PACKAGING WITH A STORAGE VOLUME ADJUSTABLE TO THE CONTENT

Description

[0001] The field of the invention is that of the design and manufacture of means of transporting parcels.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates in particular, but not exclusively, to a package with a storage volume adaptable to a content.

[0003] To transport items between a starting point and an arrival destination, parcels are generally used.

[0004] Most commonly, packages take the form of cardboard boxes.

[0005] Depending on the size of the items to be transported, several sizes of boxes are available.

[0006] So, when sending an item, the sender chooses the box of the size most appropriate to the size of the item to be sent.

[0007] However, the size of the box chosen is not always suitable for the item to be transported.

[0008] In fact, to ensure that the item fits properly in the box, the chosen box generally has dimensions that are significantly larger than the item to be transported.

[0009] It is therefore necessary to wedge the item inside the box. To do this, polystyrene beads, air pockets, or even paper balls are used to fill the remaining space between the item and the box.

[0010] This results in wasted material, as the balls, pouches, or balls are rarely reused for subsequent shipping. Generally, these balls, pouches, or balls are discarded when the box is opened.

[0011] Furthermore, when the boxes are oversized in relation to the item to be transported, they are so bulky that it limits the space available for storing another package.

[0012] In other words, by oversizing the boxes relative to the size of the items to be transported, for the same transport volume, fewer items can be transported compared to using boxes of an adequate size.

[0013] Alternatively, for small and / or flexible items (e.g. magazines, books, clothing) flexible plastic bags can be used.

[0014] These plastic bags are cut and sealed when packaging the item to be transported so as to adapt them to the size of the item.

[0015] This helps reduce storage loss caused by oversized boxes.

[0016] On the other hand, unlike using a cardboard box, the transported item is not or only slightly protected.

[0017] This method is therefore not recommended for transporting fragile items, for example.

[0018] Furthermore, to enable the delivery of items, packages carry logistics labels which are automatically read in logistics centers.

[0019] These labels include, for example, destination information, recipient information, weight or fragility characteristics of the package.

[0020] These labels must therefore be able to be read automatically and quickly by scanners.

[0021] However, the flexibility of the plastic bag can allow the label to fold back on itself, which prevents it from being read by scanners.

[0022] The package must therefore be processed manually, which may increase its delivery time. A package according to the preamble of independent claim 1 is known from US 2012 / 070104 A1.

[0023] The invention aims in particular to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0024] More specifically, the invention aims to propose a package allowing its capacity to be adapted to the contents to be transported while ensuring protection of said contents.

[0025] The invention also aims to provide such a package that allows easy and automatic reading of routing information in all circumstances, or almost all circumstances. The invention further aims to provide such a package that is reusable and space-saving when not in use.

[0026] These objectives, as well as others which will appear subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention which relates to a transport package according to independent claim 1.

[0027] Such a package allows its closed storage volume to be adapted according to the size of the item to be transported.

[0028] Furthermore, the integrity of the article is preserved thanks to the package according to the invention.

[0029] In fact, the return means allow the article to be pressed against the base via the contact face.

[0030] This prevents the item from moving within the closed storage area. This prevents the item from violently hitting the lid or base if the package is mishandled during transport.

[0031] Furthermore, the package according to the invention is more ecological than the packages of the prior art previously cited since no additional packing element is necessary to maintain and protect the article in the closed storage volume.

[0032] Deformable joining means include: at least two hoops concentric with each other, a canvas forming a sheath joining the frame to the bottom, the hoops being housed inside the frame, concentrically to the frame in the flat configuration of the package, the hoops being integral with the canvas.

[0033] This structure of deformable joining means makes it possible to create intermediate levels of closed storage volume in the transport configuration of the package.

[0034] Furthermore, the presence of concentric hoops makes it possible to stiffen the deformable joining means to further preserve the integrity of the article being transported.

[0035] In this case, the hoops are preferably housed inside the sheath formed by the canvas.

[0036] This makes it easier to fold the deformable joining means when the package moves from its transport configuration to its flat configuration.

[0037] In addition, the hoops are not visible from the outside of the package, which enhances the aesthetics of the package.

[0038] Preferably, the canvas is made of an elastically deformable material, the canvas forming the return means.

[0039] Thus, as soon as the canvas deforms elastically, it allows the transported item to be held between the base and the bottom of the lid.

[0040] According to another advantageous embodiment, the return means comprise at least one elastic band inserted between the bottom and the frame of the cover.

[0041] The presence of elastic bands makes it easier to maintain the package, which can be reused many times.

[0042] In fact, the elastic bands can simply be replaced as the package is used, as the elastic bands can lose their elasticity or break under stress, which affects the proper protection of the item located in the closed storage volume.

[0043] According to yet another advantageous embodiment, the return means comprise a foam block forming the contact member, the foam block being elastically deformable.

[0044] The foam block makes it possible to ensure that an item is held against the base when the item is thin (for example a coin or an envelope) and the package is almost in its flat configuration or, at the very least, the deformable joining means are not deformed or almost so.

[0045] Advantageously, the contact member is integral with the bottom of the cover.

[0046] This position of the contact member helps to keep the item in the closed storage volume.

[0047] Preferably, the cover is mounted so that it can rotate on the base by a hinge.

[0048] This makes it easier to handle the package since only a pivoting movement of the lid is necessary to create the closed storage volume.

[0049] Thus, there is no need for a user to worry about positioning the lid in its closed position.

[0050] According to another advantageous embodiment, the return means also comprise at least one tensioner inserted between the bottom of the cover and the base, the junction between each tensioner with the base being located near the hinge.

[0051] This type of elastic allows the bottom of the base to be brought even closer in the transport configuration of the package, which helps to keep the item in the package.

[0052] Preferably, at least one of the contact face and the receiving face incorporates adhesive means and / or non-slip means.

[0053] Adhesive and / or non-slip materials also ensure that items are held in place in the package.

[0054] In fact, in addition to the retention by pressing against the base via the bottom of the lid and the return means, the adhesive means and / or the non-slip means make it possible to prevent the article from sliding on the base and / or relative to the bottom of the lid.

[0055] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a perspective view from above of a package according to the invention, in a flat configuration; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the package according to the invention, along plane P1 of the figure 1 ; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a perspective view from above of the package according to the invention, in a semi-open configuration. Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a side view of the package according to the invention, in a semi-open configuration; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a perspective view from above of the package according to the invention, in an open configuration; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a perspective view from above of the package according to the invention, in a transport configuration; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the package according to the invention, along plane P2 of the figure 6 ; [ Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the package according to the invention, according to a second embodiment, along plane P2 of the figure 6 .

[0056] There figure 1 illustrates a package 100 according to the invention.

[0057] Package 100 includes a base 200 and a cover 300.

[0058] The base 200 and the cover 300 form, together, a closed storage volume V as illustrated in the figures 7 And 8 .

[0059] In reference to the figure 2 , the 200 base includes: a receiving face 210 of an article A (article A being illustrated on the figure 8 and the figure 7 ); a peripheral edge 220 surrounding the receiving face 210; a peripheral groove 230 surrounding the peripheral edge 220 outside the latter, as can be seen in the figure 3 ; a cavity 240 opening towards the outside of the package 100.

[0060] As seen on the figures 2 , 7 And 8 , the cavity 240 is intended to receive a digital tablet 400 allowing the display of routing data of the package 100.

[0061] As seen on the figures 7 And 8, the digital tablet 400 is provided with a screen 410, this screen preferably being an electronic paper type screen.

[0062] In reference to the figures 4 And 5 , the cover 300 is rotatably mounted on the base 200.

[0063] More particularly, the package 100 comprises a hinge 600 forming an interface allowing the rotation of the cover 300 relative to the base 200.

[0064] Thus, the package can adopt several configurations, namely: a flat configuration (also called a storage configuration), as shown in the figures 1 And 2 ; a semi-open configuration, as illustrated in the figures 3 And 4 ; an open configuration, as illustrated in the figure 5 , and a transport configuration, as illustrated in the figures 6 , 7 And 8 .

[0065] In other words, the cover 300 can adopt a closed position to define the closed storage volume V with the base, as illustrated in the figures 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 And 8 , and an opening position in which it is spaced from the base 200 corresponding in particular to the figures 3 , 4 And 5 .

[0066] Of course, the figures 3 And 4 illustrate a particular semi-open position. However, the package 100 according to the invention can adopt a multitude of semi-open positions between its flat or transport configuration and its open configuration.

[0067] In reference to the figures 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 And 8 , the cover includes: a frame 310; a base 320; deformable joining means 330 of the base 320 to the frame 310; a contact member 340, and return means 360.

[0068] The contact member 340 has a contact face 350 intended to come into contact with an article A to be transported as illustrated in the figures 7 And 8 .

[0069] As will be explained below, the return means 360 make it possible to move the contact face 350 towards the base 200 to maintain the article A in position in the closed storage volume V as illustrated in the figures 7 And 8 .

[0070] As shown in the cross-sectional view of the figure 2 , the frame 310 comes into contact with the base 200 in the closed position of the cover 300 and therefore in the flat and transport configurations of the package 100.

[0071] To improve the security of the article A stored in the closed storage volume V, the frame 310 has a bead 311 which fits into the peripheral groove 230 of the base 200 in the flat configuration and in the transport configuration of the package 100.

[0072] In other words, the annular bead 311 is housed in the peripheral groove 230 of the base 200 in the closed position of the cover 300.

[0073] Thus, the cooperation between the annular bead 311 and the peripheral groove 230 makes it possible to form a baffle preventing, for example, the passage of a blade (in particular the blade of a knife) to form a lever arm making it possible to open the package 100 or to look inside.

[0074] The peripheral edge 220 also forms a barrier preventing the view of the article 1 inside the package 100.

[0075] Furthermore, this baffle makes it possible to seal the storage volume V with respect to the external environment in which the package 100 is located. In this case, the annular bead 311 forms a seal.

[0076] In reference to the figure 7 , the bottom 320 is formed of a rigid plate.

[0077] As illustrated on the figure 2 , in the flat configuration of the package 100, the bottom 320 is mounted concentrically inside the frame 310 of the cover.

[0078] The deformable joining means 330 which connect the frame 310 to the bottom 320, comprise: at least two hoops 331, and a canvas 332 secured to the hoops 331.

[0079] More particularly, as illustrated in the cross-sections of the figures 2 , 7 And 8 , the hoops 331 are concentric with each other and concentric with the frame 311, inside the latter.

[0080] As seen on the figures 7 And 8 , the hoops 331 are located inside the canvas 332.

[0081] Alternatively, the hoops 331 may be mounted outside the canvas 332.

[0082] According to another variant, the hoops 331 can be mounted in pockets made in the canvas 332.

[0083] As seen on the figures 7 And 8 , the deformable joining means 330 thus comprise an alternation of canvas alone and canvas coupled to the arch between the bottom 320 and the frame 310.

[0084] As seen in the cross section of the figure 2 in particular, when the package 100 is in its flat configuration, the deformable joining means 330 are in an initial state in which the hoops 331 concentric with each other are located inside the frame 310 and the canvas extends between the bottom 320 and the frame 310, forming, by the presence of the hoops 331, an alternation of crests and hollows.

[0085] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the canvas 332 may be an elastic canvas stretching when the bottom 320 is moved away from the frame 310 and retracting when the bottom 320 is brought closer to the frame 310.

[0086] The contact member 340, as illustrated in the figure 7 , carries the contact face 350 and is formed by a plate 341 secured to the bottom 320.

[0087] According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated in the figures, the plate 341 may have a concave shape opening towards the base 200 in the closed position of the cover 300, the concave shape then carrying the contact phase 350.

[0088] According to the embodiment variant illustrated on the figure 8 , the contact member 340 is in the form of a foam block 342.

[0089] The foam block 342 then has the contact face 350 and is secured to the bottom 320 of the cover 300.

[0090] This foam block 342 is elastically deformable so as to be able to bring the contact face 350 closer to the bottom 320 when an article A is inserted into the package 100 and the cover 300 is in its closed position.

[0091] In reference to the figure 5 , the return means 360 which make it possible to move the contact face 350 towards the base 200 in the closed position of the cover 300, comprise at least one elastic band 361 interposed between the frame 310 and the bottom 320.

[0092] According to this same embodiment, the return means 360 also comprise at least one tensioner 362 inserted between the bottom 320 and the base 200. The tensioner 362 is, preferably, also an elastic band.

[0093] The junction between each tensioner 362 and the base 200 is located near the hinge 600.

[0094] Preferably, as illustrated in the figure 5 , the return means 360 comprise two elastic bands 361 each inserted between the frame 310 and the base 320, and two tensioners 362 each inserted between the base 320 and the base 200.

[0095] To ensure the closure of the package 100 and the safe transport of an item A, the package 100 also comprises locking means 500.

[0096] In reference to the figure 5 , the locking means 500 comprise: a hook 510 secured to the cover 300; a receiving slot 520 for the hook 510, made in the base 200; a handling member 530 secured to the base 200.

[0097] More precisely, and in a manner known per se, the locking means comprise a mechanism for locking the hook 510 in the receiving slot 520, this locking mechanism being located in the receiving slot 520 of the hook 510.

[0098] According to an alternative embodiment, the return means 360 are formed by the deformable joining means 330.

[0099] More particularly, the deformable joining means 330 comprise a fabric 332 which is an elastic fabric.

[0100] Thus, when the bottom 320 of the cover 300 is moved away from the frame 310, the elasticity of the fabric 332 tends to move the bottom 320 towards the base 200 and therefore the contact face 350 secured to the bottom 320 towards the base 200.

[0101] According to another embodiment variant, the return means 360 are formed by the foam block 342 illustrated in the figure 8 , which when applied against the article A to be transported, pushes the contact face 350 away from the bottom 320, that is to say in the direction of the base 200.

[0102] Of course, these embodiment variants can be combined with each other and combined with the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figure 5 , namely the presence of elastic bands 361 and tensioners 362.

[0103] In other words, the package 100 according to the invention may present, as recall means 360: a pair of elastic bands 361 each interposed between the frame 310 and the base 320; a pair of tensioners 362 each interposed between the base 320 and the base 200; a block of foam 342 secured to the base 320 and carrying the contact face 350; and an elastic fabric 332 forming an integral part of the deformable joining means 330.

[0104] To ensure that the item A is kept in the closed storage volume V, the package also includes non-slip means 211 and / or adhesive means 351.

[0105] More specifically, the package 100 comprises both anti-slip means 211 and / or adhesive means 351.

[0106] The anti-slip means 211 are carried by the base 200 and the adhesive means 351 are carried by the cover 300 and more particularly by the contact face 350.

[0107] The use of the package 100 according to the invention is as follows. According to one storage mode, the package 100 is in its flat configuration as illustrated in the figures 1 And 2 .

[0108] In this flat configuration, the contact face 350 of the cover 300 and the receiving face 210 of the base 200 touch or are in the immediate vicinity of each other.

[0109] More particularly, as illustrated in the figure 2 , the contact face 350 of the cover 300 touches the receiving face 210 of the base 200.

[0110] Alternatively, the contact phase 350 of the cover 300 may be slightly spaced apart and located in the immediate vicinity of the receiving face 210 of the base 200.

[0111] The user then positions the package 100 in its open configuration as illustrated in the figure 5 by passing the package 100 through a semi-open configuration as illustrated in the figures 3 And4 .

[0112] When package 100 is in its open configuration, i.e. as illustrated in the figure 5 , the user can place an item A on the base 200.

[0113] More particularly, the user places an article A on the non-slip means 211 of the base 200 in order to limit the movement of the article A on the base 200.

[0114] The user can then position the cover 300 in its closed position. To do this, he grasps the frame 310 to fold it towards the base 200 by rotating it around the hinge 600.

[0115] Package 100 then moves into its semi-open configuration, as illustrated in the figures 3 And 4 , to achieve its transport configuration, as illustrated in the figures 6 , 7 And 8 .

[0116] In the transport configuration, the hook 510 secured to the cover 300 is received in the receiving slot 520 of the base 200, in which it is retained by the locking means.

[0117] Likewise, as seen on the figures 7 And 8 , the annular bead 311 of the frame 310 is received in the peripheral groove 230 of the base 200 making it possible to seal the closed storage volume V of the package 100.

[0118] The passage of the package 100 in its transport configuration, and more particularly the passage of the cover 300 in its closed position from an open position in which it is separated from the base 200, causes the deformation of the deformable joining means 330 by the presence of the article A.

[0119] More particularly, when the package 100 is in its transport configuration, the deformable joining means 330 are deformed relative to the flat configuration illustrated in the figure 1 And 2 , by the presence of item A in the closed storage volume V.

[0120] The contact face 350 and the receiving phase 210 are each in contact with the article A.

[0121] The return means 360 are tensioned and cause the movement of the contact face 350 secured to the bottom 320 in the direction of the base 200.

[0122] The contact member 340 therefore moves the bottom 320 away from the base 200 when the cover 300 moves from a position away from the base 200 to its closed position.

Claims

1. A transport parcel (100) comprising: - a base (200) having a receiving face (210) for an article (A), - a lid (300) capable of adopting a closed position in which it defines a closed storage volume (V) with the base (200), the lid (300) comprising: - a frame (310) coming into contact with the base (200) in the closed position of the lid (300); - a bottom (320); - deformable joining means (330) connecting the frame (310) to the bottom (320), - a contact member (340) having a contact face (350) with an article (A), the parcel (100) being capable of adopting: - a flat configuration in which, in the closed position of the lid (300), the contact face (350) and the receiving face (210) of the base (200) are touching or are in the immediate vicinity of each other, - a transport configuration in which an article (A) is received in the closed storage volume (V), between the contact face (350) and the receiving face (210) of the base (200), and in which, in the closed position of the lid (300), the deformable joining means (330) are in a deformed state relative to the flat configuration in order to separate the contact face (350) from the receiving face (210) of the base (200) under the effect of the presence of said article (A), the contact member (340) separating the bottom (320) from the base (200), the lid (300) also comprising return means (360) tending to move the contact face (350) towards the receiving face (210) of the base (200), and in that the deformable joining means (330) comprise a cloth (332) forming a sheath joining the frame (310) to the bottom, characterized in that the bottom is mounted inside the frame (310), and in that the deformable joining means (330) comprise at least two hoops (331) concentric with each other, the hoops (331) being housed inside the frame (310), concentrically with the frame (310) in the flat configuration of the parcel (100), the hoops (331) being secured to the cloth (332).

2. The parcel (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the hoops (331) are housed inside the sheath formed by the cloth (332).

3. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cloth (332) is made of an elastically deformable material, the cloth (332) forming the return means (360).

4. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means (360) comprise at least one elastic band (361) interposed between the bottom (320) and the frame (310) of the lid (300).

5. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the return means (360) comprise a foam block (342) forming the contact member (340), the foam block (342) being elastically deformable.

6. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact member (340) is secured to the bottom (320) of the lid (300).

7. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lid (300) is movably mounted in rotation on the base (200) by a hinge (600).

8. The parcel (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the return means (360) also comprise at least one tensioner (362) interposed between the bottom (320) of the lid (300) and the base (200), the junction between each tensioner (362) with the base (200) being located in the vicinity of the hinge (600).

9. The parcel (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the contact face (350) and of the receiving face (210) integrates adhesive means (351) and / or non-slip means (211).