FR2868397A1 - Flap for article e.g. good, transporting box, has rectilinear lower edge, and upper transversal edge with primary slots so that flap presents main edges, and secondary slot cut in lower part of each primary slot - Google Patents

Abstract

The flap has upper and lower transversal edges respectively delimiting upper and lower sides. The upper edge is notched and has primary slots (26) so that the flap presents main edges (27) through side walls (21, 22) of an article transporting box. A secondary slot (29) is arranged and cut in a lower part (28) of each primary slot to constitute an upper contact surface with carton strap removal units. The lower edge is rectilinear. Independent claims are also included for the following: (A) a method for fabricating a blank to constitute a flap (B) a cover for closing a lower and/or upper side of a flap (C) a method for packing articles in a box comprising a flap (D) a box made up of carton or similar material for the transport of an article.

Description

Improved belt, cap and packaging box, and method

  manufacturing such a blank, the constitution of such a belt and packaging The delivery of goods requires a packaging to protect the goods, suitable for products, inviolable, easy to achieve and economical.

  Several techniques are currently used: - the use of wedging included in tamper-proof cardboard boxes by small quantities of small goods.

  - Palletization which consists of arranging the goods on wooden pallets, covering it with plastic film to ensure the contention and protection, then optionally covering the cap assembly of shock absorbing material such as polystyrene, cardboard, etc. . Another technique consists in depositing the goods in a cardboard box comprising a bottom and side walls, stalling the goods with locking means, then covering the assembly with a top cap which is fixed so as to make the tamper-proof box.

  The term inviolable does not mean that it is impossible to open the box, but that any opening of the box leaves indelible marks such as the tearing of the walls of cardboard, the tearing of the surface of the cardboard, cutting, etc ...

  There are different types of wedging means used with the previous technique.

  The first is a deformable cardboard plate provided with gluing tabs and the corresponding packaging method is shown in Figure 1.

  A box B1 containing goods is conveyed by a conveyor A below a device for removing a cardboard plate C deformable.

  This cardboard plate C is provided with gluing tabs G on which the glue I is deposited. The cardboard plate is then applied and deformed against the goods and held in this position by gluing the tabs G on the inner face of the walls such as as illustrated for box B2.

  The portion of the walls located above the wedging plate is free.

  Then the box B2 is conveyed below a device for removing a cardboard cap J adapted to seal the box B2.

  The cap J consists of a plate and gluing tabs intended to be glued to the outer face of the walls by pressing these tabs against the box.

  A major disadvantage is that the walls of the box are free and there is no back pressure gluing. Therefore, the walls are deformed under the pressure of the machine to glue (buckling), the tabs do not adhere well and the inviolability of the box is not assured.

  In addition, the box and the upper cap must be perfectly aligned before gluing for it to be effective. However, in practice at a fast rate, it was found that the alignment accuracy was not satisfactory and that the caps were poorly arranged above the box. It was therefore necessary, on the one hand, to reduce the rate, and on the other hand to better arrange the caps to avoid that they are badly stuck.

  Another wedging means is a heat-shrinkable plastic film. A box using such a film is constituted in particular by a cardboard belt, a lower cap and a heat-shrinkable plastic film bonded between the cap and the belt making the assembly integral.

  This bonding step is carried out in the presence of a rigid jig inserted between the walls of the belt in order to ensure against pressure on the bonding and perfect adhesion of the lower cap, the plastic film and the belt.

  Then the box is filled with merchandise arranged on the lower cap and on the inside of the plastic film.

  After filling, the whole is passed under a source of heat which induces the retraction of the film on the goods and their perfect maintenance.

  An upper cap is then placed above the box to ensure closure. This step has the same disadvantages as mentioned above.

  To this end, the present invention proposes to overcome these drawbacks by providing a structured box to cause a counter pressure and optimal placement of the cap easy to manufacture in large quantities and at a high rate.

  More specifically, the invention relates to a belt made of cardboard or similar material delivered flat and intended to be volume for the constitution of a transport box body of at least one article, said box having at least three side walls having a length and a width compatible with the dimensions of the object, the box further comprising at least one cap of defined thickness intended for closing the box, the belt having in volume two transverse edges delimiting respectively, in use position, a lower face and an upper face of the box, wherein at least one of the transverse edges is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with enough so-called main slots so that the belt has at least one main merlon by side wall of the box, each main slot having a bottom, and secondly, at least one said secondary slot formed in the bottom of the box aque main niche.

  The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a blank for the constitution of the above belt, comprising the steps of: é bringing to a cutting station a strip of cardboard or similar material and having an edge upper and lower edge corresponding to those of the belt to be formed; Cut the upper edge and / or the lower edge into enough main slots to have at least one main beam per side wall of the box; Cut out at least one secondary slot in the bottom of each main slot; and E evacuate the cut material by applying a distributed thrust force on the material located in the main and secondary slots.

  The subject of the invention is also a method for constituting the preceding belt comprising the step of folding over itself a blank according to the invention, perpendicularly to the upper edge, and holding it in this position by fastening means. .

  The invention also relates to a cap for closing an upper and / or lower face of a belt according to the invention, and comprising a panel having a defined thickness extended along fold lines by flaps of closures adapted to be folded and held against the side walls of the belt, in which, flat, the fold lines are provided with oblong slots having a length substantially equal to the length of the main beams multiplied by a tolerance factor included in a a range of from 1.05 to 2, preferably from 1.1 to 1.5, typically from 1.25 to 1.35, and a width substantially equal to the sum of the thickness of the blank of the cap and the thickness of the blank of the belt, sum multiplied by a tolerance factor within a range of 1.05 to 3, preferably from 1.4 to 2.5, typically from 1.7 to 2.

  In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of packaging articles in a box comprising the belt and the cap above, comprising the steps of: arranging the articles within the box; To have means of setting the articles; 10 as: Place the upper cap in support on the bottom of the main slots, so as to arrange the main merlons of the belt within the tolerances of the lights of the upper cap; É provide means for fastening the closure flaps on the upper cap; E compress the closure flaps against the belt so that the main braces are applied against the ledges of the lights in order to oppose a sufficient force to the compression to avoid buckling of the side walls of the belt.

  The invention also relates to a cardboard box or similar material for transporting at least one article, obtained by the preceding packaging method, comprising a belt according to the invention and at least one cap according to the invention intended for closing the box, the belt having in volume at least three side walls and two transverse edges, in which: E the upper and / or lower transverse edge of the belt is (are) castellated and provided with ), on the one hand, sufficient main slots so that the belt has at least one main merlon per side wall of the box, each main slot having a bottom, and on the other hand, at least one secondary niche provided in the bottom of each main slot; The belt is provided with a base taken from the group consisting of an attached cap and flaps extending the belt along fold lines, the base being held substantially perpendicular to the side walls by fixing means; and the cap according to the invention for closing the upper face of a belt comprises a panel having a defined thickness (e) extended along fold lines by closure flaps adapted to be folded down and held against the side walls of the belt, the fold lines being provided with oblong slots in which are inserted the main merlons of the upper edge of the belt, the merlons flush with the plane constituted by the panel of the cap.

  Particular embodiments of the invention are defined in secondary claims. Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description hereinafter made with reference to the appended figures which represent respectively: FIG. 1, a schematic perspective view of a method of packaging the state of the Technical; É Figure 2, a schematic perspective view of a belt box according to the invention; É Figure 3, a schematic plan view of a blank for the constitution of a belt according to the invention; Figures 4 and 5, schematic views in perspective of the constitution of a belt according to the invention from the blank of Figure 3; 6 is a schematic plan view of a blank for the constitution of a belt to be cut to form several belts according to the invention; FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a belt constituted by the blank of FIG. 6; 8, a view a schematic perspective view of the belt of FIG. 7 after cutting to obtain several belts with a crenellated upper edge; FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic plan view of a cap according to the invention; Figures 10 to 16, schematic perspective views of a packaging method according to the invention; FIG. 17 is a diagrammatic perspective view in detail of a merlon of a belt according to the invention cooperating with a cap according to the invention; 18, a schematic plan view of a blank for the constitution of a belt to be cut to form several belts according to a variant of the invention; In Figures 19 and 20, schematic views in perspective of the constitution of a belt according to the invention from a blank from the blank of the blank of Figure 18; Figures 21 and 22 are schematic perspective views of the first steps of a packaging method according to the invention from a blank of Figure 20; and FIGS. 23 and 24 are diagrammatic perspective views of belt variants according to the invention.

  In the description below, it is to be understood that a strip of cardboard-type material is used to make a blank by cutting and creasing, that the blank is fixed on itself to form a belt, and that a belt is setting volume to form the body of a box.

  Terms such as upper, lower, transverse, lateral, bottom and their derivatives refer to the box in use position.

  A first embodiment of the invention consists in obtaining a box, that is to say a belt placed in volume with an attached bottom (or bottom cap) or not, and whose upper edge is provided with battlements.

  A belt, a cap, a box, blank and belt manufacturing methods, and packaging methods according to this first embodiment of the invention are shown in FIGS. 2-17.

  Thus, FIG. 2 illustrates a belt made of cardboard or similar material 10 delivered flat and intended to be set up for the constitution of a transport box body of at least one article, said box having four side walls having a length and a width compatible with the dimensions of the object, the belt having in volume two transverse edges 14, 15 delimiting respectively in the use position, an upper face and an invisible lower face of the box, belt in which the upper transverse edge 14 is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots 16 so that the belt 10 has at least one main merlon 17 per side wall 11, 12 of the box, each main slot 16 having a bottom, and secondly, a secondary slot 19 formed in the bottom of each main slot 16, the lower transverse edge 15 of the belt 10 being rectilinear.

  The upper transverse edge 14 thus has three levels: the highest being the edge of the merlons 17, the lowest being the bottom of the secondary slots 19, the intermediate level being the bottom 18 of the main slots 16.

  As will be described below, each of these elements (merlons 17, main slots 16 and secondary slots 19) has a specific technical function which, in combination with the others makes it possible to constitute a box perfectly sealed, easy to assemble and more economical .

  In addition, this embodiment allows the use of heat-shrinkable plastic films as wedging means, without the risk of tearing because the lower edge is rectilinear.

  Depending on the case, it may be preferable to have more than one secondary slot 19 formed in the bottom 18 of the main slots 16, which is illustrated in FIG.

  This represents a blank 20 made of cardboard or similar materials (materials that are sufficiently flexible to be cut, grooved and folded, and sufficiently strong to provide effective protection for the articles contained in the box: rigid plastic materials, synthetic materials, laminated materials such as fabrics woven combined with semi-rigid plastic, etc.) comprising four lateral walls 21, 22 and a fastening flap 23.

  The upper transverse edge 24 is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots 26 so that the belt formed from this blank 20 has at least one main merlon 27 per side wall 21, 22, each main slot having a bottom 28, and secondly, at least two secondary slots 29 formed in the bottom 28 of each main slot 26, the lower transverse edge 25 of the blank being rectilinear.

  The method of manufacturing such a blank for the constitution of a belt according to the invention comprises the steps of: (a) bringing to a cutting station a strip of cardboard or similar material and having an upper edge 24 and a lower edge 25 corresponding to those of the belt to be constituted; (b) cutting the upper edge 24 into sufficient main slots 26 to have at least one main merlon 27 per side wall 21, 22 of the box; (c) cutting at least one secondary slot 29 in the bottom of each main slot 26; and (d) discharging the cut material (not shown) by applying a distributed thrust force to the material in the main and secondary slots 26.

  In manufacturing the blank of the belt of FIG. 2, step (c) of the method consists in cutting a secondary slot 19 in each main slot 16, the cutout being located substantially on either side of the axis of symmetry of each main slot 16.

  Step (d) is a critical step when cutting blanks. Indeed, the manufacturing is mechanized and the rate of cutting and evacuation must be maximum to improve the profitability of the operation.

  However, when a cut of the order of the thickness of the board must be made at the edge, the resistance of the portion between the cut and the edge of the plate has virtually no resistance. Therefore, the carton folds in contact with the cutting tool which, instead of making a sharp and clean cut, may not cut the desired length and / or tear part of the carton. The rigid rubbers used for the expulsion of the falls also constitute a source of tearing of the cardboard. As a result, the cut is confused and there are very often falls still secured to the blank by means of some paper fibers. This type of blank does not have sufficient quality to be sold.

  Blanks have already been designed whose upper edge has merlons of height in the order of the thickness of the blank, but the only way to avoid the problems listed above is to make several blanks in a plate by making cutting the merlons in the plate nested.

  Thus, each blank has on the two upper and lower transverse edges a single type of crenellations determining the merlons.

  The cuts being symmetrical, a merlon in the upper edge corresponds to a slot in the lower edge.

  The advantage of these flans of the state of the art is that there is no drop so no loss of cardboard.

  However, the lower crenellated edge induces folds in the plastic films used during packaging and has salient points likely to tear these plastic films during packaging and / or transfer thereby reducing the effectiveness of the setting .

  According to the invention, secondary slots are cut in the bottom of the main slots to form a greater contact surface with the means of evacuation of cardboard falls and thus facilitate and improve the evacuation of cardboard waste.

  Thus, the shape of the secondary slots cut during step (c) is chosen to allow the application, during step (d), of the discharge means falls sufficiently large to perform a push able to evacuate completely falls, and so that the evacuation means are not torn off when the process is carried out at high speed.

  Only one secondary slot makes it possible to achieve this result, but it may be advantageous to provide several secondary slots in the bottom of a main slot, especially when the main slots extend over a large width.

  The secondary slots 29 may be cut during step (c) of the blank manufacturing process may be uniformly distributed with respect to the axis of symmetry of each main slot 26 so that the pushing force applied to the step ( (d) be uniformly distributed along each main slot 26.

  The cardboard falls are pushed over their entire length and their evacuation is very effective.

  In addition, the crenellated shape of the cutting line inside the main slots prevents the material close to the edge does not bend, thus promoting a sharp and precise cut contrary to the state of the art.

  In the blank 20 of Figure 3, it was chosen to cut in the bottom 28 of each main slot 26 side walls 22, three secondary slots 29, a secondary slot 29 being located substantially in the middle, and the other two secondary slots 29 being located at the ends of each main slot 26.

  In addition, the belt constituted by the blank of FIG. 3 has gripping means 30 for facilitating the handling of the box constituted by the unshelled handles.

  Equivalently, the gripping means may be selected from the shelled handles, and the handles reported cardboard, rope, metal or plastic.

  These gripping means are disposed on two side walls 21 located on either side of the axis of symmetry of the belt set volume.

  The method of forming a belt from the blank of FIG. 3 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and comprises the step of: (a) folding the blank 20 perpendicular to the top edge (FIG. 4), and to maintain it in this position by fastening means 32 (Figure 5).

  Preferably, the fixing means consist of glue automatically deposited in the factory on the outer face of the fastening flap 23 before folding it against the inner face of the opposite side face 22 in the direction of the arrow F 1.

  Alternatively the fastening means are taken from the group consisting of long-acting adhesive, double-sided tape, staples, plastic clips and tape.

  Depending on the height of the belt to be manufactured, it may be chosen to produce in the same strip of cardboard a primary blank comprising several blanks having a crenellated upper edge according to the invention and which will be individualized subsequently to the fold of the primary blank on itself and fixing the fastening flap.

  Such a primary blank 40 is shown in FIG. 6. It comprises four lateral walls 41, 42 and a fastening flap 43.

  The upper edge 44 is cut according to the same method as that used for the blank 20.

  The method of manufacturing the blank 40 comprises the additional steps of: (e) cutting into the material of the strip, parallel to the upper edge and substantially aligned, oblong slots 50 in number at least equal to the number of side walls 41 , 42 of the box, each light 50 having, respectively with respect to the upper edges 44 and lower 45 of the strip, a large upper side 51 and a large lower side 52, the large upper side 51 being cut in a straight line while the large lower side 52 is cut so as to have the same cutout as each main slot 46 of the upper edge 44 of the strip, namely the same number, the same shape and the same distribution of secondary slot 53.

  Step (e) is conducted n times, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, to produce n parallel alignments of oblong slots. In this example, n is 2.

  Then the blank 40 is folded on itself, perpendicularly to the upper edge, and fixed in this position by fastening means to form a belt such as that shown in FIG.

  Then the strip is cut from one side in a direction parallel to the upper edge 44 along a rectilinear straight line D1, D2 collinear with the large rectilinear upper sides 51 of the slots 50, to individualize (FIG. 8) the blanks 40a, 40b, 40e exhibiting main niches 46 and secondary niches 49 on their upper edge 44.

  The crenellated cut of the lower edge of the lumens allows efficient evacuation of the cardboard scrap by providing a greater bearing surface than if the light were rectilinear to constitute, after cutting, only one main slot.

  At the heart of the material, the cut is not a problem because there is a stiffness of the cardboard on both sides of the cut allowing a sharp and precise cut (+ or - 1 mm). What poses a problem is the evacuation of the falls when they have a small width of the order of the thickness of the cardboard (depth of the main slot to obtain). Indeed, the hard rubbers used to push the fall out of the plate can not be larger than the light. When the width is small, the rubbers also have a small width relative to their height necessary to properly evacuate the fall out of the material. Consequently, their attachment surface to the cutting and waste removal tool is low, which causes these rubbers to be torn off at a high rate.

  The lights 50 according to the invention having a crenellated cut, it is possible to design complementary shape of the rubber to the light 50 having attachment areas to the cutting tool and waste disposal larger than the thickness of the blank 40.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 16, the belts according to the first embodiment of the invention previously described allow object packaging according to methods known in their general course.

  One of the advantages of using a belt according to the invention is that it is not necessary to modify the known packaging lines, but that it is sufficient to replace the upper belts and caps of the State of the art by the new belts and upper caps according to the invention.

  This replacement makes it possible, on the one hand, to better close the boxes, but also to eliminate the minute pre-requisites necessary for the placement of a known type of cap by using a cap 60 according to the invention, such as represented in FIG. 9, for closing the upper face of a belt according to the invention. This cap 60 comprises a panel 61 having a thickness equal to e in the example (see Figure 14) extended along the fold lines 62 by closing flaps 63 adapted to be folded and held against the side walls of the belt.

  According to the invention, the fold lines 62 of the cap 60 flat are provided with oblong slots 64 having a length Lc substantially equal to the length Lm of the main merlons 17, 27 or 44 of the belt 10, 20 or 40, with a multiplicative factor of tolerance in the range of 1.05 to 2, preferably 1.1 to 1.5, typically 1.25 to 1.35; and a width 1c substantially equal to the sum of the thickness e of the blank of the cap and the thickness e 'of the blank of the belt (see FIGS. 2, 4 and 7), with a multiplicative factor of tolerance included in a 1.05 to 3, preferably 1.4 to 2.5, typically 1.7 to 2.

  Thus, for a cap thickness e 4 mm, a belt thickness e 'of 3 mm, and main merlons length Lm of 50 mm, Lc is 65 mm for a tolerance factor of 1.3, and the value is 13 mm for a tolerance factor of 1.85.

  Tolerance factors make it easy to place the cap on the belt without requiring high precision (see Figure 15 below).

  The merlons inserted in the large slots 64 of the cap 60 flat allow to retain the cap 60 on the belt 10, 20, or 40 before closing.

  The method of packaging articles in a box comprising a cap 60 according to the invention consists, after having: (a) arranged the articles inside the box; (b) disposed in the group consisting of heat-shrinkable sheets, cardboard plates, polyurethane foam, air cushions, bubble wrap, particulate crumbs of paper or foam and pre-assembled shells of cardboard or foam; to further perform the steps: (c) placing the upper cap 60 bearing on the bottom 28 of the main slots 26, so as to arrange the main merlons 27 of the belt 20 within the tolerances of the slots 64 of the upper cap 60; (d) providing fastening means of the closure flaps 63 on the upper cap 60; (e) compressing the closure flaps 63 against the waistband 20 such that the main lips 27 are applied against the ledges of the slots 64 to provide sufficient force for compression to avoid buckling of the sidewalls 21 , 22 of the belt 20.

  According to the exemplary embodiment, the method also comprises the following steps: E arranging a lower cover K of known type consisting of a base K1 and fixing lugs K2 adapted to be folded against the side walls 21, 22 of the belt 20 (Figure 10); E shape the belt 20 (Figure 10) and maintain it with a rigid template (not shown); Insert at least two heat-shrinkable plastic sheets 70 into the interior of the belt 20 in the direction of the arrow F2 (FIG. 10) until one of their edges protrudes sufficiently from the lower transverse edge 25 (FIG. 11) to be each folded in the direction of the arrow F3 between an outer face of a side wall 22 of the belt 20 and a bracket K2 of the cap K (Figure 12); Maintain the fastening tabs K2 on the heat-shrinkable sheets 70 and on the side walls 22 by fastening means (Figure 12); E remove the rigid template (not shown); (a ') arranging the articles Z inside the belt 20, between the heat-shrinkable sheets 70 and on the base K1 of the lower cap (Figure 1b); (b ') fold the heat-shrinkable sheets 70 onto the items Z and transport the assembly under a heat source (not shown) to retract and compress the items Z against each other (Fig. 14). The heat-shrinkable sheets are associated with each other, for example by wrinkling the two free edges so that, when passing under the heat source, these two edges melt on one another and that the sheets, fixed by their lower edge, follow closely the shape of the articles.

  The flap of the plastic sheets 70 is then made uniformly against the rectilinear lower transverse edge 25 of the belt 20 so that the plastic sheets 70 have no fold (Figure 12). According to the example, the following steps are also implemented: (c ') placing the upper cap 60 so as to arrange the main merlons 27 of the belt 20 in the slots of the upper cap 60 (FIGS. 14 and 15); (d ') provide fastening means closure flaps 63 on the upper cap 60; and (e ') compressing the closure flaps 63 against the belt 20 (Fig. 16) so that the main braces 27 are applied against the ledges of the apertures 64 (Fig. 17) to provide sufficient force for compression for avoid buckling of the side walls 22 of the belt 20 and consequently poor fixing of the upper cap 60 on the belt 20.

  In Figure 15, it is visible that the merlons 27 inserted into the large slots 64 of the cap 60 flat to retain the cap 60 on the belt 20 in a substantially aligned position, with tolerance factors, with the belt 20 .

  This inaccurate alignment of the cap 60 flat is stable and merlons 27 prevent misalignment too important to induce bad bonding.

  The large width of the lights 64 of the cap 60 makes it easy to insert the merlons 27.

  When the closure flaps 63 are compressed against the waistband, the width difference between the merlons 27 and the lumens 64 is largely reduced by the fact that the lumens 64 are positioned on fold lines 62.

  Thus, after compression closure flaps 63, the main merlons 27 are in abutment against the edges of the lights 64 (Figure 17).

  This synergy makes it possible to avoid buckling of the walls which are supported downwards by the articles Z and at the top by the merlons 27 in support.

  Thus, the part of the walls situated above the articles Z comprises means of resisting the pressure of the fixing of the closure flaps 63.

  This part does not blaze, the contact area between the belt 20 and the closure flaps 63 is flat and maximum. This allows for effective bonding when using glue, long-acting adhesive, tape, or double-sided tape as a fastener.

  With the use of staples or plastic clips, this allows a stapling or an effective wise clip over the entire length of the closure flaps 63. Advantageously, the main slots have a depth substantially equal to the thickness (e) of the cap 60.

  Thus, when the cap 60 is placed on the belt, and rests on the bottom 28 of the main slots 26, the merlons do not exceed the plane constituted by the panel 61 of the cap 60.

  This avoids clashes when handling the box.

  If the cap 60 used has a large thickness, the depth of the main slots may be less than this thickness. However, the merlons must be sufficiently high (so the main slots sufficiently deep) to present a bearing surface against the edge of the lights of the cap sufficiently large to oppose the buckling of the walls.

  The previous packaging method allows the formation of a box 80 of cardboard or similar material for transporting at least one article (FIG. 16) comprising a belt 20 and a cap 60 of defined thickness intended for the closure of the box 80, the belt 20 having in volume four side walls 21, 22 and two transverse edges. In this box 80 according to the invention: (a) the upper transverse edge of the belt is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots (not visible) so that the belt has at least one main merlon 27 per side wall 21, 22 of the box, each main slot having a bottom (not visible), and secondly, at least one secondary slot (not visible) formed in the bottom of each main slot, the lower transverse edge 25 of the belt 20 being rectilinear; (b) the belt is provided with a base constituted by an attached cap K, the base being held substantially perpendicular to the side walls 21, 22 by fixing means; and (c) the cap 60 is for closing the upper surface of the waistband 20 comprises a panel 61 having a defined thickness (e) extended along the fold lines 62 by closure flaps 63 adapted to be folded down and held against the side walls 21, 22 of the belt 20, the fold lines 62 being provided with oblong slots 64 in which are inserted the main merlons 27 of the upper edge of the belt 20, the merlons 27 flush with the plane constituted by the panel 61 of the cap 60.

  Another embodiment of the invention is shown in Figures 18 to 22.

  FIG. 19 represents a belt 100 provided with four lateral walls 101, 102 and in which the transverse edges 104, 105 are crenellated and each provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots 106 so that the belt 100 has at least one main beam 107 by side wall 101, 102 of the box, each main slot 107 having a bottom 108, and secondly, at least one secondary slot formed in the bottom 108 of each main slot 106.

  Such a belt is similarly formed in the first embodiment, namely that the manufacturing method comprises the steps of: (a) feeding to a cutting station a strip of cardboard or similar material and having an upper edge and a lower edge corresponding to those of the belt to constitute; (b) symmetrically cutting the top and bottom edges 104 and 104 into sufficient main slots 106 to have at least one main beam 107 per side wall 101, 102 of the box; (c) cutting at least one secondary slot 109 in the bottom 108 of each main slot 106; and (d) discharging the cut material by applying a distributed thrust force to the material in the main and secondary slots 106.

  The cutting of nested slots of the state of the art can not allow to obtain several blanks in the same band and whose upper and lower edges have a symmetrical crenellated cut.

  A light cutout according to the invention as illustrated in FIG. 18 solves this problem while allowing efficient removal of paperboard scrap.

  The manufacturing method comprises the additional steps of: (e) cutting into the strip material, parallel to the upper edge 104 and substantially aligned, oblong slots 150 in number at least equal to the number of side walls 101, 102 of the box, each light 150 having, respectively with respect to the upper edges 104 and lower 105 of the strip, a large upper side and a large lower side, these two long sides being cut so as to have the same cutout as each main slot; 106 of the lower and upper edges 105 respectively of the strip, namely the same number, the same shape and the same distribution of secondary slots 109.

  In the primary blank shown in FIG. 18, step (e) is conducted n times, n being an integer greater than or equal to 1, to produce n parallel alignments of oblong slots. In the example, is n equals 2.

  Subsequently, the primary blank thus obtained, is folded on itself (Figure 19) and thus maintained by fastening means (Figure 20).

  Then it is cut right through in a direction parallel to the transverse edges along a rectilinear line D3, D4 symmetrically separating each light 150 from the same alignment in two, to individualize blanks 100a, 100b, 100e having main slots 106 and secondary slots 109 on their two transverse edges 104, 105.

  Such a belt 100 associated with two caps according to the invention makes it possible to eliminate the step of setting up a rigid jig during the packaging process.

  On the other hand, the use of heat-shrinkable plastic film as wedging means is prohibited since the merlons 107 of the lower edge 105 induce folds and salient points that are incompatible with an effective wedging.

  A method of packaging articles in a box using a belt 100 and two caps 60 comprises the steps of: (a) arranging the articles inside the box; (b) arranging the means for setting articles in the group consisting of cardboard plates, polyurethane foam, air cushions, bubble wrap, particulate types of paper or foam chips and pre-shaped shells -faced with cardboard or foam.

  The method according to the invention applied to the exemplary embodiment further comprises the steps of: (c) placing the upper cap 60 resting on the bottom of the main slots 106, so as to arrange the main merlons 107 of the belt 100 within the tolerances of the lights 64 of the upper cap 60; (d) providing fastening means of the closure flaps 63 on the upper cap 60; and (e) compressing the closure flaps 63 against the belt 100 such that the main lips 107 are applied against the edges of the apertures 64 in order to oppose a sufficient force to the compression to avoid buckling of the side walls 101, 102 of the belt 100.

  In the example, the use of a belt 100 the realization, prior to steps (a) to (e), of the steps of: E arrange a cap 60 according to the invention (Figure 21); E shape the belt 100 and insert in the direction of the arrow F4 the main merlons 107 of the lower transverse edge 105 in the slots 64 of the cap 60; E compress the fastening tabs 63 of the lower cap 60 against the belt 100 in the direction of the arrow F5 (FIG. 22) so that the lower main horns 107 are applied against the edges of the slots 64 in order to oppose a sufficient compression force to prevent buckling of the side walls 101, 102 of the belt 100; and E hold the fixing lugs 63 of the cap on the side walls of the belt by fixing means.

  This packaging process leads to the constitution of a cardboard box or similar material for transporting at least one article, and comprising a belt and two caps according to the invention for closing the box, the belt having in volume four side walls and two transverse edges. This box has the following characteristics: (a) the two transverse edges of the belt are symmetrically crenellated in a specific manner and each provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots so that the belt has at least one main merlon per wall; side of the box, each main slot having a bottom, and secondly, at least one secondary slot formed in the bottom of each main slot; and (b) the caps for closing the upper and lower faces of the belt comprise a panel having a defined thickness (e) extended along fold lines by folded closure flaps and held against the side walls of the belt , the fold lines being provided with oblong lights in which are inserted the main merlons of the edges of the belt, the merlons flush with the planes formed by the panel of each of the caps.

  The belts 200 and 300 illustrated in Figures 23 and 24 respectively have three and six side walls.

  Thus, the improper use of belts and caps with the known packaging processes is facilitated by the presence of the main merlons on the belts and the use of adapted caps.

  In addition, the secondary slots allow the easy manufacture of these boxes.

  The skilled person can adapt the shape of the boxes and caps to transported items.

  In the foregoing description of the examples of the first embodiment of the invention have been given for a belt in which the lower transverse edge is a rectilinear cut able to take continuous support on a reported bottom cap consisting of a base and legs of fixing, adapted to be folded against the side walls of the belt volume and held in this position by fixing means.

  This type of belt according to the invention therefore involves a step of manufacturing a lower cap of known type and association thereof with the belt.

  This is recommended when the cushioning means used is heat-shrinkable plastic film to be inserted between the belt and the cap, but this can be used even if other cushioning means are employed.

  The method of packaging articles in a box comprising such a belt and a cap according to the invention then comprises, prior to steps (a) to (e) of the general method, the steps of: E having a lower cap constituted a base and fastening tabs clean to be folded against the side walls; E shape the belt and maintain it with a rigid template; É glue the fastening tabs of the cap on the side walls of the belt.

  If other cushioning means are used (cardboard plate glued over articles, airbags, paper or foam clips, bubble wrap, etc.) it may be better to use a belt similar to the previous one but whose lower transverse edge is extended, along rectilinear fold lines, by flaps intended to constitute, after placing in volume, folding and holding by fastening means, a bottom wall, said base on which the object is placed, the rectilinear fold lines constituting the rectilinear lower transverse edge.

  The method of packaging articles in a box comprising such a flap belt then comprises the following preliminary steps, prior to steps (a) to (e) of the general method: Formatting the belt; and E constitute the bottom of the belt by folding the flaps along the rectilinear fold lines and holding them in this position by fastening means, in order to constitute the rectilinear lower transverse edge of the belt and the bottom adapted to receive the items.

  The fastening means used in the various examples and embodiments of the invention are taken from the group consisting of glue, long-acting adhesive, double-sided transfer tape, staples, plastic clips and adhesive tape, but the skilled person can adapt any other means of attachment without departing from the scope of the invention.

  Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown. It is also possible to consider that: E one of the elements of the box (cap, belt, bottom) may comprise means of openings such as one or more pre-cut lines, a tear zone and a strip of uprooting.

  The band used for the manufacture of the blanks can have indefinite dimensions and be presented in the form of a coil which is unwound as the blanks are manufactured.

  The shape of the secondary slots may be rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rectangle, curved, etc.

Claims (32)

  1. A belt made of cardboard or similar material, delivered flat and intended to be volume for the constitution of a transport box body of at least one article (Z), said box having at least three side walls (11). , 12, 21, 22, 41, 42, 101, 102) having a length and a width compatible with the dimensions of the article (K), the box further comprising at least one cap (60) of defined thickness ( e) intended for closing the box, the belt having in volume two transverse edges (14, 15, 24, 25, 44, 45, 104, 105) delimiting respectively in the position of use, an upper face and a face lower part of the box, characterized in that at least one of the transverse edges (14, 24, 44, 104, 105) is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with enough so-called main slots (16, 26, 46, 106) for the belt has at least one main merlon (17, 27, 47, 107) per side wall (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42, 101, 102 ) of the box, each main slot (16, 26, 46, 106) having a bottom (18, 28, 48, 108), and on the other hand, at least one so-called secondary slot (19, 29, 49) 109) provided in the bottom (18, 28, 48, 108) of each main slot (16, 26, 46, 106).   2. Belt (10, 20, 40, 100, 200) according to claim 1 wherein the upper transverse edge (14, 24, 44) is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots (16, 26 , 46) so that the belt (10, 20, 40, 100, 200) has at least one main merlon (17, 27, 47) per side wall (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42) of the box , each main slot (16, 26, 46) having a bottom (18, 28, 48), and secondly, at least one secondary slot (19, 29, 49) formed in the bottom of each main slot (16, 26, 46), the lower transverse edge (15, 25, 45) of the belt being rectilinear.   The belt (100) according to claim 1 wherein the two transverse edges (104, 105) are symmetrically crenellated and each provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots (106) for the belt to have at least a main beam (107) per side wall (101, 102) of the box, each main slot (106) having a bottom (108), and secondly, at least one secondary slot (109) formed in the bottom (108) of each main slot (106).   4. Belt according to claim 2 extended, along straight fold lines, by flaps intended to constitute, after placing in volume, folding and holding by fastening means, a bottom wall called said base on which the article is arranged, the rectilinear fold lines constituting the rectilinear lower transverse edge.   5. A belt according to claim 2 wherein the lower transverse edge (15, 25, 45) is a rectilinear cut able to take continuous support on a reported lower cap consisting of a base and fixing lugs, adapted to be folded against the side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42) of the waistband (10, 20, 40) set in volume and held in this position by fixing means.   The belt of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the main slots (16, 26, 46, 106) have a depth at most substantially equal to the thickness (e) of the cap (60).   A belt according to any one of claims 1 to 6 having gripping means (30) for facilitating the handling of the box selected from the group consisting of the shelled handles, the unhulled handles, and the inserts made of cardboard, rope, metal or plastic.   8. Belt according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the fixing means are taken from the group consisting of glue, adhesive effect, double-sided transfer tape, staples, plastic clips and tape.   9. A method of manufacturing a blank for the constitution of a belt according to any one of claims 3 to 8 characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) bringing to a cutting station a band in cardboard or similar material and having an upper edge (24) and a lower edge (25) corresponding to those of the belt to constitute; (b) cutting the top edge (24) into sufficient main slots (26) to have at least one main merlon (27) per side wall (21, 22) of the box; (c) cutting at least one secondary slot (29) in the bottom (28) of each main slot (26); and (d) discharging the cut material by applying distributed thrust force to the material in the main (26) and secondary (29) slots.   The method of claim 9 including the further steps of: (e) cutting into the strip material, parallel to the top edge (44) and substantially aligned, oblong slots (50) in number at least equal to number of side walls (41, 42) of the box, each slot (50) having, respectively, with respect to the upper (44) and lower (45) edges of the strip, a large upper side (51) and a large lower side (52), the large upper side (51) being cut in a rectilinear manner while the lower major side (52) is cut to have the same cutout as each main slot (46) of the upper edge (44) of the strip that is, the same number, shape, and slot distribution (53); and (f) cutting the strip from one side to another in a direction parallel to the upper edge (44) along a rectilinear line (D1, D2) collinear with the large upper (51) straight sides of the lumens, to individualize blanks (40a, 40b). , 40e) having main slots (46) and secondary slots (49) on their upper edge (44).   The method of claim 10 wherein step (e) is conducted n times, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, to provide n parallel alignments of oblong slots.   12. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 wherein the shape of the secondary slot (s) (x) (29, 49) cut (s) in step (c) is chosen to allow the application, during step (d), of means for evacuating the falls sufficiently large to effect a thrust able to completely evacuate the falls, and so that the evacuation means are not torn off when the method is carried out at great speed.   13. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the or the second crenel (s) cut (s) (29, 49) in step (c) are uniformly distributed with respect to the axis of symmetry of each main slot (26,46) so that the pushing force applied in step (d) is uniformly distributed along each main slot (26,46).   14. The method of claim 13 wherein step (c) comprises cutting a secondary slot (29, 49) in each main slot (26, 46), the cutout being located substantially on either side of the axis of symmetry of each main slot (26, 46).   15. The method of claim 13 wherein step (c) comprises cutting in each main slot (26, 46) three secondary slots (29, 49), a secondary slot (29, 49) being located substantially in the middle, and the other two second slots (29, 49) being located at the ends of each main slot (26, 46).   The method of forming a belt according to claims 3 to 8 comprising the step of: (a) folding on itself a blank (20) obtained by the method according to claim 9, perpendicular to the upper edge (24); ), and hold it in this position by fastening means (32).   17. A method of forming a belt according to claims 3 to 8 comprising the step of: (a ') folding a blank (40) obtained by the method according to claim 11 on itself, perpendicular to the upper edge ( 44), and fix it in this position by fastening means, this step being performed between steps (e) and (f) of the method of claim 11.   18. A method according to any one of claims 16 or 17 wherein the securing means is taken from the group consisting of glue, long-acting adhesive, double sided tape, staples, clips plastics and tape.   19. A cap for closing an upper and / or lower surface of a belt (10, 20, 40, 100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and comprising a panel (61) having a defined thickness ( e) extended along folding lines (62) by closure flaps (63) adapted to be folded down and held against the side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42, 101, 102) of the belt (10, 20, 40, 100), characterized in that, flat, the folding lines (62) are provided with oblong slots (64) having a length substantially equal to the length of the main merlons (17, 27, 47 , 107) multiplied by a tolerance factor in a range of from 1.05 to 2, preferably from 1.1 to 1.5, typically from 1.25 to 1.35, and a width substantially equal to the sum of the thickness (e) of the blank of the cap (60) and the thickness (e ') of the blank of the belt (10, 20, 40, 100), sum multiplied by a tolerance factor within a range of e 1.05 to 3, preferably 1.4 to 2.5, typically 1.7 to 2.   20. The cap of claim 19 including aperture means in the group consisting of one or more pre-cut lines, a tear zone and a tear strip.   21. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt (10, 20, 40) according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 8 and a cap (60) according to any one of claims 19 or 20 comprising the steps of: (a) arranging the articles (Z) inside the box; (b) having the means for setting articles (Z) in the group consisting of heat-shrinkable sheets (70), cardboard plates, polyurethane foam, air cushions, bubble wrap, typical particulate wedges paper or foam chips and pre-assembled cardboard or foam shells; characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (c) placing the upper cap (60) bearing on the bottom (18, 28, 48) of the main slots (16, 26, 46), so as to arrange the main crimps (17, 27, 47) of the belt within the light tolerances (64) of the upper cap (60); (d) providing fastening means for closing flaps (63) of the upper cap (60); (e) compressing the closure flaps (63) against the waistband (10, 20, 40, 100, 200) such that the main braces (17, 27, 47) are applied against the ledges of the lumens (64) to to oppose a sufficient force to the compression to avoid buckling of the side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42) of the belt (10, 20, 40).   22. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt (10, 20, 40) according to any one of claims 2, 5 to 8 and a cap (60) according to any one of claims 19 or 20 characterized in that, prior to steps (a) to (e) of the method of claim 21, it comprises the steps of: (cd) disposing a bottom cap (K) consisting of a base (Ki) and fixing lugs (K2) adapted to be folded against the side walls of the belt; (a2) shape the belt and maintain it with a rigid template; (a3) glue the fastening tabs of the cap on the side walls of the belt.   23. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt according to any one of claims 2, 5 to 8 and a cap according to any one of claims 19 or 20 comprising the steps of: (ss 1) have a lower cap (K) consisting of a base (KI) and fixing lugs (K2) adapted to be folded against the side walls of the belt; (132) shape the belt and maintain it with a rigid gauge; (133) insert at least two sheets of heat-shrinkable plastic material into the interior of the belt until one of their edges protrudes sufficiently from the lower transverse edge to be each folded between an outer face of a side wall of the belt and a bracket for fixing the cap; (ss4) holding the fastening tabs on the heat-shrinkable sheets and on the side walls by fastening means; (ss5) remove the rigid template; (a ') arranging the articles (Z) inside the belt, between the heat-shrinkable sheets and on the base of the lower cap; (b ') folding the heat-shrinkable sheets on the articles and transporting the assembly under a heat source to retract and compress the articles against each other; characterized in that the flap of the plastics sheets is uniformly against the straight bottom transverse edge of the belt so that the plastics sheets have no creases, and in that it comprises the steps of: ') place the upper cap so as to arrange the main merlons of the belt within the tolerances of the lights of the upper cap; (d ') providing means for fastening the closure flaps on the upper cap; and (e ') compressing the closure flaps against the waistband such that the main brigs are applied against the ledges of the lumens to provide sufficient force for compression to prevent buckling of the sidewalls of the waistband and by consequently a poor fixation of the upper cap on the belt.   24. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt according to any one of claims 2, 4, 6 to 8 and a cap according to any one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that, prior to the step (a) to (e) of the method of claim 21, it comprises the following preliminary steps: (yl) shaping the belt; and (y2) constituting the bottom of the belt by folding the flaps along the rectilinear fold lines and holding them in this position by fastening means so as to constitute the rectilinear lower transverse edge of the belt and the bottom adapted to receive the articles.   25. A method of packaging articles according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the fastening means are taken from the group consisting of glue, adhesive effect, double-sided tape transfer , staples, plastic clips and tape.   Cardboard box or similar material for transporting at least one article (Z), formed during packaging according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising a belt (10, 20, 40) and at least one a cap (60) of defined thickness (e) for closing the box (80), the belt having in volume at least three side walls (11, 12, 21, 22, 41, 42) and two transverse edges (14, 15, 24, 25, 44, 45), characterized in that: (a) the upper transverse edge (14, 24, 44) of the belt is crenellated and provided, on the one hand, with sufficient slots; main for the belt has at least one main merlon per side wall of the box, each main slot having a bottom, and secondly, at least one secondary slot formed in the bottom of each main slot, the transverse edge lower of the belt being rectilinear; (b) the belt is provided with a base taken from the group consisting of an attached cap (K) and flaps extending the belt along fold lines, the base being held substantially perpendicular to the side walls by fastening means ; and (c) the cap (60) is for closing the upper face of a belt and comprises a panel having a defined thickness (e) extended along fold lines by folded closure flaps and held against side walls of the belt, the fold lines being provided with oblong slots in which are inserted the main merlons of the upper edge of the belt, the merlons flush with the plane constituted by the panel (61) of the cap.   27. A method of manufacturing a blank for the constitution of a belt (100) according to claim 3 characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (a) bringing to a cutting station a strip of cardboard or material similar and having an upper edge (104) and a lower edge (105) corresponding to those of the belt (100) to be constituted; (b) symmetrically cutting the upper (104) and lower (105) edges into sufficient main slots (106) to have at least one main merlon (107) per side wall (101, 102) of the box ; (c) cutting at least one secondary slot (109) in the bottom (108) of each main slot (106); and (d) discharging the cut material by applying a distributed thrust force to the material in the main and secondary slots.   The method of claim 27 including the further steps of: (e) cutting into the strip material, parallel to the upper edge (104) and substantially aligned, oblong slots (150) in number at least equal to number of side walls (101, 102) of the box, each light (150) having, respectively with respect to the upper (104) and lower (105) edges of the strip, a large upper side and a lower large side, both long sides being cut to have the same cutout as each main slot (106) of the respective lower (105) and upper (104) edges of the strip, namely the same number, shape, and slot distribution ( x) secondary (109); and (f) cutting the strip from side to side parallel to the transverse edges in a rectilinear line (D3, D4) symmetrically separating each light (150) of the same alignment in two, to individualize blanks having main slots and slots; secondary on their two transverse edges.   The method of claim 28 wherein step (e) is conducted n times, n is an integer greater than or equal to 1, to provide n parallel alignments of oblong slots.   30. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt according to any one of claims 3 to 8 and a cap according to any of claims 19 or 20 comprising the steps of: items inside the box; (b) arranging the means for setting articles in the group consisting of cardboard plates, polyurethane foam, air cushions, bubble wrap, particulate types of paper or foam chips and pre-shaped shells -faced with cardboard or foam; characterized in that it comprises the steps of: (c) placing the upper cap bearing on the bottom of the main slots, so as to arrange the main webs of the belt within the tolerances of the lights of the upper cap; (D) providing means for attaching the closure flaps to the upper cap; and (e) compressing the closure flaps against the waistband such that the main merlons are applied against the ledges of the lumens to provide sufficient force for compression to prevent buckling of the sidewalls of the waistband.   31. A method of packaging articles in a box comprising a belt according to any one of claims 3 to 8 and a cap according to any one of claims 19 or 20, characterized in that, prior to the steps (a) in (e) the method of claim 30, it comprises the steps of: (51) disposing a cap according to one of claims 19 or 20; (82) shaping the belt and inserting the main merlons of the lower transverse edge into the lights of the cap; (83) compressing the fastening tabs of the lower cap against the belt so that the lower main horns are applied against the ledges of the lumens to provide sufficient force for compression to prevent buckling of the side walls of the belt ; and (84) maintaining the fastening tabs of the cap on the side walls of the belt by fastening means.   Cardboard box or similar material for transporting at least one article (B), formed during packaging according to any one of claims 30 or 31, and comprising a belt according to any one of claims 3 8 and two caps according to any one of claims 19 or 20 for closing the box, the belt having in volume at least three side walls and two transverse edges, characterized in that: (a) the two transverse edges of the belt are crenellated and each provided, on the one hand, with sufficient main slots so that the belt has at least one main merlon per side wall of the box, each main slot having a bottom, and on the other hand, at least one secondary slot in the bottom of each main slot; and (b) the caps for closing the upper and lower faces of the belt comprise a panel having a defined thickness (e) extended along fold lines by closure flaps adapted to be folded down and held against the side walls of the belt, the fold lines being provided with oblong lights in which are inserted the main merlons of the edges of the belt, the merlons flush with the planes formed by the panel of each of the caps.