EP0741658B1 - Article convertible into a box or tray - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transformable article which can take either a box configuration or a bin configuration, by simple pivoting.

We already know articles, usually made of cardboard, which, when closed, constitutes packaging and, when open, provide support for the product placed inside. So, we know packaging forming display. We also know "boxes tools "which can be transformed between a configuration closed box and open tray configuration tools. We also know packaging intended to be used after opening in a later operation.

For example, GB-A-2 228 254 relates to a container formed of a blank constituting a tray when it is unfolded. It has a rectangular bottom which protrudes two end flaps and two side walls. The bottom has two joints which define a part central and two side parts. The blank has corner bellows which extend the side walls and the flaps without discontinuity so that after folding and when the item has the configuration of a bin, no opening does not exist at the bottom, between the interior and the exterior Tray. The side walls have the same height over all their length so that, when the container is closed, the central parts of the side walls do not rise up to the upper face formed by the end flaps. When this container is included in a stack of containers identical containing relatively heavy material, such as cat litter or spoiling product, containers at the bottom of the stack sag under the weight containers that surmount them.

Document US-A-5 249 550 relates to a convertible article in boxes and trays formed in a cardboard blank, also having corner bellows which extend the parts side wall and shutters so that no hole does not exist at the bottom between the interior and the exterior when the item has the configuration of a bin. The parts central side walls have the same height as the other side wall parts, and they don't go up to the upper face of the folded box. Failure to resistance indicated above is however reduced because that the end flaps completely overlap to form the upper face of the folded box. This realization therefore requires a large blank for the final volume obtained.

Document US-A-4,791,883 also relates to an article transformable into box and bin, intended for the litter for cat. This article has practically the same characteristics as in the previous document and also poses the same problems.

US-A-4,890,576 relates to a similar article to those of the two previous documents and further comprising a small extension intended to close the openings by which the litter could escape after use, but who does not participate in the support of the face when the item is folded.

Document US-A-4 340 169 relates to a convertible article in box and tray, intended for food products. This item is intended to be permanently closed at the configuration of a box; it is only open at the last moment, just before consumption of the food contained in the article. The problem posed by leaks at the bottom of the tank is therefore not very important in this application. The article does not have a corner bellows, and the blank used for manufacturing has a cutout which joins a corner; if we pour water in the article, it leaks surely by the corner, even if it is well glued. Wall lateral is higher in its central part than at its ends so that an extension can be glued on the top of the article. This article therefore poses a leakage problem. Also, the blank cardboard is exposed by the edge with glued corners and deteriorates quickly under the action of the liquid.

The invention relates to transformable articles of general type mentioned above, which have the advantage of being light and inexpensive because they can be made of low cost materials by carrying out operations simple; they form very robust packages, and they participate in the very rational implementation of the product placed in the article. These articles have such an achievement that those at the bottom of a stack are at risk of sag under the weight of those who overcome them, well the cardboard used should be of moderate thickness. These articles do not require a large blank relative to to the final volume obtained, and they pose no problem of leaks when they contain a liquid.

In general, the invention relates to an article which, in an unfolded configuration, forms a container which can be folded around two parallel joints so when the two ends of the bin have been folded mutual reconciliation, the whole constitutes packaging fully closed which has a blank portion covering the totality of each lateral face, from the bottom to the face top of the box. Corner gussets avoid any leak, in the form of a tank.

More specifically, the invention relates to an article transformable into box and tray by simple swiveling, entirely formed by folding a precut blank, of the type which includes, when it has the shape of a tank, a rectangular bottom of which protrude two end flaps placed on along two opposite sides and two side walls placed along the other two opposite sides, the end flaps protruding from the bottom at a determined height, and in which the rectangular bottom has two joints which delimit a central part and two lateral parts of bottom, the bottom joints being parallel to the flaps end, folding joints of the side walls opposite each delimit, in each side wall, a gusset between it and a joint additional formed in the side wall, the distance separating the joints from the bottom is practically equal to the double the height of the end flaps, so that at closed state, the article has a constant width and length practically over its entire height, the central part of each side wall, placed between the joints of folding, at a height greater than that of the flaps end and also to that of the parts of the side walls near the end flaps, and the central part of each side wall has a height, measured perpendicularly at the bottom, which is equal to the width of the part lateral of the bottom, measured in a direction perpendicular to the bottom joints.

According to the invention, the precut blank has corner bellows which extend the wall parts side and flaps without discontinuity so that after folding and when the item has the bin configuration, no orifice does not exist at the bottom, between the interior and outside of the tank, the end flaps extend, opposite side to the bottom, by parts of blank, and each end flap is connected to its respective extension by a narrow band, and when the box-shaped item and the extensions are folded over the end flaps, the narrow bands of the two flaps form an edge joined to the upper face formed by the flaps end, so that in this form of box, the resistance to forces applied to the center of the face higher is increased.

Preferably, the blank parts are retained by flaps.

The article according to the invention is particularly suitable the packaging of various products sold and marketable. In a first application, the article is intended to contain animal litter. The article containing the product is in the form of parallelepiped boxes robust which can for example be stacked on pallets and can support a heavy weight. After opening, the tray obtained can be used directly as litter box, without any manipulation. The subjects liquids cannot escape through the corners of the tank. When the litter is worn out, the tray is simply folded back to its box configuration, and can then be discarded, possibly after fixing.

In a second application, the article contains a product to be spoiled by adding water, for example plaster mortar, most often a poured product in water. When the item has been transformed from the box configuration to tray configuration it is possible to pour plaster for example in water, because it cannot escape through the corners of the tank. After use, the item can be discarded.

In a third application, the box contains a carrier of nutrient medium, for example impregnated soil fertilizer, possibly containing seeds, and it just water the support of the nutrient medium to cause germination and growth of plants.

In a fourth application, the article contains pyrotechnic devices. In this case, it is preferable that opening the box and setting the tank configuration automatically position the device or devices pyrotechnics in the firing position.

In a fifth application, the article contains the material necessary for the preparation of mud baths therapeutic action or other health treatments.

In a sixth application, the article is simply used as a toolbox which contains a tool of a any type, for example of mechanics, painting or plumbing, alone or combined with consumable products.

In a seventh application, the article consists of a food grade material, and it contains food, for example dehydrated or prepared to reheat.

la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un article qui ne correspond que partiellement à l'invention formant une boíte parallélépipédique ;

la figure 2 représente l'article de la figure 1 lorsqu'il a été mis à la configuration d'un bac ;

les figures 3 et 4 représentent un second mode de réalisation de l'invention dans lequel les parois latérales du bac ont une configuration différente qui présente plusieurs avantages ;

la figure 5 est une vue en perspective de l'article des figures 3 et 4, plié différemment ;

la figure 6 est une vue en plan du flan utilisé pour la formation de l'article des figures 3 et 4, les traits interrompus représentant des lignes de pliage et les traits pleins des lignes de découpe ;

les figures 7 et 8 représentent une variante du mode de réalisation des figures 3 à 6 dans lequel les parois latérales ont des prolongements ;

la figure 9 est une vue en perspective d'une autre variante d'article selon l'invention, ayant une configuration de boíte qui n'est pas parallélépipédique ;

la figure 10 est une vue en perspective du bac formé par la boíte de la figure 9 ; et

la figure 11 est une vue en plan d'un flan utilisé pour la formation d'une variante de l'article des figures 3 et 4, dans laquelle les parties de prolongement des volets ont une dimension réduite.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly from the description which follows, given with reference to the appended drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an article which only partially corresponds to the invention forming a parallelepiped box;

FIG. 2 represents the article of FIG. 1 when it has been set up for the configuration of a container;

Figures 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the invention in which the side walls of the tank have a different configuration which has several advantages;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the article of Figures 3 and 4, folded differently;

Figure 6 is a plan view of the blank used for forming the article of Figures 3 and 4, the dashed lines representing fold lines and the solid lines of the cut lines;

Figures 7 and 8 show a variant of the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6 in which the side walls have extensions;

Figure 9 is a perspective view of another alternative article according to the invention, having a box configuration which is not parallelepiped;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the tray formed by the box of Figure 9; and

Figure 11 is a plan view of a blank used for forming a variant of the article of Figures 3 and 4, in which the extension parts of the flaps have a reduced dimension.

Figures 1 and 2 show a convertible item in box and tray, which only partially matches to the invention but which is useful for the description problems with this type of article. As indicated Figure 1, the item may have a configuration of practically parallelepiped box. As the Figure 2, the article can also take the form of a container. More precisely, in the tank configuration of the figure 2, the bottom of the tank has a central part 10 and two side parts 12. The central part 10 forms the bottom of the box of Figure 1. The side portions 12 of the bottom of the tray form the side walls of the box.

The central part 10 and the lateral parts 12 of the bottom are separated by joints 14 which are parallel to each other. Two end flaps 16 are arranged parallel to the joints 14. These two flaps 16, when brought together, form the upper face of the box of figure 1.

The side walls of the tank, placed in the direction perpendicular to the joints 14, each include a central part 18 delimited by the extensions 20 of the two joints. However, it is not essential that these 20 joints are actually in the extension of the bottom joints. This part central 18 forms a flap at each end of the box, as shown in Figure 1. This central part 18 is extended by a gusset 22 which is connected by a line bending or articulation 24 to a portion 26 of the end of the side wall. As shown in Figure 1, this part 26 forms a vertical face end portion of the Figure 1 box.

The transition from the configuration of Figure 1 to that of Figure 2 simply includes the spacing of the two end flaps 16 of the box of Figure 1, after removal of the device (not shown) for fixing to the box configuration. This fixing device (not shown) can be for example an adhesive tape, a adhesive patch, a wire wound on a pad secured to each flap 16, a collage of the central part 18 on the end portions 26, a heat shrinkable film surrounding the whole box, etc. The passage of the tank configuration from Figure 2 to that of the box of Figure 1 is provided simply by bringing the end flaps 16 together.

The item of Figures 1 and 2, when used for product packaging, cannot resist very significant forces, unless it is made up of a very thick cardboard. More specifically, the central part of the upper side is only supported by the parts of side wall 26 which only reach the bottom at the corner of this one, by the gusset 22. When a stack of boxes as shown in Figure 1 is stacked by example on a pallet, the lower boxes collapse In the center.

The first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 3 to 5, on the contrary corresponds to a much more robust article which can withstand forces very important.

In FIGS. 3 to 5, the parts practically identical to those of FIGS. 1 and 2 bear the same numerical references, and the modified parts bear numerical references followed by the premium sign (').

More specifically, only the side walls are modified. The central part 18 ′ of the side walls has a greater height than the end portions 26. More specifically, this height (x in Figure 4) is practically equal to the width (y) of the lateral part of bottom 12, so that in the box configuration of the Figure 3, the central part 18 'arrives practically at the height of the upper part formed by the two flaps 16. In this way, a large number of boxes such as shown in Figure 3 can be stacked together on the others, the weight being largely collected by the central part 18 ′ of the side wall forming the end of the box in Figure 3.

The configuration of Figures 3 and 4 also shows other advantages. For example, each central part 18 ', when the bin is slightly folded towards the configuration of the box of Figure 3, can be used as a spout pourer for the evacuation of the contained product. So when the tray is used for the packaging of litter for pets, higher side walls 18 ' better retain the material that can be projected by the animal. Finally, when the article, having the configuration of tray in Figure 4, is folded towards the configuration of box of Figure 3, the central parts 18 'tend to approach the body of the box towards the end of the folding, so that the materials that may be contained in the tray are returned inward when it takes shape of the box.

Figure 5 shows another form obtained from of the tray in Figure 4. In this case, instead of being folded towards the outside of the tank, the central parts 18 'are folded inwards, so that in the configuration in a box, they are inside parts 26 end. However, the central part 18 'goes up still up to flaps 16 and thus allows cashing vertical forces that can be applied to the article.

Figure 6 shows a blank used for manufacture of the article in FIGS. 3 and 4. On this blank, the references identical to those of FIGS. 3 and 4 designate the corresponding elements before folding the blank.

The end flaps 16 are formed from parts elongated 28 and 30 of the blank, two corner bellows 32 having a fold line 34 formed diagonally, and flaps 36, the end of which has an opening 38 intended for accommodate a tab 40 of the flap part 30 when the blank is folded. More precisely, during folding, the bellows of corner 32 is folded so that the diagonal 34 is turned inward, and the bellows is folded over the part 28 of the blank. The flap 36 is then folded on the bellows of corner 32, and the part 30 is then folded over the part 28, so that parts 28 and 30 of shutter 16 enclose the bellows of the corner 32 and the flap 36. The tab 40 penetrates then in the hole 38 of the flap 36, so that the part 30 is used against Part 28.

It is further noted that the two elongated portions 28 and 30 are connected by a narrow strip called "sidewalk" in the technique and which has several advantages in the scope of the invention. First, the two sidewalks hide the corner bellows. Then, when the article has the configuration of a box, the sidewalks increase the resistance to vertical forces applied to the center of the upper face (Figures 1, 3, 7 and 9). Finally, they allow the formation of well joined edges in this face superior.

Although double flaps 28, 30 have been described intended to hide the corners it is also possible to use a 30 'section of shorter flap, such as represented in FIG. 11, even a simple shutter and, in this case, the bellows is fixed to the flap or to the wall lateral, for example by gluing.

Figures 7 and 8 show another variant of the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4. In this variant, the central parts 18 ′ of the side walls have extensions 42 of the same width which, as indicated by the FIG. 7, form the upper face of the box, above flaps 16. These extensions can be folded around a line 44, and they include for example openings 46 forming handles. In Figure 7, these handles are shown in broken lines because they are advantageously formed by simple pre-cutting of the blank, the central part being removed at the time of use.

Of course, similar handles, formed or not by pre-cut, can also be formed in parts central 18, 18 'or 50 of the embodiments of the figures 1 and 2, Figures 3 to 6, or Figures 9 and 10.

Figures 9 and 10 show another variant of the embodiment of Figures 3 and 4. This variant differs from the embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 in that the box formed is not parallelepipedic but has a roof-shaped upper part. More precisely, the end portions of the side walls, carrying the reference 26 in FIG. 4, are replaced by parts 48 whose edge is not perpendicular to the bottom, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 4. The edge formed by this side wall part 48 and the flap 16 is inclined so that after folding in the form of a box, the two flaps 16 give a form of roof. Of preferably the central part of the side wall which carries the reference 50 has a configuration corresponding to the inclination of the flaps 16, as indicated in FIG. 9.

This variant of Figures 9 and 10 is simply intended to show that the invention can be applied to configurations that are not parallelepiped. So, the central parts of the side walls (18 in the figure 1, 18 'in Figure 4 and in Figure 8, 50 in Figure 10) can have various configurations. In that case, it is even possible that the folding joints of the central parts of the side walls are not formed by the extensions of the joints 14 but have various inclinations. The central parts of the walls side can thus have for example the shape of a Pentagon.

The article according to the invention has been described as formed from a blank, for example cut from cardboard. However, this feature is not essential. Materials other than cardboard may be suitable for formation of a blank, for example a plastic material. In furthermore, the article need not be trained to from a blank. It is enough that the different faces can pivot around the joints described (joints 14 bottom and joints 20 and 22, 20 ', 22' of gussets). Thus, it is possible to realize the articles according to the invention in various materials, for example in plastic material, in particular by injection molding or other, the joints then being formed by thinning of the material.

The article according to the invention has very numerous applications. Thanks to the simplicity of the transformation between the two configurations (box and tray), it is advisable especially for applications where a product must be packaged for marketing and must be placed in a bin to be used.

A first application is that of the litter for pets. For example, in the case of cats, articles according to the invention formed from cardboard blanks having a waterproof layer can be made so that they contain a few kilograms or a few liters of cat litter; use only requires the opening of the box. When the litter is worn out, it just fold the box and throw it away. Handles possibly present on the side walls allow easy transport in open position or possibly closed.

In another application to the packaging of products to be spoiled by adding water, plaster or a mortar can be housed in the closed box. At time use, the box is open and the water is poured. The bac plays the role of the trough.

In another application, the article contains pyrotechnic devices. The opening of the box positions automatically fireworks which can then be turned on. The ignition device can also be contained and / or ordered in the box.

In another application, the box contains a carrier of nutrient medium, for example impregnated soil fertilizer. When the media also contains seeds, just water the support of the nutrient medium to cause germination and growing of plants. The tank then plays the role of a flower pot.

In another application, the article contains the material necessary for therapeutic treatments, for example example to the creation of mud baths or others sanitary treatments. Material for therapeutic use can be ready to use, or it can require preparation (mixing, adding water, mixing, heating, for example).

In another application, the article is simply used as a toolbox. For example, it contains a tools of any type, for example mechanical, paint, plumbing, etc. This tool can be alone, or on the contrary associated with a product.

In another application, the article is formed by a food grade material, and it contains food. For example, these are dehydrated foods that are prepared by adding a liquid, especially water. In another example, these are foods prepared reheat, and the material of the article then advantageously allows microwave heating. Thanks to the shape of box with small central bottom, several items can be reheated simultaneously in a reduced dimensions. Food can then be consumed directly in the article in the form of a container.

In various embodiments, it can be interesting that the product placed in the article is enclosed in a sealed package, for example plastic. In this case, it may be advantageous if the simple opening of the box-shaped article causes the opening of plastic packaging. For example, the bag of plastic material can be fixed inside by gluing to the parts 26 of the side walls, to the side parts bottom 12 and / or end flaps 16, when they are close together, so that when the bin is unfolded, the two parts of side walls 26, moving apart, tear the material of the packaging bag.

Thus, in one embodiment, considered as example, the article contains mortar and a trowel, possibly retained. Water in sufficient quantity to mixing (possibly with additives such as dyes) may also be present in a sealed plastic. The article then contains all the elements necessary for a repair for example.

Of course, the invention can be applied to many other areas, either simply as an article forming packaging and use container, either as an article in which the operation of opening the article, the form of box in the form of a bin, triggers an operation any (opening a flexible container, closing a electrical circuit, etc.).

It is understood that the invention has not been described as examples of realization and that they can be the subject of many variations.

Claims (7)

1. Article convertible between box and tray shapes only by pivoting, completely constructed by creasing of a die cut blank, of the type including, in a tray shape, a rectangular floor (10, 12) from which two end panels (16) extend along two opposite sides and two lateral walls extending along the two other opposite sides, and panels extending from the floor with a determined height, and in which the rectangular floor includes two hinges (14) defining a central floor part (10) and two lateral floor parts (12), floor hinges being parallel to end panels, creasing hinges of opposite lateral walls each defining in each lateral wall a gusset (22) included between a hinge and an additional hinge (24) included in lateral wall, the distance between floor hinges (14) being substantially equal to twice the height of end panels (16), such that, in a closed state, the article has constant width and length along substantially its whole height, the central parts (18') of each lateral wall having, between creasing hinges, a height greater than that of end panels (16) and also than that of parts (26) of lateral walls adjacent to end panels, and the central part (18') of each lateral wall having a height determined perpendicularly to the floor which is equal to the width of the lateral floor part (12) determined perpendicularly to floor hinges (14), characterized in that the die cut blank include corner gores (32) extending from parts (26) of lateral wall and of panels (16) without discontinuity so that, after folding and when the article has a tray shape, there is no aperture along the floor between inside and outside the tray, in that blank parts (30, 30') extend from end panels at the side opposite to floor, and in that each end panel (28) is connected to the respective extension (30) by a narrow strip, and, when the article has a box shape and extensions are turned back to end panels, the narrow strips of the two panels (28) constitute contiguous edges at the top surface made by the end panels (28) so that, in that box shape, the resistance to loads applied at the center of the top surface is increased.
2. Article according to claim 1, characterized in that the blank parts are retained by flaps (36).
3. Article according to anyone of claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it is provided for containing animal litter.
4. Article according to anyone of claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it includes a product to be mixed with added water.
5. Article according to anyone of claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it includes a material required for therapeutical treatments.
6. Article according to anyone of claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it includes a nutrient medium for vegetal growth.
7. Article according to anyone of claim 1 and 2, characterized in that it includes a food material.

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