Method for packaging article in cardboard box made starting from continuous cardboard tape

Abstract

A method is disclosed that enables the packaging of an article in a cardboard box that is made from a continuous cardboard tape without waste or material fragments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field concerning the packaging of articles inside cardboard boxes produced starting from a continuous cardboard strip. Background Art

[0002] Methods and processes are known for packaging articles inside respective cartons which are obtained starting from a continuous strip of cardboard rather than from blanks which have already been cut and stored in various sizes in respective warehouses.

[0003] For example, document EP 2 890 554 describes a process of obtaining, starting from a continuous cardboard strip, a cardboard blank on which articles are arranged, after which the cardboard blank is folded to obtain a closed cardboard box containing the articles inside it.

[0004] The process described in this document consists in unwinding a continuous cardboard strip from a corresponding folding magazine and making transverse cuts in the strip, taking into account the effective dimensions of the articles to be packaged, so as to obtain cardboard sheets of suitable dimensions to obtain blanks suitable for packaging the articles.

[0005] At least one pair of longitudinal score lines is made on the paperboard sheet, the at least one pair of longitudinal score lines being parallel to the two longitudinal edges of the paperboard sheet, thereby defining a central partition and two lateral partitions on the paperboard sheet through the sides of the central partition.

[0006] Transverse score lines are made in the central partition of the paperboard sheet to identify at least four faces which will then form the bottom wall, the first pair of side walls and the top wall of the box.

[0007] A series of transverse cuts are made transversely to two lateral partitions of the paperboard sheet extending to the two longitudinal score lines to define a series of lateral portions which remain projecting laterally relative to a central partition of the sheet and are hinged to the central partition at the two longitudinal score lines.

[0008] Then, part of the lateral portion is folded over part of the central section of the cardboard sheet, at the face that will constitute the first pair of side walls and the top wall of the box, so that the walls consist of a double layer of cardboard and are then reinforced.

[0009] The remaining two lateral portions, which are positioned at the faces that will constitute the central partition of the bottom wall of the box, will constitute the second pair of side walls of the box.

[0010] The process described in this document also includes placing the article on the face of the central partition of the cardboard sheet (which face will constitute the bottom wall of the box), and then folding the remaining three faces of the central partition and the remaining lateral parts around the article until the article is completely wrapped in the box having a bottom wall, a first pair of side walls, a top wall and a second pair of side walls.

[0011] This type of process, although on the one hand it makes it possible to package the articles in cardboard boxes produced starting from a continuous cardboard strip and thus save space without having to resort to various warehouses (each containing punched blanks of various sizes), nevertheless requires a cardboard strip of significantly greater width relative to the width of the articles to be packaged, since the lateral portions of the cardboard blank have to be folded over portions of the central section of the blank.

[0012] Furthermore, making transverse cuts means generating scrap and wasting material.

[0013] Essentially, carrying out the process described in this document requires a large consumption and waste of cardboard. Summary of the invention

[0014] The object of the present invention is therefore to describe a novel method for packaging articles in cardboard boxes made starting from a continuous cardboard strip, which method makes it possible to eliminate the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0015] In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to describe a novel method for packaging articles inside cardboard boxes made starting from a continuous cardboard strip, which method enables efficient packaging of the articles inside the respective cardboard boxes while eliminating all cardboard waste or scraps, thus reducing costs.

[0016] The advantages mentioned above can be fully achieved with a method for packaging articles inside a cardboard box produced starting from a continuous cardboard strip according to the content of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Preferred embodiments of the method for implementing the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view illustrating a first preferred sequence of steps of the method of the invention for packaging articles inside a cardboard box made starting from a continuous cardboard strip;

[0019] Figures 2 to 6 The diagrams are shown according to Figure 1 A schematic side perspective view of a particular step of the method of the present invention of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 7 A schematic perspective view illustrating some specific steps of the method of the invention according to another possible preferred embodiment;

[0021] Figures 8 to 12 side schematic perspective views respectively illustrating further steps of implementing the method of the present invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Fig.13Schematically illustrated is a perspective view of a carton obtainable by implementing the method of the invention in a second preferred embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A possible sequence of operations of a first preferred embodiment of the method of the invention for packaging articles (B) in cartons (S) produced starting from a continuous strip of carton (N) is schematically illustrated.

[0024] Typically, the object to be packaged (B) has a parallelepiped shape, or has a polyhedral shape having six faces.

[0025] Thus, in practice, the object to be packaged (B) comprises a bottom surface, four side surfaces (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) that are opposite to each other and, for example, parallel, and a top surface (BS).

[0026] Therefore, the cardboard box (S) to be formed for packaging articles must have a bottom wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU). In particular, the height of the four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) of the cardboard box (S) to be made must be at least equal to the height of the four side faces (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) of the articles (B) to be packaged.

[0027] The invention relates to a method for packaging articles (B) in cardboard boxes (S) produced starting from a continuous cardboard strip (N) without waste or excess cardboard.

[0028] In the preferred embodiments illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 6 The method illustrated in the figure comprises advancing a continuous cardboard web (N) along an advancing direction (A) (the width of the continuous cardboard web, for example, being at least equal to the width of the bottom wall of the items to be packaged) and performing a cutting operation during the advancement of the continuous cardboard web (N) along the advancing direction (A) so as to obtain a single cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous cardboard web (N), the single cardboard sheet having:

[0029] a first transverse edge (B1), a second transverse edge (B2) parallel to the first transverse edge (B1), a first longitudinal edge (B3), and a second longitudinal edge (B4) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3); and

[0030] A partial transverse cut (V) parallel to a first transverse edge (B1), the partial transverse cut dividing a single paperboard sheet (F) into a first sheet section (F1) contained between the first transverse edge (B1) and the partial transverse cut (V) and a second sheet section (F2) contained between the partial transverse cut (V) and the second transverse edge (B2) and separating the first sheet section and the second sheet section, wherein the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2) are partially separated from each other by the partial transverse cut (V), but remain joined and connected to each other only at two sheet sections (p1, p2), the two sheet sections are respectively contained between the two ends of the partial transverse cut (V) and the two longitudinal edges (B3, B4) of the single paperboard sheet (F), and a first hinge point (a1) and a second hinge point (a2) are respectively defined between the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2) (for example, see in detail Figure 2 , in which a single cardboard sheet (F) obtained at the end of the cutting operation is illustrated.

[0031] The method then comprises: advancing the thus obtained single cardboard sheet (F) along the advancing direction (A) and making a longitudinal cut (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first transverse edge (B1) up to the partial transverse cut (V) in such a way that the first sheet section (F1) is divided into a first sheet half-section (F1A) and a second sheet half-section (F1B), wherein the first sheet half-section (F1A) remains hinged to the second sheet section (F2) via a first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) remains hinged to the second sheet section (F2) via a second hinge point (a2) (see, for example, in particular Figure 2 right part of the ).

[0032] The method further comprises: in the second sheet section (F2), making three mutually parallel transverse score lines (C1, C2, C3) between the first longitudinal edge (B3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), in such a way as to define: a first partition (S1) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse score line (C1), which first partition will constitute the bottom wall (SF) of the box (S); a second partition (S2) between the first transverse score line (C1) and the second transverse score line (C2), which second partition will constitute the first side wall (SL1) of the box (S); a third partition (S3) between the second score line (C2) and the third transverse score line (C3), which third partition will constitute the top wall (SU) of the box (S); and a fourth partition (S4) between the third score line (C3) and the second transverse edge (B2), which fourth partition will constitute the second side wall (SL2) of the box (S) (in this regard, for example, see in particular Figure 2 right part of the ).

[0033] The method further comprises: rotating the first sheet half section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half section (F1A) and the second sheet half section (F1B) above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) by gluing the first sheet half section (F1A) to the first partition (S1) at a first overlapping strip (r1) near the first longitudinal edge (B3) and by gluing the second sheet half section (F1B) to the first partition (S1) at a second overlapping strip (r2) near the second longitudinal edge (B4) (see, for example, Figure 3 ).

[0034] In this way, through the above operations, starting from the continuous cardboard strip (N), the method of the invention obtains cardboard blanks (W) which will be used to make cardboard boxes (S) for packaging articles (B).

[0035] In this regard, the method further comprises: Figure 3 Starting with the illustrated blank (W), the first sheet half-section (F1A) is rotated about the first overlapping band (r1) relative to the first partition (S1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) is rotated about the second overlapping band (r2) relative to the first partition (S1) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F2B) at an angle relative to the first partition (S1), wherein the first sheet half-section (F1A) will constitute the third side wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second sheet half-section (F1B) will constitute the fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S).

[0036] Thus, by advancing the blank (W) having the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) again along the advancing direction (A) at an angle relative to the first sub-section (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), the method comprises placing the respective bottom surface of the object (B) above the first sub-section (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) (see Figure 5 an intermediate image of the sequence illustrated), and further comprising:

[0037] The first sheet half section (F1A) is rotated relative to the first overlapping belt (r1) so as to arrange the first sheet half section to face the first side (B1L) of the article (B), and the second sheet half section (F1B) is rotated relative to the second overlapping belt (r2) so as to arrange the second sheet half section to face the second side (B2L) of the article (B) (see, for example, Figure 5 The last image in the sequence of );

[0038] rotating the second subarea (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) about the first transverse score line (C1),

[0039] rotating the third subarea (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) about the second transverse score line (C2),

[0040] rotating the fourth subarea (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) about the third transverse score line (C3),

[0041] so that the second partition (S2) is arranged to face the third side (B3L) of the article (B), so that the third partition (S3) is arranged to face the top surface of the article (B), and so that the fourth partition (S4) is arranged to face the fourth side (B4L) of the article (B), in such a way that a box (S) having a bottom wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU) is obtained and containing the article (B) therein (see Figure 6 sequence of images shown).

[0042] From the above it is clear how the method provided by the invention makes it possible to package articles inside cardboard boxes made starting from a continuous cardboard strip which is cut to obtain single cardboard sheets which, after the operations described, are transformed into blanks which, after being folded around the articles resting thereon, will form cardboard boxes containing the articles inside them, without wasting or eliminating material (cardboard scraps or waste).

[0043] Other preferred aspects of the method of the present invention are described below.

[0044] The method can be carried out in such a way that, during the advancement of the continuous cardboard web (N) along the advancement direction (A) in order to obtain individual cardboard sheets (F) from the continuous cardboard web (N), the cutting operation indifferently comprises: firstly cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and separating the individual cardboard sheets (F) from the continuous cardboard web (N), and then performing a partial transverse cut (V) on the individual cardboard sheets (F), or making a partial transverse cut (V) on the continuous cardboard web (N) and then cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and obtaining individual cardboard sheets (F) with the partial transverse cut (V), or cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and making the partial transverse cut (V) at the same time.

[0045] In another preferred aspect, the method can be implemented in such a way that, at the same time, before or after making three transverse score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2), a longitudinal cut (L) is made in the first sheet section (F1) from the first transverse edge (B1) to the partial transverse cut (V) so as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B).

[0046] Based on another possible preferred aspect, the method of the present invention may include: before rotating the first sheet half section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half section and the second sheet half section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), making a first longitudinal score line (l1) on the first sheet half section (F1A), the first longitudinal score line being parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single paperboard sheet (F) and being at the part of the transverse cut A first wing (t1) is defined on the first sheet half section (F1A) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single cardboard sheet (F); and a second longitudinal score line (l2) is made on the second sheet half section (F1B), the second longitudinal score line being parallel to the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single cardboard sheet (F) and between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single cardboard sheet (F), in such a way that a second wing (t2) is defined on the second sheet half section (F1B) (see, for example, Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0047] In this way, once the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) have been rotated and arranged to face the first side (B1L) of the article (B) and the second side (B2L) of the article (B), respectively, the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) will be folded over the top surface (BS) of the article (B) (see, for example, in particular Figure 5 The last two images and Figure 6 ).

[0048] In this way, adhesive material can be applied to the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) before the third partition (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) is rotated and arranged on the top surface (BS) of the article, so that the third partition (S3) that will constitute the top wall (SU) of the box (S) will be glued to the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2).

[0049] In another preferred aspect, the method of the present invention may include: before rotating the first sheet half section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half section and the second sheet half section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), making a first fold line (g1) on the first sheet half section (F1A) near the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single paperboard sheet (F) so that the first fold line (g1) is at the intersection with the first longitudinal edge ( B3), a first tab (n1) is marked between the first and second sections (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) to form a first overlapping strip (r1); and a second fold line (g2) is made on the second sheet half section (F1B) near the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single paperboard sheet (F) so as to mark a second tab (n2) between the second fold line (g2) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), the second tab being glued to the first section (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) to form a second overlapping strip (r2) (see Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 ).

[0050] The method comprises making a first fold line (g1) and a second fold line (g2) such that the distance between the first fold line and the second fold line is at least equal to the larger dimension of the bottom surface of the object (B) to be packaged (thus, for example, the length of the bottom surface).

[0051] In this way, when the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) are rotated and arranged above the first partition (S1) and the two wings (n1, n2) are glued thereto to form two overlapping bands (r1, r2), the distance between the two overlapping bands (r1, r2) is at least equal to the larger dimension of the bottom surface of the item (B) to be packaged (and therefore equal to the length of the bottom surface).

[0052] In the described preferred first embodiment, the method may include: before rotating the second partition (S2), the third partition (S3) and the fourth partition (S4) of the second sheet section (F2), making a fourth transverse score line (C4) in the fourth partition (S4), the fourth transverse score line between the first longitudinal edge (B3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4) and near the second transverse edge (B2) so as to identify a closed tab (z) located between the fourth transverse score line (C4) and the second transverse edge (B2).

[0053] After the fourth partition (S4) of the second sheet section (F4) has been rotated and arranged to face the fourth side (B4L) of the article (B) to form the side wall (SL2) of the box (S), the closing tab (z) can be rotated and folded about the fourth transverse score line (C4) so ​​as to be glued to the bottom wall (SB) of the box and thus close the box.

[0054] Figures 7 to 13 Another preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention is illustrated, which is particularly advantageous when the height of the items (B) to be packaged (i.e., the height of the lateral vertical corners of the four sides (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) of the items (B)) has a considerable size (e.g., greater than about 10 cm).

[0055] When the height of the items to be packaged is particularly relevant, the height of the side walls of the box (S) formed is also correspondingly high, and the four lateral vertical corners of the box are the parts of the box that are, so to speak, the weakest parts; and when the boxes are stacked on each other, these parts will experience any deformation due to possible external stresses (for example, impacts) or due to the weight that may be pressed on them.

[0056] However, this further preferred embodiment is not exclusively limited to this particular case, but can also be activated in cases where the height of the items to be packaged is lower, so as to obtain in any case a box which is able to prevent deformation at the fourth lateral vertical corner.

[0057] In this regard, and advantageously in this further preferred embodiment, before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) in order to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first subarea (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), the method may comprise (see examples, in particular Figure 7 The right part and Figure 8 ):

[0058] In the second zone (S2), a first longitudinal fold line (v1) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) and a second longitudinal fold line (v2) parallel to the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the second longitudinal edge (B4) are made between the first transverse score line (C1) and the second transverse score line (C2), so that the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the second longitudinal fold line (v2) are at a first distance from each other, the first distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the third side (B3L) of the object to be packaged (B);

[0059] In the fourth zone (S4), a third longitudinal fold line (v3) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) and a fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) parallel to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4) are made between the third transverse score line (C3) and the fourth transverse score line (C4) in such a way that the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) are at a second distance from each other, the second distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the fourth side (B4L) opposite to the third side (B3L) of the item (B) to be packaged.

[0060] The method further comprises, simultaneously with or after making the first longitudinal fold line (v1), the second longitudinal fold line (v2), the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), making:

[0061] a first transverse cut (z1) and a second transverse cut (z2), the first transverse cut starting at the first transverse score line (C1) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the first longitudinal fold line (v1), and the second transverse cut starting at the second transverse score line (C2) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the first longitudinal fold line (v1), in such a way as to form a first reinforcement tab (e1) comprised between the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the first longitudinal edge (B3);

[0062] a third transverse cut (z3) and a fourth transverse cut (z4), the third transverse cut starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) at the first transverse score line (C1) up to the second longitudinal fold line (v2), the fourth transverse cut starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) at the second transverse score line (C2) up to the second longitudinal fold line (v2), in such a way as to form a second reinforcement tab (e2) comprised between the second longitudinal fold line (v2) and the second longitudinal edge (B4);

[0063] a fifth transverse cut (z5) and a sixth transverse cut (z6), the fifth transverse cut starting at the third transverse score line (C3) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the third longitudinal fold line (v3), the sixth transverse cut starting at the fourth transverse score line (C4) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the third longitudinal fold line (v3), in such a way as to form a third reinforcement tab (e3) comprised between the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the first longitudinal edge (B3);

[0064] A seventh transverse cut (z7) and an eighth transverse cut (z8), wherein the seventh transverse cut is made at the third transverse score line (C3), starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) to at most the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), and the eighth transverse cut is made at the fourth transverse score line (C4), starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) to at most the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), in such a way as to form a fourth reinforcing convex piece (e4) contained between the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) and the second longitudinal edge (B4).

[0065] Further, the method comprises executing Figures 9 to 12 The operations illustrated in the sequence of steps to form a carton (S) around an article (B) are:

[0066] The first sheet half-section (F1A) is rotated relative to the first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) is rotated relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) by gluing the first sheet half-section (F1A) to the first partition (S1) at a first overlapping strip (r1) near the first longitudinal edge (B3) and by gluing the second sheet half-section (F1B) to the first partition (S1) at a second overlapping strip (r2) near the second longitudinal edge (B4), thereby obtaining a cardboard blank (W) (see, for example, Fig. 9 );

[0067] The first sheet half-segment (F1A) is rotated relative to the first partition (S1) around the first overlapping belt (r1) and the second sheet half-segment (F1B) is rotated relative to the first partition (S1) around the second overlapping belt (r2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-segment (F1A) and the second sheet half-segment (F2B) at an angle relative to the first partition (S1), wherein the first sheet half-segment (F1A) will constitute the third side wall (SL3) of the box (S) and the second sheet half-segment (F1B) will constitute the fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S) (see Fig.10 );

[0068] The corresponding bottom surface of the article (B) is placed on the first sub-area (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) (see Fig.11 middle image of the sequence shown),

[0069] The first sheet half section (F1A) is rotated relative to the first overlapping belt (r1) so as to arrange the first sheet half section to face the first side (B1L) of the article (B), and the second sheet half section (F1B) is rotated relative to the second overlapping belt (r2) so as to arrange the second sheet half section to face the second side (B2L) of the article (B) (see, for example, Fig.11The last image in the sequence of );

[0070] rotating the second subarea (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) about the first transverse score line (C1),

[0071] rotating the third subarea (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) about the second transverse score line (C2),

[0072] rotating the fourth subarea (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) about the third transverse score line (C3),

[0073] so that the second partition (S2) is arranged to face the third side surface (B3L) of the article (B), thereby forming the first side wall (SL1) of the box (S), so that the third partition (S3) is arranged to face the top surface of the article (B), thereby forming the top wall (SU) of the box (S), and so that the fourth partition (S4) is arranged to face the fourth side surface (B4L) of the article (B), thereby forming the second side wall (SL2) of the box (S), in this way, a box (S) having a bottom wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU) and accommodating the article (B) therein is obtained (see Fig.12 ).

[0074] like Fig.12 As shown (two images on the right) and Fig.13 In the image, the first reinforcing tab (e1) and the third reinforcing tab (e3) will protrude relative to the first sheet half section (F1A), and the second reinforcing tab (e2) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) will protrude relative to the second sheet half section (F1B), the first sheet half section constituting the third side wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second sheet half section constituting the fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S) opposite to the third side wall (SL3).

[0075] In this regard, the method (ie, the second preferred embodiment) further comprises (eg, see Fig.12 The last image in or Fig.13 ):

[0076] Rotating the first reinforcing tab (e1) relative to the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and rotating the third reinforcing tab (e3) in a manner parallel to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) so as to fold and fix the tabs on the first sheet half section (F1A) (third side wall (SL3) of the box (S)) by gluing, the first sheet half section already folded and facing the first side wall (B1L) of the article (B) so as to form a first pair of reinforced lateral vertical corners (D1, D2) of the carton;

[0077] The second reinforcing tab (e2) is rotated relative to the second longitudinal fold line (v2) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) is rotated relative to the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) so ​​that the tabs are folded and fixed on the second sheet half section (F1B) (the fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S)) by gluing, which second sheet half section has been folded and faces the second side wall (B2L) of the article (B) opposite to the first side wall (B1L) so as to form a second pair of reinforced lateral vertical corners (D3, D4) of the cardboard box (S).

[0078] The method preferably includes: before folding the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) onto the first sheet half section (F1A) and the second sheet half section (F1B), applying an adhesive material on the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) or on the vertical portion of the first sheet half section (F1A) or the second sheet half section (F1B) to fix them to each other.

[0079] In this way, a cardboard box (S) can be obtained, which has a corresponding packaged article (B) inside, which has corresponding four reinforced lateral vertical corners (D1, D2, D3, D4) and is therefore able to (for example, but not limited to) resist any stress and avoid possible deformation of the box in the case of a height of the article, for example, greater than about 10 cm.

Claims

1. A method for packaging articles (B) in cardboard boxes (S) made starting from a continuous cardboard strip (N), the method comprising: Advancing a continuous paperboard strip (N) along an advancement direction (A); A cutting operation is performed during the advancement of the continuous paperboard web (N) along the advancement direction (A) in order to obtain from the continuous paperboard web (N) a single paperboard sheet (F), the single paperboard sheet (F) having: a first transverse edge (B1), a second transverse edge (B2) parallel to the first transverse edge (B1), a first longitudinal edge (B3), and a second longitudinal edge (B4) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3); and a partial transverse cut (V) parallel to the first transverse edge (B1), the partial transverse cut dividing the single cardboard sheet (F) into a first sheet section (F1) comprised between the first transverse edge (B1) and the partial transverse cut (V) and a second sheet section (F2) comprised between the partial transverse cut (V) and the second transverse edge (B2) and separating the first sheet section from the second sheet section, wherein the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2) are partially separated from each other by the partial transverse cut (V), but remain joined and connected to each other only at two sheet sections (p1, p2), the two sheet sections being comprised between the two ends of the partial transverse cut (V) and the two longitudinal edges (B3, B4) of the single cardboard sheet (F), respectively, and defining a first hinge point (a1) and a second hinge point (a2) between the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2), respectively; advancing said single paperboard sheet (F) thus obtained along said advancing direction (A); making a longitudinal cut (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first transverse edge (B1) to the partial transverse cut (V) in such a way that the first sheet section (F1) is divided into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B), wherein the first sheet half section (F1A) remains hinged to the second sheet section (F2) via the first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half section (F1B) remains hinged to the second sheet section (F2) via the second hinge point (a2); in the second sheet section (F2), three mutually parallel transverse score lines (C1, C2, C3) are made between the first longitudinal edge (B3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), in such a way as to define: a first partition (S1) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse score line (C1), which will constitute the bottom wall (SF) of the box (S); a second partition (S2) between the first transverse score line (C1) and the second transverse score line (C2), which will constitute the first side wall (SL1) of the box (S); a third partition (S3) between the second score line (C2) and the third transverse score line (C3), which will constitute the top wall (SU) of the box (S); and a fourth partition (S4) between the third score line (C3) and the second transverse edge (B2), which will constitute the second side wall (SL2) of the box (S); rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) by gluing the first sheet half-section (F1A) to the first partition (S1) at a first overlapping strip (r1) near the first longitudinal edge (B3) and by gluing the second sheet half-section (F1B) to the first partition (S1) at a second overlapping strip (r2) near the second longitudinal edge (B4); Rotating the first sheet half-segment (F1A) relative to the first partition (S1) around the first overlapping belt (r1) and rotating the second sheet half-segment (F1B) relative to the first partition (S1) around the second overlapping belt (r2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-segment (F1A) and the second sheet half-segment (F2B) at an angle relative to the first partition (S1), wherein the first sheet half-segment (F1A) will constitute a third side wall (SL3) of the box (S) and the second sheet half-segment (F1B) will constitute a fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S); placing said respective bottom surface of said article (B) over said first subarea (S1) of said second sheet section (F2); And also includes: Rotating the first sheet half section (F1A) relative to the first overlapping belt (r1) so as to arrange the first sheet half section (F1A) to face the first side (B1L) of the article (B), and rotating the second sheet half section (F1B) relative to the second overlapping belt so as to arrange the second sheet half section (F1B) to face the second side (B2L) of the article (B); rotating the second subarea (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) around the first transverse score line (C1), rotating the third subarea (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) around the second transverse score line (C2), rotating the fourth subarea (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) around the third transverse score line (C3), So that the second partition (S2) is arranged to face the third side surface (B3L) of the article (B), the third partition (S3) is arranged to face the top surface of the article (B), and the fourth partition (S4) is arranged to face the fourth side surface (B4L) of the article (B), in this way, a box (S) having a bottom wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU) and accommodating the article (B) therein is obtained.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: During the advancement of the continuous cardboard web (N) along the advancement direction (A) in order to obtain the individual cardboard sheets (F) from the continuous cardboard web (N), the cutting operation indifferently comprises: firstly cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and separating the individual cardboard sheets (F) from the continuous cardboard web (N), and then performing the partial transverse cuts (V) on the individual cardboard sheets (F), or making the partial transverse cuts (V) on the continuous cardboard web (N) and then cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and obtaining the individual cardboard sheets (F) with the partial transverse cuts (V), or cutting the continuous cardboard web (N) transversely and making the partial transverse cuts (V) at the same time.

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising making the longitudinal cut (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first transverse edge (B1) to the partial transverse cut (V) at the same time, before or after making the three transverse score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2), in such a way as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), making a first longitudinal score line (l1) on the first sheet half-section (F1A), the first longitudinal score line being parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single cardboard sheet (F) and between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single cardboard sheet (F) in such a way as to define a first wing (t1) on the first sheet half-section (F1A); and before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2); A second longitudinal score line (l2) is made on the sheet half section (F1B), which is parallel to the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single cardboard sheet (F) and between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single cardboard sheet (F), in such a way as to define a second wing (t2) on the second sheet half section (F1B), wherein the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) will be folded above the top surface (BS) of the article (B) once the first sheet half section (F1A) and the second sheet half section (F1B) have been rotated and arranged to face the first side (B1L) of the article (B) and the second side (B2L) of the article (B), respectively.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Before rotating the first sheet half section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) so as to arrange the first sheet half section and the second sheet half section above the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), a first fold line (g1) is made on the first sheet half section (F1A) near the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single paperboard sheet (F) so as to mark a first fold line (g1) between the first fold line (g1) and the first longitudinal edge (B3). a first tab (n1) which is to be glued to the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and forms the first overlapping band (r1); and a second fold line (g2) is made on the second sheet half section (F1B) near the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single paperboard sheet (F) so as to identify a second tab (n2) between the second fold line (g2) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), and the second tab is to be glued to the first partition (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and forms the second overlapping band (r2).

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: Before rotating the second partition (S2), the third partition (S3) and the fourth partition (S4) of the second sheet section (F2), a fourth transverse score line (C4) is made in the fourth partition (S4), wherein the fourth transverse score line is between the first longitudinal edge (B3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4) and near the second transverse edge (B2) so as to identify a closing tab (z) located between the fourth transverse score line (C4) and the second transverse edge (B2), wherein, after the fourth partition (S4) of the second sheet section (F4) has been rotated and arranged to face the fourth side (B4L) of the article (B) to form the side wall (SL2) of the box (S), the closing tab (z) can be rotated and folded around the fourth transverse score line (C4) so ​​as to be glued to the bottom wall (SB) of the box and then close the box.

7. The method according to any of the preceding claims, comprising, before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second hinge point (a2) in order to arrange the first sheet half-section and the second sheet half-section above the first subarea (S1) of the second sheet section (F2): in the second zone (S2), making between the first transverse score line (C1) and the second transverse score line (C2) a first longitudinal fold line (v1) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3), and a second longitudinal fold line (v2) parallel to the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), in such a way that the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the second longitudinal fold line (v2) are at a first distance from each other, the first distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the third side (B3L) of the object to be packaged (B); making, in the fourth zone (S4), between the third transverse score line (C3) and the fourth transverse score line (C4), a third longitudinal fold line (v3) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3), and a fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) parallel to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), in such a way that the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) are at a second distance from each other, the second distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the fourth side (B4L) opposite the third side (B3L) of the item to be packaged (B); as well as At the same time as or after making the first longitudinal fold line (v1), the second longitudinal fold line (v2), the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), making: a first transverse cut (z1) and a second transverse cut (z2), the first transverse cut starting at the first transverse score line (C1) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the first longitudinal fold line (v1), and the second transverse cut starting at the second transverse score line (C2) from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the first longitudinal fold line (v1), in such a way as to form a first reinforcement tab (e1) comprised between the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and the first longitudinal edge (B3); a third transverse cut (z3) and a fourth transverse cut (z4), said third transverse cut starting at said first transverse score line (C1) from said second longitudinal edge (B4) up to said second longitudinal fold line (v2), and said fourth transverse cut starting at said second transverse score line (C2) from said second longitudinal edge (B4) up to said second longitudinal fold line (v2), in such a way as to form a second reinforcement tab (e2) comprised between said second longitudinal fold line (v2) and said second longitudinal edge (B4); a fifth transverse cut (z5) and a sixth transverse cut (z6), the fifth transverse cut starting from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) at the third transverse score line (C3), the sixth transverse cut starting from the first longitudinal edge (B3) up to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) at the fourth transverse score line (C4), in such a way as to form a third reinforcement tab (e3) comprised between the third longitudinal fold line (v3) and the first longitudinal edge (B3); a seventh transverse cut (z7) and an eighth transverse cut (z8), the seventh transverse cut starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) at the third transverse score line (C3) up to the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), the eighth transverse cut starting from the second longitudinal edge (B4) at the fourth transverse score line (C4) up to the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4), in such a way as to form a fourth reinforcing tab (e4) comprised between the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), from so that once the paperboard box (S) has been formed, the first reinforcement tab (e1) and the third reinforcement tab (e3) will protrude relative to the first sheet half-section (F1A), and the second reinforcement tab (e2) and the fourth reinforcement tab (e4) will protrude relative to the second sheet half-section (F1B), the first sheet half-section constituting the third side wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second sheet half-section constituting the fourth side wall (SL4) of the box (S) opposite to the third side wall (SL3); And wherein the method further comprises: Rotating the first reinforcing tab (e1) relative to the first longitudinal fold line (v1) and rotating the third reinforcing tab (e3) relative to the third longitudinal fold line (v3) so as to fold and fix the first and third reinforcing tabs on the first sheet half section (F1A) which has been folded and faces the first side wall (B1L) of the article (B) by gluing so as to form a first pair of reinforced lateral vertical corners (D1, D2) of the carton (S); The second reinforcing tab (e2) is rotated relative to the second longitudinal fold line (v2) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) is rotated relative to the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) so ​​that the second reinforcing tab and the fourth reinforcing tab are folded and fixed on the second sheet half section (F1B) by gluing, the second sheet half section has been folded and faces the second side wall (B2L) of the article (B) opposite to the first side wall (B1L) so as to form a second pair of reinforced lateral vertical corners (D3, D4) of the cardboard box (S).

8. The method according to claim 7, comprising: Before folding the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) onto the first sheet half section (F1A) and the second sheet half section (F1B), an adhesive material is applied to the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) or to a vertical portion of the first sheet half section (F1A) or the second sheet half section (F1B) to fix them to each other.

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