Foldable box with two destination addresses

Abstract

A collapsible box having two destination addresses is disclosed. The box (32) includes a bottom, large side walls (14) connected to the large sides of the bottom, small side walls (18) connected to the small sides of the bottom, and two top flaps (28, 30). Each top flap is connected to a large side of a large side wall such that the top flap is movable relative to the large side wall to allow the collapsible box (2) to be opened or closed. When the collapsible box (2) is closed, a first top flap (28) at least partially covers a second top flap (30). When the box (2) is folded flat, the first top flap partially covers the small side walls, and the second top flap at least partially covers the first top flap. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Foldable box with two destination addresses Technical field to which the invention relates

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of packaging and, more particularly, to reusable foldable boxes. Technological background

[0002] In various sectors, such as e-commerce, distribution, retail, automotive industry, the use of foldable boxes for the transport of objects is known. These foldable boxes are generally made from light and resistant materials, based on natural or synthetic polymers, in order to provide adequate protection to the objects they contain.

[0003] These boxes are designed so that they can be folded and unfolded at will. Thus, the foldable boxes can be easily folded when not in use, in order to significantly reduce their bulk. This means that they take up less space when returned empty, which reduces storage and transport costs.

[0004] According to another advantage, thanks to the ease of re-flattening, any consumer can re-flatten them and insert them into a standard mailbox without having to go through a dedicated platform that is less accessible to the general public.

[0005] Another advantage is that, thanks to their ability to be returned empty, foldable boxes also reduce the costs associated with purchasing new packaging boxes. They can be used repeatedly, which allows for significant savings in the long term.

[0006] Another benefit is that reusing collapsible boxes helps reduce packaging waste. This makes them a more environmentally friendly option compared to single-use boxes. Additionally, many collapsible boxes are made from recyclable materials, which adds to their eco-friendliness.

[0007] However, the use of foldable boxes has certain disadvantages linked to the need for two addresses. Indeed, the destination address, that is to say the address of the customer receiving the goods, must be visible on the box so that he receives the ordered product; we will call it the outbound address. The return address, that is to say the address of the company that manages the reusable packaging, must be visible when returning the reusable packaging when it is empty, that is to say flat.

[0008] When sending or returning, if both addresses are visible this will cause a problem to the company that manages the mail which will not be able to process them, a high loss rate will then be to be deplored which will be an element which could lead to the failure of the use of reusable solution for sending product.

[0009] One possible solution is to ask the customer to remove the label indicating the outbound address, i.e. their address. However, this requires an action on the part of the customer, the customer experience may therefore be less appreciated, which limits the possibility that the customer will repeat their choice of using reusable packaging. In addition, the percentage chance that the customer will not return the box is therefore higher. Having a high return rate is essential for the success of a reusable solution.

[0010] Another solution would be to put a label in the box available to the customer with the return address, and to ask the customer to affix the return address to the outbound address. Once again, the action is requested from the customer which limits the chance that the use will be appreciated and repeated. In addition, it adds an action which, if not executed correctly, will lead to box losses, which will be detrimental to the success of the reusable solution as a shipping choice.

[0011] Although folding transport boxes offer many advantages, it is important to consider the disadvantages mentioned above, related to the need for the presence of a different outward and return address on the folding boxes.

[0012] The invention aims to remedy these problems by proposing a reusable folding transport box, making it possible to make a first destination address visible when it is closed, the customer's outbound address, and to make another destination address visible when it is folded, the return address of the company managing the reusable packaging. Subject of the invention

[0013] For this, the invention proposes a foldable box, intended for the transport of goods, comprising:

[0014] - a rectangular shaped background, delimited by fold lines;

[0015] - large side walls connected to the large sides of the bottom by the fold lines;

[0016] - small side walls connected to the small sides of the bottom by the fold lines;

[0017] - two upper flaps, each upper flap being linked by a fold line to a long side of a long side wall, so that the top flap can be movable relative to the long side wall to allow the folding box to be opened or closed.

[0018] The invention is remarkable in that when the foldable box is closed, a first upper flap at least partially covers a second upper flap, and in that when the box is folded flat, the first upper flap partially covers the small side walls, and in that the second upper flap at least partially covers initially the first flap.

[0019] In other words, the fold lines and dimensions of the top flaps are configured to allow the first top flap to cover a portion of the second top flap, when the box is unfolded and closed, and conversely, when the box is folded or laid flat, the second top flap covers at least a portion of the first top flap.

[0020] Thus, advantageously, the upper flaps are configured to allow the concealment of different areas of the box when said box is closed or folded flat.

[0021] It should be noted that according to the invention, the term "box" means a three-dimensional element and the term "box folded flat" means that the walls of the box are superimposed so as to form a flat or substantially flat two-dimensional assembly.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, each upper flap has a different address visible from the outside of the box, and each address is arranged on one upper flap so as to be covered by the other upper flap when the box is closed or folded flat.

[0023] Indeed, when the box is closed and ready for shipment, the first destination address is clearly visible on the first upper flap, thus facilitating its delivery to the correct recipient. Once shipment is complete, when the box is folded, the first address is hidden under the second upper flap and a second destination address, previously written or printed, becomes visible on the second upper flap. This allows the box to be returned empty without it being necessary to modify or remove the initial destination address.

[0024] This innovative approach thus simplifies the process of using and reusing foldable transport boxes, thereby reducing the risk of error by transport companies and end customers and maximizing the chances that reusable packaging will be seen as a practical solution and therefore more easily adopted. It therefore offers a practical solution for companies wishing to replace their packaging with reusable packaging, particularly in the field of e-commerce, aimed primarily at the general public.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first upper flap is less wide than the second upper flap.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the invention, the large side wall connected to the first upper flap is higher than the large side wall connected to the second upper flap. This embodiment advantageously allows the upper flaps to be parallel or substantially parallel to each other when they close the box. Preferably, the difference in height between the large side wall connected to the first upper flap and the large side wall connected to the second upper flap is equal to or substantially possibly equal to the thickness of the first flap. Thus, the first upper flap can freely tilt above the second upper flap, until it is parallel or perfectly parallel to the bottom of the box.

[0027] According to another embodiment of the invention, the small side walls are of the same height as the large side wall linked to the first upper flap.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first tab connects a small side wall to the large side wall which is connected to the first upper flap.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first tab is connected to a small side wall by a fold line.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, each first tab comprises an intermediate fold line, extending from one side of the bottom of the box, and the intermediate fold line forms an angle of the order of 45° with the other fold lines delimiting said tab.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the invention, each small side wall is extended by a second tab, opposite the first tab, and linked to the small side wall by a fold line.

[0032] Preferably, each second tab is movable relative to the large side wall which is connected to the second upper flap.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the first tabs are identical or substantially identical to the second tabs or vice versa.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the first upper flap may comprise a label, indicating a destination address. The label is arranged on the first flap so as to be at least partially covered by the second upper flap, when the box is folded flat. Preferably, the label comprises a self-adhesive face positioned against the first upper flap.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the label extends above the second upper flap when the box is closed by said upper flaps. Optionally, the portion of the label extending above the second upper flap can be adhered to the second upper flap, so as to maintain the first and second upper flaps in the closed position.

[0036] According to an alternative embodiment, the label may include a cutting line, at the level of the second upper flap, so as to allow easy tearing of the label by a user in order to open the box.

[0037] Preferably, the label mentions a destination address and the destination address is positioned at the first upper flap.

[0038] According to another embodiment of the invention, the box comprises reversible holding means, between the first and second upper flaps, so as to hold said upper flaps together when the box is closed and / or when the box is folded flat as described above.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the bottom of the box comprises a first reversible holding means, and the second upper flap comprises a second reversible holding means arranged so as to cooperate with the first reversible holding means, when the box is folded flat. This embodiment allows the folded box to be held flat better, in order to prevent a gaping phenomenon between the upper flaps. Preferably, the first reversible holding means and the second reversible holding means respectively comprise a loop or hook fastening means, or vice versa.

[0040] The reversible holding means mentioned above may comprise snap fasteners and / or hook and loop fastening means, for example marketed under the brand name “Velcro”, self-adhesive strips, etc.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the box is made from a honeycomb structure or a bubble structure, interposed between two sheets or strips of material. Preferably, the walls of the box are made from a material based on synthetic polymers, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or the like.

[0042] The invention also relates to a method for flattening a box as described above, implementing the following steps:

[0043] - pivoting of the first upper flap, towards the outside of the box, so as to causing the large side wall connected to the first upper flap to tilt, until said large side wall and the first upper flap are aligned or substantially aligned with the bottom of the box;

[0044] - pivoting of the second upper flap, towards the outside of the box, so as to causing the large side wall connected to the second upper flap to tilt until said large side wall and the second upper flap are aligned or substantially aligned with the bottom of the box;

[0045] - tilting of the small side walls onto the bottom of the box;

[0046] - pivoting the first upper flap so as to superimpose the first flap superior to the small side walls;

[0047] - pivoting of the second upper flap on the first upper flap.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment of the flattening method described above, the second upper flap is pivoted so as to overlap the bottom as well as the large side wall connecting the second upper flap to the bottom of the box.

[0049] According to another variant embodiment of the flattening method described above, the second upper flap is pivoted so as to also cause the large side wall to pivot, holding the second upper flap at the bottom of the box, so that the second upper flap and said large side wall are superimposed on the bottom of the box.

[0050] The invention also relates to a blank for producing a box as described above, comprising:

[0051] - fold lines delimiting a rectangular shaped background;

[0052] - fold lines delimiting a large rectangular side wall, extending along each long side of the bottom;

[0053] - fold lines delimiting a rectangular-shaped upper flap, extending along a long side of a long side wall;

[0054] characterized in that the width of the upper flaps is between 60% and 90% of the width of the bottom, the widths being measured in a direction normal to a fold line delimiting a large side of the bottom.

[0055] According to another embodiment of the invention, a first upper flap has a smaller width than a second upper flap.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the invention, the large side wall connected to the first upper flap has a greater width than the large side wall connected to the second upper flap.

[0057] Of course, the various features, variants and embodiments mentioned above may be combined with each other in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. Description of the figures

[0058] The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0059] [Fig-1] illustrates a top view of a blank for producing a box according to the invention;

[0060] [Fig.2] illustrates a perspective view of a closed box according to the invention;

[0061] [Fig.3] illustrates a first step of flat folding of a box according to the invention;

[0062] [Fig.4] illustrates a second step of flat folding of a box according to the invention;

[0063] [Fig.5] illustrates a third step of flat folding of a box according to the invention;

[0064] [Fig.6] illustrates a fourth step of flat folding of a box according to the invention;

[0065] [Fig.7] illustrates a final step of flat folding of a box according to the invention;

[0066] [Fig.8] illustrates a third step of flat folding of a box made from an alternative embodiment of a blank according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0067] As a reminder, the invention proposes a reusable foldable transport box, making it possible to make a first destination address visible when it is closed, and to make another destination address visible when it is folded.

[0068] [Fig. 1] shows a non-limiting example of a blank 2 for producing a foldable box according to the invention. The blank 2 comprises several fold lines 4 delimiting a rectangular-shaped base 6.

[0069] According to the present example, the width of the bottom, measured in a direction normal to a large side 8 of said bottom, is between 180 cm and 130 cm, preferably of the order of 156 cm. The length of the bottom measured in a direction normal to a small side 10 of said bottom, is between 250 cm and 190 cm, preferably of the order of 212 cm.

[0070] The blank 2 comprises fold lines 4 delimiting large rectangular side walls, extending along each large side 8 of the bottom 6.

[0071] According to the present example, the width of a first large side wall 14, measured in a direction normal to a large side 8 of the bottom, is between 70 cm and 90 cm, preferably of the order of 84 cm.

[0072] The width of a second large side wall 16, measured in a direction normal to a large side 8 of the bottom, is between 70 cm and 90 cm, preferably of the order of 82 cm.

[0073] According to the present example, the width of the second large side wall 16 is less or substantially less than that of the first large side wall 14.

[0074] The blank comprises fold lines 4 delimiting small side walls 18 of rectangular shape, extending along each small side 10 of the bottom 6.

[0075] According to the present example, the width of the small side walls 18, measured in a direction normal to a small side 10 of the bottom, is between 70 cm and 90 cm, preferably of the order of 84 cm. The width of the small side walls 18 is preferably identical or substantially identical.

[0076] The length of the small side walls 18 is preferably less than or slightly less than the width of the bottom 6. According to the present example, the length of the small side walls 18 is between 140 cm and 160 cm, preferably of the order of 151 cm.

[0077] The first large side wall 14 is connected to the small side walls 18, by means of first tabs 20. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the first tabs 20 are rectangular in shape. Each first tab 20 comprises an intermediate fold line 24, extending from one side of the bottom 6. The intermediate fold line 24 forms an angle of the order of 45° with the other fold lines 4 delimiting said tab of the first large side wall 14 and of a small side wall 18.

[0078] The intermediate fold lines 24 are intended to facilitate the folding of the first tabs into the box as described below.

[0079] Each small side wall 18 is extended by a second tab 26, also rectangular in shape, opposite the first tab 20, and linked to the small side wall by a fold line 4. The second tab 26 is of similar dimensions to the first tab 20.

[0080] It should be noted that unlike the first tab 20, the second tabs 26 are not connected to a large side wall, in order to allow greater freedom of movement to the second large side wall 16 relative to the first large side wall 14.

[0081] A large side of the first large side wall 14, opposite the bottom 6, is extended over its entire length by a first upper flap 28. The width of the first upper flap, measured in a direction normal to a large side 8 of the bottom, is between 110 cm and 150 cm, preferably of the order of 133 cm.

[0082] Similarly, a large side of the second large side wall 16, opposite the bottom 6, is extended over its entire length by a second upper flap 30. The width of the second upper flap, measured in a direction normal to a large side 8 of the bottom, is between 115 cm and 155 cm, preferably of the order of 138 cm.

[0083] According to the present example, the width of the first upper flap 28 is less or substantially less than that of the second upper flap 30.

[0084] Preferably, the blank 2 forms a single piece. The blank is preferably made from synthetic polymer, preferably based on polypropylene or similar polymers. According to a preferred embodiment, the blank comprises a honeycomb structure, composed of two layers kept parallel or substantially parallel to each other, by means of a cellular or bubble structure.

[0085] The thickness of the blank 2, measured in a direction normal or substantially normal to its large faces, is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 2 mm and 3 mm.

[0086] [Fig. 2] illustrates a foldable box 32 according to the invention, obtained from a blank 2 as described above. The foldable box is produced by pivoting the different elements of the blank 2 along the fold lines 4 described above.

[0087] As illustrated by [Fig.2], the first upper flap 28 partially covers the second upper flap 30. Preferably, the first upper flap 28 covers at least 20%, preferably at least 40% of the surface area of the second upper flap 30.

[0088] The first upper flap 28 has on its surface a first address 34, visible from the outside of the box when the latter is closed by the upper flaps. The first address 34 is arranged as close as possible to the free end 36 of the first upper flap 28.

[0089] Figures 3 to 7 now illustrate a method of folding the box according to the invention.

[0090] According to a first step illustrated by [Fig.3], the first upper flap 28 is pivoted towards the outside of the box 32, so as to cause the tilting of the first large side wall 14 linked to the first upper flap 28.

[0091] According to a second step illustrated by [Fig.4], the second upper flap 30 is also pivoted towards the outside of the box 32, so as to cause the second large side wall 16 linked to the second upper flap 30 to tilt. The second tabs 26 are also pivoted so as to be aligned or substantially aligned with the small side walls 18 of the box.

[0092] According to a third step illustrated by [Fig.5], the first upper flap 28 is tilted onto the bottom 6 of the box, so as to cover the first large side wall 14 as well as the small side walls 18.

[0093] According to a fourth step illustrated by [Fig.6], the second upper flap 30 is tilted onto the bottom 6 of the box, so that the second large side wall 16 covers the small side walls 18 and the second upper flap 30 partly covers the first upper flap 28.

[0094] More precisely, as illustrated by [Fig.7], the second upper flap 30 is pressed against the first upper flap 28 so as to cover the first address 34 appearing on said first flap.

[0095] Thus, the first address 34 is concealed by the second upper flap 30 when the box 32 is folded flat, and advantageously, the second upper flap comprises a second address 38 visible from the outside, when the box is folded. The second address 38 is arranged as close as possible to the free end 40 of the second upper flap 30, so as to be covered by the first upper flap 28 when the box is closed as illustrated in [Fig.2].

[0096] [Fig. 8] illustrates an alternative embodiment of a blank according to the invention. More specifically, [Fig. 8] shows a third step of flat folding of a box according to the invention, made from a blank 2A. The blank 2A differs from the blank 2 described above in that the bottom of the box comprises a first reversible holding means 42A, and the second upper flap 30 comprises a second reversible holding means 42B. This second reversible holding means is arranged so as to cooperate with the first reversible holding means 42A, when the box is folded flat, as illustrated by [Fig. 7].

[0097] Advantageously, this embodiment allows the box to be kept flatter better when it is folded, in order to prevent a gaping phenomenon between the upper flaps 28 and 30.

[0098] Preferably, the first reversible holding means and the second reversible holding means respectively comprise a loop or hook fastening means, or vice versa. The reversible holding means mentioned above may include snap fasteners and / or loop and / or hook fastening means, for example marketed under the brand name “Velcro”, self-adhesive strips, etc.

[0099] In summary, the invention provides a reusable collapsible shipping box that can display a first destination address 34 when closed, and a second destination address 38 when folded. This innovative solution simplifies the shipping process, eliminating the need to label and remove previous labels before each shipment, and provides a convenient method for reusing collapsible boxes without the risk of confusion when shipping them.

Claims

Claims

1. Foldable box (2) intended for the transport of goods, comprising: - a base (6) of rectangular shape, delimited by fold lines (4) - large side walls (14, 16) connected to the large sides (8) of the base (6) by the fold lines (4); - small side walls (18) connected to the small sides of the base (6) by the fold lines (4);- two upper flaps (28, 30), each upper flap being linked by a fold line to a large side of a large side wall, so that the upper flap can be movable relative to the large side wall, to allow the folding box (2) to be opened or closed, when the folding box (2) is closed, a first upper flap (28) at least partially covers a second upper flap (30), when the box (2) is folded flat, the first upper flap (28) partially covers the small side walls (18), and the second upper flap (30) at least partially covers the first upper flap (28), characterized in that the large side wall linked to the first upper flap (28) is higher than the large side wall linked to the second upper flap (30).;

2. Foldable box (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that each upper flap has a different address visible from the outside of the box (2), and in that each address is arranged on an upper flap so as to be covered by the other upper flap when the box (2) is closed or folded flat.

3. Foldable box (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first upper flap (28) is less wide than the second upper flap (30).

4. Foldable box (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the small side walls (18) are of the same height as the large side wall (14) connected to the first upper flap (28).

5. Foldable box (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a first tab (20) connects each small side wall (18) to the large side wall (14) which is connected to the first upper flap (28).

6. Foldable box (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that a first tab (20) is connected to a small side wall (18) by a fold line.

7. Foldable box (2) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that each first tab has an intermediate fold line, extending from one side of the bottom (6) of the box (2), and in that the intermediate fold line forms an angle of the order of 45° with the other fold lines (4) delimiting said tab.

8. Foldable box (2) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that each small side wall is extended by a second tab (26), opposite the first tab (20), and linked to the small side wall by a fold line.

9. Foldable box (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that each second tab (26) is movable relative to the large side wall (16) which is connected to the second upper flap (30).

10. A method of flattening a box (2), according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the following steps are implemented: - pivoting the first upper flap (28), towards the outside of the box (2), so as to cause the large side wall (14) connected to the first upper flap (28) to tilt, until said large side wall and the first upper flap (28) are aligned or substantially aligned with the bottom (6) of the box (2); - pivoting the second upper flap (30), towards the outside of the box (2), so as to cause the large side wall (16) connected to the second upper flap (30) to tilt, until said large side wall and the second upper flap (30) are aligned or substantially aligned with the bottom (6) of the box (2); - tilting the small side walls (18) onto the bottom (6) of the box (2);- pivoting the first upper flap (28) so as to superimpose the first upper flap on the small side walls (18); - pivoting the second upper flap (30) on the first upper flap (28).;

11. A method of flattening a box (2), according to claim 10, characterized in that the second upper flap (30) is pivoted so as to also cause the large side wall (16) to pivot, holding the second upper flap at the bottom (6) of the box, so that the second upper flap (30) and said large side wall (16) are superimposed on the bottom (6) of the box.

12. Blank for producing a box (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, including: - fold lines (4) delimiting a rectangular bottom (6); - fold lines (4) delimiting a large side wall (14, 16) of rectangular shape, extending along each large side of the bottom (6); - fold lines (4) delimiting a rectangular upper flap, extending along a large side of a large side wall; characterized in that the width of the upper flaps is between 60% and 90% of the width of the bottom (6), the widths being measured in a direction normal to a fold line delimiting a large side of the bottom (6).

13. A blank according to claim 12, characterized in that a first upper flap (28) has a smaller width than a second upper flap (30).

14. Blank according to claim 13, characterized in that the large side wall (14) connected to the first upper flap (28) has a greater width than the large side wall (16) connected to the second upper flap (30).

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