EP0906870B1 - Gripping device for one or more prismatic packages - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a device for grip in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard for one, two or three packaging, in particular beverage containers, in right prism shape with rectangular section, this or these packaging being of the type comprising first two parallel side walls, two second side walls parallel, and an upper part forming a roof, comprising two first inclined parts, connected respectively to the first two side walls parallel by two parallel and two fold lines plane parts assembled together in a median plane conditioning parallel to these first walls lateral by two fold lines parallel to these walls, while at the second two side walls are adjoining by a fold line perpendicular to the previous two second bellows parts, folded below the first parts.

Such packaging, well known in the art technical, in particular under the name of "bricks to roof ", are usually made in one semi-rigid waterproofed material, 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 a such application, because it allows handling, using of such a gripping device, one, two or three packages combined. The invention is not however not limited to such packaging, because, for the handling of one or two packages, using the gripping device, this conditioning can 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 we enter them on the distributors' shelves, especially in supermarkets or hypermarkets.

The present invention aims to remedy this disadvantage by proposing a gripping device simple and inexpensive, for one, two or three bricks to roof, which can equip the packaging on linear, during promotions or group sales, and which can be easily detached from it by buyers, when they 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 first two parallel side walls of the conditioning to which the first are attached 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 previous, these partitions being able to be placed above of the first inclined parts of the packaging in the position of use of the gripping device, this further comprising two second panels articulated on one of the first panels by lines of folding perpendicular to the previous ones and able to come apply against the two second side walls of the conditioning to which the seconds are attached parts thereof, the second panels being respectively adjacent by two fold lines tabs capable of being engaged between the first and the second conditioning parts, while strips adjacent to the second panels or to the first panel not attached to these ensure the joining by gluing these second panels and this first sign.

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 applied one against the other, with the adjoining tabs engaged respectively between the first and second parts corresponding 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 package arranged perpendicular to those of the contiguous packaging, provided that, in the case of three packages, the flat parts of the central packaging are parallel to the walls contiguous, this device being characterized in that it includes two first panels, suitable to be applied respectively against the walls arranged in the extension of each other in two planes parallel, and two second panels, articulated on one first panels by fold lines and suitable for come to apply respectively against the free faces of the second walls of the batch packages arranged at the ends of the row, two adjoining strips laterally to these second panels or to the first panel to which these are not attached ensuring the joining by bonding of these second panels and of this first panel, first two tabs, articulated by fold lines on the first panels, being suitable to come to commit respectively between the first and the second parts of a package of which the plane parts assembled in a median plane are arranged perpendicular to these first panels, while a second tongue, articulated by a line of folding on one or both second panels, is suitable for come and commit between the first and second parts of the condition (s) contiguous to the previous one, inclined partitions hinged on the first panels and between them by parallel fold lines being able to be placed above the first inclined parts of said contiguous packaging (s).

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.

La figure 1 est une vue en plan d'un premier flan prédécoupé et refoulé, destiné à la réalisation d'un premier dispositif conforme à l'invention pour le regroupement et la préhension d'un lot de deux conditionnements ;

La figure 2 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de préhension réalisé à partir du flan de la figure 1, en position d'utilisation sur les deux conditionnements ;

La figure 3 est une vue en plan d'un second flan prédécoupé et refoulé, destiné à la réalisation d'un second dispositif conforme à l'invention pour le regroupement et la préhension d'un lot de deux conditionnements ;

La figure 4 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de préhension réalisé à partir du flan de la figure 3, en position d'utilisation sur les deux conditionnements ;

La figure 5 est une vue en plan d'un flan prédécoupé et refoulé, destiné à la réalisation d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention pour le regroupement et la préhension d'un lot de trois conditionnements ;

La figure 6 est une vue en perspective du dispositif de préhension réalisé à partir du flan de la figure 5, en position d'utilisation sur les trois conditionnements.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which follows of various embodiments. In this description, reference will be made to the appended drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a first blank precut and repressed, for the production 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 gripping device made from the blank of Figure 1, in the position of use on the two packages;

Figure 3 is a plan view of a second blank precut and turned, 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 gripping device made from the blank of Figure 3, in the position of use on the two packages;

Figure 5 is a plan view of a pre-cut and turned blank, intended for the production of a device according to the invention for grouping and gripping a batch of three packages;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the gripping device made from the blank of Figure 5, in the 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 include 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 them. 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)

1. A gripping device of semi-rigid material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, for a single package (1) in the form of a right prism of rectangular or square section, said package being of the type comprising two first parallel lateral walls (2), two second parallel lateral walls (5), and an upper part forming a roof comprising two first, inclined parts (3), connected respectively to the first two lateral walls (2) via two parallel fold lines and to two flat parts (4) joined together in a median plane of the package parallel to said first two lateral walls (2) via two fold lines parallel to said walls, while the second two lateral walls (5) are adjoined, via a fold line perpendicular to those previously mentioned, by two second parts forming gussets (6), folded beneath the first parts (3), said device being made from a single blank of the semi-rigid material suitably cut and back-folded and being characterised in that it comprises two first parallel panels (10), capable of being applied against the first two lateral walls (2) of the package, these first panels being extended respectively by two inclined partitions (11) hinged thereto by two parallel fold lines and to one another by a fold line parallel to those previously mentioned, these partitions (11) being capable of being positioned above the first inclined parts (3) of the package when the gripping device is in the position of use, the latter further comprising two second panels (12), hinged to one of the first panels (10) by fold lines perpendicular to those previously mentioned and capable of being applied against the second two lateral walls (5) of the package, the second panels (12) being respectively attached via two fold lines to two tongues (14) capable of engaging between the first (3) and second (6) parts of the package, strips (13) attached laterally to the second panels (12) or to the first panel (10) not attached thereto ensuring the firm connection by adhesion of these second panels (12) and this first panel (10).
2. A device according to claim 1, designed for a batch of two identical packages of rectangular or square section, of which two parallel walls (5) are applied one against the other, while the walls (2) perpendicular to those previously mentioned are disposed respectively as extensions of one another in two parallel planes and in that the flat parts (4) joined in a median plane of each package are in one and the same plane, said variant being characterised in that each first panel (10) is capable of being applied against two walls of the two packages disposed as extensions of one another, with the first partitions (11) attached to said first panels disposed above the first inclined parts of the two packages, while the second panels (12) of the device are capable of being applied respectively against the wall (5) of each package parallel to those which are applied one against the other, with the adjoining tongues (14) engaged respectively between the corresponding first (3) and second (6) parts of the package.
3. A gripping device of a semi-rigid material such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard for two or three packages (1), in the form of a right prism of square section, said package(s) being of the type comprising two first parallel lateral walls (2), two second parallel lateral walls (5), and an upper part forming a roof comprising two first, inclined parts (3), connected respectively to the first two lateral walls (2) via two parallel fold lines and to two flat parts (4) joined together in a median plane of the package parallel to said first two lateral walls (2) via two fold lines parallel to said walls, while the second two lateral walls (5) are adjoined, via a fold line perpendicular to those previously mentioned, by two second parts forming gussets (6), folded beneath the first parts (3), this device being made from a single blank of the semi-rigid material suitably cut and back-folded and being designed for a batch of two or three packages aligned in a row with their contiguous walls in contact with one another, while the walls perpendicular to those previously mentioned are disposed respectively as extensions of one another in two parallel planes, with the flat parts (4) joined in a median plane of each package disposed perpendicularly to those of the contiguous package(s), with the proviso that, where there are three packages, the flat parts (4) of the central package should be parallel to the contiguous walls, said device being characterised in that it comprises two first panels (20, 30), capable of being applied respectively against the walls disposed as extensions of one another in two parallel planes, and two second panels (22, 32), hinged to one of the first panels (20, 30) via fold lines and capable of being applied respectively against the free faces of the second walls (5) of the packages of the batch disposed at the ends of the row, two strips (23, 33) attached laterally to said second panels (22, 32) or to the first panel (20, 30) not attached thereto ensuring the firm connection by adhesion of these second panels and this first panel, two first tongues (24', 34') hinged via fold lines to the first panels (20, 30) being capable of engaging respectively between the first and second parts (3, 6) of a package of the batch of which the flat parts (4) joined in a median plane are disposed perpendicularly to said first panels (20, 30), while a second tongue (24, 34), hinged by a fold line to the one (22) or both (32) second panels, is capable of engaging between the first and second parts (3, 6) of the package(s) contiguous with that previously mentioned, inclined partitions (21, 31) hinged to the first panels and to one another via parallel fold lines being capable of being positioned above the first inclined parts (3) of said contiguous package(s).
4. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the tongues (14, 24, 24', 34, 34') are triangular in form.
5. A device according to claim 4, characterised in that each triangular tongue (14, 24, 24', 34, 34') laterally adjoins via fold lines parts (15, 25, 25', 35, 35') separated by a slit (16, 26, 26', 36, 36') and capable of being erected so as to be applied against the upper part of the gussets (6) of the packages in which they are engaged.
6. A device according to one of the preceding claims, designed for a package comprising a cap which projects laterally from one of the first parts (3) of the package, characterised in that a cutout is formed for the passage of said cap in the inclined partition (11, 21, 31) of the device disposed opposite this cap.
7. A device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that gripping cutouts are formed in inclined partitions (11, 21, 31) of the device.

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