows the first (as yet unassembled) end of the partially-assembled box 1.

[0097] The pair of flaps 2b extending from the narrower panels 9 of the body are folded in first, and the pen insertion panel 3 can then be folded to lie across those flaps -the flaps 2b may assist in preventing the pen insertion panel 3 from folding too far into the body 2 of the box I. The flap 3a extending from the pen insertion panel 3 is arranged to lie parallel to and against the second broader panel 5b of the body 2 once assembled, again helping to hold the pen insertion panel 3 straight across the first end of the box 1.

[0098] Adhesive or another fastener may be used to hold the pen insertion panel 3 in place in some implementations, but is not used in the implementation shown.

[0099] Flap 3a was found to secure the first face panel 3 well in implementations tested without the need for further support. However, in alternative implementations, one or more supporting flaps across the first end of the box I may be secured in place with adhesive before placing the pen insertion panel 3, to provide additional support to the pen insertion panel 3 and reduce the risk of this panel 3 being pushed inside the box 1 by a roughly-inserted pen 30. For example, one of the flaps 2b may be replaced with an elongate flap with a hole therethrough -the hole being arranged to align with the pen insertion opening -the elongate flap extending across the full height of the box 1 and being secured to the opposite narrow panel 9 to the one with which it is directly contiguous, so providing support for the pen insertion panel 3 across the full height of the box 1. In alternative implementations, the flap 3a of the pen insertion panel 3 may be secured to an outer surface of the box I. folding onto the second broader panel 5b and being adhered thereto so as to prevent the pen insertion panel 3 from being pushed inside the box 1. A sealing flap 4 may be provided extending from one of the narrower side panels 3, instead of from one of the broader panels 5, in such implementations.

[0100] The sealing flap 4 remains extended during use of the box 1 to receive pens 30, and is only folded across the first end of the box 1 and secured in place once the box 1 is as full as desired / is ready to be posted.

[0101] It will be appreciated that the embodiments described in detail herein are given by way of illustrative example only, and not intended to be limiting. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. An injector pen storage box arranged to store injector pens, the storage box having a length greater than its height, and comprising a first face at a first end of the length of the box and a second end, opposite the first end of the box, the storage box comprising: a pen insertion opening through the first face of the box, wherein the first face of the box comprises at least one movable part, the movable part being arranged to be pushed aside so as to widen the pen insertion opening, and to return towards its I 0 origin& position when an applied force is removed; a barrier near to, but spaced from, the second end of the box, defining an enclosed space extending across the height and width of the box between the barrier and the second end of the box such that an internal volume of the box is split into two portions, wherein the barrier is at least substantially parallel to the first face, and closer to the second end than to the first face.

2. The injector pen storage box of Cairn I. wherein the or each movable part may be a flap, the flap being provided by a portion of the first face of the box, and wherein optionally the pen insertion opening comprises a plurality of cuts through the first face, the cuts extending away from a central point of the opening, and wherein the plurality of cuts of the pen insertion opening form a set of flaps in the first face of the box, the flaps being arranged to bend inwardly when an injector pen is pushed through the opening, and to return towards their initial positions once the pen is fully within the box.

3. The injector pen storage box of Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the plurality of cuts through the pen insertion face are in the form of slits with negligible width, the slits optionally extending radially from the central point of the opening.

4. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the pen insertion opening comprises a hole forming a central part of the opening.

5. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the pen insertion opening consists of a plurality of cuts, each cut of the plurality of cuts being a narrow slit such that the box is at least substantially sealed until the flaps are bent by an applied force.

6. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box is made of card.

7. 7 The injector pen storage box of Claim 6, wherein the card has at least one of: (i) a thickness of at least 300 vim, and optionally in the range from 300 um to 600 gm; (ii) a bending resistance (ISO 2493) in the range from 150 mN to 450 mN, and optionally between 170 mN long! 100 mN cross and 420 mN long /250 mN cross; and (iii) a minimum area density the range from 240 gsm to 400 gsm

8. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box is arranged to be provided flat, and then folded along pre-prepared fold-lines, and wherein the enclosed space is formed by rolling a section of the box material extending from one end of the length of the box along fold-lines and tucking a structure formed thereby into the end of the box, so as to provide the barrier spaced from the second end of the box, supported by sections box material extending between the second end of the box and the barrier.

9. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box is made from materials which are all at least one of recyclable and biodegradable.

10. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box is made from card, the card optionally being recycled.

11. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box has a idth n the range from 20 mm to 100 mm, and optionally from 20 mm to 50 mm.

12. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box has a height in the range from 100 mm to 150 mm, and wherein optionally the pen insertion opening is located 25 between 25mm and 60mm down from the top of the box.

13. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the box has a total length in the range from 120 mm to 200 mm, and wherein optionally this total length comprises a first length extending from the first face to the barrier of at least 100 mm, and a second length extending from the barrier to the second end of the box of at least 15 mm.

14. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the opening has a maximum extent of 30 mm, the maximum extent optionally being defined between furthest points of a plurality of cuts forming the opening.

15. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the opening comprises a central hole and a plurality of slits extending therefrom, the central hole optionally being circular with a diameter of 10 mm.

16. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, further comprising a sealing flap extending from the first end of the box and arranged to block the pen insertion opening when folded thereacross.

17. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the central point of the opening is located near to, but spaced from, an upper end of the first face, such that the opening is above a half-way point on the first face

18. The injector pen storage box of any preceding claim, wherein the or each movable part is a flap formed from the material of the first face of the box. 15

19. A kit of parts comprising: an injector pen storage box according to any preceding claim; and at least one injector pen arranged to be stored therein, wherein each injector pen has a length, L, a widest cross-sectional dimension, D, and a needle with a maximum extent, A, beyond the length of the injector pen, and wherein the storage box has a total length of at least (L IN). of which the enclosed space provides a length of at least N, such that, should the injector pen be pushed into the box with the needle extending therefrom, the needle penetrates the barrier, extending into the enclosed space and being contained therewithin.

20. The kit of parts of Claim 19, wherein the height of the injector pen storage box is less than L. such that injector pens cannot fit within the box oriented perpendicular to the first face, even without the needle

21. The kit of parts of Claim 19 or Claim 20 wherein the height of the injector pen storage box is around six to eight times D.

22. The kit of parts of any of Claims 19 to 21, wherein the injector pen storage box has an internal width smaller than its height, and optionally either: (i) substantially equal to D, such that a single row of injector pens can fit therewithin; or (ii) substantially equal to 2D, such that injector pens can fit therewithin two abreast.

23. A net for forming an injector pen storage box, the net comprising: four panels connected by fold lines along their longer edges to form an open-ended body of the box, the four panels being rectangular in shape and comprising a first pair of narrower panels arranged to face each other, and a second pair of broader panels arranged to face each other; a pen insertion panel extending from a shorter edge of one of the broader panels and arranged to form a first end face of the box, the pen insertion panel comprising at least one movable part, the movable part being arranged to be pushed aside so as to widen the pen insertion opening, and to return towards its original position when an applied force is removed: and I 0 a barrier flap structure extending from a shorter edge of a first of the broader panels, at a second end of the box, the barrier flap structure being arranged to fold within the box in use, and comprising: a second end face panel joined to the shorter edge of the first broader panel by a first fold line, the second end face panel being arranged to form a second end of the box in use; a first spacing panel joined to the second end face panel by a second fold line parallel to the first fold line, the first spacing panel being arranged to lie against and parallel to the second broader panel in use; a barrier panel joined to the spacing panel by a third fold line parallel to the second fold line, the barrier panel being arranged to split an internal volume of the box into two in use; and a second spacing panel joined to the barrier panel by a fourth fold line parallel to the third fold line, the second spacing panel being arranged to lie against and parallel to the first broader panel in use.

24. The net of Claim 23, wherein at least one of the following applies: (i) the pen insertion opening comprises a plurality of cuts through the pen insertion panel, the cuts extending away from a central point of the opening and forming flaps, the flaps constituting the one or more movable parts of the pen insertion panel: (ii) the pen insertion panel comprises an extension connected thereto by a fold line parallel to the shorter edge the broader panel to which the pen insertion panel is directly connected, the extension being arranged to fold into the box in use, so as to hold the pen insertion panel in place across the first end of the box; and (iii) a central point of the opening is located near to, but spaced from, a first end of the pen insertion panel, such that the opening is closer to a first of the pair of narrower panels than to a second of the pair of narrower panels.

25. The net of Claim 23 or Claim 24, further comprising a sealing flap extending from a shorter edge of whichever of the broader panels is not directly connected to the pen insertion panel, at the first end of the box, the sealing flap being arranged to be folded to block the pen insertion opening, and optionally comprising a layer of adhesive arranged to seal the sealing flap in place.