DE3938297A1 - Folding carton or box for transporting fragile goods - has base formed of folding flaps attached to sides and cushion element which lock the flaps in position - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a folding carton or box the base of ' which is produced by folding over side flaps (108a,110) and end flaps (109,111) attached to the carton sides. At least two cushioning elements (5) are attached to one of the base flaps (108a), extend partially inside and partially outside the carton (100) and retain carton flaps (108a,110) in the closed position. The cushioning elements (5) are produced from foam, pref. polyolefin foam with a density less than 70 kg/cu.m. USE/ADVANTAGE - Produces a folded carton or box with simple construction suitable for transport of fragile goods, such as glass plate.

Description

The invention relates to a folding box or folding box with one by folding on each side of the box or Box of adjoining floor flaps to be made.

The bottoms of folding boxes or folding boxes are so far usually closed by folding the bottom flaps and fixed with adhesive tapes. This is under the folding box one-piece cardboard to understand, while under folding box the two-part boxes with top and bottom part are to be understood, which are also often referred to as telescopic folding boxes.

The invention has for its object folding boxes and - equip crates in such a way that, on the one hand, they are easy to use Forklifts can be transported, further as shockproof padded packaging for sensitive Transport goods, such as glass panes, are used and the assembly of the folding box or box is simplified.

This object is achieved according to the invention for a folding box or Folding box solved in such a way that on one of the bottom flap at least two cushion elements are attached, which are partly inside and partly outside the box or extend the crate and all the bottom flaps in to the floor  fix the closed position. According to the invention Upholstery element also the closure element for the Bottom flaps of the folding box or the folding box. Furthermore can the cushion element according to the invention in that it both inside and outside the box or box extends, perform several functions, namely on the one hand there are cushioning tasks within the carton or box take over and on the other hand it forms outside the box or the box is not only a cushioning pad but also at the same time another stacking and transport aid. Between those from the Cardboard or the box of protruding upholstery parts is created namely a free space in which the wings of a Forklift or the like can retract. The Configuration of the cushion element according to the invention and its Assignment to the bottom of a folding box or folding boxes can for the part protruding from the box or box, the is expediently to be referred to as a plinth, to be a cuboid while inside the box or box itself extending part of the cushion element corresponding to the packaging goods can be configured very differently can. In the simplest case, it forms inside the box or the crate extending part of the cushion element simple holding plate that lies flat on the floor and just a cushioning support down there. In Further development of the invention is, however, in the carton or Box protruding part of the cushion element as an additional Packaging padding especially for easily fragile goods, such as glass panes or the like, with itself within the Cartons or the crate extending fork-shaped protruding formed at least two cushion arms. These cushion arms can be of the same or different lengths, they can be smooth or profiled, in particular they form between them a U-shaped, preferably profiled receiving groove, in the appropriate goods to be packaged and cushioning can be clamped.

Advantageous embodiments of the packaging according to the invention in the form of folding boxes or boxes  Upholstery elements according to the invention are the characteristic Features of claims 1 to 8 can be removed.

The cushion elements are preferably also made of one shock-elastic predominantly closed-cell foam produced. Such foams are, for example predominantly closed-cell networked Polyolefin foams, for example chemically cross-linked Polyolefin foams based on polyethylene. Especially suitable foams are those with very small closed cells, for example as block foams getting produced. Such foams, the properties according to the characterizing features of claim 4 - measured according to DIN-ISO 7214 - are also particularly suitable for the packaging of glass and its shipping shatterproof.

Upholstery elements according to the invention made of foam can different processes can be manufactured. A possibility consists of either foaming the upholstery elements directly or via the intermediate stage of pre-expanded Foam particles. With most of these molded foam processes however, become open-celled or predominantly open-celled Foams made, their resilience and flexibility not always the highest requirements, such as is necessary when sending glass. In particular it is also a concern of the invention to be a cushioning Packaging for folding boxes and boxes to create with the smallest possible volume of cushioning elements to save costs on the one hand and space on the other save up.

Another way of producing the upholstery elements consists of punching or sawing out of prefabricated ones Foam sheets or sheets. A preferred method for Manufacture of upholstery elements according to the invention characteristic features of claim 10 can be removed. The complementary punching of the cushion elements from a block without waste, however, has its limits where the design of the  Upholstery elements in the complementary allocation of free spaces - Waste rooms - forms. In this case it is provided that the Free spaces between complementary punching Upholstery elements at the same time in a complementary way Intermediate cushion strips are punched out as additional Upholstery parts for packaging in folding boxes and crates can be used.

The invention is described below using exemplary embodiments explained in more detail in the drawing. Show it

FIG. 1 shows an upper part of a folding box in processing;

Figure 2 is a lower part of a folding box in development.

Figures 3, 4 the front and side view of a packed folding box.

FIGS. 5a-f show various views of a cushioning member;

Fig. 6 is perspective view of another cushion member having two pad arms;

Fig 7a-c show three views of a cushion member with two pad arms.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a sheet of foam.

Fig. 9 is perspective view of a punched plate according to cushion elements Fig. 8;

FIG. 10 is views of a further cushion member having a pad arms;

11, 12 two views of intermediate cushion strips ;

FIG. 13 is plan view of a punching unit of cushion elements with intermediate strip of dunnage;

Fig. 14a-c equipping the lower part of a folding box with upholstery elements.

With the invention, conventional folding boxes or Folding cartons can be equipped with upholstery elements, one unbreakable packaging of sensitive fragile goods allow in the folding boxes or cartons. This packaging should be easy to manufacture, it should be inexpensive be and of high quality.

In Figs. 1 and 2, the upper part and the lower part of a telescopic folding box are presented in processing. The upper part 200 has in a conventional manner the long sides 201 , 202 , the end faces 203 , 204 and lateral protrusion 206 , which are connected to one another by folded edges 205 . The cover flaps 208 to 211 are formed on one side over folding edges 207 , leaving movement slots 212 on the long sides and end faces. Usually, the lower part of the folding box is designed analogously to the upper part, but with somewhat smaller dimensions, so that the upper part can easily be pushed over the lower part. For the equipment according to the invention of the lower part of the folding box or the bottom area of the folding box, the lower part 100 according to FIG. 2 is structured further in the area of the bottom flaps. The lower part also has the long sides 101 , 102 , the end faces 103 , 104 and the lateral protrusion 106 , which are connected to one another via folded edges 105 and can be closed to form a box. One of the bottom flaps 108 , which adjoins a longitudinal side 101 via the folding edge 107 , is formed with two insertion grooves 114 which reach the folding edge up to the distance f and which are arranged symmetrically to one another. The insertion grooves 114 have a width c. On the input side, they are possibly expanded by additional bevels 115 . Between the insertion grooves 114 and the closest folding edge 105 in the transition to the end faces, there remains a bottom flap part 108 b or 108 c, each having a width a and a length k, which corresponds to the width d of the end faces 103 and 104 . The bottom flap part 108 a remaining between the two insertion grooves 114 has a width b with a length d. A bottom flap 110 with the dimensions of the flap part 108 a with respect to length and width is formed in the center on the second longitudinal side 102 of the lower part 100 , which can also be designed with bevels 119 at the corners. A free space 113, each with a width a + c, remains between the bottom flap 110 and the adjacent end faces 103 and 104 . The bottom flaps 109 and 111 adjoining the end faces 103 and 104 are shortened in their length, which should actually correspond to the width d of the end faces, by the amount c, ie the width of the insertion grooves 114 , and only have the length a. When the lower part 100 is folded up, the flaps 109 and 111, respectively, then leave the insertion slot 114 on the bottom flap 108 free. The bottom flap 110 covers the area of the bottom flap 108 a.

A cushion element 5 in the simple configuration is shown by way of example in FIGS. 5a to 5f. Here, Fig 5a shows the front view, 5b 5c 5d 5f shows. Fig. Is a side view, the Fig., The rear view, the Fig., The bottom view and the Fig. The plan view of the cushion member 5. The cushion element 5 has two parts 53 and 55 which are integrally connected to one another via the holding web 54 and which protrude beyond the holding web in at least one length along two parallel sides, the grooves 52 a, 52 b, 52 c in the example shown on three Pages are formed all around. Only a shoulder 52d is formed on the fourth side. The part 55 which later protrudes from the folding box and is also referred to as a base has an open groove 50 which runs through the center on the underside. The projecting into the folding box part of the cushion member 5 is formed as a holding plate 55 in the example shown. The circumferential or at least partially circumferential groove 52 between the base 53 and the holding plate 55 of the cushion element 5 has a height h which corresponds approximately to twice the thickness of the carton or the wall thickness of the folding box or cartons. It is thus possible to insert two layers of cardboard, ie two bottom flaps one above the other, into this groove 52 and thus to fix them in these grooves. The depth g of the groove 52 can correspond to the distance f according to FIG. 2. The length dp of the cushion element should not be greater than the width d of the end faces 103 , 104 of the lower part 100 of the folding box. The width c of the web 54 corresponds to the width c of the insertion slots 114 of the lower part 100 . The height of the cushion element 5 or of the base 53 and the support plate 55 can be chosen as desired according to the functions. The length k of the holding plate 55 of the cushion element must in no case be greater than the width d of the end faces 103 or 104 minus the wall thicknesses of the lower part, so that the plate 54 can be inserted into the folding box. K is preferably smaller than d. The width e of the cushion element is preferably the same over the entire extent of the cushion element.

In FIG. 6, a cushion member 5 is shown, which is formed in extension of the plate 55 with the profiled pad arms 56, 57. The cushion arms 56 , 57 form with the plate 55 a receiving groove 58 into which goods to be packaged, such as glass panes, can be placed. The cushion arms 56 , 57 can be spread apart and also compressed, they have a good cushioning effect with high shock absorption. The cushion arms 56 , 57 can, as shown, be profiled in the same direction or in opposite directions, they can also be profiled in the longitudinal direction, they can also be profiled uniformly over the surface or also smooth. The arms 56 , 57 can also be of different lengths. A preferred profiling is the wavy shape of the cushion arms when viewed in cross section.

In FIGS. 14a to 14c, the equipment of a folding crate is shown schematically with upholstery elements. According to FIG. 14 a, the lower part 100 of a folding box according to FIG. 2 is assembled, the bottom flaps 109 , 111 , 108 and 110 still being open. Now, in the two insertion slots 114.1 and 114.2 per a cushion member 5, as illustrated schematically, inserted in the direction of arrow P 1 with the web 54 until it abuts against the end of the groove. Only one cushion element is shown. The bottom flap 108 is then folded over the folding edge 107 , the arms 56 , 57 with the holding plate 55 of the cushion element being folded into the lower part of the folding box. As can be seen from FIG. 14 b, the flaps 109 and 111 of the end faces are then folded over and their ends inserted into the grooves 52 formed next to the holding web 54 . Likewise, the remaining flap 110 of the second long side is folded over in the direction of the arrow and its lateral edges are inserted into the grooves 52 next to the retaining web 54 of the cushion elements 5 . The bottom flaps 110 , 111 , 109 and 108 are now clamped in the grooves 52 between the base part 53 and the plate 54 and thus the bottom of the folding box is fixed. The base parts 53 of the upholstery elements 5 protrude outwards beyond the floor and serve as stand-up feet, upholstery feet, which also have a pallet function. The padded feet or base 53 create a free space below the folding box, ground clearance so that forklifts can retract and carry the folding box away.

In FIG. 14c shows how the bottom flaps 109, 110, 111 engage the side grooves 52 of the cushion member 5 and are recorded. Since the cushion elements 5 consist of elastic materials, in particular foams, it is no problem to insert them into the grooves 52 without injury. The grooves 52 can be dimensioned so that a clamping effect for the bottom flaps is exerted, ie a contact pressure by the cushion elements.

In FIGS. 3 and 4 is shown in front and side view of a ready-packed folding box 1 with the lower part 100 and upper member 200. The folding box 100 is equipped with cushion elements 5 according to FIG. 14c and now stands on the cushion feet on a surface. In the lower part of the folding box 100 , packaging goods 2 , for example one or more glass panes, are inserted into the grooves of the cushion arms 56 . The packaged goods 2 are pressed and held together in a spring-like manner between the two cushion arms 56 , 57 of the cushion elements. The packaging material 2 can be covered on the upper side with further cushion parts 4 . The upper part 200 of the folding box is slipped over it telescopically. The folding box is then closed by means of packing tapes 3 which are guided through the grooves 50 of the cushion elements, ie the base of the cushion elements. This packaging according to the invention is space-saving, simple and quick to produce and has the advantages already explained, which enable the rational packaging and shipping of fragile goods in an economical manner. Instead of the telescopic folding boxes with lower part 100 and upper part 200 , folding boxes can also be equipped with cushion elements according to the invention, provided the bottom flaps, as shown in FIG. 2, are equipped with corresponding receiving slots for the cushion elements.

The cushioning effect of the upholstery elements is promoted by an appropriate design of the upholstery arms. An advantageous production of cushion elements, for example according to FIG. 6, is explained with reference to FIGS. 8, 9 and 15. Such upholstery elements made of high-quality closed-cell and crosslinked foams are produced, for example, from ingots 6 made of corresponding foams, for example in the form of a plate according to FIG. 8. The plates 6 have a width m, a height n and a length r as desired. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the cushion elements 5 are punched out of the plate in a complementary association with one another. Here, the height n of the plate 6 corresponds to the width e of an upholstery element. The cushion elements 5 (1) and 5 (2) with their arms 56 (1), 56 (2) and 57 (1), 57 (2) are each inserted into one another - complementarily - by punching out in the desired configuration, here an approximate waveform , produced. In this way there is no waste. The grooves 52 between the base parts and plates and upholstery arms of the upholstery elements, which delimit the web 54 , are produced, for example, by milling corresponding grooves running in the longitudinal extent of the plates. The bottom groove is also created by cutting. At the transition to the next pair of upholstery elements 5 (3) and 5 (4) which are to be manufactured in a complementary manner, depending on the configuration, a waste strip 7 may be produced, which can, however, also be used as an intermediate cushion strip in the packaging, for example as a cushion part 4 , see FIG. 3 and 4th

FIGS. 7a to 7c show a cushion element 5 with two cushion arms 56 , 57 , which was produced, for example, from a block according to FIG. 9 by the method. The cushion arms 56 , 57 in wave form can be moved as desired in the direction of arrow P due to their elasticity. The pad arms 56, 57 are formed not of equal length, because, to obtain a groove between successive cushion elements in the region of the retaining webs, an additional area 56 a mitausgestanzt and is integrally formed on one of the arms 56th This way, unnecessary waste is avoided.

FIG. 10 shows a further upholstery element, which differs from the upholstery element according to FIG. 7a by the different length dp of the upholstery elements and base and the greater spacing of the upholstery arms 56 , 57 from one another. In the production of padded elements of FIG. 10 additional waste strips fall according as intermediate padding strips 7 Fig. 11 and 12 from the spacing area between the two pad arms 56, 57 at.

FIG. 12 shows an intermediate padding strip 7 a, as can occur at the transition of two successive padding elements when cutting or punching out a block according to FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 shows a diagram for the implementation of a die cut for the manufacture of cushion elements 5 according to FIG. 10 from a plate with additional intermediate cushion strips 7 , 7 a in a complementary arrangement of the cushion elements.

It is also possible to produce any other suitable configuration of upholstery elements and, if necessary, also to punch them out of sheet material with and without arms, depending on the need and the goods to be packaged. It is also possible to produce cushion elements which, starting from a cushion element according to FIG. 11, have three arms arranged next to one another and thus form two receiving grooves.

For all those cases in which no large lateral upholstery is required in the folding boxes or cartons, but only the pallet function and closing function of the upholstery elements including floor upholstery is desired, simple upholstery elements, for example as described in FIGS. 5a to 5f, can be used .

Claims (11)

1. folding carton or box with a bottom flaps to be produced by folding over each side of the carton or box, characterized by at least two pad elements ( 5 ) attached to one of the bottom flaps ( 108 ), which are partly inside and partly outside of the box or crate and fix all bottom flaps in the closed position to the bottom. 2. Folding box or box according to claim 1, characterized in that the cushion elements ( 5 ) are detachably connected to the bottom flap ( 108 ). 3. folding box or box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that on the bottom flap ( 108 ) insertion grooves ( 114 ) are formed, in each of which a cushion element ( 5 ) with one between the outside and inside of the box or box to be placed parts of the cushion member (5) holding web (54) formed can be inserted with respect to the adjacent parts of the cushion member (5) at least at two opposite sides of reduced cross-section. 4. Folding box or box according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cushion elements ( 5 ) are made of foam, in particular from an at least partially cross-linked polyolefin-based foam with a density less than 70 kg / m ³ , one Tensile strength of at least 0.2 N / m ^{2 of} a compressive stress with 50% deformation of at least 80 kN / m ² and an elongation at break of at least 110%. 5. folding carton or box according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cushion element ( 5 ) is provided with at least on two opposite sides parallel to one another in one plane grooves ( 52 ), whereby the cushion element in two between the grooves remaining retaining web ( 54 ) connected parts are divided, of which the part to be arranged outside the box or box is designed as a cuboid base ( 53 ) and the part to be arranged inside the box or box is at least designed as a holding plate ( 55 ). 6. Folding box or box according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the part of the cushion element ( 5 ) extending within the box or box is formed with fork-like protruding at least two cushion arms ( 56 , 57 ). 7. folding carton or box according to claim 6, characterized in that the cushion arms ( 56 , 57 ) are profiled. 8. folding box or box according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that a U-shaped profiled receiving groove ( 58 ) is formed between the cushion arms. 9. cushion element according to the features of one or more of the Claims 1 to 8. 10. A method for producing a cushion element according to claim 9 for use for a folding box or carton according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that via holding webs ( 54 ) connected with bases ( 53 ) and cushion arms ( 56 , 57 ) formed Upholstery elements ( 5 ) from a plate-shaped block ( 6 ) made of foam with a height n, which corresponds to the width e of an upholstery element ( 5 ), are punched, sawed or the like in such a way that two upholstery elements ( 5 ) (1)) and ( 5 ) (2)) are punched out in a complementary manner opposite one another and the holding webs ( 54 ) between bases ( 53 ) and cushion arms ( 56 , 57 ) by cutting out grooves ( 52 which preferably extend in the longitudinal direction of the block ( 6 ) ) be formed. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that for the manufacture of cushion elements ( 5 ) with a greater distance between the cushion arms ( 56 , 57 ) to each other than the thickness of the cushion arms required for complementary punching, in the remaining space between the complementary to each other punching pad arms of the two pad elements ( 5 ) additional intermediate pad strips ( 7 ) are punched.