FR2774361A1 - Packaging case for containing one or more pre-packaged products - Google Patents

Abstract

The case which is made from a blank has a first main flat panel (2) and a second main convex panel (3). Two flaps (10) responsible for the structure of the convex panel are located when closed inside the envelope and withdrawn relative to the corresponding transverse end. The panels and flaps are engaged by complementary tabs and slots (13,23,24).

Description

 The present invention relates to a new packaging case intended to contain one or more preconditioned products or not.

 The object of the invention is to provide a new packaging case which offers the aesthetic particularity of having a cross section of conformation other than that usually obtained with cases produced or formed from blanks precut, mounted and folded so manual or automatic on site.

 As a general rule, such cases have a perimetric envelope intended to surround the product, such an envelope consisting of the succession of flat panels which are linked successively to each other by fold lines. Such a structure gives the casing formed a generally prismatic envelope by the succession of plane facets which delimit it.

 Such a form is banal even if, to improve the aesthetic presentation, it is chosen to delimit the envelope by a number of variable facets ranging from three to many more, generally passing through a usual form based on four panels.

 If different proposals, particularly cylinder-based, have been made, it is certain that, in most if not all cases, the new proposals have encountered a practical difficulty of automatic assembly and mechanical packing.

 The object of the invention is to overcome this problem by proposing a new packaging case which has the characteristic of offering an unusual aesthetic appearance, although obtained from a precut blank, which can be delivered flat and can be formed on site. in automatic.

To achieve the above objective, the case according to the invention is characterized in that it has
- a first main plan panel,
- a second transversely convex main panel in
consideration of its outer face,
- two forming components responsible for the conformation of the
convex main panel being located, at least for one, in
closed position, inside the envelope, set back by
relative to the corresponding transverse end,
- And means making them cooperate with said shutters and panels.

 Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

 Fig. 1 is a view in p] year of a precut blank, flat, illustrating a first embodiment of the case.

 Fig. 2 is a partial perspective, on a larger scale, of a case shaped from the blank according to FIG. 1.

 Fig. 3 is a partial section taken substantially along the plane III-III of FIG. 2.

 Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective of another embodiment of the case.

 Figs. 5 and 5a are transverse views showing two other alternative embodiments.

 Figs. 6 to 9 are partial plan views of different variants of the blanks.

 Fig. 10 is a developed plan view of a blank making it possible to obtain an element complementary to the case according to FIG. 1.

 Fig. 11 is a perspective showing, on a different scale, the complementary element according to FIG. 10 in its assembled state.

 Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a case which can be obtained from a precut blank, generally designated by the reference 1 and comprising two main panels 2 and 3, respectively called bottom and front for reasons which appear in the following.

 The blank 1 also comprises two intermediate panels 4 and S which are alternated with the panels 2 and 3, the panel 4 being situated between the latter and the panel 5 bordering the panel 3.

 The delimitation between the panels is established by fold lines 6, 7 and 8 parallel to each other and by an end line 9 bordering the intermediate panel 5 and beyond which extends a connecting tab 10. In the form of embodiment illustrated by way of example, the panel 2 has a width L which is less than the width L1 of the panel 3, while the intermediate panels 4 and 5 have a width L2 identical and less than L and L1. According to one arrangement of the invention, the cumulative plan shapes of the panels 2, 4 and 5, as well as their cumulative surfaces, correspond, or even preferably are identical, to the shape and the surface of the panel 3.

 The main panel 3 is bordered, beyond two transverse fold lines 11 perpendicular to the lines 6 to 9, by two flaps 12 of the same width having substantially, in their median part, two slots 13 whose function appears in the following . The lines 11 coincide with transverse edges 14 and 15 delimiting transversely the intermediate panels 4 and 5.

 The main panel 2 is bordered, beyond two fold lines 16 aligned with the transverse edges 14, by two counter-fold strips 17 each further delimited by a fold line 18, which is parallel to the line 16, and which have a length close to, if not identical to, that of panel 2.

Each counter-folding strip 17 is extended, beyond the line 18, by a shaping flap 19, the periphery of which is defined by two oblique lines 20 extending divergently from the folding line 18 and by a convex edge 21 whose developed length corresponds substantially to the transverse dimension of the panel 3 considered in line with the fold line 11 corresponding thereto. The lines 20 are preferably fold lines beyond which extend two legs 22 whose height H corresponds to the width of the strip 17. Each flap 19 comprises, in alignment with the central part of the edge 21, a gripping means 23 which can be a tongue or a tab, indifferently. Preferably also but not exclusively, the part of the edge 21, comprised between each tab 22 and the means 23 is provided with a projection 24 whose developed length is equal, or even preferably slightly less than the length of each slot 13 and whose the protruding measure is preferably chosen close to the thickness of the blank 1 which can be made of any suitable material and, in particular, of compact cardboard. In the latter case, which is the one most generally adopted, it is chosen, within the meaning of the invention, to cut the blank 1 from a sheet of compact cardboard, in such a way that the fibers making up the panel 3 are oriented in the direction of the arrow fl, that is to say parallel to the fold lines 6, 7, 8 and 9.

 To form the packaging case from the blank 1, the fold lines 6, 7, 8 and 9 are formed, so as to fold the connecting tab 10 onto the hatched part 2a of the bottom panel 2 on which the connection is provided by any suitable means, in particular by bonding. Given the characteristic of shape and surface correspondence between the panel 3 and the panels 2, 4 and 5, the blank thus preformed can be stored, delivered or handled flat after simple formation of the fold lines 7 and 8, so that the panel 3 is superimposed on the panels 2, 4 and 5 or vice versa.

 The case 1 can also, in this state, be opened by forming lines 6 and 9 and then has a general form of tubular perimeter envelope whose cross section is not, on the basis of the developed illustrated in fig . 1, geometrically well definable.

 At this stage of the formation, the flaps 12 are folded on the lines 11 so as to be oriented towards the inside of the perimeter envelope, then the fold lines 16 are formed in a similar manner, while the fold lines 18 are formed in reverse.

 The same is done on the fold lines 20, or even on those which separate the tongue 23 from each flap 19.

 In this situation, the strips 17 are folded inwardly of the perimeter envelope while, simultaneously, the fold lines 18, 20 are formed inversely, so that it becomes possible to engage, inside of the perimeter shell and at the right of each end, each shaping flap 19. Such engagement results in giving a precise position of each intermediate panel 4 and 5 by means of the support on the fold lines 20 and on the legs 22, while the edge 21 forces the panel 3 to match the shape that this edge has. By this engagement, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the main panel, said from the front, 3 adopts a transversely convex conformation considered from the outside of the case, this convex shape being imparted to the right of the two ends by the two shaping flaps and being, for this reason , established, in particular due to the orientation of the fibers in the direction of the arrow fl, regularly over the entire length of the case.

 The final conformation is obtained by the engagement of the parts of the edge 21 included between the tabs 22 and the means 23 or also of the projections 24 in the slots 13 by automatic snap-in resulting from the elastic reaction following the conformation constraint imposed on the material. constituting the blank 1 by the cooperation of the shaping flaps 19 with the panel 3.

 When it is desired to open the case, it suffices to exert a pulling action on the means 23 of one or both of the shaping flaps 19 to promote movement towards the outside of the flap, thus giving access to the inside the perimeter envelope.

 A similar action can be carried out by acting on a cut tab in place of the tab 23.

 Fig. 2 highlights the conformation obtained from the blank described in FIG. 1, as well as fig. 3 shows the shaping effect produced by each flap 19 folded internally and transversely to the right of each end and set back from the latter, having a position suitably established by the fold line 18 and by the engagement of the edge 21 in the slots 13.

 Fig. 4 shows that, according to the invention, it is possible to make use of different transverse widths between the lines 11 of the panel 3 and of the other panels 2, 4 and 5 while respecting the requirement of correspondence, even of identity of form and of surface compared to those cumulated of the panels 2, 4 and 5 to allow a superposition flat. In such a variant, after mounting, the case has a flat pseudo-frustoconical shape.

 Fig. 5 shows that it can be provided to delimit, inside each intermediate panel 4 and 5, at least one additional fold line, such as 30, when it is desired to increase the number of facets presented by the case between main panel 2 and main panel 3.

 Fig. His shows that the case according to the invention can also have only three panels, such as 2, 3 and 4, which always meet the same requirements in terms of shape and surface cumulated between panels 2 and 4 and panel 3 to allow a flat overlay.

 The case according to the invention therefore has the characteristic of having a shaped face, most generally of curved shape, which is, advantageously but not exclusively, the presentation face on which any appositions can be made.

 The case according to the invention finds a preferential but not exclusive application by being placed flat on the bottom face formed by the main panel 2, thus offering to view the face formed by the main panel 3. In such a situation, The case has remarkable support stability, although its shape only involves a face 2 with a surface area smaller than that of face 3.

 It can also be envisaged to use the packaging case as a display stand by placing it upright on one of the transverse ends which has, in this respect, remarkable resistance, capable of offering great stability and supporting the mass constituted by the product packaged inside the case.

 Stability is ensured by the peripheral edge, mostly of double thickness, constituted mainly by the fold line 16 and by the fold line 11, but also by the edges 14 and 15 to the right of which are placed in lining the tabs 22 which constitute elements for taking up vertical stress, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

 The resistance, necessary to support the conditioned product, is established by means of the shaping flap 19 concerned which is placed under stress between the fold line 18 and the edge 21 constrained by the strain voltage imposed on the main panel 2 and by the engagement in the slots 13. The line 18, the edge 21, the projections 24, the slots 13, as well as the tabs 20 therefore constitute means making the shaping flaps 19 and the panels 2 to 5 cooperate with each other.

 Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the shaping flap 19 is devoid of the tabs 22 according to the example of FIG. 1. By cons, tabs 22a are, in this example, provided for the same purpose by being located beyond the panels 4 and S being delimited with respect to the latter by two fold lines, respectively 31 and 32 corresponding to edges 14 and 15 of the example according to FIGS. 1 and 2, and which are marked to allow reverse folding or reverse folding just like lines 16 and 18.

 Fig. 7 shows another alternative embodiment in which at least one of the flaps 19 is linked to the panel 2 by two segments of fold lines 32 marked set back from a transverse edge 33 presented by the panel 3. The shrinkage measurement e of line 32 is equal to that of two fold lines 34 embodying the junction between panels 4 and 5 and two tabs 35.

 The flap 19 is also defined relative to the panel 2 by a slot 36 which is executed between the two line segments 32 while being offset to be aligned with the transverse edge 33.

 In this example, the shaping flap 19 is extended at the end, beyond at least one fold line 37, by a tongue 38 delimiting, by two fold lines 39 substantially parallel to the lines 6, 7, 8 and 9, two 40 foldable extreme wings.

 In the examples according to fig. 6 and 7, the legs 22a and 35 are separated from the shaping flaps 19 by slots 41 which also materialize the sides 20 of the example according to FIG. 1.

 The variant embodiments according to FIGS. 6 and 7 do not make fundamental modifications to the subject of the invention and must be regarded as constituting alternative embodiments of the means capable of making the shutters 19 cooperate with the panels 2, 3, 4 and 5.

 In both cases, it should be noted that the shaping flaps 19 are foldable, relative to the main panel 2, along fold lines which are set back, either lines 11 or edges 33, so that the edge 21 of each is always brought to exert a shaping action by acting on the internal face of the main panel 3, in a position of the flap recessed with respect to the peripheral edge delimiting the transverse end of the shaped case.

 Fig. 8 shows another alternative embodiment in which at least one of the shaping flaps 19 is linked, no longer to the main panel 2, but to the main panel 3 and by means of a central segment 211 of its curved edge 21, which segment is then materialized by a fold line marked below a transverse edge 33 of the panel 3, for example by a measure of shrinkage e which is equivalent to that existing between the fold lines 32, 34 and the edge 33 of the example according to fig. 7. The shaping flap 19 comprises, as in the previous examples, oblique edges 20 which are connected to two segments of fold lines 42 by slots 43 offset from the lines 42 and together materializing a foldable tongue 44.

 In this example, the tabs 35 are shaped to include, on their edges corresponding to the fold lines 6 and 9, each a spoiler 45 whose function appears in the following.

 The shape of the transverse end of the case according to fig. 8 is carried out, after tubular shaping of the perimetric envelope as described above, by folding the tabs 35 towards the inside of the perimeter envelope to arrange them in a substantially common plane which is set back from the edge 33 , which is also aligned with the corresponding edge 46 of shutter 2.

 In this state, the flap 19 is folded on the line segment 211 which constitutes a hinge and causes the flap, after pivoting on substantially 90, to act, by the edge 21, to conform the main panel 3 at the same time as after inward folding of the envelope of the tongue 44, the latter is inserted between the spoilers 45 and the edge 46.

 The latching takes place by penetration of the spoilers 45 into the slot segments 43 then immobilizing the flap 19 in its closed position and in the shape of the transverse end of the case, which position is located below this end of the measurement. shrinkage e between line segment 21 and edges 33 and 46.

 Although this is not shown, it should be considered that this position, apart from the details of the connection means, is similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2.

 Fig. 9 shows another alternative embodiment in which the tongue 44 is linked to the flap 19 by a continuous fold line 47 and comprises, below the latter, grooves 48 intended to allow cooperation with the spoilers 45 of the legs 35.

 The cases, produced on the basis of the various embodiments described above, are capable of receiving a product, preconditioned or not, which can occupy all or part of the volume delimited by the envelope, by resting either on the panel 2 constituting the bottom panel, or on at least one of the flaps 19 when the packaging case is placed upright.

 In some cases, it may appear useful or necessary, to improve the performance of the packaging and to ensure the preservation and integrity of the packaged product (s), to protect the latter by a primary protective case insertable inside the perimeter envelope and between the shaping flaps 19.

 Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of a blank precut flat, designated as a whole by the reference 50 and intended to allow the formation of a primary protective case, insertable in a packaging case of the type of that illustrated in FIG. . 1.

 The blank 50 has a first part 51 formed by a strip 52 whose length I is less than the length of the main panels 2 and 3. The strip 52 is materialized transversely by two fold lines 53 perpendicular to the length and beyond which two forming flaps 541 are formed and corresponding, in shape and in surface, to the characteristics of flaps 19, by comprising oblique edges 20 and a curved edge 21. One of flaps 54, such as 54 ,, is linked to a second part 55 of the blank 50 by a fold line 56 which is offset by a measure e below the aligned transverse edges of panels 57, 58, 59. This second part 55 is composed of a number n of panels 57, 58 and 59 delimited between them by fold lines 60. In the example illustrated, the panels are five in number, being arranged symmetrically with respect to the panel 57 which is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the strip 52. In the illustrated example, the different panels are rectangular, but it could be envisaged to produce them in a different way, for example, to have a second part 55 which is able to respond in plan to the specific conformation illustrated in FIG. 4 in which the panel 3, as well as the cumulative association of the panels 2, 4 and 5 satisfy a requirement for a difference in transverse width between the two ends.

 In all cases, the panels 57, 58 and 59 have a cumulative transverse width which is less than the developed length of the peripheral edge of the corresponding shaping flap 542, such a length including the oblique edges 20, as well as the edge 21, including fold line 56.

 From the blank 50 described above, the primary protective case is obtained by forming the fold lines 53 so as to fold, in the same direction, the two forming flaps 54 relative to the strip 52 whose width is chosen to correspond as much as possible to that of the main panel 2.

 The fold line 56 is then formed, so as to fold the part 55 over and parallel to the strip 52, after which the fold lines 60 are marked to constitute, with the second part 55, a sort of insertable envelope between the shaping flaps 54, so that the end edges 61 of the end panels 591 and 592 can be brought against the internal surface of the strip 52.

 The primary protective case 62 thus obtained then takes the form of a tube illustrated in FIG. 11 which allows to consider that the pivoting, in the direction of arrow f2 of the shaping flap 5411 allows to have, inside the case, one or more products to be packaged. After closing the flap 541, the primary protective case and its contents can then be inserted inside the packaging case, contributing, by means of the shaping flaps 54 and 542 to the conformation of the main panel 3.

 The length l of the strip 52, including the folded shaping flaps 541 and 542 is, in all cases, chosen to be less than the available useful length of the packaging case, which is defined by the recessed position of the shaping flaps 19.

 According to another arrangement of the invention, it is advantageous to produce the blank 50 from a raw material by choosing the orientation, either of fibers or of grooves, in a direction f3 perpendicular to the fold lines 60, of so as to involve greater crushing resistance in the case of stress exerted mainly between the panels 2 and 3 by compression effect, in particular.

 A development of the invention consists in making the primary case 62 in the form of a drawer with or without the panels 57, 58 and 59. Such a case is provided with flaps 54 of which at least one has the function of replace the flaps 19 of the main case.

 Thus, the conformation of the panel 3 occurs during the insertion of the drawer whose length is chosen so that the flaps 54 are preferably located set back from the transverse ends of the main case with the panels to which they can cooperate by the means described previously.

 The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims (14)

CLAIMS:  1 - Packaging case, of the type comprising a perimetric envelope consisting of successive panels, as well as transverse closing flaps (19),  characterized in that it has  - a first main main panel (2),  - a second main panel (3) transversely convex in  consideration of its outer face,  - two conforming components (19, 54) responsible for the conformation  of the convex main panel being located, at least for one, in  closed position inside the envelope, set back by  relative to the corresponding transverse end,  - And means (13, 21, 23, 24) making them cooperate with each other  shutters and panels.  2 - packaging case according to claim 1, characterized in that the envelope is formed from a blank (1) of material whose fibers are oriented, at least for the convex panel (3), parallel to the length of the last.  3 - packaging case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the transverse shaping flaps (19) is connected by a fold line (16) to the first main panel (2).  4 - Packaging case according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one of the shaping transverse flaps is connected by a fold line (211) to the second main panel (3).  5 - packaging case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one of the shaping flaps (54) is carried by a primary case or drawer insertable in the packaging case.  6 - packaging case according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each flap (19, 54) has a curved edge (21) having, to cooperate in the closed position with at least part of the internal face of the second main panel of greater width, a developed length approaching the width that the main panel has locally in the plane of said folded flap.  7 - packaging case according to one of claims I to 6, characterized in that the shaping flaps have curved edges (21) of different developed lengths.  8 - packaging case according to one of claims I to 7, characterized in that the shaping flaps (19) are provided with connecting means (24) cooperating with complementary means (13) carried by the panels.  9 - packaging case according to one of claims I to 8, characterized in that at least one of the shaping flaps has a gripping means (23) promoting its pivoting on the fold line binding it to the main panel.  10 - packaging case according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the surface and the plan shape of the second main panel of greater width (3) correspond to those of the other panels (2, 4 and 5) ).  11 - Packaging case according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is formed by folding from a blank (1) of precut material comprising:  - four panels (2, 3, 4, 5) of which two are said to be main and two  intermediaries which are alternated with the main ones,  - a main panel (3) always having a width locally  greater than that corresponding to the main panel (2),  - shaping flaps (19) each having, on the one hand, an edge  transverse rectilinear (16, 18) parallel to the width of the panels  main and whose length is close to the width of the main panel  narrower in width and, on the other hand, an edge (21) at least  locally curved whose developed length is close to the width of the  main panel of greater width, so as to exercise in  cooperating with the internal face of said panel and in the position of  closing a conforming effect on said panel to make it  transversely convex,  - And complementary means (13, 22, 24, 21)  carried by the shutters and panels.  12 - packaging case according to one of claims I to 10, characterized in that it is associated with a primary protective case (62) internal comprising a perimeter envelope suitable for being housed inside the envelope the packaging case, formed by several panels (57, 58, 59) articulated and completed by two shaping flaps (541 and 542).  13 - packaging case according to claim 12, characterized in that the primary case is formed from a blank precut in a material having stiffening grooves which are oriented perpendicular to the length of the panels.  14 - packaging case according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the primary case comprises a plurality of hinged panels (57, 58, 59) one of which is extended by a folding shutter (542) foldable, itself even extended, beyond a fold line (53) by a strip (52) to which follows, beyond a fold line (53), a second shaping flap (541).