MXPA05012602A

MXPA05012602A - Container.

Info

Publication number: MXPA05012602A
Application number: MXPA05012602A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Walter Ramspott
Original assignee: Unilever Nv
Priority date: 2004-11-26
Filing date: 2005-11-22
Publication date: 2006-07-28
Also published as: BRPI0505214A; AU2005237171B2; DE602005017344D1; EP1661814A1; AU2005237171A1; ATE446912T1; EP1661814B1; ES2332521T3

Abstract

A blank for assembly into a container, the blank comprising a base panel (32), a first wall panel (34) attached to the base panel via a first fold line, a second wall panel (36,38) attached to the base panel via a second fold line, and a flap panel attached to the first wall panel, the blank further comprising first locking means comprising slit means (70) on the second wall panel (36) and a first locking member (80) on the flap panel (34), the blank further comprising second locking means comprising slot means (110) on one of the second wall panel or flap panel, and a second locking member on the other of the second wall panel or flap panel; wherein a portion of the first locking member (100) may engage with the slit means, and a portion of the second locking member may engage with the slot means, whereby the first and second wall panels are held together. Preferably, the second locking member comprises a head and a stem, the head having a greater maximum width than the stem, the hea d being positioned adjacent the edge of the panel distal from the base panel, and the stem extending from the head towards the base panel.

Description

RECEPTACLE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a receptacle, particularly to a receptacle that is formed by the automatic bending of a blank sheet. The cardboard and paper receptacles are formed generally from a flat sheet of cardboard that is folded on itself by an automated process. to result in a final product. It is often necessary to form the corner of a receptacle in the shape of a box or tray, by folding two side panels vertically and joining them securely. One way of securing side panels joined to form such a receptacle is specified in EP 0 016 879. The securing mechanism specified in EP 0 016 879 is described below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Although this prior art system allows Automatic formation of receptacles with corners secured to each other, prior art systems like this still experience several disadvantages. Although the system of EP 0 016 879 168133 allows the side panels to be joined to form a corner, the securing mechanism can be loosened and disassembled while the receptacle is being handled or transported, particularly by the end user. When the locking mechanism is loosened, the side panels can be pulled out and produce an unattractive appearance in the receptacle. On the other hand, if the side panels are separated from one another, the articles or products stored inside the receptacle may leak out or spill out. Because of this, there is a need for an improved receptacle that can be formed from a blank sheet, by means of an automated process. Particularly, there is a need for an improved securing mechanism for a corner of such a receptacle. The present invention seeks to provide an improved receptacle, a blank sheet for this receptacle and a method for making a receptacle from a blank sheet.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a blank sheet is provided to be assembled as a receptacle, the blank sheet includes a base panel, a first side panel attached to the base panel by means of a first bending line, a second side panel joined to the base panel by means of a second bending line, and a flap panel joined to the first side panel; In addition, the blank sheet comprises a first securing means including a split in the second side panel and a first securing member in the flap panel; likewise, the blank sheet comprises a second securing means including a groove in one of the second side panel or the flap panel, and a second securing member in the other of the second side panel or flap panel; wherein a portion of the first securing member must fit into the slit, and a portion of the second securing member must fit into the slot, whereby the first and second side panels are held together. Preferably, the crease consists of a slit. which includes a first segment substantially perpendicular to the second bending line, a second segment substantially parallel to the second bending line and a third segment joining the first and second segments, the ends of the third segment define a first acute angle with respect to The second bending line, the first bending member includes a first portion of the edge substantially perpendicular to the first bending line and a second edge portion provided at a second acute angle with respect to the first edge portion, in the first bending portion. wherein, the first securing member is adapted to be inserted through the split, just as the second edge portion of the first securing member engages the third segment of the split to hold the first and second side panels together. Conveniently, the third segment of the cleft is substantially straight. Favorably, the third segment of the crease has an arcuate shape. Preferably, such an arched shape of the third segment of the split has a convex side facing the base panel. Conveniently, the first acute angle is not greater than about 40 °, and the second acute angle is at least 45 °. Favorably, the second securing member includes a head and a neck, the head has a maximum width greater than the neck, the head is positioned adjacent the edge of the panel distal to the base panel, and the neck extends from the head towards the base panel. Preferably, the first securing member has a truncated arrow shape. Conveniently, the grooving has a width less than the maximum width of the head of the second securing member. Advantageously, the grooving is included in the second side panel and the second securing member is included in the flap panel. Preferably, the grooving is included in the flap panel and the second securing member is included in the second side panel. Conveniently, the blank sheet has a right angle corner. Advantageously, the blank sheet has an arched corner. Preferably, the blank sheet has a corner at an angle of approximately 120 °. Conveniently, the blank sheet has a corner at an angle of approximately 135 °. Advantageously, the blank sheet has a fold line between the flap panel and the first side panel. Preferably, the blank sheet has four sets of the first and second securing mechanisms. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a receptacle formed from a blank sheet as defined above. In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for forming a receptacle from a blank sheet that includes the supply of a blank sheet as defined above, with an assembly between the blank and a blank. first securing member and cleft, and an assembly between the second securing member and the grooving to form a corner. Preferably, the method further includes the inclusion of an article in the receptacle. Conveniently, the method further includes the step of securing a cover to the receptacle. The present invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures by way of example. Figure 1 is a partial plan view of the carton sheet for the receptacle according to the prior art; Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a receptacle formed by the blank sheet shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a blank sheet for a receptacle, in accordance with the present invention, Figure 4 is a partial plan view of the blank sheet shown in Figure 3 showing the mechanisms of Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a receptacle formed from the blank sheet shown in Figure 4 in an initial securing state, Figure 6 is a view of the type of Figure 5 in a state intermediate securing, Figure 7 is a view of the type of Figure 5 in a final securing state, and Figure 8 is a perspective view of a receptacle formed from the blank sheet shown in FIG. Figure 3. Referring to Figure 1, the securing mechanism of the prior art described in EP 0 016 879 is shown. Figure 1 shows a blank sheet 2 with a substantially flattened configuration, ready to be automatically formed for form an idimensional receptacle. The blank sheet 2 includes a piece of cardboard with a pre-defined cut edge with several grooves integrated in various parts of the blank sheet, in addition to predefined notched lines. As described below, the multiple pre-cut edges, grooves and notched lines allow automatic bending and securing processes to produce a final three-dimensional receptacle. Figure 1 shows a corner of a base panel 4 of generally square shape having a first side panel 6 extending along an edge. The side panel 6 is attached to the base panel 4 by means of a substantially straight bending line 8. A second side panel 10 is included on an adjacent side of the base panel 4, joined thereto by means of a second fold line 12. A securing flap 14 extends from the end of the first side panel 6 adjacent to the second panel side 10. The securing flap 14 is separated from the first side panel 6 by a third fold line 16, which is an extension of the second fold line 12. The free end of the securing flap 14 is configured to provide a pointed securement member 18. The secured securing member 18 integrates a part of the securing mechanism used to join the first side panel 6 and the second side panel 10. The slot 20 includes a first straight segment 22 that is substantially parallel to the second. bending line 12. The slit 20 also includes a second straight portion 24 which extends substantially perpendicular to the second bending line 12. The pr The segment 22 and the second segment 24 of the slit 20 are joined by means of a third arcuate segment 26 having a convex portion projecting towards the base panel. EP 0 016 879 describes in detail the manner in which the securing mechanism shown in Figures 1 and 2 must be fitted by means of an automated process. The specification of EP 0 016 879 is included in this description as a reference for a detailed explanation of the securing mechanism.

In general, the second side panel 10 is folded along the second fold line 12 to a position substantially perpendicular to the base panel 4. The securing flap 14 is folded over the third fold line 16 and the first side panel 6 it is then folded along the first bend line 8, such that the securing member 18 is inserted through the slit 20. The tip of the securing member 18 is pushed under the first segment 22 of the slit 20. , in a process known as 'triggered', which involves the use of an automatic arm or tongue. The final position of the securing mechanism is shown in Figure 2, which is a partial cross-sectional view of the assembly of the securing mechanism seen from inside the receptacle. The securing member 18 has been inserted through the slit 20 and is retained in this position inside the receptacle by means of the fit between the upper surface of the securing member 18 and the edges formed by the first segment 22 and the third. segment 26 of the slot 20. This securing mechanism of the prior art allows to produce a receptacle with a relatively strong corner, by means of an automated assembly. However, under certain circumstances, during bending, the roundness of the corner can be altered and lead to unintended consequences. A blank sheet in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure 3, numbered in general with number 30. The blank sheet is made of a sheet of cardboard which is cut with a specific shape and provided with Notched lines and grooves (also known as blanks). The blank 30 is designed to be assembled in an automated process to initially produce an open tray with a hinged cover that can be filled with articles. After filling, the hinged cover folds over the open face of the tray and is sealed to have a full cardboard receptacle. The blank sheet 30 includes a base panel 32 that forms the bottom of the finished cardboard receptacle. The base panel 32 is substantially square in shape with rounded or arched corners. On one side of the base panel 32 is the first front panel 34, joined by means of a bending line. Opposite side of base panel 32 includes left side panels 36 and right side 38, separated from base panel 32 by means of fold lines. On the opposite side of the first front panel 34 of the base panel 32 is a rear panel 40, separated from the base panel 32 by means of a fold line. On the side opposite the rear panel 40 of the base panel 32 is a cover panel 42. The cover panel 42 is substantially the same size and shape as the base panel 32. On the opposite side of the rear panel 40 of the cover panel 42 a second front panel 44 is included. On the remaining sides of the cover panel 42 are included left 46 and right 48 side panels. The side panels 46 and 48 and the second front panel 44 are separated from the cover panel 42 by means of folding lines. The first front panel 34 extends more than the width of the base panel 32 in both directions. At each free end of the front panel 34 are the securing means 50 and 52. In the same manner, the rear panel 40 extends more than the width of the base panel 32 and the cover panel 42 in both directions, each end free. of the rear panel 40 includes the securing means 54 and 56. The side panels 36 and 38 do not extend beyond their points of attachment to the base panel 32. Each free area of the corner of the side panels 36 and 38 includes the mechanisms of securing 58, 60, 62 and 64. The function of the securing mechanisms of the blank sheet 30 is described below in greater detail. Figure 4 shows in detail the lower left corner of the blank sheet 30 of Figure 3. As seen, the front panel 34 extends more than the width of the base panel 32. The free end of the front panel 34 includes a first securing member 80 which is defined by a slit 84 extending from the free end of the front panel 34 towards the approximate direction of the center of the base panel 32. The angle between the slit 84 and the free end of the front panel 34 is around of 40 °. In this way, the slit 84 defines the securing member 80 having a tip 82, a front edge 86 directed downward from the tip 82 until it reaches a corner 88, reaching a base edge 90. The angle between front edge 86 and base edge 90 around corner 88 is approximately 120 °. A slit 70 is included in the side panel 36, this comprises a first straight segment 72 substantially parallel to the bend line joining the side panel 36 to the base panel 32. A second straight segment 76 is included substantially perpendicular to the bending line lying between the base panel 32 and the side panel 36. A third arcuate segment 74 connects the first segment 72 with the second segment 76. The third segment 74 is arched and defines a convex portion of the side panel 36 that is It projects to the base panel 32. As described below, the first securing member 80 and the slit 70 substantially correspond to the securing mechanism of the prior art specified in EP 0 016 879. A second securing mechanism is also included which comprises a second securing member 100 included in the front panel 34, and a slot 110 included in the side panel 36. The insurance member or 100 is defined by means of two slits extending inwardly from the distal edge of the base panel 32 of the front panel 34. The slits define a truncated arrow or a mushroom shape having a head 102 near the distal edge of the panel lateral 34 and a neck 104 that moves away from the distal edge. The head 102 has a greater maximum width than the neck 104. The side panel 36 has a notch or slot 110 included in the distal edge of the base panel 32. The width of the slot 110 is substantially equal to the width of the neck 104 of the member. insurance 100, but is narrower than the maximum width of the head 102 of the securing member 100. In the automatic assembly process, the side panel 36 is bent upward to a position substantially perpendicular to the base panel 32. The front panel 34 is then folded upwards and the free end of the front panel 34 moves towards the slit 70. As described below, the free end of the front panel 34 is bent in an arcuate manner to follow the contour of the rounded corner of the base panel 32. Figure 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of the interior of the partially assembled receptacle from the blank sheet 30. The corner 88 of the securing member 80 was inserted through the slot 70 to be positioned within the interior of the receptacle. However, the tip 82 of the securing member 80 is positioned through the first segment 72 of the slot 70 and is located on the outside of the receptacle. In correspondence with this, the second securing member 100 is located on the outside of the slot 110. Figure 5 shows the next assembly phase of the receptacle, with the tip 82 of the securing member 80 inserted below and through the first segment. 72 of the slit 70. As specified in EP 0 016 879, the adjustment of the different surfaces of the securing member 80 and the slit 70 together, ensures that the front panel 34 and the side panel 36 are held together to form the corner of the receptacle. However, in this position, the second securing member 100 is still located in correspondence with the slot 110, but outside of this, in the side panel 36. Figure 7 shows the final position of the head 102 of the securing member. 100 introduced through the slot 110 to remain inside the receptacle. The head 102 of the second securing member 100 is spliced with the inner surface of the side panel 36 adjacent the slot 110, so as to fix the side panels 34 and 36 attached.

As shown in Figure 8, the process described above is carried out with all the securing mechanisms provided in each corner to produce a complete receptacle 120, but without a seal. The receptacle 120 has a tray part 124 formed by the adjustment of the base panel 32, the front panel 34, the back panel 40 and the side panels 36 and 38. The receptacle also has a cover part 122, formed by the panel cover 42, front panel 44 and side panels 46 and 48. The next phase is the introduction of articles or products into tray portion 124, followed by folding of cover portion 122 above tray portion 124. and a seal to produce a filled and sealed receptacle. As described above, the free ends of the front panel 34 and the rear panel 40 are folded around to follow the arched shape of the corners of the base panel 32. This provides a complete receptacle with a pleasing aesthetic appearance. Also, the rounded corners avoid one of the biggest problems of traditional cubic receptacles. Corners at right angles to traditional receptacles have the disadvantage that they often fold into wrinkles when subjected to some pressure during handling, transportation, presentation and use by the end user. In addition to reducing the aesthetic properties of the finished receptacle, wrinkled corners can cause contamination and / or spillage of the contents of the receptacle. Also, in situations where the contents of the receptacle are refrigerated or frozen, the rounded corners ensure that the stacks of receptacles form a natural channel for air circulation where their corners touch, which increases the efficiency of refrigeration. The synergistic effect of both assurance mechanisms implies that the three-dimensional receptacles can be easily assembled by means of an automatic process to produce receptacles with corners that are more robust than those of the receptacles of the prior art. This is the particular case when it is fastened to the corners at a force that pulls out. In the example shown in Figure 8, the receptacle has rounded corners that exert a force inherently on the securing mechanism, which could cause the securing mechanisms of the prior art to deform or disengage, causing the receptacle it comes out, twists or opens completely. The inclusion of the second securing mechanism, as exemplified by the second securing member 100 and the slot 110, provides a mechanism by means of which the corner of the receptacle 120 can be secured in place against these edges. The head 102 can be inserted through the slot 110 by means of an automated process. The combination of the two securing mechanisms ensures that the receptacles can be assembled automatically to produce a final product that has a robust locking mechanism in the corner. In addition to its use on arched corners, as shown in Figure 8, the present invention is also applicable to a wide range of other uses. For example, the invention is applicable to corners with right angles and to other receptacle shapes, such as hexagonal or octagonal receptacles (having corners with angles of 120 ° and 135 ° respectively). For example, it can also be used in conjunction with receptacles that are not substantially square, such as triangular-shaped receptacles with rounded corners. It is evident to a person skilled in the art that the different members of the securing mechanisms can be distributed in different combinations on the blank sheet. For example, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the second securing members 100 are included in the front panel 34 and in the rear panel 40, while the corresponding grooves 110 are formed in the side panels 36 and 38. However, the positions of the grooves 110 and of the securing members 100 can be interchanged, to produce an alternative blank sheet with the securing members. 100 included in the side panels 36 and 38, and the slots 110 included in the front panel 34 and in the rear panel 40. In addition, the invention is applicable to securing members having different shapes and configurations of the specific shape and configuration of the members 100 and the slots 110. Additionally, the cardboard sheets used to make the receptacles of the invention may be provided with other slots, slits, bending lines and perforations. For example, perforations can be included in the blank sheet to obtain a certain line or area with certain brittleness so that the consumer can easily open it to access the contents of the receptacle. In addition, although Figure 8 shows a receptacle 120 with a cover 122 that adheres in place on the tray portion 124, the invention is also applicable to receptacles that do not have a cover, or to receptacles having covers that are joined together different ways, without involving the use of some adhesive, to fit together, for example, some members. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property:

1. A blank sheet to be assembled as a receptacle characterized in that a base panel, a first side panel joined to the base panel by means of a first fold line, a second side panel joined to the base panel by means of a second fold line , and a flap panel attached to the first side panel, additionally, the blank sheet comprises a first securing means including a split in the second side panel and a first securing member in the flap panel, in addition, the sheet of blank comprises a second securing means including a groove in the second side panel or flap panel, and a second securing member in the second side panel or flap panel in the other; in which, a part of the first securing member must fit with the slit, and a part of the second securing member can fit into the slotting, whereby the first and second side panels remain attached. A blank sheet according to claim 1, characterized in that the split comprises a slot including a first segment substantially perpendicular to the second fold line, a second segment substantially parallel to the second fold line and a third segment joining the first and second segments, the ends of the third segment define a first acute angle with respect to the second bending line, the first bending member includes a first part of the edge substantially perpendicular to the first bending line and a second part of the rim provided at a second angle with respect to the first edge portion, wherein the first securing member is adapted to be inserted through the slit, such that the second edge portion of the first securing member fits in. the third segment of the split to hold together the first and second side panels. 3. A blank sheet according to claim 2, characterized in that the third segment of the split is substantially straight. 4. A blank sheet according to claim 2, characterized in that the third segment of the crease is arcuate. 5. A blank sheet according to claim 4, characterized in that the third arc-shaped crease segment has a convex side facing the base panel. 6. A blank sheet according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the first acute angle is not greater than 40 °, and the second acute angle is at least 45 °. 7. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second securing member comprises a head and a neck, the head includes a greater maximum width than the neck, the head is located adjacent to the head. edge of the distal panel of the base panel, and the neck extends from the head towards the base panel. 8. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first securing member is truncated arrow shaped. 9. A blank sheet according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that the grooving has a width less than the maximum width of the head of the second securing member. 10. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grooving is located in the second side panel and the second securing member is located in the flap panel. 11. A blank sheet according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the grooving is located in the flap panel and the second securing member is located in the second side panel. 1

2. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized because it consists of a corner with right angle. 1

3. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a rounded corner. 1

4. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a corner with an angle of approximately 120 °. 1

5. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a corner with an angle of approximately 135 °. 1

6. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a fold line between the flap panel and the first side panel. 1

7. A blank sheet according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of four sets of the first and second securing mechanisms. 1

8. A receptacle formed from a blank sheet, characterized in that it is defined according to any of the preceding claims. 1

9. A method for forming a receptacle from a blank sheet, characterized in that it includes a blank sheet according to any of Claims 1 to 17, the first belay member engaging with the split, and the second securing member engaging the grooving to form a corner. 20. A method according to claim 19, characterized in that it additionally includes the addition of an article to the receptacle. 21. A method according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that it additionally includes the step of attaching a cover to the receptacle.