EP0906870A1 - Gripping device for one or more prismatic packages - Google Patents

Abstract

The holder is shaped to fit over the upper ends of square or rectangular-section drinks containers with tent-shaped tops and has flaps to engage with them. The holder is made from a semi-rigid sheet material such as card or corrugated cardboard, and is cut and folded so that it fits over the upper ends of the containers (2). It has side (10) and end (12) panels, and two flaps (11) which fit over the sloping surfaces of the container tops. The upper edges of the end or side panels, depending on the holder's configuration, have triangular flaps (14) which fold inside the tops of the containers to engage with them. The sloping flaps have holes (17) for the container caps (7) and cutout apertures (18) for gripping the holder.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for gripping in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard for one, two or three packages, including beverage containers, prism-shaped straight rectangular section, this or these packaging being of the type comprising an upper part forming a roof, comprising two first inclined parts, connected respectively with two parallel side walls by two parallel fold lines with two flat parts assembled together in a median plane of the conditioning parallel to these two walls by two lines folding parallel to the walls, while to the other two walls are contiguous by a fold line perpendicular to the previous two second parts forming bellows, folded below the first parts.

Such packaging, well known in the art, in particular under the name of "roof bricks", are usually made themselves of a semi-rigid material waterproofed, for the sale of various drinks such as milk, chocolate drinks, fruit juice etc ...

In the latter case, the packaging often a square cross section and the device according to the invention was more particularly designed for such a application because it allows handling, using such gripper, one, two or three grouped packaging. The invention is not however limited to such packaging because, for the handling of one or two packages, using the gripping device, this packaging may have a rectangular or square cross section.

Such unit packaging are used convenient for users and they can be stored easily in refrigerated cabinets, but they have the disadvantage of being difficult to handle, when enter them on distributors' shelves, in particular in supermarkets or hypermarkets.

The present invention aims to remedy this drawback by proposing a simple and inexpensive gripping device expensive, for one, two or three roof bricks, which can equip the packaging on the shelves, during promotions or group sales, and who can be easily disconnected by buyers, when want to separate these packages.

To this end, the first object of the invention is a gripping device for unique packaging of the type defined above, with square cross section or rectangular, this device coming from a single blank of semi-rigid material suitably cut and repressed and being characterized in that it comprises two first parallel panels, able to be applied against two parallel side walls of the packaging to which are attached the first inclined parts of it, these first panels extending respectively by two inclined partitions, articulated on them by two parallel fold lines and between them by a fold line parallel to the previous ones, these partitions being able to come and place themselves above the first inclined parts of the packaging in position of use of the gripping device, this further comprising two second panels hinged on one first panels with fold lines perpendicular to the previous ones and able to come apply against the other two sides of the packaging to which are attached the second parts of it, the second panels being respectively contiguous by two fold lines with two tabs capable of being engaged between the first and second parts of conditioning, while adjoining strips laterally to the second panels or to the first panel not attached to these ensure the joining by gluing of these second panels and this first panel.

The invention also relates to a variant of this gripping device, intended to equip a set of two identical packaging of the type defined above, to square or rectangular cross section, two of which parallel walls are applied against each other, while the walls perpendicular to the previous ones are arranged respectively in line with each other others in two parallel planes, with the plane parts assembled in a median plane of the two packages arranged in the same plane, this variant being characterized in that each first panel is suitable for come and apply against two walls of the two packaging arranged in the extension one of the other, with the first partitions adjoining these first panels arranged above the first parts of the two packages, while the second panels of the device are able to be applied respectively against the wall of each package parallel to those that are applied against each other, with the adjoining tabs engaged respectively between the corresponding first and second parts of packaging.

The invention finally relates to a device for grip intended to equip a batch of two or three identical packaging of the type defined above, to square cross section, aligned in a row with their adjoining walls in contact with each other, while the walls perpendicular to the previous ones are arranged respectively in line with each other others in two parallel planes, with the plane parts assembled in a median plane of each packaging arranged perpendicular to those of the contiguous packaging, this device being characterized in that it comprises two first panels, suitable for coming apply respectively against the walls arranged in the extension of each other in two planes parallel, and two second panels, articulated on one of the first panels by fold lines and able to come apply respectively against the free faces of lot conditioners arranged at the ends of the row, two bands adjoining laterally to these second panels or to the first panel to which these are not adjoining ensuring the joining by gluing of these second panels and from this first panel two first tabs, articulated by fold lines on the first panels, being able to come to engage respectively between the first and second parts packaging of the batch, the flat parts of which assembled in a median plane are arranged perpendicular to these first panels, while a second tongue, articulated by a fold line on one or two second panels, is able to come commit between the first and second parts of the or packaging adjoining the previous one, partitions inclined articulated on the first panels and between them by parallel fold lines being able to come to be placed above the first inclined parts of the or said contiguous packaging.

Advantageously, in all these forms of implementation work of the invention, in the case where the packaging have a plug protruding laterally from of one of the first parts of this packaging, a cutout will be made for the passage of this plug in that of the inclined partitions which will be called to be in look of this plug.

Gripping cutouts can also be formed in these inclined partitions.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows from various embodiments. In this description, we will refer to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first blank precut and repressed, intended for the realization of a first device according to the invention for grouping and gripping a batch of two packages;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the device gripping made from the blank of Figure 1, in position of use on both packages;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a second blank precut and repressed, intended for the production of a second device according to the invention for grouping and gripping a batch of two packages;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the device gripping made from the blank of Figure 3, in position of use on both packages;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a precut blank and repressed, intended for the production of a device conforming to the invention for grouping and gripping a batch three packages;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the device gripping made from the blank of Figure 5, in position of use on the three packages.

• deux parois parallèles 2, à la partie supérieure desquelles sont articulées respectivement par deux lignes de pliage parallèles deux parties inclinées 3, auxquelles sont respectivement attenantes par une ligne de pliage parallèle aux précédentes deux bandes planes 4, assemblées par collage et disposées dans le plan médian du corps 1 parallèle aux parois 2 ;
• deux parois parallèles 5, perpendiculaires aux parois 2 et à la partie supérieure desquelles sont articulées par deux lignes de pliage parallèles, perpendiculaires aux précédentes, des parties formant soufflets 6, disposées au-dessus des parties inclinées 2, dont elles sont solidaires.

In all the drawings, the packages shown are identical and they comprise a body 1 in the form of a straight prism with a square section comprising four side walls, namely:

• two parallel walls 2, at the upper part of which are articulated respectively by two parallel fold lines two inclined parts 3, to which are respectively adjoined by a fold line parallel to the previous two flat strips 4, assembled by gluing and arranged in the median plane of the body 1 parallel to the walls 2;
• two parallel walls 5, perpendicular to the walls 2 and to the upper part of which are articulated by two parallel fold lines, perpendicular to the previous ones, bellows parts 6, arranged above the inclined parts 2, of which they are integral.

In the embodiment shown, a drain plug 7 of the liquid contained in the body 1 protrudes laterally from one of the inclined parts 3.

We will now refer to Figures 1 and 2, which illustrate an embodiment of the device according to the invention intended for grouping and gripping a lot of two packs applied one against the other in identical positions, but its transposition to a unique conditioning is evident.

This gripping device comprises two first parallel panels 10, adjoining by two parallel fold lines two inclined parts 11, interconnected by a fold line parallel to the previous and which come to cap the upper part of body 1 of the packages, above the parts inclined 3 of these.

At one of the panels 10 are adjacent laterally, by two fold lines perpendicular to the previous ones, two second panels 12, intended to be applied against one of the faces 5 of each of the packages. A band 13, adjacent laterally to each of the panels 12 by a fold line, sticks against the other panel 10, to secure the assembly in the assembled position.

At the upper part of the panels 12 is articulated by a fold line a triangular tongue 14, intended to be engaged in part 6 forming bellows packaging, below the inclined parts 3 of these. Parts 15, adjoining laterally to each tongue 14 by a fold line, can be folded below the upper part of the bellows 6, to lock the adjoining tongue 14 in position. In order to allow the folding of these parts 15, a notch 16 is between them.

In one of the inclined parts 11 are provided, in look of the plugs 7, of the cutouts 17 allowing the passage of these.

Gripping cutouts 18, arranged opposite one on the other in the two inclined parts 11 allow there engage fingers to carry the batch of bottles.

In order to allow the device to be folded flat pre-assembled grip, its storage in this form and its transport to the places of use, a folding line 19, arranged in the extension of the notch 16, divides in two equal parts the panels 12 and the tabs 14 adjoining, which can thus be folded in on themselves in the extension of the adjoining panel 10.

To apply such a device to a single conditioning, it suffices naturally to shorten the panel length 10.

As a variant, instead of being adjacent to the panels 12, the bands 13 can be contiguous by a line of folding to panel 10 at which panels 12 are not attached and be glued against these panels 12.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a device according to the invention, applied to a batch of two packages arranged in positions offset by 90 °, i.e. with bands 4 of one perpendicular to bands 4 of the other.

In this realization, we find two first panels 20, intended to be applied in parallel against sides 2 and 5 of the packaging arranged in the extension of each other, and, adjacent to these panels by two parallel fold lines, two partitions 21, hinged together by a parallel fold line to the previous ones, so that you can come and place yourself above inclined parts of one of the packages.

Two second panels 22 are articulated on one of the panels 20 by two fold lines, so that come to apply in parallel against sides 2 and 5 of two packages arranged in parallel.

Strips 23, adjoining these panels 22 by fold lines, are glued against the other panel 20 to assemble the device in the assembled position.

To this panel 20 is attached by a fold line a triangular tongue 24 intended to engage in the bellows 6 facing outwards from the packaging the upper part of which is arranged below partitions 21. As in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, this tab 24 are adjoining laterally two parts 25 intended for be folded against the top of the bellows associated, these two parts being separated by a notch 26.

Similarly, each of the panels 20 is adjoining, in lateral position with respect to the partitions 21, a triangular tab 24 ', intended to be engaged in the bellows of the upper part of the packaging not capped by partitions 21. As before, at these 24 'tabs are attached laterally by lines folding two parts 25 ', separated by a notch 26'.

As in the embodiment described above, a cutout 27 is formed in one of the partitions 21 facing of cap 7 of each of the packages and the lines of folding 29 divide the panels 22 into two equal parts.

As a variant, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the strips 23 can be attached to the panel 20 to which the panels 22 are not attached and glued against these panels 22.

Figures 5 and 6 relate to another form of realization of the gripping device in accordance with the invention, intended to equip a batch of three packaging arranged in a row, with their adjoining walls in contact and their side walls in the extension of each other along two planes parallel. The packaging however occupies positions offset by 90 °, relative to each other, with the bands 4 of the packages arranged at each end of the row arranged in the same plane, while that the bands 4 of the packaging in the middle of the lot are perpendicular to the previous ones.

In this realization, we find first panels 30, applied in parallel against the faces side aligned packaging. At these panels 30 adjoin two parallel fold lines sets of partitions 31, separated by an interval 40 and hinged together by parallel fold lines to the previous ones, each set of partitions 31 being intended to form a roof over the upper parts packaging placed at each end of the row, while the top of the packaging from the middle of the row protrudes upward through the interval 40.

At one of the panels 30 are adjacent laterally by fold lines of the second panels intended to come apply against the outer faces 5 of end-of-row packaging. To these panels 30 are contiguous by fold lines of the bands 33 glued to the other panel 30, to assemble the device in the mounted position.

Panels 32 are adjoined by fold lines triangular tabs 34, intended to be engaged in the bellows facing the outside of the part upper of the packages arranged at the ends of the row, with parts 35, adjoining these tabs 34 by fold lines and separated by a notch 36, folded against the upper part of the bellows.

Similarly, from the central part of the edge of each panel 30 adjacent to the interval 40, similar tabs 34 'are articulated by a line of folding on these panels 30 and have parts lateral 35 ', articulated on them by fold lines and separated by a notch 36. These tabs 34 'are intended to be engaged in the bellows of the part top of the packaging in the middle of the row, below inclined parts 3 thereof.

As in the previous embodiments, cutouts 37 are provided in one of the partitions 31 opposite the caps 7 of the end-of-row packaging, and the panels 32 and the tabs 34 have a line folding 39, which allows the device to be folded flat.

Alternatively and as described above, instead of being adjoining the panels 32, the strips 33 can be adjoining panel 30 to which panels 32 are not adjoining and then be glued against these panels 32.

Note that, made of cardboard or corrugated cardboard, a such a device is of limited cost and provides very satisfactory solution to the handling problem packaging for beverages of the type mentioned above.

Claims (7)

Gripping device in semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard for a single packaging (1), in the form of a straight section prism rectangular or square, this packaging being of the type comprising an upper part forming a roof comprising first two inclined parts (3), connected respectively with two parallel side walls (8) by two parallel fold lines with two flat parts (4) assembled together in a median plane of the conditioning parallel to these two walls by two lines folding parallel to the walls, while the other two walls (5) are contiguous by a fold line perpendicular to the previous two second parts forming bellows (6), folded below the first parts (3), this device being from a single blank of the semi-rigid material suitably cut and repressed and being characterized in that it comprises two first parallel panels (10) capable of being applied against the two parallel side walls (2) of the packaging to which are attached the first inclined parts (3) thereof, these first panels extending respectively by two inclined partitions (11), articulated on them by two parallel fold lines and between them by a fold line parallel to the previous ones, these partitions (11) being able to be placed above the first inclined parts (3) of the packaging in position of use of the gripping device, the latter further comprising two second panels (12), articulated on one of the first panels (10) by fold lines perpendicular to the previous ones and able to come apply against the other two faces (5) of the conditioning to which the seconds are attached parts thereof, the second panels (12) being respectively adjacent by two fold lines tongues (14) able to be engaged between the first (3) and the second (6) parts of the packaging, strips (13) adjoining laterally to the second panels (12) or to the first panel (10) not adjoining them ensuring the joining by gluing of these seconds panels (12) and of this first panel (10). Variant of the device according to claim 1, intended to equip a batch of two packaging identical to rectangular or square section, two of which parallel walls (5) are applied one against the other, while the walls (2) perpendicular to the previous ones are respectively arranged in the extension one of others in two parallel planes and that the parts planes (4) assembled in a median plane of each packaging are in the same plane, this variant being characterized in that each first panel (10) is suitable coming to apply against two walls of the two packaging arranged in the extension one of the other, with the first partitions (11) adjoining these first panels arranged above the first parts of the two packages, while the second panels (12) of the device are able to be applied respectively against the wall (5) of each package parallel to those that are applied against each other, with the adjoining tabs (14) engaged respectively between the first (3) and second (6) parts packaging. Gripping device in semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard for two or three packaging (1), in the form of a straight section prism square, this or these packages being of the type comprising an upper part forming a roof comprising two firsts inclined parts (3), connected respectively, to two parallel side walls (8), by two fold lines parallel, and with two flat parts (4), assembled between them in a median plane of conditioning parallel to these two walls, by two fold lines parallel to the walls, while the two other walls (5) are contiguous, by a fold line perpendicular to the previous ones, two second bellows parts (6), folded below first parts (3), this device being from a single blank of suitably cut semi-rigid material and driven back and being intended to equip a batch of two or three packages aligned in a row with their adjoining walls in contact with each other, while the walls perpendicular to the previous ones are arranged respectively in line with each other in two parallel planes, with the flat parts (4) assembled in a median plane of each package arranged perpendicular to those of the contiguous packaging, this device being characterized in that it comprises two first panels (20, 30), suitable to be applied respectively against the walls arranged in line with one another in two parallel planes, and two second panels (22, 32), articulated on one of the first panels (20, 30) by fold lines and able to be applied respectively against the free sides of the lot packages arranged at the ends of the row, two adjoining strips (23, 33) laterally to these second panels (22, 32) or to the first panels (20, 30) to which these are not attached, ensuring the joining by gluing of these seconds panels and from this first panel, two first tabs (24 ', 34'), articulated by fold lines on the first panels (20, 30), being able to come to engage respectively between the first and second parts (3, 6) of a package of the batch, the flat parts of which (4) assembled in a median plane are arranged perpendicular to these first panels (20, 30), while that a second tongue (24, 34), articulated by a line folding on one (22) or two (32) second panels, is able to come and engage between the first and the second parts (3, 6) of the contiguous packaging (s) in the preceding, inclined partitions (21, 31) articulated on the first panels and between them by lines of parallel folding being able to come to be placed above first inclined parts (3) of said one or more contiguous packaging. Device according to one of the claims previous, characterized in that the tabs (14, 24, 24 ', 34, 34') have a triangular shape. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that at each triangular tab (14, 24, 24 ', 34, 34') are contiguous laterally by fold lines of parts (15, 25, 25 ', 35, 35') separated by a notch (16, 26, 26 ', 36, 36') and able to be straightened to come press against the upper part of the bellows (6) of the packaging in which they are used. Device according to one of the claims above, intended to equip a packaging comprising a plug which projects laterally from one first parts (3) of the packaging, characterized in that a cutout is provided for the passage of this plug in that of the inclined partitions (11, 21, 31) of the device arranged opposite this plug. Device according to one of the claims previous, characterized in that cutouts of gripping are arranged in inclined partitions (11, 21, 31) of the device.

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