EP0567414A1 - Box for containing goods especially heavy goods and blanks for making it - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a box for containing goods, especially heavy goods, and blanks for making it. The box (1, 1'), of the type comprising a bottom (2), a lateral surround (3) and a lid (4), and of which at least two of the opposite lateral walls of the said surround are provided with cut-outs (5) intended for grasping the box, is noteworthy in that the said lid (4) is provided with at least two opposite lateral tongues (6, 6'), which are folded down and respectively fixed against the said walls (3A, 3C) with cut-outs of the said surround and whose free edges are at least substantially flush with the said cut-outs (5), the length of the said tongues (6) being greater than that of the said cut-outs (5). <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to a box intended more particularly, although not exclusively, to contain heavy products, such as for example bottles or the like.

Boxes of this type are generally obtained from a blank made of a cardboard material (corrugated or not) and / or synthetic, and forming after folding, the bottom, the lateral belt and the cover of the box. To facilitate the handling of boxes containing heavy products previously conditioned in them, two of the lateral and opposite walls of their belt are provided with respective notches located in the upper part, near the lid of said boxes. These indentations then act as a passage for the hands of the user, who can then grasp the upper part of said side walls to transport the boxes. The notches can be cut directly in the side walls concerned, but they are more usually obtained by tabs precut in said walls and folded down, around the fold line, upwards and against the internal faces of said side walls.

Although these indentations allow easy handling of the boxes, the fact remains that, under the weight of the heavy products, risks of tearing the walls, at the level of the upper edges delimiting the indentations, can occur, making it difficult, or even impossible, the handling of the boxes by the notches. This is also very often the case when heavy products are defined by bottles.

The present invention aims to overcome this drawback, and relates to a packaging box of the type described above, allowing it to be transported without risk.

To this end, the box for packaging products, especially heavy, made of a cardboard, synthetic or similar material and of the type comprising a bottom, a side belt and a cover, and at least two of the side and opposite walls of said belt are provided with notches intended for gripping the box, is remarkable, according to the invention, in that said cover is provided with at least two lateral and opposite tabs, which are folded and fixed respectively against said notched walls of the belt, and whose free edges come at least substantially flush with said notches, the length of said tabs being greater than that of said notches.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the two lateral tabs of the cover constitute reinforcements for the side walls with indentations, guaranteeing reliable transport of the boxes. Indeed, in the case where the notches are directly cut, the gripping of the box, containing the heavy products, and through the notches, is carried out, on each side, on a thickness corresponding to that of the side wall and of the tongue of said cover, or a double thickness. In the case where the notches are created by folding down the precut tabs, the box is gripped, on each side, over a thickness corresponding to that of the folded tab, of the side wall, and of the tab of said cover, or a thickness one and a half times greater.

Consequently, whatever the type of notches, the risks of tearing the box containing heavy products, at the level of its grip, are considerably reduced, thanks to the lateral tabs of the cover which, on the one hand, contribute to stiffen the gripping zones, forming a handle, of the box by increasing their thickness, and which, on the other hand, extend over a length greater than that of the notches, avoiding tear initiations, in particular at the upper ends of the notches .

Said lateral tabs of the cover are advantageously fixed to said corresponding walls of the belt by gluing. In addition, the length of these lateral tabs of the cover corresponds substantially to the width of the side walls with notches. Thus, the tear primers are completely removed.

In an exemplary embodiment, said cover is defined by a flap coming from one of the side walls of said belt, other than those provided with notches, and folded around a fold line, said flap being provided, respectively, on the side and on the other, said lateral tabs pressing against the walls corresponding to notches in the belt.

According to another exemplary embodiment, said cover is defined by at least two flaps coming respectively from two lateral and opposite walls of said belt, other than those provided with notches, and arranged in the extension of one another, both flaps ending respectively on either side, by two half-tabs forming said lateral tabs which are applied against the corresponding walls with notches in the belt.

Furthermore, precut lines are provided in said cover to facilitate its opening without thereby damaging the reinforced handles of the box. The latter preferably has, in parallel to its bottom or its cover, a quadrangular section with cut corners. Its side belt then includes eight side walls and has a rectangular section with four cut corners. Thus, heavy products, such as bottles, are better maintained.

• - une suite de volets rectangulaires ou analogues alignés, articulés les uns aux autres autour de lignes de pliage parallèles et destinés à former la ceinture latérale de la boîte, deux desdits volets de la suite, destinés à se faire face après la réalisation de la ceinture, étant pourvus d'échancrures ; et,
• - des rabats latéraux articulés à ces volets autour de lignes de pliage, perpendiculaires aux précédentes, et destinés à former le fond de la boîte.

The invention also relates to a blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for producing a box specified above, and of the type comprising:

• - A series of aligned rectangular or similar flaps, hinged to each other around parallel fold lines and intended to form the lateral belt of the box, two of said flaps of the series, intended to face each other after the belt has been made , being provided with notches; and,
• - side flaps hinged to these flaps around fold lines, perpendicular to the previous ones, and intended to form the bottom of the box.

Advantageously, in an exemplary embodiment, the blank is remarkable in that said lateral flap, intended to form the cover of the box and articulated to one of the flaps of the suite, other than those provided with notches, is extended, respectively on either side, by two lateral tabs, articulated around fold lines perpendicular to that connecting the flap to said corresponding flap and the length of which is greater than that of said notches, said tabs being intended to fold against the notch flaps subsequently coming substantially flush with said notches.

In another exemplary embodiment, the blank is remarkable in that the two lateral flaps, intended to form the cover of the box and coming from two flaps of the suite facing each other after the realization of the belt and other than those with notches , extend respectively on either side by half-tongues forming, after folding around fold lines perpendicular to those connecting said flaps to the corresponding flaps, the lateral tongues whose length is greater than that of said notches, and which are intended to be applied against the notched flaps of the box coming substantially flush with them.

• La figure 1 représente, en perspective, un exemple de réalisation d'une boîte conforme à l'invention, dont le couvercle est pourvu de renforts latéraux de préhension.
• La figure 2 est une coupe de ladite boîte selon le plan II-II de la figure 1.
• La figure 3 montre le flan à partir duquel est obtenue, par pliage, ladite boite.
• La figure 4 représente, en perspective, partiellement écorchée, un autre exemple de réalisation de ladite boîte selon l'invention.
• La figure 5 montre le flan à partir duquel est obtenue, par pliage, ladite boîte illustrée sur la figure 4.

The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

• Figure 1 shows, in perspective, an embodiment of a box according to the invention, the cover is provided with lateral gripping reinforcements.
• FIG. 2 is a section of said box along the plane II-II of FIG. 1.
• Figure 3 shows the blank from which is obtained, by folding, said box.
• Figure 4 shows, in perspective, partially cut away, another embodiment of said box according to the invention.
• FIG. 5 shows the blank from which is obtained, by folding, said box illustrated in FIG. 4.

The box 1 shown in Figure 1 is particularly intended to contain heavy products, such as containers, and it is more particularly made of a corrugated cardboard material. Any other cardboard, synthetic or complex material could of course be suitable as long as the mechanical criteria required for the packaging of these heavy products are satisfied.

The box 1 usually comprises a bottom 2, a lateral belt 3 and a cover 4 in the closed position, closing off said box. Its cross section, parallel to the bottom or to the cover, is polygonal and, in this example, has a quadrangular shape with cut corners, that is to say octagonal. This shape of the lateral belt makes it possible, as we know, to perfect the setting of the product or group of products arranged in the box, especially when they are cylindrical (bottles), and to improve the compressive strength of the box. Thus, the lateral belt 3 consists of four main walls 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D opposite two by two, and connected to each other by four secondary walls or sections 3E, forming the cut corners and arranged at 45 ° to the walls 3A to 3D.

In order to facilitate the handling of the box 1 containing the heavy products, two of the main and opposite walls of the belt 3, for example the small side walls 3A and 3C, are respectively provided with oblong and identical notches 5, located in the upper part of the box, that is to say near the cover 4. These two opposite notches 5 are obtained, as shown in particular in Figure 2, by folding the precut tabs 3A1 and 3C1 respectively in the walls 3A and 3C, at the inside and towards the top of the box, around corresponding fold lines 3A2 and 3C2. Each internal tab 3A1 and 3C1, thus folded approximately 180 ° around its fold line, is therefore substantially in contact with its side wall 3A, 3C.

These oblong notches 5 define openings for the passage of the hands of the user, for the transport of the box.

According to the invention, to reinforce the solidity of the box at the level of its grip, the cover 4 is advantageously extended by two lateral and opposite tabs 6, which are folded respectively and externally against the lateral walls 3A and 3C with notches 5. In in particular, it can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 that the free edges 6A of said tongues come substantially in line with the respective fold lines 3A2 and 3C2 of the tongues folded inwardly 3A1 and 3C1, that is to say flush with the notches 5. Furthermore, it can be seen in FIG. 1 that the length of the tongues 6 corresponds substantially to the width Lr of the side walls 3A and 3C to be covered.

In this embodiment, the cover of the box is formed in particular of two identical flaps 4B and 4D, coming from the large side walls 3B and 3D of the belt, and arranged one in the extension of the other, their free edges 4B2 and 4D2 are done sant face. Each lateral tab 6 is formed by two identical lateral half-tongues 4B1 1 and 4D1 respectively extending on each side the flaps 4B and 4D which define said cover 4.

These lateral tabs 6 are fixed to the corresponding lateral walls 3A and 3C in particular by gluing and thus participate in the reinforcement of the box 1. In fact, the gripping of the box 1 through the notches 5, is carried out on each side, on a thickness E corresponding to the sum of identical thicknesses of the internal tongue, of the side wall, and of the external tongue coming from the cover, that is to say on a triple thickness. In addition, as these tabs 6 have a length L substantially equal to the width of the side walls 3A and 3C of the belt, they thus extend beyond the oblong notches 5, avoiding the usual tear initiations. Consequently, each assembly constituted by the external and internal tabs and by the side wall, and defining the gripping zone of the box, forms a reinforced handle, which guarantees reliable transport of the box containing the heavy products, such as the P bottles shown in Figure 2.

In addition, the opening of the box 1 is subsequently obtained by means of precut lines 7 provided symmetrically in the flaps 4B and 4D of the cover 4. This avoids tearing or peeling off the external lateral tabs of the cover, and therefore keep the box open in order to be able to easily move it later.

FIG. 3 shows a blank F making it possible, after folding, to obtain the box 1, illustrated in FIG. 1. The blank is made of a cardboard material, preferably corrugated, but it could be made of synthetic material, or even complex, associating for example a cardboard sheet with a synthetic or metallic sheet.

The blank F comprises a series of eight aligned rectangular flaps, interconnected by folded LP lines that are parallel and parallel. These components are intended to define the main walls 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D and secondary or sections 3E, forming the cut corners of the belt, and they therefore bear the same references. Thus, the shutters 3A and 3D are spaced two by two by shutters 3E. The shutter 3C also ends with a tongue 3F hinged to this shutter around a fold line LP parallel to the previous ones. This tongue 3F is intended to secure the lateral belt 3 of octagonal section to be obtained, by applying by bonding against the secondary end flap 3E of the series.

On the same side of said flaps of the suite, are provided side flaps two by two identical 2A, 2C and 2B, 2D, and intended to form the bottom 2 of the box. These flaps 2A and 2D are respectively articulated to the flaps 3A to 3D around fold lines LP1, perpendicular to the fold lines LP connecting the flaps. Similarly, on the other side of the series of flaps are provided side flaps two by two identical 4A, 4C and 4B, 4D, and intended to form the cover 4 of the box. The flaps 4A to 4D are also articulated to the flaps 3A to 3D around fold lines LP1.

The flaps 2B, 2D and 4B, 4D, respectively coming from either side of the large main flaps 3B and 3D, have cut corners C extending at 45 ° the fold lines LP1, and the length of which corresponds to the width of the flaps 3E, so that, after folding the blank F, the bottom and the cover fit perfectly around the lateral belt then octagonal of the box. Obviously, after folding, the flaps 4B and 4D cover the flaps 4A and 4C.

We also note that in the two small main flaps 3A and 3C, the precut tabs 3A1 and 3C1 are provided, intended to define, after their folding inwards of the belt 3, the oblong notches 5.

Advantageously, the two flaps 4B and 4D extending on the same side the flaps 3B and 3D, and intended to form the top of the cover by covering the other flaps 4A and 4C, are provided with lateral tabs 4B1 and 4D1 respectively provided on the side and else of each of them. The tongues 4B1 and 4D1 are articulated to these flaps 4B and 4D around fold lines LP2, perpendicular to the lines LP1 and extending the cut corners C of these flaps.

There is shown in Figure 4, another embodiment of a box 1 ', which differs from that illustrated in Figure 1, only by its cover 4 formed by a single flap 4D'. The latter then has an outline corresponding to that of the belt 3, that is to say in this case, octagonal, quadrangular with cut corners, said belt 3 being identical to the previous one. The flap 4D 'is articulated to the 3D wall of the belt, orthogonal to those 3A and 3C provided with the notches 5. In this example, the two lateral reinforcement tabs 6', respectively extending the flap 4D 'on either side , are directly folded back and fixed against the corresponding side walls 3A and 3C of the belt, so that their free edges 6N come flush with the notches 5. Again, the length of the tongues 6 ′ is greater than that of the oblong notches 5, and corresponds substantially to the width Lr of the walls 3A and 3C.

Furthermore, a tab 6B 'is provided which extends the flap 4D', on the side opposite to its connection to the 3D wall. This tab 6B 'is applied by gluing against the corresponding edge of the wall 3B of the belt. Pre-cut lines 7 'are further provided in the tab 6B', to facilitate the opening of the cover 4, without thus tearing the reinforcement tabs 6 '.

The blank F1, shown in Figure 5, provides the box 1 '. Note that the flaps 3A to 3E and flaps 2A to 2D intended respectively to form the lateral belt 3 and the bottom 2 of the box, are sem similar to those of the blank F illustrated in FIG. 3. Only the flap or 3D wall is extended, on the side opposite to the flap 2D, by a lateral flap 4D 'constituting the cover. This flap 4D 'is provided with reinforcement tabs 6' articulated around fold lines LP2, perpendicular to the fold line LP1 connecting the flap 4D 'to the 3D flap, and the closing tab 6B' of the flap 4D ', articulated to this one, around a fold line LP3 parallel and opposite to the line LP1.

Obtaining boxes 1 and 1 ′ from the blanks F and F1 respectively can be advantageously carried out by winding the blanks around suitable mandrels of a specific folding machine.

Claims (10)

1. Box for the packaging of products, in particular heavy, made of a cardboard, synthetic or similar material and of the type comprising a bottom (2), a side belt (3) and a cover (4), and of which at least two of the side and opposite walls of said belt are provided with notches (5) intended for gripping the box,
characterized in that said cover (4) is provided with at least two lateral and opposite tabs (6,6 '), which are folded and fixed respectively by gluing on the external face of said walls (3A, 3C) with notches of said belt, and whose free edges come at least substantially flush with said notches (5), the length of said tabs (6) being greater than that of said notches (5). 2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of said lateral tabs (6) of said cover (4) corresponds substantially to the width of the lateral walls (3A, 3C) with notches of said belt (3). 3. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover is defined by a flap (4D ') from one of the side walls of said belt (3), other than those provided with notches, and folded around a fold line, said flap being provided, respectively on either side, of said lateral tabs (6) pressing against the corresponding walls with notches (5) of the belt. 4. Box according to any one of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said cover is defined by at least two flaps (4B, 4D) originating respectively from two side and opposite walls (3B, 3D) of said belt, other than those provided with notches (5), and arranged in the extension of one another, the two flaps ending respectively on either side, by two half-tabs (4B1,4C1) forming said lateral tabs (6) which are applied against the corresponding walls with notches in the belt. 5. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that pre-cut lines (7) are provided in said cover (4) to facilitate its opening. 6. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has, parallel to its bottom (2) or to its cover (4), a quadrangular section with cut corners. 7. Box according to claim 6, characterized in that its lateral belt (3) comprises eight side walls, and has a rectangular section with four cut corners. 8. Blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for making a box for packaging the product comprising: - A series of aligned rectangular flaps, hinged to each other around parallel fold lines and intended to form the lateral belt of the box, two of said flaps of the series, intended to face each other after the belt has been made, being provided with notches; and, - side flaps hinged to these flaps around fold lines, perpendicular to the previous ones, and intended to form the bottom and the cover of the box, characterized in that said lateral flap (4D '), intended to form the cover of the box and articulated to one (3D) of the flaps of the suite, other than those provided with notches, is extended, respectively on both sides, by two lateral tabs (6 ') articulated around fold lines (LP2 ), perpendicular to that (Lp1) connecting the flap to said corresponding flap, and the length of which is greater than that of said notches, said tabs being intended to fold against the flaps (3A, 3C) with notches (5) of the following in coming substantially flush with said notches. 9. Blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for making a box for packaging products comprising: - A series of aligned rectangular or similar flaps, hinged to each other around parallel fold lines and intended to form the lateral belt of the box, two of said flaps of the series, intended to face after the completion of the belt, being provided with notches; and, - side flaps hinged to these flaps around fold lines, perpendicular to the previous ones, and intended to form the bottom and the cover of the box, characterized in that the two side flaps (4B, 4D), intended to form the cover of the box and coming from two flaps (3B, 3D) of the series facing each other after the completion of the belt, and other than those with notches, are extended respectively on both sides by half-tongues (4B1, 4D2) forming, after being folded around fold lines perpendicular to those connecting said flaps to the corresponding flaps, the lateral tabs (6) whose length is greater than that of said notches, and which are intended to be applied against the flaps (3A , 3C) notches (5) of the box coming substantially flush with them.

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