ES2260989A1 - Boxes of carton to contain plastic bags applicable to the protection of goods on pales. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Cardboard boxes to contain plastic bags applicable to the protection of goods on pallets. A cardboard box is described which is intended to contain a plastic bag in its interior, of the type used to cover boxes of perishable goods placed on a pallet, and to admit the introduction of an inert gas to create an adequate atmosphere in its interior for the conservation of the product under optimal conditions of consumption. The box is obtained from a sheet of cardboard or the like, die-cut and pre-marked, in which a central, rectangular portion is defined, the same size as the surface of the pallet, and from whose sides successive portions are projected, to strip mode, joined by means of folding lines, whose successive winding towards the interior allows the formation of tubular housings, in correspondence with the four sides, destined to contain the plastic bag that will be used later for said covering action. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Cardboard boxes to contain plastic bags applicable to the protection of goods on pallets.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to boxes of cardboard containing plastic bags applicable to protection of goods on pallets, which provide essential characteristics of novelty and notable advantages over known media and used for the same purposes in the current state of the technique.

More particularly, the invention proposes the development of cardboard boxes that are obtained from development   respective plan, advantageously die cut according to the default final settings to incorporate a portion central, generally rectangular, with equivalent dimensions to those of the pallet that will support the merchandise to transport, and portions that after being successively folded, projected from each side of the central portion, allow to form respective tubular housings in correspondence with each side of the pallet. These accommodations are structured so that they house a plastic bag, of the type of those that are intended to cover and hermetically enclose the products contained in the boxes with which the pallet is loaded, and inside which an inert gas is introduced for maintenance and conservation of products transported in their best state possible.

The scope of the invention is obviously, within the industrial sector dedicated to the handling of cardboard for the manufacture of packaging and the like

Background and summary of the invention

The fact that the transport of certain goods, such as fruits, vegetables and similar, requires the adoption of a series of special measures in order to keep such merchandise in the best possible conditions, and get them to reach their destination with a adequate presence and in optimal conditions for consumption.

In these cases, the use of trucks refrigerators to keep such products at a temperature below a given level, it was a very important advance for the proposed final objective. Now when it comes to shifting products over long distances, with the use of time considerable transportation, sometimes it is not enough to keep the low temperatures inside the transport vehicle, but also require the application of an inert atmosphere, with the use of certain gases such as nitrogen or others adequate.

In the latter case, the existence is already known of certain bags intended to cover the pallets of merchandise, once charged, provided with an inert gas inlet valve and of an indoor air outlet valve, so that a Once you have practiced a certain level of internal vacuum, you introduces the inert gas inside the bag, keeping thus the products under the action of this inert atmosphere, so that combining this circumstance with the temperature below a given value, it is possible to increase the time considerably of conservation of plant products, thus allowing greater transport times without deterioration of the product.

With the application of the mentioned bags, together with the handling of the container boxes of the products, and also because of the circumstances of the transport, by virtue of the relative movement of such boxes, is it produces with a certain frequency the breakage of the same, which prevents adequate maintenance of the product properties. In addition, there is an added difficulty during the movement or placement of the bag on the pallets of a certain height, because the bag extends in the direction ascending, from the bottom base, and closes on the side higher.

For all this, attending to the needs raised by the requirements of the current state of the art, it has planned the development of cardboard box models intended to contain the bag that will later be used to cover the products, with which the problems correct them previously mentioned. The main characteristics of the proposed embodiments for these box models, are contained in the characterizing part of claims 1 and 9 that follow.

In essence, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the provision of a cardboard sheet that has been conveniently stamped and pre-marked for the definition of folding lines, in which a central portion, generally rectangular in shape, whose dimensions match those of the pallet on which it is placed, and from whose sides several portions of it are projected width, parallel to each other and with the edge from which it project, capable of successively coiling each other, to the determination of a tubular housing for each of the four sides of the central portion, these housings being Tubular intended to contain the bag to be applied subsequently as coverage of the boxes arranged on the pallet

For use, with accommodation tubular already formed and with the protection bag covering the corresponding face of the central portion of the box, and also rolled inside these housings, the placement of the set on the pallet is such that the box appears in position inverted, that is, with the base portion of the bag it covers the face of the cardboard sheet directly in contact with the pallet, while the cardboard sheet, in the upper position, It is located directly in contact with the container boxes of the products.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, said cardboard sheet from which part can present a noticeably elongated configuration, conveniently die-cut and pre-marked for the definition of folding lines, in which an open central portion is defined, generally rectangular, whose dimensions match the external measurements of the pallet to which it is to be coupled, and from whose sides project portions of uniform width, parallel to each other and with the edge from which they project, joined by means of folding lines that allow said portions be folded from the outermost, in order to form a tubular housing on each of the four sides of the portion central, defining together a channel that surrounds perimeter to the pallet, intended to contain inside the bag to be subsequently applied as coverage of the boxes arranged on the pallet

For use, with accommodation tubular already formed and with the protection bag covering the central opening of the box, and also rolled inside these housings, the placement of the set on the pallet is such that the box fits directly to the sides of the pallet, with the base portion of the bag covering the central opening located directly in contact with the upper surface of the pallet. Whether you want, you can use a cardboard sheet separating between the mentioned base of the bag and the boxes to be positioned on it, can be used to this effect, where appropriate, the envelope of the box itself Supply the bag.

Since the cardboard box constitutes a independent element of the pallet to which it applies, these boxes with the bags inside can be supplied separately, for use at the right time, for which purpose the invention has provided for the possible use of a lid appropriately sized, adaptable to the container box in a folding condition with respect to its longitudinal axis to occupy a minimum space, thus keeping the bag contained in the inside the box in front of the external agents that could damage it during handling or transport.

Brief description of the drawings

These and other features and advantages of the invention, will become more clearly apparent from the detailed description that follows in a preferred way of embodiment, given by way of illustration only and not limiting, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in the that:

Figure 1 shows a flat representation of the starting sheet for the formation of the box once die cut and pre-marked, according to a first  embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a representation schematized, in perspective, of a box formed from the sheet of Figure 1, and contained the cover bag of the goods;

Figure 3 represents the usual form of coupling of the assembly of figure 2 to a pallet;

Figure 4 finally shows the pallet of the Previous figure loaded with merchandise, ready for application of the hedge bag;

Figure 5 shows a flat schematic view half of a sheet of cardboard cut and cut for preparation of a box according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the box obtained from a complete sheet of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a schematic view in perspective of the box of Figure 6 in a folded condition of the latter, and of a simple lid located on the box;

Figure 8 is a schematic representation in perspective of a box like the one shown in Figure 6, already containing the bag and perimetrically coupled to a pallet;

Figure 9 represents a pallet loaded with boxes fruit containers that will be enclosed by the bag contained inside the cardboard box attached to the pallet according to Figure 8;

Figure 10 illustrates a flat representation of a cardboard sheet that can be used as a cover and protection of the folded box of Figure 7 replacing the conventional simple conventional cover provided for that purpose, and

Figure 11 is a schematic representation of the same sheet of Figure 10 reused for the protection of the bag by the lower part of the load of the pallet of Figure 9.

Description of a preferred embodiment

As indicated above, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the  invention is going to be carried out in what follows with the help of the attached drawings, through which the same are used numerical references to designate equal parts or similar. For this purpose, attending first to the Figure 1, a first embodiment of the invention using a sheet 1 as a starting point in Special a cardboard sheet, which has been conveniently die-cut and pre-marked for the formation of a central portion 2, generally rectangular whose dimensions correspond to those of the pallet to which it is to be applied. For each from the sides of the central portion 2, formations appear successive referenced as 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d from inside out, in correspondence with the major sides, joined together by means of respective folding lines while in correspondence with the smaller sides include as many successive formations, referenced as 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d from the inside out, and joined also successively with each other by means of folding lines. Every one of the 3a-3d formations; 4a-4d, adopts rectangular strip form, being all of them, preferably, of substantially the same width, and being extended to the entire side dimension respective to which they belong.

As can be seen, in the case of representation of Figure 1, the outermost lateral portions, that is, the 3d and 4d stripes, show their ends configured as a tabs 5, 6, respectively, intended to serve as means of fixing, by gluing, in the fully formed box condition, and for which purpose the terminations 5 of the 3d portions of the sides older have a transverse groove 7, while the width 6 of the tabs 6 associated with the outermost portions 4d of the minor sides, have been trapecially configured, and have been sized in correspondence with such openings 7.

From the sheet of Figure 1, it is carried out of the formation of the box, and for this just roll successively the different portions 31-3d, 4a-4d sides on themselves, so that they It forms a tubular housing in correspondence with each side. This situation is represented in Figure 2 of the drawings, in the that each tubular housing has been marked with the reference numeric 3 ', 4' in correspondence with, respectively, the sides major and minor sides of the central portion 1. In the figure 2, bag 8 already appears inside the housings tubular, rolled in the space provided by them, and covering the inner face of the base portion 1. The accommodations Tubular 3 ', 4' appear logically formed by the same side of the central portion 1, which simplifies the containment of said bag 8.

As indicated above and has been represented in Figure 3, the use of the box assembly and bag is made in an inverted position to that shown in Figure 2, that is, with the tubular housings in the lower position, and therefore, adapting the box to the outer perimeter of the pallet, therefore the base portion 8 'of the bag being in contact direct with the upper face, or support plane, of the pallet. This situation is shown in Figure 3, in which you can see how 3 ', 4' tubular housings are extended along on each respective side of the pallet 9, surrounding it perimeter. In these conditions, you can place the merchandise, contained in boxes 10, on the cardboard sheet 1, such that the base 8 ' of bag is located between the sheet 1 and the surface of the pallet, protected by said sheet 1 in avoidance that it may become  pinched and broken during merchandise handling and placement of boxes with products on the pallet. Now, enough by breaking the tubular housings 3 ', 4' on each side, exerting traction on them upwards, to that the bag locked inside can be exposed and be placed as cover of the boxes 10 of merchandise, by the corresponding conventional operations.

Optionally, the tongue portions 6, 7 could be configured in any other conventional way, of  such that they allow the glue with the use of glue Hot or similar.

Also, optionally, each serving outermost side (in particular, the 3d and 4d portions), could be provided with a respective external projection as a flap, of the type of points that have been represented and indicated with references 11, 12, depending on the thickness of the material plastic used for the formation of the bag, as well as the length of this one.

Finally, in the representation of Figure 1 an area is represented in correspondence with one of the major sides, indicated by numerical reference 13, and that optionally it can be provided on the starting sheet, by way of opening or rectangular window. Said window 13 can be used, where appropriate, for quick and convenient placement of the valve intended for the injection of inert gas inside once the bag has been positioned around the goods 10 arranged on pallet 9.

As an embodiment variant with respect to the sheet 1 of departure considered, the invention has provided that sheet can be divided into two symmetrical and equivalent parts along the central transverse axis of the sheet, as indicated by the dotted line marked as A-A. It It is due to the fact that, as sheet 1 is sized considerable, its division into two parts would allow manipulation faster and more comfortable, especially when it is to be sent by some type of transport to the place of use, stacked along with others of the same species on a pallet or similar. In that case, each half will be provided with at least two short slits 14 to; 14b in correspondingly facing positions, which allow a pairing of both halves at the time of box formation; Similarly, it is expected that in this variant alternative each half arrange, next to its transverse edge external, of two pre-marked portions 15a; 15b, provided with a respective hole for easy separation of the same by the traction exerted manually through said hole, in order to provide openings that facilitate user centering operations when placed on the pallet.

With reference to Figure 5, it has been represented in it a sheet for the formation of a bag box protective that corresponds to a second embodiment preference of the present invention, having been designated this starting sheet by reference number 16. This sheet 16 is represented only in half its length because it is symmetric and consists of two equal halves, thereby simplifying the drawing and being applicable to the other half the explanation that is made about the one that appears represented.

According to the drawing, the representation contains a major side and a box tester, joined together by means of transverse folding lines 20
Salt.

According to the representation, a lateral major consists of three longitudinal portions 17a, 17b, 17c that they vary in length, the portion 17a intended to form the outer wall of the channel-shaped box which has the largest length, and the portion of 17c intended to form the wall internal of the channel the one that has smaller length; for its part, the intermediate portion 17b intended to form the base of the box in Channel shape may be, if desired, smaller in width. These portions 17a - 17c are joined by the longitudinal edges adjacent by respective folding lines. On both sides of these longitudinal portions commented there is a portion 18 extended as a tongue, which will help form the corner with the corresponding tester when the box is folded. This tongue 18 is attached to said major longitudinal portion 17a by means of a folding line.

To obtain the mentioned testator, it has been planned to use other aligned portions longitudinally with those of the greater lateral already commented, appreciable in the representation and indicated by the numerical references 19a, 19b, and 19c, which are linked longitudinally with each other by means of folding lines. The portions 19b and 19c appear transversely divided by a cutting line 21 in intermediate position.

The design of the sheet needed for the obtaining the box according to this second embodiment of the invention is as extraordinarily simple as just Describe, although not less effective. So, to carry out the construction of the box, just fold portions 17a, 17b, 17c corresponding to each major lateral by the lines longitudinal pre-marked on the sheet of heading, fold portions 19a, 19b, 19c of each testator also by the longitudinal fold lines marked previously, and fold down the cross fold line 20 each tester with respect to each major side, joining by gluing or similar the two ends of the sheet 16 in coincidence with the corresponding corner. For its part, if desired, you can use some type of joint on the inside of the corners, that is, between each tongue 18 and portions 19c, in order to Strengthen the union.

The armed box condition is represented schematically in the perspective view of Figure 6. According to this representation, it can be seen that the box 16 ' is configured so that it provides accommodation as a internal perimeter tubular channel, closed in itself, intended for house the plastic bag that is going to be used later to wrap the merchandise that are arranged on a pallet, as will be seen later in relation to Figures 8 and 9.

According to the design that has been endowed with the  box formation sheet 16 shown in Figure 6, the latter could be folded upon itself once armed, towards its longitudinal axis, to narrow it in width, and get This way it takes up much less space. This option is very useful when the boxes containing the respective ones inside protective bags of plastic material, must be sent up to the places of use with the use of some means of transport, stacked on a pallet or other similar medium.

The folding condition of the box according to this embodiment of the invention, is represented in Figure 7 of the drawings, where you can see how folding occurs thanks to the folding lines made in the heads, and to the line of cut 21 made so that it affects both the portion intermediate 19b as to the shortest portion 19c, and thanks to which the outermost portion 19a can be folded by a line of folding (not specifically referenced) faced positionally to the mentioned cut line 21. The representation also shows the provision of a simple cover, indicated by numerical reference 22, configured and sized for coupling to the box in the folded condition of this one that appears in Figure 7, for protection of the bag (no  represented) included inside. The lid can be destroyed at the time of use, reused as a whole, recycled, or used for other purposes.

As an alternative embodiment to the provision of the cover 22, the invention provides for the possibility that the  starting sheet for the construction of the box of Figure 7 incorporate an additional portion properly sized, so that once formed the box of Figure 7 said portion, referenced with 23, projected from one of the major sides, can be folded down and serve as a cover instead of lid element 22 independent.

Referring now to the representation of the Figure 8, the coupling of a 16 'box to a pallet of conventional type, hidden in the Figure by the box itself and by the bag part 24 that extends over the upper face of the pallet. As described above, the box 16 'is sized to conform to the outer perimeter surface of said pallet, with a certain pressure that also contributes to the maintenance of the armed box, so that the bag 24 of plastic material that already is inserted into the annular housing of said bag, rolled on itself, it is positioned as stated, extended so that it hides the upper face of the pallet. In these conditions, the set is prepared for the placement of the goods on the pallet, after placing a cardboard sheet or similar to protect the bag part 24 against its eventual breakage caused by rubbing with the boxes containing 25 of the products.

This situation is represented in Figure 9 of the drawings, in which a plurality of containers 25 with fruits or other goods perishable inside. The 16 'box, still around to the pallet, enclose inside the bag that is to serve as protection of fruits contained in 25, so that it will suffice with the user breaks the cardboard in the box, for example from any previously determined tearing position, by example indicated with numerical reference 26 in Figure 9, to expose the plastic bag 24 and be able to apply it on containers 25, to be sealed next and refilling the internal space with an inert gas as stated in The foregoing.

As will be understood, the boxes proposed by the invention provide considerable progress against protection elements that are being used so far, to provide protective boxes specially designed for application to which it is intended, in addition to being low cost, easy to use and apply, and that can be manufactured with recyclable materials that do not generate waste of any kind.

In this regard, and with a view to better use of the different components that are part of the boxes, the invention has provided that, in the case of the second commented embodiment, the box 16 ', in the folded position of Figure 7, can be handled and / or transported properly wrapped with the use of a sheet of the type that has been represented in Figure 10, indicated in general by the numerical reference 27, divided longitudinally and transversely into rectangular portions, successively joined together by means of  folding lines, so that in the longitudinal direction it alternate portions of greater width with others of smaller width. The width of these last portions is approximately equivalent to the height of the pallet, and also approximately equivalent to the box height 16 '; In total, the dimensions of the sheet are higher than the respective sides of the pallet, and it has provided for the formation of terminal tabs 28 in one or both blade ends.

As will be understood, the different lines of folded allow the sheet to be successively folded to  its coupling to the box of Figure 7, wrapping it last, and thus protecting the plastic bag included in your interior space, without it being necessary in that case to provide no type of additional cover 22 or the eventual provision of the laminar portion 23 foldable. Additionally, the use of a cardboard sheet of the type shown in Figure 10, provides also the advantage that at the place of use, when it follows from the folded box to which it was wrapped, it can be used for pallet placement, directly above the bag extension 24 covering the upper face of the pallet, with double functionality of protecting said bag extension both in its application to the upper face of the pallet as to the section located at the bottom of container stacking 25. This last protection is get under the portions of foil that appear longitudinally aligned on both sides and that have been indicated with numerical references 29a and 29b, they can be folded towards above, extended so as to surround said stack of containers 25, so that although there is some friction between pallets when they are being loaded in a transport vehicle or similar, that rubbing will affect only the aforementioned portions of cardboard 29a, 29b and in no case will cause the bag to break by friction effect. The commented situation appears clearly represented in Figure 11 of the drawings, appreciating how the flaps 28 extend clearly towards the respective consecutive sides, to which they adhere by gluing or similar, thus keeping the structure properly coupled and protecting the bag as said.

It is not considered necessary to make the content of this description for a subject matter expert can understand its scope and the advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and implement the object of the same.

However, it should be understood that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof, so which may be subject to change without implying any alteration of the basis of said invention, being able to affect such modifications, especially shapes, size and / or manufacturing materials.

Claims (17)

1. Cardboard box to contain plastic bags applicable to the protection of goods on pallets, in particular for plastic bags of the type that are intended to cover perishable goods placed on a pallet and allow the creation of an atmosphere inside inert suitable for the conservation of such goods under optimal conditions of consumption, the box being obtained from a flat sheet, cardboard or the like, conveniently stamped and pre-marked, characterized in that said starting sheet has defined a central portion (1), rectangular in shape, whose surface dimensions coincide with those of the pallet to which it is to be applied, from which, on each side, rectangular portions configured as strips 3a-3d are projected; 4a-4d), of the same width, extended to the total length of the respective side, successively joined together by means of folding lines, capable of being successively rolled inwards to define tubular housings (3 ', 4') in correspondence with each of the major and minor sides, respectively, in which there is a bag (8), usually plastic, rolled on itself, constituting the bag of coverage of the goods (10) once placed on the pallet (9), and having a base portion (8 ') that covers the inner face of said central portion (1). 2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that, in operative position, the housings (3 ', 4') are initially placed downwards, surrounding the contour of the pallet (9), the portion (1) being the one receiving directly the goods boxes (10), and the plastic base (8 ') occupying an intermediate position, between the cardboard portion (1) and the upper face of the pallet (9). 3. Box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tubular housings (3 ', 4) allow to be detached from the central portion (1) by cutting derived from a pulling action exerted on them in an upward direction, with views to extract the bag (8) contained inside. 4. Box according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the outermost strips (3d, 4d) of each of the sides, alternatively have tabs (6) and grooves (7) of corresponding dimensions, intended to maintain armed box configuration prior to the application of the bag. 5. Box according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the outermost strips (3d, 4d) of each side can optionally include tabs with the application of hot glue. 6. Box according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each of the outermost strips (3d, 4d) of each side may optionally include respective flaps (11, 12), projected outward, depending the thickness of the plastic with which the bag (8) has been constructed and its length. 7. Box according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that, optionally, on one of the sides of the central portion (1) an opening (13) can be included through which it allows the placement of the corresponding inlet valve of the inert gas inside the bag (8) once applied. 8. A box according to claim 1, characterized in that the central rectangular portion (2) can be supplied advantageously divided in half, for which purpose it can include short grooves (14a; 14b) on both sides of the central transverse axis for coupling of both halves during assembly, and areas (15a; 15b) pre-marked and provided with a traction hole, made in positions adjacent to both external transverse edges of said central rectangular portion (2), whose withdrawal allows viewing the centering of the sheet during the positioning operation on the pallet. 9. Cardboard box to contain plastic bags applicable to the protection of goods on pallets, in particular for plastic bags of the type that are intended to cover perishable goods placed on a pallet and allow the creation of an atmosphere inside inert suitable for the conservation of such goods in optimal conditions of consumption, the box being obtained from a flat, cardboard or similar sheet, conveniently stamped and pre-marked, characterized in that said starting sheet is configured as a longitudinal band divided transversely by means of lines (20) of transverse fold apart between each major side and the respective ends, each major side comprising three longitudinal portions (17a, 17b, 17c) which decrease respectively in length, successively joined together along its longitudinal edges by folding lines, and a tongue (18) on each side of each of said longitudinal portions, separated from them by a predetermined distance; and each tester comprising three portions (19a, 19b, 19c) also extended in the longitudinal direction and successively joined by their respective longitudinal edges by folding lines. 10. Box according to claim 9, characterized in that once formed (16 '), it takes the form of an annular channel closed on itself, obtained by respective mutual folding of the portions (17a, 17b, 17c) of each major side by the respective lines of longitudinal folding, folding of each tongue (18) to collaborate with the tester corresponding to the formation of the inner corner, and respective mutual folding of the portions (19a, 19b, 19c) corresponding to each of the heads. 11. Box according to claim 9, characterized in that the portions (19b, 19c) of each tester are affected by a cross-sectional line (21) that allows the box (16 '), once assembled, to be folded on itself towards the central longitudinal axis, thereby occupying a space reduced to the minimum dimensions. 12. Box according to claim 11, characterized in that the box condition (16 ') folded on itself admits the use of a lid (22) for maintenance in such condition. 13. Box according to claim 11, characterized in that the box condition (16 ') folded on itself can be maintained with the use of a projected collapsible portion (23) of one of the major sides. 14. Box according to claim 11, characterized in that the box condition 816 ') folded on itself can be maintained with the use of a cardboard sheet (27) or the like, divided longitudinally and transversely into portions by folding lines , so that said sheet (27) is capable of being successively folded on itself and constituting a kind of envelope externally attachable to said folded case (16 '). 15. Box according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that said structure of the channel-shaped box is capable of admitting the accommodation in the channel space of a bag (24) of plastic material intended for subsequent coverage of the goods contained in the containers (25), the bag being rolled on itself in the channel and providing a cover portion of the base or upper face of said pallet. 16. Box according to claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the tubular structure provided is sized internally so that it can be coupled, with slight pressure, on the lateral contour of the pallet (8) prior to placing the goods (25) about the latter. 17. Box according to claims 9 to 15, characterized in that it may optionally include one or more tear line (s) (26) to facilitate the breaking of said box (16 ') and allow more comfortable access to the bag of plastic (24) contained inside, at the time of application to the coverage and protection of the goods (25).