EP1584565B1 - Package for an object - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has an outer envelope (110) comprising a double wall (170) to reinforce structure of the envelope, a part forming a base and an opening. The double wall has side walls (171) equipped with an upper edge (173) and a base (172). A cordon (160) is placed between a support and the envelope. The cordon displaces an article (180) relative to the envelope between top and bottom positions.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for packaging an article, in particular a container containing a cosmetic product. The device is in the form of a box provided with an outer envelope having side walls, a bottom and an opening.

To facilitate access to a product contained in a box, it is known from US 2,361,984, to use a telescopic box formed in two parts that can slide relative to each other. This document describes in particular a box which comprises, on the one hand, a bottom and lower side walls and, on the other hand, upper side walls defining an opening for access to the product contained in a box. The upper side walls can slide on the lower side walls so as to bring the opening of the bottom and thus facilitate access to the product. However, the side walls of the box being formed in two parts movable relative to each other, they may detach from one another. Such a configuration does not allow for packaging that reliably protects an article that would be contained therein.

On the other hand, the box described in this document is conventionally closed by a closure panel which has a projecting lug for insertion into the box. To open the box, it is necessary to lift the closure panel, on the side of the protruding tab.

There are other types of closure that generate other gestures for their opening. Document US Pat. No. 1,323,335 describes, for example, a box formed by a receptacle provided with a bottom and side walls delimiting an opening. A cover having a transverse wall and four edges is fitted on the receptacle to close the opening. A cord is disposed within the receptacle, under the lid so that when pulling on either side of the cord, the lid can be lifted away from the receptacle. It is then necessary to grasp the lid to completely disengage the receptacle to clear the opening of the receptacle. Such a configuration only allows you to start opening the box. It is then necessary to grasp the lid to lift it and then dive your hand into the receptacle to grasp the item.

US 2,997,163 and US 5,819,944 disclose a box containing articles, including a stack of cigarettes or lozenges. A band surrounds the objects, the band having a first end fixed in the box and a second end accessible from the outside of the box. The second end is intended to be grasped and pulled so that, as objects are removed from the box, the remaining objects are brought near the opening of the box.

The boxes described in US 2,997,163 and US 5,819,944 are conventionally closed by a closure panel that must be lifted to open the box.

US 6,634,921 discloses a cylindrical shell, open at its ends, containing a stack of gas-filled bullets. A band surrounds the bales, the band having a first end fixed in the envelope and a second end accessible from the outside of the envelope. The second end is intended to be gripped and pulled so that as balls are removed from the envelope, bring the remaining bullets near the opening of the envelope. The envelope has no means of closing its ends so that the balls are not protected.

US 5,927,009 describes a support formed of several open cells each containing plants. A U-shaped support is placed under the plants and has a horizontal shoulder accessible from the outside. To easily remove the plant from the box, the user grasps the shoulder of the support and lifts the assembly. The cells are not intended to be closed so that the plants are not protected.

WO93 / 01995 discloses a cylindrical shell, open at its upper end, containing a solid food product. A band is provided to take the product out of the envelope. The band extends inside the envelope, under the product and extends outside the envelope to its bottom. The band meets under the bottom of the envelope forming a handle. To release the product from the envelope, the handle is moved away from the envelope so that the band inside the envelope moves toward the opening by lifting the product. Again, no means of closure is provided at the upper end of the envelope to protect the product.

Also, is it an object of the invention to provide a device for packaging an article that does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

It is in particular an object of the invention to provide such a device which makes it possible to correctly protect the article which it conditions.

It is also another object of the invention to provide a packaging device that facilitates access to the article that it conditions.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide a device that generates a new gesture for its opening.

• des parois latérales ;
• une partie formant un fond ;
• une ouverture ;
• des moyens de fermeture prévus pour obturer l'ouverture ;

le dispositif comportant en outre des moyens aptes à déplacer l'article à l'intérieur de l'enveloppe, relativement au fond, en direction de l'ouverture ce qui provoque l'ouverture des moyens de fermeture.According to the invention, these objects can be achieved by providing a device for packaging an article comprising an outer envelope comprising at least:

• side walls;
• a part forming a bottom;
• an opening ;
• closure means for closing the opening;

the device further comprising means capable of moving the article inside the envelope, relative to the bottom, towards the opening which causes the opening of the closing means.

Approaching the article of the opening, it thus facilitates its grip. In addition, by performing a single gesture, the user can both open the outer envelope and move the article towards the opening.

The means for moving the article may comprise a cord partly disposed inside the envelope in such a way that the movement of the cord is able to move the article relative to the envelope between a low position and a position. high.

The device may further comprise a support for the article partly disposed inside the envelope, the cord being able to be placed under the support in such a way that the displacement of the cord is able to move the support relative to the envelope between a low position and a high position.

The support can be configured in such a way that it is able to move the closing means when it moves from the low position to the high position so as to clear the opening of the envelope. By performing a single gesture, the user can both open the outer envelope and move the article towards the opening.

The cord can be flat like a ribbon. The surface of the cord in contact with the support is thus relatively large so that the cord has a good grip to lift the support.

Both ends of the cord can lead to the outside of the envelope by passages whose shape is adapted to the section of the cord. When the cord is flat, the passages are for example in the form of a slot.

The cord has a length such that its two ends can be fixed, in particular knotted, to one another so as to maintain the means closing in the closed position. It is obvious that the two ends of the cord could be fixed to each other by any other means, in particular by a hooking system Velcro type, by a clamp, by repositionable adhesive, or by stapling .

Alternatively, the cord may be shorter and serve only to move the support. Any other means can then be provided to maintain the closure means in the closed position.

The support may include a bottom wall for carrying the article. The support may further comprise at least two opposite side walls relative to the bottom wall. Preferably, it has four side walls.

The device may further comprise means for maintaining the support in the high position. The means for maintaining the support in the high position may be holding tabs formed on the support adapted to abut against a portion of the envelope in the high position. Alternatively or in addition, the support can be maintained in the high position by virtue of the fact that its side walls are fitted into the envelope, the support being thus maintained thanks to the friction between its side walls and the envelope. Alternatively, the side panels of the envelope may have notches in which the cord can be stuck.

• la figure 1 illustre une vue en perspective d'un premier mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de conditionnement d'un article selon l'invention, en position fermée ;
• la figure 2 illustre une vue en perspective du dispositif de conditionnement de la figure 1, en cours d'ouverture ;
• la figure 3 illustre une vue en perspective du dispositif de conditionnement de la figure 1, en position ouverte ;
• les figures 4 à 6 représentent, respectivement, les coupes IV à VI des figures 1 à 3 ;
• la figure 7 représente l'enveloppe extérieure du dispositif de la figure 1 en position dépliée ;
• la figure 8 représente le support du dispositif de la figure 1 en position dépliée ;
• la figure 9 représente en coupe un deuxième mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de conditionnement d'un article selon l'invention, en position fermée ;
• la figure 10 représente en coupe le dispositif de la figure 9 en position ouverte ;
• la figure 11 représente l'enveloppe extérieure du dispositif de la figure 9 en position dépliée ;
• la figure 12 représente le support du dispositif de la figure 9 en position dépliée ;
• la figure 13 représente une double paroi de l'enveloppe extérieure du dispositif de la figure 9, en position dépliée ; et
• les figures 14 à 19 illustrent des variantes de réalisation du dispositif selon l'invention.

The invention consists, apart from the arrangements set out above, in a certain number of other arrangements which will be explained below, with reference to nonlimiting exemplary embodiments, described with reference to the appended figures, among which:

• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a device for packaging an article according to the invention, in the closed position;
• Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging device of Figure 1, being opened;
• Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the conditioning device of Figure 1, in the open position;
• Figures 4 to 6 show, respectively, sections IV to VI of Figures 1 to 3;
• Figure 7 shows the outer casing of the device of Figure 1 in the unfolded position;
• Figure 8 shows the support of the device of Figure 1 in the unfolded position;
• Figure 9 shows in section a second embodiment of a device for packaging an article according to the invention, in the closed position;
• Figure 10 shows in section the device of Figure 9 in the open position;
• Figure 11 shows the outer casing of the device of Figure 9 in the unfolded position;
• Figure 12 shows the support of the device of Figure 9 in the unfolded position;
• Figure 13 shows a double wall of the outer casing of the device of Figure 9, in the unfolded position; and
• Figures 14 to 19 illustrate alternative embodiments of the device according to the invention.

The packaging device illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 is in the form of a parallelepiped box, and more specifically cubic, the box being intended to condition an article 80 constituted, in the example shown, by a sphere. The box comprises an outer casing 10 containing a support 20 for the article adapted to move relative to the casing between a low position and a high position.

The outer envelope 10 is made by folding and cutting a blank of a sheet material, illustrated in Figure 7, for example cardboard, possibly plasticized and coated with an external decoration.

The outer casing 10 has four identical panels 11 arranged linearly and separated in pairs by parallel fold lines 31, the panels 11 being intended to form the side walls of the envelope 10. The envelope 10 further comprises a fifth panel 12, separated from one of the four other panels 11 by a fold line 32 perpendicular to the fold lines 31, this fifth panel being intended to form the bottom of the envelope 10.

A first assembly strip 13 is formed on the side of the panel 11 located at a first end of the blank to which it is connected by a fold line 33, parallel to the fold lines 31 separating the different panels. This joining strip 13 is intended to be glued to the panel 11 located at the end of the blank opposite the first end to form the outer envelope, after folding the blank around the fold lines 31 so as to obtain a parallelepipedal sheath as shown in Figure 1.

A second assembly strip 14 is provided in the extension of the panel 12 forming the bottom, opposite the end fold line 32. The second assembly strip 14 is connected to the panel 12 by a fold line 34. This second assembly strip 14 is also intended to be glued, after folding, to the panel 11 on which the first assembly strip 13 is glued. Alternatively, the assembly strip 14 may not be glued but simply introduced. in the sheath as in a classic case.

In the assembled position, the outer envelope 10 has an opening 18, opposite the bottom 12.

In the illustrated example, the opening 18 of the envelope 10 may be closed by a closure device comprising four flaps 15 formed in the extension of each panel 11.

The flaps 15 are formed on the opposite side to the panel 12 for forming the bottom. The flaps 15 have the shape of an isosceles triangle and are connected to the panels 11, at their base, by fold lines 35. The flaps 15 are, in the folded position, intended to come close the opening 18 of the box. In the closed position, each side of a flap is in contact with the side of the flap which is contiguous to it so that the flaps 15 completely cover the opening 18 of the box, as seen in Figure 1.

Each triangular flap 15 further comprises two lugs 15a and 15b on each of its sides. The tabs 15a and 15b are connected to one side of the triangle by a fold line 36, the tabs 15a and 15b being intended to enter the box in the closed position while they form a 90 ° angle with the flaps 15. The legs are rounded to simulate the opening of a flower when opening the box.

Two side panels 11 intended to be opposite in the assembled position of the box each further comprise a slot 50 whose function will be described later.

Two tabs 16 forming a lever are also formed in the extension of the two side panels 11 which surround the one carrying the bottom 12. The tabs 16 forming a lever are connected to the panel 11 by a fold line 37. The tabs 16 extend from the fold line 37 to a free edge 16a for a length less than the height of the side panels 11, as seen in Figure 9. Preferably, the tabs have a width which decreases from the fold line 37 to at the free edge 16a. In the assembled position of the box, each tab 16 forms an acute angle with the panel 11 to which it is connected so that they can bear on the support 20.

Support 20 for article 80 is made by folding and cutting a blank into a sheet material, illustrated in FIG. 8, for example, cardboard. The support 20 comprises four identical panels 21, again arranged in a linear manner, the panels 21 being intended to form the lateral walls of the support 20. The four panels 21 are connected together at their base by fold lines 41, on only part of their height in such a way that they are separated by spaces 42 which allows them to move freely relative to each other. In particular, these spaces allow two panels 21, opposite in the assembled position, to deviate from each other in the upper position of the support. One of the end panels 21 has an assembly tab 25 to be glued to the other end panel 21. Preferably, two opposing panels 21 are stiffer than the others so as to improve the guiding of the end panel 21. support in the envelope. We can for example make these more rigid panels by doubling their thickness.

It is not beyond the scope of the invention by making panels 21 connected to each other over their entire height, with no space between them.

The support 20 further comprises a fifth panel 22, separated from one of the other four panels 21 by a fold line 43, this fifth panel being intended to form the bottom of the support 20. This panel 22 comprises an assembly strip 23 on its side opposite to the fold line 43, the assembly strip being connected to the panel 22 by a fold line 44. This assembly strip 23 is intended to be glued to a panel 21 located opposite the panel 21 to which it is connected, in an assembled position. Alternatively, the assembly strip 23 may not be glued but may be simply positioned facing the panel 21. Alternatively again, it may be provided that the panel 22 has an assembly tab 23 on each of its edges, each lug 23 then being glued, or disposed opposite each of the other three panels 21. This last variant is particularly suitable for a support for carrying a relatively heavy article.

Each panel 21 is connected by a fold line 45 to a holding tab 24 which is folded outwardly of the support, towards the bottom 22, so as to form an acute angle with the panel 21 to which it is connected.

The box further comprises means 60 able to move the article 80 inside the envelope, relative to the bottom 12, in the direction of the opening 18.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6, the means for moving the article comprise a bead 60. The bead 60 is placed inside the envelope, between the support 20 and the envelope 10. In particular , the cord 60 extends under the bottom 22 of the support 20, and opens out of the envelope through the slots 50. The slots 50 being opposite to one another in the envelope, the cord 60 extends under a good part of the bottom of the support. In addition, each slot 50 is centered on the width of the panel 11, so that the bead extends substantially in the middle of the support. The slots 50 are also located at a height less than the height of the free edge 16a of the lever tabs, the latter serve as lever arm for the cord 60 which abuts on it.

In the example shown, the cord 60 is flat so that it has a relatively large surface in contact with the support which allows it to have a good grip to lift it. It is preferably relatively flexible, at least along its length, to fit the contour of the support and pass through the slots. For example, a cord of woven material will be used.

The two ends 61 and 62 of the cord open out of the casing over a sufficiently large length, on the one hand, to be seized by the user and, secondly, to be fixed to one another, especially knotted, above the lid. The cord 60 thus knotted keeps the flaps 15 in the closed position.

Instead of using the cord to hold the flaps in the closed position, it is alternatively possible to provide a chip which is glued to the tips of each flap, as illustrated in FIG. 19, the cord then having the sole function of lift the support.

In the closed position of the device illustrated in Figures 1 and 4, the flaps 15 of the cover completely cover the opening 18 of the box. The bottom 22 of the support 20 is substantially in contact with the bottom 12 of the envelope, a portion of the cord being located between the two funds. The cord 60 then runs along two opposite side panels 21 of the support to the free edge 16a of the legs 16 forming a lever, then down to cross each slot 50 which they open before passing over the box. The two ends 61 and 62 of the cord are knotted above the box, on the flaps 15.

To open the device, the user grasps the ends 61 and 62 of the cord and undoes the node. He can then pull on each end at the same time, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 2 and 5, so as to lift the support 20 away from the bottom 12, towards the opening 18. movement, the tabs 16 form a lever so as to facilitate the upward movement of the support without having to exert an excessive action on the cord. During the upward movement of the support, the upper edges of the panels 21, and in particular the fold lines 45, bear on the internal face of the flaps 15 by pushing them in such a way that they open and release the opening 18 of the envelope. Article 80 is then accessible from outside the box. The user can pull the cord and continue to raise the support 20 until the retaining tabs 24 rest on the edge of the flaps 15. The support 20 is then maintained in the latter position called "high position" , illustrated in Figures 3 and 6.

Figures 9 to 12 show a second embodiment of the box illustrated in Figures 1 to 8, the features similar to this first embodiment having received a reference numeral increased by 100.

The packaging device differs mainly from the first embodiment in that the casing 110 comprises a double wall 170. The double wall 170 allows in particular to strengthen the structure of the casing to protect the article. The double wall 170 is made by folding and cutting a blank into a sheet material, illustrated in Figure 13, for example cardboard. The double wall 170 has side walls 171 provided with an upper edge 173 and a bottom 172, the side walls 171 being connected by fold lines to each of the four sides of the bottom 172. Two side walls 171 further comprise strips assemblies 174 to be glued to the side walls which are contiguous to them in the assembled position.

Instead of providing tabs 16 forming a lever on the envelope, this time the double wall 170 is used to form a lever for the cord 160, the cord bearing on the upper edge 173 of the side walls 171 of the double wall 170.

As seen in particular in Figure 12, the support 120 this time has only two retaining tabs 124 formed on the upper edge of two side panels 121, opposite in the assembled position. It is furthermore this time formed from a pre-cut blank in which the four identical panels 121 are not arranged in a linear fashion but formed on each of the four sides of the panel 122 intended to form the bottom. The panels 121 are not interconnected, but it is not beyond the scope of the invention to produce panels interconnected, for example by connecting strips.

Again, to open the device, the user grasps the ends 161 and 162 of the cord 160 and defeats the node. He can then pull on each end at the same time, so as to lift the support 120 away from the bottom 112 of the envelope, in the direction of the opening 118. When the free edge 124a of the holding tabs 124 reaches the axial height of the upper edge 173 of the double wall 170, the legs 124 tend to deviate from their side wall 121 so that their free edge 124a abuts against the upper edge 173 of the side walls so that the support can not go down to the bottom 112 of the envelope.

Different variants can be applied to the embodiments which have just been described.

In particular, instead of providing retaining lugs 24 or 124 to hold the support in the raised position, it is alternatively possible for the support 320 to be positioned sufficiently tightly in the casing 310 so that it does not fall back under the effect of its weight towards the low position. This variant, shown in the up position in Figure 14, is particularly suitable for a support for carrying a relatively light article. Alternatively again, it is possible to provide a notch 451 in each side panel 411 of the envelope which has a slot 450, close to the slot 450 in which it can open, as illustrated in FIG. 451 makes it possible to "wedge" the cord 460 when the support 420 is in the up position.

Instead of using a support formed by a bottom and four side walls, it is alternatively possible to use a support 520, as illustrated in FIG. 16, formed by only two side walls 521 and a bottom 522, or even formed only by a fund.

It is also not within the scope of the invention by using closure means to seal the opening of the envelope different from the triangular flaps 15 and 115. It is possible, for example, to provide a single flap 615, of square shape, connected by a fold line 631 to a single side panel 611 of the envelope, as illustrated in Figure 17. The flap 615 further comprises a lug 615a for housing in the box. It is also possible to use a cover 715 as illustrated in FIG. 18, which caps the side walls 711 of the envelope 710, the cover then being entirely separable from the side walls 711 of the envelope.

Finally, instead of using a cord which opens out of the envelope over a sufficient length to be able to make a node above the closure means, a shorter cord 860 can be provided, as shown in FIG. 19 which is not used to maintain the closing means in the closed position. The ends 861 and 862 of the cord then have a folded predetermined shape which prevents it from entering the inside of the envelope by the slot 850.

For the sake of clarity, no support or article has been shown in Figures 17 to 19.

In the foregoing detailed description, reference has been made to preferred embodiments of the invention. It is obvious that variations can be made without departing from the invention as claimed hereinafter.

Claims (13)

1. Device for packaging an object (80; 180), comprising an outer casing (10; 110) comprising at least:

   - side walls (11; 112);

   - a part forming a base (12; 112);

   - an opening (18; 118);

   - closing means (15; 115) provided to close off the opening (18; 118),

   characterized in that it comprises means (60; 160) able to move the object inside the casing, relative to the base, towards the opening, causing the closing means to open.
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the means (60; 160) for moving the object comprise a cord (60; 160) arranged partly inside the casing in such a way that moving the cord can move the object relative to the casing between a low position and a high position.
3. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a support (20; 120) for the object (80; 180) arranged partly inside the casing and in that the cord (60; 160) is placed under the support in such a way that moving the cord can move the support relative to the casing between a low position and a high position.
4. Device according to Claim 3, characterized in that the support (20; 120) is configured in such a way that it can move the closing means (15; 115) when it goes from the low position to the high position so as to free the opening of the casing.
5. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the cord (60; 160) is flat.
6. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the two ends (61, 62; 161, 162) of the cord (60; 160) emerge outside the casing via passages (50; 150), in particular slots.
7. Device according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the cord has a length such that its two ends (61, 62; 161, 162) can be fixed, in particular tied, to one another so as to keep the closing means (15; 115) in the closed position.
8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (20; 120) comprises a base wall (22; 122) designed to bear the object.
9. Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the support (20; 120) also comprises at least two side walls (21; 121) facing one another relative to the base wall.
10. Device according to any one of Claims 3 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means for holding the support in the high position.
11. Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the support comprises holding tabs (24; 124) designed to come into abutment against a portion of the casing in the high position.
12. Device according to either of Claims 10 and 11, when they depend on Claim 9, characterized in that the side walls (21; 121) of the support (20; 120) are in contact with the side panels (11; 111) of the casing with a sufficiently high degree of friction to hold the support in the high position in the casing.
13. Device according to any one of Claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the side panels (411) of the casing comprise slits (451) in which the cord (460) may be wedged.

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