ES1304291U - REINFORCED CARDBOARD CONTAINER PALLETIZED FOR BULK FRUIT PRODUCTS (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Reinforced cardboard container (40) for bulk horticultural products (61) characterized in that it comprises a body obtained with a single band (20) of double-walled corrugated cardboard, with only three smooth sheets (21) and two corrugated sheets (22) arranged between two of the smooth sheets (21), the two corrugated sheets (22) forming vertical grooves (23) in eight side walls (44, 45, 46) of a lateral contour of the body, where said at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) include two first flat side walls (44) mutually facing each other and two second flat side walls (45) mutually facing each other that delimit four corner areas, and at least four smaller side walls (44, 45, 46). 46), at least one in each of the four corner areas, forming a respective chamfer with respect to one of said first and second adjacent side walls (44, 45), two of the eight side walls (44, 45, 46) being) mutual ends of the folded band (20) mutually joined forming a closed lateral contour, preferably through a connecting side panel (43) as a tab; wherein the eight side walls (44, 45, 46) are serialized by respective vertical folds (42), connecting the side walls (44, 45, 46) to each other, which have a continuous vertical extension from a partially open bottom or closed from the body to an at least partially open upper mouth of the body, where the bottom is configured to be supported on a pallet (70), is perpendicular to the eight side walls (44, 45, 46), and is formed by lower flaps (47, 48) connected to at least the first and second side walls (44, 45) by lower horizontal folds (49), and where the upper mouth is delimited by upper parts of the side walls (44 , 45, 46); where, on an outer side of the lateral contour of each corner zone, each respective outer side of the chamfer positionally delimits a respective outer free space (50), of continuous vertical extension from the bottom to the upper mouth, each free space being (50) accessible from the exterior side of the lateral contour of the body to optionally facilitate the arrangement of an optional column element (60) in each exterior free space (50); where, a single interior volume of the reinforced container (40) delimited by the mouth, the bottom and the side walls (44, 45, 46) is configured to house bulk horticultural products (61), the bottom at least partially supporting the bulk horticultural products (61) and the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) being pushed by the bulk horticultural products (61) causing horizontal expansion forces on the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46); and the reinforced container (40) also comprising at least one reinforcement strip (62) in the face of said elongated expansion efforts, extended and suspended between two side walls (44, 45) mutually facing the lateral contour of the body, the reinforcement strip being (62) retained at two ends thereof, distal (62a) and proximal (62b), by retaining elements (66, 30, 80) arranged on the two mutually facing walls. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

REINFORCED CARDBOARD CONTAINER PALLETIZED PRODUCTS

BULK VEGETABLES

TECHNIQUE SECTOR

The technical field of the present invention is semi-rigid containers with a polygonal cross section, for example, boxes, cardboard containers, formed by folding paper-based sheets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND TECHNICAL PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED

In the utility model document ES1045862U, considered the closest document to the state of the art, it is literally concluded that the utility model provides a container that has been perfected by incorporating tensioning elements suspended between the walls of the container at the which provides mechanical resistance, prevents deformation and at the same time constitutes support elements to be able to divide the container on whose supports it will rest.

Said document ES1045862U proposes a container made of die-cut material, with a rectangular cross-section hollow body, four points 2 arranged in the corners of the interior enclosure of the body to improve the vertical resistance to compression of the container, and retained in such corners by clamps 18 constituted by pairs of horizontal cuts that form sectors on the walls of the body that are diverted towards the interior of the container, and in addition, in combination, the container comprises said transverse tensioning support or support elements (references 6), suspended between the walls and joined by their ends in holes in the walls, the tension and support elements (references 6) having the functionality of supporting / supporting boards 17 for dividing the container into two or more compartments, to contain, for example, bulk products, and having the tension and support elements (references 6) have the functionality of reinforcing the walls or sides of the container, avoiding deformations and unwanted displacements of the walls. Optionally, the board 17 is supported on the upper edges 22 of the clamps 18.

In document ES1045862U, to keep the struts 2 in position, the struts 2 are inserted into the clamps inside the container enclosure, the struts 2 are lowerly retained by corner cutouts 5 of a similar panel 4 additional to the body, and The struts 2 are superiorly retained by fastening corners 19, which are four other additional elements to the body.

Inconveniently, the production cost of the container of document ES1045862U is very high due to the high number of elements that make up the container, and the complex assembly operations associated with such elements: assembly of the four struts 2 inserted through the clamps 18 in the container, and the rest of the elements such as the support braces 6, the compartmentalization board 17 of the container supported by the support braces 6 of the boards 17, as well as the optional elements for retaining the struts: cutouts 5 of the similar board 4 and four fastening corner pieces 19.

Additionally, inconveniently, the production cost of the container of document ES1045862U is very high because these operations are carried out manually, leading to high production times that again cause additional associated production costs, including those derived from the management and storage of the stocks of elements. members of the container, and the manually assembled containers themselves that require a large surface area on the plant floor of the facilities to store the assembled containers, as a lung, very large due to their slow manual assembly, creating a high inconvenient stock of assembled containers to later fill them with bulk product at a filling speed that may be different to the container assembly speed.

On the other hand, document WO2022006222A1 discloses a container 100, 200 for plants in pots or pots, with an arm 112 extended and suspended between two mutually opposite walls, and joined at their ends in openings in the walls, to retain the pots of the plants 200 within the container 100, 200. The container optionally has a plurality of arms 130 for retaining the pots of the plants 200 within the container 100, 200. Refer to Figs. 11-13, 37-41, and 46-47. In document WO2022006222A1 the plant, with its stems and leaves, are housed without being damaged with the retention of the plant pot 200.

Furthermore, again with the functionality of retaining the plant pots 200 inside the container 100, 200, also to the arms 112, 130, the document WO2022006222A1 has elements 132 constituted by pairs of horizontal cuts that form in the walls of the body sectors diverted towards the interior of the container.

Thus, the container of document WO2022006222A1 does not disclose any teaching to improve the resistance of a box full of products, nor does it disclose any teaching for a productive reduction in price of a box, but document WO2022006222A1 very clearly discloses how to protect plants in pots during transport. inside a container, with a solution that retains the pots of 200 plants, so Only the document is cited here to justify that it is a document that is not relevant to the state of the art.

The technical problem to be solved is to increase the resistance of a cardboard container for bulk horticultural products provided supported on a pallet, while at the same time the production costs and polluting emissions associated with the container are reduced.

EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

To solve the drawbacks set out in the previous section, the present invention presents a reinforced cardboard container intended to be palletized and filled with bulk horticultural products.

That is, the reinforced container of the present invention is one that is intended to be supported at a single height on a pallet. In case the container is stacked forming a stack, the stack is formed by reinforced container and pallet assemblies stacked on top of each other.

The object of the present invention is a reinforced container that solves the particular problem of containing bulk horticultural products.

The reinforced container comprises a body obtained from a single die-cut cardboard strip of double-walled corrugated cardboard, with only three smooth sheets and two corrugated sheets arranged between two of the smooth sheets, the two corrugated sheets forming vertical grooves on eight side walls of a lateral contour of the body.

In the lateral contour of the body, said at least eight side walls include two mutually facing first flat side walls and two mutually facing second flat side walls that delimit four corner areas of the reinforced container.

Additionally, said at least eight side walls include at least four smaller side walls, at least one in each of the four corner areas, forming a respective chamfer with respect to one of said first and second adjacent side walls.

That is, in the reinforced container, at least one smaller side wall is sandwiched between each first side wall and each second side wall in each of the four corner areas, as a chamfer.

Optionally, in each of the four corner zones, the chamfer is disposed diagonally with respect to the first and second side walls adjacent to the corner zone.

Preferably, in the reinforced container, the minor side walls are flat and the chamfers are flat.

Optionally, the flat minor side walls and the flat chamfers form a straight diagonal with respect to the adjoining first and second side walls in each corner region.

Alternatively, in the reinforced container, the minor side walls are curved and the chamfers are curved, forming a curved diagonal joining a curved chamfer to the adjoining first and second side walls in each corner zone.

In one option, the at least four minor side walls comprise eight minor side walls, two minor side walls in each of the four corner zones, the lateral contour comprising twelve side walls.

Complementary to the previous option, the two minor side walls of each corner area form a right angle arranged on the exterior side of the interior volume of the body, these two minor side walls forming a right chamfer with respect to the first and second adjacent side walls.

Two of the eight mutually end side walls of the folded strip are joined together forming a closed side contour.

Optionally, the two mutually end side walls of the folded band are mutually joined through a connecting side panel, like a tab.

In the reinforced container, respective vertical folds show, one after the other, the at least eight side walls, connecting them laterally to each other. Vertical folds have a continuous vertical extension from a partially open or closed bottom of the body to an at least partially open top mouth of the body.

That is, in the reinforced container in a stacking situation, the continuity of the side walls and folds ensures that the compression forces (pressures) are transmitted between the upper mouth and the bottom of the reinforced container, distributed by the reinforcement points, as of cardboard pillars, which form said minor reinforcing side walls and said vertical folds delimiting the minor side walls.

Thus, in the present invention, it will be understood that the vertical folds have an extension corresponding to the height of the container, with the folds not having indentations or separations.

Thus, in the present invention, it will be understood that the side walls include at least continuous vertical sectors from the bottom to the upper mouth.

Preferably, some side walls, in addition to the aforementioned continuous vertical sectors, may also include ventilation holes for the product to be contained in other sectors of some of the side walls.

The bottom is intended to be supported on a pallet, is perpendicular to the eight side walls, and is formed by lower flaps connected to at least the first and second side walls by lower horizontal folds.

The upper mouth is delimited by upper parts of the side walls.

On an outer side of the lateral contour of each corner region, each respective outer side of the chamfer positionally delimits a respective outer free space.

Each of the four free spaces are of continuous vertical extension from the bottom to the upper mouth, each free space being accessible from the outer side of the lateral contour of the body to optionally facilitate the provision of an optional column element in each outer free space.

The free spaces optionally enable the provision, in each free space of each corner area, of a respective optional, elongated column element, additional to the body, which has a vertical extension that extends from the bottom to the upper mouth.

That is, the reinforced container may or may not comprise said column elements, depending on the loading demands to which the reinforced container is going to be subjected, for example, according to the needs of the order: product to be contained, handling conditions, and/or storage and/or transportation, etc.

When the reinforced container comprises said column elements, preferably, each of said column elements is a slender piece of constant cross section, either of closed cross section or of open cross section with a V or L shape, etc.

In the event that the reinforced container comprises said column elements, these are preferably made of cardboard or several sheets of paper joined together, that is, of a material with several layers of paper superimposed, therefore including the cases of corrugated cardboard, laminated cardboard. / compact, cardboard, among others.

Alternatively, the column elements may be made of plastic, preferably extruded or injected molding.

In the reinforced container, the mouth, the bottom and the at least eight side walls delimit a single interior volume of the container configured to house bulk horticultural products.

In the reinforced container, the bottom is configured to at least partially support the bulk horticultural products, in cooperation with the pallet on which it is intended to be placed.

In the reinforced container, the at least eight side walls are intended to be pushed by the bulk horticultural products causing horizontal expansion efforts (pressures) on the eight side walls, towards the outside of the lateral contour of the body.

The reinforced container further comprises at least one elongated expansion reinforcement strip, extended and suspended between two mutually facing side walls of the lateral contour of the body. The reinforcing strip is retained by retaining elements at two ends thereof, distal and proximal, arranged on the two mutually facing walls. Thus, each of the two ends of the expansion reinforcement strip are retained by a respective retaining element arranged in a respective side wall where each of the ends are also located.

The container has the advantages described below.

Cardboard is a material that has the advantage of being recyclable and also with a reduced biodegradation time, compared, for example, to the high biodegradation times of plastic materials, including extruded or molded plastic materials, or metallic materials.

Furthermore, corrugated cardboard is attractive for its lightness, compared to containers reinforced with plastic or metal bodies, reducing polluting emissions per kilogram of fruit and vegetable product contained in the container to be transported.

In the reinforced container, the choice of the structure of said double-wall corrugated cardboard, with only five sheets, has the advantage of providing an optimal relationship between the mechanical resistance of the container to that which requires a minimum development of the surface of the band. with which the body is obtained, also enabling the production of the band easily in conventional corrugated cardboard facilities, both due to development measures and the structure of the cardboard, at reduced costs.

Advantageously, as it is obtained from a single cardboard strip, it simplifies stock management for the agent in charge of assembling the reinforced container.

The at least one smaller side wall in each of the four corner zones is smaller in width than the first and second side walls, to strategically arrange these structural pillars that form the chamfers in the corners, while the Development on the cardboard surface is minimal to optimize production costs.

Each of the corner areas, which includes the chamfer delimited by vertical folds, act as cornered vertical pillars of increased resistance, both in the face of vertical compression forces and horizontal expansion forces.

Advantageously, the increased resistance to expansion and the lower deformation of the side walls under expansion stresses is due to the fact that, in the lateral contour of the body, the linear distance between adjacent vertical folds is reduced, thanks to the plurality of vertical folds and a to several smaller side walls of each corner area that act as structural reinforcement piles, as well as the transverse or longitudinal measurement of the first and second walls is reduced, for example, compared to a conventional container with a rectangular lateral contour, free of chamfered reinforcement pillars formed with the constituent band of the body.

Advantageously, the chamfers of the reinforced container, and the plurality of vertical folds in each corner area, make it possible for certain fruit and vegetable products to not need to reinforce the upper mouth with additional flaps/fins that add extra cost to the assembly of the container, due to the development of material and for additional training operations.

The at least partially open mouthpiece has the advantage of providing a minimum development of cardboard for the only constituent band of the body, minimizing production costs of the reinforced container, while maintaining the structural resistance of the reinforced container to resist the forces to which It is submitted in stacking, in combination with the rest of the characteristics of the object of the invention, according to this first aspect.

Advantageously, in the reinforced container, the intentional direction of the grooves of the two corrugated sheets, vertical on the eight side walls, together with the serial configuration of side walls by vertical connecting folds, and the arrangement of the chamfers, synergistically provides a high compression resistance of each reinforced container, that is, to support vertical loads.

Advantageously, the four column elements are optional, that is, depending on the fruit and vegetable product, they may or may not be used, compared to state-of-the-art solutions where the column or strut elements are always necessary to support the vertical loads/pressures/stresses. and horizontal.

Advantageously, in the event that it is necessary to have the column elements, the external free spaces facilitate the manual and/or automatic machine assembly of the column elements, with respect to the state of the art where the column elements need of a complex disposal operation inside the container, which consumes time and resources, increasing production costs.

Advantageously, the container has at least one reinforcement strip against elongated expansion, to avoid deformations of the side walls and the upper parts thereof, that is, of the upper mouth, and at the same time the at least one reinforcement strip provides a single interior volume in the container, that is, the elongated extension of the reinforcing strip does not compartmentalize the container into several compartments, for example, two compartments, one upper and one lower or two side compartments, the container of the present advantageously having invention an interior volume capable of housing a greater quantity of bulk horticultural products than a container with compartmentalization division panels or boards, increasing the kilos of horticultural product housed in the container.

Fruit and vegetable products have complex geometries, for example, with a substantially oval cross section, as in the case of watermelons, melons, potatoes or zucchini, which when arranged in bulk create a plurality of series of spaces or gaps between adjacent fruit and vegetable products. These spaces or gaps (interstices) are larger or smaller depending on the type, dimensions and weight of the fruit and vegetable product. Thus, for example, if the fruit and vegetable products housed in the container are watermelons or melons, the plurality of watermelons or melons have larger holes or interstices than potatoes or zucchini, which are smaller in size and weight.

Advantageously, the present invention with the configuration of at least one reinforcement strip and the optional exterior arrangement of the column elements in the free spaces, optimizes production costs, resistance and, in addition, optimizes the interior volume, especially for relatively large horticultural products. measurements and weight, such as, for example, watermelons or melons, where the interstitial spaces are larger, resulting in a reduction in costs per kilogram of fruit and vegetable products stored in the reinforced container and/or transported to the point of sale.

Optionally, the elongated configuration and arrangement of the at least one reinforcing strip advantageously enables the arrangement of the bulk horticultural products around and along the elongated direction of the at least one reinforcing strip, both inferiorly, superiorly, and laterally, increasing the useful interior volume to house bulk horticultural products, compared to the solutions of boards dividing the container into two or more compartments or interior volumes, which in combination with the gaps / spaces / interstices of the bulk horticultural products dramatically reduce the interior volume occupied by bulk horticultural products.

Advantageously, the fact that there is at least one strip, and not necessarily several, additionally facilitates the assembly of the container, reducing its production costs, and facilitates the arrangement of the fruit and vegetable products in the interior volume of the container.

Advantageously, the reinforced container is configured to increase its mechanical resistance, including vertical compression forces and horizontal expansion forces, while maintaining an interior volume that optimizes the quantity of bulk horticultural products, a volume that is not substantially affected by the addition of the at least one reinforcement strip against expansion efforts suspended between the two side walls in a single interior volume. That is, the arrangement of the column elements in the external free spaces, the continuity of the at least eight vertical folds, the direction of the grooves of the double-walled cardboard, and the at least one reinforcement strip against expansion increase the mechanical resistance of a container with reduced production costs and do not affect the interior volume of the container, resulting in a reduction in cost and reduction of polluting emissions associated with each kilogram housed in said container, to be transported.

Advantageously, thanks to the reinforcement provided by the structural pillars formed by at least one or two minor side walls and at least two or three vertical folds in each corner area, the reinforced containers:

- They do not have a height - distance between bottom and upper mouth - limited to about 60 centimeters, and said distance can be anything between 50 and 120 centimeters, or even more; and

- Containers can be stacked in palletized structural assemblies at both two and three heights, one on top of the other, each reinforced container being supported on a respective pallet, and said stacking is not necessarily limited to two heights as is common today for avoid product losses.

For example, the reinforced containers of the present invention can be stacked in two palletized structural assemblies of reinforced container and pallet, each reinforced container having a height of 100 centimeters, and also the reinforced containers of the present invention can be stacked in three structural assemblies. reinforced container and pallet pallets, each reinforced container having a height of 60 centimeters.

Thus, the volume occupied in the transport containers of road vehicles by the interior volumes of the reinforced containers is increased, reducing the carbon footprint per kilo of product transported, and the cost can be optimized. associated with the development of cardboard (cardboard strip) necessary per kilo of product transported.

Some optional features of the reinforced container of the present invention are described in the embodiments section, with reference to the advantages that each of them provides.

The claims that define the object of the invention have been drafted in such a way that a possible infringement can occur whether the container is supported on a pallet or not supported on a pallet, whether the reinforced container is full of fruit and vegetable products or the reinforced container is not filled with bulk horticultural products, and whether the reinforced container comprises the column elements or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other advantages and characteristics will be more fully understood from the following detailed lists of embodiment examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be taken by way of illustration and not limitation, in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a flat plate with which the band of the body of the reinforced container of Figs. 8 and 9;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the body obtained with the iron Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a view of the body of Fig. 2, where the bottom thereof is supported on a pallet, and where a respective column element is arranged in each zone of the four corner zones of the reinforced container;

Fig. 4 is the view of Fig. 3, where at least one expansion reinforcement strip has also been arranged prior to filling the interior cavity of the container with fruit and vegetable products;

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view corresponding to Fig. 4, where the exploded column elements (artificially separated) are now shown, to be arranged in the free spaces of the corner areas of the container;

Figs. 6 and 7 are elevation views of a first embodiment of the container retaining device of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a top perspective view of a first embodiment of the reinforced container of the present invention, where the fruit and vegetable products have been omitted to show relevant details, and where the body of the container is that of Fig. 2, the bottom of which is supported on a pallet, and where the reinforcing strip has been retained in two walls facing each other prior to filling the container with fruit and vegetable products;

Fig. 9 is an enlargement of the detail view IV of Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 is a view of a variant of the first embodiment of the container of the present invention filled with fruit and vegetable products, which also comprises the column elements of Figs. 3-5;

Fig. 11 is a plan view of the reinforcing strip of the first embodiment and the variant of the first embodiment, partially cut away;

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a flat plate with which the band of the body of the reinforced container of the second embodiment of Figs is obtained. 14-16;

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the body obtained with the iron Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a view corresponding to Fig. 13, where the bottom thereof is supported on a pallet, and where a respective column element is arranged in each zone of the four corner zones of the container;

Fig. 15 is a top perspective view corresponding to Fig. 14, where the exploded column elements are now shown, to be arranged in the free spaces of the corner areas of the container;

Fig. 16 is a view of the second embodiment of the container of the present invention, filled with fruit and vegetable products and also comprising the column elements of Figs. 14 15;

Fig. 17 is a schematic side view, partially sectioned into a side wall, of the reinforced container of Figs. 10 and 16;

Fig. 18 is a schematic side view, partially sectioned at a side wall, of a third embodiment of the reinforced container of the present invention including the body of Fig. 2 or 14;

Fig. 19 is an enlargement of the detail view V of Fig. 18;

Fig. 20 is a plan view of the reinforcing strip of Fig. 18 unfolded, partially cut away;

Fig. 21 is a partially exploded top perspective view of the third embodiment of the reinforced container of Fig. 18;

Fig. 22 is a partially exploded top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the reinforced container of the present invention, corresponding to Fig. 3; Fig. 23 is a plan view of the reinforcing strip of Fig. 22 unfolded, partially cut away;

Fig. 24 is a top perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the reinforced container of the present invention, corresponding to Fig. 3;

Fig. 25 is a plan view of the reinforcing strip of Fig. 24 unfolded, partially cut away;

Fig. 26 is a plan view of a flat plate with which the band of the body of the reinforced container of the sixth embodiment of Figs. 31-37 is obtained;

Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the body obtained with the iron Fig. 26;

Fig. 28 is a view corresponding to Fig. 27, where the bottom thereof is supported on a pallet, and where a respective column element is arranged in each zone of the four corner zones of the container;

Fig. 29 is a top perspective view of the partially formed container body of the sixth embodiment, forming a closed side contour;

Fig. 30 is a top perspective view of the body of the container of the sixth embodiment partially formed, with side walls and bottom formed, and upper mouth to be formed, and column elements to be arranged in the free spaces of the filling areas. corner;

Fig. 31 is a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the container, where the fruit and vegetable products have been omitted to show relevant details, and where the body of the container is that obtained with the band of Fig. 26, whose bottom is supported on a pallet, and where the reinforcing strip has been retained on two mutually facing walls prior to filling the container with fruit and vegetable products;

Fig. 32 is a top perspective view of the sixth embodiment of the container, filled with horticultural products and also comprising the column elements of Figs. 28 and 30;

Fig. 33 is a transverse and/or longitudinal section of the upper mouth of the container of Figs. 31-32;

Figs. 34 and 35 are respective alternative transverse and/or longitudinal sections of the upper mouth of the container of Figs. 31-32;

Figs. 36 and 37 are respective schematic side views, partially sectioned in respective side walls, of two variants of the sixth reinforced container embodiment of Fig. 32;

Fig. 38 is a plan view of a flat plate with which the band of the body of the reinforced container of Figs. 41-42;

Fig. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the body obtained with the iron Fig. 38;

Fig. 40 is a plan view of the sectioned body of Fig. 39, where the bottom thereof is supported on a pallet, and where a respective column element is arranged in each zone of the four corner zones of the container ;

Fig. 41 is a top perspective view of a seventh embodiment of the container, where the fruit and vegetable products have been omitted to show relevant details, and where the body of the container is that obtained with the band of Fig. 38, whose bottom is supported on a pallet, and where the reinforcing strip has been retained on two mutually facing walls prior to filling the container with fruit and vegetable products;

Fig. 42 is a top perspective view of the seventh embodiment of the container of the present invention filled with horticultural products, further comprising the column elements shown in Fig. 40; and

Figs. 43 and 44 are respective enlargements of the detail views VI and VII of Fig. 42, respectively.

DETAILED STATEMENT OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the figures, reference 40 generically designates the reinforced cardboard container (40) configured to be palletized and filled with bulk horticultural products (61) of the first aspect of the invention, for example, that shown in Figs. 10, 16-18, 32, 36, 37 and 42.

The reinforced container (40) comprises a body obtained with a single strip (20) of double-wall corrugated cardboard die-cut cardboard, shown in Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38.

Optionally, in Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38, the corrugated cardboard band (20) constituting the body is a single die-cut sheet (10) that includes a plurality of panel sectors (4, 5, 6) in series, with side walls ( 44, 45, 46) of the body of the reinforced container (40) that are described later, by said panel sectors (4, 5, 6) folded around vertical die-cut lines (2) that laterally delimit the panel sectors ( 4, 5, 6).

This option maintains all the benefits of improved resistance, while optimizes the manufacturing costs of the reinforced container (40), by using a single die-cut starting piece, corresponding to the die-cut sheet (10), to obtain the body of the reinforced container (40).

Alternatively, in an option not shown, the corrugated cardboard band (20) constituting the body is formed by several die-cut sheets (10), joined one after the other in two end parts thereof. Each of the die-cut plates (10) includes a plurality of panel sectors (4, 5, 6) in series, side walls (44, 45, 46) of the body being formed by said panel sectors (4, 5, 6). ). Thus, for example, in an option not shown in the figures, the band (20) can be formed from two plates (10).

Commonly to all embodiments, for example, Figs. 9 and 43 show that in the reinforced container (40), the band (20) (and the body obtained with it) is made of double-walled corrugated cardboard, having only three smooth sheets (21) and two corrugated sheets (22) arranged between two of the smooth leaves (21).

Following in all embodiments, for example, Figs. 8, 31 and 41 show that the two corrugated sheets (22) form vertical grooves (23) in eight side walls (44, 45, 46) of a lateral contour of the body, which is also deduced from the bands (20) of Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38 and the boxes in Figs. 5, 15, 21, 22 and 24.

Common to all embodiments, Figs. 8, 16, 31-32 and 41-42 show that, in the lateral contour of the body, said at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) include two first flat side walls (44) mutually facing each other, corresponding to first panel sectors (4) in the deployed band (20) of Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38.

Continuing in all embodiments, Figs. 8, 16, 31-32 and 42-42 show that, in the lateral contour of the body, said at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) include two second flat side walls (45) mutually facing each other, corresponding with a second panel sectors (5) in the deployed band (20) of Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38.

In Figs. 8, 16, 31-32 and 42-42, the first two side walls (44) and two second side walls (45) delimit four corner areas of the reinforced container (40).

Following in Figs. 8, 16, 31-32 and 42-42, the lateral contour of the body also includes at least four minor side walls (46), corresponding to minor panels (6) of the band (20) of Figs. Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38.

Continuing in Figs. 8, 16, 31-32 and 42-42, in the lateral contour of the body, at least one minor side wall (46) is arranged in each of the four corner areas, forming a respective chamfer in relation to the first and second adjacent side walls (44, 45).

Thus, in the reinforced container (40), at least one smaller side wall (46) is sandwiched between each first side wall (44) and each second side wall (45) in each of the four corner areas, as a chamfer.

Commonly to all embodiments, Figs. 8, 10, 14, 16, 21, 22, 25, 31-32, 39, 41 show that two of the at least eight mutually end side walls (44, 45, 46) of the folded band (20) are mutually joined the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) forming a closed lateral contour of closed polygonal cross section.

Optionally, the two mutually extreme side walls of the folded band are mutually joined through a connecting side panel (43), as a tab, as shown in Figs. 8, 14-16, 31-32 and 40-41.

This union of mutually extreme side walls may be by gluing, or by stapling, among other options.

Alternatively, in an option not shown in the figures, the band (20) may lack said joining end panel (3) and two mutually extreme side walls of the band (20) may be joined end-to-end, with adjacent end edges. joined by, for example, an adhesive strip attached to both ends of the band (20).

Continuing in all embodiments of the reinforced container (40), respective vertical folds (42) show, one after the other, the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46), connecting them to each other.

Referring to Figs. 3, 4, 8, 14, 21, 22, 24, 31-32 and 40-41, the vertical folds (42) have a continuous vertical extension, from a partially open (shown in the figures) or closed (not shown) bottom in the figures) of the body, to an at least partially open upper embouchure of the body. Thus, the continuous vertical extension of each vertical fold (42) corresponds to the height of the container (40).

In the reinforced container (40) of Figs. 3, 4, 8, 10, 14, 16-18, 31-32, 36-37 and 40-42, the bottom is supported on a pallet (70). The bottom is perpendicular to the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46), and is formed by lower flaps (47, 48) connected to at least the first and second side walls (44, 45) by horizontal folds. lower (49).

Optionally, the lower flaps are joined together by gluing, as shown in Figs. 4, 8, 14, 31, 40 and 41.

Alternatively, in an option not shown in the figures, the lower flaps (47, 48) are joined together by interlocking by lower die-cut lines arranged in the lower flaps (47, 48) that fit lower flaps (47, 48) other.

Thus, common to all embodiments, but with express reference only to the first embodiment of Fig. 1, the bottom is formed by folding the first two lower panels (8) and two second lower panels (7) around respective lines. weakened lower horizontal folds (9) punched out, becoming first lower flaps (47) and second lower flaps (48) perpendicular to the side walls (44, 45, 46) of the body, folded around the respective lower horizontal folds (49) , as shown in Figs. 2-5 and 8.

Commonly to all embodiments, Figs. 10, 16, 21, 22, 25, 32 and 42 show that, in the reinforced container (40), the upper mouth is delimited by upper parts of the side walls (44, 45, 46).

In the option of the first embodiment of Figs. 1-11, a die-cut upper cutting line (17) delimiting the upper parts of the panel sectors (4, 5, 6) of the band (20) of Fig. 1, once the band (20) is folded. , is converted into a folded cutting line (57) that delimits the upper mouth, of the upper open type, of the reinforced container (40) of Fig. 8.

In the options of Figs. 12-44, the first and second side walls (44, 45) are delimited superiorly by respective upper horizontal folds (53) formed around respective upper weakened horizontal lines (13) punched out of the band (20), as shown Figs. 26, 31-32, 38 and 41-42. The upper horizontal folds (53) have optional upper flaps (51, 52) connected to reinforce the mouthpiece, which will be described later, which form a reinforced and partially open upper mouthpiece, partially closed by said upper flaps (51, 52). ) reinforcement.

In the cases of the options in Figs. 12-44, each minor side wall is superiorly and inferiorly delimited by portions of upper punched cutting lines (17) and portions of lower punched cutting lines (17), respectively, which, once the band (20) is folded, are converted into folded cutting line portions (57). The upper folded cutting lines (57) delimit the upper mouth in the corner areas and upper parts of the smaller side walls (46), while the lower folded cutting lines (17) delimit lower parts of the side walls minors (46).

Preferably, the reinforced containers (40) of the figures are of large volume, that is, with a height equal to or greater than 500 mm, and they are configured to occupy at least 80% of the floor area of a pallet (70). whose width and length measurements are between 800 and 1200 mm, for example, 800 x 1200 mm, 1000 x 1200 mm and/or 1140 x 1140 mm.

Preferably, the vertical folds (42) have a vertical extension greater than 500 mm, the first two flat side walls (44) are mutually facing a separation distance between 650 and 1200 mm, and the two second flat side walls (45) are mutually facing a separation distance between 650 and 1200 mm.

Continuing in all embodiments of the reinforced container (40), Figs. 2-5, 8, 10, 13 14, 16, 21, 22, 24, 31-32, 39 and 40 show that, on an outer side of the lateral contour of each corner zone, each respective outer side of the chamfer positionally delimits a respective free space (50) outside.

Each of the four free spaces (50) are of continuous vertical extension from the bottom to the upper mouth, each free space (50) being accessible from the outer side of the lateral contour of the body to optionally facilitate the arrangement of a column element ( 60) optional in each free outdoor space.

That is, the column elements (60) are optional elements of the present invention that may or may not be present in the reinforced container (40) object of the present invention.

Following in all embodiments, Figs. 10, 16-18, 32, 36-37 and 42 show that in the reinforced container (40), the mouth, the bottom and the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) delimit a single interior volume of the reinforced container (40) that houses bulk horticultural products (61).

In the reinforced container (40), whether the bottom is partially open or closed, the bottom at least partially supports the bulk horticultural products (61) in cooperation with the pallet (70), as shown in Figs. 8, 10, 14, 16-18, 31-32, 36-37 and 41-42

In the reinforced container (40), the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) are pushed by the bulk horticultural products (61) causing horizontal expansion forces on the eight side walls (44, 45, 46), towards the outside of the lateral contour of the body.

Thus, for example, the horizontal expansion forces on each of the flat side walls (44, 45, 46) may be in a respective horizontal direction. perpendicular to the flat vertical surface of each side wall (44, 45, 46). Thus, the horizontal expansion forces generate radial horizontal forces on the walls towards the outside of the reinforced container (40).

Commonly to all embodiments, in Figs. 8, 10, 14, 16-18, 31-32, 36-37 and 41-42, the reinforced container (40) also comprises at least one reinforcement strip (62) against elongated expansion.

Optionally, in Figs. 8-11, 16-17, 24-25, 31-32 and 41-42, the at least one reinforcing strip (62) is materialized in a slender or filiform piece of constant cross section, which may be a cardboard tube. For example, compact cardboard, a plastic tube, or a round piece of wood, a strap or tensioner made of metal and/or plastic material, among other options.

Optionally, in Figs. 18-23, the at least one reinforcing strip (62) is materialized in a strip or tensioner of semi-rigid sheet material in bending, preferably a cardboard or plastic strip provided with end flaps (66), which will be described later in some options. .

Alternatively, in an option not shown, the reinforcing strip may be a wooden strip of constant cross section, for example, 40 x 3 mm, with some degree of bending deformation, but high tensile strength.

Following in all embodiments, Figs. 4, 5, 8, 10, 15-18, 21, 22, 24, 31, 32, 36-37 and 41-42, show that said at least one reinforcement strip (62) is extended and suspended between two side walls (44, 45) mutually facing the lateral contour of the body, for example, between the first two side walls (44), as shown in the figures, and/or between the second side walls (45), not shown in the figures.

The reinforcing strip (62) is retained by retaining elements (66, 30, 80) at two ends thereof, distal (62a) and proximal (62b), arranged on the two mutually facing side walls, for example, the Retaining elements (66, 30, 80) are arranged on the first two side walls (44) as shown in the figures, and/or are arranged on the second side walls (45), not shown in the figures.

Thus, each of the two ends of the reinforcement strip (62) upon expansion are retained by a respective retaining element (66, 30, 80) arranged on a respective side wall where each of the ends are also located.

In the options of Figs. 1-21 and 24-44, in the reinforced container (40), the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strips (62) upon expansion are introduced into housings (65) defined by cutting lines punched into two mutually facing side walls (44, 45).

In the reinforced container options (40) of Figs. 1-17 and 24-44, each first side wall (44) mutually facing another, has a cutting line cut out that defines a circular housing (65) where the distal (62a) and proximal (62b) ends of the a reinforcing strip (62).

In the reinforced container option (40) of Figs. 18-21, each first side wall (44), mutually facing each other, has at least one cutting line punched out that defines a rectilinear housing (65) where the distal (62a) and proximal (62b) ends of a strip are inserted. reinforcement (62).

Optionally, Figs. 18 and 21 show that each first side wall (44), mutually facing each other, has two cutting lines cut out that define two rectilinear housings (65).

In the reinforced container option (40) of Figs. 22-23, each first side wall (44) mutually facing another, does not necessarily have a cutting line punched out that defines a housing (65) where the distal (62a) and proximal (62b) ends of a reinforcing strip are inserted. (62).

In the reinforced container options (40) of Figs. 4-10, 15-17, 24, 31-32 and 42, the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include lateral stops (30), each lateral stop (30), optionally as a buckle, comprising a protuberance (31) as a male part, inserted into a hole (32) arranged in one of the ends of the reinforcement strip (62) as a female part.

Optionally, Figs. 24-25 show that the reinforced container (40) also has a pair of column elements (60) in addition to the four column elements (60) arranged in the free spaces (50).

Additionally, in Figs. 24-25, each of the column elements (60) of the pair of column elements (60) is arranged in contact on a respective first side wall (44) and positionally immobilized by the at least one reinforcement strip (62) that It passes through them in a hole made in each column element (60) of said pair.

Optionally, in Figs. 24-25, other lateral stops (30) introduced into other holes (32) at the ends of the reinforcement strip (62) immobilize the pair of column elements and retain the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the al minus one reinforcement strip (62).

In other reinforced container options (40) of Figs. 18-21, the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include end flaps (66) of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62), and joined at the two side walls (44 , 45) mutually facing each other, to retain by interlocking the distal and proximal ends of the reinforcement strip (62) with the introduction of the end flaps (66) into the housings (65).

The end flaps (66) are optionally folded by end fold lines (64).

In Figs. 22-23, the retaining elements (66, 70, 80) include glue (80) arranged on end flaps (66) of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62) to retain by gluing the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcing strip (62) on the two mutually facing side walls (44, 45).

For example, the glue (80) may be applied manually and/or automatically by machine.

In Figs. 22-23, the end flaps (66) include glue (80) arranged on the end flaps (66) by double-sided adhesive strips previously located thereon, as shown in Fig. 23. In Fig. 22 a double adhesive strip face that includes the tail (80) has been represented artificially transparent for a better understanding.

Alternatively, in an option not shown, the glue (80) may be hot thermo-meltable glue (80) applied to the end flaps, among other options.

Advantageously, the snap-in retention option and/or the gluing retention option, previously referred to, reduce the number of elements for assembling the reinforced container (40), simplifying its assembly, and reducing production times and costs of the container. reinforced (40).

In the reinforced container option (40) of Figs. 18-21, the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include six end flaps (66). At each of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62) three end flaps (66) are folded and serialized by extreme fold lines (64), so that, on each side wall ( 44, 45), two proximal and distal end flaps (66) are arranged on the outside of the lateral contour, and an intermediate end flap (66) is arranged on the inside of the lateral contour, to prevent displacement of the distal and proximal ends before the horizontal expansion efforts on the at least eight side walls (44., 45, 46).

Advantageously, thanks to the plurality of end flaps (66) at each of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62), the retention at the ends of the reinforcement strip (62) is further increased, increasing additionally the expansion resistance of the reinforced container (40) and additionally reducing associated deformations and displacements.

In all reinforced container embodiments (40), Figs. 8, 10, 16-18, 21,22, 25, 31 32, 36-37 and 41-42 show that one of the at least one reinforcement strip (62) is arranged on top of the first and/or second side walls (41, 42).

Advantageously, the particular arrangement of the at least one reinforcement strip (62) further reduces unwanted displacements / deformations of the side walls (44, 45, 46) and the upper mouth due to horizontal expansion, which cause a reduction in the resistance of the reinforced container (40) and the stability of the upper support mouth in stacking, causing waste, and therefore increasing production costs of the reinforced container (40) when it is full of bulk horticultural products (61).

Optionally, Figs. 8, 10, 16-18, 21, 22, 25, 31-32, 36-37 and 41-42 show that, the at least one elongated reinforcement strip (62) arranged vertically on the top of the side walls ( 44, 45, 46) is additionally located halfway along the transverse and/or longitudinal horizontal extension of the first or second side walls (44, 45).

Thus, in this option, according to a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical folds (42), each of the distal and proximal ends of the at least one reinforcement strip (62) are arranged a respective equidistant distance with respect to the vertical folds ( 42) delimiting the two mutually facing side walls (41, 42) where the reinforcing strip (62) is arranged.

Advantageously, the even more specific arrangement of the at least one reinforcement strip (62) improves the advantages described above, relative to resistance, deformations and stability, by being the at least one reinforcement strip (62) arranged in a position where The side walls (44, 45, 46) and the upper mouth tend to suffer greater displacements/deformations.

Additionally, Figs. 36-37 show that the reinforced container (40) comprises another reinforcement strip (62) against expansion, arranged vertically below the at least one reinforcement strip (62) arranged on the top of the first and/or second walls. laterals (41, 42).

This other reinforcement strip (62) may be arranged at half the height of the reinforced container (40), corresponding to half the vertical distance between the bottom and the upper mouth, as shown in Figs. 36-37.

Advantageously, the addition of this other reinforcement strip (62) in this specific position additionally improves the mechanical resistance, deformations, displacements, and stability of the container, reducing waste and subsequently production costs of the reinforced container (40) for bulk horticultural products ( 61).

Optionally, Figs. 10, 16, 24, 32 and 42 show that the reinforced container (40) has the four elongated column elements (60), additional to the body, previously referred to.

The four optional column elements (60) of the present invention have vertical extensions that extend from the bottom to the upper mouth.

Each optional column element (60) is arranged in each respective free space (50) in contact with a respective chamfer on the outer side of the lateral contour.

Optionally, Figs. 17-18, 24, and 36-37 show that the reinforced container (40) has at least one unifilar retaining element (80), preferably at least one strap, which surrounds the outer lateral contour of the body completely and surrounds all of the column elements (40), to reinforce the reinforced container (40) against horizontal forces and to maintain the column elements (40) in position in contact against the chamfers on the outside of the lateral contour against horizontal forces.

In the option of Figs. 12-18, in the reinforced container (40), each corner area includes only one smaller side wall (46) arranged diagonally forming a chamfer with respect to the adjacent first and second side walls (44, 45), the lateral contour comprising only eight side walls (44, 45, 46) and eight vertical folds (42).

In this option, the development of cardboard used is minimal, reducing production costs, while the two vertical folds (42) and chamfer for each corner area act as structural pillars that reinforce the reinforced container (40) to expansion. horizontal and vertical compression.

Additionally, in the reinforced container (40) of Figs. 12-18, the smaller side walls (46) are flat, the chamfers being flat. Thus, the flat minor side walls (46) and the flat chamfers form a straight diagonal with respect to the adjoining first and second side walls (44, 45) in each corner area.

This option is especially advantageous for arranging a wide variety of optional column elements, providing versatility: with a triangular, circular, square, L-shaped shape, and also with an adequate contact surface between the column element (60) and the flat chamfers. of the smaller side walls (46), while optimizing the interior volume of the reinforced container (40), reducing production costs of each kilogram of horticultural product contained in the reinforced container (40).

Alternatively, in an option not shown, in the reinforced container, the smaller side walls (46) are curved and the chamfers are curved, forming a curved diagonal that joins the curved chamfer with the first and second adjacent side walls (44, 45). in each corner area.

In the options of Figs. 1-11 and 17-44, in the reinforced container (40), each corner area includes two smaller side walls (46) folded by three vertical folds (42), towards the interior volume of the body, which form a right angle arranged on the outer side of the inner volume of the body, including the lateral contour twelve side walls (44, 45, 46) and twelve vertical folds (42).

The external straight angulation further improves the vertical compression resistance of the reinforced container (40), and increases the resistance of the reinforced container (40) and reduces its deformation under both transverse and longitudinal lateral forces (in two mutually perpendicular horizontal directions). applied to the reinforced container (40), for example, during its handling, storage and transportation, which causes side-to-side movements of the side walls (44, 45, 46), known as the swaying effect, in addition to reducing the stresses transverse lateral and horizontal longitudinal due to the expansion efforts caused by the bulk horticultural products (61) on the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46).

In the event that the reinforced container (40) includes said column elements (60), the straight angle makes it possible to arrange a wide range of column elements (60) of different shapes, therefore being a versatile solution.

Thus, for example, the straight angulation favors the placement of column elements (60) of triangular cross section (not shown), Lo V-shaped cross section, square cross section as shown in Figs. 3, 4, 10, 21, 22, 32, cross section of cylindrical tube of Figs. 14-16, 24, 40 and 42, among others, whether these options are with a hollow interior as shown in the figures or solid.

In the event that the reinforced container (40) comprises optional first and/or second folded upper flaps (51,52), described below, the straight angulation favors that the lateral end parts of these upper flaps (51, 52) make stop reliably on portions of surface or flat edges, to increase the lateral resistance of the reinforced container (40).

Additionally, in the reinforced container (40) of Figs. 1-11 and 17-44, each corner zone includes only two minor side walls (46) folded by only three vertical folds (42), towards the interior volume of the body, which form a right angle arranged on the exterior side of the interior volume of the body, including the lateral contour only twelve side walls (44, 45, 46) and twelve vertical folds ( 42).

In this complementary option, the development of cardboard used is minimal, reducing production costs, while the three folds and chamfer of two smaller side walls (46) for each corner area, act as structural pillars that reinforce the container. reinforced (40) to horizontal expansion and vertical compression.

Preferably, following Figs. 1-11 and 17-44, in each corner area of the reinforced container (40), two smaller side walls (46) and three vertical folds (42) are immobilized at their lower and/or upper ends by parts of the band ( 20) constitutive of the body.

Thus, the reinforced container (40) offers improved resistance to compression and/or expansion and/or swaying both in storage conditions and in handling and transport conditions, and with minimal production costs, since it uses its own band (20) constituting the body for said immobilization, and not additional parts to the body that complicate and greatly increase the productivity of the reinforced container (40).

Optionally to the previous preferable option, continuing in Figs. 1-11 and 17-44, in each corner area of the reinforced container (40), a lower part (18) of the lower flaps (47, 48), cooperates with a lower part of the smaller side walls (46) to serve as a transverse and/or longitudinal lower immobilization stop for the smaller side walls (46).

In a first variant of the previous option, in each corner area, said lower part (18) of the lower flaps (47, 48) includes at least one die-cut lateral cut line of the lower flaps (47, 48) adjacent to a lower part of the smaller side walls (46).

In a second variant of the previous option, in each corner area, said lower part (18) of the lower flaps (47, 48) includes at least one cavity formed by a cut line of the lower flaps (47, 48). where a lower part of the smaller side walls (47, 48) corresponding to a lower projection of the side walls (48) is introduced.

Preferably, Figs. 12-42 show that, in the reinforced container (40), the upper mouth is reinforced by a plurality of upper flaps (51, 51, 52, 52) attached to the top of at least two side walls (44, 45). mutually confronted.

In this preferred option, the upper mouthpiece is reinforced by at least two or four upper flaps (51, 52), two first upper flaps (51) joined to the top of the first side walls (44) and/or two second flaps upper parts (52) attached to the upper parts of the second side walls (45).

Each first and/or second upper flap (51, 52) comprises two respective flaps (54, 55) folded by respective upper horizontal folds (53), corresponding with a horizontal shelf flap (54) for support in stacking, and an end flap (55) connecting to a respective upper part of a first or second side wall (44, 45).

Advantageously, the at least partially open upper mouthpiece is highly reinforced against expansion in at least two mutually facing side walls, reducing deformations in the mouthpiece and providing a stable mouthpiece.

The die-cut unfolded bands (20) of Figs. 1, 12, 26 and 38, from which the body of the embodiments of Figs is obtained. 10, 16, 32 and 41 show that each first top flap (51) and/or each second top flap (52) is formed from serial top panels (14, 15, 16) that are connected to the top of the first and/or second side walls (44, 45) by respective upper weakened horizontal lines (13) punched out.

Following the bands (20) of these embodiments, each of said upper serial panels (14, 15, 16) include a shelf panel (14) that will form the folded shelf flap (54), an end panel (55) that will form the extreme flap (55) folded, as well as an optional intermediate panel (56) that will form an optional intermediate flap (56).

Continuing in the bands (20) of these embodiments, each of said upper panels are connected in series to each other by respective upper weakened horizontal lines (13) punched around which the respective upper horizontal folds (53) of the first and /or second upper flaps (51, 52) will be located.

In the embodiments of Figs. 10, 16, 32 and 41, each first and/or second top flap (51, 52) may be attached to a respective first and/or second side wall (44, 45) by gluing, with glue or adhesive disposed on the flaps extremes (55) and in at least the portion of each side wall where the union flap is in contact for said union, using manually and/or machine-applied glue, using adhesive strips, hot-melt glue, among other options.

In the option of Figs. 38-44, each first and/or second top flap (51, 52) is joined to a respective first and/or second side wall (44, 45) by interlocking, with at least a respective portion of the end flap (55a) introduced into at least one respective die-cut cutout (5a) made in the first and/or second side wall (44, 45).

Preferably, Figs. 16, 31, 32, 41 and 42 show that in each corner area of the reinforced container (40):

- at least part of a lateral end of a first upper flap (51) is adjacent to a smaller side wall (46) to serve as a longitudinal upper stop of the smaller side walls (46), according to a first horizontal direction, and

- at least part of a lateral end of the second upper flap (52) is adjacent to another smaller side wall (46) to serve as a transverse upper stop of the smaller side walls (46), according to a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.

Thus, this double upper stop, longitudinal and transverse, in each corner area, reinforces the pillar formed by the smaller side walls (46) and vertical folds (42) in each corner of the reinforced container (40). Under both longitudinal and transverse loading stresses due to the handling, and/or storage, and/or transportation of the reinforced container (40), this double stop of each corner area remains in contact with a respective smaller side wall (46), maintaining in position the pillars formed by parts of the body itself constituted with the band (20), parts such as the minor side walls (46) and the vertical folds (42) of the corner areas.

Preferably, following Figs. 16, 31, 32, 41 and 42, in each corner area of the reinforced container (40), two smaller side walls (46) and three vertical folds (42) are immobilized at their lower ends by parts of the band (20) constituent parts of the body corresponding to the lower parts (18) of the lower flaps (47, 48), and are immobilized at their upper ends by the lateral ends of the first upper flaps (51, 52).

The scope of the present invention is given by the following claims.

Claims (20)

1.- Reinforced cardboard container (40) for bulk horticultural products (61) characterized in that it comprises a body obtained with a single band (20) of double-walled corrugated cardboard, with only three smooth sheets (21) and two corrugated sheets (22) arranged between two of the smooth sheets (21), the two corrugated sheets (22) forming vertical grooves (23) in eight side walls (44, 45, 46) of a lateral contour of the body, in where said at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) include two first flat side walls (44) mutually facing each other and two second flat side walls (45) mutually facing each other that delimit four corner areas, and at least four smaller side walls (46), at least one in each of the four corner areas, forming a respective chamfer with respect to one of said first and second adjacent side walls (44, 45), two of the eight side walls (44, 45, 46) mutually joined ends of the folded band (20) forming a closed lateral contour, preferably through a connecting side panel (43) as a tab; wherein the eight side walls (44, 45, 46) are serialized by respective vertical folds (42), connecting the side walls (44, 45, 46) to each other, which have a continuous vertical extension from a partially open bottom or closed from the body to an at least partially open upper mouth of the body, where the bottom is configured to be supported on a pallet (70), is perpendicular to the eight side walls (44, 45, 46), and is formed by lower flaps (47, 48) connected to at least the first and second side walls (44, 45) by lower horizontal folds (49), and where the upper mouth is delimited by upper parts of the side walls (44 , 45, 46); where, on an outer side of the lateral contour of each corner zone, each respective outer side of the chamfer positionally delimits a respective outer free space (50), of continuous vertical extension from the bottom to the upper mouth, each free space being ( 50) accessible from the exterior side of the lateral contour of the body to optionally facilitate the arrangement of an optional column element (60) in each exterior free space (50); where, a single interior volume of the reinforced container (40) delimited by the mouth, the bottom and the side walls (44, 45, 46) is configured to house bulk horticultural products (61), the bottom at least partially supporting the bulk horticultural products (61) and the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46) being pushed by the bulk horticultural products (61) causing horizontal expansion forces on the at least eight side walls (44, 45, 46 ); and the reinforced container (40) also comprising at least one reinforcement strip (62) in the face of said elongated expansion efforts, extended and suspended between two side walls (44, 45) mutually facing the lateral contour of the body, the reinforcement strip being ( 62) retained at two ends thereof, distal (62a) and proximal (62b), by retaining elements (66, 30, 80) arranged on the two mutually facing walls. 2. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 1, wherein the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strips (62) upon expansion are introduced into housings (65) defined by cutting lines punched in two side walls (44, 45) mutually facing each other. 3. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include lateral stops (30), comprising a lateral stop (30) with a protuberance (31) as male part, inserted into a hole (32) in one of the ends of the reinforcement strip (62) as a female part. 4. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 2, wherein the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include end flaps (66) of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62). ), optionally folded by extreme fold lines (64), and joined on the two side walls (44, 45) mutually facing each other, to retain by interlocking the distal and proximal ends of the reinforcement strip (62). 5. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the retaining elements (66, 70, 80) include glue (80) arranged in end flaps (66) of the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62) to retain by gluing the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62) on the two mutually facing side walls (44, 45). 6. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the retaining elements (66, 30, 80) include six end flaps (66), with three end flaps (66) in each of them. the distal and proximal ends (62a, 62b) of the reinforcement strip (62) folded and serialized by extreme fold lines (64), so that, on each side wall (44, 45) two end flaps (66) proximal and distal are arranged on the outside of the lateral contour and an intermediate end flap (66) is arranged on the inside of the lateral contour, to prevent the displacement of the distal and proximal ends in the face of horizontal expansion efforts on the at least eight side walls. (44., 45, 46). 7. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least one reinforcement strip (62) is arranged on the upper part of the first and/or second side walls (41, 42) . 8. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one elongated reinforcement strip (62) arranged vertically on the top of the side walls (44, 45, 46) is additionally located in the middle of the horizontal transverse and/or longitudinal extension of the first or second side walls (44, 45). 9. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 7 or 8, comprising another reinforcement strip (62) against expansion, arranged vertically below the at least one reinforcement strip arranged on top of the first and/or second side walls (41, 42). 10. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, having four elongated column elements (60), additional to the body, which have vertical extensions that extend from the bottom to the upper mouth, each column element being ( 60) arranged in each respective free space (50) in contact with a respective chamfer on the outer side of the lateral contour. 11. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 10, where at least one unifilar retaining element (80), preferably a strap, surrounds the outer lateral contour of the body completely and surrounds all of the column elements (40), to reinforce the reinforced container (40) against horizontal forces and to maintain the column elements (40) in position in contact with the chamfers on the outside of the lateral contour against horizontal forces. 12. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the corrugated cardboard band (20) constituting the body is a single die-cut sheet (10) that includes a plurality of panel sectors (4, 5, 6) serialized, the side walls of the body being formed by said panel sectors. 13. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each corner area includes only a smaller side wall (46) arranged diagonally forming a chamfer with respect to the adjacent first and second side walls (44, 45), the lateral contour comprising only eight lateral walls (44, 45, 46) and eight vertical folds (42). 14. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the previous claims 1 to 12, wherein each corner area includes two smaller side walls (46) folded by three vertical folds (42), towards the interior volume of the body, which They form a right angle arranged on the exterior side of the interior volume of the body, the lateral contour including twelve side walls (44, 45, 46) and twelve vertical folds (42). 15. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 14, wherein each corner area It includes only two minor side walls (46) folded by only three vertical folds (42), towards the interior volume of the body, which form a right angle arranged on the exterior side of the interior volume of the body, the lateral contour including only twelve side walls. (44, 45, 46) and twelve vertical folds (42). 16. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, in each corner area, two smaller side walls (46) and three vertical folds (42) are immobilized at their lower and/or upper ends in parts. of the band (20) constituting the body. 17. - Reinforced container (40) according to claim 16, wherein, in each corner area, a lower part (18) of the lower flaps (47, 48) cooperates with a lower part of the smaller side walls (46) to serve as a transverse and/or longitudinal lower immobilization stop for the smaller side walls (46). 18. - Reinforced container (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper mouth is reinforced by at least two or four upper flaps (51, 52), two first upper flaps (51) attached to the upper part of the first side walls (44) and/or two second upper flaps (52) attached to the upper parts of the second side walls (45), each first and/or second upper flap (51, 52) comprising two respective flaps (54 , 55) folded by respective upper horizontal folds (53), corresponding to a horizontal shelf flap (54) for stacking support, and an end flap (55) for joining to a respective upper part of a first or second side wall (44). , Four. Five). 19. - Reinforced container (40) according to the combination of claims 16 and 18, where, in each corner area: - at least part of a lateral end of a first upper flap (51) is adjacent to a smaller side wall (46) to serve as a longitudinal upper stop of the smaller side walls (46), and - at least part of a lateral end of the second upper flap (52) is adjacent to another smaller side wall (46) to serve as a transverse upper stop of the smaller side walls (46). 20. - Reinforced container (40) according to the combination of claims 17 and 19.