EP4067249B1 - Packaging with suspension - Google Patents

Description

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of packaging. It relates, more particularly, to suspension packaging for a portable object such as a timepiece, piece of jewelry, electronics (for example a cell phone) or the like.

State of the art

The document DE202019105255U describes a suspension package having a simple construction. This packaging comprises a cardboard support element to which a sheet of elastic paper is glued, on a first surface, via two lines of glue provided along the edges of the elastic paper. The supporting element is provided with two fold lines which extend parallel to the glue lines and are located between the latter. An object is placed on the surface of the carrier member between the glue lines and below the elastic paper, and then the carrier member is folded along the folding lines so as to bend the carrier member in one direction opposite to elastic paper. In doing so, the latter is stretched and serves to support the object against the supporting element and thus to suspend the object. Additional folding lines, which are orthogonal to those already mentioned, can also be provided in order to better support the object in the other direction. The assembly can subsequently be placed in a cardboard box or similar for storage and/or shipping.

However, this arrangement can be improved in terms of the protection given to the object when the packaging is placed in a box, and is not at all suitable for being placed on a surface to present the object, which must therefore necessarily be removed from the packaging and placed on an ad hoc support.

The documents US2015/266642A1 And DE20217626U1 illustrate classic support elements.

The aim of the invention is therefore to propose a suspension packaging in which the aforementioned defects are at least partially overcome.

Disclosure of the invention

• un élément porteur, par exemple en carton ou en matière plastique, s'étendant le long d'un axe principal et muni d'une première et d'une deuxième lignes de pliage s'étendant orthogonalement audit axe principal afin de définir une première section, une deuxième section et une troisième section, les deuxième et troisième sections étant agencées de part et d'autre de ladite première section, considérée le long de l'axe principal. En d'autres termes, les deux lignes de pliage définissent une séquence de sections dont la première se trouve entre la deuxième et la troisième ;
• une pellicule élastique, par exemple en polyéthylène, polyuréthane, papier élastique ou similaire, montée sur ledit élément porteur de telle sorte à s'étendre sur la première section, sur au moins une partie de ladite deuxième section ainsi que sur au moins une partie de ladite troisième section, ladite pellicule élastique étant agencée pour soutenir un objet tel qu'une montre, une pièce de joaillerie, une pièce de bijouterie, une pièce d'électronique tel qu'un téléphone portable ou similaire, contre ledit élément porteur lorsque ce dernier est plié le long de ladite première et ladite deuxième lignes de pliage selon une direction opposée audit objet.

More precisely, the invention relates to packaging as defined by claim 1. This packaging comprises:

• a supporting element, for example made of cardboard or plastic, extending along a main axis and provided with a first and a second folding lines extending orthogonally to said main axis in order to define a first section , a second section and a third section, the second and third sections being arranged on either side of said first section, considered along the main axis. In other words, the two fold lines define a sequence of sections, the first of which is between the second and the third;
• an elastic film, for example made of polyethylene, polyurethane, elastic paper or the like, mounted on said supporting element so as to extend over the first section, over at least part of said second section as well as over at least part of said third section, said elastic film being arranged to support an object such as a watch, a piece of jewelry, a piece of jewelry, a piece of electronics such as a mobile telephone or the like, against said carrying element when the latter is folded along said first and said second fold lines in a direction opposite to said object.

According to the invention, said first section, said second section and said third section are shaped such that, by fixing the end of said second section to the end of the third section by ad hoc means (for example by a clip, adhesive tape, glue, Velcro or the like), said packaging adopts a prismatic configuration with a triangular section.

By these means, the packaging is self-supporting in its service state, and can be used to present the object in a window, on a counter or the like. For the remainder, the configuration of the packaging, in its operating state, can be placed in a box made of cardboard, plastic, metal or similar, sized such that the first section fits on a diagonal of the box, which allows the object to be stored and/or shipped in such a way that it is well protected from impacts, etc. To present an object stored in this way, simply remove the packaging from the box and place it on a surface, without any need to remove it from the packaging.

Advantageously, said supporting element also comprises a pair of oblique folding lines each extending from a respective starting point located on the respective lateral edge of said third section to a respective cutout made in the respective edge of said second section, said lines oblique folding paths approaching each other in the direction of said second section. In doing so, the oblique folding lines define triangular side wings, which allow the user to fold these side wings towards each other when the supporting element is flat. The elastic film is thus released, which facilitates insertion of the object. Since the oblique fold lines extend into the second and third sections, when the package is folded into its service state, the first and second fold lines lock the side wings in position while preventing folding along the sides. oblique fold lines.

Advantageously, said elastic film extends between said starting points and said cutouts.

Advantageously, each of said respective cutouts has a triangular shape.

Advantageously, the packaging further comprises a fixing tab connected to a first of said second section and said third section via a third folding line extending orthogonally to said main axis, said fixing tab being arranged to be attached to a second of said second section and said third section, for example by means of glue, adhesive tape, Velcro, a rivet or the like.

Advantageously, said elastic film takes the form of a tubular sleeve, which can be glued to a first face of said supporting element. Alternatively, said carrying element can simply be located inside of said elastic film in the form of a tubular sleeve, which avoids any use of glue or the like.

Advantageously, said first section comprises a plurality of cutouts radiating from a common point as well as a plurality of additional fold lines connecting the ends of the adjacent cutouts. In doing so, the flexibility thus given to the area of the first section delimited by the additional folding lines serves as a seat for the object, improving its retention in position. This is particularly advantageous in combination with an elastic film in the form of a cover glued to the first surface of the carrier element.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising packaging, as defined above, as well as a box shaped such that, when said packaging is in its operating state and is placed in said box, the first section of said element carrier fits on a diagonal of said box.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figure 1 est une vue isométrique d'un mode de réalisation d'un emballage selon l'invention, en état à plat ;
• Figure 2 est une vue isométrique de l'emballage de la figure 1, les ailes latérales ayant été repliées pour faciliter l'insertion d'un objet ;
• Figure 3 est une vue isométrique de l'emballage de la figure 1 en état de service ;
• Figure 4 est une vue latérale de l'emballage de la figure 1 dans sa position de service ;
• Figures 5a à 5d sont des vues schématiques en section transversale illustrant diverses variantes pour le montage de la pellicule élastique sur l'élément porteur ; et
• Figure 6 est une vue isométrique de l'emballage de la figure 1 disposé dans une boite.

Other details of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description which follows, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of packaging according to the invention, in a flat state;
• Figure 2 is an isometric view of the packaging of the figure 1 , the side wings having been folded to facilitate the insertion of an object;
• Figure 3 is an isometric view of the packaging of the figure 1 in working order;
• Figure 4 is a side view of the packaging of the figure 1 in his position of service;
• Figures 5a to 5d are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating various variants for mounting the elastic film on the carrier element; And
• Figure 6 is an isometric view of the packaging of the figure 1 placed in a box.

Modes of carrying out the invention

THE figures 1 to 4 illustrate a packaging 1 according to the invention, which comprises a carrier element 3, made of cardboard, a plastic plate or the like, extending along a main axis A. The material chosen for the carrier element has sufficient stiffness and mechanical resistance to support a desired object, such as a watch, a piece of jewelry, a piece of jewelry, a piece of electronics (such as a cell phone, Smartwatch, etc.) or the like, but other objects are of course possible, in particular products with high added value and/or fragile products. An elastic film 7 is mounted on the carrier element 3 in order to support the object 5 against the carrier element 3, and is made of elastic paper, polyethylene, polyurethane or the like.

Several possibilities for the configuration and assembly of the elastic film 7 are possible, and are illustrated schematically on the figures 5a to 5d through schematic representations of sections along line BB.

In the embodiment illustrated on the figures 1 And 4 , and represented on the figure 5a , the elastic film 7 takes the form of a tubular sleeve, which is laid flat and is glued by means of lines of glue 9 around its periphery on a first face of the supporting element 3 (that visible on the figure 1 , which is the front face intended to be visible in the service position), the width of the sleeve 7 being equal to or less than that of the carrying element. One of the ends of the tubular sleeve can be closed, the other being open in order to allow the introduction of the object 5, but it is also possible for both ends to be open. A particular advantage of this configuration is that any contact between the object 5 and the carrier element 3 can be avoided.

Alternatively, and as illustrated by figure 5b , the carrier element can be inserted into an elastic film 7 in the form of a sleeve, the internal width of the latter being preferably chosen to correspond substantially to the width of the carrier element 3, so that, in the state of the figure 1 , film 7 is slightly stretched. In such a case, the sleeve may be shorter than the carrying element 3, or alternatively may be longer than the carrying element 3. In the latter case, it can be hermetically closed at its two ends after introduction of the object 5, in order to protect it from the atmosphere.

Again alternatively, the figure 5c illustrates a variant in which the elastic film 7 is a simple film having a width equal to or less than that of the supporting element 3, and is stuck to said first face of the latter at least along its edges which are parallel to the main axis A, leaving at least one of the other edges free in order to allow the insertion of the object 5.

Finally, the figure 5d illustrates a variant with a simple elastic film 7, the latter having a width greater than that of the carrying element 3. In this configuration, the edges of the elastic film 7, which are parallel to the main axis A, are folded around the supporting element 3 and glued on its second face by means of glue lines 9 extending parallel to said axis A.

• une première section 3a, contre la première face sur laquelle est destiné à être placé l'objet 5 ;
• une deuxième section 3b, séparée de la première section 3a par l'intermédiaire d'une première ligne de pliage 11a s'étendant substantiellement perpendiculaire à l'axe principal A ; et
• une troisième section 3c, séparée de la première section 3a par l'intermédiaire d'une deuxième ligne de pliage 11a s'étendant également substantiellement perpendiculaire à l'axe principal A, les deuxième 3b et troisième 3c sections se situant de part et d'autre de la première section 3a, considérée le long de l'axe principal A.

To return to the supporting element, the latter is divided into three main sections, arranged to allow the packaging 1 to be folded to take the shape of a prism of triangular section, as illustrated in the figures 3 And 4 . These sections include:

• a first section 3a, against the first face on which the object 5 is intended to be placed;
• a second section 3b, separated from the first section 3a via a first folding line 11a extending substantially perpendicular to the main axis A; And
• a third section 3c, separated from the first section 3a via a second folding line 11a also extending substantially perpendicular to the main axis A, the second 3b and third 3c sections being located on either side other of the first section 3a, considered along the main axis A.

Each of the folding lines 11a, 11b is defined by a continuous or interrupted line, stamped or engraved, in order to thin the material of the supporting element 3 at the corresponding locations, and is located below the elastic film 7, for reasons which will appear below. Alternatively, the fold lines 11a, 11b can be formed by lines of perforations or embossed dots.

By these means, by folding the packaging 1 along the folding lines 11a, 11b, in a direction against said first surface, it can adopt a prismatic configuration with a triangular section, called "service state", as illustrate the figures 3 And 4 . In doing so, the third section 3b acts as a foot, the second section 3b acts as a rear wall and the first section 3a is positioned obliquely to the vertical, the object 5 thus being presented to an observer through the elastic film 7, which is preferably substantially transparent for this purpose. The angle of the rear wall 3b relative to the first section 3a can be chosen ad hoc according to needs. For example, the triangular section of the prismatic shape can be isosceles, at right angles (in which case the rear wall 3b is typically vertical when the packaging is placed on a horizontal surface on its foot 3c) or irregular. Of course, the third section 3c can act as a foot and the second section 3b can constitute the rear wall of the packaging 1 in the service position.

For the rest, and as illustrated by Figure 6 , the packaging 1 can be placed in its operating state inside a box 19 made of cardboard, plastic, metal or the like, shaped in such a way that the first section 3a fits with clearance along a diagonal of the box 19, which protects the object 5 during shipping and/or storage. In order to present the object 5, simply remove the packaging 1 from the box 19 and place it on a surface, for example in a window or the like. Consequently, there is no need to remove the object 5 from the packaging to present it, and the film 7 continuously protects it.

In order to maintain packaging 1 in its operating condition, various means can be provided. In the illustrated variant, a fixing tab 3d is provided, connected to the third section 3c of the supporting element 3 and separated from the latter by a third folding line 11c. This 3d fixing tab can be attached to the free end of the second section 3b via a fixing means such as glue, double-sided adhesive tape, a Velcro fastener, one or more rivets, a clip or similar.

However, other configurations are possible. For example the fixing tab 3d can be provided connected to the second section 3b instead of the third 3c, in which case it is fixed to the latter by said fixing means.

Still alternatively, the 3d fixing tab may be omitted, and an ad hoc clip, adhesive tape or the like may be used to attach the free ends of the supporting member to each other.

When the free ends of the second 3b and third 3c sections are attached to each other, the packaging 1 is thus self-supporting.

Advantageously, the supporting element 3 of the illustrated embodiment also comprises two oblique folding lines 13a, 13b, arranged symmetrically with respect to the main axis A, and extending from respective starting points 12a, 12b located on the outer edges of the third section and ending at the edges of a pair of cutouts 15a, 15b provided in the respective side edges of the second section 3b. For this purpose, the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b approach towards the cutouts 15a, 15b. In the illustrated embodiment, the cutouts are triangular, but they can take other shapes, for example simple slots formed by cutting the material of the supporting element 3. The angle made between the extension of the two fold lines obliques 13a, 13b vary according to the dimensions of the carrying element 3 and the object 5, but is preferably between 5° and 45°, more preferably between 10° and 25°, more preferably between 10° and 15° °.

The starting points 12a, 12b of the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b in the third section 3c may correspond to the end of the elastic film 7, but this is not obligatory. Furthermore, the distance between said starting points and the second folding line 13b can be substantially equal to that between said edges of the cutouts 15a, 15b and the first folding line 11a, but this is not obligatory either, the skilled person can arrange the fold lines as well as the extent of the elastic film 7 according to his needs.

Thanks to the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b, two side wings 15a, 15b are defined. By folding these two wings 15a, 15b upwards, that is to say to make the first face of the carrying element 3 concave, the tension of the film 7 is released, in order to facilitate the insertion of the object between the latter and the supporting element, see the figure 2 . In the case where the carrying element 5 is a tubular sleeve, it is of course open at its end located near the cutouts 15a, 15b (that is to say in the second section 3b) to allow the insertion of the object 5, and may or may not be closed at its end located near the starting points 12a, 12b (that is to say in the third section 3c). In the case where the carrier element 5 is a simple film, it is not glued at its end located near the cutouts 15a, 15b (that is to say in the second section 3b) to allow the insertion of the object 5, and may or may not be stuck to the supporting element at its end located near the starting points 12a, 12b (that is to say in the third section 3c).

Subsequently, by placing the side wings 15a, 15b flat and folding the supporting element 3 along the first and second folding lines 11a, 11b in the direction of the second face of the supporting element 3 (this i.e. down on the figures 1 and 2 ), packaging 1 can be brought into its operating state. Since the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b extend into the second and third sections 3b, 3c, when the packaging 1 is folded in its service state, the folding lines 11a, 11b block the side wings 15a, 15b in preventing any folding along the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b. Of course, it is possible to reverse the arrangement of the oblique folding lines 13a, 13b, such that they approach towards the third section 3c.

In order to better support and position the object 5, the first section can be provided with a plurality of cutouts 21 arranged in a star shape radiating from a common point 21a, the outer ends of the cutouts 21 (i.e. the ends distant from the common point 21a) being connected by additional folding lines 23 which together define a polygonal shape, each folding line 23 connecting the outer ends of two adjacent cutouts 21. The shape of this polygon can, of course, be adapted to that of the object, and therefore does not have to be regular. In this way, when the object 5 is positioned on this arrangement of cutouts 21 and the packaging 1 is brought into its service state ( figures 3 And 4 ), the flexibility conferred by the cutouts 21 and the folding lines 23 forms a recessed area serving as a seat, helping to hold the object 5 in place. However, such an arrangement is not obligatory and may be omitted.

Finally, the supporting element 3 can be provided with an ad hoc coloring or marking used to indicate to the user the correct folding direction to put the packaging in its operating state.

Although the invention has been previously described in connection with specific embodiments, other additional variants are also possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims (10)

1. Packaging (1) comprising:

   - a bearing element (3) extending along a main axis (A) and provided with a first fold line (11a) and a second fold line (11b) which extend orthogonally to said main axis (A) in order to define a first section (3a), as well as a second section (3b) and a third section (3c) arranged on either side of said first section (3a);

   - a resilient film (7) mounted on said bearing element (3) such as to extend over said first section (3a), over at least a portion of said second section (3b) as well as over at least a portion of said third section (3c), said resilient film (7) being arranged to support an object (5) against said bearing element (3) when said bearing element (3) is folded along said first fold line (11a) and said second fold line (11b) in a direction opposite said object;

   characterized in that said first section (3a), said second section (3b), and said third section (3c) are conformed such that, by fastening the end of said second section (3b) to the end of the third section (3c), said packaging (1) can adopt a prismatic configuration with a triangular cross-section.
2. Packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said bearing element (3) comprises a pair of oblique fold lines (13a, 13b) each extending from a respective starting point located on a respective side edge of said third section (3c) to a respective cutout (15a, 15b) made in a respective edge of said second section (3b), said oblique fold lines (13a, 13b) approaching each other toward said second section (3b).
3. Packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said resilient film (7) extends between said starting points (12a, 12b) and said cutouts (15a, 15b).
4. Packaging (1) according to one of claims 2 or 3, wherein each of said respective cutouts (15a, 15b) has a triangular shape.
5. Packaging (1) according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a fastening tab (3d) connected to a first of said second section (3a) and said third section (3b) via a third fold line (11 c) extending orthogonally to said main axis (A), said fastening tab (3d) being arranged to be attached to a second of said second section (3b) and said third section (3c).
6. Packaging (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said resilient film (7) takes the shape of a tubular enveloppe.
7. Packaging (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said resilient film (7) is bonded to a first face of said bearing element (3).
8. Packaging (1) according to claim 6, wherein said bearing element (3) is located inside said resilient film (7).
9. Packaging (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said first section (3a) comprises a plurality of cutouts (21) radiating from a common point (21a) as well as a plurality of additional fold lines (23) connecting the ends of said adjacent cutouts (21).
10. Assembly comprising a packaging (1) according to any of the preceding claims as well as a box (19) conformed such that, when said packaging (1) is in its service state and is placed in said box, the first section (3a) of said bearing element enters a diagonal of said box (19).

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