EP0965528A1 - Containers formed from sheet material and blanks for forming the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a box and a blank of cardboard sheet material produced from said blank (F3) comprising a series of eight rectangular flaps (1 to 8) forming the side walls of the box and terminated by a rectangular fixing tab. (16), namely four main flaps separated two by two by four intermediate flaps and two sets of flaps. The free edges of the intermediate flaps directed from the side of a first set of flaps have projections 71, and the free edges of the intermediate flaps directed from the side of the other set of flaps have notches 70. The end flap of the following shutters and the tongue on the one hand and the flaps on the other hand, are fixed by application to each other and by gluing, said box being mounted automatically by folding down said flaps and flaps of said first set around a mandrel.

Description

The present invention relates to cardboard boxes, corrugated board or like sheet material, as well as the blanks of such material for the production of said boxes and a machine for making said boxes from said blanks.

By patents US-A-4,242,949, DE-A-3,541,821 and FR-A-2 629,012, for example, we know machines thanks to which it is possible to make a cardboard box or the like by winding a blank around a mandrel. In these machines, said mandrel has a section essentially square or rectangular, so the cases obtained have four side faces delimiting a volume whose section, parallel to the bottom of said boxes, is also square or rectangular. Of course, two adjacent side faces are then orthogonal to each other and form a perpendicular edge at the bottom of the box.

Such cases are used to package objects or groups of objects introduced into it through the lid remained open, the closure of said cover not being carried out only after introduction of said objects.

It rarely, if ever, happens that the section of the charge constituted by said objects or groups of objects either square or rectangular and fits exactly to that of the box in which said charge is introduced, so that said load is not firmly held in said box by the lateral faces of the latter and that the corners of said case are protruding and empty. As a result, said charge can move at inside the box, causing instability raising handling and loading difficulties at on board a means of transport. In addition, the protruding corners of the body are exposed to external aggressions and can be easily torn, which affects presentation and the protection of packaged products. Finally, the empty corners of the crate is a waste of sheet material, since useless.

To partially remedy these drawbacks, the patent US-A-4 308 029 proposes to have an object to be packaged at inside said mandrel and wind the blank under tension and with elastic deformation of two faces opposite sides of the body. So we get a square section packaging, the sides of which are exactly tangent to the walls of said object.

Note that the implementation of the machine described in the latter patent raises difficulties when group of objects (not a single object) must be packed in the crate. In addition, the packaging obtained also has protruding and empty corners, susceptible to be damaged and unnecessary.

The object of the present invention is to remedy these disadvantages. To this end, according to the invention, the cash box sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard, having square or rectangular side faces two by two connected by a fold line, said fold lines being parallel to each other, is remarkable in that it has at least five sides side.

• on peut adapter au mieux la forme de la section de la caisse à la section de la charge qu'elle doit contenir, de sorte que celle-ci peut être maintenue latéralement de façon optimale ;
• on peut supprimer les coins saillants vides et inutiles de la caisse, ce qui permet de réduire les risques de détérioration desdits coins saillants et de faire des économies de matière en feuille. Ces coins saillants (dièdres à 90°) sont alors transformés en dièdres plus ouverts (angle supérieur à 90°), moins vulnérables aux agressions extérieures ;
• on augmente le nombre des arêtes latérales et donc la résistance à la compression de la caisse.

Thus, thanks to the high number of said lateral faces of the box in accordance with the present invention:

• the shape of the body section can best be adapted to the section of the load that it must contain, so that it can be optimally maintained laterally;
• we can remove the empty and unnecessary projecting corners of the box, which reduces the risk of deterioration of said projecting corners and to save sheet material. These protruding corners (90 ° dihedrons) are then transformed into more open dihedrons (angle greater than 90 °), less vulnerable to external aggressions;
• the number of lateral edges and therefore the compressive strength of the body is increased.

Preferably, said box has, parallel to its bottom, a quadrangular section with cut corners. She can have eight sides and have a rectangular section at the four cut corners. It may also not include as six side faces, the four corners also being cut. Alternatively, the box according to the invention can have six side faces, with only two corners consecutive cut. According to another variant, the cash register the invention has eight side faces and has a square section with four cut corners. In this last case, the eight side faces can be identical.

According to another embodiment, the body conforming to the invention has, parallel to its bottom, a section triangular with cut corners. It can have five sides side and present a triangular cross section to two cut corners. It can also have six sides side and present a triangular section to the three cut corners.

Thus, according to the invention, a blank of sheet material, such as cardboard or corrugated cardboard intended for the realization of the body according to the present invention and comprising a series of rectangular or square shutters linked together to the others by first parallel fold lines to each other and a first set of flaps lateral disposed on one side of said series of flaps, connected to it by second fold lines perpendicular to said first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the bottom of said body, is remarkable in that said suite comprises at minus five strands.

Preferably, this blank further comprises a second set side flaps arranged on the other side of said suite shutters, connected to it by third lines of folding perpendicular to said first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the cover of said case.

Some shutters may not have side flaps said first set and / or said second set.

It is advantageous that at least one flap of said first set and / or the second set present, at least at least vicinity of said second or third fold line corresponding, the shape of the body section obtained from said blank.

Two flaps, respectively of said first and second sets of flaps, connected to the same flap, can be identical or different in shape.

Advantageously, a flap comprising neither flap of said first set, nor flap of said second set comprises, on the other hand, a nipple on its edge being on the side said first set of flaps and a notch on its edge located on the side of said second set of flaps, so that when two crates obtained from two such identical blanks are superimposed on the nipple of the lower body enters the notch of the body superior. The cases thus obtained are then easily stackable.

At the same end, as a variant, it can be provided that the flaps said first and second sets, which are located outside when the body is formed, have complementary forms such as when two such boxes are superimposed, the flaps of said first set of the lower case fit into the flaps of said second set of the upper body.

In order to further strengthen the solidity of compliant boxes to the invention, it is advantageous that at least one flap of said first set and / or said second set, comprises at minus a folding leg capable of being fixed to a flap, when the box is formed from said blank.

• un mandrin, dont la section extérieure correspond à la section intérieure de ladite caisse à obtenir ;
• des moyens pour supporter librement un volet intermédiaire de ladite suite de volets au moins approximativement en regard de la face correspondante dudit mandrin, mais à quelque distance de celle-ci, puis pour rapprocher ledit volet intermédiaire en direction de ladite face correspondante du mandrin, puis presser ledit volet intermédiaire contre ladite face correspondante, après repliement des volets adjacents audit volet intermédiaire jusqu'à ce que lesdits volets adjacents portent contre ledit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour enrouler ladite suite de volets autour dudit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour fixer entre eux les volets extrêmes de ladite suite de volets ainsi enroulée sur ledit mandrin ;
• des moyens pour replier les rabats dudit premier ensemble contre une face correspondante dudit mandrin ; et
• des moyens pour fixer les uns aux autres lesdits rabats ainsi repliés.

In French patent FR-A-2 629 012, a machine is described for the production of a box from a blank of material or sheet comprising a series of rectangular or square shutters connected to each other by first lines fold parallel to each other and a first set of side flaps disposed on one side of said series of flaps, connected thereto by second fold lines perpendicular to said first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the bottom of said box, said machine comprising:

• a mandrel, the outer section of which corresponds to the inner section of said body to be obtained;
• means for freely supporting an intermediate flap of said series of flaps at least approximately opposite the corresponding face of said mandrel, but at a distance therefrom, then for bringing said intermediate flap towards said corresponding face of the mandrel, then pressing said intermediate flap against said corresponding face, after folding the flaps adjacent to said intermediate flap until said adjacent flaps bear against said mandrel;
• means for winding said series of shutters around said mandrel;
• means for fixing between them the end flaps of said series of flaps thus wound on said mandrel;
• means for folding the flaps of said first assembly against a corresponding face of said mandrel; and
• means for fixing to each other said flaps thus folded.

Such a machine overcomes the drawbacks inherent to those provided for the creation of the boxes American. It is therefore advantageous to perfect a such machine for the production of cases according to the invention.

To this end, according to another aspect of this invention, the machine of the type recalled above is remarkable in that said mandrel has at least five faces and in that said support means, bringing together and of pressure of said intermediate flap comprise a plate of pressure comprising two faces rigidly linked between them, the first of said faces corresponding to said flap intermediate and the second to a first adjacent flap said intermediate flap, said first and second faces of the pressure plate determining a first dihedral as when said first side is applied against said face of the corresponding mandrel, said second face which is applied against the face of said mandrel corresponds to said first adjacent flap, the edge of said first dihedral then being in coincidence with the edge of said mandrel determined by said corresponding faces of said mandrel.

Thus, two flaps of said blank are perfectly positioned relative to the mandrel and held relative to the faces corresponding thereof during the winding of said blank, so the case obtained is particularly precise in shape.

To further increase this accuracy, it is advantageous that said pressure plate has a third face rigidly connected to said first and second faces of said plate, and corresponding to the second adjacent flap said intermediate flap, said first and third faces of the pressure plate determining a second dihedral such that when said first and second faces are applied against said faces of the mandrel which correspond, said third face is applied against the face of said mandrel corresponding to said second flap adjacent, the edge of said second dihedral being then in coincidence with the edge of said mandrel determined by said corresponding faces of said mandrel. So, during the final phase of winding the flaps three of them are precisely arranged and maintained firmly against the corresponding faces of the mandrel.

Advantageously, said means for winding said series flaps around the mandrel have a movable assembly comprising tilting arms.

La figure 1 montre, à plat, un flan de matière en feuille pour la fabrication d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une caisse conforme à la présente invention.

Les figures 2 et 3 montrent en perspective la caisse obtenue à partir du flan de la figure 1, le couvercle de ladite caisse étant respectivement représenté ouvert (figure 2) et fermé (figure 3).

La figure 4 illustre, en coupe transversale parallèle à son fond, une utilisation de la caisse des figures 2 et 3.

Les figures 5,6 et 7 illustrent schématiquement le processus de formation de la caisse de la figure 2 à partir du flan de la figure 1.

Les figures 8,10 et 12 sont des vues schématiques en élévation d'une machine destinée à la fabrication de la caisse de la figure 2, à partir du flan de la figure 1, à différents stades de cette fabrication.

Les figures 9, 11 et 13 sont des vues schématiques de dessus correspondant respectivement aux figures 8, 10 et 12.

Les figures 14, 15 et 16 illustrent schématiquement en vues latérales partielles, perpendiculaires aux figures 8, 10 et 12, la fermeture du fond de la caisse des figures 2 et 3.

Les figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53 et 56 montrent, à plat, respectivement des variantes de flans conformes à la présente invention.

Les figures 18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,45,48,51,54 et 57 montrent, en perspective les caisses obtenues respectivement à partir des flans des figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,44, 47,50,53 et 56, lesdites caisses ayant leur couvercle ouvert.

Les figures 19,22,25,28,31,34,37,40,42,46,49,52,55 et 58 montrent, en perspective, les caisses obtenues respectivement à partir des flans des figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38, 41,44,47,50,53 et 56, lesdites caisses ayant leur couvercle fermé.

La figure 43 est une vue en bout de la caisse de la figure 42, obtenue à partir du flan de la figure 41.

The figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements.

Figure 1 shows, flat, a blank of sheet material for the manufacture of a first embodiment of a box according to the present invention.

Figures 2 and 3 show in perspective the box obtained from the blank of Figure 1, the cover of said box being respectively shown open (Figure 2) and closed (Figure 3).

FIG. 4 illustrates, in cross section parallel to its bottom, a use of the box of FIGS. 2 and 3.

Figures 5,6 and 7 schematically illustrate the process of forming the box of Figure 2 from the blank of Figure 1.

Figures 8,10 and 12 are schematic elevational views of a machine for the manufacture of the box of Figure 2, from the blank of Figure 1, at different stages of this manufacture.

Figures 9, 11 and 13 are schematic top views corresponding respectively to Figures 8, 10 and 12.

Figures 14, 15 and 16 schematically illustrate in partial side views, perpendicular to Figures 8, 10 and 12, the closure of the bottom of the box of Figures 2 and 3.

Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38,41,44,47,50,53 and 56 show, flat, respectively, variants of blanks according to the present invention.

Figures 18,21,24,27,30,33,36,39,45,48,51,54 and 57 show, in perspective, the boxes obtained respectively from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23,26,29 , 32,35,38,44, 47,50,53 and 56, said cases having their lid open.

Figures 19,22,25,28,31,34,37,40,42,46,49,52,55 and 58 show, in perspective, the cases obtained respectively from the blanks of Figures 17,20,23, 26,29,32,35,38, 41,44,47,50,53 and 56, said cases having their lid closed.

FIG. 43 is an end view of the box of FIG. 42, obtained from the blank of FIG. 41.

The blank F1 of sheet material, for example cardboard or of corrugated cardboard, shown in Figure 1 has a series of eight rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8, two by two connected by preformed and parallel fold lines 9 to 15. Along the free edge of the extreme flap 1 of said suite of flaps is arranged a tongue 16 connected to said flap extreme 1 by a fold line 17, parallel to the lines folding 9 to 15.

In addition, on each side of each section 1,3,5 and 7 flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 are respectively provided and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7. Each side flap 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 is articulated to the corresponding 1,3,5 or 7 flap by a preformed fold line 20.1, 20.3, 20.5 or 20.7. These fold lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5 and 20.7 are aligned and perpendicular to fold lines 9 to 15 and 17. Likewise, each side flap 19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.7 is articulated in the corresponding 1,3,5,7 flap by a line of preformed folding 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 or 21.7. The lines of folding 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7 are aligned and perpendicular fold lines 9 to 15 and 17. Flaps 2,4,6 and 8 have no lateral flap.

The rectangular shutters 1 to 8 all have the same height h . The two flaps 1 and 5 are identical to each other and have a width l . The two flaps 3 and 7 are identical to each other and have a width L, greater than l .

The four flaps 2,4,6 and 8 are identical to each other and have a width e less than l . The height h is greater than L.

The blank F1 is intended to form, by winding and securing the flaps 1 to 8 and securing the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 - as described below in more detail with regard to Figures 5 to 16 - the box C1 shown in Figure 3. The box C1 has a height equal to h , a length L1 and a width l1 . It has the general appearance of a rectangular section box with four cut corners. In the box C1, the large side faces are formed by the flaps 3 and 7, while the small side faces are formed by the flaps 1 and 5, the flaps 2,4,6 and 8 forming the cut corners of said box C1 . In addition, the bottom of the box C1 is constituted by the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, while the cover of said box C1 is constituted by the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

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

The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. They have a length equal to the length L1 of the box C1 and a width l1 / 2 equal to half the width l1 of the latter. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7, the length L1 of which is greater than the width L of the corresponding flaps 3 and 7, are connected to the said flaps by a converging part whose inclined edges 22 have a length a equal to the width e of the flaps 2,4,6 and 8. Thus, each of said flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 corresponds in shape to half of the section of the body C1.

In Figure 4, there is illustrated, in cross section, a application of box C1 to the packaging of six bottles B separated by a dividing spider S. We can see that, thanks to the cut corners corresponding to the flaps 2,4,6 and 8, the end bottles B are well maintained, since these cut corners pitch the latter. These corners, slightly protruding, are relatively little vulnerable to external aggressions. In addition, at each corner, relative to a known rectangular box, we see that we uses only a / 2b proportion of sheet material. Yes the faces 2,4,6 and 8 are inclined at 45 ° relative to the 1,3,5,7 faces, this proportion is equal to 1 / √2, that is to say equal to 70%. The result is, for each corner, material savings equal to 30%.

Finally, the C1 box has eight side edges, corresponding respectively to fold lines 9 to 17, which gives it compressive strength greater than that of a rectangular section box.

In FIGS. 8 to 16, a diagram is illustrated machine for manufacturing the C1 box, with open cover, as shown in figure 2. These figures are, for clarity, purposely partial and simplified and they don't each have that the elements necessary for understanding the phases that they illustrate.

The machine of FIGS. 8 to 16 comprises a mandrel 23 (shown on a larger scale in FIGS. 5 to 7), the external shape of which corresponds to the internal shape of the box C1 to be obtained from the blank F1. To this end, the section of the mandrel 23 is rectangular with cut sides. As shown in Figures 8 to 16, the length of the mandrel 23 may be different from the height h of the box C1. The mandrel 23 may be full or only made up of a frame delimiting its edges, as shown in said figures 5 to 7. In these figures, it has been assumed that said mandrel 23 was made up of profiles 24 (seen at the end on the FIGS. 5 to 7), parallel and of rectangular section with a cut corner, defining lateral support faces 25 to 32 for the flaps of the blank F1, folding edges 33 to 40 corresponding to the fold lines between said flaps, and a front support face 41 for the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7, the contour of said support face 41 forming folding edges corresponding to the fold lines of said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7. In FIGS. 5 to 7, the diagram is illustrated

F1 blank positioning process relative to mandrel 23, when it is desired to apply the shutter intermediate 3 against the corresponding underside 25 of the mandrel 23.

By known means, for example those shown in document FR-A-2 629 012, a blank F1 is brought in the vicinity of the mandrel 23, so that its flap 3 is disposed at least approximately opposite the bearing face. 25. Although the lateral positioning of said flap 3 relative to said face 25 is sought as precise as possible, it may happen that a lateral offset δ appears between the flap 3 and said bearing face 25. To avoid folding nuisance of the blank F1, outside of the fold lines 10 and 11, when the other flaps of the blank F1 are folded down, it is made so that, before the said other flaps are folded down, the flap 3 is moved away from the bearing face 25 from a distance d (see Figure 5). Then, during the folding down of said flaps 2.1 and of the tongue 16 on the one hand, and of flaps 4 to 8 on the other hand, the flap 3 is brought closer to the bearing face 25 by means of a pressure plate 42, the profile of which is concave and which, transversely to the mandrel 23, has a face 43 superimposable on the face 25 of said mandrel, a face 44 superimposable on the face 26 of the mandrel 23 and a face 45 superimposable on the face 32 of the latter, the faces 43 and 44 being connected to each other by an edge 46 superimposable on the edge 34, while the faces 43 and 45 are connected to each other by an edge 47 superimposable at the edge 33. Thus, during the approximation of the flap 3 of the face 25 (arrow F), the flaps 2.1 and the tongue 16, on the one hand and the flaps 4 to 8 on the other hand, are in support against the mandrel 23 (see the dotted lines 48 and 49 in FIG. 5), which generates a lateral guiding effect and exactly positions the flap 3 relative to to the support face 25 (see FIG. 6). When the plate 42 presses the flap 3 against the bearing face 25 (see FIG. 7), the fold lines 10 and 11 are exactly superimposed on the fold edges 33 and 34 and the fold lines 9 and 12 are exactly superimposed at the folding edges 40 and 35.

Since then the F1 blank is temporarily made integral of the mandrel 23 by the pressure exerted by the plate 42, the case formation C1 can be continued by winding of the blank F1 around said mandrel (See the lines in dotted in Figure 8).

Thanks to such a winding, the flaps 1,5,6,7,8 are respectively applied against the faces 31,27,28,29 and 30 and the tongue 16 is folded down on the face 30 (front or after part 8). It is therefore possible to join the tongue 16 and flap 8, for example by gluing.

Then the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are folded around the edges of the front face 41 of the corresponding mandrel 23 respectively to fold lines 20.1 and 20.5, to come apply against said corresponding front face 41 of the mandrel 23.

Finally, the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are folded around the edges of the front face 41 of the corresponding mandrel 23 respectively to fold lines 20.3 and 20.7 and applied against flaps 18.1 and 18.5 already folded, of so that said flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 can be united to each other, for example by collage.

We then obtain the box C1 shown in FIG. 2, fitted on the mandrel 23 and open on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7.

To fill this box C1, it is released from the mandrel 23 and we make it rest on its bottom consisting of flaps united 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7. After filling, the box C1 can be closed by folding the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, respectively around the fold lines 21.1 and 21.5, then by folding the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 onto the folded flaps 19.1 and 19.5, and finally by joining said flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7, for example by collage. We then obtain the closed box C1 shown by Figure 3.

The above operations can be performed automatically thanks to the machine illustrated schematically and partially in Figures 8 to 16. This machine comprises a frame 50 with respect to which the mandrel 23 and the pressure plate 42. It comprises plus a device (not shown), of any known type, allowing to take one by one of the F1 blanks in a store to bring them under the mandrel 23. Glueers 51, 52 and 53, mounted on the frame 50, make it possible to deposit lines of adhesive 54,55,56, respectively on the tongue 16 and on the flaps 18.1 and 18.5, during the supply of a blank F1 under the mandrel 23.

Thus, thanks to the glueers 51 to 53, the blank F1 is arranged, already glued, under the mandrel 23 in the position shown in Figure 5, above the plate pressure 42, driven by a jack 57, carried by the frame 50.

To wind the flaps 1 to 8 and the tab 16 around the mandrel 23, the machine comprises a mechanism comprising a moving part 58 which can be raised or lowered by by means of a jack 59, bearing on the frame 50.

The moving element 58 comprises two articulated arms 60 and 61, for example respectively moved by a linkage 62 connected to the frame 50 and by a cam 63 mounted on said frame.

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

A blank F1 being brought under the mandrel 23 so as to be find in the position of figure 5 (see figures 8 and 9), the cylinders 57 and 59 are actuated so that, hand, the pressure plate 42 approaches the mandrel 23 and that, on the other hand, the articulated arms 60 and 61, in response to the rise of the moving equipment 58, fold the flaps of the blank F1, respectively arranged on the side and other side of shutter 3. The blank F1 then takes, with respect to the mandrel 23, successively the relative positions illustrated by figures 6 and 7. Then, the rise of the moving part 58 continuing, arms 60 and 61 flatten flaps 5,6 and 1 respectively against corresponding faces 27, 28 and 31 of the mandrel 23 (see the Figures 10 and 11).

The presser 68 then applies the tongue 16 against the face 30 of the mandrel, after which the other presser 69 applies the flap 8 against the tongue 16 and the face 30. Thanks to the line of adhesive 54, the flap 8 is therefore secured to the tab 16 (see Figures 12 and 13).

Then, the actuators 64 and 65 fold the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 against the front face 41 of the mandrel 23 (FIG. 11), after which the actuators 66 and 67 apply respectively flap 18.7 (figure 15) then flap 18.3 (figure 16) against the folded flaps 18.1 and 18.5. Thanks to the lines of adhesive 55 and 56, the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 are joined together to form the bottom of the box C1.

Figures 17,20,23,26,29,32,35,38 and 41 show respectively blanks of sheet material F2 to F10 susceptible to form rectangular section boxes with corners cut, like box C1. In the blanks F2, F3, F5 to F9 of the Figures 17,20,26,29,32,35, and 38 we find the continuation of eight rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8, two to two connected by the preformed and parallel fold lines 9 to 15 and bordered by fold lines 20.1, 20.3, 20.5, 20.7, 21.1, 21.3, 21.5 and 21.7, as described above opposite of FIG. 1. However, in these alternative embodiments, flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7 and 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have different shapes, so that the cases obtained C2, C3 and C5 to C9 are different from the box C1, although having the same rectangular section with cut corners.

With regard to the blanks F4 and F10 of FIGS. 23 and 41, the continuation of the rectangular shutters aligned 1 to 8 is also different, so that the corresponding C4 cases and C10 are different from box C1, although similar section.

From the above, it will be easily understood that the C2 boxes to C10 can be obtained by implementing the machine described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 16, possibly by adapting the position and / or the number of glueers 51 to 53, actuators 64 to 67 and pressers 68.69.

In the blank F2 of FIG. 17, the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical and rectangular. They have a length equal to the width L of the flaps 3 and 7 and a width equal to half of l1. In addition, the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to each other and each of them has a length equal to 11. These are the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 which therefore comprise, in the vicinity of their fold line with the corresponding flaps, the widening provided by the inclined edges 22, these having the length a .

The blank F3 of FIG. 20 is identical to the blank F2 of the Figure F2, except for the free edges of the flaps 2,4,6,8 and tongue 16. Free edges said flaps and said tongue directed towards the side of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 have indentations 70, while those directed on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have projections 71. Thus, the box C3 has slots 73 at its lower part and at its part upper of the studs 74. When two C3 boxes are superimposed, the nipples 74 of the lower body penetrate in the slots 73 of the upper case, so that said boxes are held laterally one by compared to each other.

The flaps 2 to 8 and the flaps 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 of the blank F4 of FIG. 23 are identical to those of the blank F1 of FIG. 1. On the other hand, the flap 1, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1 and 19.1 have been removed and replaced by two rectangular flaps 1.1 and 1.2, respectively integral with the outer edges of flaps 2 and 9, along the fold lines 9 and 75. Each flap 1.1 and 1.2 is associated with flaps respectively rectangular 18.11, 19.11 and 18.72, 19.72. The flaps 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11, 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 have a width l2 greater than the half width l of the flap 5. Thus, after folding the blank F4 around the mandrel 23, the flaps 1.1 and 1.2 and the flaps 18.11 , 19.11, 18.72 and 19.72 are superimposed along an overlapping area 76, along which they can be joined, for example by gluing.

For the most part, in the blank F5 of FIG. 26, the flaps 1 to 8, the tongue 16, the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5, 18.7, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to those of the F1 blank of the FIG. 1. However, along their inclined edges 22, the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 have tabs 77. For elsewhere, the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have a shape which corresponds to the body section C5. In addition, the edges inclined 22 and 78 cut corners of flap 19.7 have legs 79. Thus, when the body C5 is formed at from the F5 blank, the legs 77 and 79 are folded down and secured to the faces of said box corresponding to flaps 2,4,6 and 8. The legs 77 and 79 therefore constitute reinforcements, linking the bottom and the cover of the C5 box to the side wall thereof. We also planned a handle 80 on the flap 19.7, said handle 80 being accessible through a slot 81 provided in the flap 19.3 when the latter is folded over the flap 19.7 and joined to it.

In the blank F6 of FIG. 9, the flaps 1 to 8, the tab 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 are identical to those of the blank F2 of FIG. 17. On the other hand, flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have a small width and all have inclined edges 22. Thus, the body C6 has a cover with only a border peripheral 82, delimiting a central opening 83.

The blank F7 in FIG. 32 has flaps 1 to 8, a tongue 16 and flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 similar to those of the blank F1 in FIG. 1. The flaps 19.1 and 19.5 are rectangular, of length equal to the width l of the flaps 1 and 7, but of small width. The flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have inclined widening edges 22, but their width is less than 11/2. In addition, in longitudinal extension, said flaps 19.3 and 19.7 have tabs 84. Thus, the body C7 has a cover consisting of a peripheral edge 85 defining a central opening 86, the tabs 84, after folding and gluing, securing said cover lateral faces of said box corresponding to flaps 1 and 5.

In the blank F8 of FIG. 35, the flaps 1 to 8 and the tab 16 are identical to those of the blanks F1 and F2 of the Figures 1 and 2. The flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are identical to each other. Likewise, flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. Each flap 18.1, 18.5, 19.1, 19.5 comprises, in the vicinity of its fold line and for connection to the corresponding flap, a widening zone with inclined edges 22, then an area of narrowing with inclined edges 87, direction opposite edges 22, and finally an area 88 of length constant. Each flap 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 includes, in the vicinity of its fold line and connection to corresponding flap, an area 89 of constant width, then an enlargement zone with inclined edges 90 and finally an area 91 of constant length.

The total width of the flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 is equal to half of l1 and their length, at the level of the constant-length portion 91, is equal to L1. The box C8 obtained from the blank F8 is shown in FIGS. 36 and 37.

In the blank F9 of FIG. 38, the flaps 1 to 8, the tongue 16 and the flaps 18.1, 18.5, 19.1 and 19.5 are similar to those of the blank F2 in FIG. 17. However, the width of the said flaps is less than the half of l1 . The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are identical to each other. They comprise, in the vicinity of their fold line and of connection to the corresponding flap, a rectangular part 92, then a narrowing part 93, with inclined edges 94. The width of these latter flaps is equal to half of l1 . As illustrated in FIG. 38, the manufacture of the blanks F9 is economical in sheet material, since two blanks F9 can be nested one inside the other, with longitudinal offset.

In Figure 41, there is shown a blank F10 in which the series of flaps 1 to 8 is such that the height h thereof is less than the width L of flaps 3 and 7, unlike what has been shown for the blanks F1 to F9, previously described. The flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are substantially similar to those of the blank F2 of Figure 17, while the flaps 18.3 and 18.7 are substantially similar to those of the blank F1 of Figure 1. In addition, the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 are substantially similar to those of the blank F2 of FIG. 17. The lateral edges of the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 include notches 95.

The bottom of the C10 body is formed by the folding and fixing of the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 on the flaps 18.3 and 18.7, previously folded down, so that said flaps 18.1 and 18.5 are protruding from these. The cover of the box C10 is formed by the folding and fixing the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 on the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, previously folded down, so that said flaps 19.3 and 19.7, projecting from the flaps 19.1 and 19.5, form cavities 96 at the ends of said checkout. The shape of said cavities 96 corresponds to that of flaps 18.1 and 18.5. So when two C10 boxes are superimposed, the projections formed by the flaps 18.1 and 18.5 from the bottom of the upper body are housed in the cavities 96 of the lower case cover, of so that the cooperation of projections 18.1 and 18.5 and cavities 96 ensures the vertical stability of said boxes. This stability is further reinforced by the fact that the flaps 2,4,6,8 include the projections 71 and the notches 70 of the blank F3 of FIG. 20, so that the box C10 has nipples 74 and similar recesses 73 to those of the C3 box, favoring the stacking of said C10 boxes.

In the blank F11 of FIG. 44, the flaps 1 and 5 of the blanks F1 to F10 described above have been removed. Of plus, component 8 is linked to component 2 and carries the tab 16. As a result, the box C11 has a hexagonal section and no longer octagonal. Flaps triangular 18.2, 18.4, 18.6, 18.8, 19.2, 19.4, 19.6 and 19.8 are arranged at the ends of the flaps 2, 4, 6 and 8. The flaps 18.3, 18.7, 19.3 and 19.7 are trapezoidal.

So, in the C11 box, the corners are largely cut, resulting in total removal, compared to the cases C1 to C10, side faces corresponding to flaps 1 and 5.

Box C12 in Figures 48 and 49 has only two corners consecutive cut. For this purpose, the corresponding blank F12 has the same series of flaps 8,2,3,4,6,7 as the blank F11, but, after forming the body C12, the flaps 6 and 8 are orthogonal to flap 7. These flaps 6 and 8 do not have no flaps. Sections 2,3,4 and 7 include flaps 18.2, 18.3, 18.4, 18.7, 19.2, 19.3, 19.4 and 19.7 likely to form the bottom and the cover of the box C12.

The blank F13 of FIG. 50 comprises a series of eight identical flaps 1 to 8, to which are respectively associated with identical trapezoidal flaps 18.1 to 18.8 and 19.1 to 19.8. Box C13 obtained from blank F13 therefore has an octagonal section corresponding to a square section with the four corners cut. We are planning for box C13, octagonal plates 97 to form the bottom and the cover, respectively in cooperation with the flaps 18.1 to 18.8 and 19.1 to 19.8.

The blank F14 in FIG. 53 has a series of five flaps 3 to 7, the tongue 16 being linked to the first flap 3. Box C14 therefore has a triangular section with two cut corners. Part 5 carries flaps 18.5 and 19.5 of substantially corresponding triangular shape comprising their base inclined sides 22, to adapt to the faces side corresponding to flaps 4 and 6. In addition the flaps 3 and 7 have flaps 18.3, 18.7 and 19.3, 19.7 intended to support the flaps 18.5 and 19.5 and forming the bottom and the cover of the box C14.

The blank F15 in Figure 56 is similar to the blank F14 in the Figure 53, but has an additional flap 8 and the tip of flaps 18.5 and 19.5 is cut. Box C15 has so a triangular section with three cut corners. Of more, a handle 80 is provided on the flap 8.

It will be readily understood, with the aid of what has been described in look at Figures 5 to 16, that boxes C11 to C15 can be obtained by winding blanks F11 to F15 around mandrels 23 of shape corresponding to the section of said boxes, this winding being carried out in cooperation with a pressure plate 42, the profile of which corresponds to that of two and, preferably three, faces of said mandrel.

Claims (4)

Box (C3, C10) of cardboard sheet material made from a blank (F3, F10) comprising a series of eight rectangular flaps (1 to 8) forming the side walls of the box and terminated by a rectangular tab of fixing (16), said flaps and said tongue being connected to each other by first fold lines (9 to 15, and 17) parallel to each other, namely four main flaps separated two by two by four intermediate flaps, said intermediate flaps being devoid of flap, a first set of lateral flaps (18.1, 18.13, 18.5, 18.7) arranged on one side and connected to the main flaps by second fold lines and at least partially forming the bottom of the box, and a second set of side flaps (19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.7) arranged on the other side of the flaps forming side walls, connected thereto by third fold lines (21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.7) perpendicular the first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the cover of said box,
characterized in that
the free edges of the intermediate flaps directed on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have projections 71, and the free edges of the intermediate flaps directed on the side of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 have notches 70,
and in that
the end flap of the series of flaps and the tongue on the one hand and the flaps on the other hand, are fixed by application to one another and by gluing, said box being mounted automatically by folding down said flaps and flaps said first set around a mandrel. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that the flaps 19.3 and 19.7 folded down and glued on flaps 19.7 and 19.5, are projecting by compared to these, with shift of the lines of folding between on the one hand the folding lines between flaps (3, 7) and flaps (19.3, 19.7) and on the other hand fold lines between flaps (1, 5) and flaps (19.1, 19.5). Blank (F3, F10) for the production of a box with eight side walls comprising a series of eight rectangular flaps (1 to 8) forming said side walls of the box and terminated by a rectangular fixing tongue (16), said flaps and said tongue being connected to each other by first fold lines (9 to 15, and 17) parallel to each other, namely four main flaps separated two by two by four intermediate flaps, said intermediate flaps being devoid of flap , a first set of lateral flaps (18.1, 18.13, 18.5, 18.7) arranged on one side and connected to the main flaps by second fold lines and at least partially forming the bottom of the box,
and a second set of side flaps (19.1, 19.3, 19.5, 19.7) arranged on the other side of the flaps forming side walls, connected thereto by third fold lines (21.1, 21.3, 21.5, 21.7) perpendicular to the first fold lines and intended to form at least partially the cover of said box,
characterized in that
the free edges of the intermediate flaps directed on the side of the flaps 19.1, 19.3, 19.5 and 19.7 have projections 71, and the free edges of the intermediate flaps directed on the side of the flaps 18.1, 18.3, 18.5 and 18.7 have notches 70,
and in that
the end flap of the series of flaps and the tongue on the one hand and the flaps on the other hand, are intended to be fixed only by application to each other and by gluing, said blank being suitable for being folded by folding down of said flaps and flaps of said first set around a mandrel. Blank (F10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the fold lines between on the one hand the flaps (3, 7) and the flaps (19.3, 19.7) and on the other hand the flaps (1, 5) and flaps (19.1, 19.5) are shifted.

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