FR2858600A1 - Object e.g. portable computer, or object part blocking block, has wall with internal side conformed such that thickness of wall between internal and external sides is varied, where internal side is curved at convexity towards cell interior - Google Patents

Abstract

The block has a wall (21) with an internal side (41) delimiting a side of a cell (3) and curved at convexity towards the cell interior. The side (41) is connected at its ends to respective internal sides (42, 44) of respective walls (22, 24) by deformability notches (5). The side (41) is conformed such that the thickness of the wall (21) between its internal and external sides is varied.

Description

CALIBRATION BLOCK

  The present invention relates generally to the field of wedging an object in a package for transport and, more specifically, the invention relates to improvements made to the wedging blocks of elastically deformable material for the wedging of an object or a part of an object in a package, said blocking block having several walls arranged end to end in a closed configuration defining between them a central cavity, opening on either side of the block stall, for receiving said object or part of the object.

  Various embodiments of this type of blocking block are known which, in use, surround the object or one end of the object (in this case, two blocking blocks are located at the respective ends of the object) to block it. inside a package and cushion the shocks it may suffer during transport.

  However, a significant disadvantage of these known blocking blocks lies in the fact that they are shaped and dimensioned to cooperate with an object of given dimensions and that different blocking blocks, in particular by the dimensions of the central cavity, must they are intended to receive respectively similar objects but having one or more different dimensions: the case may arise for example for different device models belonging to the same range (for example various more or less evolved versions of a range). laptops of roughly parallelepiped general shape flattened whose height and / or width and / or length may differ).

  Of course, if the dimensions of the various objects are little different, taking advantage of the deformability of the material constituting the blocking block, it is possible to set up a blocking block provided for an object of relatively smaller dimensions around an object having relatively larger dimensions. However, such diverted use of the stub block can be undertaken only if the dimensional deviation of the two relatively smaller and relatively larger objects is relatively small. In addition and above all, if this use diverted from the blocking block is feasible from the strictly geometric point of view, there is no consideration of the weight difference between the two objects, and the blocking block provided for the object of relatively smaller dimensions (and therefore in general relatively lighter) is not studied for the object of relatively larger dimensions (and therefore in general relatively heavier): the object protection of relatively larger dimensions against shocks 20 is not ensured under the required conditions.

  It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a multiple-use blocking block, that is, shaped to accept objects of various sizes and weights within predefined limits, which is thus not only geometrically adapt to the dimensional conformation of each object, but also to provide the required damping against the impact of objects that may have different weights.

  For these purposes, a blocking block as mentioned above is characterized, being arranged according to the invention, by the combination of the following provisions: - at least one wall has its inner face, delimiting one side of the cell which is curved with convexity turned towards the interior of the cell and which, in its central region, is separated from the facing face (s) by a distance D less than the corresponding dimension of the object, - said inner face of said wall being connected at its ends to the inner faces of the respective two adjacent walls by respective defor- mability notches, and - said wall has its outer face opposite the aforesaid inner face which is shaped of in such a way that the thickness of said wall, between its inner and outer faces, is variable by defining alternating zones of relatively smaller thickness which are capable of facilitating the deformation the elasticity of the wall - and relatively thicker to provide the damping required for the wedging of the object -, thanks to which is formed a blocking block adapted to geometrically adapt to objects that may have dimensions different in a direction transverse to the curved face of said wall and adapted to effectively protect against shocks said objects may have different weights.

  A blocking block according to the invention is capable of satisfying the two required requirements: the specific conformation given to the wall considered bordering the cell (convex face curved face turned inwards and deformability notches in its zones of attached to the adjacent walls) allows said wall to deform properly and globally to fit a specific object, without this deformation results essentially from a localized crushing of material as can occur with a traditional blocking block not specifically intended for equipping objects of relatively larger dimensions; in addition, the conformation of this wall with a variable width creating alternations of wider zones and narrower zones makes it possible to keep the wall, whatever the geometrical deformation which it undergoes in contact with an object, its damping characteristics, which makes it clean, in any of its possible positions in use, to effectively protect the object regardless of the weight of it within predefined limits. It will be noted that the advantages thus obtained result solely from specific forms given to one or more of the walls which define the receptacle of an object: these shapes are obtained in a simple manner during the manufacture of the stub block (molding 20 or cutting). Obtaining a blocking block according to the invention can therefore be achieved by implementing the usual manufacturing techniques and it does not result, compared to the manufacture of a traditional blocking block, an additional cost sensitive.

  In a preferred embodiment, the blocking block comprises an even number of walls and at least two walls facing each other are arranged according to the arrangements set out above, and, in an advantageous embodiment in practice, the blocking block has four walls two by two opposite.

  The curved face of the aforementioned wall can receive any suitable shape, either curvilinear (for example in an arc or, if its length is large relative to the width of the cell in an elliptical arc), or polygonal.

  Likewise, the thickness variation of the aforementioned wall can be chosen in any way to provide the desired damping of all the objects to be equipped with the blocking block. In a simple exemplary embodiment having to satisfy at least some applications, the thickness of said wall is relatively thicker near its two ends and in its central region. The zone of greater thickness in the central region thus forms a nipple-shaped prominence which reinforces said central region of the wall. But, of course, other conformations may be provided depending on the needs; in particular, if the wall is relatively long, one can provide a longer protrusion or two successive short prominences in the form of nipples (form camel).

  Moreover, so that adjacent walls 20 can undergo deformations / displacements without repercussion (deformation) on the adjacent wall, in other words to ensure good deformation decoupling between the adjacent walls, it is advantageous to provide that the notches separating the faces The inner walls of the two adjacent walls are terminated by an enlarged recess defining at least one axis of rotation / deformation between said two adjacent walls.

  Advantageously, an outer face of said blocking block is provided with a retaining tab extending opposite the cell and fixed at its ends to two opposite walls and said retaining tab has a stretchable portion. Such an arrangement is advantageous especially when the blocking block is intended to equip one end of the object.

  The blocking block can be made of any suitable material according to its conditions of use. It may in particular be made of polymer foam (especially polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene) of appropriate density.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments given solely by way of non-limiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a blocking block arranged according to the invention, shown in the undeformed state; - Figure 2 is a front view of the blocking block of Figure 1 shown in the use position, deformed by an object inserted into the central cavity; FIGS. 3 and 4 are front views of respectively two other examples of blocking blocks arranged in accordance with the invention; FIGS. 5A and 5B are front views of respectively two other examples of blocking blocks constituting variants of that of FIG. 1; FIG. 6 shows, in front view, an advantageous variant embodiment of the blocking block of FIG. 1, with part of said block illustrated in the mounting position in FIG. 6A; and FIG. 7 shows, in front view, an exemplary embodiment of a blocking block comprising several alternative arrangements illustrated in the preceding figures.

  Referring firstly to Figure 1, a blocking block, generally designated by the reference 1, formed of a resiliently deformable material including polymer foam (eg polyethylene, polyurethane, polypropylene) of appropriate density to the weight of the object to be stalled - has several walls 2 which are arranged end to end in a closed configuration and which define between them a central cell 3. This cell 3 opens on either side of the block of wedging, on the opposite major faces of it. This cell 3 is intended to receive an object or an end of an object to stall, that is to say that the blocking block is intended to surround the object or an end of the object to stall, as this 15 will appear clearly below with reference to FIG.

  According to the invention, at least one of the walls 2 delimiting the cell 3 is arranged in the following manner (in the following, more particularly, by way of example, the large left wall designated by 21) will be considered: the wall 21 has its inner face 41 (that is to say its face delimiting one side of the cell 3) which is curved with a convexity turned towards the inside of the cell 3 and which, in its region central, is separated from the face or faces vis-à-vis a distance D less than the corresponding dimension of the object; the face 41 may be curved anyway, either in an open polygonal configuration (as illustrated for the face 42 of the small end wall 22 of the stub block), or in an open curvilinear configuration - for example in an arc if the length of the wall 2 and the distance D allow it, otherwise in an elliptical arc as illustrated; - The face 41 of the wall 21 is connected at its ends to the inner faces of the two adjacent walls (in the illustrated example: faces 42 and 44 of the walls 22 and 24 respectively) by respective deformability notches 5; - Finally the wall 21 has its outer face 61, opposite the aforesaid inner face 41, which is shaped so that the thickness e of said wall 21, between said inner 41 and outer faces 61, is variable by alternately defining zones, 71 7 ', of relatively smaller thickness (capable of facilitating the elastic deformation of the wall 21) and zones 81, 8b, 81 of relatively greater thickness (capable of providing shock absorption on the wedged object) ).

  Such a blocking block can receive any appropriate shape both as regards the shape of the cell determined according to the object to be stalled, as regards its external shape determined by the object and also of packaging.

  In the most common practice, the blocking block may comprise an even number of walls, and in this case at least two facing walls (for example the large walls 21 and 23 in the blocking block 1 of the Figure 1) are shaped as explained above.

  In the practical case where the objects to be stalled are of approximately parallelepipedal general shape or of a similar shape (for example, electronic equipment, computers, etc.), the blocking block may have a generally quadrangular shape, and in particular quadrangular square or rectangle, and comprise four walls 21-24 two to two opposing each arranged as described above. It is an arrangement of this type which is illustrated in FIG.

  However other general shapes are possible for the blocking block. By way of example, a blocking block arrangement of generally triangular shape is illustrated in FIG. 3, with three identical walls 2 made similarly to the walls 21, 23 of the arrangement of FIG. 1 and defining an alveolus 3 triangular curvilinear.

  The various walls 2 of the blocking block 1, while remaining individually arranged according to the invention, can be arranged differently from each other. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the faces 42 and 44 of the small end walls 22 and 24 respectively of the generally rectangular blocking block 1 of FIG. 1 have an open polygonal conformation while the faces 41 and 43 of the large walls 21 and 23 respectively have a curvilinear conformation in an elliptical arc. But the faces 42, 44 of the respective small walls 22, 24 may also be curvilinear as shown in FIG. 4. Optionally, if this proves necessary, the walls facing each other may not be identical, and in particular curvilinear inner faces may have different shapes for example to better adapt to the contour of an asymmetrical object.

  The respective shapes of the zones of greater thickness of each wall 2 must be adapted as a function of the general shape of the wall and in particular of its length, the material of which the block 1 is made and the weight of the object to be stalled, in order to provide effective damping of this object in the event of impact, with the further constraint that the same blocking block must be able to accompany all the objects of a range of objects which have between them dimensions and / or different weights.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the zones of greater thickness 8, 8C are the end zones of the wall 21 by which it is attached to the respective adjacent walls 22 and 24. As for the zone of more 8b thick, it is located substantially in the center of the wall 21 and, given the use provided for the illustrated blocking block, it is in the form of a pin-shaped protrusion. Of course, this form is not exclusive, and other forms may be chosen depending on the desired reinforcing effect.

  For example, two variant embodiments are shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B for blocking blocks that are also generally rectangular in shape, but of longer length than that of FIG. 1: in FIG. 5A, the wall 21 (as well as the wall 23 vis-à-vis) is provided with two protuberances 8b1, 8b2 respectively curvilinearly connected by a zone of thinner thickness 7 (camel shape); - In Figure 5B, the wall 21 (and the wall 23 vis-à-vis) is provided with a single long protrusion 81 shaped tray.

  It will be noted that in the conformations illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the faces 41 and 43 of the large walls 21 and 23 respectively are in the form of ellipse arches much more elongated than those of the arrangement of FIG.

  It should be emphasized here that the conformation of the cell can be determined in any desired way according to the needs. Thus, in the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, 5A and 5B, the cell 3 is illustrated as having a polygonal contour, that is to say that the successive walls 2 are connected together by angular zones to from which the notches extend. However, it is conceivable, if necessary, that the cell 3 has successive walls which connect to each other without 5 angular zones. In Figure 7, there is shown a blocking block thus arranged, with rounded connections between successive walls, the notches 5 extending from said rounded connections.

  As regards deformability notches 5, their role is to facilitate the displacement of two adjacent walls relative to one another so that they can easily adapt to the contour of the object to be stalled. by pinching it, and without tearing the constituent material of the hold. In other words, the notches serve to constitute at least one axis of rotation / deformation between two adjacent walls.

  For these purposes, each notch 5 has a notch portion 5a which is a substantially straight slot extending from the wall of the cell 3 separating two portions facing the adjacent walls. The notch 5 terminates in an enlarged portion 5b which, in conjunction with the facing outer face, defines at least one narrowed portion suitable for acting as an axis of rotation / deformation between the two walls.

  In FIG. 7, the enlarged zone 5b is for example in the shape of an arc of a circle and materializes an axis of rotation / deformation for the mutual rotation and spacing of the two adjacent walls.

  In Figures 1-4, 5A and 5B, each notch has the general shape of a T, with a notch portion 5a (leg of the T) extending diagonally from an angle of the cell 3 between two adjacent walls, followed by a notch portion 5b (T bar) extending transversely to the previous one. Thus, notches are defined which define two axes of rotation / deformation located at the ends of the T bar respectively as can be seen in FIG. 2 and which are thus perfectly adapted to facilitate a relatively large mutual spacing of two adjacent walls. without risk of tearing the bottom of the notch.

  It could certainly be envisaged to constitute each notch so that it defines a greater number of axes of rotation / deformation. However, in general, this does not result in a significant additional advantage and the definition of one or two axes of rotation / deformation is sufficient for most applications.

  Thanks to the above provisions, the blocking block 1 can be easily deformed to adapt to the object to be protected, with this remarkable ability to adapt to objects having different dimensions within predefined limits ( blocking block "stretchable"). By way of example, FIG. 2 shows the blocking block of FIG. 1 mounted in an operative position around an object P (represented here with a substantially rectangular contour, for example a computer portable). As can be seen in FIG. 2, the walls 2, and in particular the long walls 21 and 23, can deform substantially in contact with the object P; but above all, they are made free to move freely apart from each other thanks to the presence of notches 5 which can be distended. Note that, in the position shown in Figure 2, the notches 5 have undergone an average deformation and they could be less deformed (wedging of a smaller object) or even more deformed or open (wedging an object bigger).

  To complete the wedging of the end object, it is desirable to also block it transversely to the blocking block (that is, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of FIGS. 1 or 2). For this purpose, it is advantageous to equip the outer main face of the blocking block (that is to say its main face facing the package) with a retaining tab extending across all or Part of the cell 3. To obtain a more solid and rigid assembly, said retaining tab can extend across the cell, by bridging thereof, and be integral at its ends with opposite walls. blocking block. It is however necessary that this retaining tab does not interfere with the ability of the blocking block to deform and to "expand".

  In this context, it is proposed to equip the block 20 of wedging according to the invention (for example that of Figure 1) with a retaining tab 9 which, as shown in Figure 6, is fixed by its ends. the small opposite walls 22, 24 of the blocking block 1, extending opposite the cell 3 over the entire length thereof. To allow the block of blocking 1 any latitude to deform to adapt to an object, the retaining tab is itself deformable; more precisely, the walls 22, 24 being more or less spaced apart from one another during the placement of the blocking block on the object 30 while remaining substantially parallel to one another, the retaining tab 9 is arranged to be able to lengthen accordingly. For this purpose, as illustrated in Figure 6, it may have a central zone 10 having lateral notches 11a or central 11b alternately (formed either during molding or by mechanical incision). These notches 11a, 11b define a succession of deformable quadrilaterals (diamonds), flattened against each other in the undeformed position of the blocking block and more or less stretched when the blocking block is placed around an object ( see partial view of Figure 6A). The retaining lug 9 may be molded with the remainder of the block, or may be attached and fixed (weld for example) on the walls.

Claims (7)

CLAIMS CATIONS   1. blocking block (1) of elastically deformable material for wedging an object or part of an object (P) in a package, said blocking block having a plurality of walls (2) arranged end to end in a closed configuration defining between them a central cell (3), opening on either side of the blocking block, for the reception of said object or part of the object, characterized by the combination of the following provisions: at least one wall (21) has its inner face (41), delimiting one side of the cell (3), which is curved with convexity turned towards the inside of the cell (3) and 15 which in its central region , is separated from the face or faces vis-à-vis a distance D less than the corresponding dimension of the object, - said inner face (41) of said wall (21) is connected at its ends to the inner faces (42, 44) of respective two adjacent walls (22, 24) by deformability notches 5), and said wall (21) has its outer face (61) opposite said inner face (41) which is shaped so that the thickness (e) of said wall (21), between 25 its inner and outer faces, is variable by defining areas (71, 7b; 8 [, 8b, 8z) alternatively of relatively lower thickness - capable of facilitating the elastic deformation of the wall - and of relatively greater thickness - capable of providing the damping required for the wedging of the object - this is achieved by what constitutes a block of fit adapted to geometrically adapt to objects that may have different dimensions in a direction transverse to the curved face of said wall and adapted to effectively protect against shocks said objects may have different weights.   2. Locking block according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an even number of walls (2) and in that at least two walls facing each other (21, 23) are arranged according to the claim 1.   3. Locking block according to claim 2, characterized in that it is of generally quadrangular shape and comprises four walls (21, 23; 22, 24) two by two opposite.   4. Locking block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the inner face (41) of said wall (21) is curved in a curvilinear contour, in particular in an arc or an arc of ellipse.   Calibration block according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the thickness (e) of said wall (21) is relatively thicker in the vicinity of its two ends (81, 8) and in its central region (8b) 6. Block block according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the notches 25 (5) separating the inner faces of the two adjacent walls are terminated by an enlarged recess (5b) defining at least one axis of rotation / deformation between said two adjacent walls.   7. blocking block according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that an outer face of said blocking block is provided with a retaining lug (9) extending opposite the cell ( 3) and fixed at its ends to two opposite walls and in that said retaining tab has a portion (10) stretchable.   8. Blocking block according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is made of polymer foam.