IE80419B1 - Container formed from sheet material and blank for forming the same - Google Patents

Description

Description The present invention relates to a boxes of cardboard, corrugated cardboard or analogous sheet material, and also to the blanks of such material for producing said boxes and a machine for producing said boxes from said blanks .

The Patents US-A-4 242 949, DE-A-3 541 821 and FR-A2 629 012, for example, disclose machines which make it possible to produce a cardboard box or the like by wrapping a blank around a mandrel. In these machines said mandrel if of substantially square or rectangular section so that the resultant boxes comprise four side faces delimiting a volume whose section, parallel to the bottom of said boxes, is also square or rectangular. Of course, two adjacent side faces are then orthogonal to one another and form an edge perpendicular to the bottom of the box.

Boxes of this type are used to package articles or groups of articles which are introduced through the open lid, the closing of said lid only taking place after the articles have been inserted therein.

It rarely happens, although one cannot say never, that the shape of the contents comprising said articles or groups of articles is square or rectangular and precisely matches that of the box into which said contents are introduced, so that said contents are not securely retained in said box by the side faces thereof, and that the corners of said box protrude and are empty. Consequently, said contents can move inside box, resulting in instability which gives rise to difficulties in handling and loading on board the conveying means. Moreover, the projecting corners of the box are exposed to external attack and can be easily torn, which is detrimental to its appearance and to the protection of the packaged products. Finally, the empty corners of the box represent a waste of sheet material, since the space is not used.

To enable these drawbacks to be partly overcome, USA-4 386 729 proposes arranging an article to be packaged within said mandrel and wrapping the blank, under tension and with elastic deformation of two opposite side faces of the box. A package of square section is thus obtained, the faces of which are exactly tangential to the walls of said article .

It is to be noted that the operation of the machine described in this latter patent gives rise to difficulties when a group of articles (and not a single article) has to be packaged in the box. Moreover, the resultant package also has projecting and empty corners which are liable to be damaged and the space is not used.

The documents US-A-2 967 655 and FR-E-82619, which describe a blank in accordance with the preamble of Claims 1 and 14, and US-A-4 702 408 disclose octagonal boxes for cylindrical or irregular-shaped articles. Packagings of this type have further disadvantages. They cannot be assembled automatically since they have a snap-on bottom which can only be fitted manually and/or they have low resistance to compression as result of the arrangement of the flaps forming the bottom or the lid.

The object of the present invention is to obviate these disadvantages. To this end, according to the invention, the box of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, comprising eight rectangular side faces in pairs joined by a folding line, said folding lines being parallel to one another, is remarkable in that it has an arrangement according to Claim 1.

Therefore, owing to the high number of said side faces of the box according to the invention: - the sectional shape of the box can be adapted in optimum fashion to the section of the contents which it is intended to contain, so that said contents can be retained laterally in optimum fashion; - it is possible to eliminate the empty and unused projecting corners of the box, which makes it possible to reduce the risk of damage to said projecting corners and to economise in sheet material. These projecting corners (90° dihedrals) are thus transformed into more open dihedrals (angle greater than 90°) which are less vulnerable to external attack; - the number of side edges is increased, as is thus the resistance to compression of the box.

Preferably, the arrangement of said box is in accordance with any one of the relevant dependent claims.

Moreover, the invention proposes a blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, intended for the formation of the box according to the present invention and comprising a series of eight rectangular members which are connected to one another by first mutually parallel folding lines and a first set of lateral flaps arranged on one side of said series of members, which are joined to the latter by second folding lines perpendicular to the first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the bottom of said box, which is remarkable in that it has an arrangement in accordance with Claim 14.

Preferably, said blank also comprises a second set of lateral flaps disposed on the other side of said series of members, which are joined to the latter by third folding lines perpendicular to said first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the lid of said box, at least one flap in two having its two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flap starting from the third folding lines.

Advantageously, said blank also has an arrangement in accordance with any one of the dependent claims relating to the flan.

Advantageously, a member which does not comprise either a flap of the first set or a flap of the second set comprises, on the other hand, a projection on its edge situated on the side of said second set of flaps and a recess on its edge situated on the side of said first set of flaps so that when two boxes, which are formed from two such identical blanks, are disposed one above the other the projection of the lower box enters the recess of the upper box. The boxes obtained in this way can be readily stacked.

To the same end and as a variant, it is possible to provide for the flaps of said first and second sets, which are situated on the outside when the box is formed, are of complementary shape so that when two such boxes are disposed one above the other, the flaps of said first set of the lower box fit into the flaps of said second set of the upper box .

To reinforce further the solidity of the boxes according to the invention it is advantageous if at least one flap of said first set and/or of said second set comprises at least one foldable tab which can be secured to a member when the box is formed from said blank.

In French Patent FR-A-2 629 012 discloses a machine for forming a box from a blank of material or sheet comprising a series of rectangular or square members joined to one another by first mutually parallel folding lines and a first set of lateral flaps disposed on one side of said series of members, joined to the latter by second folding lines perpendicular to said first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the bottom of said box, said machines comprising: - a mandrel, the outer section of which corresponds to the inner section of said box to be formed; - means for freely supporting an intermediate member of said series of members at least approximately opposite the corresponding face of said mandrel but at some distance therefrom, then for bringing said intermediate member towards said corresponding face of the mandrel, then pressing said intermediate member against said corresponding face, after folding the adjacent members of said intermediate members until said adjacent members bear against said mandrel; - means for wrapping said series of members around said mandrel; - means for gluing together the end members of said series of members thus wrapped about said mandrel; - means for folding the flaps of first set against a corresponding face of said mandrel, and - means for gluing together said flaps folded in this way.

A machine of this type makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks inherent in machines intended for forming 1θ "American boxes. It is thus advantageous to improve such a machine for producing boxes according to the invention.

To this end, the machine of the above-mentioned type is remarkable in that said mandrel comprises at least five faces and in that said means for supporting, bringing closer and pressing said intermediate member comprise a pressure plate having two faces which are rigidly connected to one another, the first of said faces corresponding to said intermediate member and the second to a first member adjacent to said intermediate member, said first and second faces of the pressure plate defining a first dihedral such that, when said first face is applied against the face of the corresponding mandrel, said second face which is applied against the face of said corresponding mandrel corresponds to said first adjacent member, the edge of said first dihedral then being coincident with the edge of said mandrel defined by said corresponding faces of said mandrel.

Therefore, two members of said blank are perfectly positioned in relation to the mandrel and are held in relation to the corresponding faces thereof during the wrapping of said blank, so that the resultant box is of particularly accurate shape.

To further increase this accuracy it is advantageous for said pressure plate to have a third face connected rigidly with said first and second faces of said plate, and corresponding to said second member adjacent to said intermediate member, said first and second faces of the pressure plate defining a second dihedral such that, when said first and second faces are applied against said faces of the mandrel corresponding thereto, said third face is applied against the face of said mandrel corresponding to said second adjacent member, the edge of said dihedral then being coincident with the edge of said mandrel defined by the said corresponding faces of said mandrel. Therefore, during the final wrapping stage of the members three of them are arranged accurately and held firmly against the corresponding faces of the mandrel.

Advantageously, said means for wrapping said series of members around the mandrel comprise a movable assembly comprising swinging arms.

The accompanying drawings will illustrate how the invention can be put into practice. In these drawings identical reference numbers designate like elements.

Figure 1 shows, laid flat, a blank of sheet material for the producing a first mode of embodiment of a box according to the present invention; Figures 2 and 3 show in perspective the box obtained from the blank in Figure 1, the lid of said box being illustrated respectively open (Figure 2) and closed (Figure 3) ; Figure 4 illustrates, in a section parallel to its bottom, an application of the box in Figures 2 and 3; Figures 5,6 and 7 illustrate schematically the procedure of forming the box in Figure 2 starting from the blank in Figure 1; Figures 8,10 and 12 are schematic views in elevation of a machine for the production of the box in Figure 2, starting from the blank in Figure 1, in different stages of the production thereof; Figures 9,11 and 13 are schematic views from above corresponding respectively to Figures 8,10 and 12; Figures 14,15 and 16 illustrate schematically in partial side views, perpendicular to Figures 8,10 and 12, the closing of the bottom of the box of Figures 2 and 3; Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38 and 41 show, laid flat, respectively variants of blanks according to the present invention; Figures 18,21,24,27,30,33,36 and 39 show, in perspective, the boxes obtained respectively starting from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38, said boxes having their cover open.

Figures 19,22,25,28,31,34,37,40 and 42 show, in perspective, the boxes obtained respectively starting from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38 and 41, said boxes having their cover closed.

Figure 43 is an end view of the box in Figure 42, obtained starting from the blank of Figure 41.

The blank FI of sheet material, for example cardboard or corrugated cardboard, shown in Figure 1 comprises a series of eight rectangular members 1 to 8, aligned in pairs and joined by preformed and parallel folding lines 9 to 15. A tongue 16 is disposed along the free edge of the end member 1 of said series of members and is connected to said end member 1 by a folding line 17, parallel to the folding lines 9 to 15.

Additionally, on either side of each member 1,3,5 and 7 there are respectively provided flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7. Each lateral flap 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 is hingedly joined to the corresponding member 1,3,5 or 7 by a preformed folding line .1, 20.3, 20.5 or 20.7. These folding lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5 and 20.7 are aligned with and perpendicular to the folding lines 9 to 15 and 17. Moreover, each lateral flap 19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.7 is hingedly joined to the corresponding member 1,3,5,7 by a preformed folding line 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 or 21.7. The folding lines 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7 are aligned with and perpendicular to the folding lines 9 to 15 and 17. The members 2,4,6 and 8 do not comprise any lateral flap.

The rectangular members 1 to 8 all have the same height h- The two members 1 and 5 are identical and are of a width JL- The two members 3 and 7 are identical and are of a width L which is greater than 1. The four members 2,4,6 and 8 are identical and are of a width £ which is less than J.. The height h is greater than L.

The blank FI is intended to form, by wrapping and connection of the members 1 to 8 and connection of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 (in the manner described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 to 16) the box Cl shown in Figure 3. The box Cl is 10 of an overall height h, a length Ll and a width ll. It has the general appearance of a rectangular section boxed with four cut-off corners. In the box Cl the large side faces are formed by the members 3 and 7, whereas the small side faces are formed by the members 1 and 5, the members 2,4,6 and 8 forming the cut-off corners of said box Cl. Moreover, the bottom of the box Cl is formed by the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, whereas the lid of said box Cl is formed by the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

The four flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical and rectangular. They are of a length equal to the width J. of the members 1 and 5.

The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to one another. They are of a length equal to the length Ll of the box Cl and a width 11/2 equal to half the width 11 of the latter. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3, and 19.7, the length Ll of which is greater than the width L of the corresponding members 3 and 7, are joined to said members by a convergent portion, the inclined edges 22 of which are of length £ equal to the width £ of the members 2,4,6 and 8. Each of 30 said flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3, and 19.7 thus correspond in shape to half the section of the box Cl.

Figure 4 illustrates, in cross-section, one application of the box Cl to the packaging of six bottles B separated by a separating cross-member S. It is evident, as a result of the cut-off corners corresponding to the members 2,4,6 and 8, that the end bottles B are retained in a satisfactory manner since these cut-off corners are at a tangent with said bottles. These corners, which protrude only slightly, are relatively invulnerable to outside attack. Moreover, it is evident at each corner that, in relation to a known rectangular box, only a proportion a/2b of sheet material is used. If the faces 2,4,6 and 8 are inclined at 45° with respect to the faces 1,3,5,7, this proportion is equal to 1//2, i.e. equal to 70%. For each corner there is obtained a saving in material equal to 30%.

Finally, the box Cl has eight lateral edges 10 corresponding respectively to the folding lines 9 to 17, which imparts thereto a compression resistance which is greater than that of a box of rectangular section.

Figures 8 to 16 illustrate schematically a machine making it possible to produce the box Cl, with the lid open, as shown in Figure 2. For clarity, these drawings are intentionally partial and simplified and they only include the elements necessary for an understanding of the production stages which they illustrate.

The machine in Figures 8 to 16 comprises a mandrel 23 (illustrated on an enlarged scale in Figures 5 to 7), the outer shape of which corresponds to the inner shape of the box Cl to be produced from the blank Fl. For this purpose, the section of the mandrel 23 is rectangular with cut-off corners. As shown in Figures 8 to 16, the length of the mandrel 23 may be different to the height h of the box Cl. The mandrel 23 may be solid or only formed by a frame delimiting its edges, as is illustrated in said Figures 5 to 7. In these drawings, it is assumed that the mandrel 23 is formed by parallel section members 24 (in end view in 30 Figures 5 to 7) of rectangular section with a cut-off corner, defining lateral bearing surfaces 25 to 32 for the members of the blank Fl, folding edges 33 to 40 corresponding to the folding lines between said members, and a front bearing surface 41 for the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, the contour of said bearing surface 41 forming folding edges corresponding to the folding lines of said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7.

Figures 5 to 7 illustrate schematically the procedure of positioning the blank Fl in relation to the mandrel 23, when it is desired to apply the intermediate member 3 against the corresponding lower face 25 of the mandrel 23.

Using known means, for example those disclosed in the document FR-A-2 629 012, a blank Fl is brought into the vicinity of the mandrel 23 so that its member 3 is disposed at least approximately opposite the bearing surface 25. 1θ Although it is desirable for the lateral positioning of said member 3 in relation to said surface 25 to be as accurate as possible, it may happen that there is a lateral offset S between the member 3 and said bearing surface 25. To prevent any incorrect folding of the blank Fl outside the folding lines 10 and 11 during the folding of the other members of the blank Fl, the procedure is such that, before folding said other members, the member 3 is moved away from the bearing surface 25 by a distance d (see Figure 5). Then, during the folding of said members 2,1 and of the tongue 16, on the one hand, and of the members 4 to 8, on the other hand, the member 3 is brought up to the bearing surface 25 by means of a pressure plate 42 which is of concave profile and which, transversely to the mandrel 23, has a surface 43 which can be superimposed on the surface 25 of the mandrel, a surface 44 which can be superimposed on the surface 26 of the mandrel 23 and a surface 45 which can be superimposed on the surface 32 of the latter, the surfaces 43 and 44 being joined to one another by an edge 46 which can be superimposed on the edge 34, whereas the surfaces 43 and 45 30 are joined to one another by an edge 47 which can be superimposed on the edge 33. Therefore, as the member 3 is brought up to the surface 25 (arrow F) , the members 2,1 and the tongue 16, on the one hand, and the members 4 to 8, on the other hand, abut against the mandrel 23 (see the chain lines 48 and 49 in Figure 5), which brings about a lateral guiding effect and positions the member 3 accurately with respect to the bearing surface 25 (see Figure 6). When the tongue 42 presses the member 3 against the bearing surface (see Figure 7), the folding lines 10 and 11 are accurately superimposed on the folding edges 33 and 34 and the folding lines 9 and 12 are accurately superimposed on the folding edges 40 and 35.

The blank FI being temporarily attached to the mandrel 23 by the pressure applied by the plate 42 enables the formation of the box Cl to be continued by wrapping the blank FI around said mandrel (see the chain lines in Figure 8) .

As a result of this wrapping operation, the members 1,5,6,7,8 are applied respectively against the faces 31,27,28,29 and 30 and the tongue 16 is folded over the face 30 (before or after the member 8). Therefore, it is possible for the tongue 16 and the member 8 to be attached to one another by gluing.

Subsequently, the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are folded about the edges of the front surface 41 of the mandrel 23 corresponding respectively to the folding lines 20.1 and .5 so at be applied against the corresponding front surface 41 of the mandrel 23.

Finally, the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are folded about the edges of the front surface 41 of mandrel 23 corresponding respectively to the folding lines 20.3 and .7 and are applied against the already folded flaps 18.1 and 18.5, so that said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 can be attached to one another by gluing.

The box Cl shown in Figure 2 is thus obtained, mounted on the mandrel 23 and open on the sides of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

To fill said box Cl, it is released from the mandrel and it is rested on its bottom formed by the joined flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7. After filling, the box Cl can be closed by folding the flaps 19.1 and 19.5 respectively about the folding lines 21.1 and 21.5, then by folding the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 over the folded flaps 19.1 and 19.5, and finally by attaching said flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7, for example by gluing. The closed box Cl shown in Figure 3 is thus obtained.

The above-described operations can be carried out using the machine illustrated schematically and partly in Figures 8 to 16. Said machine comprises a frame 50 in relation to which the mandrel 23 and the pressure plate 42 are installed. It further comprises a device (not shown), of any known type, enabling blanks FI to be removed one by one from a magazine and then placed under the mandrel 23. Gluing means 51, 52 and 53, mounted on the frame 50, enable strips of adhesive 54,55,56 to be deposited respectively on the tongue 16 and flaps 18.1 and 18.5 as a blank FI is placed under the mandrel 23.

Therefore, by means of the gluing means 51 to 53, the blank FI is disposed, already glued, under the mandrel in the position shown in Figure 5, above the pressure plate 42 and moved by an actuator 57 mounted on the frame 50 .

The movable assembly 58 comprises two articulated arms 60 and 61, for example moved respectively by a linkage connected to the frame 50 and by a cam 63 mounted on said frame.

Actuators 64 to 67, such as jacks for example, are mounted on the frame 50 and can fold respectively the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 18.7 and 18.3. Pressing means 68 and 69, also mounted on the frame 50, are provided to apply the tongue 16 and the member 8 against the face 30 of the mandrel 23.

When a blank FI is placed under the mandrel 23 so as to be situated in the position in Figure 5 (see Figures 8 and 9), the actuators 57 and 59 are operated so that, on the one hand, the pressure plate 42 approaches the mandrel 23 and so that, on the other hand, the articulated arms 60 and 61, in response to the upward movement of the movable assembly 58, fold the members of the blank FI, respectively arranged on either side of the member 3. The blank FI then adopts, in relation to the mandrel 23, successively the relative positions illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.

Subsequently, as the upward movement of the movable assembly 58 continues, the arms 60 and 61 apply the members 5,6 and 1 respectively against the corresponding faces 27, 28 and 31 of the mandrel 23 (see Figures 10 and 11).

The pressing means 68 then applies the tongue 16 against the face 30 of the mandrel, after which the other pressing means 69 applies the member 8 against the tongue 16 and the face 30. By means of the strip of adhesive 54, the member 8 is then attached to the tongue 16 (see Figures 12 and 13).

Finally, the actuators 64 and 65 fold the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 against the front surface 41 of the mandrel 23 (Figure 11), after which the actuators 66 and 67 apply respectively the flap 18.7 (Figure 15) and then the flap 18.3 (Figure 16) against the folded flaps 18.1 and 18.5. By means of the strips of adhesive 55 and 56 the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, and 18.7 are attached to one another to form the bottom of the box Cl.

Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38 and 41 show respectively blanks of sheet material F2 to F10, which can form boxes of rectangular section and cut-off corners, like the box Cl. Here too the blanks' F2,F3,F5 to F9 of Figures 17,20,26,29,32,35 and 38 have the series of eight rectangular members 1 to 8, aligned in pairs and joined by preformed and parallel folding lines 9 to 15 bordered by the folding lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5. 20.7. 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7, as described above with reference to Figure 1.

However, in these variants of embodiment the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 are of different shape, so that the resultant boxes C2,C3 and C5 to C9 are different to the box Cl, although they are of the same rectangular section with cut-off corners.

The series of aligned rectangular members 1 to 8 is also different with respect to the blanks F4 and F10 in Figures 23 and 41, so that the corresponding boxes C4 and CIO are different to the box Cl, although of similar section.

It is readily apparent from the foregoing that the boxes C2 to CIO can be obtained by operating the machine described with reference to Figures 5 to 16, optionally by adapting the position and/or number of the gluing means 51 to 53, the actuators 64 to 67 and the pressing means 68,69.

In the blank F2 of Figure 17 the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3, and 19.7 are identical and rectangular. They are of a length equal to the width L of the members 3 and 7 and of a width equal to half of ll. Moreover, the flaps 18.1, 18.5 θ and 19.5 are identical and each of them is of a length equal to ll. Therefore, it is the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 which have, in the vicinity of their folding line with the corresponding members, the widening effected by the inclined edges 22 which are of the length a.

The blank F3 of Figure 20 is identical to the blank F2 of Figure 2, except with regard to the free edges of the members 2,4,6,8 and of the tongue 16. The free edges of said members and of said tongue directed on the side of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 comprise recesses 70, whereas those directed on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 comprise projections 71. Therefore, the box C3 comprises in its lower part slots 73 and in its upper part projections 74. When two boxes C3 are disposed one above the other, the projections 74 of the lower box penetrate into the slots 73 of the upper box so that said boxes are retained laterally with respect to one another.

The members 2 to 8 and the flaps 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 of the blank F4 in Figure 23 ae identical to those of the blank FI in Figure 1. However, the member 1, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1 and 19.1 have been omitted and replaced with two rectangular members 1.1 and 1.2 which are respectively attached to the outer edges of the members 2 and 9 along the folding lines 9 and 75.

Each of the members 1.1 and 1.2 are associated respectively with rectangular flaps 18.11, 19.11 and 18.72, 19.72. The members 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11, 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 are of a length 12 greater than half the width J. of the member 5. Therefore, after the folding of the blank F4 around the mandrel 23, the members 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11, 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 are superimposed along an overlap zone 76, along which they can be attached, for example by gluing.

In the blank F5 of Figure 26 the members 1 to 8, the tongue 16, the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1 and 19.5 are substantially identical to those of the blank FI in Figure 1. However, along their inclined edges 22 the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 comprise tabs 77. Moreover, the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 are of shape corresponding to the section of the box C5. Furthermore, the inclined edges 22 and 78 of the cut-off corners of the flap 19.7 comprise tabs 79. Therefore, when the box C5 is formed from the blank F5, the tabs 77 and 79 are folded and attached to the faces of said box corresponding to the members 2,4,6 and 8. The tabs 77 and 79 thus constitute reinforcing means, joining the bottom and the lid of the box C5 to the side wall thereof. A handle 80 is additionally provided on the flap 19.7, said handle 80 being accessible through a slot 81 provided in the flap 19.3 when the latter is folded over the flap 19.7 and attached thereto.

In the blank F6 of Figure 9 the members 1 to 8, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 are identical to those of the blank F2 in Figure 17. However, the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 are of narrow width and all have inclined edges 22. Therefore, the box C6 comprises a lid formed only by a peripheral edge 82 bounding a central opening 83.

The blank F7 in Figure 32 comprises the members l to 8, a tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 similar to those of the blank FI in Figure 1. The flaps 19.1 and 19.5 are rectangular, of a length equal to the width 1 of the members 1 and 7 but of narrow width. The flaps 19.3 and 19.7 comprise inclined widening edges 22 but their width is less than 11/2. Moreover, in longitudinal extension said flaps 19.3 and 19.7 comprise tabs 84. The box C7 thus comprises a lid formed by a peripheral border 85 bounding a central opening 86; the tabs 84, after being folded and glued, attach said lid to the lateral faces of said box corresponding to the members 1 and 5.

In the blank F8 of Figure 35 the members 1 to 8 and the tongue 16 are identical to those of the blanks FI and F2 in Figures 1 and 2. The flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to one another. Similarly, the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to one another. Each flap 18.1, 18.5, 19.1, 19.5 comprises, in the vicinity of its folding line effecting the connection to the corresponding member, a widening zone with inclined edges 22, then a narrowing zone with inclined edges 87, directed oppositely to the edges 22, and, finally, a zone 88 of constant length. Each flap 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 comprises, in the vicinity of its folding line effecting the connection to the corresponding member, a zone 89 of constant width, then a widening zone with inclined edges 90 and, finally, a zone 91 of constant length.

The overall width of the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 is equal to half of H and their length, at the level of its portion of constant width 91, is equal to Ll. The box C8 obtained from the blank F8 is shown in Figures 36 and 37.

In the blank F9 of Figure 38 the members 1 to 8, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are similar to those of the blank F2 in Figure 17. However, the width of said flaps is less than half of H. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to one another. In the vicinity of their folding line effecting the connection to the corresponding member, they comprise a rectangular portion 92, then a narrowing portion 93 with inclined edges 94. The width of these latter flaps is equal to half of ±1. As illustrated in Figure 38, the production of the blanks F9 is economic in sheet material, since two blanks F9 can overlap one another, offset longitudinally.

Figure 41 illustrates a blank F10 in which the series of members 1 to 8 is such that the height b of the latter is less than the width L of the members 3 and 7, contrary to what was shown for the blanks Fl to F9 described previously. The flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are substantially similar to those of the blank F2 in Figure 17, whereas the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are substantially similar to those of the blank Fl in Figure 1. Moreover, the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 are substantially1 similar to those of the blank F2 in Figure 17. The lateral edges of the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 comprise recesses 95.

The bottom of the box CIO is formed by folding and fastening the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 over the flaps 18.3 and 18.7, which have been previously folded, so that said flaps 18.1 and 18.5 project in relation to these latter. The lid of the box CIO is formed by folding and fastening the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 over the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, which have been previously folded, so that said flaps 19.3 and 18.7 project in relation to the flaps 19.1 and 19.5 so as to form cavities 96 at the ends of said box. The shape of said cavities 96 corresponds to that of the flaps 18.1 and 19.5.

Therefore, when the two boxes CIO are disposed one on top of the other, the projections formed by the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 of the bottom of the upper box are fitted into the cavities 96 in the lid of the lower box, so that the co-operation of the projections 18.1 and 18.5 with the cavities 96 assures the vertical stability of said boxes. This stability is further reinforced by the fact that the members 2,4,6,8 comprise the projections 71 and the recesses 70 of the blank F3 in Figure 20, so that the box CIO comprises projections 74 and recesses 73 similar to the box C3, which assists the stacking of said boxes CIO.

Claims (29)

1. A box (Cl to CIO) of cardboard sheet material formed from a blank (Fl to F10) comprising a series of eight rectangular members (1 to 8) forming the side walls of the box and ending in a rectangular fastening tongue (16), said members and said tongue being connected to one another by first, mutually parallel folding lines (9 to 15 and 17), namely four main members separated in pairs by four intermediate members and a first set of lateral flaps (18.1,18.3,18.5,18.7) arranged on one side and joined to the main members by second folding lines (20.1,20.3,20.5.20.7) perpendicular to the first folding lines and forming at least partly the bottom of the box, said intermediate members being without a flap, at least one flap in two (18.1,18.3,18.5,18.7) having its two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flap starting from the second folding lines, characterised in that said second folding lines (20.1,20.3,20.5.20.7) are in alignment, and in that the end member of the series of members and the tongue, on one side, and the adjacent flaps, on the other side, are fastened solely by being applied against one another and by gluing, said box being assembled automatically by folding said members and the flaps of said first set about a mandrel (23).

2. A box of corrugated cardboard according to claim 1, characterised in that the intermediate walls (2,4,6,8) form truncated corners and are of a width £ which is less than the width 1 of the smallest main side wall.

3. A box according to either one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the fold parts corresponding to the sides partly angled towards the outside are not arranged to be foldable with respect to said flap.

4. A box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one flap in two is rectangular.

5. A box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said blank comprises a second set of lateral flaps (19.1,19.3,19.5,19.7) arranged on the other side of the members forming side walls, which are joined to 5 the latter by third folding lines (21,1,21,3,21.5.21.7) perpendicular to the first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the lid of said box, at least one flap in two having its two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flap starting from the third 10 folding lines.

6. . A box according to any one of the preceding claims. characterised in that each flap is itself devoid of any foldable flap.

7. A box according to any one of claims 1 to 5, 15 characterised in that the flaps (18.3,18.7), which have their two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flaps starting from the second folding lines, comprise along said angled parts reinforcing tabs (77) respectively folded and attached to the walls (2,4,6,8) 20 against the box.

8. A box according to claim 5, characterised in that the flaps (19.3,19.7), which have their two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flaps starting from the third folding lines, comprise tabs (84) 25 which extend longitudinally and which, after folding and gluing, attach the lid to the side walls (1, 5) of the box.

9. A box according to any one of claims 5 to 8, characterised in that at least one flap of said first set and/or said second set has, at least in the vicinity of said 30 second and/or said third corresponding folding line, the form of the sectional shape of the box obtained starting from the blank.

10. A box according to any one of claims 5 to 9, characterised in that the second set of flaps is identical 35 to the first set of flaps.

11. A box (C5,C6,C7, CIO) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterised in that at least two flaps of said first and second sets connected to one member are of different shapes.

12. A box (CIO) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterised in that at least one intermediate member comprises a projection (71) on its edge situated on the side of said second set of flaps and a recess (70) on its edge situated on the side of said first set of flaps so that when two boxes are disposed one above the other the projection of the lower box enters the recess of the upper box.

13. A box according to any one of claims 5 to 11, characterised in that the flaps of said first and second sets, which are situated on the outside when the box is formed, are of complementary shape so that when two such boxes are disposed one above the other, the flaps of said first set of the lower box fit into the flaps of said second set of the upper box.

14. A blank (FI to F10) for the formation of a box with eight side walls, comprising a series of eight rectangular members (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8) ending in a rectangular fastening tongue (16), which members are intended to form said lateral walls and which are connected to one another by first mutually parallel folding lines (9 to 15 and 17), i.e. four main members separated in pairs by four intermediate members and a first set of lateral flaps (18.1,18.3,18.5,18.7) arranged on one side and joined to the main members by second folding lines (20.1,20.3,20.5.20.7) perpendicular to the first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the bottom of said box, said intermediate members being devoid of flaps, at least one flap in two (18.1,18.3,18.5, 18.7) having its two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flap starting from the second folding lines, characterised in that said second folding lines (20.1,20.3,20.5.20.7) are in alignment, and in that the end member of the series of members and the tongue, on one side, and the adjacent flaps, on the other side, are intended to be fastened only by being applied against one another and by gluing, said blank being adapted to be folded by folding said members and the flaps of the first set about a mandrel (23).

15. A blank of corrugated cardboard according to claim 14, characterised in that the members forming intermediate walls (2,4,6,8) are of a width £ which is less than the width 1 of the member forming smallest main side wall.

16. A blank according to either one of claims 14 and 15, characterised in that the parts of the flap corresponding to the sides partly angled towards the outside are not arranged to be foldable in relation to said flap.

17. A blank according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that one flap in two is rectangular.

18. A blank according to any one of claims 14 to 17, characterised in that said blank comprises a second set of lateral flaps (19.1,19.3,19.5,19.7) arranged on the other side of the members forming side walls, which are joined to the latter by third folding lines (21.1,21.3,21.5.21.7) perpendicular to the first folding lines and intended to form at least partly the lid of said box, at least one flap in two having its two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flap starting from the third folding lines.

19. A blank according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that each flap is itself devoid of any foldable flap.

20. A blank according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterised in that the flaps (18.3,18.7), which have their two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flaps starting from the second folding lines, comprise along said angled parts reinforcing tabs (77) adapted to be folded and attached to the walls (2,4,6,8) against the box when it has been formed.

21. A blank according to claim 18, characterised in that the flaps (19.3,19.7), which have their two lateral sides at least partly angled towards the outside of said flaps starting from the third folding lines, comprise tabs (84) which extend longitudinally and which are arranged, after folding and gluing, to attach the lid to the side walls (1, 5) of the box when it has been formed.

22. A blank according to any one of claims 18 to 21, characterised in that at least one flap of said first set and/or said second set has, at least in the vicinity of said second and/or said third corresponding folding line, the form of the sectional shape of the box obtained starting from the blank.

23. A blank according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterised in that the second set of flaps is identical to the first set of flaps.

24. A blank (F5,F6,F7,F10) according to any one of claims 18 to 23, characterised in that at least two flaps of said first and second sets connected to one member are of different shapes.

25. A blank (F10) according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterised in that at least one intermediate member comprises a projection (71) on its edge situated on the side of said second set of flaps and a recess (70) on its edge situated on the side of said first set of flaps so that when two boxes, which have been formed with said blanks, are disposed one above the other the projection of the lower box enters the recess of the upper box.

26. A blank according to any one of claims 18 to 24, characterised in that the flaps of said first and second sets, which are situated on the outside when the box is formed, are of complementary shapes so that when two such boxes are disposed one above the other, the flaps of said first set of the lower box fit into the flaps of said second set of the upper box.

27. A blank according to any one of claims 14 to 26, characterised in that the respective and opposite lateral sides of two adjacent flaps perpendicular to the two second folding lines are not in contact with one another when the blank is in an unfolded condition.

28. A box according to claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

29. A blank according to claim 14, substantially as 5 hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.