Packaging comprising means for holding an article in place

Abstract

The invention relates to a package (1) comprising: - a housing (2) defining a cavity, said cavity being delimited by internal faces (24); - closing means for closing said cavity, said closing means comprising a lid (3), said closing means being movably mounted on said housing (2) between an open position allowing access to said cavity and a closed position closing access to said cavity; - holding means (4) comprising a plate (41) for pressing an article against one of said internal faces (24) of said housing (2), said internal face being called support face, and a connection mechanism for connecting said plate (41) to said lid (3) and to said housing (2), said connection mechanism comprising elastic return means (6) for elastically returning said plate (41) to a position pressed against said support face.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the design and manufacture of devices for transporting goods.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to a transport packaging.

[0003] Transport packaging allows items to be safely transported from a first destination to a second destination.

[0004] These packages typically consist of a shell and a lid. The shell defines a cavity that forms a storage space within which the items to be transported are contained, while the lid is used to close the shell to protect the items to be transported.

[0005] To ensure greater protection for the items, and especially to prevent the items from shifting within the casing, some packages include retaining devices to keep the items in the packaging.

[0006] These retaining devices are, for example, in the form of plates, which tend to apply force to the article to keep it pressed against the bottom of the housing.

[0007] The retaining device includes a connecting mechanism for attaching the board to the packaging. This connecting mechanism is integrated with a resilient return mechanism to return the board to a position where it is pressed to the bottom, in which the item is wedged between the bottom and the board.

[0008] These retaining devices have plates, for example, attached to the cover and one of the panels forming the housing, so that the plates are unfolded onto an article located at the bottom of the housing during the closing of the cover. In this case, the connecting mechanism also integrates means for movably driving the plates during the opening or closing of the cover.

[0009] When the packaging is opened, the board is positioned next to the storage space. Closing the lid folds the board over the item, and a spring-loaded return mechanism presses the item against the bottom, thus tending to return the board to the bottom.

[0010] The elastic return device may take the form of a taut cord, which is connected to the plate by one of its ends and extends in the direction of the plate to apply a restoring force from the plate in the direction of the bottom.

[0011] This type of retaining device is known to have two drawbacks.

[0012] Due to the drawbacks of the first type, items may not hold in the packaging adequately: even though the items are positioned between the bottom and the board, vibrations can counteract the restoring force and cause the items to shift. These elastic cords can then be considered too small or at least very inefficient.

[0013] A slack rope with a greater restoring force can overcome the problems encountered with a slack rope that is too small. Therefore, vibrations will no longer, or will be less, likely to cause items wedged between the board and the bottom to shift.

[0014] This elastic cord creates a second type of drawback, causing these cords to be too large: when the packaging needs to be opened, they cause the lid to open abruptly.

[0015] In practice, since the plate is mounted on the packaging in such a way that it can be lifted when the lid is opened, the device that movably drives the plate is a support for the elastic return mechanism. The restoring force is therefore supported by the lid, and once the lid is no longer locked to the packaging shell, the significant restoring force thus causes the lid to open suddenly.

[0016] It should also be noted that an oversized tensioner may make it less easy to seal packaging that contains large items.

[0017] The purpose of this invention is, in particular, to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0018] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a package including a return device that effectively holds the item in place while preventing the return device from causing the lid to open suddenly.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a package in which the return device maintains the effectiveness of the wedge insertion of the article without compromising the closure of the package.

[0020] These objectives, and others which will appear later, are achieved by the present invention, which relates to a package comprising:

[0021] - A housing, the housing defining a cavity, the housing being defined by an inner surface;

[0022] - A sealing device for sealing the cavity, the sealing device including a cover, the sealing device being movably mounted on the housing between an open position allowing access to the cavity and a closed position preventing access to the cavity;

[0023] - A retaining device, the retaining device comprising a plate and a connecting mechanism, the plate being used to press an article against an inner surface of the housing, the inner surface being referred to as a support surface, and the connecting mechanism being used to connect the plate to the cover and the housing;

[0024] The connecting mechanism includes:

[0025] - A drive device for movably driving the plate during the opening or closing of the closure device, the drive device being designed to drive the plate along the direction of the cover and allow access to the cavity during the process of the closure device moving from its closed position to its open position.

[0026] - An elastic return device, which is used to elastically return the plate to the position pressed against the support surface;

[0027] The drive mechanism and the elastic return mechanism are designed to drive the plate together to the position where it presses against the support surface during the process of the closure device moving from its open position to its closed position.

[0028] The elastic return device is characterized in that it includes at least one elastic connector extending from one end connected to the plate to the other end connected to a connection point in the package.

[0029] Furthermore, the connecting mechanism includes a compression device for compressing the elastic connector located between its two ends, the compression device functioning in the closed position of the closure device and not functioning away from the closed position.

[0030] Because of the packaging according to the invention, a return device that applies a restoring force that can be considered "too small" can be used.

[0031] Because of the compression device, the restoring force applied to the plate by the elastic return device is significantly increased during events that could cause the item to move compared to when these compression devices are not present. Therefore, the item is better wedged in.

[0032] The effect of using a flexible return device that is considered too small is that the opening of the package is not sudden.

[0033] These effects are permissible due to the compression device, which reduces the elastic deformation capacity of the resilient connector once the closure (more specifically, the cover) reaches its closed position.

[0034] In other words, compared to the total length of the resilient connector that is operatively disengaged from the closed position, the shorter portion of the resilient connector operatively holds the article wedged in once the closure device reaches its closed position.

[0035] According to an advantageous feature, the cover extends between a front edge and a rear edge, the cover is mounted on the upper edge of the rear panel of the package via its rear edge, and the drive device includes at least one deployable member movably mounted on the cover adjacent to the front edge of the cover, the cover, the rear panel, the resilient return device, and the deployable member forming a deformable parallelogram.

[0036] Therefore, during the process of the closure device moving from its closed position to its open position, the plate is driven along the cavity by a deformable parallelogram mechanism.

[0037] Preferably, the rear panel of the packaging also forms part of the closure device, and the rear panel is rotatably mounted on the base of the housing.

[0038] In this way, the displacement movement of the plate is simplified during the opening or closing of the packaging. In fact, in this case, the plate can move entirely along the cavity during opening the packaging, and during closing of the closure device, the plate has a larger clearance space for positioning with the items positioned on the support surface of the packaging.

[0039] According to an advantageous feature, at least one elastic connector, referred to as the front elastic connector, is mounted on the deployable member, and a compression device for compressing the front elastic connector is provided by the housing.

[0040] During the closure of the enclosure, the deployment of the deployable member enables the front elastic connector, carried by the deployable member, to be brought toward the compression device.

[0041] In other words, the unfolding of the deployable component drives the front elastic connector in the direction of the compression device, enabling the compression device to function in the closed position of the closure device.

[0042] According to an advantageous design, the housing includes two side panels, each side panel including a guide rail, through which each deployable member or one of the deployable members is guided as the cover moves from its open position to its closed position, and each deployable member or one of the deployable members has at least one slider that slides in the guide rail to guide the deployable member, the slider engaging at the end of the guide rail when the closure is in its closed position, and a compression device for compressing a front resilient connector mounted on the deployable member is positioned adjacent to the end of each guide rail.

[0043] In this way, the deployable component is guided during the closing process of the closure device, especially during the closing of the cover. This guidance ensures the correct positioning of the device as it approaches the closed position. Since at least one front resilient connector is mounted on the deployable component, the guiding action also ensures the engagement of the front resilient connector with the compression device located at the end adjacent to each guide rail.

[0044] According to a preferred solution, the deployable component takes the form of an arm extending between a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to a cover and the second end having a slider. The arm has an insertion path extending from its first end to its second end, and a front resilient connector extends freely and movably in the extension along the insertion path.

[0045] In this way, the arm allows for a considerable length to accommodate the front resilient connector. Therefore, the overall elastic deformation capacity of the resilient connector is particularly high, which means that the plate does not exhibit much restoring force in its position against the support surface, except in the closed position of the closure device. In fact, except in the closed position of the closure device, the entire length of the front resilient connector (one or more) between its ends is freely movable and can therefore extend uniformly.

[0046] Advantageously, the compression device for compressing the front resilient connector mounted on the deployable member includes two elastically deformable jaws that are movable between an open position that allows the front resilient connector to be inserted and displaced between the jaws and a clamping position that clamps the front resilient connector.

[0047] These two grippers can be designed in particular to enhance their clamping effect once the front resilient connector is pulled during the movement of the plate along the opposite direction to the support surface.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the resilient connector, referred to as the rear resilient connector, extends between two ends, each end being connected to the rear edge of the plate. The rear resilient connector has a central portion that extends along the lower edge of the rear panel in a channel defined by two guides connected to the housing, and the rear resilient connector passes through the central portion, each guide forming part of the compression device.

[0049] In this configuration, the plate has two connection points at the ends for the rear elastic connector.

[0050] Therefore, the rear resilient connector participates in the formation of the deformable parallelogram. This allows for a gap between the plate and the rear panel, and in particular allows for relative pivoting of the plate relative to the rear panel and / or allows the rear edge of the plate to rise along the rear panel. Furthermore, the resilient connector, through a single rear resilient connector, enables variations in restoring force by allowing the compression device to be formed via a guide.

[0051] In a preferred design, each guide includes:

[0052] - A main body defining a central space, the rear elastic connector extending along the central space;

[0053] - A support frame, movable relative to the body between a remote position and a compressed position abutting the body, wherein in the remote position the rear elastic connector translates freely in the central space, and in the compressed position the rear elastic connector is compressed between the body and the support frame.

[0054] Furthermore, the movement of the closure device from its open position to its closed position causes the support to move from its remote position to its compressed position.

[0055] The closure of the sealing device allows the compression device formed by the guide to be activated.

[0056] Thus, when the closure device and therefore the cover are in the closed position, the portion of the rear elastic connector extending between each guide and plate is restricted.

[0057] This limits the elastic deformation capability of the rear elastic connector for these parts.

[0058] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description and accompanying drawings of different preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the embodiments are given by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings include:

[0059] Figure 1 This is a simplified representation of a first embodiment of a package according to the present invention, the package comprising a shell defining a cavity and a closing device for closing the cavity, the package being in an open configuration, wherein the cavity is accessible and the lid is in a raised position;

[0060] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a portion of the packaging according to the second embodiment, wherein the sealing device further includes a rear panel, an article is inserted into the cavity, and the sealing device is in the fully open position.

[0061] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of the packaging, showing the closure device in the fully open position and... Figure 4 The transitions between the closed positions shown;

[0062] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a portion of the packaging, wherein the closure device is in the closed position, and the packaging includes a retaining device for holding the item in a position pressed against the inner surface of the housing, the retaining device including a plate and a connecting mechanism for connecting the plate to the cover and the housing;

[0063] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a part of the connecting mechanism;

[0064] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram showing another part of the connection mechanism that mates with the plate;

[0065] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a plate and a portion of a connecting mechanism, the plate employing, for example, with... Figure 4 The position of the plate in the middle corresponds to the corresponding elevation position;

[0066] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of the retaining device on packaging 1, wherein the sliding member is provided by an expandable member of the connecting mechanism, which cooperates with a compression device for compressing the elastic connecting member of the connecting mechanism;

[0067] Figure 9 It is a three-dimensional schematic diagram focusing on the compression device used to mate with the sliding member and the elastic connector;

[0068] Figure 10 It is a schematic diagram showing the cooperation between the elastic connector and the compression device based on a cross-sectional view;

[0069] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic return device of the connection mechanism implemented near the rear panel of the packaging;

[0070] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 An exploded view of the retaining device shown;

[0071] Figure 13 yes Figure 2 The closure shown is in the case of the package being in the fully open position. Figure 11 and Figure 12 A detailed view centered on the retaining device;

[0072] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the retaining device, wherein the closing device is partially folded to its closed position;

[0073] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the guide component of the elastic return device;

[0074] Figure 16 It is based on Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the guide element, wherein compression is performed on the elastic connector;

[0075] Figure 17 It is based on perpendicular to Figure 10 The cross section shown Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a compression device, wherein the compression device is in a non-operating state;

[0076] Figure 18 It is based on perpendicular to Figure 10 The cross section shown Figure 9 and Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a compression device, in which the compression device is in operation.

[0077] Reference Figures 1 to 4 The following diagram illustrates packaging 1 according to the present invention.

[0078] The package 1 includes a shell 2 that defines a cavity and a sealing device for closing the cavity.

[0079] The cavity is defined by the inner surface 24 of the housing 2.

[0080] More specifically, the housing 2 includes a base 20, a front panel 21, a rear panel 22, and two side panels 23.

[0081] The sealing devices are movably mounted on the housing 2. These sealing devices include a cover 3.

[0082] The package 1 also includes a rear panel 22. According to an embodiment, the rear panel 22 forms part of the housing 2 or the enclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 1 In the first embodiment shown, the sealing device consists only of a cover 3, and the cover 3 is rotatably mounted on the rear panel 22.

[0084] according to Figures 2 to 4 In the second embodiment shown, the closure device also includes a rear panel 22. In this case, and as described in detail below, the rear panel 22 is forcibly and rotatably mounted on the base 20.

[0085] The package 1 according to these embodiments is of the foldable type.

[0086] Reference Figure 1 The packaging 1 is in a usage configuration. In this usage configuration, the shell 2 defines a cavity that is substantially rectangular parallelepiped in shape.

[0087] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, in this usage configuration, package 1 is able to receive item O.

[0088] Packaging 1 may also have a flat construction in which the side panels 23, front panels 21 and rear panels 22 are folded onto the base 20 or onto an extension of the base 20.

[0089] For this purpose, the front panel 21, the rear panel 22, and the side panel 23 are rotatably connected to the base 20.

[0090] More specifically, the rear panel 22 extends between the upper edge 221 and the lower edge 222. The rear panel 22 is rotatably connected to the base 20 via its lower edge 222.

[0091] In addition, the cover 3 is rotatably mounted on the rear panel 22.

[0092] The cover 3 extends between the front edge 31 and the rear edge 32. The cover 3 is rotatably mounted on the upper edge 221 of the rear panel 22 via its rear edge 32.

[0093] In the flat construction of package 1, the side panel 23 is first folded onto the base 20.

[0094] Then, as Figure 2 As shown, the rear panel 2 folds backward within the extension of the base 20.

[0095] Then, the front panel 21 is folded onto the base 20, overlapping with the side panel 23.

[0096] Finally, the cover 3 is completely folded over the other components of the package 1 in its flattened structure, overlapping the rear panel 22 and side panel 23 on the base 20 in the extension of the front panel 21.

[0097] Reference Figure 2 The sealing device is in the open position, allowing access to the cavity. The cover 3 and the rear panel 22 pivot behind the housing 2.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 The sealing device is in the closed position. The rear panel 22 and the cover 3 are positioned to close the entrance to the cavity.

[0099] according to Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, in the extension of the base 20, the movement of the cover 3 relative to the housing 2 in its maximum open position also causes the rear panel 22 to move in its folded-back position relative to the base 20.

[0100] Reference Figures 1 to 8 as well as Figure 13 and Figure 14 The package 1 also includes a retaining device 4.

[0101] These retaining devices 4 include a plate 41 for pressing the article O against an inner surface 24 of the housing 2, which is referred to as the "support surface".

[0102] The retaining device 4 also includes a connecting mechanism for connecting the plate 41 to the cover 3 and the housing 2.

[0103] According to this embodiment, the article O is pressed against the inner surface 24 of the base 20 of the housing 2 by the holding device 4.

[0104] Therefore, when the sealing device is in Figure 4 When it is in its closed position as shown, plate 41 has a gap along the direction transverse to base 20.

[0105] The connecting mechanism includes:

[0106] - Drive device 5, drive device 5 is used to drive plate 41 during the opening or closing of cover 3, and therefore more generally during the opening or closing of closure device;

[0107] - Elastic return device 6, which is used to elastically return the plate 41 to the position pressed against the support surface.

[0108] The drive unit 5 and the elastic return unit 6 are designed to drive the plate 41 together to the position where it presses against the support surface during the process of the closing device moving from its open position to its closed position.

[0109] The drive unit 5 is also designed to drive the plate 41 in the direction of the cover 3 and allow the closure device to enter the cavity during its transition from its closed position to its open position.

[0110] These drive mechanisms 5 and the resilient return mechanism 6 ensure that, during the closing of the closure device, the article O is positioned on the inner surface 24 of the base 20, thereby holding the article O against the support surface by applying pressure to it. This pressure is applied by the plate 41, which transmits the traction force generated by the resilient return mechanism 6.

[0111] Once the cover 3 is closed, that is, the sealing device is in its closed position, the elastic return device 6 returns the plate 41 to its position against the support surface, so that the plate 41 can return in the direction of the base 20.

[0112] According to this embodiment, refer to Figures 1 to 9 The drive unit 5 includes two deployable members 51, which are movably mounted on the cover 3 adjacent to the front edge 31 of the cover. More precisely, in the closed position of the cover 3, each of the two deployable members 51 is adjacent to the side panel 23.

[0113] The cover 3, rear panel 22, plate 41, elastic return device 6, and deployable member 51 together form a deformable parallelogram. The elastic return device 6 participates in forming the deformable parallelogram because it connects plate 41 to deployable member 51 and rear panel 22. This deformable parallelogram mechanism allows plate 41 to retract from the inlet of the cavity when the closure is in its open position, and plate 41 to fold along the direction of base 20 during the process of the closure moving from its open position to its closed position.

[0114] As detailed below, the deployable member 51 takes the form of a movable arm connected at one end to the cover 3.

[0115] Reference Figures 2 to 8 and Figures 10 to 16 The elastic return device 6 includes at least one elastic connector.

[0116] In this case, the elastic return device 6 includes a front elastic connector 61 located at the front of the package 1 and a rear elastic connector 62 located at the rear of the package.

[0117] These flexible connectors are specifically formed from tensioners.

[0118] As described in detail below, see reference. Figures 2 to 4 , Figures 8 to 10 and Figures 13 to 16 The connecting mechanism includes a compression device 7 for compressing at least one elastic connector before the end.

[0119] The compression device 7 operates when the sealing device is in the closed position, and does not operate when it is away from the closed position.

[0120] The implementation and operation of the front elastic connector 61 and the associated compression device 7 will be described in detail below. The implementation and operation of the rear elastic connector 62 and the associated compression device 7 will be described in detail later.

[0121] Reference Figures 5 to 8 Each front resilient connector 61 extends from the first end 611 to the second end 612.

[0122] The first end 611 is connected to the plate 41, and more specifically to the front edge 411 of the plate 41.

[0123] A portion of the second end 612 is connected to the connection point 60.

[0124] As detailed below, connection point 60 is supported by deployable member 51.

[0125] The first end 611 of the front resilient connector 61 has a rod coiled on the front resilient connector 61, and the second end 612 has a clip coiled on the front resilient connector 61.

[0126] The clip is used to engage with connection point 60 to keep the second end 612 fixed and secure to connection point 60.

[0127] A portion of the rod is inserted through a through-hole 410 located on the plate 41 and unfolds after passing through the through-hole 410 to allow the front resilient connector 61 to return the plate 41 to its position against the base 20.

[0128] Any type of fastener other than a rod or clamp can be envisioned. The rod and / or clamp can advantageously be replaced by an overmolded part at one end of the front resilient connector forming the support.

[0129] like Figures 5 to 8 and Figure 10 As shown, the front elastic connector 61 is mounted on each deployable member 51.

[0130] A compression device 7 associated with each front elastic connector 61 is fixed to the housing 2.

[0131] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the closed position of the closure device, the deployable member 51 enables the front elastic connector 61 mounted on the deployable member 51 to be directed toward the compression device 7.

[0132] More specifically, see reference Figure 2 , 3 8, 9 and 10, each side panel 23 includes a guide rail 231.

[0133] Each guide rail 231 is used to guide the deployable component 51 as the closure device moves from its open position to its closed position.

[0134] In fact, each guide rail 231 includes an upper end forming a flared opening and a lower end near the base 20.

[0135] The lower end forms the end 2310 of the guide rail 231.

[0136] Complementing each guide rail 231, each deployable member 51 has a slider 513 for sliding in the guide rail 231.

[0137] Reference Figures 2 to 8 And as mentioned above, each deployable component 51 takes the form of an arm.

[0138] The arm extends between the first end 511 and the second end 512.

[0139] The first end 511 is connected to the cover 3 via a pivot connector.

[0140] A portion of the second end 512 has a slider 513.

[0141] like Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 As shown, when the closing device is in its closed position, the slider 513 engages in the end 2310 of the guide rail 231.

[0142] End 2310 can be opened, allowing the slider 513 to protrude from the end 2310 while remaining engaged and guided in the guide rail 231.

[0143] In fact, according to Figure 8 and Figure 9In the embodiment shown, since the package 1 is a foldable package and the side panel 23 is designed to fold onto the base 20, each end 2310 is open to allow the slider 513 to reach the compression device 7 located on the base 20 in the extension of the guide rail 231 when the package is in use configuration.

[0144] Reference Figures 2 to 9 The slider 513 is designed to engage in the flared opening of the guide rail 231 as the closing device moves from its open position to its closed position.

[0145] Reference Figure 3 The slider 513 is not engaged in the guide rail 231, but is close to the guide rail 231.

[0146] By continuing the closing motion of the closing device, the slider 513 engages in the flared opening of each guide rail 231 and is then guided into the end 2310 within these guide rails 231.

[0147] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the compression device 7 of each front elastic connector 61 is located immediately adjacent to the end 2310 of each guide rail 231.

[0148] Therefore, the closure of the sealing device allows the slider 513 to be brought into the end 2310 of each guide rail 231, where the front elastic connector 61 then engages with the compression device 7, which then functions.

[0149] Except in the closed position, it is understandable that the compression device 7 is not in operation, and the elastic band is not engaged in the compression device.

[0150] More specifically, see reference Figure 5 The arm forming each deployable member 51 has an insertion path extending from its first end 511 to its second end 512.

[0151] The insertion path is achieved by a groove or space in which the front resilient connector 61 can extend.

[0152] In fact, the front elastic connector 61, which is installed on the deployable member 51, extends along the insertion path and can move freely in the extension.

[0153] The front elastic connector 61 extends at the height of the slider 513 and can even extend freely away from the closed position of the cover 3.

[0154] In other words, once the front elastic connector 61 moves along... Figure 5If the insertion path indicated by the arrow is installed in the deployable member 51, then the traction force applied to the first end 611 of the front elastic connector 61 allows the elastic connector to elastically extend along its entire length, and specifically along the length initially included in the insertion path of the deployable member 51.

[0155] In summary, the front resilient connector 61 can be freely inserted into the deployable member 51 along the insertion path, and once one end of the front resilient connector 61 is fixed to one end of the insertion path, it is stretched within the insertion path by the traction force applied to the other end of the front resilient connector 61.

[0156] Therefore, when the compression device 7 is activated and at the height of the slider 513, only the portion of the front elastic connector 61 exposed from the slider 513 (i.e., the portion of the front elastic connector 61 located between the plate 41 and the slider 513) can elastically deform. The portion of the front elastic connector 61 accommodated in the insertion path can then not be pulled to the outside of the deployable member 51.

[0157] The compression device 7 reduces the total elastic deformation capacity of the front elastic connector 61 in the closed position of the cover 3.

[0158] The compression device 7 of the front elastic connector 61 mounted on the deployable member 51 includes two grippers 71.

[0159] These grippers 71 can elastically deform between the following positions:

[0160] -Open the location, especially in Figure 9 and Figure 17 As shown, it allows for the insertion and displacement of the front resilient connector 61;

[0161] -At least one clamping position, particularly such as Figure 18 As shown, in this position, the front elastic connector 61 inserted between the jaws 71 is compressed.

[0162] When the closing device is not yet in its closed position, the open position of the gripper 71 is adopted by the compression device 7. In fact, the front elastic connector 61 has not yet been inserted between the two grippers 71.

[0163] Once the closing device reaches its closed position, and as a result, the slider 513 reaches its final position in the end 2310 of the guide rail 231, the front elastic connector 61 is inserted between the grippers 71.

[0164] With item O positioned between plate 41 and base 20, the front elastic connector 61 can be observed to... Figure 10 The tension or displacement in the direction D shown.

[0165] This movement of the front elastic connector 61 affects the gripper 71, and then the gripper enters the clamping position of the front elastic connector 61.

[0166] The front elastic connector 61 is then compressed and can no longer move freely between the grippers 71.

[0167] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 9 The slider 513 is complementary in shape to the gripper 71. Specifically, the slider 513 has an H-shaped profile with two flat plates and a web connecting these two plates. When the slider 513 reaches the gripper 71, the two flat plates frame the gripper 71, while the front resilient link 61 extends between the two flat plates of the gripper 71 through a recess formed by the profile web. This ensures the engagement of the gripper 71 with the front resilient link 61 in the closed position of the closure device.

[0168] Additionally, the gripper 71 has an upper surface 710 that slopes outward toward the packaging. The outer guide of the frame gripper 71 also has a slope 711 similar to the upper surface 710 of the gripper 71.

[0169] These upper surfaces 710 and slopes 711 allow the expandable member 51 to be pulled out of the packaging when a large item O is introduced into the packaging and when the expandable member 51 tends to be pulled inwards, thereby perfectly positioning the slider 513 relative to the gripper 71.

[0170] Reference Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figures 11 to 16 The implementation and operation of the rear elastic connector 62 and the specific compression device 7 will now be described in more detail.

[0171] The elastic return device 6 therefore includes a rear elastic connector 62 extending between the two ends 621, 622.

[0172] Each of the two ends 621, 622 of the rear resilient connector 62 is connected to the rear edge 412 of the plate 41 through a hole 413. The two ends 621, 622 of the rear resilient connector have rods that are curled onto the rear resilient connector. These rods are introduced through the holes 413 and then unfolded. Each of these holes 413 thus forms a connection point 60 at one end of the rear resilient connector 62.

[0173] The rear resilient connector 62 has a central portion 620 extending in a channel defined by two guides 63 attached to the housing 2. The channel extends along the lower edge 222 of the rear panel 22.

[0174] The rear resilient connector 62 passes through the two guides 63 and can extend on either side of the central portion 620 to provide the remaining portion extending to the ends 621, 622, thereby connecting the plate 41 to the housing 2.

[0175] Reference Figures 11 to 16 Each guide 63 includes:

[0176] -Main body 631;

[0177] - Support 632, which is movable relative to the main body 631.

[0178] like Figure 15 As shown, the main body 631 defines a central space, and the rear elastic connector 62 extends along the central space.

[0179] The bracket 632 is movably mounted relative to the main body 631 at a remote position on the main body 631. Figure 13 and 15 ) and the compression position against the main body 631 ( Figure 16 Between the two, in the remote position, the rear elastic connector 62 moves freely in the central space, and in the compressed position, the rear elastic connector 62 is compressed between the body 631 and the bracket 632.

[0180] refer to Figure 16 The resilient connector 62 then extends within the guide 63 along a curved path imposed by the protrusions relative to the bracket 632 and the body 631.

[0181] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the movement of the closure device from its open position to its closed position causes each bracket 632 to move from its remote position to its compressed position.

[0182] In fact, when the closure device has entered its closed position, and in particular, according to this embodiment, when the rear panel 22 is raised by the movement of the cover 3 from its open position to its closed position, the support surface 200 of the base 20 abuts against each bracket 632 to provide support.

[0183] Reference Figure 11 , 12 14. Each guide 63 has a guide tab 633. Each guide tab 633 extends along the rear panel 22 from its lower edge 222 to its upper edge 221. These guide tabs 633 are designed to guide the sliding of the plate 41 during the closing or opening of the closure device and to prevent the plate 41 from being blocked by the undulation of the rear panel 22.

[0184] Each guide piece 633 extends from the body 631 of the guide piece 63.

[0185] In order to assemble the guide 63 onto the rear panel 22, the guide piece 633 has, for example, an assembly pin 634 that is fitted into the rear panel 22.

[0186] According to this embodiment, the elastic return device 6 includes a single rear elastic connector 62 and two guides 63.

[0187] However, one implementation is conceivable in which the elastic return device 6 would include two rear elastic connectors 62, based on a design similar to that of the front elastic connector 61.

[0188] Similarly, it is conceivable that the two front resilient connectors 61 could be replaced by, for example, a single front resilient connector extending into the cover.

[0189] like Figures 2 to 4 As shown, when an item O is present on the support surface, the closing of the closure device causes the plate 41 to rise along the rear panel 22.

[0190] The presence of item O forces plate 41 to rise, which in turn causes the rear elastic connector 62 to stretch.

[0191] The stretching occurs uniformly along the rear elastic connector 62, and the central portion 620 and the remaining portion are stretched in a similar manner.

[0192] The central portion 620 of the rear elastic connector 62, located between the two guides 63 before the closure begins, sees its ends engage and pass through the guides 63 during stretching.

[0193] As the device approaches its closed position, the support surface 200 of the base 20 contacts the bracket 632, bringing the bracket 632 closer to the body 631. The guide 63 then clamps the rear resilient connector 62. The rear resilient connector then zigs within the guide 63, which then applies compression, at least a basic compression.

[0194] In the closed position of the closure device, the guide 63 firmly compresses the rear elastic connector 62, and only the remaining portion exerts a restoring force from the plate 41 towards the support surface. These remaining portions have a reduced length compared to the total length of the rear elastic connector 62, and in the event of an event (drop, rough handling of package 1, etc.), the force used to hold the article O in the proper position against the support surface is increased compared to the holding force applied without the compression device. The effect of the elastic return device 6 and the compression device 7 at the front horizontal position of package 1 is similar to the effect at the rear of package 1 described above.

Claims

1. A package (1), comprising: - A housing (2) that defines a cavity defined by an inner surface (24); - A sealing device for sealing the cavity, the sealing device including a cover (3) and the sealing device being movably mounted on the housing (2) between an open position that allows access to the cavity and a closed position that closes access to the cavity; - A retaining device (4), the retaining device (4) comprising a plate (41) and a connecting mechanism, the plate (41) being used to press an article against an inner surface (24) of the housing (2), the inner surface being referred to as a support surface, and the connecting mechanism being used to connect the plate (41) to the cover (3) and the housing (2); The connecting mechanism includes: - A drive device (5) for movably driving the plate (41) during the opening or closing of the closure device, the drive device (5) being designed to drive the plate (41) in the direction of the cover (3) and allow entry into the cavity during the process of the closure device from its closed position to its open position. - Elastic return device (6), the elastic return device (6) is used to elastically return the plate (41) to the position pressing against the support surface; The drive device (5) and the elastic return device (6) are designed to drive the plate (41) together to the position where it presses against the support surface during the process of the closing device moving from its open position to its closed position. The elastic return device (6) is characterized in that it includes at least one elastic connector extending from one end connected to the plate (41) to the other end connected to the connection point (60) in the package (1). Furthermore, the connecting mechanism includes a compression device (7) for compressing the elastic connector (61) between its two ends, the compression device (7) functioning in the closed position of the closure device and not functioning away from the closed position. The cover (3) extends between a front edge (31) and a rear edge (32), and the cover (3) is mounted on the upper edge (221) of the rear panel (22) of the package (1) via its rear edge (32). Furthermore, the drive device (5) includes at least one deployable member (51), which is movably mounted on the cover (3) adjacent to the front edge (31) of the cover (3). The cover (3), the rear panel (22), the plate (41), the elastic return device (6), and the deployable member (51) form a deformable parallelogram.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear panel (22) of the package (1) also forms part of the closure device, and the rear panel (22) is rotatably mounted on the base (20) of the housing (2).

3. The packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one elastic connector, referred to as the front elastic connector (61), is mounted on the deployable member (51), and a compression device (7) for compressing the front elastic connector (61) is provided by the housing (2).

4. The packaging (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing (2) includes two side panels (23), each side panel (23) including a guide rail (231) for guiding each of the deployable members (51) or one of the deployable members (51) via the guide rail (231) during the process of the cover (3) moving from its open position to its closed position. Furthermore, each of the deployable components (51) or one of the deployable components (51) has at least one slider (513) for sliding in the guide rail (231) to guide the deployable component (51). When the closing device is in its closed position, the slider (513) engages in the end (2310) of the guide rail (231). The compression device (7) for compressing the front elastic connector (61) mounted on the deployable component (51) is located adjacent to the end (2310) of each guide rail (231).

5. The packaging (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The deployable member (51) takes the form of an arm extending between a first end (511) and a second end (512), the first end (511) being connected to the cover (3) and the second end (512) having the slider (513), the arm having an insertion path extending from its first end (511) to its second end (512), and the front resilient connector (61) extending freely in an extension along the insertion path.

6. The packaging (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The compression device (7) for compressing the front resilient connector (61) mounted on the deployable member (51) includes two elastically deformable jaws (71) that are movable between an open position that allows the front resilient connector (61) to be inserted and displaced between the jaws (71) and a clamping position that clamps the front resilient connector (61).

7. The packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A resilient connector, referred to as a rear resilient connector (62), extends between two ends (621, 622), each end (621, 622) being connected to the rear edge (412) of the plate (41). The rear resilient connector (62) has a central portion (620) that extends along the lower edge (222) of the rear panel (22) in a channel defined by two guides (63) connected to the housing (2), and the rear resilient connector (62) passes through the central portion (620). Each guide (63) forms part of the compression device (7).

8. The packaging (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each guide (63) includes: - A main body (631) defining a central space, the rear elastic connector (62) extending along the central space; - A bracket (632) movable relative to the body (631) between a remote position and a compressed position against the body (631), wherein in the remote position the rear elastic connector (62) translates freely in the central space, and in the compressed position the rear elastic connector (62) is compressed between the body (631) and the bracket (632). Furthermore, the movement of the closure device from its open position to its closed position causes the support (632) to move from its remote position to its compressed position.

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