Modular packaging system

Abstract

Modular packaging system. The invention relates to a packaging system comprising: - a first packaging (E1) of rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising, on at least one face of said first packaging, called the first securing face (FS1), first securing means (MS1); - at least one second packaging (E2) of rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising, on at least one face of said second packaging, called the second securing face (FS2), second securing means (MS2); said first securing means and said second securing means being configured to cooperate so as to allow securing of said first and second packaging, at said first and second securing faces. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Modular packaging system Technical field

[0001] The invention lies in the field of product packaging, and more particularly in the field of product packaging capable of being marketed in kits or with accessories. Prior art

[0002] It is common, for certain product categories, particularly for technological products (e.g. smart phones or "smartphones", payment terminals, etc.), for a wide range of accessories to be marketed in addition to a main product, to meet certain specific needs or aspirations of users. Such accessories may have different objectives, for example improving or personalizing the appearance of the product (e.g. stickers), protecting the product (e.g. protective cases, screen protectors), increasing user comfort (e.g. phone holders for various vehicles, grip-type accessories), providing new functionalities to the product (e.g. optical stabilizers, lenses for smartphones, headphones), etc.

[0003] It also happens that local legislation requires manufacturers of a particular type of product to provide certain specific accessories when selling this product. For example, in the field of mobile telephony, French legislation has long required the provision of a hands-free kit (i.e. earphones) for any sale of a mobile phone, in order to guarantee that the user has such an accessory allowing him, if he so wishes, to limit the exposure of his head to radioelectric emissions during his telephone communications.

[0004] When they are in force, however, such legal obligations give rise to new problems for manufacturers, particularly with regard to certain aspects linked to the packaging of the product and its required accessory. More specifically, in such a situation, manufacturers traditionally have the choice between two approaches for the packaging of their products, each of which has disadvantages, as detailed below.

[0005] According to a first approach, the main product is packaged in a first packaging intended solely for it, typically a packaging as close as possible to the product. The packaged main product is then itself placed in a second packaging of larger volume (i.e. in an overpack), also containing the required associated accessory(ies). This first approach is the one generally adopted by mobile phone manufacturers: the same packaging is used to package the mobile phone in all the countries in the world where it is to be marketed, and over-packaging is provided only for certain countries that require the additional supply of specific accessories, such as in France with the mandatory hands-free kit for example. This solution, however, has the disadvantage of significantly complicating the packaging process, by adding operations at the end of the production line. In addition to the additional cost induced by having to plan and manage specific over-packaging for some countries but not for others, this solution also generates unnecessary packaging when an accessory is added.

[0006] According to a second approach, a packaging of a volume larger than that necessary to contain the main product is provided from the outset, which makes it possible to package both the main product and, if necessary, one or more accessories in a single packaging. Unlike the first approach, the manufacturer therefore does not have to deal with several types of packaging, which simplifies the packaging process. This advantage is, however, also a disadvantage. On the one hand, the volume available in the packaging is not fully exploited when the packaging contains few or no accessories, which poses logistical problems, particularly in terms of storage and transport: the packaging is in this case unnecessarily bulky compared to what it contains, which amounts to storing and / or transporting a partially empty volume.On the other hand, the volume available in such a single package is fixed, which also limits the possibilities of adding many accessories: once the package is full, there is no more room to place additional accessories.

[0007] Thus, in these situations, existing packaging solutions are far from optimal, in that they pose numerous problems both from a logistical and environmental point of view. There is therefore a need for a solution to improve existing packaging, particularly when it comes to packaging a main product and one or more accessories. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present technique makes it possible to propose a solution aimed at remedying certain drawbacks of the prior art. According to one aspect, the present technique relates to a packaging system, comprising:

[0009] - a first packaging of rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising, on at least at least one face of said first packaging, called the first securing face, of the first securing means;

[0010] - at least one second rectangular parallelepiped-shaped package comprising, on at least one face of said second packaging, called the second securing face, second securing means;

[0011] said first securing means and said second securing means being configured to cooperate in such a way as to allow securing of said first and second packages, at said first and second securing faces.

[0012] In a particular embodiment, said first securing face and said second securing face are of identical dimensions.

[0013] In a particular embodiment, the length of said first package is a multiple of the length of said second package.

[0014] In a particular embodiment, said first packaging and said second packaging are cardboard packaging.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, said first securing means and said second securing means are configured so that said securing of said first and second packages is reversible.

[0016] In a particular embodiment, said first securing means take the form of a groove, and said second securing means take the form of a tongue, said groove and said tongue being configured to allow the securing of said first and second packages by insertion of said tongue into said groove.

[0017] According to a particular characteristic of this embodiment, said first securing face and said second securing face are of identical dimensions, and said groove and said tongue are positioned so that said first securing face and said second securing face are completely superimposed when said tongue is inserted as far as it will go into said groove.

[0018] According to another aspect, the present technique also relates to a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped package comprising, on at least one face, called the securing face, securing means intended to cooperate with complementary securing means of another rectangular parallelepiped-shaped package.

[0019] According to yet another aspect, the present technique relates to a method of securing a first package of rectangular parallelepiped shape with a second package of rectangular parallelepiped shape, this method comprising a step of inserting until it stops, within a groove arranged on a first securing face of the first package, a tab arranged on a second securing face of the second package, so that said first and second joining faces, of identical dimensions, completely overlap.

[0020] In a particular embodiment, said method further comprises a step of sticking at least one sealing label extending both on one face of said first packaging and on a contiguous face of said second packaging.

[0021] The different embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other for implementing the invention. Figures

[0022] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description of a preferred embodiment, given as a simple illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0023] [Fig-1] shows a perspective view of a first package and a second package of a packaging system in a particular embodiment of the proposed technique, the first package and the second package being illustrated not secured;

[0024] [Fig.2] shows a perspective view, from a different angle, of the second package of [Fig.l], in a particular embodiment of the proposed technique;

[0025] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of the first package and the second package of the packaging system of [Fig.l], in a particular embodiment of the proposed technique, the first package and the second package being illustrated secured together;

[0026] [Fig.4] illustrates the main steps of a method of securing a first package with a second package, in a particular embodiment of the proposed technique. Detailed description of the invention

[0027] The present application makes it possible to remedy certain of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0028] The proposed technique relates in fact, according to a first aspect, to a system packaging comprising a plurality of individual packages (at least two) of substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, which can be joined together two by two in a simple and rapid manner.

[0029] In the following, arbitrarily and for the sake of clarity, the descriptions of the figures are made with respect to an orthonormal reference frame of type (O, x, yz). Thus, with respect to this reference frame:

[0030] - the x axis allows to define a left face and a right face of a package, the face left having an abscissa x lower than that of the right face;

[0031] - the y axis allows to define a front face and a back face of a package, the face front having a lower y-ordinate than that of the back face;

[0032] - the z axis allows to define a lower face and an upper face of a package, the lower face having an altitude z lower than that of the upper face;

[0033] - the length of a package corresponds to its dimension along the x axis;

[0034] - the depth of a package corresponds to its dimension along the y axis;

[0035] - the height of a package corresponds to its dimension along the z axis.

[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second" and "third" used herein are intended only to allow a distinction to be made between different elements, and do not imply the existence of any ordering relationship between these elements.

[0037] Throughout the description, elements of the same nature are identified by the same reference in the figures.

[0038] In a particular embodiment illustrated in relation to Figures 1 to 3, an example of a packaging system according to the proposed technique is presented. As shown in [Fig.l], such a system comprises at least two packages of substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape: a first package E1 and a second package E2.

[0039] The first packaging E1 comprises, on at least one of its faces called the first securing face FS1, first securing means MSI.

[0040] The second packaging E2 comprises, on at least one of its faces called the second securing face FS2, second securing means MS2. In the particular embodiment illustrated in relation to the figures, these second securing means MS2 are better visible in [Fig. 2], which shows a view of the second packaging E2 from a different angle than that used for [Fig. 1].

[0041] According to the general principle of the present technique, the first securing means MS 1 and the second securing means MS2 are complementary, in the sense that they are configured to cooperate together so as to allow securing of the first packaging E1 and the second packaging E2, at their respective securing faces FS1 and FS2.

[0042] In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the securing means of the second packaging E2 take the form of a tab L arranged on the left face (securing face FS2) of the packaging E2, and the securing means MSI of the first packaging El take the form of a groove R arranged on the right face (securing face FS1) of the packaging El, the groove R being intended to accommodate the tab L when the securing of the two packagings El and E2 is implemented.

[0043] More particularly, to secure the two packages E1 and E2, it is sufficient to engage a free end EL of the tongue L of the second package E2 in the groove R of the first package E1, and to carry out a translational movement until reaching a stop (for example until the free end EL of the tongue L comes into abutment at the bottom of the groove R). According to a particular characteristic, the groove R and the tongue L are more particularly shaped and dimensioned so that the only movement permitted once the tongue is engaged in the groove is a translational movement (in the direction of the z axis in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3). For this purpose, the dimensions of the tongue L are for example only very slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of the groove R.

[0044] It should be noted that the embodiment described above is given purely for illustrative purposes, and that the present technique is not limited to complementary joining means of the tongue and groove type as illustrated in the figures.

[0045] Thus, in other particular embodiments not illustrated, other types of securing means may be used to ensure the securing of two packages, possibly also comprising male securing means on a first package and complementary female securing means on a second package. In an alternative embodiment, securing means of the self-gripping strip (or Velcro) type are for example used: the first package then comprises on its securing face (for example glued to this face) at least one male self-gripping strip comprising a multitude of hooks, and the second package comprises on its securing face (for example glued to this face) at least one female self-gripping strip comprising a multitude of loops intended to cooperate with the hooks of the male self-gripping strip in order to allow the two packages to be secured.In a still different embodiment, another type of magnetic joining can also be implemented: the first packaging then comprises, for example, on its joining face a magnetic plate, and the second packaging comprises, for example, on its joining face a metal plate, these plates being integrated between two cardboard layers or in a fold of the respective joining faces of each packaging, or even fixed (e.g. by gluing) on ​​these respective joining faces.

[0046] The use of complementary tongue and groove type fastening means as illustrated in the figures, however, has certain advantages over other types of fastening means. In particular, it is possible to form them from the same material as the packaging which carries them. In one embodiment of particular realization, when such packaging is made of a material that allows it, flexible plastic or cardboard (e.g. recycled cardboard) for example, the groove and the tongue are thus provided from the outset in the template (or pattern) in two dimensions of their respective packaging, and are obtained by simple cutting and / or folding operations of these templates. Such a solution has the advantages of being inexpensive and easy to implement, in particular because it does not require additional elements (e.g. magnets, Velcro, glue, etc.) to form a packaging. Unlike other solutions, the cooperation between tongue and groove also makes it possible, in addition to obtaining the joining of the packaging, to ensure respective precise positioning of the two packagings once they are joined (without having to resort to other means, such as centering means for example), as detailed later in this document.

[0047] In any event, whatever the type of securing means used, the securing according to the present technique has the advantage of being easy to implement: the securing means are for example provided from the outset on the packaging (at the time of its manufacture), and their presence does not prevent the packaging from being used alone. In other words, the securing means are available as needed, but their presence does not require that they be used immediately or necessarily (for example, it is not a question here of applying an adhesive substance of the glue type to one side of a package to stick it to another, which would imply immediate securing or would not allow nominal use of the packaging alone, because it is glued). In addition, according to a particular characteristic, the complementary securing means (i.e.the first securing means and the second securing means) are chosen and / or configured, as shown in the previous examples, so that securing two packages via these securing means is reversible. In other words, two packages previously secured can be easily separated without damaging either of the packages or their respective securing means (they can thus, for example, be secured again via these same securing means, even after having been separated).

[0048] In a particular embodiment, which corresponds to that illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the first securing face FS1 of the first package E1 and the second securing face FS2 of the second package E2 are of identical (or substantially identical) dimensions. In other words, the packages E1 and E2 have the same height h and the same depth p. In this way, the cooperation of the first securing means MSI of the first package E1 and the second securing means MS2 of the second package E2 makes it possible to obtain a final secured package of rectangular parallelepiped shape, as illustrated in relation with [Fig.3] for example, of height h (same height as the packaging El and E2), of depth p (same depth as the packaging El and E2), and of length the sum 11+12 of the length 11 of the first packaging El and the length 12 of the second packaging E2. To this end, the securing means MS 1 and MS2 (for example the groove R and the complementary tongue L) are positioned on their respective securing faces FS1 and FS2 so that these securing faces FS1 and FS2 completely overlap once these securing means MS 1 and MS2 cooperate (for example once the tongue L is inserted as far as it will go in the groove R).In this respect, it is interesting to note that in comparison with other types of securing means (magnets, self-gripping strips) which may require the additional optional presence on the securing faces FS1 and FS2 of additional centering means to facilitate and / or guarantee obtaining a complete superposition of the securing faces FS1 and FS2, the use of correctly positioned complementary securing means of the groove and tongue type makes it possible to ensure not only the securing of the packages, but also the complete superposition of the securing faces so that the secured packages together form a substantially rectangular parallelepiped volume of depth p, height h, and length 11+12.

[0049] For obvious reasons, maintaining a rectangular parallelepiped format after joining the packages presents numerous advantages, particularly from a logistical point of view. In such an embodiment, the packages of the packaging system according to the present technique, whether joined or not, can in particular be easily arranged side by side or stacked on a pallet for example, and this is all the more so since they share the same height h and the same depth p.

[0050] According to a particular characteristic, the length 11 of the first packaging E1 is also an integer multiple of the length 12 of the second packaging E2. For example, by way of illustration and not limitation, the length 11 of the first packaging E1 is equal to double or triple the length 12 of the second packaging E2. Standardizing the relative lengths of the packagings in this way offers even more facilities in terms of optimizing storage and / or transport. For example, if the length of the first packaging E1 is twice that of the second E2, two blocks of packagings joined together E1+E2 (i.e. in the configuration of [Fig. 3]) placed end to end have the same length as three packagings E1 placed end to end, or as six packagings E2 placed end to end. It is thus possible, for example, to store in an optimized manner on the same pallet both first packagings E1, second packagings E2, and E1+E2 packaging blocks already secured together, while maintaining the most compact final volume on the pallet possible.

[0051] Furthermore, in order to facilitate inventory or traceability operations, each package of the packaging system according to the present technique may present, preferably always on the same face other than the joining face (for example always on the upper face of the package), an identification code of the product that it contains, for example in the form of a bar code. In Figures 1 to 3, the package E1 is for example identified by a bar code CB1 on its upper face, and the package E2 by a bar code CB2 on its upper face, these two bar codes CB1 and CB2 thus remaining easily accessible and readable even after joining the packages, because both are located on the same face (the upper face) of the obtained joined block of packaging (as visible in [Fig. 3] in particular).

[0052] According to another aspect, the proposed technique also relates to a method for securing a first package of rectangular parallelepiped shape with a second package of rectangular parallelepiped shape. These packages more particularly form a packaging system as described previously in any one of the embodiments presented. Such a method, illustrated in relation to [Fig.4] in a particular embodiment, comprises a step 11 of bringing into cooperation first securing means arranged on one face of the first package with second complementary securing means arranged on one face of the second package.In a particular embodiment, the cooperation step 11 takes the form of a step of inserting until it stops, within a groove arranged on a first securing face of the first packaging, a tab arranged on a second securing face of the second packaging, so that said first and second securing faces, of identical dimensions, completely overlap. At the end of step 11, a block of secured packaging is thus obtained.

[0053] Once the joining has been carried out, optionally, a step 12 of bonding at least one sealing label ETI is implemented, for example to avoid untimely detachment of the packaging E1 and E2 when the joined block obtained at the end of step 11 is handled (for example during its transport). To this end, the sealing label ETI is bonded so that it extends at least both on one face of the first packaging E1 and on a contiguous face of the second packaging E2, as illustrated for example in [Fig. 3].

[0054] In the foregoing description and in the figures, the proposed technique has been presented mainly in relation to a packaging system comprising two packages E1 and E2. This configuration is however not limiting, and the packaging system according to the present technique may comprise more than two packages. In this case, at least one of the packages comprises a plurality of securing faces each comprising securing means. In the particular embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the package E2 comprises for example another securing face - the face opposite the second securing face FS2 - which also comprises securing means MS3. These third securing means MS3 take for example the form of a groove (eg similar to that carried by the securing face FS1 of the first package El) configured so as to be able to cooperate for example with a complementary tab present on a securing face of a third package, in order to secure this third package to the second.In other words, with the present technique, it is possible to chain packages in such a way as to form a compact and integral packaging block of two, three, four packages, or more (by repeating step 11 of the process presented in relation to [Fig.4] each time a new package is added).

[0055] As shown in the various particular embodiments described above, the present technique therefore offers a new approach for the packaging of products (in particular products in kits or with accessories), which does not have the drawbacks of the traditional approaches of the prior art. In particular, it makes it possible to obtain “lean” packaging, because it can be adapted to suit the situation, without complicating the packaging process. The proposed technique allows, for example, last-minute customization (i.e.just before its marketing) of a product, and this with almost no constraints, when the situation requires it (for example due to certain obligations to supply accessories imposed by local legislation), by allowing the addition (or not) of an unlimited (or at least significant) number of accessories to a main product, via a simple and clever mechanism for joining two or more packages.

Claims

Claims

1. Packaging system characterized in that it comprises: - a first packaging (El) of rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising, on at least one face of said first packaging, called the first securing face (FS1), first securing means (MSI); - at least one second packaging (E2) of rectangular parallelepiped shape comprising, on at least one face of said second packaging, called the second securing face (FS2), second securing means (MS2);said first securing means and said second securing means being configured to cooperate in such a way as to allow securing of said first and second packages, at said first and second securing faces, said first securing means (MSI) take the form of a groove (R), and in that said second securing means (MS2) take the form of a tongue (L), said groove and said tongue being configured to allow securing of said first and second packages by insertion of said tongue into said groove, said groove comprising a bottom forming a stop for a free end (EL) of said tongue.;

2. Packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first securing face (FS1) and said second securing face (FS2) are of identical dimensions.

3. Packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (Z7) of said first packaging is a multiple of the length ( / 2) of said second packaging.

4. Packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first packaging and said second packaging are cardboard packaging.

5. Packaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that said first securing means and said second securing means are configured so that said securing of said first and second packages is reversible.

6. Packaging system according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first securing face and said second securing face are of identical dimensions, and in that said groove and said tongue are positioned so that said first securing face (FS1) and said second securing face (FS2) are completely superimposed when said tongue (L) is inserted as far as it will go into said groove (R).

7. Method for securing a first package (El) of rectangular parallelepiped shape with a second package (E2) of rectangular parallelepiped shape, said method comprising a step of inserting (11) up to the stop, within a groove arranged on a first securing face of said first package, a tab arranged on a second securing face of the second package, so that said first and second securing faces, of identical dimensions, completely overlap, said stop being formed by a bottom of said groove for a free end (EL) of said tab.

8. Method according to claim 7 characterized in that it further comprises a step of sticking (12) at least one sealing label (ETI) extending both on one face of said first packaging (El) and on a contiguous face of said second packaging (E2).

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