FR2748991A1 - Blank for rigid carton for containing cosmetics, spirits, food stuffs etc. - Google Patents

Abstract

The cardboard blank has panels (3) to form the sidewalls of the carton and a panel to form the base of the carton, connected to the side panels by fold lines. There are further panels (8) each forming a connecting pleat with two adjacent side panels. The outer edge (10) is defined in a zone (11) of arc of a circle with a radius equal to the size of the lateral fold lines. A panel (5) forming the cover is connected to an external edge of the side panel by a fold line. The pleated panels form integral fixings and separation for the carton contents.

Description

 The invention relates to a blank intended for producing a rigid case, a case and a packaging assembly obtained using such a blank.

 It also relates to a process for producing a case and / or a packaging unit, from the blank mentioned.

 Many rigid cases or boxes are known, closed and produced by folding and gluing from blanks generally made of cardboard.

 These cases are frequently intended for the packaging of one or more products which it is necessary to immobilize, such as fragile containers (bottles of spirits, pharmaceutical ampoules, food jars, cosmetic bottles, etc.).

 There are then inside the external rigid envelope of the case, means for setting the product comprising partitions based on sheets of cardboard or the like, folded and / or glued and / or stapled.

 Similarly, these cases are commonly used for the packaging of several products, in particular cosmetic bottles or containers, which should be kept at a distance from each other in the case.

 Are then provided in the envelope of the case, separation means, also provided with partitions based on sheets of cardboard or the like, folded and / or glued or stapled, sometimes confused with the wedging means.

 By way of example, let us cite the documents DE-A40.27.513 and DE-A-38.08.746 which relate to this type of structure.

 Known cases have drawbacks.

 As for the subject of document DE-A-38.08.746, which describes a box obtained from a single piece of cardboard, it is necessary to provide a support, here by gluing.

 This document, which provides that the box has a second covering skin projecting from at least two of the sides, does not make it possible to obtain means for separating the interior of the box into several distinct usable volumes.

 In addition, the production and mainly the shaping of the box according to this document is relatively complex.

 While the blank is particularly wide in relation to the interior volume of the box obtained.

 This constitutes economic disadvantages.

 Furthermore, the known boxes are not sufficiently rigid and / or resistant from a mechanical point of view and / or closed for certain applications.

 And opening and / or extracting their content is not always easy.

 The invention therefore aims to obtain a substantially closed, resistant and rigid case, provided with wedging and / or separation means, from a single blank and without requiring any bonding operation.

 The case obtained is both aesthetic, low cost, easy to mechanize and fast, and therefore economical.

 To this end, a first object of the invention is a cardboard blank or the like, intended for producing a substantially closed and rigid case, for packaging at least one product such as a bottle.

 The blank is of the type comprising several panels intended to form side walls of the case, as well as a panel intended to form a bottom and a panel intended to form a cover of the case, the bottom and cover panels being each connected to a side wall panel, and fold lines being provided in the blank.

 In this blank are provided panels, each of which is intended to form a two-by-two connection bellows of neighboring side panels, substantially inscribed in a disk sector of a radius substantially equal to the measurement of the edges to be connected of neighboring side panels, and adjoining the bottom panel.

 In one embodiment, the outer edge of at least one bellows panel comprises one or more arcs of a circle.

 In one embodiment, the outer edge of at least one bellows panel comprises one or more straight lines.

According to certain characteristics of the invention:
Folding lines on the bellows panels are each extended from the bottom panel to an outer edge of the blank, for example of dimension substantially equal to a radius of the sector of the disc, and intended to allow the folding of the panel bellows corresponding to two substantially identical parts, one against the other.

 In one embodiment, fold lines of bellows panels and / or between them and side panels, are at least partly in the form of a sinusoid or "S" stretched.

 In this case, sinusoidal folds are of identical and / or reversed orientation.

 The bottom panel is contiguous to each of the side panels, respectively by an extended fold line, for example substantially at right angles, between the inner ends of the edges connected to bellows panels of the corresponding side panel.

 A fold line connects the cover panel to an outer edge of a side panel, opposite and substantially parallel to the inner edge of the latter.

 The cover panel includes integrated means intended to maintain the shape of the case, such as an end tab and / or ears intended to form an anchor jumper.

 The side panels and bellows define a "continuous corolla" around the bottom panel, intended to be folded to the right of the latter.

 In fact, the folded bellows panels form integrated wedging and / or separation means inside the case, extended to flush with or near the cover wall, as well as anchoring means capable of allow the immobilization of the shape-keeping means, in collaboration with a side wall opposite the cover wall with respect to the bottom wall.

 According to one characteristic, the blank comprises at least one panel of wedging and / or separation means, intended to form a flap.

 According to another characteristic, the blank has a general outline, with the exception of the cover panel and possibly of flap panels, substantially of quadrangular shape, such as rectangle or square.

 At least one flap comprises in one example, a passage slot or introduction of an ear of the cover.

 According to yet another characteristic, the blank comprises a cardboard, a synthetic sheet material and / or a protective coating and / or at least one visible pattern.

 For example, a visible pattern comprises a print and / or a relief such as embossing and / or a cutout such as a window.

 According to the embodiments, the blank comprises a cellulosic material such as compact or corrugated cardboard and / or a synthetic material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, especially high density polystyrene and / or a metal such as aluminum film.

 In one embodiment, the blank comprises a sheet of "complex", having several layers of materials of different structure and / or composition.

 A second object of the invention is a case obtained from a blank as mentioned.

 In one embodiment, the case is of generally prismatic shape with a quadrangular base, the side panels of which are substantially perpendicular to the base.

 The side panels are arranged in certain embodiments so as to be embedded in a frustoconical geometric envelope based on a smaller or larger section (inverted frustoconical).

 A geometric spiral envelope is also provided in one embodiment.

 The case comprises in one embodiment at least one gripping panel, projecting from the cover and passing through a slot in the latter, the gripping panel being formed by an external end of at least one folded bellows panel, and optionally provided with '' a hooking or handle opening such as a hole.

 One embodiment provides that the case is provided with two gripping panels, one front and the other rear, and at least partially opposite one another.

 A third object of the invention is a packaging assembly comprising a blank and / or a case as mentioned, as well as at least one contained product and possibly a sealing film.

 And a fourth object of the invention relates to a process for producing a case and / or a packaging unit as mentioned above.

This process includes a phase of shaping or volume of the case during which:
- A blank is placed, in guide means such as a sheath, on a folding installation, with the bottom wall in line with an envelope housing;
- A punch is moved against an opposite face of the bottom wall in order to cause the progressive introduction of the blank into the housing, possibly with a relative rotation of the guide means relative to the housing; and
- The introduction is continued until the side panels have reached a predetermined position, at least partly inside the housing.

 The invention can be better understood in view of the detailed description which follows and which refers to the attached drawings, given solely by way of example.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a case according to the invention, during folding of the blank;
Figure 3 is a partial view similar to Figure 2, which shows the interior of the shaped case, before folding and anchoring of the cover panel.

 Figure 4 is a view similar to Figures 2 and 3, illustrating a packaging assembly according to the invention.

 Figure 5 is a plan view similar to Figure 1, illustrating on the one hand a line A blank according to an embodiment of the invention, and on the other hand another blank according to the invention , provided with ear-shaped anchoring means defining with the cover a jumper, slots for introducing the ears being formed on flaps.

 FIG. 6 is a plan view similar to FIG. 1, illustrating an embodiment of a blank according to the invention, in which two bellows panels have external edges in chevrons with rectilinear sections, two other bellows panels having their edges oval projecting outsides, a slit for the passage of gripping panels being provided on the cover.

 Figure 7 is a partial, schematic and perspective view, similar to Figure 4, which illustrates a case provided with gripping panels, here with a linear hooking opening.

 FIG. 8 is a plan view of a blank with lateral fold lines partially in sinusoid.

 And FIG. 9 is a plan view of a blank whose anchoring means comprise ears and a cover tab.

 In the figures, we see an XYZ coordinate system, with respect to which the invention is described.

 The XYZ coordinate system comprises a first axis which defines a lateral direction X.

It also includes a second axis, perpendicular to the first axis, which defines a direction of depth
Y.

 And a third axis, perpendicular to the first and second axes, defines a direction of elevation.

The invention is described with reference to the XYZ coordinate system only for the clarity of its understanding.

 Obviously, the blank, the case, the packaging unit or the means allowing their realization can take any orientation in space.

 Figures 1, 5, 6, 8 and 9 each show a blank 1 extended in an XY plane defined by the lateral X and depth Y directions.

 Each blank 1 is intended for producing a substantially closed and rigid case 2, for packaging at least one product not shown.

 This product is any. Depending on the application, it involves at least one bottle, one jar, one bottle, or any other product.

 By the term "rigid" is meant that the case has sufficient mechanical strength to protect and securely pack the product to be packaged.

 By the term "closed" is meant that the case 1 provides substantially complete containment of its contents.

 For simplicity, panels and walls defined by these panels are designated by the same references.

 The blank 1 comprises several panels 3 intended to form side walls of the case 2. In the examples, the walls 3 are four in number, and extended in the direction of elevation Z in the case 2.

 It also includes a panel 4 intended to form a bottom and a panel 5 intended to form a cover of the case 2. The walls 4 and 5 are extended in the XY plane in the closed case.

 The bottom 4 and cover 5 panels are each connected to a side wall panel 3.

 Folding lines at the bottom 6 are formed in the blank 1. Each connects the panel 4 to a panel 3, respectively. These panels 3 and 4 are therefore contiguous and draw the shape of a cross.

 A line 7 for folding the cover is provided in the blank 1. It connects the panel 5 to a panel 3 called the rear. These panels 5 and 3 are therefore also contiguous.

 Between each branch of the cross, the blank 1 comprises a panel 8 intended to form a two-by-two connection bellows of adjacent side panels 3.

 Here, the bellows panels 8 are four in number.

 Median fold lines 9 on the bellows panels 8 are each extended from the bottom panel 4 to an outer edge 10 of the bellows panel 8 and therefore of the blank 1.

 These lines 9 are intended to allow the folding of each corresponding bellows panel 8 into two substantially identical parts, one against the other.

 While lateral fold lines 12 connect on either side of a bellows panel 8, the latter to a side panel 3.

 The panels 8 have a general contour in the form of a disk sector, that is to say in a corner comprised between two lateral lines 12.

 In FIG. 1, the reference 11 designates a hatched zone in the form of an arc of a circle.

 The edge 10 is determined so that the dimension (for example in the X or Y direction) of a line 12 is between those of the maximum radius and the minimum radius of the arc of a circle delimited by the area 11.

Similarly, the shape of each edge 10 is chosen to be included in zone 11.

 In general, the radius on a line 12 is substantially equal to the dimension of the adjacent side panel 3, measured parallel to this line 12.

 In FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 9 the lines 12 are straight lines extended either in the direction X or in the direction Y. They are for each panel 3 perpendicular to the bottom fold line 6 of this panel 3.

 In these figures, each fold line 9 is oriented substantially at an angle of 450 relative to the directions X and Y.

 And it is extended from the inner ends of the lines 12 of the neighboring panels 3, at the level of a line 6, to the corresponding edge 10.

 In FIG. 8, the fold lines 12 are not entirely rectilinear. They are partly in the form of a sinusoid or an "S" stretched. Provision is also made in an entirely curvilinear fold line 12 in sinusoid.

 In this case, sinusoid folds are of identical orientation. They can also be two to two reversed.

 Similarly, the bellows fold lines 9 are at least partially curvilinear in certain cases.

 In FIGS. 1 and 9, each edge 10 is an arc of a circle of radius centered on the intersection of the bottom fold lines 6 and the corresponding lines 12. The dimension of this radius is substantially equal to that of the lines 12.

 In FIG. 8, each edge 10 is delimited by two arcs of intersecting circles at the intersection of this edge 10 with the corresponding line 9. Here, the radii of these arcs are slightly larger than the dimension of line 12.

 In certain embodiments, more than two intersecting arcs are provided, for example three or four.

 In FIG. 5, the outer edge 10 of each bellows panel 8 comprises two arcs of a circle connected respectively to a line 12, and two rectilinear sections mutually connected, between the arcs of a circle.

 The rectilinear sections together draw a "V", indented in the blank 1. For each panel 8, the line 9 is therefore shorter than the lines 12.

 Such a "V" can also project outwards, making the line 9 longer than the corresponding lines 12.

 Similarly, in the case of two arcs of intersecting circles, line 9 of a panel 8 is more extensive than lines 12 for certain embodiments.

 This is the case in FIG. 6, for the two panels 8 adjacent to the line 7, called the front panels. In this embodiment, the outer edge 10 of the two rear panels is delimited by two intersecting lines.

 It appears from the figures that in the examples, the fold line 7 connects the cover panel 5 to an external edge of a side panel 3, opposite and substantially parallel to the bottom fold line 6 of the latter.

 The cover panel 5 includes integrated means 13 intended to keep the case 2 in shape.

In Figures 1, 2, 3, 5 (above the line
A), 6, 8 and 9 these means 13 comprise an end tab 14.

 The tongue 14 is extended in the direction Y, at the free end in the direction X of the cover panel 5. A fold line parallel to the direction Y is formed between the panel 5 proper and the tongue 14.

 In a closed case 2, the tongue 14 is housed in a front space 15 illustrated in FIG. 3. The space 15 is delimited by the two front bellows walls 8 and by the front side wall 3.

 In Figures 5 (under line A) and 9, the means 13 comprise ears 16 intended to form an anchor jumper.

 The blank 1 of Figure 9 has both a tongue 14 and two ears 16 for anchoring.

 In FIG. 8, the ears 16 are connected to the panel 5 proper by extended fold lines in the direction X and in continuation alignment with the fold lines 12 of the rear panel 3.

 And in this blank 1 are provided panels 17 intended to form flaps. These panels 17 are arranged at the outer ends of side panels extended in the direction Y, called sides.

 Each of these side panels 3 and the corresponding flap 17 are connected by a flap fold line 18, extended in the direction X.

 In FIG. 3, it can be seen that in the case 2 the flaps 17 are arranged against the corresponding side panel 3, inside the case.

 In the example of FIG. 5, a slot 17 'for inserting the ear 16 is provided on the flap 17, parallel and close to its fold line.

 The side panels 3 and bellows 8 define a sort of continuous "corolla" around the bottom panel 4, intended to be folded in line with the latter.

 In fact, the folded bellows panels 8 form integrated means 19 for wedging and / or separation inside the case 2, as is clear from FIG. 3. These means 19 are extended to the flower or to proximity to the cover wall 5.

 The panels 8 also jointly form anchoring means capable of allowing the immobilization of the shape-keeping means, in collaboration with a side wall 3 opposite the cover wall 5 relative to the bottom wall 4. The space before 15 is part of these means, just like the slots 17 '.

 The flaps 17 are also part of these wedging means 19 and / or separation, since they hold the folded panels 8 in a chosen position. A product housed in the case 2 is thus maintained.

 And in the case of the packaging of several products, these means separate them to avoid shocks that could alter them. Thus, the case of FIG. 3 is shaped to delimit two separate interior loading volumes, in the volume between the walls 3, 4 and 5.

 It is noted that the blank 1 has a general outline, with the exception of the cover panel and possibly of flap panels, substantially of quadrangular shape, such as rectangle or square.

 Note that the blank 1 comprises, according to the embodiments, a cardboard, a cellulosic material such as compact or corrugated cardboard and / or a synthetic material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, especially high density polystyrene and / or a metal such as aluminum film. .

 In one embodiment, the blank comprises a sheet of "complex", having several layers of materials of different structure and / or composition.

 In some cases, a protective coating and / or at least one visible pattern 20 is thus provided.

 For example, a visible pattern 20 includes a print and / or a relief such as embossing and / or a cutout such as a window. Then, it is possible to see through the window a part, for example of a different color, of a bellows panel 8.

 Let us now describe the case 2 obtained from a blank 1 as mentioned.

 In FIG. 4, the case 2 is generally prismatic in shape with a quadrangular base (panel 4), the side panels 3 of which are substantially perpendicular to the base.

 The side panels 3 are arranged in certain embodiments so as to be inscribed in a tapered geometric envelope based on a smaller or larger section (inverted taper).

 A geometric spiral envelope is also provided in the production of the blank of FIG. 8.

 Referring to Figures 6 and 7, it is understood that l1etui 2 has at least one gripping pan 21, projecting from the cover fold line 7 in the direction X.

 Here, two sections 21 are provided.

 In the case 2, these sections 21 pass through a slit 22 of the cover 5. The slit 22 is parallel to the direction Y, and disposed near the fold line of the cover 7.

 Each gripping pan 21 is formed by an outer end of a folded bellows panel 8. Here, it is provided with a hooking opening 23 or handle such as a hole.

 The opening 23 allows the case 2 to be taken in hand.

or its attachment for example to a linear.

 Note that the case 2 is provided with two gripping panels 21, one front and the other rear, and partially opposite one another in the direction X. In other words, the panels 21 project one relative to each other in direction Y.

 Note that a packaging unit includes a blank 1 and therefore a case 2 as mentioned, as well as at least one product contained. Such an assembly is in certain cases surrounded by a sealing film, for example transparent.

 The process for producing a case 2 and / or a packaging unit as mentioned above, includes a shaping or volume phase.

In view of FIG. 2, it is understood that this phase breaks down in particular in the stages according to which:
- A blank 1 is placed, in guide means such as a sheath, on a folding installation, with the bottom wall 4 in line with an envelope housing;
- a punch is moved in the direction B parallel to the direction Z against an opposite face of the bottom wall 4 in order to cause the progressive introduction of the blank 1 into the housing, here with a relative rotation
C (of axis parallel to direction Z) of the guide means relative to the housing; and
- The introduction is continued until the side panels 3 have reached, by folding as indicated by the arrows D, a predetermined position, partly at least inside the housing.

 To close the cover, the panel 5 is folded around a direction axis Y, as indicated by the arrow E.

 The production method comprises, according to an implementation, a step subsequent to shaping, of sealing the inviolability of the cover tab 14 with the front side panel 3, for example by hot and / or high frequency welding . The flaps 17 are also welded in certain cases.

The invention makes it possible in certain embodiments to dissociate three functions, namely:
- keeping the case in shape using the flaps 17;
- Maintaining and immobilizing the closed case by means 13, tongues and / or ears; and
- inviolability by welding or the like and / or covering with a film.

 Only non-limiting examples have been described here, variants of the shape, size or presentation being possible.

Claims (23)

 1- Blank (1) of cardboard or the like, intended for producing a case (2) substantially closed and rigid, for packaging at least one product such as a bottle, characterized in that it (1) comprises , in combination:  * several panels (3) intended to form side walls of the case (2); a panel (4) intended to form the bottom of the case, each side panel being connected to the bottom panel by a fold line at the bottom;  * panels (8) each intended to form a bellows for connection, by a lateral fold line, of two adjacent side panels and the external edge (10) of which is substantially inscribed in a zone (11) in an arc of a circle a radius substantially equal to the dimension of the lateral fold lines; each bellows panel comprising a middle fold line (9) between an intersection of two fold lines at the bottom and an outer edge of the blank, in order to allow the folding of each bellows panel into two substantially identical parts, one against the other 'other;  * a panel (5) intended to form the cover of the case, connected to an external edge of a side panel by a cover fold line, opposite and parallel to the fold line at the corresponding bottom, the cover panel comprising integrated means intended to keep the case in shape; and  * the bellows panels being intended to form on the one hand integrated means of wedging and / or separation of the contents of the case, and on the other hand with at least one side panel, means capable of immobilizing the means keeping fit.  2- blank (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer edge (10) of at least one bellows panel comprises one or more arcs of a circle.  3- blank (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the outer edge of at least one bellows panel comprises one or more straight lines.  4- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that fold lines on the bellows panels, are each extended from the bottom panel to an outer edge of the blank, for example dimension substantially equal to a radius of the circle sector.  5- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fold lines of the bellows panels and / or between the latter and the side panels, are at least partly in the form of a sinusoid or " Stretched.  6- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the sinusoid folds are of identical orientation and / or reversed.  7- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the bottom panel is contiguous to each of the side panels, respectively by an extended fold line, for example substantially at angle must, between the inner ends edges connected to bellows panels of the corresponding side panel.  8- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a fold line connects the cover panel to an outer edge of a side panel, opposite and substantially parallel to the inner edge of the latter.  9- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cover panel has integrated means for maintaining the shape of the case, such as an end tab and / or ears intended to form an anchor jumper.  10- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it (1) comprises at least one panel of the wedging and / or separation means, intended to form a flap.  11- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it (1) has a general outline, with the exception of the cover panel and possibly of flap panels, substantially of quadrangular shape, such as rectangle or square.  12- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it (1) has at least one flap (17) provided with a slot (17 ') for passage or introduction of an ear of the cover.  13- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it (1) comprises a cardboard, a plastic sheet and / or a protective coating and / or at least one visible pattern.  14- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it (1) comprises a visible pattern (20) such as an impression and / or a relief such as embossing and / or cutting such as window.  15- blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it (1) comprises a cellulosic material such as compact or corrugated cardboard and / or a synthetic material such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, especially high density polystyrene and / or a metal such as aluminum film.  16. Case (2) for packaging, characterized in that it is obtained from a blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15.  17- Case (2) according to claim 16, characterized in that it (2) is of generally prismatic shape with a quadrangular base, whose side panels are substantially perpendicular to the base.  18- Case (2) according to one of the references 16 or 17, characterized in that it (2) has a geometric spiral envelope.  19- Case (2) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that it (2) comprises at least one gripping pan (21), projecting from the cover and passing through a slot (22) of the latter , the gripping panel (21) being formed by an external end of at least one folded bellows panel (8), and possibly provided with an opening (23) for hooking or in handle such as a hole.  20- Case (2) according to claim 19, characterized in that it (2) is provided with two gripping panels (21) one front and the other rear, and at least partially opposite one of the other.  21- Packaging assembly, characterized in that it comprises a blank (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15 and / or a case (2) according to one of claims 16 to 20, as well as at least a contained product and possibly a sealing film.  22- Method for producing a case (2) according to one of claims 16 to 20 and / or a packaging unit according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises a shaping or volume phase the case during which:  - A blank (1) is placed, in guide means such as a sheath, on a folding installation, with the bottom wall (4) in line with an envelope housing;  - A punch is moved against an opposite face of the bottom wall (4) in order to cause the progressive introduction of the blank (1) into the housing, possibly with a relative rotation of the guide means relative to the housing; and  - The introduction is continued until the side panels (3) have reached a predetermined position, at least partly inside the housing.  23- The method of claim 22, characterized in that it comprises a step subsequent to the shaping, sealing inviolability of the cover with a side panel (3), for example by hot welding and / or high frequency.