FR3071228A1 - BOX FOR TRANSPORTING PRODUCTS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of manufacturing (S) a box (1) for transporting one or more products (2), said box (1) comprising a bottom (3), at least one wafer (4) and a lid (5), the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - providing (S1) a first plate (10), a second plate (20) and a third plate (30), - forming ( S2) at least one recess (6) in the second plate (20), - placing (S3) one or more products (2) in the recess (6) of the second plate (20), and - fixing (S4) the second plate (20) between the first plate (10) and the third plate (30) so as to cover the recess (6).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a box for the transport of one or more products, typically leather goods, chocolate, stationery, etc. as well as an associated manufacturing process.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

Currently, small products such as leather goods, chocolate, stationery, etc. are transported either in their packaging (or packaging) or in a cardboard package to protect the content.

However, the packaging does not protect the product sufficiently and may also be damaged during transport, while the packages are often unsightly and have dimensions which are often too large compared to the dimensions of the products transported, so that it often proves necessary to fill the excess space with paper, stops or even hermetically sealed bags filled with air.

These transport solutions are therefore not satisfactory, in particular when the product is intended to be offered or to be used as a promotional item.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An objective of the invention is therefore to propose a box for the transport of one or more products, capable of protecting the product in particular against impact, which is adaptable to the dimensions and to the shape of the product or products which it houses, more aesthetic than a conventional cardboard package while being easy to produce and at negligible cost.

For this, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a box for the transport of one or more products, said box comprising a bottom, at least one edge and a cover, the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps :

- provide a first plate, a second plate and a third plate,

- form at least one recess in the second plate,

- place one or more products in the recess of the second plate, and

- fix the second plate between the first plate and the third plate so as to cover the recess.

Some preferred but non-limiting characteristics of the manufacturing process are the following, taken individually or in combination:

- The method further comprises a step during which a line of weakness is formed in the third plate in an area of the third plate configured to come opposite and cover the recess in order to form the cover.

- the contours of the cover are larger than the contours of the recess, so that the second plate forms a shoulder for the cover.

- The method further comprises a step during which an additional recess is formed in all or part of a thickness of the second plate, said recess opening onto the recess and onto the third plate in order to form a passage for a finger .

- the line of weakness has an open outline in order to form a hinge for the cover.

- the line of weakness is formed in only part of a thickness of the third plate, the rest of the thickness of the third plate being cut substantially continuously.

- The second plate is multilayer and comprises at least two sheets, the method further comprising a step during which the sheets forming the second plate are assembled.

- the sheets are assembled by gluing, mechanical fixing using clips, ultrasonic welding, screwing or sewing.

- the second plate comprises at least two superimposed sheets separated by a space, and the method further comprises a step during which a fourth plate is introduced into the space between the sheets of the second plate.

- The method further comprises the following steps: forming at least one through hole in at least the second plate and the fourth plate, and inserting a stud in the through hole in order to block the fourth plate relative to the second plate.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a box for the transport of one or more products, said box being produced according to a manufacturing process as described above and comprising a bottom formed by the first plate, at least one slice formed by the second plate and a cover formed in the third plate.

Some preferred but non-limiting characteristics of the box described above are the following, taken individually or in combination:

the first, second and / or third plate comprise at least one of the following sheets: a sheet of single-corrugated corrugated cardboard, a sheet of double-corrugated corrugated cardboard, a sheet of compact cardboard, a sheet of feather cardboard, a sheet of paper, a wooden plate, a sheet of metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, a plastic sheet in particular of expanded polymer or of polystyrene, a sheet in a ceramic material, a sheet in a composite material comprising a fiber-reinforced matrix, a leather sheet, a faux leather sheet and / or a mixed leather sheet of the synderme type.

- The second plate is multilayer and comprises at least two sheets, said sheets being made of the same material or in separate materials.

- the second plate comprises at least two sheets separated by a space, the box further comprising a fourth plate introduced into the space between the sheets of the second plate.

- the space opens into the edge of the box and the fourth plate is removable.

- The fourth plate further comprises a handle, said fourth plate being fixed to the second plate by means of fixing elements.

- The box further includes a cover sheet, removably attached to the third plate and / or to the first plate, for example using magnets or velvet-hook bands.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, and with regard to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

Figure 1a is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a box according to a first embodiment of the invention, in the open configuration.

Figure 1b is a side view of the box of Figure 1a, in the closed configuration.

Figure 2a is a top view of the first plate of the box of Figure 1a.

Figure 2b is a top view of the second plate of the box of Figure 1a, the product having been extracted from the recess of the box.

Figure 2c is a top view of the third plate of the box of Figure 1a, before opening the box.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a box according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4a is a top view of the second plate of the box in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4b is a bottom view of the second plate of the box in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4c is a top view of the fourth plate of the box in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart representing steps of an example of a method of manufacturing a box according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

A box 1 for transporting one or more products 2 in accordance with the invention comprises a bottom 3, at least one edge 4 and at least one cover 5. The box 1 also comprises at least one central recess 6, formed between the bottom 3, the edge 4 and the cover 5 in which the product (s) 2 are housed.

Box 1 can have any shape. For example, the box 1 can be of tubular shape and comprise a section 4 forming a cylindrical wall of revolution, or rectangular and comprise four parallel walls in pairs, or have a complex shape.

In one embodiment, the contour of the recess 6 is chosen so that the product 2 is inserted tightly into the recess 6 and locked in position by the walls defining the recess 6. The shape and dimensions of the recess 6 are then adjusted to the shape and dimensions of the product 2 that the box 1 is intended to receive, in order to ensure the holding of the product 2 in the box 1 and to guarantee its integrity during transport. Preferably, the walls defining the recess 6 are straight to facilitate the insertion and tightening of the product 2, so that the recess 6 has a cylindrical shape. This is not, however, limiting, the walls of the recess 6 being able to be inclined relative to the bottom 3.

It will be noted that the depth of the recess 6 (that is to say the dimension in a direction normal to the bottom 3 of the box 1) may be greater than the height of the product 2, so that the product 2 does not is not in tight fit along this dimension in the box 1, the tight fit being also produced by the walls defining the recess 6 in the second plate 20.

For example, a maximum space of less than 1 mm can be left between the product 2 and the face of the second plate 20 which delimits the recess

6.

Furthermore, several products 2 can be housed in the same recess 6, by stacking the products 2 between the bottom 3 and the cover 5. In this case, the products 2 preferably have the same dimension, or even are identical.

In one embodiment, the depth of the recesses 6 formed in the second plate 20 can be adapted to the height of the products 2 housed by each recess 6, so that the recesses 6 of the same second plate 20 can have heights and different contours. The distance between the bottom 3 and the cover 5 of the box 1 is then at least equal to the height of the thickest product 2 to be housed in the box

1.

The manufacturing S of such a box 1 can then include the following steps:

- supply S1 with a first plate 10, a second plate 20 and a third plate 30,

- form S2 at least one recess 6 in the second plate 20,

place S3 one or more products 2 in the recess (s) 6 thus formed, and

- fix S4 the second plate 20 between the first plate 10 and the third plate 30 so as to cover the recess (s) 6.

It will of course be understood that the order of steps S1 to S4 is not limiting. Thus, the second plate 20 can be fixed first on the first plate 10 and then on the third plate 30, or vice versa. The recess 6 can then be formed in the second plate 20 before or after its attachment to the first plate 10 or to the third plate 30.

As a variant, the second plate 20 can be fixed simultaneously to the first 10 and the third plate 30, in which case the step S2 of forming the recess 6 is carried out before the fixing step S4.

In an alternative embodiment, the third plate 30 and the first plate 10 can be connected together by a connection plate, pressed against the edge 4. The third plate 30, the connection plate and the first plate 10 can then be in one piece and formed integrally and in one piece in the same sheet, and if necessary grooved at the edges of the box 1.

The recesses 6 can be through and lead to both the first plate 10 and the third plate 30, or blind and only lead to the first plate or the third plate 30. It will be understood of course that the same box 1 can include both through 6 recesses and 6 blind recesses which open onto one or the other of the plates 10, 30.

The first plate 10, the second plate 20 and the third plate 30 can be monolayer or multilayer and each comprise at least one of the following sheets 22: a sheet of single-corrugated corrugated cardboard, a sheet of double-corrugated corrugated cardboard, a sheet of compact cardboard, a sheet of feather cardboard, a sheet of paper, a wooden plate, a sheet of metal alloy such as an aluminum alloy, a plastic sheet in particular of expanded polymer or of polystyrene, a sheet of a material ceramic, a sheet in a composite material comprising a fiber-reinforced matrix, a leather sheet, a faux leather sheet and / or a mixed leather sheet of the synderme type.

The choice of the type and number of sheets 22 to form the second plate 20 depends on the thickness of the product 2 to be transported, on the properties of the product 2 to be transported (product sensitive to heat, humidity, etc.), the finish (appearance) desired for box 1, the permissible weight for box 1 (especially when the price of transporting it by a transporter depends on the weight of the object transported) as well as the desired cost price for box 1.

For example, the thicker the product 2 to be transported, the greater the number of sheets 22 forming the second plate 20 and / or the thickness of each individual sheet 22 can be significant. Furthermore, when the product 2 to be transported must be protected from the external environment, and in particular from high temperatures, the second plate 20 may comprise one or more sheets 22 of metal alloy.

In one embodiment, the second plate 20 comprises for example at least two sheets 22 of corrugated cardboard, typically with double grooves. This type of sheets 22 makes it possible, at a lower cost, to easily obtain a box 1 having a large thickness by simply stacking sheets 22 of cardboard. These sheets 22 of cardboard are also easy to supply and cut in order to form the recess 6.

If necessary, a decorative strip can also be fixed on the edge 4 of the second plate 20 and / or on the external face of the first plate 10 and / or on the external face of the third plate 30. The decorative strip can then extend over the entire height of the second plate 20 and / or the first plate 10 and / or the third plate 30, or over only a part. Optionally, the decorative strip can be folded under the first and / or the third plate 10, 30.

If necessary, a decorative strip can be applied over all or part of the height of the recess 6.

Depending on the material chosen for the decorative strip, said strip may possibly make the box 1 airtight.

When the corners of the box 1 (or where appropriate of the recess 6) are rounded, the decorative strip includes incisions without removal of material in the areas intended to come opposite the rounded corners. The incisions are made according to the height of the strip from the edge thereof. Preferably, incisions are formed from the two edges of the strip, but do not extend over its entire height.

When the corners of the box 1 (or where appropriate of the recess 6) are at right angles, the decorative strip includes V-shaped incisions with removal of material in the areas intended to come opposite the rounded corners. V-shaped incisions are formed in each edge of the strip, but do not extend over its entire height.

The first plate 10, the second plate 20 and the third plate 30 may be identical or include a different number of sheets 22 and / or include different types of sheets 22.

As a variant, the first plate 10 and / or the third plate 30 can be produced in a full, thinner sheet. The solid sheet may in particular comprise a simple micro-corrugated cardboard sheet.

For example, the first plate 10 and the third plate 30 may each comprise a sheet of simple micro-fluted cardboard while the second plate 20 may comprise several sheets 22 of corrugated cardboard with double flutes. A box has thus been illustrated in FIG. 1b, the second plate 20 of which comprises three sheets 22 of corrugated cardboard with double grooves.

In order to form the cover 5, the third plate 30 may comprise a line of weakness 32 formed in an area extending generally in the extension of the walls of the recess 6 (step S5). The line of weakness 32 may in particular comprise a precut line or a locally thinned area. The presence of such a line of weakness 32 allows the recipient of the product 2 to open the box 1 cleanly and easily, without risking damaging the packaging of the product 2 when the lid 5 is opened.

In one embodiment, the line of weakness 32 is formed in only part of the thickness of the third plate 30 (preferably in its upper face, that is to say in the face of the third plate 30 which is opposite the second plate 20), the remainder of the thickness of the third plate 30 being cut substantially continuously. This embodiment of the line of weakness 32 makes it possible to avoid tearing the third plate 30 when the cover 5 is separated from the rest of the third plate 30, in particular when the third plate 30 is thick (for example when the third plate 30 is formed in a cardboard whose thickness is greater than seven millimeters).

To make such a line of weakness 32, it is for example possible to use oscillating knives on a table. The attachment points left by the oscillating knives and forming the line of weakness 32 are then random and depend in particular on the speed of movement of the oscillating knives, the material of the third plate 30 or its thickness. As a variant, the line of weakness 32 can be produced using a cutting tool, which makes it possible to control the position of the attachment points along the line of weakness 32. According to yet another variant, the third plate 30 can be multilayer, one of the layers comprising the line of weakness 32 while the other layers are cut substantially continuously over their entire thickness.

As a variant, as illustrated for example in FIGS. 3 to 4c, when the recesses 6 open at the same time on the third plate 30 and on the first plate 10, one or more lids 5 are also formed in the first plate 10, opposite from the outlet of the recesses 6 concerned. The line of weakness 32 defining these covers 5 can then also be formed in only part of the thickness of the first plate 10, the rest of the thickness of the first plate 10 being cut substantially continuously.

In one embodiment, the contours of the line of weakness 32 intended to form the cover 5 (and where appropriate of the cut formed in the rest of the thickness of the corresponding plate 10, 30) are larger than the contours of the recess 6 opposite, so that the second plate 20 forms a shoulder 34 for the cover 5. In other words, the opening of the cover 5 partially reveals the upper face of the second plate 20, in addition to the recess 6, and the cover 5 rests on the shoulder 34. The Applicant has in fact noticed that this dimensioning of the cover 5, and more particularly the formation of a shoulder 34 at the outlet of the recess 6, made it possible, in a simple and effective manner, to easily open the box 1 without hanging the product 2 which is housed in the recess 6 and without requiring unnecessarily increasing the height of the box 1 relative to the height of said product 2 .

It will also be noted that the same cover 5 can cover several recesses 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5a to 5c. In this case, the outline of the line of weakness 32 is preferably larger than the largest outline housing all of the recesses 6, in order to form the shoulder 34.

The shoulder 34 can for example form a border having a width of about five millimeters.

Optionally, the outline of the line of weakness 32 is open (and therefore does not form a closed loop) in order to form a hinge 33 for the cover 5. For example, for a product 2 and a rectangular recess 6, the line of weakness 32 can have the shape of a U. The part intended to form the hinge 33 can, if necessary, be grooved in order to preform the hinge 33 before opening the cover 5.

In an alternative embodiment, the third plate 30 (and, where appropriate the first plate 10) can be removably attached to the second plate 20, for example by means of one or more magnets, of velvet bands - hooks, glue with low tack, etc. In this variant, the third plate 30 then directly forms the cover 5.

At least one additional recess 7 opening into the recess 6 can also be formed in the second plate 20, over all or part of the height of the adjacent recess 6, in order to form a passage for a finger, for example the thumb . An additional line of weakness can then be formed in the third plate 30 (and / or, where appropriate, in the first plate 10 when the first plate 10 comprises a cover 5 in the extension of the recess 6 concerned) above of the additional recess 7 in order to facilitate its access. As a variant, the additional recess 7 may open into the third plate 30 (and / or, where appropriate, into the first plate 10), so as to reveal, before opening, the passage for the thumb.

In the case where an additional recess 7 is produced, the shoulder 34 may be formed only at the edge of the recess 6 which extends near the additional recess 7. As a variant, the shoulder 34 can extend over the entire contour of the recess 6.

During the manufacture of the box 1, the first, second and third plates 10, 20, 30 are assembled and fixed to each other using conventional fixing techniques and adapted to the material of the plates 10, 20, 30 .

For example, the plates 10, 20, 30 can be fixed by gluing, in particular using an adhesive of vegetable origin (such as starch), animal (such as collagen) or synthetic (by example vinyl, epoxy or polyurethane glue). This fixing technique can be used whatever the material of the sheets 22 constituting the plates 10, 20, 30.

The plates 10, 20, 30 can also be fixed using clips, attached and fixed by gluing or complementary shape on the edge 4 of the box 1.

In the case of plates 10, 20, 30 of metallic alloy, said plates 10, 20, 30 can also be fixed by ultrasonic welding or by screwing or riveting.

In the case of plates 10, 20, 30 of leather, imitation leather, mixed leather of the synderme type, said plates can also be fixed by sewing or by riveting.

The third plate 30 and, where appropriate, the first plate 10 can moreover be detachably fixed, as indicated above, on the second plate 20 when said plates 30, 10 form the cover 5.

Where appropriate, several different types of attachment can be envisaged within the same box 1, in particular in the case where the second plate 20 comprises a multilayer comprising several different types of sheets 22.

When the plates 10, 20, 30 are multilayer, the sheets 22 forming each plate 10, 20, 30 are assembled and fixed two by two to avoid any risk of separation using one of the fixing techniques described above. above. The plates 10, 20, 30 thus obtained are more resistant to shocks.

The recess 6 can be produced using any conventional technique adapted to the material of which the second plate 20 is made.

For example, the recess 6 can be produced by laser or mechanical cutting using a blade, whatever the material of the second plate 20.

Alternatively, in the case of a plate comprising a metal sheet 22, the recess 6 can be produced by punching.

In one embodiment, the second plate 20 is multilayer and the box 1 comprises a fourth plate 40, disposed between two sheets 22 of the second plate 20. In this case, two of the sheets 22 of the second plate 20 are spaced apart. one of the other in order to provide a space intended to receive the fourth plate 40.

This fourth plate 40 can be full, in which case it forms a partition dividing the recesses 6 into two sub-recesses 6, one of the sub-recesses 6 opening onto the first plate 10 while the other of the sub-recesses 6 opens onto the third plate 30. Both the first 10 and the third plate 30 can then include lines of weakness

32, at the outlet of the sub-recesses 6 in order to form covers 5 and to allow access to the recesses 6 on either side of the second plate 20.

As a variant, the fourth plate 40 may itself include recesses 6 configured to receive one or more products 2. In this case, the fourth plate 40 may have the same characteristics as the second plate 20 (simple or multilayer comprising several sheets 22 identical or different). For aesthetic reasons and to avoid the accidental exit of the products 2 housed in the recesses 6 of the fourth plate 40, the sheets 22 of the second plate 20 which are in contact with (or at least opposite) the fourth plate 40 are preferably full, that is to say devoid of recess 6, and therefore define a bottom 3 for the adjacent recesses 6 which are formed in the second plate 20. In addition, the fourth plate 40 is removable in order to allow its extraction and removal of the products 2 from its recesses 6 without damaging the box 1.

The fourth plate 40 therefore forms a drawer of the box 1.

For example, a through hole 42 intended to receive a stud 44 can be formed in the first 10 and / or the third plate 30 as well as in the second and the fourth plate 20, 40 (step S7). The introduction of the pad 44 in the through hole 42 through the plates 20, 40, 10 and / or 30 then makes it possible to block in translation the fourth plate 40 in the box 1. Preferably, in order to stabilize the fourth plate 40 in the box 1, two through holes 42, each intended to receive a stud 44, are formed in the plates 20, 40, 10 and / or 30.

Where appropriate, the fourth plate 40 may comprise a handle 46. The handle 46 may in particular be formed integrally and in one piece with the rest of the fourth plate 40, or as a variant be attached and fixed thereon. Box 1 then forms a case, which is easily transportable.

According to yet another variant, the fourth plate 40 can both include recesses 6 for housing products 2 and form the bottom 3 of some of the recesses 6 of the second plate 20.

If necessary, the third 30 and the fourth plate 40 can be covered with a finishing sheet 9. The finishing sheet 9 can be fixed permanently, for example by gluing, ultrasonic welding, etc. or alternatively be removable and fixed using removable fastening elements such as magnets or velvet-hook bands to allow their replacement.

If necessary, the box 1 can include rollers, strips, etc.

Claims (17)

1. Manufacturing method (S) of a box (1) for the transport of one or more products (2), said box (1) comprising a bottom (3), at least one edge (4) and a cover (5), the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - supply (S1) a first plate (10), a second plate (20) and a third plate (30), - forming (S2) at least one recess (6) in the second plate (20), - place (S3) one or more products (2) in the recess (6) of the second plate (20), and - fix (S4) the second plate (20) between the first plate (10) and the third plate (30) so as to cover the recess (6). 2. The manufacturing method (S) according to claim 1, further comprising a step during which a line of weakness (32) is formed (S5) in the third plate (30) in an area of the third plate (30 ) configured to come opposite and cover the recess (6) in order to form the cover (5). 3. The manufacturing method (S) according to claim 2, wherein the contours of the cover (5) are larger than the contours of the recess (6), so that the second plate (20) forms a shoulder (34 ) for the cover (5). 4. Manufacturing method (S) according to one of claims 2 or 3, further comprising a step (S5) during which an additional recess (7) is formed in all or part of a thickness of the second plate (20), said recess (6) opening onto the recess (6) and onto the third plate (30) in order to form a passage for a finger. 5. The manufacturing method (S) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the line of weakness (32) has an open contour to form a hinge (33) for the cover (5). 6. Manufacturing method (S) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the line of weakness (32) is formed in only part of a thickness of the third plate (30), the rest of the thickness of the third plate (30) being cut substantially continuously. 7. The manufacturing method (S) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second plate (20) is multilayer and comprises at least two sheets (22), the method (S) further comprising a step during from which the sheets forming the second plate (20) are assembled. 8. The manufacturing method (S) according to claim 7, wherein the assembly of the sheets is carried out by gluing, by mechanical fixing using clips, by ultrasonic welding, by screwing or by sewing. 9. Manufacturing method (S) according to one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the second plate (20) comprises at least two sheets (22) superimposed and separated by a space, and the method (S) further comprises a step (S6) during which a fourth plate (40) is introduced into the space between the sheets (22) of the second plate (20). 10. The manufacturing method (S) according to claim 9, further comprising the following steps (S7): - forming at least one through hole (42) in at least the second plate (20) and the fourth plate (40), and - insert a stud (44) in the through hole (42) in order to block the fourth plate (40) relative to the second plate (20). 11. Box (1) for the transport of one or more products (2), characterized in that it is produced according to a manufacturing process (S) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and in that it comprises a bottom (3) formed by the first plate (10), at least one edge (4) formed by the second plate (20) and a cover (5) formed in the third plate (30). 12. Box (1) according to claim 11, wherein the first (10), the second (20) and / or the third plate (30) comprise at least one of the following sheets (22): a sheet of cardboard corrugated single flute, a sheet of corrugated double fluted cardboard, a sheet of compact cardboard, a sheet of feather cardboard, a sheet of paper, a wooden plate, a sheet of metal alloy such as aluminum alloy, a sheet plastic in particular in expanded polymer or in polystyrene, a sheet in a ceramic material, a sheet in a composite material comprising a matrix reinforced by fibers, a sheet of leather, a sheet of imitation leather and / or a sheet of mixed leather of the type bonded leather. 13. Box (1) according to one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the second plate (20) is multilayer and comprises at least two sheets (22), said sheets (22) being made of the same material or in separate materials. 14. Box (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the second plate (20) comprises at least two sheets (22) separated by a space, the box (1) further comprising a fourth plate (40 ) introduced into the space between the sheets (22) of the second plate (20). 15. Box (1) according to claim 14, wherein the space opens into the edge (4) of the box (1) and the fourth plate (40) is removable. 16. Box (1) according to claim 15, wherein the fourth plate (40) further comprises a handle (46), said fourth plate (40) being fixed to the second plate (20) by means of elements fixing (42). 17. Box (1) according to one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a finishing sheet (9), removably attached to the third plate (30) and / or to the first plate (10), by example using magnets or velvet-hook strips.