ITVI20120284A1 - FORMAT FOR THE FORMATION OF A CONTAINER FOR THE PACKAGING OF OBJECTS, EQUIPMENT AND METHOD TO REALIZE IT - Google Patents

Description

FORMAT FOR THE FORMATION OF A CONTAINER FOR THE PACKAGING OF OBJECTS, EQUIPMENT AND METHOD FOR

MAKE IT

The present invention relates to a format for forming a container for packaging objects, an apparatus and a relative method for making it.

Containers for the packaging of objects are known, such as envelopes or bags, made of plastic or paper, which are provided by merchants to store the objects purchased by customers for their transport (figure 1).

These containers are produced by assembling several shaped sheets to obtain the desired shape.

These production methods and relative format entail a weakening of the container along the assembly lines of the various shaped sheets, with the obvious consequences of the case.

Furthermore, this known production method involves the use of a large quantity of material.

A further disadvantage is given by the production times, which are particularly long, due to the elaborate process to be followed to compose the finished product. In fact, each cutting and gluing phase lengthens production times, with a consequent increase in product costs.

A packaging container is also known consisting of the folding of a single rectangular sheet (figure 2), along three fold lines parallel to the short sides, and glued along the entire length of the long edges.

Basically, a sheet is divided into three parts, two of which are equal to each other, and constitute the vertical walls of the container, and a smaller one, between the two vertical walls, which constitutes the bottom of the container.

When the container is in a closed configuration, the bottom is folded in two, between the two vertical walls, so that it is not visible from the outside. When the container is in an open configuration, the bottom unfolds centrally, remaining glued along its edges to the edges of the vertical walls.

This type of container has the drawback of having to be opened with two hands that separate the two vertical walls.

Furthermore, a large amount of glue is used to couple the entire length of the long sides of the sheet, so as to couple the edges of the vertical walls together and with the edges of the bottom.

The purpose of the present invention is therefore to obviate the technical drawbacks mentioned above and, in particular, to provide a format for the formation of a container for the packaging of objects, an equipment and a relative method for make it using a smaller amount of paper than that required by the known art.

Another object of the present invention is that of realizing a container for packing objects, which can be opened using the movement of one hand only.

A further object of the invention is that of realizing a container for the packaging of objects, which is more robust and reliable than known containers.

Another object of the invention is that of realizing a container for the packaging of objects, an apparatus and a relative method for making it, which allow shorter production times than the known art.

Furthermore, the purpose of the invention is to make a container for packing objects, an apparatus and a relative method for making it, which allows a reduced use of glue compared to the known technique.

These and other purposes, according to the present invention, are achieved by a container for packaging objects, a format, an apparatus and a relative method for making it, according to the attached claims 1, 5, 8 and 10.

Further detailed characteristics are present in the subsequent dependent claims.

Advantageously, the format of the invention comprises a substantially rectangular sheet, and having two parallel edges, two first fold lines arranged parallel and close to said edges, which define by defining a first coupling area comprised between an edge and a line and a second coupling area between the other edge and the other line, and three other fold lines, transversal with respect to the first fold lines. In this way, the sheet can be folded according to one of the transversal fold lines, dividing each of the coupling areas in two, and can be closed again through the mutual coupling of the two coupling half areas.

A further advantage is given by the fact that the format includes two further fold lines, substantially parallel to the edges, thus facilitating the formation of the container, and allowing greater exploitation of the volume that can be created with the size of the sheet.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the three transverse fold lines comprise a central fold line, suitable for dividing the sheet into two equal parts, so as to obtain a substantially symmetrical container.

Again, according to the invention, the three transverse fold lines are arranged substantially equidistant from each other.

Still according to the invention, the format provides for a last transversal fold line, arranged near and parallel to the other transversal fold lines, which allows the bottom of the container to be folded on a side wall, so that the container itself can be flattened for packing.

Furthermore, according to the method of the invention for the formation of a container, the following steps are foreseen:

- folding the sheet according to one of the transverse fold lines;

- couple the coupling areas respectively; - make a fold along the remaining transverse fold lines and fold lines parallel to the edges.

Preferably, according to the invention, the following phases can initially be envisaged:

- provide a reel of paper of the desired size and weight;

- unroll the reel and make creases corresponding to the format of the invention.

Furthermore, the phase of coupling respectively the coupling areas can take place through the application of a glue, preferably of natural origin, of the vinyl type or of the â € œhot meltâ € type.

Furthermore, the apparatus for the formation of a container according to the invention comprises a device for advancing along a path, a device for varying the pressure, positioned in an intermediate point of this path and capable of exerting a depression on the outside the container, and / or to exert an increase in pressure inside the container.

In this way, advantageously, the container is opened and formed according to the defined folding lines.

A further advantage is given by the fact that the apparatus according to the invention provides a feeding device which comprises two belts or tracks, each provided with a plurality of gripping means suitable to keep the container to be formed under tension; at an intermediate point of the path, the gripping means move away from the respective tracks, releasing the tension in the container.

Thus, at the same time, by operating the pressure variation device, the container opens and forms easily.

Another advantage is given by the possibility of creating a completely ecological container, using recycled or first-use paper and natural and / or compostable glues.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following description, relating to an exemplary embodiment of the container for the packaging of objects, of the equipment and of the relative method for making it, given as an indication and illustrative, but not limitative, with the help of the attached drawing tables where:

Figure 1 shows the base sheet for forming a first traditional container;

figure 2 shows the base sheet for forming a second traditional container;

figure 3 shows the base sheet for forming the container of the invention;

Figure 4 shows the sheet of Figure 3 in a first formation phase thereof;

figure 5 shows the sheet of figure 3 in a second formation phase thereof;

figure 6 shows the sheet of figure 3 in a third formation phase thereof;

figure 7 shows the sheet of figure 3 in a fourth formation phase thereof;

figure 8 schematically shows an overall view of the apparatus according to the invention;

figure 9 shows a side view of a detail of the apparatus of figure 8, in a first working phase;

figure 10 shows a side view of a detail of the apparatus of figure 8, in a second working phase;

figure 11 shows a side view of a detail of the apparatus of figure 8, in a third working phase.

With reference to figures 3-8, the base sheet for forming the container of the invention is generally indicated with the reference number 1. Sheet 1 has four fold lines 2, 3, 4, 5, parallel to each other, and arranged so that the fold line 3 folds the sheet in two halves 6 and 7, and so that the line 2 is in the middle 6 and the lines 4 and 5 are in the middle 7.

The sheet 1 also has four parallel fold lines 8, 9, 11, perpendicular to the lines 2, 3, 4, 5. The two lines 8 and 11 are arranged in proximity to the edges 12 and 13 of the sheet; the two lines 9 have a respective distance from lines 8 and 11, equal to the distance between lines 4 and 5.

In the example shown in the figures, the distance between lines 2, 3, 4 and 5 is the same. This does not mean that the distance between lines 2 and 3 may not be different from that between lines 3 and 4 and between lines 4 and 5.

In another embodiment of the sheet (not shown) line 3 is not a fold line.

The container according to the invention can be made according to the following steps.

A layer of glue is applied over the entire area 14 between line 8 and edge 12 and on the area 15 between line 11 and edge 13.

The sheet 1 is folded in two along the line 3 (figure 4), so that the areas 14 and 15 are folded on themselves and their halves are respectively coupled.

In this way, a container 16 according to the invention was formed, equipped with an opening along the short edges of the sheet 1 which match each other.

By folding along lines 2, 4 and 9, the central line 3 flattens and the container 16 assumes a substantially parallelepiped shape (Figure 5). Since areas 14 and 15 have been glued along the entire length of edges 12 and 13, when making this last fold, the rectangular area 19 between lines 9 and 11 and lines 2 and 4 (and similarly, the area between lines 9 and 8 and lines 2 and 4) folds back on itself in the form of a substantially triangular flap along the transversal fold lines 17 and 18, which respectively join the intersection points 20 and 21 between lines 9 and 2 and between lines 3 and 8, 11.

In other words, area 19 becomes a substantially triangular flap.

The bottom 22 of the container 16 is therefore included between the fold lines 2 and 4.

Lines 8 and 11 are folded towards the inside of container 16 and a further fold along line 5 (figure 6), so as to completely flatten container 16, as shown in figure 7.

Glue is applied at the vertex 23 of the flap 19, which is the intersection of the transverse lines 17 and 18, so that the flap 19 mates with the bottom 22 of the container 16.

Alternatively, it is possible to apply glue on the entire flap 19, even if it is sufficient to apply it in a much smaller area.

Advantageously, it is possible to use a reel of paper or other material of the desired size and weight, according to the required format.

With reference to figures 8-11, the reel is initially unrolled and made to slide along an apparatus which carries out the following operations. Initially, the paper tape unrolled from the reel is creased, in such a way as to facilitate the opening and folding steps already described.

In a preferred embodiment, it is possible at this point to apply a handle continuously, directly to the paper web when it is unrolled from the reel, according to the direction X indicated in figure 8.

Subsequently, glue is applied, preferably of natural origin, of the vinyl type or of the â € œhot meltâ € type, along lines transversal to the paper tape (transversal to the X direction) and substantially corresponding to the areas 14 and 15 of the sheet 1 previously illustrated.

The paper web is folded on itself in two equal parts along its central axis parallel to the direction of travel X.

Following the folding, the tape is pressed to ensure the tightness of the areas previously covered with a layer of glue.

The paper web passes through a cutting tool, which separates the various sheets for forming the container of the invention.

In particular, the belt is clamped in the upper part to a movable plane, by pressing, at the same moment in which a blade makes a cut in correspondence with the glued lines.

Now the sheets 1, already formed as two-dimensional containers 16, no longer necessarily follow the course of the paper web according to the X direction. For example, as shown in figure 8, the containers 16 follow the Y direction, substantially perpendicular to the direction X.

Still with reference to figures 8-11, the apparatus of the invention, generically indicated by the numerical reference 30, provides a feeding device 31, preferably comprising two belts or tracks 32, each provided with a plurality of grippers 33, adapted to engage the previously glued and cut edges, so as to accompany and guide the advancement of the container 16 of the invention.

At an intermediate point of the path along the tracks 32, the grippers 33 move away from the respective tracks 32 in the direction indicated by the arrows Z, releasing the tension in the container 16. At the same time, a vacuum is exerted on the outside of the container 16 , in order to make it open. Alternatively, or even in addition, an increase in pressure is exerted inside the container, for example by means of a jet of compressed air always in the Y direction.

At the end of the path along the tracks 32, the grippers 33 release the container 16.

In correspondence with this end of the path, there is a pair of elements with an eccentric rotary movement 34 in a spiral (figure 9), able to engage in the previously glued and cut edges, pushing them towards the inside of the container 16 to perform the folding along the lines 9. In particular, the eccentric element 34 closes the lateral edges by rotating, bringing them into the configuration of the closed container 16 (figure 6).

Simultaneously with this closure, the envelope also meets a rod 35 for folding along the line 5 of the container 16 and which serves to open the areas 19.

Subsequently, the container 16 is compressed by the roller 36, equipped with an external tooth 37 (Figure 9), able to engage with the edge of the container 16, so as to push it in the direction of advance.

A first pair of compression cylinders 38 (Figure 10) compresses the container 16 with the areas 19 in the open position.

Glue is injected into the areas 19, by means of injectors or by means of rotating cylinders.

A pair of curved rods 39 (Figure 10) engages with the areas 19, forcing them to fold along the lines 9 and to fix themselves on the bottom 22 by means of the glue previously injected.

A second pair of compression cylinders 40 (Figure 11) compresses the container 16 with the areas 19 in the closed position, so that the container 16 itself is compacted in the closed packaging configuration.

Finally, the container 16 is directed towards a traditional packaging device 41.

Preferably, the edge of the opening of the container 16 can be folded inwards to prevent the edge itself from causing cuts on the skin.

In the example just described, the internal parts of the areas 19 have been folded and glued to the bottom 22 of the container 16. However, it is possible, in an alternative solution, to fold and glue the areas 19 on the side walls.

To increase the resistance, the two areas 19 can receive a layer of internal glue which stiffens them.

It is also possible to apply inside the container 16 a cardboard on the bottom 22, so that the latter is strengthened.

The gluing areas 14 and 15 can in turn be folded and glued along a side wall of the container 16, so that the latter can have a more uniform appearance.

As an alternative to the handles, it is possible to make holes at the edge of the opening of the container 16, so that these holes can act as gripping means for the container 16.

Advantageously, the container for packaging of the invention is made with a smaller quantity of glue than known containers, and can be manufactured in such a way as to be 100% biodegradable, using natural glues.

A further advantage is given by the manufacturing times, which are much shorter than those due to known methods and containers.

In fact, it is possible to apply handles and fold the edges of the opening directly to the paper reel during its unwinding and advancement along the devices included in the apparatus of the invention.

This operation can be carried out, for example, by means of known mechanical systems.

Despite the reduction in material used compared to known containers, the container of the invention maintains the same practicality and ease of opening as known containers, and it is possible to open it using only one hand.

Although the quantity of glue used is lower than known containers, the bottom seal is higher than that given by known containers.

Once made and folded, the container of the invention has the same overall dimensions as known containers.

Last but not least, the amount of paper used is 4% lower than the amount of paper used in traditional container formats.

In particular, referring to the base sheet for the formation of a first traditional container, shown in figure 1, it presents a total area given by the total height A for the total base (2B + 2C + b).

Using the base sheet instead for the formation of a second traditional container, shown in figure 2, it presents a total area given by the total height (2a + a2) for the total base (C + 2b + b1).

For example, if A = 50cm, B = 10cm, C = 30cm, a1 = 8cm, b = 3cm, a2 = 10cm, b1 = 1.5cm,

the area of the sheet of figure 1 is 4150cm <2>; the obtainable volume is 12600 cm <3>, with a volume to surface ratio equal to 3.03;

the area of the sheet of figure 2 is 3525cm <2>; the obtainable volume is 12500 cm <3>, with a volume to surface ratio of 3.55;

considering similar dimensions also for the sheet of figure 3, according to the invention, the obtainable volume and the total area of the sheet are identical to those of figure 2, with the advantages already mentioned.

The invention thus conceived therefore achieves the proposed task and allows to obtain a container for packaging which is resistant and economical, since it can be produced with a smaller quantity of raw material and using a shorter time than the known technique.

This invention is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the attached claims.

Furthermore, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be varied according to contingent requirements and the state of the art.

Where the construction features and techniques mentioned in the following claims are followed by reference marks or numbers, these reference marks or numbers have been affixed with the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims themselves and, consequently, they do not constitute in no way limitation to the interpretation of each element identified, purely by way of example, by such signs or reference numbers.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1) Formed for the formation of a container (16) for the packaging of objects, comprising a substantially rectangular sheet (1), two first edges (12, 13) and two second transversal edges with respect to the first, two first lines of fold (8, 11) arranged parallel and close to the two first edges (12, 13), defining a first coupling area (14) comprised between a first edge (12) and a first fold line (8) and a second coupling area (15) between the remaining first edge (13) and the remaining first fold line (11), and three second fold lines (2, 3, 4) transversal to the first fold lines (8, 11) ), the sheet (1) being foldable according to one of the second fold lines (3), dividing the first coupling area (14) into a first pair of coupling areas and dividing the second coupling area (15) into a second pair of coupling areas, the sheet (1) being reclosable by means of the mutual coupling of the first pair of coupling areas and of the second pair of coupling areas, the format being characterized in that it comprises two third fold lines (9), substantially parallel to the first fold lines (8, 11). 2) Format according to claim 1, characterized in that the three fold lines (2, 3, 4) comprise a central fold line (3), suitable for dividing the sheet (1) into two equal parts (6, 7 ). 3) Format according to claim 2, characterized in that the three second fold lines (2, 3, 4) comprise two lateral fold lines (2, 4) substantially equidistant from the central fold line (3). 4) Format according to one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it comprises a fourth fold line (5), arranged proximate and parallel to the second fold lines (2, 3, 4). 5) Method for the formation of a container (16) for the packaging of objects comprising the following steps: - providing a format according to one of claims 1-4; - folding the sheet (1) according to one of the second fold lines (3); - coupling respectively the first pair of coupling areas and of the second pair of coupling areas; - carry out a fold along the remaining second fold lines (2, 4) and the third fold lines (9). 6) Method according to claim 5, characterized by the fact of initially providing the following steps: - provide a reel of paper of the desired size and weight; - unrolling the reel and making creases corresponding to the format according to claim 1. 7) Method according to one of claims 5-6, characterized in that the step of coupling respectively the first pair of coupling areas and of the second pair of coupling areas takes place through the application of a glue, preferably of natural origin, vinyl type or â € œhot meltâ € type. 8) Apparatus for the formation of a container (16) for the packaging of objects comprising a device for advancing along a path, a device for varying the pressure, positioned in an intermediate point of said path and able to exert a depression outside the container (16), and / or to exert an increase in pressure inside the container (16). 9) Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the feeding device (31) comprises two belts or tracks (32), each provided with a plurality of gripping means (33) suitable for holding the container (16) to be formed , at an intermediate point of the path, the gripping means (33) moving away from the respective tracks (32), releasing the tension in the container (16). 10) Container for packing objects made using a method according to one of claims 5-7.