ES2690558T3 - Cardboard box with protection features of the items, base piece, procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) to contain at least one article (C), the cardboard box comprising a series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) that they form, at least partially, the interior (108) of the cardboard box, the series of panels comprising a first panel (109; 209; 309) and a second panel (107; 207; 307), the first panel and the second panel in face-to-face contact to form, at least partially, the interior of the cardboard box, the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising at least one single protection fin of the articles (171; 271 ; 371) to protect at least the single article (C), at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) being foldably connected to the first panel (109; 209; 309) and being able to move between a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel and a second position in which the protection fin of the articles it is folded with respect to the first panel, comprising at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) a first part (176) and a second part (178) foldably connected to the first part in a folding line (184), the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising an opening (168) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position, characterized in that at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) has characteristics for prevent the folding of the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) from the second position to the first position, the second panel (107; 207; 307) comprising at least one access feature (189; 289; 389) to position, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) from the first position to the second position, comprising, at least, the only access characteristic (189; 289; 389 ) a cut (193) aligned and in register with the folding line (184) of at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) to allow access, at least, to the single protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) through the cut (193), the second panel (107; 207; 307) covers the opening (168 ) on the first panel (109; 209; 309) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position.

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Cardboard box with article protection characteristics, base piece, procedure Prior state of the art

The present invention relates, in general, to cardboard boxes for containing beverage containers or other types of articles. More specifically, the present description refers to cardboard boxes that have at least one protection fin of the articles that protects the articles from breakage. Even in greater detail, the present invention relates to a generic type cardboard box as defined in the preamble of claim 1. In addition, the present invention relates to a base piece for forming a cardboard box and a method of forming a cardboard box.

U.S.A. 4184626 A discloses a fully closed can box of the generic type having an upper wall comprising an outer upper panel and an inner upper panel that partially overlaps the upper outer panel. The upper outer panel comprises a pattern of semicircular tabs that fold inwards to act as separators between adjacent cans. In the overlapping region, the inner upper panel comprises tabs identically shaped and aligned with the tabs disposed on the upper outer panel, the registration tabs of the outer upper and inner panel being intended to be folded inwardly to form a flange of Separation of two-layer articles. In addition, foldably attached to the inner top panel, there are two partition panels that have a safety flange foldably attached to the respective end.

U.S.A. 4184626 A further discloses a method for forming a cardboard box, the method comprising obtaining a base piece comprising a series of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel, the first panel comprising at least one protection fin of the articles foldably connected to the first panel, and the second panel comprising at least one access characteristic, comprising, at least, the only protection fin of the articles a first part and a second part connected of folding way to the first part in a folding line, comprising, at least, the only access feature a cut, in which the method further comprises positioning the series of panels to form, at least partially, the interior of the cardboard box, which comprises the positioning of the first panel and the second panel so that they are in face-to-face contact, in which the process comp It also renders loading at least one item inside the cardboard box. WO 2013/019753 A1 discloses an envelope carrier to be closed at the bottom. Heel protection structures of the bottle are arranged, on each side, in the transition region between the respective side panel and the bottom panel. Each of said bottle heel protection structures comprises two multi-component protection fins, whose fins are articulated to the base piece along arcuate folding lines to take a three-dimensional configuration when folded inwards. Between two contiguous structures protecting the heel of the bottle, there are locking tabs to keep in place the adjacent protection fins of said two protective structures of the heel of the bottle.

U.S.A. 2012/0279897 A1 unveils a completely closed canned cardboard box that presents, on its lower panel, a pattern of protection fins of the articles. Said article protection fins are foldably connected to the lower panel and are movable from a first level position with the lower panel to a second position that extends into the cardboard box between adjacent articles. Various designs of said article protection fins are described.

Patent DE 4408830 A1 discloses a wrapping cardboard box for four conical cups. In the lower panel, two separation structures are arranged, each comprising a separation flap and a support flap that connects the separation fin to the rest of the lower panel. The separation fin can be raised from the plane of the lower panel to an elevated position between two cups to engage the latter and prevent them from vibrating.

The present invention aims to provide an improved cardboard box.

Summary of the Invention

The above objective is achieved by the cardboard box defined in claim 1. In addition, the cardboard box base part of claim 8 and the cardboard box forming method of claim 13 solve the above objective.

In general, one aspect of the invention is directed to a cardboard box containing at least one article. The cardboard box comprises a series of panels that form, at least partially, the inside of the cardboard box. The series of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel being in contact face to face to form, at least partially, the inside of the cardboard box. The first panel comprises at least one protection fin of the articles to protect, at least, the only article. By

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at least one protection fin of the articles is foldably connected to the first panel and can be moved between a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel and a second position in which the protection fin of the articles is folded with respect to to the first panel. The second panel comprises at least one access characteristic to position, at least, the only protection fin of the articles from the first position to the second position. The protection fin of the articles and the access characteristic are specifically designed as defined in detail in claim 1.

In another aspect, the description is directed, in general, to a base piece to form a cardboard box containing at least one article. The base piece comprises a series of panels to at least partially form the inside of the cardboard box formed from the base piece. The series of panels comprises a first panel and a second panel, the first panel and the second panel are intended to be in face-to-face contact to form, at least partially, the interior of the cardboard box formed from the part base. The first panel comprises at least one protection fin of the articles to protect at least the only article. At least the single protection fin of the articles is foldably connected to the first panel and can be moved between a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel and a second position in which the protection fin of the articles is folded with respect to the first panel. The protection fin of the articles and the access characteristic are specifically designed as defined in detail in claim 8.

In another aspect, the description is directed, in general, to a procedure for forming a cardboard box. The method comprises obtaining a base piece comprising a series of panels comprising a first panel and a second panel. The first panel comprises at least one protection flap of the articles foldably connected to the first panel, and the second panel comprises at least one access characteristic. The method comprises positioning the series of panels to form, at least partially, the inside of the cardboard box, which comprises positioning the first panel and the second panel in face-to-face contact, and loading, at least, the only article inside the cardboard. The method further comprises accessing, at least, the only protection fin of the articles through the access feature and folding, at least, the only protection fin of the articles with respect to the first panel after loading, At least one article. The folding comprises moving the protection fin of the articles from a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel to a second position in which the protection fin of the articles is folded with respect to the first panel. The protection fin of the articles and the access characteristic are specifically designed as defined in detail in claim 13.

Other aspects, features and details of the present invention can be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings, and from the appended claims.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above-mentioned advantages and other advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments by reading the following detailed description of the embodiments by referring to the figures in the drawings listed below. In addition, the various characteristics of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be enlarged or reduced to show more clearly the embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is a plan view of an outer surface of a base piece for forming a cardboard box according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an extreme perspective of the partially assembled cardboard box of the first embodiment.

Figure 3 is a perspective of an assembled cardboard box of the first embodiment.

Figure 4 is a side perspective of an assembled cardboard box of the first embodiment.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an inner surface of the lower panel of the cardboard box of the first

embodiment showing protection fins of the articles.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the lower panel of the cardboard box of the first embodiment showing the protection fins of the articles in a second position.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the inner surface of the lower panel of the cardboard box of the embodiment showing the protection fins of the articles in a second position.

Figure 8 is a plan view of an outer surface of a base piece for forming a cardboard box according to a second embodiment of the description.

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Figure 9 is an extreme perspective of the partially assembled cardboard box of the second embodiment.

Figure 10 is a side view of an assembled cardboard box of the second embodiment showing the access characteristics.

Figure 11 is a side view of an assembled cardboard box of the second embodiment.

Figure 12 is a plan view of an outer surface of a base piece for forming a cardboard box according to a third embodiment of the description.

Figure 13 is a plan view of a second lower panel of the cardboard box of the embodiment of Figure 12 showing the access characteristics.

Figure 14 is a plan view of a first lower panel of the cardboard box of the embodiment of Figure 12 with the protection flaps of the articles in the first position.

Equivalent parts are designated with equivalent reference numbers in all drawings.

Detailed description of the exemplary embodiments

The present invention relates, in general, to cardboard boxes containing a single article or a series of articles such as containers, bottles, cans, etc., and protective features of said cardboard boxes that protect the article or articles or containers of breakage, damage or deformation. The article or articles can be used to package food and beverage products, for example, or any other article. The article or articles may be made of suitable materials in the composition for packaging the particular food or beverage product or other article, and the materials may include, but are not limited to, glass or other breakable material; aluminum and / or other metals; plastics such as PET, lDPe, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, PVC, EVOH and nylon; paperboard; and the like, or any combination thereof, or any other suitable material.

Cardboard boxes according to the present description can accommodate items of any form. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose of limiting the scope of the invention, the following detailed description describes containers of food products (e.g. glass jars or beverage bottles) as arranged within the embodiments of the box of cardboard. The containers could also be beverage containers (for example, glass bottles for drinks) without departing from the invention. In this specification, the terms "bottom", "bottom", "top" and "top" indicate specific orientations in relation to cardboard boxes fully mounted in an upright position.

Figure 1 is a plan view of the outer side -101 - of a base piece, generally indicated with -103-, used to form a cardboard box -105- (figure 3) according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The cardboard box -105- can be used to accommodate a series of items such as the containers -C- (Figure 5). In the embodiment shown, the containers -C- are glass containers. In the embodiment shown, the cardboard box -105- is sized to accommodate twelve containers -C- in a single layer in a 3x4 arrangement, but it is understood that the cardboard box -105- can be sized and shaped to contain containers of a different or equal amount in more than one layer and / or in different row / column arrangements (for example, 1 x6, 2x6, 4x6, 3x8, 2x6x2, 3x4x2, 2x9, 3x4, etc.), or just a single Article.

The base piece -103- has a longitudinal axis -L1- and a lateral axis -L2-. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the base piece includes a first lower panel -109- and a second lower panel -107-. The second lower panel -107- is foldably connected to a first side panel -111- in a lateral folding line -121-. The first lower panel -109- is foldably connected to a second side panel -113- in a lateral folding line -123-. An upper panel -125- is foldably connected to the first lateral panel -111- in a lateral folding line -127-, and foldably connected to the second lateral panel -113- in a lateral folding line -129-.

The second lower panel -107- is foldably connected to a first lower end fin -131- and a second lower end fin -133-. The first side panel -111- is foldably attached to a first lateral end flap -135- and a second lateral extreme fin -137-. The second side panel -113- is foldably connected to a first lateral end flap -139- and a second lateral extreme fin -141-. The upper panel -125- is foldably connected to a first upper end fin -143- and a second upper end fin -145-. In one embodiment, when the cardboard box -105- is mounted, the end wings -131-, -135-, -139-, -141- close the first end -151- of the cardboard box -105-, and the fins 133, -137-, -141-, -145- close the second end of the cardboard box -105-. According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, different fin arrangements can be used to close the ends -151-, -152- of the cardboard box -105-.

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The extreme fins -131-, -135-, -139-, -141- extend along a first marginal area of the base piece -103-, and are foldably connected to a first longitudinal folding line - 157- which extends along the length of the base piece. The extreme fins -133-, -137-, -141-, -145- extend along a second marginal area of the base piece -103-, and are foldably connected to a second longitudinal folding line - 159- which also extends along the base piece -103-. The longitudinal folding lines -157-, -159- can be, for example, substantially straight, or be displaced in one or more locations to take into account the thickness of the base piece or due to other factors.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, the base piece -103- has handling characteristics to form a handle -161-. In the embodiment shown, the handling features comprise a handling flap -163- foldably connected to a respective first side panel -111- in a longitudinal folding line -165-. The base piece -103- can have other characteristics to form the handle -161-, or the base piece and / or the cardboard box -105- can have a handle that is shaped, arranged and / or configured alternately without departing of the invention. In addition, the handle -161- can be omitted without departing from the invention.

In the first embodiment, the base part -103- includes nine protection fins of the articles -171- arranged in a 3x3 arrangement in the first lower panel -109-, but the base part -103- could have more or less than nine protection fins of the articles -171-, and the fins could otherwise be arranged in other suitable row / column arrangements or in a random configuration in the first lower panel -109-, which includes a single-row configuration or a single column, or any other suitable configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the central row of the protection fins of the articles -171- is oriented 180 degrees with respect to a row of protection fins of the articles that are closest to the lateral edges -173-, -175-. In other embodiments, the protection flaps of the articles -171- could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured without departing from the invention.

As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the protection flaps of articles -171- are each foldably connected to the second lower panel -109- in a respective lateral folding line -177- and each is defined at least partially by a line of weakening -179- in the first lower panel -109-. In one embodiment, the weakening line -179- is a cut, but the weakening line could comprise other forms of weakening (for example, a tearing line comprising cut lines separated by breakable notches, a tearing line that is formed by a series of separate cuts, etc.) that allow the protection flap of the articles -171- to be separated from the lower panel -109- without departing from the invention. As shown in Figure 5, the cut -179- has a first part -181- which, in general, is curved and extends from a first end -185- of the folding line -177- and a second part -183- which, in general, is curved and extends from a second end -187- of the folding line -177-. Both the first part -181- and the second part -183- of the cut -179- extend away from the fold line -177- and form a rounded corner -180-, -182- respective of the cut -179-. As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the protection flap of articles -171- comprises a second folding line -184- extending from the center of the first folding line -177-. A first part -176- and a second part -178- of the protection flap of the articles -171- are foldably connected along the second folding line -184-. In one embodiment, a groove or cut -188- is positioned adjacent to the second fold line -184-. In the first embodiment, the second folding line -184- is a longitudinal folding line that is, in general, parallel, and extends in the longitudinal direction -L1- of the base piece -103-. The folding lines -177-, -184- and the cuts -179-, -188- could be shaped, arranged, configured and / or omitted so that the protection flap of the articles -171- has any other shape or suitable configuration without departing from the invention.

The base piece -103- includes nine access features -189- to position the protection fins of the articles -171- in a second position while substantially covering the openings -168- formed from the activation of the protection fins of the articles -171-. The access feature -189- also helps prevent foreign matter from entering the cardboard box -103- while the protection flaps of the items -171- are activated. The access features -189- are arranged in a 3x3 arrangement, but the base piece -103- could have more or less than nine access features -189-, and the access features could be arranged differently in other arrangements suitable row / column or in a random configuration in the first lower panel -107-, which includes a single row or single column configuration, or any other suitable configuration. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the central row of access characteristics is oriented 180 degrees with respect to a row of access characteristics that are closer to a respective folding line -157-, -159-. In other embodiments, the access characteristics could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured, without departing from the invention.

As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the access characteristics -189- are defined, at least partially, by a line of weakening with three parts -191-, -193- and -195-; however, the access characteristic -189- can comprise more or less weakening lines without departing from the invention. In one embodiment, the weakening lines are cuts, but the weakening line could comprise other forms of weakening (for example, a tearing line comprising cut lines separated by breakable notches, a tearing line that is formed by a series of separate cuts, an opening, etc.) that

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it allows the access feature -189- to open without departing from the invention. The access characteristic -189- has a first part -191- which is, in general, straight, and extends longitudinally and in alignment with the lateral folding line -177- of the protection flaps of the articles -171-. The access characteristic -189- has a second part -193- which is, in general, straight, and extends perpendicularly from the center of the first part -191-. The third part -195- of the access characteristic -189- is, in general, oblique, and extends from the edge of the second part -193- to the first part -191-. In other embodiments, the base piece -103- may include access characteristics -189- that are different, similar or identical to the access characteristics without departing from the invention.

Figures 2-7 show an exemplary procedure for forming the cardboard box -105- and the protection characteristics of the articles -171-. At various stages of the assembly process, glue or other adhesive can be applied to various parts of the base piece -103-. As shown in Figure 2, the base piece -103- can be formed into a tubular element -102- which has open ends -104-, -106- by folding the first lower panel -109-, the second lower panel -107-, the side panels -111-, -113- and the top panel -125- along the respective fold lines -121-, -123-, -127-, -129-. The first panel -109- and the second lower panel -107- are positioned in face-to-face contact to form the inside of the cardboard box -105-. The access characteristics -189- are positioned in register with the protection flaps of the articles -171-. The first lower panel 109 can be adhesively attached to the second lower panel -107- by glue lines -106- or other suitable adhesive. The containers -C- can be placed in an interior space -108- of the tubular element -102-. One of the ends -151-, -153- can be closed before loading the containers -C-, or both ends -151-, -153- can be closed after loading the containers in the interior space -108-. The closure of the first end -151- is described below, but it is understood that the second end -153- can be closed in a similar manner. Alternatively, the second end -153- could have a different sequence or arrangement of fin closure and the protection characteristics of the articles -171- and the access characteristics -189- could be shaped, arranged, configured and / or omitted without depart from the invention.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first end -151- is closed by first folding inward the lateral end wings -135-, -139-. The lower end fin -131- is folded up and the upper end fin -143- is folded down to close the end -151- of the cardboard box -105-. In one embodiment, the second end -153- is closed similarly to the first end -151-. The lower end fin -133- is folded up and the second upper end fin -145- is folded down to close the end -153- of the cardboard box -105-.

In the first embodiment, the loaded and closed cardboard box -105- of Figure 4 is further processed so that the protection flaps of the articles -171- are activated. The access characteristics -189- are contiguous and are in alignment with the protection fins of the articles -171-, so that the protection fins of the articles -171- are coupled through the lower access characteristics -189 - and are moved to a position in which the fins -171- are located between the containers -C-. The protection flaps of the attached articles -171- tighten the container packing -C- in the cardboard box -105-, which helps to minimize the breakage of the articles. The protection flaps of the articles -171- are foldably coupled to the lower panel -109- and can be moved between a first position (figure 5) that is substantially parallel to the lower panel -109- and a second position (figures 6 -7) in which the protection flaps of the articles -171- are folded with respect to the lower panel -109- and are located between adjacent containers -C-. In one embodiment, the protection fins of the articles -171- are raised or activated to the position of figure 7, and the protection fins of the articles -171- have characteristics to avoid folding the protection fins of the articles - 171- from the second position to the first position. It is understood that the protection flaps of the articles -171- will be activated until the second position (figures 6-7) after the ends -151-, -153- of the cardboard box -105- have been closed. Alternatively, the protection flaps of the articles -171- could be activated before closing one or both ends -151-, -153- of the cardboard box -105- without departing from the invention.

An actuator of a cardboard box forming machine can access the protection flaps of the articles -171- through the access feature -189-, some of which will be described in more detail below. The activation of a single protection fin of the articles -171- will be described in detail herein, but it is understood that the other protection fins of the articles can be activated in a similar or different manner without departing from the invention. Figures 5 and 6 are enlarged parts of the inner surface -108- of the lower panel -109-, showing figure 5 the inner surface of the lower panel -109- before activation of the protection flap of the articles -171- , and FIG. 6 showing the inside of the lower panel -109- after activation of the protection fin of the articles -171- with a container -C- removed to show the positioning of the protection fins of the articles. In one embodiment, the actuator to form the protection flap of the articles -171- presses through the second lower panel -107- by means of the access feature -189- and presses against the folding line 187 (Figure 5) of the protection fin of the articles -171- to initiate the separation of the protection fin of the articles from the bottom panel -109- along the cut -179-. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the protection flap of the articles -171- is pivoted upwards with respect to the lower panel -109- in the folding line -177-. When the protection flap of the articles -171- is activated, the first part -176- and the second part -178- are folded together. In one embodiment, the first

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part -176- and the second part -178- of the protection flap of the articles -171- are folded inwards along the second folding line -184-. Thus, the protection flap of the articles -177- provides two layers of material (for example, the first part -176- and the second part -178- folded inwards) between the adjacent containers -C- in the cardboard box -105-.

In one embodiment, folding up the protection flaps of the articles -171- causes the containers -C- in the cardboard box -105- to move to provide the necessary space for the protection fins of the articles in the second position, being the first part -176- and the second part -178- folded with respect to each other. The movement of the containers -C- when the protection flaps of the articles -171- are folded up and placed between adjacent containers, squeeze the packaging of the containers in the cardboard box -105- so that the movement of the containers is limited by the positioning of the protection fins of the articles -171- and the extreme fins -131-, -135-, -139-, -143- and -133-, -137-, -141-, -145 - respective at the ends -151-, -153- closed of the cardboard box -105-. The protection fins of the articles -171- are pressed against two adjacent containers -C- to initiate the movement of the containers and provide the tightening characteristic of the protection fins of the articles -171-.

The configuration of the first part -176- and the second part -178- prevents the protection flap of the articles -171- from folding down from the second position, or elevated position, of Figure 6 to the first position, or lowered position, as shown in Figure 5, when the first part -176- and the second part -178- of the protection flap of the articles -171- are folded inwards with respect to each other. Likewise, an edge -134- of the second part -178- of the protection flap of the articles -171- formed by the rounded corner -182- of the cut -183- extends beyond the edge of the opening -168- . The positioning of the distal parts of the first part -176- and the second part -178-, including the edges -132-, -134- of the protection flap of the articles -171-, with respect to the edge -136 - of the opening -168- prevents the protection fins of the articles -171- from folding downwards to the first position in which the protection fins of the articles -171- are substantially parallel to the lower panel -109-. Thus, once the protection fins of the articles -171- are raised to the second position and positioned between adjacent containers -C-, the protection fins of the articles remain in the folded up position, providing cushioning and protection between adjacent containers. In the embodiment of Figures 1-7, the protection flaps of the articles -171- of the two outer rows have a straight corner -196- which is truncated in comparison to the rounded corners -180-, -182-. The protection fins of the articles -171- could be shaped, arranged and / or otherwise configured to have other characteristics to prevent the protection fins of the articles from returning to the first or lowered position without departing from the invention.

Figures 8-11 show an alternative embodiment of the invention that is similar to the base piece -103- of the first embodiment. Consequently, the same or similar characteristics will be indicated by the same or similar reference numbers. The base piece -203- is for forming a cardboard box -205- which has protection flaps of the articles -271- foldably connected to the first lower panel -209-, and access characteristics -289- in the second lower panel -207- of the cardboard box -205- as explained above for the first embodiment. In the embodiment of Figures 8-11, the protection flaps of the articles 271 and the access characteristics 289 are arranged in a 2 x 2 configuration. The base part 203 has handling characteristics 264. - to form a handle -261-. In the embodiment shown, the handling features comprise handling fins -263- foldably connected to a single upper end fin -243-, -245- in a longitudinal folding line -265-, and notches or openings -244- in the lateral lateral fins -235-, -239-, -237- and -241-. The openings -266- collaborate to provide an opening at a closed end -251-, -253- to allow a respective handling flap -263- to be folded inward so that the cardboard box -205- can be held at a respective end. The base piece -203- can have other characteristics to form the handle -261-, or the base piece and / or the cardboard box -205- can have a handle that is shaped, arranged and / or configured alternately without departing of the invention. In addition, the handle -261- can be omitted without departing from the invention. The base piece -203- could have other characteristics and could be shaped, arranged and / or configured in another way without departing from the invention.

Figures 12-14 show a base part -303- and a cardboard box -305- of a third embodiment of the description that is similar to the base part -103- of the first embodiment, but the bottom panel -109- is separated and replaced by an insertion element -309-, with protection flaps of the articles -371- arranged in a 4 x 3 configuration. The insertion element -309- is inserted in the cardboard box -305- mounted and it is placed in face-to-face contact with the bottom panel -307- before inserting the containers -C-. The lower panel -307- comprises twelve access characteristics -389- arranged in a 4 x 3 configuration for registration with the protection flaps of the articles -371-. Accordingly, the same or similar characteristics will be indicated with the same or similar reference numbers between the embodiments. The protection flaps of the articles -371- and the access characteristics -389- can be shaped, arranged and / or configured in another way without departing from the invention.

Cardboard boxes of any of the embodiments shown or not shown of the invention could have other characteristics (eg, dispensing characteristics, handling characteristics, reinforcement characteristics, etc.) without departing from the invention. Also, the cardboard boxes could be shaped, arranged

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and / or otherwise configured and the cartons could be configured to contain items other than beverage containers without departing from the invention.

In general, the base piece of any of the embodiments shown or not shown may be constructed from cardboard having a caliber such that it is heavier and stiffer than ordinary paper. The base piece can also be constructed of other materials, such as cardboard, or any other material that has suitable properties to allow the package to function, at least in general, as described above. The base piece may be coated, for example, with a clay coating. The clay coating can be printed with the product, advertising and other information or images. The base pieces can be subsequently coated with a varnish to protect the information printed on the base pieces. The base pieces can also be coated, for example, with a moisture barrier layer, on one or both sides of the base pieces. The base pieces can also be laminated or coated with one or more sheet materials in panels or in selected panel sections.

By way of example, a tear line may include: a groove that extends partially inside the material along the desired weakening line, and / or a series of separate grooves that extend partially and / or completely to through the material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinations of these characteristics. As a more specific example, a type of tearing line is formed by a series of separate grooves that extend completely through the material, the adjacent grooves being slightly separated so that a notch (for example, such as a small fragment of the material somehow as a bridge) is defined between the adjacent grooves to connect, usually temporarily, the material through the tear line. The notches are broken during tearing along the tearing line. The notches are usually a relatively small percentage of the tear line and, alternatively, the notches can be omitted or torn in a tear line, such that the tear line is a continuous cutting line. That is, it is within the scope of the present invention that each of the tear lines be replaced by a continuous groove, or the like. For example, a cutting line can be a continuous groove or could be wider than a groove without departing from the present invention.

According to the exemplary embodiments described above, a folding line can be any substantially linear, but not necessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates folding along it. More specifically, but not for the purpose of reducing the scope of the present invention, the folding lines include: an incision line, such as lines formed with a blunt incision blade, or the like, which creates a crushed part in the material along the desired weakening line; a cut that extends partially in the material along the desired line of weakness, and / or a series of cuts that extend partially and / or completely through the material along the line of desired weakening; and several combinations of these characteristics. In situations where the cut is used to create a fold line, the cut will usually not be too large, in a way that may cause a reasonable user to incorrectly consider the fold line to be a tear line.

The above embodiments can be described as having one or more panels adhered to each other by glue during the assembly of the embodiments of the cardboard box. The term "glue" is intended to cover all types of adhesives commonly used to secure cardboard panels in place.

Claims (19)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) to contain at least one article (C), comprising the cardboard box a series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) that form, at least partially, the interior (108) of the cardboard box, the series of panels comprising a first panel ( 109; 209; 309) and a second panel (107; 207; 307), the first panel and the second panel being in face-to-face contact to at least partially form the inside of the cardboard box, the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising at least one single protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) to protect at least the single article (C), being connected at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) foldably to the first panel (109; 209; 309) and being able to move between a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel and a second position in which the protection fin of the articles is folded with respect to the first panel, comprising at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) a first part (176) and a second part (178) connected of Folding way to the first part in a folding line (184), the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising an opening (168) when, at least, the only fin of protection of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position, characterized in that at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) has characteristics to prevent folding of the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) from the second position to the first position, the second panel (107; 207; 307) comprising at least one access feature (189; 289; 389) to position, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) of the first position to the second position, comprising, at least, the only access feature (189; 289; 389) a cut (193) aligned and in register with the folding line (184), at least, of the single fin of protection of the articles (171; 271; 371) to allow access, at least, to the only fin of protection of the articles (171; 271; 371) through the cut (193), the second panel (107 ; 207; 307) covers the opening (168) in the first panel (109; 209; 309) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position. 2. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) according to claim 1, wherein the first panel (109; 209; 309) is in contact with the bottom, at least, of the single article (C). 3. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (176) and the second part (178) are folded with respect to each other when the protection flap of the articles ( 171; 271; 371) is in the second position, the opening (168) having an edge (136) formed, at least partially, by a line of weakening (179) defining at least a part of the fin of protection of the articles, the characteristics for preventing the folding of the protection fin of the articles comprise a free edge (132, 134), at least, of one of the first part (176) and the second part (178) which extends beyond the edge (136) of the opening (168). 4. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) according to claim 1, wherein at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) comprises a series of protection fins of the articles, at least, the only access characteristic (189; 289; 389) comprises a series of access characteristics, at least, the only article (C) comprises a series of articles, and each of the protection fins of the articles (171; 271; 371) is positioned between two respective contiguous articles of the series of articles. 5. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) according to claim 1, wherein the first panel (109; 209; 309) is a first lower panel, the second panel (107; 207; 307) is a second lower panel, the first lower panel being in contact with the lower part, at least of the single article (C), the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113, 207, 209, 307, 309) comprises a first side panel (111) foldably connected to the lower panel (109; 209; 309), an upper panel (125) foldably connected to the first side panel (111) and which is adjacent to the top, so less, of the single article (C), and a second side panel (113) foldably connected to the upper panel (125). 6. Cardboard box (105; 205; 305) according to claim 1, further comprising a series of end fins (131, 135, 139, 143, 133, 137, 141, 145; 131, 235, 239, 243 , 133, 237, 241, 245) respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309), the extreme fins being superimposed, by at least partially, to close one end (151, 153; 251, 253) of the cardboard box (105; 205; 305). 7. Cardboard box (305) according to claim 1, wherein the first panel (309) is an insertion element in face-to-face contact with the second panel (307). 8. Base part (103; 203; 303) to form a cardboard box (105; 205; 305) to contain at least one article (C), the base part comprising a series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) to form, at least partially, the interior (108) of the cardboard box formed from the base piece, comprising the panel series a first panel (109; 209; 309) and a second panel (107; 207; 307), the first panel and the second panel being intended for 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 be in face-to-face contact to form, at least partially, the inside of the cardboard box formed from the base piece, the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising at least one protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) to protect at least the single article (C), being connected at least , the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) foldably to the first panel (109; 209; 309) and being movable between a first position that is substantially parallel to the first panel (109; 209; 309) and a second position in which the protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) is folded with respect to the first panel (109; 209; 309), comprising at least one protection fin of the articles ( 171; 271; 371) a first part (176) and a second part (178) foldably connected to the first part in a folding line (184), the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising an opening ( 168) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position, characterized because at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) has characteristics to prevent folding of the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) from the second position to the first position, the second panel (107; 207; 307) comprising at least one characteristic of access (189; 289; 389) to position, at least, the only protection fin of articles (107; 207; 307) from the first position to the second position, comprising, at least, the only characteristic of access (189; 289; 389) a cut (193) aligned and in register with the folding line (184), at least, of the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) to allow access at least, to the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) through the cut (193) in the cardboard box (105; 205; 305) formed from the base piece (103; 203; 303), the second panel (107; 207; 307) covers the opening (168) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (10 7; 207; 307) is in the second position, in the cardboard box formed from the base piece. 9. Base part (103; 203; 303) according to claim 8, wherein the first part (176) and the second part (178) are folded with respect to each other when the protection flap of the articles (171 ; 271; 371) is in the second position, the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprises a weakening line (179) that defines, at least partially, the protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371 ), the weakening line (179) forming [[one]] the opening (168) an edge (136) in the cardboard box (105; 205; 305) formed from the base piece (103; 203 ; 303), the features for preventing the folding of the protection flap of the articles comprise an edge (132, 134) free, at least, of one of the first part (176) and the second part (178) which is extend beyond the edge (136) of the opening (168) in the cardboard box (105; 205; 305) formed from the base piece (103; 203; 303). 10. Base part (103; 203; 303) according to claim 8, wherein at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) comprises a series of protection fins of the articles at least the only access characteristic (189; 289; 389) comprises a series of access characteristics, at least, the only article (C) comprises a series of articles, and each of the protection fins of articles (171; 271; 371) are intended to be positioned between two respective adjacent articles of the series of articles in the cardboard box (105; 205; 305) formed from the base piece (103; 203; 303). 11. Base part (103; 203; 303) according to claim 8, wherein the first panel (109; 209; 309) is a first lower panel, the second panel 107; 207; 307) is a second lower panel, the first lower panel is intended to be in contact with a lower part, at least, of the single article (C) in the cardboard box (105; 205; 305) formed from the base piece (103; 203; 303), the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) comprises a first side panel (111) foldably connected to the bottom panel ( 109; 209; 309), an upper panel (125) foldably connected to the first side panel (111) to be adjacent to the upper part, at least, of the single article (C) in the cardboard box (105; 205; 15305) formed from the base piece (103; 203; 303), and a second side panel (113) foldably connected to the upper panel (125). 12. Base part (103; 203; 303) according to claim 8, further comprising a series of end fins (131, 135, 139, 143, 133, 137, 141, 145; 131, 235, 239, 243, 133, 237, 241, 245) respectively foldably connected to a respective panel of the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309), the fins being at least at least partially superimposed to close one end (151, 153; 251,253) of the cardboard box (105; 205; 305). 13. Procedure for forming a cardboard box (105; 205; 305), the procedure comprising: obtaining a base piece (103; 203; 303) comprising a series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) comprising a first panel (109; 209; 309) and a second panel (107; 207; 307), the first panel (109; 209; 309) comprising at least one protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) foldably connected to the first panel (109; 209; 309), and comprising the second panel (107; 207; 307), at least one access characteristic (189; 289; 389), at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) has features to prevent folding of the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) from the second position to the first position and comprising a first part (176) and a second part (178) connected in a manner folding to the first part in a folding line (184), comprising at least one access feature (189; 289; 389) a cut (193); 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty position the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) to form, at least partially, the interior (108) of the cardboard box (105; 205; 305), comprising positioning the first panel (109; 209; 309) and the second panel (107; 207; 307) to be in face-to-face contact, and to position, at least, the only access feature (189; 289; 389 ) so that the cut (193) is aligned and in register with the folding line (184), at least, of the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371); load at least one article (C) inside (108) of the cardboard box (105; 205; 305); access, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) through the cut (193) and position, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371 ) with respect to the first panel (109; 209; 309) after loading at least the single article (C), the positioning comprises moving the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) from a first position which is substantially parallel to the first panel (109; 209; 309) to a second position in which the protection flap of the articles (171; 271; 371) is folded with respect to the first panel (109; 209; 309), folding, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) forms an opening (168) in the first panel (109; 209; 309) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307)) are in the second position, and the second panel (107; 207; 307) covers the opening (168) when, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (107; 207; 307) is in the second position. 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein folding at least the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) comprises folding the first part (176) and the second part (178) one with Regarding another. 15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at least accessing the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371) comprises attaching, at least, the only protection fin of the articles ( 171; 271; 371) with an actuator of a cardboard box forming machine, the actuator being introduced through the access feature (189; 289; 389) to initiate the folding of at least the single fin of protection of articles (171; 271; 371). 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the opening (168) in the first panel (109; 209; 309) has an edge (136) formed, at least partially, by a line of weakening (179) which defines, at least, a part of the protection fin of the articles, the characteristics to avoid folding the protection fin of the articles comprise a free edge (132, 134) at least of one of the first part (176) and the second part (178), which extends beyond the edge (136) of the opening (168). 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the load of at least the single article (C) comprises loading a series of articles, at least, the only protection fin of the articles (171; 271; 371 ) comprises a series of protection fins of the articles, at least, the only access characteristic (189; 289; 389) comprises a series of access characteristics, the folding comprises positioning each of the protection fins of the articles (171; 271; 371) between two respective adjoining articles (C) of the series of articles. 18. The method of claim 13, wherein the first panel (109; 209; 309) is a first lower panel, the second panel (107; 207; 307) is a second lower panel, the first lower panel being in contact with the bottom, at least, of the single article (C), the series of panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113, 207, 209, 307, 309) comprises a first side panel (111) connected of foldable way to the lower panel (109; 209; 309), an upper panel (125) foldably connected to the first side panel (111) and which is adjacent to the upper part, at least, of the single article (C), and a second side panel (113) foldably connected to the upper panel (125). 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the positioning of the panels (107, 109, 111, 125, 113; 207, 209; 307, 309) comprises forming a tubular element (102) having a first end ( 104) and a second end (106), the base piece (103; 203; 303) has a first series of end fins (131, 135, 139, 143; 131, 235, 239, 243) at a first end of the base piece, and a second series extreme fins (133, 137, 141, 145, 133, 237, 241, 245) at a second end of the base piece, the method comprises closing the first end by superimposing, at least partially, the first series of extreme fins and closing the second end superimposing, at least partially, the second series of extreme fins.