FR3102162A1 - Reusable delivery package with modular dunnage bag - Google Patents

Abstract

Delivery package, for transporting items to be delivered (9), comprising a box (1) forming an external frame, a dunnage bag (2), with attachment means (12) for attaching the dunnage bag to the box, the dunnage bag being made of flexible fabric and configured to contain items to be delivered, one or two drawstrings (3), threaded at least in part through loops of the dunnage bag, with a stopper ( 8; 81,82) to maintain a loop (36) of the drawstring (3) at least in one tightening position, and when the drawstring is tight, the dunnage bag encloses the objects to be delivered so as to limit certain potential movements of objects inside the box during transport of said box.

Description

Reusable delivery box with adjustable dunnage bag

The present invention relates to delivery packages. More and more goods are ordered remotely by computer and delivered to a delivery address by a logistics circuit. Delivery logistics circuits are sometimes complex and involve deliveries by truck, van, van, bicycle, or even on foot, depending on the size and weight of the packages to be delivered, as well as the distance to be delivered. Browse.

At the same time, there is a constant concern to reduce the quantities of waste that human activity generates and consequently delivery with deposit (i.e. return of the packaging to the sender) or reuse (return of the same package to another sender) is growing more and more.

In the same logic, we are also witnessing a development in the consumption of products in 'bulk' mode, i.e. sales by weight in non-pre-packaged mode, even without specific containers, i.e. say without packaging.

It is in this context that a need has arisen to propose a delivery package system for transporting objects to be delivered, for example reusable containers containing products or foodstuffs in bulk, the return of empty containers being organized using the same package. of delivery transiting in the opposite direction.

To this end, a delivery package is therefore proposed, to transport objects to be delivered (9), comprising:

- a box (1) forming an external reinforcement,

- at least one dunnage bag (2), with attachment means (12) for attaching the dunnage bag to the box, the dunnage bag being made of flexible fabric and configured to contain objects to be delivered,

- at least one drawstring (3), threaded at least in part through loops of the dunnage bag, with stopper means (8; 81, 82) for holding a loop (36) of the drawstring at least in a tightening position, in which when the drawstring is tightened, the dunnage bag encloses the objects to be delivered so as to limit potential movements of the objects inside the box during transport of said box.

It is understood, on reading the introductory part of this document, that the objects to be transported can be containers containing products or foodstuffs in bulk, or the same empty containers on the way back. However, the term "object to be delivered" must be understood in the broad sense, i.e. it encompasses all possible types of object.

Thanks to the provisions set out above, the tightening of the dunnage bag makes it possible to tighten the objects against each other (without excluding the presence of compartment partitions), and moreover the means for attaching the dunnage bag to the box make it possible to prevent the dunnage bag assembly with its objects inside from being free to move inside the box. Thus whatever the vicissitudes encountered during the transport of the parcel, it is avoided that the objects to be transported undergo shocks which could damage them. The dunnage bag, the drawstring and the box protect the objects to be transported from shocks and falls that the delivery package may endure.

Unlike conventional solutions, here there are no expanded polystyrene shavings or cardboard or expanded polystyrene wedging elements, which indeed form waste, the wedging bag is reusable.

In addition, thanks to the provisions set out above, the tightening of the dunnage bag on the objects to be transported can be carried out very intuitively thanks to the drawstring, in particular for end users, and in addition the loosening of the dunnage bag to remove the transported objects from it is just as intuitive, as will be seen later.

Regarding the box, it should be understood by "forming an external frame" that the box has a certain rigidity, whereby it resists shocks and falls without being damaged while protecting its contents.

It is noted that the stopping means can be presented as a knot made with the cord itself, or as a separate device in engagement on the path of the cord, as will be seen later.

Finally, the term "box" must be understood in the broad sense, that is to say it is equivalent to box, crate, case, cardboard, container.

In various embodiments of the invention, it is also possible to resort to one and/or the other of the following provisions, taken in isolation or in combination.

According to one aspect, in certain configurations, it is intended that one or more objects to be delivered are containers , each closed by a lid 91 , and when the drawstring is tightened, the dunnage bag encloses the containers from above. so as to prevent lids from being removed from containers. In return for this, the tightening of the containers from above makes it possible to guarantee that the lids will remain in place during all transport operations.

The containers can contain bulk products, in particular food products. The containers can be plastic boxes, glass jars, or other reusable containers. The containers in question may be of different sizes, in particular among those which are delivered together in the same delivery package. The lids must be relatively easy to remove for an average end user, and therefore the clamping of the lid(s) by the dunnage bag makes it possible to keep the lids firmly closed in these configurations.

According to one aspect, two drawstrings (6,7) are provided, each being provided with a stopper means. Satisfactory tightening performance can thus be obtained, with good tightening homogeneity, depending on the respective paths of the two tightening cords. This also provides redundancy and safety in the event that one of the two drawstrings comes to loosen in an undesired manner, part of the dunnage bag remaining tight, for example the half following the respective paths of the two drawstrings .

According to one aspect, provision is made for the two drawstrings (6,7) to intersect or overlap at least in two places along their paths. There is thus an overlap and a pincer grip effect.

According to one aspect, each drawstring has a first end (61; 71) and a second end (62; 72), the first end and the second end being attached to the bottom of the dunnage bag, at a distance from one other, and the path of each drawstring comprises, going from the first end to the second end, a first passage through one or more loops in the wall of the bag, then a free middle portion , then a second passage through a or more loops of the wall of the bag, a stopper being arranged on the free middle portion.

Whereby the loops provide positive guidance of the cords in their end portions (where they run along the side wall of the bag), both in the tight position and in the maximum loosened position. In addition, there is good accessibility to the stop means in the free middle portions, the passers-by do not interfere with the gripping and handling of the stop means by even a novice user. The free middle portions are of variable length depending on the tightening; more specifically, the length is shorter when the dunnage bag is in the loosened state, that is to say open, and the length is greater when the dunnage bag is in the tight state.

According to one aspect, it can be provided that the box is parallelepipedic with a rectangular base, the dunnage bag having a generally rectangular bottom with four sides and four corners, a first cord (6) has its first and second ends (61,62 ) attached to the corners of a first side (21), and the second cord (7) has its first and second ends (71,72) attached to the corners of a second side (22), opposite the first side.

Thanks to this configuration, the tightening of the cords produces an effect on the four corners of the bottom of the dunnage bag. A good homogeneity and a good balance of the clamping forces exerted on the cords and transferred to the objects contained in the bag are obtained.

According to a complementary aspect, a first stopping means (81) is provided on the first cord (6) and a second stopping means (82) on the second cord (7), the first stopping means being arranged closer to the second side than to the first side. In other words, the route of the cords in the loosened state forms two U's, one inverted with respect to the other, and which are superimposed one above the other. This gives a good sandwiching effect when tightening.

In one aspect, each of the stopper means is formed as a cord stopper. This is very practical and intuitive to use, for all types of users.

In one aspect, partition walls are provided. These partitions form spacers which avoid shocks or friction between different objects contained in the dunnage bag. The partitions also provide an intuitive aid for the user who replaces objects or containers in the dunnage bag.

According to one aspect, the dunnage bag comprises a bottom and a side wall, the dunnage bag can be made of synthetic fabric, the dunnage bag is preferably able to be washed in a washing machine. The dunnage bag can then be inserted into a reuse circuit.

In one aspect, the dunnage bag is attached to the bottom of the box.

A symmetry, a centering of the forces and more generally a balance of the package to be delivered are thus obtained. When the dunnage bag is tightened, it decreases in volume and deviates from the side walls of the box but remains in contact with the bottom, in particular where the fastening means connect the dunnage bag to the box.

According to one aspect, the means for attaching the dunnage bag to the box can be formed as one or more straps, or a trigger guard, or one or more press studs, or Velcro™ strips. This makes it possible to easily detach the dunnage bag to wash it if necessary.

In one aspect, a box cover is provided. This provides protection against possible intrusion of foreign bodies, rodents, protection against rain. This also makes it possible to keep items not enclosed in the dunnage bag inside the box (such as the lids separated from the containers and not stored in the dunnage bag inadvertently for the return of the deposit, for example).

According to one aspect, the box may contain two dunnage bags, each conforming to the definition given above. It is not excluded to have even more than two dunnage bags in a box.

Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of an embodiment of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example. The invention will also be better understood with regard to the attached drawings in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic general view of an embodiment of a delivery package according to the present invention, seen from the side, after installation of objects to be delivered in the dunnage bag, and before tightening the dunnage bag , the objects to be delivered here being containers,

- Figure 2 is a schematic general view similar to Figure 1, after tightening the dunnage bag enclosing the objects to be delivered,

- Figure 3 is a schematic general view similar to Figure 1, after loosening the dunnage bag and removing the items delivered,

- Figure 4 is a schematic general view of the delivery package according to a variant with two cords, seen from above, before tightening the dunnage bag and without objects to be delivered represented,

- Figure 5 is a general perspective view of the delivery package, the box being shown in dotted lines, the dunnage bag being shown not tightened, i.e. before tightening,

- Figure 6 is a general perspective view similar to Figure 5, the dunnage bag being shown tight (but without objects to be delivered shown),

- Figure 7 illustrates an example of a stop means in the form of a cord stopper,

- Figures 8 and 9 illustrate partial sectional views of the cord stopper,

- Figure 10 is a detail view illustrating the passage of a drawstring through a loop secured to the wall of the dunnage bag,

- Figure 11 is an elevational view illustrating the route of the drawstrings in the loops and the crossing of the drawstrings which type,

- Figure 12 illustrates a top view of another embodiment with two dunnage bags in a box.

In the various figures, the same references designate identical or similar elements.

General and box

Figures 1 to 3 show an example of a delivery package according to a generic embodiment of the present invention.

We are describing here a delivery package, and in particular for delivery with deposit, i.e. return of the packaging to the sender.

Delivery logistics circuits may involve journeys or portions of journeys by truck, van, van, bicycle, or even on foot, depending on the size and weight of the packages to be delivered, but also on the distance to be covered. between sender and receiver.

Of course, delivery by train, plane or drone is not excluded in this context. Most often, a user will pick up the package intended for him at a delivery relay point.

The packages in question must be able to be stacked on top of each other.

Up to six superposition levels can be provided.

In addition, the packages in question must be able to be placed flat on a table in a very stable manner.

Each delivery package in question firstly comprises a box 1 forming an external frame.

In the example shown, this box 1 is parallelepipedic with a square or rectangle base. However, other general shapes are not excluded.

In the example illustrated, the large side denoted L1 has a dimension of between 40 cm and 55 cm, preferably between 45 and 50 cm, the small side denoted L2 has a dimension of between 30 cm and 40 cm, preferably between 32 and 38cm. As for the height H1 , it can be between 30 cm and 40 cm.

For the materials, one can typically choose a honeycombed polypropylene. The density of this material can be chosen to be less than 1 kg/m², preferably around 800 g/m².

However, it is not excluded to use cardboard, honeycomb cardboard, or any other material to make the box.

The box forms the outer frame of the package. It has sufficient rigidity and resilience to withstand shocks and damage without being damaged while protecting its contents. Flaps and/or lined parts may be provided, particularly in the bottom of the box without excluding their presence on other parts of the box.

The box is open at the top and can be closed by a box lid 15 . The box cover 15 can be mounted by a hinge with articulation on the box, but other assemblies are possible as well as an absence of fixed connection (simply reported cover).

During transport, the box should preferably be closed to absorb shocks on all sides of the package. It is noted that the cover 15 in the closed state reinforces the solidity of the structure of the box and contributes to the tolerance to shocks and falls. Labels may be provided on the lid and/or on the box to identify the actors involved in the transport, for example shipper, consignee, etc.

Box 1 comprises a bottom 10 and four vertical sides.

We note that instead of the term 'box', we can also use the terms box, crate, box, cardboard.

Dunnage bag

Advantageously, a dunnage bag 2 is provided in the box, configured to contain objects 9 to be delivered.

The objects to be delivered 9 can be in the form of containers, receptacles or others as will be seen in detail later. However, it is noted that the invention is applicable for any type of objects to be delivered.

Attachment means 12 are provided for attaching the dunnage bag to the box. These attachment means make it possible to hold the dunnage bag in position in the box, in particular during transport operations (vibrations, accelerations).

The dunnage bag 2 can be attached at a single point or at several points relative to the box. The attachment of the dunnage bag to the box is preferably done inside the box without any element protruding outside the box.

According to a particular example, the dunnage bag is attached to the bottom 10 of the box; however the dunnage bag could be attached to one side of the box.

We already notice that the means of attachment must not interfere too much with the freedom of movement of the bag to retract on itself when the drawstrings are pulled. Consequently, provision may be made for the attachment means to be rather punctual, for example in the vicinity of the center of the bottom of the box, or else for the attachment means to have sufficient flexibility to allow the compression movements of the dunnage bag on itself and on the items to be delivered. For example, the sides of the bottom of the dunnage bag can rise if necessary under the effect of the tightening.

The dunnage bag 2 is made of soft fabric.

The dunnage bag 2 can be made of synthetic fabric, for example polyethylene. The dunnage bag 2 can also be designated by “cover”.

In some cases, it is planned to put the dunnage bag in the washing machine. In the case of a dunnage bag made of synthetic fabric, the drying of the bag after washing is quite fast and the dunnage bag can be put back into the logistics circuit quickly.

One or more parts of the dunnage bag can be perforated, i.e. include micro holes, or even take the form of a fine mesh mesh network.

The dunnage bag 2 comprises a bottom 4 and a side wall 20 extending from the periphery of the bottom. Side wall 20 extends generally continuously to surround the contents to be accommodated in the bag. However, indentations 29 may be provided to facilitate the shrinking of the bag on itself when the cords are pulled.

The bottom 4 has two long sides 41 , 42 and two short sides 43 , 44 .

In addition, partitions 24 are provided. These partitions make it possible to separate and wedge objects or containers which are placed in the dunnage bag.

In the example shown, there are two dividing walls 24 which are parallel to the short side of the base of the rectangle. However, there could be three or more separation partitions, and even a single wedging partition, or none.

The partitions are assembled to the side walls of the bag by sewing for example.

The dividing walls define compartments for placing containers 9 therein. The partitions extend over a height less than the height of the bag in the deployed state. The partitions are made of fabric similar to the rest of the dunnage bag and have a certain flexibility so as not to prevent the deformation of the bag and the shrinking of its volume on itself, in particular when certain compartments are empty.

Note that the containers can be of various sizes. For example, they may be containers of a standardized size. The containers can be generally round or rectangular in section, their height can vary between 5 cm and 28 cm.

The containers contained in the compartments can be stacked on top of each other (see figures 1 and 2 ).

The containers are usually fitted with lids. Such lids can be clipped onto the containers. In other cases, they can be screwed.

Securing rubber bands are also provided in the event that the clipping of the lids can be considered insufficient with regard to the vicissitudes of transport.

Drawstring(s) and stopper

Advantageously, one or more drawstrings are provided. The generic drawstring of Figures 1 to 3 is designated by the reference 3 . The drawstring has a first end 31 and a second end 32 , the first end and the second end are attached to the bottom of the dunnage bag, at a distance from each other.

The path of the drawstring includes, going from the first end to the second end, a first passage through one or more loops in the wall of the bag, then a free middle portion denoted 33 , then a second passage through one or more loops from the wall of the bag.

There is provided a stop means 8 arranged on the free middle portion 33 .

The stop means 8 is intended to maintain a loop 36 of the drawstring 3 at least in a tightening position. By loop is meant a continuous path of the cord which starts from the stopping means 8 and which returns there. At the level of the stopping means, there is therefore a go strand and a return strand which meet there and cross it.

The free middle portion 33 of the cord comprises, within the meaning of the present description, the loop itself as well as the two sections of the cord which go from the stopping means to the closest loops. The free middle portion 33 of the cord is all the longer as the cord has been tightened (ie pulled on the loop).

When the drawstring is thus tightened thanks to the drawstring held in tension by the stopper means, the dunnage bag encloses the objects to be delivered so as to limit potential displacements of the objects inside the box during its transportation.

The stop means 8 may for example be formed by a device called a “cord stopper” which is illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 . This is very practical and intuitive to use, for any type of user.

The stopping means can also be formed by a simple knot formed on the course of the cord. Additionally, the stopping means may be formed as a clip clamp, friction sheath, or other stopping or friction means.

The stopping means can also be called blocking means. Note, however, that high friction is sufficient to maintain the cord loop in a given position.

To return to the illustrated case of the stop cord, two strands 3a , 3b of the cord pass through a first element 80 forming the body of the stop cord. There is provided in this element forming a body, a second movable element 84 mounted with a relative degree of freedom with respect to the first element. There may be provided a return means 87 to a jamming position of the two strands of the cord inserted in the first element. The second movable element comprises a manual actuation zone, in the form of a push button in the example illustrated, to move the second element away from the jammed position and thus free the sliding of one or both cord strands 3a , 3b inside the first element. Dotted lines show the unlocking position, that is to say when someone presses the push button 84 .

In the example shown, the stop-cord has a low height (general shape of a pancake) and can be handled easily by a pinched – slid – released movement, this stop-cord thus extends particularly ergonomically.

The stop cord can take any possible form, it will not be described in more detail here because it is known per se.

The drawstring is preferably not very elastic along its axis but very flexible in torsion and bending in the other directions.

The drawstring preferably has a constant outer section.

The drawstring can be made of nylon, polypropylene, or other synthetic polymers. A braided solution based on natural fibers such as hemp is also not excluded.

Under the term drawstring, we can also understand a cord, a lace, a string.

The empty length of the drawstring before assembly is between 80 cm and 150 cm, depending on the size of the dunnage bag.

Figures 4 through 6 illustrate a configuration with two drawstrings. In this case, a first drawstring denoted 6 is provided, which has a first end 61 and a second end 62 , the first end and the second end are attached to the bottom of the dunnage bag, at a distance from one the other. In the example illustrated, the first and second ends are attached to the respective ends of a first long side 41 of the bottom 4 of the bag.

In addition, there is provided on the free middle portion 41 of the first bead a first stopping means denoted 81 . Note that this first stop means 81 is arranged above the other long side 42 of the bottom of the bag. Thus, seen from above, the course of the cord has the shape of a U.

In addition, a second drawstring denoted 7 is provided, has a first end 71 and a second end 72 , the first end and the second end are attached to the bottom of the dunnage bag, at a distance from each other . In the example shown, the first and second ends 71 , 72 are attached to the respective ends of the other long side 42 of the bottom 4 of the bag. In addition, there is provided on the free middle portion 73 of the second bead a second stop means denoted 82 . Note that this second stop means 82 is arranged above the first long side 41 of the bottom of the bag.

Thus seen from above, the cords in the loosened state form two U's, one inverted with respect to the other and which are superimposed one above the other. A good sandwiching effect is thus obtained, when pulling on the cords to tighten the dunnage bag.

Passers-by

Figure 10 illustrates one of the vertical loops arranged in the corners of the dunnage bag. The loop 25 is a piece of fabric closed in a loop and sewn to the corner of the wall of the bag by means of a seam 38 . The cord, here identified generically by 35 , is threaded through the loop, the loop forms a flexible sheath which can deform under the effect of the tightening of the drawstrings.

In FIG. 11 , it can be seen that several loops 25 can be arranged discontinuously one after the other in the vertical direction at the corners of the dunnage bag. Furthermore, upper edge loops 26 can also be provided to guide the cords to the place where their path is adjacent (they cross over each other).

In Figure 12 , there is illustrated in top view a configuration where there are two dunnage bags 2A , 2B in the same box. Each of the dunnage bags may comprise all or part of the characteristics set out above. Each of the bags is attached to the box.

The box is the same or similar to the one shown for the previous example. An optional partition 17 is provided, which contributes to improving the structural robustness of the box, particularly in the configurations of stacking the boxes one on top of the other.

In general, the box with its dunnage bag (or its two dunnage bags) has an empty weight of less than 2 kg; the box with its dunnage bag (or its two dunnage bags) can contain objects weighing up to 20 kg.

It should be noted that the present invention is applicable regardless of the number of cords and the number of stopping devices on the cords.

All the dimensions and numerical values given for the examples illustrated are only indicative and in no way limit the scope of the present invention.

Note that the package is fully modular and its components can be interchanged if necessary. The same type of dunnage bag can be used in a box provided for a single dunnage bag or else in a box provided for two dunnage bags or even in a box provided for three dunnage bags. There can be provided types of dunnage bag having different sizes.

Claims (10)

1 . Delivery package , for transporting items to be delivered (9), comprising:
- a box (1) forming an external reinforcement,
- at least one dunnage bag (2), with attachment means (12) for attaching the dunnage bag to the box, the dunnage bag being made of flexible fabric and configured to contain objects to be delivered,
- at least one drawstring (3), threaded at least in part through loops of the dunnage bag, with stopper means (8; 81, 82) to hold a loop (36) of the drawstring (3 ) at least in a clamping position,
characterized in that when the drawstring is tightened, the dunnage bag encloses the objects to be delivered so as to limit certain potential movements of the objects inside the box during the transport of said box. 2 . Delivery package according to Claim 1, in which one or more objects to be delivered are containers , each closed by a lid , and when the drawstring is tightened, the dunnage bag encloses the containers from above so as to prevent lids from being removed from containers. 3 . Delivery package according to one of Claims 1 to 2, in which two drawstrings (6,7) are provided, each being provided with a stopper means . 4 . Delivery package according to Claim 3, in which the two drawstrings (6,7) cross and/or overlap at least at two places along their paths. 5 . Delivery package according to Claim 3, in which each dunnage cord has a first end (61; 71) and a second end (62; 72), the first end and the second end being attached to the bottom of the dunnage bag , distance from each other, and the path of each drawstring comprises, going from the first end to the second end, a first passage in one or more loops (25) of the wall of the bag, then a portion free middle portion , then a second passage through one or more loops in the wall of the bag, stopping means being arranged on the free middle portion. 6 . Delivery package according to claim 5, in which the box is parallelepiped with a rectangular base, the dunnage bag having a generally rectangular bottom with four sides and four corners , a first cord (6) has its first and second ends (61, 62) attached to the corners of a first side (41), and the second cord (7) has its first and second ends (71,72) attached to the corners of a second side (42), opposite the first side. 7 . Delivery package according to Claim 6, in which a first stop means (81) is provided on the first cord (6) and a second stop means (82) on the second cord (7), the first means stop being arranged closer to the second side than to the first side. 8 . Delivery package according to one of Claims 1 to 7, in which each of the stop means is formed as a stop-cord . 9 . Delivery package according to one of Claims 1 to 8, in which partition walls (24) are provided. 10 . Delivery package according to one of Claims 1 to 9, in which the dunnage bag comprises a bottom and a side wall, the dunnage bag being made of synthetic fabric, the dunnage bag being suitable for washing in a washing machine .