EP0512291A2 - Multi-use collapsible carton box - Google Patents

Abstract

Collapsible cardboard box, in particular of corrugated cardboard, has, in its erected state, a rectangular bottom (5) and four side parts (1 to 4) which are joined to said bottom and are joined to one another via corner folds (11 to 14). In order to ensure that the base area of the collapsible cardboard box is just as small in the collapsed state as in the erected state, four crease folds (16 to 19) extend on all four side parts (1 to 4), each fold beginning at one corner fold (11 to 14) of the side part (1 to 4) near to the bottom (5) and extending obliquely up to the upper edge (34) of the side part (1 to 4). Provided additionally on at least one of the side parts (1 to 4) is at least one auxiliary fold (28) which begins at one corner fold (14) of the side part (1) near to the bottom (5) and extends obliquely up to the upper edge (34) of said side part (1). As a result, all four side parts (1 to 4) can be folded in over the bottom (5) in the joined state. <IMAGE>

Description

The invention relates to a reusable folding box according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such a folding box is described in US Pat. No. 4,405,077. The problem with this is that the collapsible side parts in the collapsed state have a strong tendency to stand up because they are folded over on folds lying directly on the floor. In addition, because of the folds, the side parts can expand outwards when the folding box is loaded, which can give the box a bulky shape that is not very suitable for transport.

A folding box is described in FR-PS 472 157 which does not consist of corrugated cardboard and which is also not intended for the transport of goods on pallets. The folding box can be stabilized in its larger volume and in its smaller volume state via push button connections.

DE-AS 1 063 522 shows a foldable, box-shaped permanent packaging envelope. Foldability is achieved using special mechanical elements.

DE-GM 78 09 215 describes a corrugated cardboard folding box. However, this has a much larger footprint when folded than the bottom when unfolded. This folding box is only suitable to a limited extent for pallet transport.

A collapsible support member is described in U.S. Patent 4,411,373. However, this is not shown in connection with the return transport of a folding box.

The object of the invention is to propose a reusable folding box of the type mentioned, which can be easily folded and unfolded, the base area in the folded state is as large as in the unfolded state and the volume in the folded state is significantly smaller than in the unfolded state and which is stable in the unfolded state despite its pleated side parts.

According to the invention, the above object is achieved in a reusable folding carton with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the characterizing features of claim 1.

After being emptied, this folding box can be folded up in a few simple steps. All four side parts then fold over the floor, whereby they can find space in the remaining volume in which the folded support part is also located. The volume of the folding carton in this folded state is small compared to the opened state.

When folding, nothing needs to be changed on the floor, so that it can easily be attached to a pallet. The bottom still forms in front of the base of the folding box. Accordingly, the folding carton can be returned on the same pallet on which the transportation took place. The floor can also be attached directly to the pallet.

The collapsible support part, in particular made of corrugated cardboard, fits into the remaining volume of the folded cardboard when folded. The support part can thus be transported back in the folded folded carton together with this and possibly with an attached lid.

In the disassembled or set up state, the support part supports the side parts with its support sides, so that these can hardly escape to the outside under the load of the goods to be transported.

The erected support part sits on the ground and is supported on it and the lid lies on the support part. It is thereby achieved that the folding carton has good stackability, and several such similar folding cartons can be placed on top of one another without the side parts of the lower folding cartons dodging considerably during stacking. When stacking, the next upper folding box, possibly with its pallet, is placed on the lid of the next lower folding box.

The supporting part preferably consists of corrugated cardboard, which is thicker and stronger than the corrugated cardboard of the side parts.

The bottom of the folding box is usually the size of a normal, standardized pallet, for example a width of about 800 mm and a length of about 1200 mm (Euro pallet), with a height of, for example, 700 mm. With these dimensions, the manual loading can be simplified in that a loading flap known per se is provided on one of the side parts. This can be create one of the side parts and one of the support sides of the support part by means of corresponding vertical slits.

Single or multi-wall corrugated cardboard is suitable as the material for the folding box. The folds mentioned are predetermined by perforation lines, scoring lines or rolling lines.

• Figur 1 ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel,
  • a) dessen aufgefalteten Faltkarton,
  • b) dessen zusammengelegtes Stützteil,
  • c) dessen Deckel,
• Figur 2 den Faltkarton nach Figur 1 zusammengefaltet mit aufgesetztem Deckel,
• Figur 3 einen Wellpappezuschnitt zur Herstellung des Faltkartons nach Figur 1a,
• Figur 4 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel,
  • a) dessen aufgefalteten Faltkarton,
  • b) dessen zusammengelegtes Stützteil,
  • c) dessen Deckel,
• Figur 5 den Faltkarton nach Figur 4 zusammengefaltet mit aufgesetztem Deckel,
• Figur 6 einen Wellpappezuschnitt zur Herstellung des Faltkartons nach Figur 4a,
• Figur 7 ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung,
  • a) dessen aufgefalteten Faltkarton,
  • b) dessen zusammengelegtes Stützteil,
  • c) dessen Deckel,
• Figur 8 den Faltkarton nach Figur 7 zusammengefaltet mit aufgesetztem Deckel und
• Figur 9 einen Wellpappezuschnitt zur Herstellung des Faltkartons nach Figur 7a.

Further advantageous refinements of the invention result from the subclaims and the following description of exemplary embodiments. The drawing shows:

• FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment,
  • a) its folded cardboard,
  • b) its folded support part,
  • c) its cover,
• FIG. 2 shows the folding box according to FIG. 1 folded with the lid attached,
• FIG. 3 shows a corrugated cardboard blank for producing the folding box according to FIG. 1a,
• FIG. 4 shows a second exemplary embodiment,
  • a) its folded cardboard,
  • b) its folded support part,
  • c) its cover,
• FIG. 5 the folding box according to FIG. 4 folded with the lid attached,
• FIG. 6 shows a corrugated cardboard blank for producing the folding box according to FIG. 4a,
• FIG. 7 shows a third exemplary embodiment of the invention,
  • a) its folded cardboard,
  • b) its folded support part,
  • c) its cover,
• 8 shows the folding box according to FIG. 7 folded with the cover and
• 9 shows a corrugated cardboard blank for the production of the folding box according to FIG. 7a.

A folding box has side parts (1,2,3,4). These are connected to a base (5) which is formed by parts (6, 7, 8, 9) (see FIG. 3). The bottom (5) is attached to a pallet (10). It has a base area formed by the length (L) and the width (B).

There are corner folds (11, 12, 13, 14) between the side parts (1 to 4). The side parts (2, 3) are permanently glued or clamped together by means of a tab (15).

A crease (16, 17, 18, 19) is formed on each of the side parts (1 to 4). The creases (16 to 19) start at locations (20,21,22 or 23) of the corner folds in question (11 to 14) and form therewith an angle (W) of about 45 ^o. The locations (20 to 23) lie at a small, equal distance (h) above the floor (5) compared to the height (H) of the folding box. Between the points (20 to 23), fold-in folds (24, 25, 26 and 27) run parallel to the floor (5) on the side parts (1 to 4).

An auxiliary fold (28) is additionally provided on the side part (1). This begins at the point (23) of the corner fold (14) of the side part (1), but not at the corner fold (11) of the side part (1) at which the crease (16) begins. The auxiliary fold (28) extends in the side part (1) at an acute angle (W1) Corner fold (14).

A supporting part (29) made of corrugated cardboard is provided for the folding box, which is shown in FIG. 1b in its folded state. Its length (Lb) corresponds to the length (L). Its height (Hb) is not greater than the width (B) of the folding box. Each of its collapsible sides (30, 31) corresponds to the width (B) of the folding box when stretched. When folded, the support part (29) has a thickness (d) which is approximately the same as the height (h). The support part (29) can be inserted into the folding box on the floor (5) in the folded state according to FIG. 1b. The support part (29) is provided for cases in which the folding carton appears to be too unstable due to the crease folds (16 to 19) or the fold-in folds (24 to 27) and the auxiliary fold (28). It is then inserted with the sides (30, 31) extended into the folding carton and supports its side parts (1 to 4). The height (Hb) of the support part (29) need not be as large as the height (H) of the folding box. The height (Hb) of the support part (29) can, if the width (B) of the folding box allows this, also be greater than the height (H). The support part (29) then projects beyond the side parts (1 to 4) and increases the volume that can be packed in the folding carton.

Furthermore, a lid (32) made of corrugated cardboard is provided, which forms a peripheral edge (33). The height (Hc) of the edge (33) is approximately equal to the height (h). Its base area is essentially the same as that of the base (5). The lid (32) can be placed on the side parts (1 to 4). If the support part (29) projects beyond the side parts (1 to 4), the cover (32) can be placed on the support part (29).

The principle of the folding carton is as follows:
Should the folding carton from his shown in Figure 1a unfolded position are folded, then the upper edge (34) at the crease (28) is slightly pulled out in the direction of arrow (P1). Conversely, the corner fold (14) is pressed inwards in the direction of the arrow (P2). The side part (1) folds inwards around the fold-in fold (24) until the corner fold (14) lies against the fold-in fold (27) on the inside. The partial area lying between the crease (16) and the corner fold (11) lies on the partial area of the side part (1) lying between the crease (16) and the fold-in fold (24) until the corner fold (11) approximately parallel to the fold-in fold ( 24) lies. Accordingly, the other side parts (2, 3, 4) are taken along and fold over the floor (5) until the corner fold (12) is parallel to the fold-in fold (25) and the corner fold (13) is approximately parallel to the fold-in fold (26). The folded carton now has essentially only the height (h). The lid (32) can then be placed on it again (see FIG. 2).

The folding of the folding box is obviously easy to do manually. In principle, folding can be done with one hand. The empty, folded folding carton, in which the support part (29) may be inserted, can easily be transported back with its pallet (10) for refilling. It takes up little space and is nevertheless dimensionally stable. To refill the carton, simply remove the lid (32) and return it to its unfolded position. For this purpose, the side parts (1 to 4) are folded up and, if necessary, the support part (29) is inserted into it in the manner described.

In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 to 9, the same reference numerals are used for the corresponding parts or folds as in the exemplary embodiment described above. In this respect, reference is made to the above execution. Different from the above The exemplary embodiment described in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 4 to 9 are the positions of the folds or auxiliary folds on the side parts (1 to 4).

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4a or FIG. 6, the two folds (16, 17) are arranged on the shorter side part (2), which has the width (B), which is shorter than the length (L) of the side parts (1 and 3) . The crease (16) begins at point (20) and extends at an angle (W) of 45 ^o to the corner fold (11). The crease (17) starts at the point (21) and extends at an angle of about 45 ^o to the corner fold (12). With the usual dimensions, the folds (16, 17) intersect within the side part (2).

The folds (18, 19) run on the side part (4) as well as the folds (16, 17) on the side part (2). The crease (18) starts from the point (22) and extends at an angle of 45 ^° to the crease (13). The crease (19) starts from the point (23) and extends at an angle of 45 ^° to the crease (14). The side part (3) is wrinkle-free.

Two auxiliary folds (28, 28 ') are provided on the side part (1). These start from the points (23 or 20) and extend at an angle (W1) to the corner fold (14 or 11), this angle (W1) being approximately between 20 ^o and 35 ^o and in particular 30 ^o .

If the folding box folded out in FIG. 4a is to be folded up, the side part (1) is first pulled outwards or pressed inwards. Both are possible due to the auxiliary folds (28.28 ''). After pulling out the side part (1), the side parts (2,4) are moved inwards and then pushed further inwards. This is possible due to the folds (16 to 19). The side part (3) then also folds down inside over the floor (5). Then the side part (1) is pressed inwards until all side parts (1 to 4) are pivoted about the folding lines (24 to 27) and are approximately parallel to the floor (5).

It is also possible to first push the side part (1) inwards over the base (5). The side parts (2,4) follow this due to the folds (16 to 19). You then pull the side part (3) over the side part (1) until the side parts (1 to 4) again lie approximately parallel to the floor (5) above it.

Then the lid (32) can be put on as described.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 7 to 9, the folds (16, 17) are provided on the longer side part (1) and the folds (18, 19) on the opposite, longer side part (3). The crease lines (16,17,18,19) each extending at an angle (W) of about 45 ^o to the corner folds (11,14,12,13) of the points (20,23,21,22) they going out. The side parts (2,4) are free of wrinkles.

The folds (16, 17 and 18, 19) do not cross in the side parts (1,3). In order to avoid such a crossing at the heights (H) provided in FIGS. 7a and 9, cutouts (35, 36) are provided on the upper edge (34) of the side parts (1, 3). The cutouts (35, 36) are so deep that the folds (16, 17 and 18, 19) meet at the bottom (34 ') at most. However, it is also possible that the folds (16, 17 or 18, 19) do not meet at the bottom of the recess (35 or 36).

The extent of the recess (35, 36) in the longitudinal direction (L) is so great that the side parts (2, 4) can be inserted over the base (5), parallel to it, whereby they in the corner areas under the areas of the side parts (2, 3) adjoining the cutouts (35, 36).

In order to fold up the folded cardboard according to FIG. 7a, at least one of the side parts (1, 3) is first pulled outwards, which is possible due to the folds (16, 17 and 18, 19). Then the side parts (2,4) fold inwards, approximately parallel over the floor (5). Then the side part or the side parts (1, 3) initially pivoted outwards is folded inwards over the base (5). Then the cover (32) can be put on.

If necessary, a loading flap known per se can be provided on all of the exemplary embodiments on one of the side parts (1 to 4).

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, when the support part (29) is inserted, its extended sides (30, 31) lie on the erected, wrinkle-free side parts (2, 4). The wrinkle-free sides of the support part (29) lie on the side parts (1,3). This assignment improves stability in a simple manner.

Claims (11)

Reusable folding box made of corrugated cardboard for transporting goods in the unfolded position of the folding box, which has a rectangular bottom (5) and four side parts (1 to 4) connected to it, which are connected to one another via corner folds (11 to 14), with the side parts (1 to 4) four folds (16 to 19), each beginning at one corner fold and extending obliquely to the upper edge (34) of the side part (1 to 4), with all four side parts (1 to 4) connected Condition can be folded over the floor (5),
characterized,
that the four folds (16 to 19) at the corner folds (11 to 14) start from locations (20 to 23) near the bottom (5), all of which are at the same distance (h) from the bottom (5) that between the Places (20 to 23) on the side parts (1 to 4) of fold-in folds (24 to 27) are provided which run parallel to the base (5) such that the distance (h) of the fold-in folds (24 to 27) from the base (5) is so large that in the folded position of the folding carton between the bottom (5) and the folded side parts (1 to 4) there is a residual volume for receiving a support part (29) and that the support part (29) is a collapsible support part, which in collapsed state fits into the folded carton and forms the connected support sides in the erected state, which can be used in the unfolded position of the carton and lie against the inside of the side parts (1 to 4). Folding cardboard according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one auxiliary fold (28) on one of the corner folds (11 to 14) starts from one of the locations (20 to 23). Folding carton according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two of the folds (16 to 19) are provided on two opposite side parts (2, 4), that on each of these side parts (2; 4) the one fold (16; 18) from one corner fold (11; 13) and the other crease (17; 19) from the other corner fold (12; 14) and that two auxiliary folds (28, 28 ') are provided on one of the intermediate side parts (1), whereby one auxiliary fold (28) of the one corner fold (14) and the other auxiliary fold (28 ') of the other corner fold (11) of this side part (1). Folding cardboard according to claim 3, characterized in that the folds (16, 17 or 18, 19) intersect in the side parts (2 or 4). Folding cardboard according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that two folds (16, 17; 18, 19) are provided on each of the two opposite, longer side parts (1, 3), that the folds (16 to 19) each on one the corner folds (11 to 14) begin near the bottom (5) and extend obliquely, but not crossing each other, to the upper edge (34) of the longer side part (1,3) in question. Folding cardboard according to claim 5, characterized in that cutouts (35, 36) are provided in the region of the upper edge (34) of the longer side parts (1, 3), the folds (16 to 19) being at most at the cutouts (35, 36 ) to meet. Folding box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle (W1) between the auxiliary crease (28,28 ') and the corner fold (14) is smaller than 45 ^o and is in particular between 25 ^o and 35 ^o . Folding cardboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting part (29) inserted into the opened side parts (1 to 4) projects beyond the upper edge (34) thereof. Folding carton according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a lid (32), in particular made of corrugated cardboard, is provided which can be placed on the side parts (1 to 4) in their opened position and in their folded position and that the lid (32 ) has the base of the bottom (5) and is provided with a peripheral edge (33). Folding carton according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support part (29) set up is supported on the floor (5) and the cover (32) rests on the support part (29) set up. Folding cardboard according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supporting part (29) consists of a corrugated cardboard which is thicker or stronger than the corrugated cardboard of the side parts (1 to 4).

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