Cardboard box for home deliveries

Abstract

A cardboard box for home deliveries, which comprises a sheet of cardboard (S) which is die-cut and folded to form a base (12), two lateral walls (14, 16), a front wall (18), a back wall (20) and a lid (22) having a rear edge joined to an upper edge of the back wall (20). The lid (22) is provided with a sealing tab (28) which is contoured to be irreversibly inserted by pressing into a respective sealing opening (30) provided in one from among the base (12), the lateral walls (14, 16) or the front wall (18). The sealing tab (28) is monolithically connected to the material of the lid (22) by a weakened line (P) so that opening the lid (22) causes the sealing tab (28) to be torn off along the weakened line (P).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cardboard box for home deliveries, particularly although not exclusively adapted for the packaging of takeaway foods.

[0002] As is known, home delivery of foods such as pizzas, focaccia bread and other oven-baked products, as well as French fries, hamburgers, hot dogs, ethnic dishes and the like, is becoming increasingly widespread.

[0003] In order to transport such products, and more specifically pizzas, to which the present application makes particular reference by way of example, conventionally cardboard boxes are used which have a square or rectangular base, two lateral walls, a front wall, a back wall and a lid having a rear edge joined to the upper edge of the back wall.

[0004] The box is generally formed from a single die-cut sheet of corrugated cardboard. In the assembly step, the sheet of cardboard is folded along pre-marked crease lines, and locked in its three-dimensional configuration by engaging tabs that protrude from the front ends of the two lateral walls into corresponding slots provided in the front wall. Usually, a front flap protrudes from the front edge of the lid and is inserted into the box adjacent to the front wall, so as to keep the lid closed during transport.

[0005] As is known, with the increase in home deliveries, especially using third-party delivery services, unfortunately it is an increasingly frequent phenomenon that the delivery person opens the box themselves, in order to take or tamper with the contents.

[0006] A drawback of conventional boxes is that they are not designed to prevent or reveal such unauthorized openings.

[0007] With the intention of overcoming this drawback, some operators, both in the catering sector and in other sectors, apply adhesive seals to the area where the box is closed.

[0008] However, this solution is not reliable because often it is possible to peel off the adhesive seal without breaking it and subsequently reapply it.

[0009] Furthermore the adhesive seal increases the overall cost of the packaging, and even more so if it is personalized.

[0010] Of no less importance is the fact that, since adhesive seals are made of a material different from that of the box, they generate complications with regard to separate refuse collection and recycling, as well as pollution problems relating to the possible dispersion in the environment of the seal, which is generally composed of plastic and glue.

[0011] In light of the above, the aim of the present invention is to provide a cardboard box for home deliveries that makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks described above of conventional boxes, and which in particular makes it possible to prevent or reveal any unauthorized opening in a highly reliable manner, without increasing the cost of production of the box and without requiring the application of additional elements.

[0012] The abovementioned aim, as well as other objects which will become clearer from the description that follows, are achieved by a cardboard box having the characteristics recited in the appended claim 1, while the appended dependent claims define other characteristics of the invention which are advantageous, although secondary.

[0013] Now the invention will be described in more detail, with reference to some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments thereof, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a sheet of cardboard, die-cut and pre-creased, from which a box according to a first embodiment of the invention can be formed; Figure 2 is a plan view of an enlarged-scale detail of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the sheet of cardboard of Figure 1 in a partially folded configuration during the formation of the box; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the box formed from the sheet of cardboard of Figure 1, in the open configuration; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 4, in the closed configuration; Figure 5a is a cross-sectional view taken along a horizontal plane of Figure 5; Figure 6 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 5, in a configuration in which it has been reopened after closing; Figure 7 is a perspective view of a sheet of cardboard, die-cut and pre-creased, from which a box according to a second embodiment of the invention can be formed; Figure 8 is a plan view of an enlarged-scale detail of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a perspective view of the sheet of cardboard of Figure 7 in a partially folded configuration during the formation of the box; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the box formed from the sheet of cardboard of Figure 7, in the open configuration; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 10, in the closed configuration; Figure 11a is a cross-sectional view taken along a vertical plane of Figure 11; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 11, in a configuration in which it has been reopened after closing; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a box in a third embodiment of the invention, in the open configuration; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 13, in the closed configuration; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the box of Figure 13, in a configuration in which it has been reopened after closing.

[0014] With initial reference to Figures 1-6, which illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, a box 10 for home deliveries, particularly for transporting pizza, is obtained advantageously from a single sheet of cardboard S. The sheet of cardboard S is conveniently die-cut and folded, preferably along a first, a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth crease line C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 respectively, so as to form a base 12, which in this embodiment is square, two lateral walls 14, 16, a front wall 18, a back wall 20, and a lid 22 having a rear edge joined to the upper edge of the back wall along the fifth crease line C5 so that it can be rotated in order to close / open the box 10.

[0015] The sheet of cardboard S is locked in its three-dimensional configuration, with the lateral walls 14, 16 and the front wall 18 rising preferably at a right angle with the base 12, by way of locking means 24 which will be described in detail below.

[0016] According to the invention, the lid 22 is provided with at least one sealing tab 28 which is contoured to be irreversibly inserted by pressing into a respective sealing opening 30 provided in one from among the base 12, the lateral walls 14, 16 and the front wall 18, and is monolithically connected to the material of the lid by a weakened line P, so that opening the lid 22 causes the sealing tab 28 to be torn off along the weakened line P.

[0017] In this embodiment, the sealing opening 30 consists of a straight slit 30s parallel to the base 12, and the sealing tab 28 consists of a tongue 28t which protrudes from the perimeter of the lid 22.

[0018] In more detail, in this embodiment the straight slit 30s is provided in the front wall 18 at the border with the base 12, and the tongue 28t protrudes from a free front edge 26a of a front flap 26 of the lid 22 which, with the lid 22 in the closed configuration, is adapted to be folded, preferably along a sixth crease line C6, so as to externally overlap the front wall 18.

[0019] Advantageously, the tongue 28t has a substantially trapezoidal profile which is tapered outward. In particular, the larger end face of the substantially trapezoidal profile is slightly larger than the straight slit 30s and connects to the perimeter of the lid 22, in this embodiment to the free edge 26a of the front flap 26, by means of a neck 32. The neck 32 is delimited between two recesses 32a, 32b, the distance D between the bottoms of the two recesses 32a, 32b being equal to or less than the length L of the slit 30s. This configuration allows the insertion of the tongue 28t into the slit 30s substantially with snap action, by virtue of the elastic yielding of the material of the box, and, at the same time, the irreversible anchoring between them.

[0020] Preferably, the corners between the smaller end face and the oblique sides of the substantially trapezoidal profile of the tongue 28t are beveled.

[0021] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the weakened line P is provided by pre-cutting.

[0022] In this embodiment, the locking means 24 comprise a pair of flaps 34, 36 which protrude monolithically from respective opposite lateral ends of the front wall 18 in order to be folded so as to externally overlap the lateral walls 14, 16, preferably along a seventh crease line C7 and an eighth crease line C8 respectively. The flaps 34, 36 end with respective locking tabs 38, 40 which can engage by interlocking in corresponding slots 42, 44 which are provided in the lateral walls 14, 16. This configuration of the locking means improves the efficacy of the secure closure compared to traditional solutions, wherein the locking occurs on the front wall, as well as the operation of the system described herein overall.

[0023] Advantageously, the locking tabs 38, 40 have a circular arc-like profile of approximately 270° and connect to the flaps 34, 36 along the geometric chord defined between the ends of the circular arc-like profile, preferably by means of a ninth crease line C9 and a tenth crease line C10.

[0024] The slots 42, 44 are generated by breaking through respective portions of material 46, 48 formed inside respective cutouts which are provided on the lateral walls 14, 16 and they also have a circular arc-like profile of approximately 270°. The portions of material 46, 48 connect to the material of the respective lateral walls 14, 16 along the geometric chord defined between the ends of the respective circular arc-like profile, preferably by means of an eleventh crease line C11 and a twelfth crease line C12.

[0025] Advantageously, the locking tabs 38, 40 have a slightly greater diameter than the slots 42, 44, so as to facilitate the hold of the interlocking.

[0026] In a way that is known per se, preferably, the lid 22 is provided with two lateral flaps 50, 52 which, with the lid 22 in the closed configuration, are adapted to be folded down into the box, preferably along a thirteenth crease line C13 and a fourteenth crease line C14.

[0027] Also in a way that is known per se, preferably two rear flaps 54, 56 protrude from the rear ends of the lateral walls 14, 16 and are adapted to be folded at a right angle into the box in order to improve the isolation of the contents of the box from the outside environment, preferably along a fifteenth crease line C15 and a sixteenth crease line C16. This solution simplifies the formation of the box, but in an alternative version, not shown, the two rear flaps 54, 56 could be replaced by locking systems similar to the locking means 24 that connect the lateral walls 14, 16 to the front wall 18.

[0028] Also in a way that is known per se, the base 12 is preferably provided with four lower lateral cutouts 58, 60 and 62, 64, two for each side, which are traced along three sides of a rectangle and which, on their fourth side, border on a respective wall of the two lateral walls 14 and 16. In this manner, when the lateral walls are folded at a right angle, the lower lateral cutouts 58, 60 and 62, 64 form vertical guides 58a, 60a and 62a, 64a which retain the boxes laterally when they are stacked. Furthermore the lower lateral cutouts 58, 60 and 62, 64 facilitate the aeration of the food and the egress of excess water vapor from the box.

[0029] Also in a way that is known per se, each of the two lateral flaps 50 and 52 is preferably provided with an upper lateral cutout 66 and 68 which is traced along three sides of a rectangle and which, on its fourth side, borders on the lid 22. In this manner, when the lateral flaps 50 and 52 are folded at a right angle, the upper lateral cutouts 66 and 68 form abutment stops 66a and 68a which, when the boxes are stacked, insert themselves between the vertical guides 58a, 60a and 62a, 64a of the box above, so as to prevent the boxes from sliding forward and backward. The upper lateral cutouts 66, 68 also facilitate the aeration of the food and the egress of excess water vapor from the box, plus they simplify opening the box.

[0030] Also in a way that is known per se, the front flap 26 is preferably provided with a central front cutout 70 which extends along three sides of a rectangle and borders on the lid 22 along the fourth side. In this manner, when the front flap 26 is folded at a right angle, the central front cutout 70 forms a handle 70a which facilitates opening the lid 22. The central front cutout 70 also facilitates the aeration of the food and the egress of excess water vapor from the box.

[0031] Preferably, and in a way that is conventional per se, the box can be made from a single sheet of corrugated cardboard, with the longitudinal dimension of the corrugations running between the front wall 18 and the front flap 26.

[0032] In use, in order to form the box 10 in its three-dimensional configuration, it is necessary to fold at a right angle the two lateral walls 14, 16, the front wall 18, the two rear flaps 54, 46 inward, and the back wall 20 so as to overlap externally the two rear flaps (Figure 3). Then, it is necessary to fold at a right angle the flaps 34, 36 onto the two lateral walls and press the locking tabs 38, 40 inward so as to break through the portions of material 46, 48 and produce an interlocking (Figure 4).

[0033] At this point, after having placed the food, i.e. the pizza Z in this embodiment, inside, and after having folded the lateral flaps 50, 52 at a right angle, the lid 22 can be closed, with the lateral flaps 50, 52 inserted in the box 10.

[0034] To seal the closure, it is necessary to fold the front flap 26 at a right angle onto the front wall 18 and insert the tongue 28t into the straight slit 30s, applying a slight pressure so as to defeat the dimensional interference between the tongue 28t and the slit 30s by virtue of the yielding of the material of the box. As illustrated in detail in Figure 5a, which shows a horizontal cross-section of the box 10 passing through the slit 30s above the tongue 28t, once it is fully inserted, the tongue 28t can no longer be extracted because the neck 32 remains immovably retained in the slit 30s.

[0035] Therefore, when the lid 22 is opened, the tongue 28t is torn off along the pre-cutting P, unequivocally revealing that the box has been opened (Figure 6). It should be understood that, in use, the torn-off tongue 28t remains inside the box; in Figure 6 the tongue 28t is shown outside the box solely for clarity of illustration.

[0036] After the first opening and the consequent tearing-off of the tongue 28t, the box can be closed again by inserting the front flap 26 into the box.

[0037] Figures 7-12 show a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the previous embodiment only in the sealing system. Therefore, the parts that are unchanged with respect to the previous embodiment will not be described again, and the parts identical to or functionally corresponding to the previous embodiment will be identified by the same reference numerals increased by 100.

[0038] In this second embodiment, two sealing openings 130', 130" are preferably provided on the front wall 118, while two sealing tabs 128', 128" are cut out of the front flap 126 and form two respective buttons 128'b, 218"b which can be irreversibly inserted by pressing into the sealing openings 130', 130".

[0039] In more detail, each one of the sealing openings 130', 130" advantageously consists of a hole 130'h, 130"h with a circular arc-like profile of approximately 300° closed by a straight portion R', R". Each one of the buttons 128'b, 128"b has a circular arc-like profile of approximately 270° which connects to the material of the front flap 126 by means of a neck 132', 132". The neck 132', 132" is delimited between two recesses 132'a and 132'b, 132"a and 132"b, the distance D', D" between the bottoms of the two recesses 132'a and 132'b, 132"a and 132"b being equal to or less than the length L', L" of the straight portions R', R" of the holes 130'h, 130"h. This configuration makes it possible to insert the buttons 128'b, 128"b into the holes 130'h, 130"h by pressing, at the same time achieving an irreversible anchoring.

[0040] Advantageously, the recesses 132'a, 132'b and 132"a, 132"b are connected to the circular arc-like portions of the respective buttons 128'b, 128"b by means of respective straight segments S'a and S'b, S"a and S"b which extend along the geometric chord joining the ends of the circular arc-like portions.

[0041] Furthermore, preferably, the buttons 128'b, 128"b have a slightly greater diameter than the holes 130'h, 130"h.

[0042] Advantageously, also in this embodiment, the weakened lines P', P" are provided by pre-cutting.

[0043] In this case therefore, in order to seal the closure, it is necessary to press the buttons 128'b, 128"b into the holes 130'h, 130"h, folding them back behind the straight portions of said holes. The pliability of the material makes it possible to insert the buttons 128'b, 128"b into the holes 130'h, 130"h despite the interference between the respective diameters. Once inserted into the holes 130'h, 130"h, the buttons 128'b, 128"b can no longer be extracted because the straight segments S'a, S'b of the buttons 128'b, 128"b come into abutment against the inner face of the front wall 118.

[0044] Therefore, when the lid 122 is opened, the buttons 128'b, 128"b are torn off along the respective pre-cuts, in so doing unequivocally revealing that the box has been opened. In this case too it is emphasized that, in use, the torn-off buttons 128'b, 128"b remain inside the box, even though in Figure 12 they are shown outside solely for clarity of illustration.

[0045] Also in this embodiment, after the first opening and the consequent tearing-off of the buttons 128'b, 128"b, the box can be closed again by inserting the front flap 126 into the box.

[0046] Figures 13-15 show a third embodiment of the invention.

[0047] The parts that are unchanged with respect to the previous embodiment will not be described again, and the parts identical to or functionally corresponding to the previous embodiment will be identified by the same reference numerals increased by 200.

[0048] In this third embodiment, the front flap is not present and the sealing tab consists of a tongue 228t which is connected directly to the front edge 222b of the lid 222 by means of a weakened line P‴ and is contoured so as to be irreversibly inserted by pressing into a straight slit 230s provided in the front wall 218.

[0049] In more detail, the front wall 218 is provided with a front upper flap 218a which is adapted to be folded at a right angle inward, preferably along an additional crease line (not shown), and the straight slit 230s is provided along the folding line of the front upper flap 218a.

[0050] Specifically, the tongue 228t has a substantially trapezoidal profile which is tapered outward, with the larger end face of the substantially trapezoidal profile slightly longer than the straight slit 230s and connected to the front edge of the lid 222 by means of a neck 232. Similarly to the first embodiment described, the neck 232 is delimited between two recesses 232a, 232b, the distance between the bottoms of the two recesses 232a, 232b being equal to or less than the length of the slit 230s. This configuration allows the insertion of the tongue 228t into the slit 230s substantially with snap action and, at the same time, the irreversible anchoring between them.

[0051] In a way that is known per se, the lateral walls 214, 216 are also provided with respective upper lateral flaps 214a, 216a which are adapted to be folded at a right angle inward, preferably along further creasing lines (not shown). Alternatively, the upper lateral flaps 214a, 216a could be absent and the lid 222 could be provided with lateral flaps that are adapted to be inserted into the box so as to keep the lid 222 closed even after the tongue 228t has been torn off, in a manner similar to the first two embodiments described.

[0052] In further embodiments, not described, the box could be provided internally with a perforated support platform or grille in a raised position with respect to the base, formed in one piece from the sheet of cardboard and adapted to facilitate the aeration of the food.

[0053] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the set aim and objects.

[0054] In particular, the cardboard box according to the invention makes it possible to detect any unauthorized opening in a highly reliable manner, so as to also exert a deterrent effect against potentially ill-intentioned individuals.

[0055] Furthermore, the cardboard box according to the invention has a production cost that is unchanged from traditional boxes, in that it can still be manufactured by making suitable cutouts, pre-cuttings and crease lines on a single sheet of cardboard using conventional techniques, without requiring processing over and above the standard, or the application of additional elements.

[0056] Some preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, but obviously the person skilled in the art may make various modifications or variations within the scope of protection of the appended claims.

[0057] For example, the weakened lines can be obtained, instead of by means of pre-cuts, by means of crease lines or incisions which are such as to locally reduce the thickness of the cardboard.

[0058] Obviously, the sealing tabs and the respective sealing openings can be different, both in number and position. For example, in the first and third embodiments, there can be two, three or more tabs which can be inserted into respective slits. In the second embodiment a single button could also be sufficient, or one or more buttons can be added in more central positions.

[0059] The shape of the sealing tabs and of the respective sealing openings can also be different. For example, the tabs in the first and third embodiments could have a mushroom-shaped or arrow-shaped profile, while the buttons in the second embodiment could have profiles that are oval, trapezoidal, rectangular and the like.

[0060] Furthermore, although corrugated cardboard is a particularly suitable material and is conventionally used in the production of boxes for home delivery, obviously other materials can be used, e.g., simple single-ply cardboard.

[0061] Also, although in all the embodiments described the sealing openings are provided in the front wall, the person skilled in the art will easily devise variants in which the sealing tabs are located and contoured so as to engage in sealing openings provided in the base or in the lateral walls of the box.

[0062] Furthermore, although it is more convenient to produce the box from a single sheet of cardboard, some parts of it, e.g., the lid, could be provided from a separate sheet and assembled in a non-removable manner in a second step.

[0063] It is self-evident that the box could have different, even very different, shapes from that illustrated, e.g., it could have a rectangular or polygonal base, and the lateral walls could be flared.

[0064] As mentioned, although in this description reference has always been made to the home delivery of takeaway pizzas, the invention can be applied in any sector, not necessarily food-related, in which it is desired to use a seal to guarantee the box is closed until delivery.

[0065] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102024000026499 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0066] Where the technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference numerals and / or signs, those reference numerals and / or signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference numerals and / or signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference numerals and / or signs.

Claims

1. A cardboard box for home deliveries, which comprises a sheet of cardboard (S) which is die-cut and folded to form a base (12), two lateral walls (14, 16), a front wall (18), a back wall (20) and a lid (22) having a rear edge joined to an upper edge of said back wall (20), characterized in that said lid (22) is provided with at least one sealing tab (28) which is contoured to be irreversibly inserted by pressing into a respective sealing opening (30) provided in one from among said base (12), said lateral walls (14, 16) and said front wall (18), said sealing tab (28) being monolithically connected to the material of the lid (22) by a weakened line (P) so that opening the lid (22) causes said sealing tab (28) to be torn off along said weakened line (P).

2. The cardboard box according to claim 1, characterized in that said sealing opening (30, 230) consists of a straight slit (30s, 230s) which is parallel to said base (12, 212), and said sealing tab (28) consists of a tongue (28t, 228t) which protrudes from the perimeter of said lid (22, 222).

3. The cardboard box according to claim 2, characterized in that said straight slit (30s) is provided in the front wall (18) at the border with said base (12), and said tongue (28t) protrudes from a free front edge (26a) of a front flap (26) of said lid (22) which, with the lid (22) in the closed configuration, is adapted to be folded so as to externally overlap said front wall (18).

4. The cardboard box according to claim 2, characterized in that said front wall (218) is provided with a front upper flap (218a) which is adapted to be folded at right angles inward, said straight slit (230s) being provided along the folding line of said upper flap and said tongue (28t) protruding from a front edge of said lid (222).

5. The cardboard box according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said tongue (28t, 228t) has a substantially trapezoidal profile which is tapered outward, with a larger end face that is slightly longer than said straight slit (30s, 230s) and is connected to the perimeter of said lid (22, 22) by means of a neck (32, 232) delimited between two recesses (32a, 32b, 232a, 232b), the distance (D) between the bottoms of said two recesses (32a, 32b, 232a, 232b) being equal to or less than the length (L) of said slit (30s, 230s).

6. The cardboard box according to claim 1, characterized in that said lid (122) is provided with a front flap (126) which, with the lid (122) in the closed configuration, is adapted to be folded so as to externally overlap said front wall (118), said sealing opening (130', 130") being provided in said front wall (118), said sealing tab (128', 128") being cut into said front flap (126) to form a button (128'b, 218"b) which can be irreversibly inserted by pressing into said sealing opening (130', 130").

7. The cardboard box according to claim 6, characterized in that said sealing opening (130', 130") consists of a hole (130'h, 130"h) with a circular arc-like profile closed by a straight portion (R', R"), and said button (128'b, 218"b) has a circular arc-like profile that connects to the material of said front flap (126) by means of a neck (132', 132") delimited between two recesses (132'a, 132'b, 132"a, 132"b), the distance (D', D") between the bottoms of said two recesses (132'a, 132'b and 132"a, 132"b) being equal to or less than the length (L', L") of said straight portions (R', R") of the holes (130'h, 130"h).

8. The cardboard box according to claim 7, characterized in that said recesses (132'a, 132'b and 132"a, 132"b) are connected to said circular arc-like portions of the respective buttons (128'b, 218"b) by means of respective straight segments (S'a, S'b and S"a, S"b) which extend along the geometric chord joining the ends of the circular arc-like portions.

9. The cardboard box according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that said buttons (128'b, 218"b) are slightly larger in diameter than said holes (130'h, 130"h).

10. The cardboard box according to one of claims 1-9, characterized in that it comprises locking means (24) configured to lock said sheet of cardboard (S) in a three-dimensional configuration with said lateral walls (14, 16) and said front wall (18) rising from said base (12), said locking means (24) comprising a pair of flaps (34, 36) which protrude monolithically from respective opposite lateral ends of said front wall (18) in order to be folded so as to externally overlap said lateral walls (14, 16), and which end with respective locking tabs (38, 40) which can engage by interlocking in corresponding slots (42, 44) provided in said lateral walls (14, 16).

11. The cardboard box according to claim 10, characterized in that said locking tabs (38, 40) have a circular arc-like profile of approximately 270° and connect to said flaps (34, 36) along the geometric chord defined between the ends of said circular arc-like profile, and in that said slots (42, 44) are generated by breaking through respective portions of material (46, 48) formed inside respective cutouts provided in said lateral walls (14, 16) and they also have a circular arc-like profile of approximately 270°, said portions of material (46, 48) connecting to the material of the respective lateral walls (14, 16) along the geometric chord defined between the ends of the respective circular arc-like profile.

12. The cardboard box according to one or more of claims 1-11, characterized in that said weakened line (P) is obtained by pre-cutting.

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