Foldable parcel comprising means for guiding a cover
The package design with guiding means ensures secure and consistent closure by aligning the lid with package edges, addressing alignment issues in reusable packaging due to material deformations.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-04-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-08
AI Technical Summary
Reusable packaging faces challenges in properly aligning and locking the lid due to material deformations, leading to improper closure.
A package design with guiding means separate from the pivot connection, featuring guide rails and deployable arms that ensure the lid aligns correctly with the package edges, compensating for material deformations and ensuring secure closure.
The design allows for the package to be properly closed and locked from the first attempt, maintaining secure closure throughout its lifespan despite material deformations.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
[0001] The field of invention is logistics.
[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a package, also called a packaging means, i.e. a container, for the transport of objects between two destinations.
[0003] To transport an object safely, packages such as boxes made of plastic materials and cardboard boxes are known.
[0004] Document FR2288035 discloses a box comprising panels forming the box walls, the connections between the panels being formed by hinges that are integral with the panels. Document US2906428 discloses a pill box with a lid coupled to a base by a pivot and a spring-loaded locking button.
[0005] Generally speaking, parcels consist of a box with a base and a peripheral rim which together define a storage volume in which at least one object to be transported is housed.
[0006] The packages also include a movable lid relative to the crate, or attached to the crate, this lid being able in particular to adopt a closing position of the storage volume in which the lid closes the storage volume of the crate.
[0007] These packages are conventionally foldable. They are therefore mobile between a configuration in which the box is formed and defines the storage volume, and a flat configuration in which the package is collapsed on itself, producing a smaller footprint.
[0008] More specifically, the peripheral rim includes: a first panel; a second panel; a third panel opposite the first panel; a fourth panel opposite the second panel.
[0009] Each panel can therefore adopt: a storage position in which it extends substantially parallel to the bottom; a usage position in which it extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom.
[0010] Before transporting an object, a user picks up a package in its flat configuration in order to shape it. Indeed, most often, when storing the package, the panels of the peripheral edge are in their storage position, which implies that the package is in the flat configuration.
[0011] The user must then configure the box, that is, define the storage volume by positioning each of the peripheral rim panels in its position of use.
[0012] The user can then insert an object into the storage compartment and position the lid in the closed position of the storage compartment.
[0013] Typically, parcels are made of cardboard. These cardboard parcels are generally used for only one shipment or a very limited number of shipments.
[0014] These cardboard packages tend to degrade particularly quickly depending on the handling conditions of these packages, as well as the environmental conditions to which they may be subjected.
[0015] Consequently, given the volumes of cardboard used in logistics transport, it can be considered that the use of these boxes is not ecological and particularly resource-intensive, even taking into account the simple and easy nature of producing this type of package.
[0016] Recently, reusable parcel projects have emerged.
[0017] These reusable packages can be used many times before needing to be recycled or repaired. To this end, these packages have walls made of materials that are stronger and more durable than cardboard.
[0018] In the end, although they have a more complex and expensive design or manufacturing process than cardboard boxes, the ecological footprint of such reusable boxes is better.
[0019] These reusable packages typically include integrated locking mechanisms, allowing the lid to be locked in a position that blocks access to the storage volume.
[0020] Locking mechanisms may include anchor points and bolts designed to hook the anchor points. For example, one part of the lid or case has a ring forming an anchor point, and the other part of the lid or case has a cavity into which the ring fits within the lid's closing mechanism, with the bolt mounted movably inside the cavity to hook the ring and hold it captive.
[0021] However, the use of reusable packaging raises some problems.
[0022] In particular, one of the problems identified relates to the closing of the package.
[0023] Indeed, when folding the package, the lid may not move into its closed position and lock properly.
[0024] More specifically, problems were found in directly and correctly aligning the locking means when closing the lid.
[0025] This alignment problem stems, among other things, from the very nature of reusable packages, which notably use materials for their panels that are likely to undergo deformations as they are used.
[0026] The invention aims in particular to overcome this drawback of the prior art.
[0027] More specifically, the invention aims to provide a reusable package that can be properly closed and locked from the first attempt at closing by a user, and throughout the entire lifespan of the package.
[0028] These objectives, as well as others that will emerge subsequently, are achieved thanks to the invention, which relates to a package comprising: a base; panels, including a front panel, a rear panel, and two side panels pivotally mounted on the base; closing means comprising a cover pivotally mounted on the rear panel by means of a rear pivot joint; the package being foldable between: a configuration of use in which at least the base, the front panel and the side panels form a box defining a storage volume, and in which the means of closure are capable of closing the storage volume; a flat configuration, in which the panels and the lid extend substantially parallel to the base;the package also comprising means for locking the lid in a closed position of the storage volume in the package's usage configuration, the locking means establishing, in a locked configuration, a mechanical connection between an upper edge of the front panel and a front edge of the lid, characterized in that it comprises means for guiding the lid into its closed position, the guiding means being separate from the rear pivot connection, the guiding means being designed to force a stop-like movement of the front edge of the lid against the upper edge of the front panel when approaching the lid to its closed position.
[0029] Thanks to the package according to the invention, the closing of the lid is guided so that, during this closing, the front edge of the lid comes to rest against the upper edge of the front panel, and the locking means can directly lock the lid.
[0030] These guidance means thus make it possible to compensate for the fact that the package according to the invention may be of the reusable type, that is to say, it may be made of materials which may, as the package is used, exhibit deformations, even minute ones, which may limit the ability of the package to be properly closed on the first attempt by a user, without complex manipulation, or specifically aimed at compensating for these deformations.
[0031] The guiding means thus compensate for these possible deformations by constraining the lid so that it adopts a correct position after being closed.
[0032] According to an advantageous feature, the guiding means comprise at least one pair of guiding elements including: a guide rail having a flared entry; a male guide element intended to slide into the guide rail when approaching the cover towards its closed position.
[0033] Thanks to such guide elements, uncertainties in the position of the male guide element when closing the cover are compensated by the fact that the slide has a flared entry.
[0034] Indeed, during closing, the male guide element can enter the flared inlet by presenting a variable position within the flared inlet, then the slide allows to guide and bring this male guide element to its terminal position corresponding to that which the male guide element must adopt when the lid is in its closed position.
[0035] According to an advantageous embodiment, the guiding means comprise two deployable guide arms, each extending between a first end and a second end, each guide arm being movably coupled in rotation to the cover by its first end, at a coupling point located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge and one of the lateral edges of the cover, and the guiding means comprise a main pair of guiding elements for each guide arm, each main pair comprising: a main slide extending on an inner face of the side panel in the immediate vicinity of said guide arm; a main male element located at the second end of said guide arm.
[0036] Thanks to this embodiment, the guide arms make it possible to pre-guide the lid even when it is in a position relatively far from the closing position it must reach.
[0037] Indeed, these guide arms extend under the cover to allow each main male element, intended to be inserted and slid into its main slide, to be positioned away from the cover.
[0038] This remote positioning of the cover of each main male element, on a guide arm that is movable relative to the cover, can lead to positioning errors of the main male element relative to the main slide. These positioning errors are advantageously compensated for by the flared entry of each main slide.
[0039] Advantageously, each guide arm is part of a deformable parallelogram coupled to the rear panel.
[0040] The position of the guide arm and its deployment are thus dictated by the respective position of the rear panel and the cover.
[0041] As a result, the rotation of the rear panel relative to the bottom, and the rotation of the lid relative to the rear panel, allows each of the arms to be positioned precisely in relation to their main slide, and each of the main pairs of guide elements.
[0042] According to an advantageous solution, the guiding means comprise two terminal pairs of guiding elements, each comprising: a terminal slide extending on an inner face of one of the side panels in the immediate vicinity of the upper edge of the front panel and the front edge of the lid in the configuration of use of the package with the lid in its closed position; a terminal male element coupled to the lid being located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge of the lid.
[0043] These two terminal pairs of guide elements allow for more specific guidance in a final phase of approaching the lid's closing position.
[0044] Furthermore, by being located in the immediate vicinity of the upper edge of the front panel and the front edge of the lid, these two terminal pairs ensure that the front edge of the lid comes perfectly into contact with the upper edge of the front panel.
[0045] Advantageously, each terminal male element is carried by the first end of one of the guide arms.
[0046] In this way, the terminal male elements benefit from the guidance provided by the main pair or pairs of guiding elements.
[0047] The guidance in the final phase of approaching the lid's closing position is thus optimized.
[0048] Preferably, each male terminal element is provided with a keying feature designed to prevent its insertion into a main slide.
[0049] In this way, the insertion of the terminal male element(s) into the main slide(s) is avoided.
[0050] The benefit provided by the fact that the terminal male element(s) are carried by the first end(s) of the guide arm is thus not diminished by the possibility that these terminal male elements can be inserted into the main slides.
[0051] According to an advantageous variant, the guiding means comprise two intermediate pairs of guiding elements, each comprising: an intermediate slide; an intermediate male element, the intermediate slide and the intermediate male element being respectively located along a central portion of a lateral edge of the cover and along a central portion of an upper edge of a side panel, or vice versa.
[0052] These intermediate pairs of guide elements thus make it possible to provide guidance at an intermediate portion of the lid, ensuring, during a preliminary phase of approaching the closing position of the lid, that the lid is sufficiently advanced towards the front panel of the package.
[0053] Preferably, for each intermediate pair of guide elements, the package includes: a longitudinal tab with a notch forming the intermediate slide; a longitudinal groove with a transverse rib forming the intermediate male element, the longitudinal tab being inserted into the longitudinal groove in the closed position of the lid.
[0054] In this way, when the lid reaches its closed position, the longitudinal tabs are inserted into the longitudinal grooves, which, in addition to providing lateral guidance of the lid relative to the side panels, allows the lid to have significant lateral support.
[0055] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent upon reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples, and the accompanying drawings, among which: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 is a schematic perspective top view representation of a package according to a first embodiment of the invention, in a flat configuration; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 is a schematic top-view perspective representation of a portion of the package according to the first embodiment of the invention, in an unfolded and operational configuration where a crate defining a storage volume is formed, the crate being formed by a base, a front panel and the side panels of the package, and where closing means comprising a lid and a rear panel of the package are in an open position; Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 is a simplified schematic top-view perspective representation of the package according to a second embodiment of the invention, in its configuration of use, in which the crate is formed by the base, the front panel, the side panels and also by the rear panel, and in which the sealing means comprising only the lid are in an open position; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 is a simplified schematic top-view perspective representation of the package according to the invention, in its configuration of use, in which the crate is formed, and where the sealing means are in a closed position and seal the storage volume; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 is a detailed perspective top view illustrating a portion of the package locking means according to the invention; [ Fig. 6 ] there figure 6 is a detailed perspective view from above, illustrating another part of the package locking means according to the invention; [ Fig. 7 ] there figure 7 is a detailed view illustrating means for guiding the lid of the package according to the invention, including in particular a portion of a guide arm carrying a male guide element, and a guide slide located on an inner face of a side panel of the package; Fig. 8 ] there figure 8 is a detailed view from another angle of the guidance means illustrated by the figure 7 ; Fig. 9 ] there figure 9 is a detailed view of another type of male guide element for the guide means; [ Fig. 10 ] there figure 10 is a schematic top-view perspective detail, illustrating another type of guide slide for the guiding means, complementary to the male guide element of the figure 9 ; Fig. 11 ] there figure 11 is a schematic representation of a detail of the package according to the invention, illustrating in side view the guiding means illustrated by the figures 9 And 10 , the package lid being in the final stages of approaching its closed position; Fig. 12 ] there figure 12 is a schematic representation in detail, viewed from below in perspective, of a third type of parcel guidance means according to the invention; [ Fig. 13 ] there figure 13 is a detailed perspective view from below of the guidance means illustrated by the figure 12 .
[0056] With reference to figures 1 à 4 , a package 1 according to the invention is represented.
[0057] This package 1 includes a base 20, panels 21, 22, 23, and a lid 3.
[0058] Panels 21, 22, and 23 include, in particular: a front panel 21; a rear panel 22; two side panels 23.
[0059] With reference to the figure 2 : the front panel 21 includes a top edge 211, a bottom edge, and two side edges 213; the rear panel 22 includes a top edge, a bottom edge, and two side edges; each side panel 23 includes a top edge 231, a bottom edge, a front side edge 233 and a rear side edge 234.
[0060] The cover 3 includes a front edge 31, a rear edge 32 and two side edges 33.
[0061] Panels 21, 22, 23 are mounted pivotally on the base 20.
[0062] Each of the panels 21, 22, 23 is pivotally coupled to the bottom 20 by its lower edge.
[0063] Lid 3, as illustrated by the figures 1 à 4 , is pivotally mounted on the rear panel 22 by means of a rear pivot linkage 320.
[0064] The cover 3 is notably coupled to the upper edge of the rear panel 22 by its rear edge 32.
[0065] As illustrated by the figures 1 à 4 Package 1 is of the foldable type.
[0066] For this purpose, it can notably adopt a flat configuration (illustrated on the figure 1 ) and a usage configuration (illustrated on the figures 2 , 3 et 4 ).
[0067] With reference to the figure 1 Package 1 is in its flat configuration. In this flat configuration, panels 21, 22, 23 and lid 3 extend substantially parallel to the base 20.
[0068] In particular, the rear panel 22 extends in continuity with the bottom 20. The side panels 23 (not visible) are folded down onto the bottom 20. The cover 3 is folded down onto the rear panel 22 and the bottom 20, covering the side panels 23. Finally, the front panel 21 is pivoted and folded down onto the bottom 20, and partially covers the side panels 23.
[0069] With reference to figures 2 , 3 et 4 Package 1 is in its usage configuration.
[0070] There figure 2 illustrates a first method of implementation and the figure 3 illustrates a second mode of implementation.
[0071] Indeed, package 1 includes sealing means which include lid 3.
[0072] According to the first embodiment, the closing means also include the rear panel 22.
[0073] In contrast, according to the second embodiment, the closing means do not include the rear panel 22 and include only the cover 3.
[0074] In the usage configuration according to the first embodiment, the base 20, the front panel 21 and the side panels 23 form a box which defines a storage volume.
[0075] In this usage configuration, it is noted in particular that the lateral edges 213 of the front panel 21 are in contact with the front lateral edges 233 of the side panels 23.
[0076] In the usage configuration according to the second embodiment, the base 20, the front panel 21, the side panels 23 and the rear panel 22 form the box which defines the storage volume.
[0077] In this usage configuration, we observe in particular that: the side edges 213 of the front panel 21 are in contact with the front side edges 233 of the side panels 23, and the rear side edges 234 of the side panels 23 are in contact with the side edges of the rear panel 22.
[0078] In these usage configurations, the sealing means can close the storage volume.
[0079] Indeed : in reference to the figure 2 , the lid 3 and the rear panel 22 are both in an open position allowing access to the storage compartment; with reference to the figure 3 , lid 3 is in an open position allowing access to the storage volume.
[0080] As illustrated by the figure 4 , the lid 3, and more generally the means of closure, are in a closed position and thus prevent access to the storage volume.
[0081] As detailed below, in the usage configuration of package 1, with its lid 3 in the closed position, the front edge 31 of the lid 3 is in contact with the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21. In addition, the side edges 33 of the lid 3 are in contact with the upper edges 231 of the side panels 23.
[0082] More specifically, when the cover 3 is in the closed position, the front edge 31 of the cover 3 is against the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21.
[0083] With reference to figures 5 et 6 , package 1 also includes means of locking 4 of the lid 3 in its closed position.
[0084] These locking means 4 include, according to this embodiment: a locking ring 41 carried by the cover 3 and projecting from this cover 3; a housing 42 for receiving and hooking the ring 41, presented by the front panel 21.
[0085] These locking means 4 are more specifically represented by faces of the front panel 21 and the cover 3 which face each other and are immediately close to each other when the cover 3 is in the closed position.
[0086] In the closed position of the cover 3, and in other words in a locking configuration, the ring 41 is inserted inside the housing 42, and is hooked inside this housing 42 to keep the ring 41 captive.
[0087] The locking means 4 thus establish, in this locking configuration, a mechanical link between the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21 and the front edge 31 of the cover 3.
[0088] In other words, in the locking configuration of the locking means 4, the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21 is secured to the front edge 31 of the cover 3.
[0089] These locking means 4 are notably of the contact-operated type. That is to say, the ring 41 can be freely inserted into the housing 42 until it is fully inserted into this receiving housing 42, a position in which the locking mechanism is automatically activated, thereby creating the mechanical connection.
[0090] For example, a hook can be designed to disengage from the housing 42 when the ring 41 is inserted and to return to a position in which it hooks the ring 41 once the ring 41 is fully inserted into the receiving housing 42. This repositioning of the hook into its hooking position is achieved, for example, by elastic return means.
[0091] With reference to figures 3 , And 7 à 13 , as well as according to the principle of the invention, the package 1 includes means for guiding the lid 3 into its closed position.
[0092] These guiding means 5 are separate from the rear pivot link 320.
[0093] The guide means 5 are designed to force a stop movement of the front edge 31 of the cover 3 against the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21 when approaching the cover 3 towards its closed position.
[0094] The means of guidance 5 are multiple.
[0095] Common to different types of guidance means 5, these guidance means 5 comprise pairs of composite guidance elements: of a guide slide 51; of a male guide element 52 intended to be inserted and to slide in the guide slide 51 when the cover 3 is approached towards its closed position.
[0096] As detailed below and according to this embodiment, the guidance means 5 specifically comprise: at least one main pair of guide elements; at least one terminal pair of guide elements; at least one intermediate pair of guide elements.
[0097] The guide rails 51 have a flared entry 50a, 50b, 50c.
[0098] In other words, these guide slides 51 extend from their entry 50a, 50b, 50c, narrowing until they present a passage of a width corresponding specifically to the shape of the male guide element 52 which is intended to be inserted and slide in the slide 51.
[0099] These guide slides 51 thus have a funnel shape which, as the male guide element 52 is inserted, guides its movement to ensure that it always adopts the same position once completely inserted into the slides 51.
[0100] As illustrated by the figures 3 , 6 , 7 , 8 And 12 , the guiding means 5 comprise two guide arms 53.
[0101] These guide arms 53 are deployable. In particular, these two guide arms 53 can fold under the front panel 21 when the package 1 is in its flat configuration. Alternatively, the guide arms 53 can fold under the cover 3 when the package 1 is in its flat configuration.
[0102] These guide arms 53 are deployed when the package 1 is unfolded and moved into its operating configuration, and also when the position of the cover 3 is changed, in particular when the cover 3 is moved to reach its closing position.
[0103] Each guide arm 53 extends between a first end 531 and a second end 532.
[0104] With reference to figures 3 , 11 And 12 , each guide arm 53 is mounted movably in rotation to the cover 3 by its first end 531 at the level of a coupling point 5310. These coupling points 5310 are respectively located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge 31 and of each lateral edge 33.
[0105] In other words, the two coupling points 5310 are located at the two corners of the cover 3 located at the front edge 31 of the cover 3.
[0106] According to this embodiment and with reference to the figure 3 , each guide arm 53 is part of a deformable parallelogram coupled to the rear panel 22.
[0107] By deformable parallelogram, it is understood that the guide arms 53 have in particular pivot connections at both ends, and that a longitudinal element is coupled to the pivot point presented by the second end 532 of the coupling arms 53 and to the rear panel 22 by another pivot connection.
[0108] Consequently, the position of the guide arms 53 is dictated by the angle formed between the rear panel 22 and the cover 3.
[0109] With reference to figures 3 , 7 , 8 , and as mentioned previously, the guiding means 5 comprise a main pair of guiding elements, for each guide arm 53.
[0110] Each main pair of guide elements comprises a main slide 51a, and a main male element 52a.
[0111] The main slide 51a extends along an inner face of one of the side panels 23.
[0112] In particular, this main slide 51a extends in the immediate vicinity of one of the guide arms 53 in the package 1 usage configuration, with the cover 3 in its closed position.
[0113] The main male element 52a is located at the second end 532 of the guide arm 53 which is in the immediate vicinity of the main slide 51a, in the configuration of use of package 1, with the cover 3 in its closed position.
[0114] This main male element 52a has a shape intended to fit at least partially inside the main slide 51a, through its flared inlet 50a.
[0115] This main male element 52a, as it progresses in the main slide 51a, becomes captive to this main slide 51a until it reaches its terminal position at the bottom of the main slide 51a.
[0116] This progression of the main male element 52a in the main slide 51a, generates a guidance of the cover 3.
[0117] With reference to figures 3 , 9 , 10 et 11 , and as mentioned previously, the guidance means 5 also include two terminal pairs of guidance elements.
[0118] Each terminal pair of guide elements comprises a terminal slide 51b and a terminal male element 52b.
[0119] The terminal slides 51b each extend over an inner face of each of the side panels 23.
[0120] These terminal slides 51b extend in particular in the immediate vicinity of the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21 and the front edge 31 of the cover 3 in the usage configuration of package 1, when the cover 3 is in its closed position.
[0121] In other words, the terminal slides 51b are located in the immediate vicinity of the corner of a side panel 23 where the upper edge 231 and the front side edge 233 intersect, which is intended to come into contact with the front panel 21.
[0122] The male terminal element 52b is coupled to the cover 3 by being located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge 31 of the cover 3.
[0123] More specifically, each terminal male element 52b is carried by the first end 531 of one of the guide arms 53. In particular, the terminal male elements 52b are presented on one face of each guide arm 53 which is oriented to face the directly adjacent side panel 23, in the package 1 usage configuration.
[0124] According to an embodiment not shown, the terminal male elements 52b can each be provided with a keying feature preventing the insertion of the terminal male element 52b into one of the main slides 51a.
[0125] This error-proofing is achieved for example by a difference in shape between the terminal element 52b and the main male element 52a.
[0126] The male terminal element 52b would then have a width and an end incompatible with the flared entry of the main slide 51a.
[0127] According to the present embodiments, each terminal pair of guide elements makes it possible to compensate for any deformation of the cover 3 by forcing the front edge 31 of the cover 3 to butt up against the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21 by pushing, or pulling the front end of the cover 3 towards the front of the package 1, when a user closes the package 1.
[0128] Finally, with reference to figures 12 et 13 , and as mentioned previously, the guiding means 5 also include two intermediate pairs of guiding elements, each comprising an intermediate slide 51c and an intermediate male element 52c.
[0129] The two intermediate slides 51c are respectively located along a central portion of the upper edge 231 of each of the side panels 23.
[0130] As for the intermediate male elements 52c, they are located along a central portion of each lateral edge 33 of the lid 3.
[0131] More specifically, package 1 includes: two longitudinal tabs 61 each carried by one of the side panels 23, in particular at the upper edge 231 of each side panel 23; two longitudinal grooves 62 presented by the cover 3.
[0132] The longitudinal tabs 61 are intended to be inserted into the longitudinal grooves 62 in the closed position of the lid 3.
[0133] As illustrated by the figures 12 et 13 , each longitudinal tongue 61 has a notch 610 forming the intermediate slide 51c, and each longitudinal groove 62 has a transverse rib forming the intermediate male element 52c.
[0134] The intermediate slides 51c are of course directed so as to create a forward pull of the cover 3 when the intermediate male elements 52c are engaged in the intermediate slides 51c.
[0135] The closing of the cover 3, and more generally of the sealing means, causes the insertion and sliding of the transverse rib inside the flared inlet 50c of the notch and thus pulls the cover 3 forward so that the rib arrives along the upper edge 231 of the side panel 23 at the level of the bottom of the notch.
[0136] Thanks to the guiding means 5, the cover 3 is guided and pulled until it adopts a correct closing position, in particular with respect to the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21.
[0137] During closing, the two guide arms 53 initially deploy and bring each of the main male elements 52a into an entry 50a of each main slide 51a.
[0138] The progression of the closing of the cover 3 results in the cover 3 being guided by the main pairs of guide elements.
[0139] Towards the end of the closing of cover 3, the intermediate pairs of guide elements and the terminal pairs of guide elements come into action, simultaneously or successively.
[0140] These last two pairs of guide elements, in combination with the main pairs of guide elements, ensure that the cover 3 adopts a good position relative to the side panels 23 and more specifically relative to the front panel 21.
[0141] In particular, these pairs of guide elements force the forward movement of the cover 3 so that its front edge 21 comes to rest against the upper edge 211 of the front panel 21, and so that the locking means 4 can establish the locking of the package 1.
Claims
1. A package (1) comprising: - a bottom (20); - panels (21, 22, 23) including a front panel (21), a rear panel (22), and two side panels (23) pivotally mounted on the bottom (20); - obturation means comprising a lid (3) pivotally mounted on the rear panel (22) via a rear pivot link (320); the package (1) being foldable between: - a use configuration in which at least the bottom (20), the front panel (21) and the side panels (23) form a case (2) defining a stowage volume, and in which the obturation means are capable of closing the stowage volume; - a flat configuration, in which the panels (21, 22, 23) and the lid (3) extend substantially parallel to the bottom (20); the package (1) also comprising means for locking (4) the lid (3) in a closed position of the stowage volume in the use configuration of the package (1), the locking means (4) establishing, in a locking configuration, a mechanical link between an upper edge (211) of the front panel (21) and a front edge (31) of the lid (3), characterized in that it comprises means (5) for guiding the lid (3) into its closed position, the guide means (5) being distinct from the rear pivot link (320), the guide means (5) being designed to force a displacement in abutment of the front edge (31) of the lid (3) against the upper edge (211) of the front panel (21) when the lid (3) approaches its closed position and in that the guide means (5) comprise at least one pair of guide elements comprising: - a guide slide (51) having a flared entrance; - a male guide element (52) intended to be inserted and slide into the guide slide (51) when the lid (3) approaches its closed position, and in that the guide means (5) comprise two deployable guide arms (53) each extending between a first end (531) and a second end (532), each guide arm (53) being movably coupled in rotation to the lid (3) by its first end (531), at the level of a coupling point (5310) located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge (31) and of a side edge (33) of the lid (3), and in that the guide means (5) comprise a main pair of guide elements for each guide arm (53), each main pair comprising: - a main slide (51a) extending on an inner face of the side panel (23) in the immediate vicinity of said guide arm (53); - a main male element (52a) located at the second end (532) of said guide arm (53).
2. The package (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each guide arm (53) forms part of a deformable parallelogram coupled to the rear panel (22).
3. The package according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide means (5) comprise two terminal pairs of guide elements each comprising: - a terminal slide (51b) extending on an inner face of one of the side panels (23) in the immediate vicinity of the upper edge (211) of the front panel (21) and of the front edge (31) of the lid (3) in the use configuration of the package (1) with the lid (3) in its closed position; - a male terminal element (52b) coupled to the lid (3) by being located in the immediate vicinity of the front edge (31) of the lid (3).
4. The package (1) according to claim 5, and to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each male terminal element (52b) is carried by the first end (531) of one of the guide arms (53).
5. The package (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each male terminal element (52b) is provided with a corrector designed to prevent its insertion into a main slide (51a).
6. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 8, characterized in that the guide means (5) comprise two intermediate pairs of guide elements each comprising: - an intermediate slide (51c); - an intermediate male element (52c), the intermediate slide (51c) and the intermediate male element (52c) being respectively located along a central portion of a side edge (33) of the lid (3) and along a central portion of an upper edge (231) of a side panel (23), or vice versa.
7. The package (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, for each intermediate pair of guide elements, the package (1) comprises: - a longitudinal tab (61) having a notch (610) forming the intermediate slide (51c); - a longitudinal groove (62) having a transverse rib forming the intermediate male element (52c), the longitudinal tab (61) being inserted into the longitudinal groove (62) in the closed position of the lid (3).
Citation Information
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Lid construction for breathing apparatus
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