FR3059985A1 - DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTING STACKED PIZZA BOXES, COMPRISING A CARDBOARD BAND ADAPTABLE TO THE NUMBER OF PIZZA BOXES - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for transporting (1) a plurality of stacked pizza boxes (BP), said transport device (1) comprising a clamping device (2) for pizza boxes (BP), said clamping device (2) comprising a main band (3) made of cardboard and having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second opposite end portions (33, 34), wherein the first end portion (33) has at least two first slots (35) formed on the first longitudinal edge and the second end portion (34) has at least one second slot (36) formed on the second longitudinal edge, so that said main band (3) can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot (35) with at least a second slot (36) and in at least two different sizes according to the choice of the first and second slots (35, 36) in cooperation. The present invention may be provided in kit form.

Description

(57) Transport device (1) for several stacked pizza boxes (BP), said transport device (1) comprising a clamping device (2) for pizza boxes (BP), said clamping device (2) comprising a main strip (3) made of cardboard and having first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second end portions (33, 34) opposite, where the first end portion (33) has at least two first slots (35) formed on the first longitudinal edge and the second end portion (34) has at least one second slot (36) formed on the second longitudinal edge, so that said main strip (3) can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot (35) with at least a second slot (36) and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the first and second slots (35, 36) in cooperation.

The present invention can be supplied in kit form.

i

The present invention relates to a device for transporting several stacked pizza boxes.

The invention relates to the field of transporting pizza boxes, and in particular to carrying pizza boxes by hand.

It is known, in take-out pizza outlets (pizza truck, restaurant offering take-out pizzas, etc.), to place each pizza individually in a dedicated pizza box made conventionally of cardboard. These pizza boxes are generally available in several sizes, depending on the size of the pizza.

If a consumer orders several pizzas at such a point of sale, his pizzas are offered to him in as many pizza boxes as there are pizzas he has ordered.

In the case where the consumer has his pizza delivered to his home, the delivery person can transport the pizza boxes inside an insulated bag in order to transport the pizza while keeping the pizza sufficiently warm during transport.

If the consumer orders several pizzas on site, he must take his own pizza boxes, which he must hold underneath by stacking them on top of each other. In addition to the risk of falling pizza boxes stacked in this way, his or her hands placed on the underside are subjected to the heat of the pizza placed inside the pizza box below. Finally, the consumer finds himself with his two hands busy carrying the stack of pizza boxes, which is particularly impractical if he has to release a hand to hold or grasp an object, such as a key, a handful of door or door, a bottle, etc.

At the point of sale, there is generally no solution offered so that the consumer can take his pizza boxes himself easily and without the risk of falling and burning; the consumer must thus be content to carry directly his stack of pizza boxes.

The present invention aims in particular to solve the aforementioned drawbacks, by proposing a solution so that consumers can easily and safely transport their pizza boxes when leaving the point of sale.

Another object of the invention is to propose a device for transporting several stacked pizza boxes, which is particularly simple and inexpensive, in particular so that the outlets can offer them free of charge, or at very low cost, to their customers. .

Another object of the invention is to provide a transport device which is suitable for transporting different numbers of pizza boxes, and in particular for a stack of two and three pizza boxes, so that the same transport device can be used to the transport of two or three pizzas, or even more depending on the dimensions and design of the transport device.

Another object of the invention is to provide a transport device which is recyclable.

To this end, it provides a device for transporting several stacked pizza boxes, this transport device comprising a device for tightening the pizza boxes, this device for comprising a main strip made of cardboard and having first and second longitudinal edges opposite and first and second opposite end portions, where the first end portion has at least two first slots formed on the first longitudinal edge and the second end portion has at least a second slot provided on the second longitudinal edge , so that this main strip can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot with at least a second slot and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the first and second slots.

Thus, in use, the main strip is scinted around the stack of pizza boxes and, by making the slots cooperate (in other words by engaging a first slot inside a second slot), the main strip is maintained closed.

If the stack of pizza boxes includes two pizza boxes, it will be better to cooperate with each other slots that are suitable for the main strip to tighten the two pizza boxes. If the stack of pizza boxes includes three pizza boxes, it is best to cooperate with other slots that are suitable for the main strip to tighten the three pizza boxes. Thus, thanks to the invention, the same transport device in other words the same main strip - suitable for the transport of two pizza boxes, and also of three pizza boxes (or even more depending on the size of the main strip and the number slots).

A pizza box conventionally has a square shape with a predefined side (depending on the size of the box) and with a height of between 2.5 and 5 centimeters. There are several dimensions of pizza boxes, including a small dimension corresponding to a side between 25 and 30 centimeters, a medium dimension corresponding to a side between 30 and 34 centimeters and a large dimension corresponding to a side between 34 and 40 centimeters.

Such a main strip can have a length of between 80 and 110 centimeters for a stack of two or three small boxes, between 95 and 125 centimeters for a stack of two or three medium boxes, or between 110 and 140 centimeters for a stack of two or three large boxes.

The user will be able to transport his pizza boxes thus stacked and tightened, either by passing his hand under the main strip (the slots being provided to allow play in the tightening to allow such passage of the hand) or by using a handle which would pass under the main strip, such as the handle which will be described later.

According to one characteristic, the first end portion of the main strip has at least two pairs of first slots formed on the first longitudinal edge, where the first slots of each pair are spaced by a predefined distance along the first longitudinal edge, and the second end portion of the main strip has at least one pair of second slots formed on the second longitudinal edge, the second slots of this pair being spaced by the same predefined distance along the second longitudinal edge, so that that the main strip can be closed on itself by cooperation between a pair of first slots with the pair of second slots and in at least two separate sizes according to the choice of the pair of first slots to cooperate with the pair of second slots.

Thus, for closing the main strip, two first slots respectively engage in two second slots, providing improved mechanical strength.

According to another characteristic, the main strip has several fold lines extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge, and comprising at least:

- two lower fold lines provided for folding under a pizza box arranged on the underside of the stack of pizza boxes;

- first two upper fold lines provided for folding on a pizza box arranged on top of a stack of two pizza boxes; and

- two second upper fold lines provided for folding on a pizza box arranged on top of a stack of three pizza boxes.

Thus, the main strip has fold lines ready to use to follow the outline of the stack of two or three pizza boxes (or even more as presented above).

In a first embodiment, the clamping device consists only of the main strip.

Thus, only the main strip is used for tightening the pizza boxes.

In a second embodiment, the clamping device further comprises a secondary strip intended to enclose the pizza boxes by intersecting the main strip, where the secondary strip is made of cardboard and has first and second opposite longitudinal edges and first and second opposite end portions, where a first end portion has at least two first slots formed on the first longitudinal edge and the second end portion has at least a second slot provided on the second longitudinal edge, so that said secondary strip can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot with at least a second slot and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the first and second slots in cooperation in order to allow a tightening for at least one stack of two or three pizza boxes.

Thus, the main strip and the secondary strip together surround the stack of pizza boxes, crossing each other below and above this stack, reinforcing the stability of the tightening.

According to one possibility, the first end portion of the secondary strip has at least two pairs of first slots formed on the first longitudinal edge, where the first slots of each pair are spaced by a predefined distance along the first longitudinal edge, and the second end portion of the secondary strip has at least one pair of second slots formed on the second longitudinal edge, the second slots of this pair being spaced by the same predefined distance along the second longitudinal edge, so that that the secondary strip can be closed on itself by cooperation between a pair of first slots with the pair of second slots and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the pair of first slots to cooperate with the pair of second slots.

According to another possibility of the invention, the secondary strip has several fold lines extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge to the second longitudinal edge, and comprising at least:

- two lower fold lines provided for folding under a pizza box arranged on the underside of the stack of pizza boxes;

- first two upper fold lines provided for folding on a pizza box arranged on top of a stack of two pizza boxes; and

- two second upper fold lines provided for folding on a pizza box arranged on top of a stack of three pizza boxes.

In a particular embodiment, the secondary strip has, on a central zone, two tongues facing each other, and the main strip has a central zone blocked under said tongues.

In accordance with another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the transport device further comprises a handle made of cardboard and comprising a band and two handles on either side of the band, these handles being separated from the band by lines folding, this handle being provided to pass below the main strip with the two handles folded over the main strip for a passage of one hand.

Thus, simply slide the handle under the main strip, then fold the handles that will be used for manual entry of the transport device.

The present invention also relates to the characteristic that the transport device is supplied in the form of a kit, and in particular a kit offered flat.

This kit can be in the form of:

- the main strip alone and laid flat, possibly folded in part along some of these fold lines;

- the main band and the handle laid flat;

- the main strip and the secondary strip laid flat, possibly folded in part according to some of their respective fold lines;

- the main strip, the secondary strip and the handle laid flat.

The kit can be accompanied by an explanatory notice, this notice can be independent or else be directly printed on the main strip.

It should be noted that the main band and / or the secondary band can receive printed messages, such as, for example, advertising messages, coupons or loyalty coupons.

The invention also relates to the use of a transport device according to the invention, for transporting several stacked pizza boxes, where the main strip is sandwiched around the stacked pizza boxes and the main strip is closed over it. even by cooperation between at least a first slot with at least a second slot and according to an adequate size by choosing the first and second slots in cooperation.

In the case of a transport device with a secondary strip, the main strip is also wrapped around the stacked pizza boxes, crossing the main strip both below and above this stack, and the secondary strip is closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot with at least a second slot and according to the appropriate size by choosing the first and second slots in cooperation.

Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description below, of two examples of non-limiting implementation, made with reference to the appended figures in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic view of a transport device according to the invention, with a main strip and a secondary strip;

- Figure 2 is a schematic zoomed view of the junction of the main strip and the secondary strip of a transport device of Figure 1;

- Figure 3 is a schematic view of the first end portion of the main strip (or the secondary strip);

- Figure 4 is a schematic view of the second end portion of the main strip (or the secondary strip);

- Figure 5 is a schematic view of the central area with its two tabs of the secondary strip;

- Figure 6 is a schematic view of a handle for a transport device according to the invention;

- Figure 7 is a schematic view of three pizza boxes stacked and enclosed only by the main band of the transport device of Figure 1, the secondary band is not used;

- Figure 8 is a schematic zoomed view of the closure of the main strip as part of the hooping of three pizza boxes of Figure 7;

- Figure 9 is a schematic view of two pizza boxes stacked and enclosed only by the main strip of the transport device of Figure 1, the secondary strip is not used;

- Figure 10 is a schematic zoomed view of the closure of the main strip as part of the hooping of two pizza boxes of Figure 9;

- Figure 11 is a schematic view of three pizza boxes stacked and clamped by the main strip as part of the clamp of Figure 7, after the introduction of the handle of Figure 6;

- Figure 12 is a schematic view of a hand gripping the handle placed under the main strip to carry the pizza boxes;

- Figure 13 is a schematic view of three pizza boxes stacked and enclosed by the main strip and by the secondary strip of the transport device of Figure 1;

- Figure 14 is a schematic zoomed view of the closures of the main strip and the secondary strip in the context of the hooping of three pizza boxes of Figure 13;

- Figure 15 is a schematic view equivalent to that of Figure 14, with the difference that the main strip and the secondary strip enclose two stacked pizza boxes;

- Figure 16 is a schematic view of two pizza boxes stacked and enclosed by the main strip and by the secondary strip of the transport device of Figure 1, as in the case of Figure 15, and with one hand grasping the handle placement under the main strip.

The detailed description relates to a transport device 1 which is suitable for the transport of two stacked BP pizza boxes (see Figures 9, 12 and 16) and also for the transport of three stacked P pizza boxes (see Figures 7 and 13) .

This transport device 1 comprises a clamping device 2 for the pizza boxes P, where this clamping device 2 comprises a main strip 3 made of cardboard.

This main strip 3 is rectangular in shape and has:

- a first longitudinal edge 31 and a second longitudinal edge 32 opposite; and

- A first end portion 33 and a second end portion 34 opposite.

On the first end portion 33, two pairs of first slots 35 are formed on the first longitudinal edge 31. In other words, four first slots 35 are formed on the first longitudinal edge 31. The first slots 35 of each pair are spaced apart from each other. 'a predefined distance D along the first longitudinal edge 31. This first end portion 33 thus has:

- A pair of first slots 35 called "proximal pair of first slots 35" which is located closest to the free end 330 of the main strip 3 at the first end portion 33; and

- A pair of first slots 35 called “distal pair of first slots 35” which is located furthest from the free end 330 of the main strip 3 at the level of the first end portion 33.

On the second end portion 34, a pair of second slots 36 is provided on the second longitudinal edge 32. In other words, two second slots 36 are provided on the second longitudinal edge 32. The second slots 36 are spaced by the same distance D mentioned above along the second longitudinal edge 32.

The main strip 3 has several fold lines 37, 38, 39 extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge 31 to the second longitudinal edge 32, and comprising at least:

- two lower folding lines 37 provided for folding under a BP pizza box arranged on the underside of the stack of BP pizza boxes (see Figures 13 and 16);

first two upper fold lines 38 provided for folding on a BP pizza box placed on top of a stack of two BP pizza boxes (in the case of the transport of two stacked BP pizza boxes - see FIGS. 9, 10, 12, 15 and 16); and

- two second upper fold lines 39 provided for folding on a BP pizza box placed on top of a stack of three BP pizza boxes (in the case of the transport of three stacked BP pizza boxes - see FIGS. 7, 11, 13 and 14).

Each first upper fold line 38 is framed by a lower fold line 37 and by a second upper fold line 39.

The main strip 3 can also have an enlarged central zone.

Optionally, the clamping device 2 can comprise a secondary strip 4 made of cardboard, which is also rectangular in shape and which has the same dimensions (length and width) as the main strip 3.

This secondary strip 4 presents:

- a first longitudinal edge 41 and a second longitudinal edge 42 opposite; and

- a first end portion 43 and a second end portion 44 opposite.

On the first end portion 43, two pairs of first slots 45 are formed on the first longitudinal edge 41. In other words, four first slots 45 are formed on the first longitudinal edge 41. The first slots 45 of each pair are spaced apart the aforementioned distance D along the first longitudinal edge 41. This first end portion 43 thus has:

- A pair of first slots 45 called “proximal pair of first slots 45” which is located closest to the free end 430 of the secondary strip 4 at the level of the first end portion 33; and

- A pair of first slots 45 called “distal pair of first slots 45” which is located furthest from the free end 430 of the secondary strip 4 at the level of the first end portion 43.

On the second end portion 44, a pair of second slots 46 is provided on the second longitudinal edge 42. In other words, two secondesο second slots 46 are provided on the second longitudinal edge 42. The second slots 46 are spaced by the same aforementioned distance D along the second longitudinal edge 42.

The secondary strip 4 has several fold lines 47, 48, 49 extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge 41 to the second longitudinal edge 42, and comprising at least:

- two lower fold lines 47 provided for folding under a BP pizza box arranged on the underside of the stack of BP pizza boxes (see Figures 13 and 16);

- first two upper fold lines 48 provided for folding on a BP pizza box placed on top of a stack of two BP pizza boxes (in the case of the transport of two stacked BP pizza boxes - see Figures 15 and 16); and

- two second upper fold lines 49 provided for folding on a BP pizza box placed on top of a stack of three BP pizza boxes (in the case of the transport of three stacked BP pizza boxes - see Figures 13 and 14).

Each first upper fold line 48 is framed by a lower fold line 47 and by a second upper fold line 49.

The main strip 4 can also have an enlarged central zone 40 provided with two tabs 400 facing each other, so that the central zone 30 of the main strip 3 can be blocked - or wedged - under these tabs 400 as well as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The tongues 400 can be produced by cutting a “V” slot in the central zone 40.

Optionally, the transport device 1 can also include a handle 5 made of cardboard and visible in FIG. 6.

This handle 5 comprises a central band 50 and two handles 51 on either side of the band 50, these handles 51 being separated from the band 50 by respective fold lines 52. As visible in FIGS. 11, 12 and 16, this handle 5 is designed to pass below the main strip 3, with the two handles 51 folded over the main strip 3 to form a handle allowing the passage of one hand MA and therefore manual entry.

The remainder of the description relates to the use of the single main strip 3 to form the clamping device 2.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, to enclose three stacked BP pizza boxes, the main strip 3 is passed around the three stacked BP pizza boxes and the second slots 36 cooperate with the proximal pair of first slots 35. This cooperation takes place by engaging the second slots 36 in the first slots 35 of this proximal pair, thereby contributing to closing the main strip 3 around the three stacked BP pizza boxes.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, to enclose two stacked BP pizza boxes, the main strip 3 is passed around the two stacked BP pizza boxes and the second slots 36 cooperate with the distal pair of first slots 35. This cooperation takes place by engaging the second slots 36 in the first slots 35 of this distal pair, thereby helping to close the main strip 3 around the two stacked BP pizza boxes.

In the case of FIGS. 9 and 10, the main strip 3 has a reduced size, after closing, less compared to that of the case in FIGS. 7 and 8, which implies that this main strip 3 is suitable for both three boxes of BP pizza stacked.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, it is then possible to pass the handle 5 below the main strip 3, and to fold up the two handles 51 to form a handle allowing the passage of a hand MA and therefore manual entry.

The remainder of the description relates to the use of the main strip 3 and the secondary strip 4 to form the tightening device 2.

First of all, the main strip 3 and the secondary strip 4 are joined by wedging the central zone 30 under the tabs 400 of the central zone 40.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, to enclose three stacked BP pizza boxes, the secondary strip 4 is passed around the three stacked BP pizza boxes and the second slots 46 cooperate with the proximal pair of first slots 45, and then the strip main 3 is passed around the three stacked BP pizza boxes - passing over the secondary strip 4 - and the second slots 36 cooperate with the proximal pair of first slots 35.

With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, to enclose two stacked BP pizza boxes, the secondary strip 4 is passed around the three stacked BP pizza boxes and the second slots 46 cooperate with the distal pair of first slots 45, and then the strip main 3 is passed around the two stacked BP pizza boxes - passing over the secondary strip 4 - and the second slots 36 cooperate with the distal pair of first slots 35.

As visible in FIG. 16, it is possible then to pass the handle 5 below the main strip 3, and to fold up the two handles 51 to form a handle allowing the passage of a hand MA and therefore a manual entry.

Claims (11)

1. Transport device (1) for several stacked pizza boxes (BP), said transport device (1) comprising a clamping device (2) for pizza boxes (BP), said clamping device (2) comprising a main strip (3) made of cardboard and having first and second longitudinal edges (31, 32) opposite and first and second end portions (33, 34) opposite, where the first end portion (33) present at at least two first slots (35) formed on the first longitudinal edge (31) and the second end portion (34) has at least one second slot (36) formed on the second longitudinal edge (32), so that said main strip (3) can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least a first slot (35) with at least a second slot (36) and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the first and second slots (35 , 36) in cooperation. 2. Transport device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion (33) of the main strip (3) has at least two pairs of first slots (35) formed on the first longitudinal edge (31 ), where the first slots (35) of each pair are spaced by a predefined distance (D) along the first longitudinal edge (31), and the second end portion (34) of the main strip (3) has at least one pair of second slots (36) formed on the second longitudinal edge (32), said second slots (36) of said pair being spaced by the same predefined distance (D) along the second longitudinal edge (32), so that said main strip (3) can be closed on itself by cooperation between a pair of first slots (35) with the pair of second slots (36) and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the pair first slots (35) for cooperating with the a pair of second slots (36). 3. Transport device (1) according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the main strip (3) has several fold lines (37, 38, 39) extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge (31) to the second longitudinal edge (32), and comprising at least: -two lower folding lines (37) provided for folding under a pizza box (BP) arranged on the underside of the stack of pizza boxes (BP); -two first upper fold lines (38) provided for folding on a pizza box (BP) arranged on top of a stack of two pizza boxes (BP); and - two second upper fold lines (39) provided for folding on a pizza box (BP) arranged on top of a stack of three pizza boxes (BP). 4. Transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamping device (2) consists only of the main strip (3). 5. Transport device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the clamping device (2) further comprises a secondary strip (4) intended to grip the pizza boxes (BP) by intersecting the main strip (3), where the secondary strip (4) is made of cardboard and has first and second longitudinal edges (41, 42) opposite and first and second portions of ends (43, 44) opposite, where a first end portion (43) has at least two first slots (45) formed on the first longitudinal edge (41) and the second end portion (44) has at least one second slot (46) formed on the second longitudinal edge (42), so that said secondary strip (4) can be closed on itself by cooperation between at least one first slot (46) with at least one second slot (46) and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the first and second fe ntes (45, 46) in cooperation to allow a clamping for at least one stack of two or three pizza boxes (BP). 6. Transport device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the first end portion (43) of the secondary strip (4) has at least two pairs of first slots (45) formed on the first longitudinal edge (41 ), where the first slots (45) of each pair are spaced by a predefined distance (D) along the first longitudinal edge (41), and the second end portion (44) of the secondary strip (4) has at least one pair of second slots (46) formed on the second longitudinal edge (42), said second slots (46) of said pair being spaced by the same predefined distance (D) along the second longitudinal edge (42), so that said secondary strip (4) can be closed on itself by cooperation between a pair of first slots (45) with the pair of second slots (46) and according to at least two distinct sizes according to the choice of the pair first slots (45) for cooperating with the a pair of second slots (46). 7. Transport device (1) according to claims 5 or 6, wherein the secondary strip (4) has several fold lines (47, 48, 49) extending transversely from the first longitudinal edge (41) to the second longitudinal edge (42), and comprising at least: -two lower fold lines (47) provided for folding under a pizza box (BP) arranged on the underside of the stack of pizza boxes (BP); -two first upper fold lines (48) provided for folding on a pizza box (BP) arranged on top of a stack of two pizza boxes (BP); and - two second upper fold lines (49) provided for folding on a pizza box (BP) arranged on top of a stack of three pizza boxes (BP). 8. Transport device (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in which the secondary strip (4) has, on a central zone (40), two tongues (400) facing each other, and the main strip (3) has a central zone (30) blocked under said tabs (400). 9. Transport device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a handle (5) made of cardboard and comprising a band (50) and two handles (51) on either side of the band (50), said handles (51) being separated from the strip (50) by fold lines (52), said handle (5) being designed to pass below the main strip (3) with the two handles (51) folded over the main strip (3) for one hand passage (MA). 10. Transport device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the transport device (1) is supplied in the form of a kit, and in particular a kit offered flat. 11. Use of a transport device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for transporting several stacked pizza boxes (BP), where the main strip (3) is clamped around the pizza boxes (BP) stacked and the main strip (3) is closed on itself 10 by cooperation between at least a first slot (35) with at least a second slot (36) and according to an adequate size by choosing the first and second slots (35, 36) in cooperation. 1/7