ES2207257T3 - MEANS OF FIXING PANELS FOR BOXES. - Google Patents

Abstract

Panel interlocking means (20) and a carton blank incorporating panel interlocking means for securing together a first and a second panel (10, 12) in overlapping relationship, said panel interlocking means (20) comprising a locking tab (22) struck from said first panel (10), and a retaining tab (42) defining a locking aperture (43) struck from said second panel (12), wherein the retaining tab (42) is displaced out of the plane of said second panel (12) to receive said locking tab (22) through the locking aperture (43) to be engaged therewith, wherein the second panel (10, 12) further comprises flexural means (52) to receive the locking tab (22) and to enable an edge of the locking aperture (43) to be displaced out of the plane of the second panel (12) thereby to enable the locking tab (22) to move readily through said locking aperture (43).

Description

Means for fixing panels for boxes.

The present invention relates to means of fixing panels for boxes, to fix a pair of panels, for example, adjacent overlapping panels of a box of paperboard. In some arrangements, said panels are provided. by the opposite ends of a semi-finished envelope the which join together in an overlapping relationship and they set.

The closing lugs that are well known are well known. They are stamped on one end of the box wrap and are arranged to be forced through corresponding ones openings determined by retention lugs, stamped on an opposite end of a wrap. Figure 1 shows a example of such a closure that substantially corresponds to of GB 1 598 367. A problem related to lugs of this type of closure is that when they are forced through the opening, the support part 1, illustrated in figure 1, is folded forced out of alignment with the rest of the lug with in order to pass through the opening. This is not convenient. since it weakens the closing lug.

Document GB 2 156 785 illustrates another example of the applicant of the present invention. This document illustrates an enclosure box with panel fixing means comprising a closure lug to be introduced in a opening. It is evident from the drawings that the parts outer of the lug are forcedly folded out of alignment with the rest of the lug during the procedure of closing. The closing lug is held by a lug retention and the base part of the closure lug is arranged in a second coupling with the locking edge of an opening of closing.

Document US 3 750 363 (Mead) illustrates another closure arrangement in which the coupling is carried to out by sliding the locking lug 32 into the opening. Slots 41, 42 allow the lateral projections of the lug 32 to pass to through them.

Unfortunately, the fixing means of known panels when applied to a cardboard of lower thickness can be weakened further which can cause the parties male and female do not fit properly.

The present invention is intended to provide some improved panel fixing means that exceed, or at least mitigate, the problems of the prior art.

A first aspect of the invention provides panel fixing means for a closing arrangement of die-cut type, said means fixing a first panel and a second panel with each other in overlapping relationship. Fixing means of panels comprise a locking lug stamped on the first panel, and a retaining lug that determines an opening of stamped closure on the second panel. The retention lug is force out of the plane of the second panel using the lug of closure to receive the closure lug through the opening of closure that must be coupled with it. The second panel It also includes bending means that allow an edge side of the closing opening moves out of the plane of the second panel to allow the closing lug to be Easily move through the closing opening.

Preferably, the bending means may be a lug stamped on the second panel adjacent to the opening of closing. More preferably, the pressure lug can be arranged adjacent to a side edge of the closure opening.

According to an optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the bending means can provide them with a part of the second panel adjacent to the closing opening, said part including a cutting line with opposite ends stamped on the second panel and intersecting one end of the same the lateral edge of the closing opening, determining said cutting line two parts in the second part of the panel that can bend.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the intersection between the cutting line and the edge of the closure opening can be substantially perpendicular. Preferably, the cutting line may be not linear, and diverges from its perpendicular intersection with the edge of The closing opening.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, a few second means of flex to receive the closing lug and allow an edge opposite of the closing opening move out of alignment with the second panel to thus allow the closure lug move through the closing opening.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the intersection may be intermediate between the ends of the side edge.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the closure lug may comprise a neck part articulated on a base thereof to the first panel, and a supporting part adjacent to it.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the closure lug may comprise At least one part reduced. Preferably, the part at least a recess may be determined by a serrated edge of the closure lug.

According to another optional feature of this aspect of the invention, the offset edge of the opening of closure can determine an acute angle with the edge that fits with the retention lug.

A second aspect of the invention provides a semi-finished for box that incorporates fixing means of panels for a die-cut closure arrangement, said means presenting a first panel and a second panel, said panel fixing means comprising a lug of stamped closure on the first panel, and a retention lug that determines a closing opening stamped on the second panel. The retention lug can move out of the plane of the second panel to receive the closing lug through the opening of closure to be coupled with it. The second panel comprises in addition some bending means that can allow an edge side of the closing opening moves out of the plane of the second panel to make the closing lug move easily through the closing opening.

According to an optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the bending means can be a lug stamped on the second panel adjacent to the closing opening Preferably, the flex lug is arranged adjacent to a side edge of the closure opening.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the bending means are provided by a part of the second panel adjacent to the closing opening, said part including a cutting line with opposite ends stamped on the second panel, in which a end intersects the side edge of the closure opening, said cutting line determining two parts of the second part of the panel that can flex.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the intersection between the line cutting and the edge of the closure opening can be substantially perpendicular.

According to another optional feature of the second aspect of the invention, the cutting line may not be linear, and diverge from its perpendicular intersection with the edge of the closing opening

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, a few seconds can be provided bending means to receive the closure lug and allow an opposite edge of the closing opening moves out of alignment with the second panel to thus allow the Closing lug travels through the closing opening.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the intersection may be intermediate between the ends of the side edge.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the closure lug can comprise an articulated neck part at a base thereof at first panel, and a support part adjacent to it.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the closure lug can comprise at least one part reduced. Preferably, the by at least a recessed part may be determined by an edge Toothed locking lug.

According to another optional feature of the first or of the second aspect of the invention, the offset edge of the closing opening can determine an acute angle with the edge that It fits with the retention lug.

Below are some ways to embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, referring to the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows fixing means that substantially correspond to GB 1 598 368;

Figure 2 illustrates a semi-finished box envelope that incorporates panel fixing means according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 shows a part of a pair of panels in close proximity, which incorporates means of fixing panels according to an aspect of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the panel fixing means shown in figure 3 being the closing lug inserted in the closing opening;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the panel fixing means illustrated in figure 3 with the panels fixed together;

Figure 6 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the panel fixing means that illustrates the opening;

Figures 7a, 7b and 7c show three examples of panel fixing means formed from a pair of panels which can be the opposite ends of a semi-finished box enveloping, in close proximity, according to the third, fourth and fifth embodiment of the invention;

Figure 8a is a perspective view of the part of the underside of the panels retained in relation to overlay by means of panel fixing means illustrated in figure 7a; Y

Figure 8b is a perspective view from the opposite side of the overlapping panels illustrated in the figure 8a.

Referring to figures 2 and 3 of the drawings, a pair of panels 10, 12 that are respectively adapted for closing and are formed from of cardboard or of a material in folding band. Panels 10, 12 they can be arranged, for example, at opposite ends of a semi-finished for enclosure that must conform to a box sleeve that includes side walls 14, 16 and a upper panel 18, in which panels 10, 12 provide this mode the bottom panels of the box, as shown in the figure 2. The box is used to pack a plurality of items, by For example, yogurt containers, cans or bottles.

Referring in particular to Figure 3, the first and the second panel 10, 12 include fixing means of panels 20 to fix the panels in relation to overlap. The panel fixing means 20 comprise the closure tab 22 stamped on the first panel 10 that is attached articulated to them through the fold line 24. The fold line 24 is preferably arranged substantially parallel to the end edge 26 of panel 10 and separated from it and optionally, the fold line 24 is separated by a cutting line 25 to fold the 22 closure lug easier. In this embodiment, the closure lug 22 comprises a neck part 28 and a part main 30, which includes a support part 32 adjacent to the same. A pair of cut lines 34, 36 determine the edges sides of the neck part 28.

The main part 30 extends beyond the neck part 28 towards the free edge 26 and separates from the first panel 10 by a cutting line 38 that joins the lines of cut 34, 36 to determine the shape of the main part that is preferably an "arrowhead" shape. The part of neck 28 should be narrower in width than the adjacent part of the support part 32 in order to determine at least one closing edge 40 formed along the bottom of the support part.

As shown in figure 3, in the second panel 12 is stamped a retaining lug 42 that extends in a closing opening 43, separated from the end edge of the panel 12. Preferably, the retaining lug 42 comprises a part elongate 44 which is separated from panel 12 by a couple of lines of cutting arranged in opposition 46, 48 that determine the edges sides of the elongated part 44. A cutting line 50 determines a distal edge of the elongated part 44. In this form of embodiment, the cutting lines 46, 48, 50 determine three edges of the closing opening 43, shown in Figure 4.

The second panel further comprises means of flexion 52 to receive a support part 32 of the lug of closure 22 in order to allow an edge of the opening of closure 43 moves out of alignment with the second panel 12 in order to make the closing lug 22 move easily through the closing opening 43. Preferably, the bending means are provided by a part of the second panel 12, said part including a cutting line 54 which is stamped on the second panel. One end of the cutting line 54 intersects the side edge of the closure opening 43 to allow said part to flex.

Optionally the cutting line 54 determines a lug 56. Lug 56 is preferably aligned with the part support 32 to allow passage through opening 43 without find impediment or forcefully fold out of the alignment shown in figure 4. Preferably, it is provided a second cutting line 60, stamped on the edge opposite side of retaining lug 44 in order to determine a second lug 62, thereby allowing the passage of the second support part of the locking lug through the opening without finding impediment or bending in a forced way out of alignment. Figures 3 and 6 are illustrated. respectively two suitable forms of cutting lines 54, 60.

It is planned that a box can present several closure lugs and retention lugs that are substantially identical to the closure lug 22, the retention lug 42 and the bending means 52 in order to close two panels together and therefore they are not described in more detail. In addition, it is provided that the panel fixing means may comprise a "half closure": the closure lug formed, the retaining lug, bending means and closing opening only on one side of a center line D, represented in the Figure 3. The general principle of applying an invention of some panel fixing means to a half closure is well known in The technique. This will be evident to a person skilled in the matter that the present invention includes half closures that incorporate the main features of this invention.

In order to close each other the first and the second panel 10 and 12, these are taken towards a relationship of overlapping each other, and a closure lug 22 folds out of alignment with panel 10, represented in figures 4 and 5. The retaining lug 42 folds out of alignment with the panel 12 and closing lug 22 is pushed through the opening 43, which in this embodiment is determined by the lug retention 42. Advantageously, the base of the support part 32 does not requires substantial deformation to pass through the opening 43, because the flexion means 52, and / or the lug 56 flex during the pushing action to allow the Support part pass through it with relative ease.

As the lug 22 passes through the opening 43 shown in figure 4, continues to fold around the fold line 24 and towards a relationship substantially perpendicular to panels 10, 12 so that the closure lug 22 is pushed beyond the distal edge 50 of the retaining lug 42 shown in Figure 5. Thus, the closing lug 22 is held in position because the retaining lug 42 comes into contact with one side of the part of support 32 to prevent it from jumping back to its original position and that the corresponding opening edge 43 may enter contact in this way with the retaining closure lug 22 in a substantially perpendicular relationship.

As illustrated in Figure 5, the basis of the support part 32 is held in place by support between the closing edge 40 and the panel parts of the second panel, placed that the support parts are wider than the closing opening in vertical or oblique positions.

Voltage is applied to the first and second panel 10, 12 as opposed to the closing address; that is to say in a direction that tends to separate the panels. In this way, the direct pressure coupling between closure lug 22 and the retaining lug 42 keeps the locking lug 22 in its closed position The first and second panels 10, 12 remain fixed mutually because the front edge of the opening 43 is in direct pressure coupling with the fold line 24 of panel 10 and, as explained above, the edges of closure of the closure lug are supported by the parts of panel of the second panel 12. In addition, the arrangement illustrated You can previously retain the locking lugs when you submit the box with compression forces, for example when the part Bottom of the packaging is compressed due to a separation between boxes, due to the position of the cutting lines 54, 60 that allows the support to be supported on parts 70 of the second panel, represented in figure 5.

The second embodiment of Figure 6 is substantially the same as the first embodiment but the Profile of the cutting line 54, 60 is different. In fact it is provided that other forms of cutting lines can be used in the bending means 52 without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to figure 7a, in it a third embodiment of the invention is shown in the which a pair of panels 110, 112 respectively are adapted to their mutual fixation and are formed from cardboard or a material in similar folding band. As in the first embodiment, panels 110, 112 may be arranged, for example, in the opposite ends of a semi-finished envelope box to be conform to a box sleeve that includes walls opposite sides and an upper wall, in which panels 110, 112 thus provide the bottom panels of the box. The box is used to pack a plurality of items, by example, boxes of yogurt, cans or bottles.

The first and second panel 110, 112 include panel fixing means 120 to fix the Overlapping panels. The fixing means of panels 120 comprise a closure lug 122 that is stamped in the first panel 110 and is articulated to it. In this embodiment, the closure lug 122 is determined by a couple of cut lines arranged in opposition 134, 136 to determine the side edges of the main part 130.

The lug 122 ends at an end edge 126 and it is separated from the first panel 110 by a cutting line that joins cutting lines 134 and 136 to determine the shape of the part principal. Preferably, the lug 122 is generally of elongated configuration In this embodiment the lines of cut 134, 136 are not linear to determine at least one recess 129. More preferably, said cutting lines 134, 136 are toothed, the recess or each rebate 129 being determined between the adjacent teeth 128. In this way, the lug 122 can be engaged in various positions according to the number of panels required overlap.

As shown in Figure 7a, in the second panel 112 is stamped a retention lug 142 which is extends in a closing opening 143. Preferably, the opening holding 142 comprises an elongated part 144 that is separated of panel 112 by a pair of cutting lines 146, 148 which determine also the side edges of the opening 143. A cutting line 150 determines an end edge of the elongated part 144. In this embodiment, the cutting lines 146, 148, 150 determine three closing opening edges 143, shown in the figures 8a and 8b.

Figure 7a shows that the lines of cut 146, 148 diverge toward the base of the retaining lug 142 to determine a part of the opening 143 through which it can pass the closing lug 122. The cutting lines 146, 148 determine furthermore a narrower part 144 of the opening that is formed to engage with the closure lug 122 and retain it. Optionally, at the base of the retaining lug 142 is provided a cutting line 125 to make folding of the lug 142.

In the embodiment illustrated in the figure 7a, the second panel further comprises bending means 152 to receive a portion of the closure lug 122 and make a opening edge 143 moves out of alignment with the second panel 112 to thereby allow the lug of closure 122 easily moves through the closure opening 143. Preferably, the flexing means 152 are provided by a part of the second panel 112, said part including a cut line 154 stamped on the second panel. Optionally, the cut line 154 determines a lug 156 adjacent to the edges opening sides 143. More preferably, the cutting line 154 extends away from the divergent parts of the line of section 146, 148 in a substantially perpendicular relationship with Regarding it.

In use the cutting line 154 or each cutting line 154 causes the edge of the opening to flex without tear to allow the passage of the lug 122 to through opening 143 without finding impediment or, in some embodiments, forcefully fold out of your alignment. Preferably, on the opposite side edge of the opening 143 a second cutting line 154 is stamped with the in order to determine a second bending means 152, which allow thus the passage of the opposite side edge of the lug of closure 122 through opening 143 without encountering impediment or fold forcefully out of alignment.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the box may be provided with several locking lugs and lugs retention that are substantially identical to the closure lug 122, retaining lug 142 and flexing means 152 with the in order to close two panels together and therefore are not described in more detail. For example, Figure 7b illustrates an arrangement. of closure similar to that of the embodiment represented in the Figure 7a with similar characteristics indicated by the Same reference numbers with the addition of the letter "a". In this embodiment, the jagged edges of the lines of cut 134a and 136a have been reconfigured so that the cutting line teeth 134a are advanced with respect to the teeth of the cutting line 136a. The embodiments represented in figures 7a and 7b are generally used in adjacent positions.

In addition, it is provided that the fixing means of panels may comprise a "half closure" represented in Figure 7c It is evident that the half closure incorporates the main features of the present invention only in One side of the closure. The other side of the locking lug 130b it comprises a linear cutting line 134b and the opening and lug of retention 142b are determined in part along an edge lateral by a linear cutting line 146b.

The procedure to fix the first and the second panel 110 and 112 is substantially identical to the closure each other of panels 10 and 12 of the first embodiment and, therefore, will not be treated in greater detail.

Referring to Figures 8a and 8b, a the panels 110 and 112 have been fixed together, and the lug of closure 122 has been folded in a substantially relationship perpendicular to panels 110, 112, it remains in position because retaining lug 142 rests on one of its faces to prevent it from jumping back into position original, and the corresponding edges of the opening 143 are they engage opposite recesses 129 of the closure lug 122. In the embodiments in which the teeth 128 of the Opposite side edges are off center, the locking lug 122 may tend to squirm for retention.

As illustrated in Figure 8b, the lug of closure 122 is held in place by supporting the teeth 128 with the second panel, since the teeth are wider than the narrow part of the closing opening 143 in the positions vertical or oblique.

Again the arrangement illustrated above can retain the locking lugs when the box is subjected to compression forces, for example when the bottom of the packaging is tightened due to a separation between boxes, due to the position of the cut lines 154 that allow the support to be support on the lug portions 156 of the second panel, and the teeth 128 on each side of the engaged recess 129 of the lug of Close prevent movement.

The panel fixing means of the third and fourth embodiment are formed by a procedure similar to the one described above and therefore not They describe in greater detail.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the fixing procedure adopts an interaction type assembly but with a reduced resistance requirement of the supports of a closing lug during the thrust movement: thus allowing a cardboard to be used or cardboard
a lower thickness.

The present invention and its embodiments Preferred refers to means for fixing two panels adjacent to a box and are configured to provide a satisfactory resistance in a closed position but with a degree of flexibility so that the load transferred to the panels is absorbed by the support. The support can be shaped manually or through machinery It is anticipated that the invention can be applied to a variety of media not limited to those of the type envelope

Claims (26)

1. Panel fixing means (20) for a die-type fixing arrangement said means fixing a first and a second panel (10, 12) to each other in overlapping relationship, said panel fixing means (20) comprising a closure lug (22) stamped on said first panel (10), and a retention lug (42) determining a closure opening (43) stamped on said panel (12), in which the retention lug (42 ) is forced out of the plane of said second panel (12) by said closing lug (22) to receive said closing lug (22) through the closing opening (43) for coupling thereto, characterized in that the second panel (12) further comprises bending means (52) to allow a side edge of the closing opening (43) to move out of the plane of the second panel (12), in order to thereby allow the closing lug (22) easily moves through said opening d and closing (43). 2. Panel fixing means according to the claim 1, wherein the flexure means (52) is a lug (56) stamped on the second panel (12) adjacent to the closing opening (43). 3. Means for fixing panels according to claim 2, wherein the flexure lug (56) is arranged adjacent to a side edge of the closure opening (43). 4. Panel fixing means according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the bending means (52) they are provided by a part of the adjacent second panel (12) to the closing opening (43), said part including a line of cut (54) with its opposite ends stamped on the second panel (12), and one end of it intersecting the lateral edge of the closing opening, said cutting line (54) determining two parts of the second part of the panel (12) that can be flexed. 5. Panel fixing means according to the claim 4, wherein the intersection between the cutting line (54) and the edge of the closure opening (43) is substantially perpendicular. 6. Panel fixing means according to the claim 5, wherein the cutting line (54) is not linear, and diverges from its perpendicular intersection with the edge of the opening closing (43). 7. Panel fixing means according to any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the intersection is intermediate between the ends of the side edge. 8. Panel fixing means according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the second means of flexion (52) are provided to receive the closing lug (22) and to allow an opposite edge of the closure opening (43) move out of alignment with the second panel (12) to allow the closing lug (22) to pass through the closing opening (43). 9. Panel fixing means according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure lug (22) comprises a neck part (28) articulated in a base of the same to the first panel (10), and a support part (32) adjacent to the same. 10. Panel fixing means according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said lug closure (122) comprises at least one recessed portion (129). 11. Means for fixing panels according to claim 10, wherein at least a recessed portion (129) is determined by a serrated edge of the closure lug (122). 12. Panel fixing means according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the offset edge of the closing opening (143) determines an acute angle with the edge that it is coupled with the retaining lug (142). 13. Semi-finished for box incorporating panel fixing means for a die-fixing fixing arrangement, said means having a first panel (10) and a second panel (12), said panel fixing means comprising a closing lug (22) stamped on said first panel (10), and a retention lug (42) that determines a closure opening (43) stamped on said second panel (12), in which the retention lug (42) can move out of the plane of said second panel (12) to receive said closing lug (22) through the closing opening (43) for coupling therewith, characterized in that the second panel (12) further comprises bending means (52) that may allow said edge of the closing opening (43) to move out of the plane of the second panel (12) to cause the closing lug (22) to easily move through said closing opening ( 43). 14. Semi-finished for box according to claim 13, wherein the flexure means (52) is a lug stamped on the second panel (12) adjacent to the opening closing (43). 15. Semifinished for box according to claim 14, wherein the flex lug is disposed adjacent to said edge of the closure opening (43). 16. Semi-finished for box according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the bending means (52) they are provided by a part of the adjacent second panel (12) to the closing opening (43), said part including a line of cut (54) with opposite ends stamped on the second panel (12), in which one end (26) intersects the lateral edge of the opening of the closure (43), said cutting line (54) determining two parts of the second part of the panel (22) that can be flexed. 17. Semifinished for box according to claim 16, wherein the intersection between the cutting line (54) and the edge of the closure opening (43) is substantially perpendicular. 18. Semifinished for box according to claim 17, wherein the cutting line (54) is not linear, and diverges from its perpendicular intersection with the edge of the opening of the closure (43). 19. Semifinished for box according to any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the intersection is arranged intermediate between the edge ends side. 20. Semifinished for box according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein some are provided second bending means (52) to receive the closing lug (22) and allow an opposite edge of the closure opening (43) move out of alignment with the second panel (12) in order of allowing the closure lug (22) to move through the closing opening (43). 21. Semifinished for box according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the closure lug (22) it comprises a neck part (28) articulated in a base of the same to the first panel (10), and a support part (132) adjacent to the same. 22. Semi-finished for box according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein said closure lug (122) comprises at least one recessed portion (129). 23. Semifinished for box according to claim 22, wherein at least a recessed portion (129) is determined by a serrated edge of the closure lug (122). 24. Semi-finished for box according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the offset edge of the opening of the closure (143) determines an acute angle with the edge that is attaches with the retaining lug (142). 25. Enclosure type box that incorporates some panel fixing means as defined in any of claims 1 to 12. 26. Use of the fixing means of panels according to any of claims 1 to 12, for fixing a first and a second panel in overlapping relationship.