BOTTLE TRANSPORT BOX WITH CUSHIONING ELEMENT.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a box (10) capable of housing at least one bottle (12), the box (10) comprising a base (14) and a cover (26) intended to close a receiving volume (16) of the bottle (12), the box (10) comprising at least one device (30) for holding the bottle (12) in the receiving volume (16), the holding device (30) comprising two plates capable of holding the bottle (12) in the base (14) of the box (10), each of the plates comprising a contact edge which comprises a contact portion forming a recess zone in the plate, the contact portion of the contact edge of each of the plates comprising a groove in which a damping element is housed, the damping element of each of the grooves extending beyond the groove, into the housing for receiving the bottle (12). Figure for abstract: 1

Description

Title of the invention: BOTTLE TRANSPORT BOX WITH DAMPING ELEMENT. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a box for transporting bottles securely. Technical background

[0002] Bottles, whether intended to contain drinks or perfume, are often complex to transport given their fragility. It is then customary to transport the bottles in boxes in which the bottles are held in position by being clamped in holding devices otherwise called "guillotines" and allowing them to be locked in position in the box.

[0003] However, such holding devices can cause damage to the bottles, particularly if labels are affixed to them. Indeed, the friction of the bottles in the holding devices can tear or scratch the label and / or directly the bottle being held.

[0004] Means for limiting damage to bottles during transport have already been proposed, but these are often expensive and significantly extend the manufacturing time of the boxes due to the assembly complexity they require.

[0005] Thus, the aim of the invention is to propose a holding device to be integrated into a bottle transport box, the design and machining of which are quick and inexpensive, while offering optimal efficiency in the protection of the bottles which are transported in the box. Summary of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a box capable of housing at least one bottle, the box comprising a base which extends in a longitudinal main elongation direction and which delimits a bottle receiving volume open at an upper end, the box comprising a cover intended to close the bottle receiving volume at the upper end,

[0007] the box comprising at least one device for holding the bottle in the receiving volume,

[0008] the holding device comprising two plates capable of cooperating with each other in the receiving volume so as to hold the bottle in the base of the box,

[0009] each of the plates comprising a contact edge which comprises a portion of contact forming a recessed area in the plate and such that the contact portion of each of the plates of the holding device participates in delimiting a housing for receiving the bottle when the plates cooperate with each other to form the holding device,

[0010] the contact portion of the contact edge of each of the plates comprising a groove open on the receiving housing and in which a damping element is housed,

[0011] the damping element of each of the grooves extending beyond the groove, into the bottle receiving housing.

[0012] According to other characteristics of the invention: - the groove of the contact portion of the contact edge of each of the plates extends over the entire length of the contact portion of its associated contact edge; - the holding device extends in the receiving volume along a main transverse and vertical plane, the damping element of each of the grooves extending beyond the groove, in the main plane of the holding device; - the contact portion of the contact edge of each of the plates of the holding device comprises an arcuate shape such that the receiving housing of the holding device has the shape of a cylinder of revolution with an axis of revolution; - the groove forms a radial recess in the contact portion of the contact edge of each of the plates, the damping element extending radially beyond the groove, into the receiving housing; - the box comprises two devices for holding the bottle in the receiving volume, the holding devices being offset longitudinally relative to each other in the receiving volume, the receiving housings of the holding devices having contours of distinct dimensions and / or distinct shapes; - the base comprises at least one pair of vertical grooves which extend into the receiving volume of the bottle, the plates of the at least one holding device being able to cooperate with the vertical grooves so that the plates are engaged in the vertical grooves when they extend into the receiving volume; - the cushioning element is made of cork. Brief description of the figures

[0013] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which one will refer to the attached drawings in which:

[0014] [Fig-1] is a general perspective view of a bottle transport box comprising two bottle holding devices;

[0015] [Fig.2] is a perspective view of the holding devices of [Fig.l], each holding devices comprising two plates;

[0016] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of one of the plates of the holding devices of the [Fig.2] comprising a groove in which a damping element extends;

[0017] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the bottle engaged in the devices of maintenance of [Fig.l];

[0018] [Fig.5] is a longitudinal and vertical sectional view of the box of [Fig.l];

[0019] [Fig.6] is a schematic view of a plate of a holding device according to a another example of an embodiment of the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0020] For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the V, L, T reference system indicated in the figures, the longitudinal L and transverse T axes of which extend in a horizontal plane, will be adopted as a non-limiting example and without limiting reference to Earth's gravity.

[0021] In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numbers.

[0022] [Fig.l] illustrates a box 10 capable of housing at least one bottle 12, for example and in a non-limiting manner, a bottle of wine or a bottle of perfume.

[0023] It should be considered that by bottle we mean any container, for example made of plastic or glass, intended to contain a liquid or pasty fluid and whether or not suitable for consumption.

[0024] The box 10 comprises at least one base 14 which extends in a longitudinal main elongation direction L and which delimits a receiving volume 16 for the bottle 12, the receiving volume 16 being open on an upper end 18 of the base 14.

[0025] More precisely, the base 14 has a parallelepiped shape from which a rectangular bottom wall 20 is defined from which four walls 22 extend perpendicularly from each of its sides.

[0026] Longitudinal walls 22a of the base 14 are then defined, which extend mainly in the longitudinal direction L and are opposite each other in a transverse direction T of the base 14.

[0027] Transverse walls 22b of the base 14 are also defined, which extend mainly in the transverse direction T and are opposite each other. along the longitudinal direction L of the base 14 and such that they connect the longitudinal walls 22a.

[0028] The longitudinal walls 22a therefore each extend in a longitudinal plane L and vertical plane V and the transverse walls 22b each extend in a transverse plane T and vertical plane V.

[0029] Thus, the bottom wall 20 forms a lower end 24 of the base 14, vertically opposite the open upper end 18 of the base 14.

[0030] In other words, the open upper end 18 of the base 14 corresponds to an opening through which the bottle 12 can be installed in the receiving volume 16 delimited by the base 14.

[0031] It is further understood that the reference to the terms upper and lower is here to be considered according to the preferred transport position of the boxes 10, the lower end 24 corresponding to the support end of the box 10 on a support during its transport or storage.

[0032] As seen in [Fig. 1], the box 10 comprises a cover 26 intended to close the receiving volume 16.

[0033] It is understood in particular that the cover 26 closes the upper end 18 of the base 14, that is to say, closes the opening through which the bottle 12 can be installed in the receiving volume 16.

[0034] It is also understood that the cover 26 has a complementary shape with the base 14, the cover 26 here being of rectangular shape.

[0035] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the base 14 comprises at least two longitudinal grooves 28 which extend facing the receiving volume 16 and at the level of the upper end 18 of the base 14.

[0036] More precisely, the longitudinal grooves 28 extend in the longitudinal direction L, against the longitudinal walls 22a of the base 14 described previously and at the level of the upper end 18 so as to allow the cover 26 to slide longitudinally in the longitudinal grooves 28 to close the upper end 18 of the base 14.

[0037] Furthermore, and as visible in [Fig. 5], one of the transverse walls 22b of the base 14 extends vertically from the bottom wall 20 in such a way that it forms a stop for the cover 26 when the latter extends to cover the receiving volume 16, in the longitudinal grooves 28, and the other transverse wall 22b extends vertically from the bottom wall 20 below the longitudinal grooves 28 in such a way as to allow the longitudinal insertion of the cover 26 into the longitudinal grooves 28.

[0038] It is then understood that the transverse walls 22b of the base 14 extend vertically from the bottom wall 20 according to dimensions distinct from one another.

[0039] It is also understood that the longitudinal grooves 28 are sized in such a way that they allow the insertion and longitudinal sliding of the cover 26 within them.

[0040] It should also be considered that, in a non-limiting and not illustrated manner, the box may comprise a cover connected to the base by hinges allowing it to pivot around a hinge axis so as to close and open the receiving volume of the base.

[0041] According to the invention, the box 10 comprises at least one device 30 for holding the bottle in the receiving volume.

[0042] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the box 10 here comprises two devices 30 for holding the bottle 12 in the receiving volume 16 of the base 14.

[0043] It should also be considered that the box, depending on the number of bottles that it is intended to transport and depending on the size of these bottles, may comprise more than two holding devices according to the invention.

[0044] In order to facilitate reading, it should be considered that, for the common parts, only the structural and functional characteristics of one of the holding devices 30 will be the subject of a detailed description but that these characteristics apply mutatis mutandis to all of the holding devices 30 of the base 14.

[0045] As seen in Figures 2, 3 and 5, the holding device 30 comprises two plates 32 capable of cooperating with each other in the receiving volume 16 of the base 14.

[0046] According to the example of the invention illustrated, in the receiving volume 16 of the base 14, the holding devices 30 each extend in a transverse plane T and vertical plane V. Thus, it is understood that the holding devices 30 extend in the internal volume 16, in a plane perpendicular to the main elongation direction of the bottle 12 when it is installed in the receiving volume 16.

[0047] In order to fit into the parallelepiped receiving volume 16 of the base 14, the holding device 30 here has a rectangular peripheral shape, formed by the two plates 32 which compose it.

[0048] External edges 34 of the plates 32 are then defined which delimit the external periphery of the holding device 30 when these are assembled with each other, as visible in [Fig.2].

[0049] Given the rectangular shape of the holding device 30, it is understood that each plate 32 comprises three external edges 34.

[0050] As seen in Figures 2 and 3, two of the external edges 34 extend parallel to each other and perpendicularly from a single third external edge 34.

[0051] It should also be considered that the peripheral shape of the holding device is not limiting and that it could include beveled corners or even a rounded edge, as long as its peripheral shape allows it to fit into the receiving volume.

[0052] An internal edge 36 of each of the plates 32 is also defined, intended to come at least partially into contact with the internal edge 36 of the associated plate 32 of the same holding device 30.

[0053] In the remainder of the detailed description, the term internal edge 36 will be replaced by the term contact edge 36.

[0054] According to the illustrated example of the invention, the contact edge 36 of each of the plates 32 comprises a contact portion 38 which forms a recess zone in its plate 32 so as to form a receiving housing 40 for the bottle 12 when the plates 32 of the same holding device 30 cooperate with each other, as visible in [Fig.2].

[0055] Here and in a non-limiting manner, the contact portions 38 of the contact edges 36 have the shape of an arc of a circle such that they define a half-moon-shaped recess zone in each of the plates 32, thus forming a receiving housing 40 in the shape of a cylinder of revolution in the holding device 30.

[0056] It is defined in particular that the receiving housing 40 in the shape of a cylinder of revolution extends around an axis R of revolution which is here parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the base 14 when the holding device 30 is installed in the receiving volume 16 according to [Fig.l].

[0057] It is then understood that depending on the thickness of the holding device 30, the cylindrical receiving housing 40 extends axially over a greater or lesser distance. It is further specified that the thickness of the holding device 30 is to be considered along the longitudinal direction L of the base 14 when the holding device 30 is installed in the receiving volume 16 according to [Fig.l].

[0058] According to another example of the invention visible in [Fig. 6], the contact portion 38 of the contact edge 36 of each of the plates 32 may have a U shape with rectilinear sides such that the plates 32 of the same holding device, once assembled, form a parallelepiped receiving housing.

[0059] It should also be considered that the contact portion 38 of the contact edge 36 of each of the plates 32 can have any shape in a non-limiting manner, such that the receiving housing 40 of the holding device 30 has a complementary shape with the bottle that it receives.

[0060] As visible in [Fig.2], each of the holding devices 30 comprises a receiving housing 40 in the shape of a cylinder of revolution whose diameter differs.

[0061] Thus and as visible in [Fig.4], a first holding device 30a makes it possible to hold a wider end of the bottle 12, at the level of the barrel, while a second holding device 30b makes it possible to hold a less wide end of the bottle 12, at the level of the neck.

[0062] It is then understood that the vertical dimensions V and transverse T of the contact portions 38 are adapted according to the dimensions of the bottle 12 to be maintained in the receiving volume 16.

[0063] Furthermore, and as visible in [Fig.l], the holding devices 30, 30a, 30b of the bottle 12 are arranged in the receiving volume 16 of the base 14 while being offset longitudinally from one another.

[0064] As visible in [Fig. 3], the contact portion 38 of the contact edge 36 of each of the plates 32 comprises a groove 42 open onto the receiving housing 40 and in which a damping element 44 is housed.

[0065] More particularly and considering the cylindrical shape of axis R of revolution of the receiving housings 40, the groove 42 of each of the plates 32 forms a recess of radial depth in the contact portions 38 and which extends circularly along the contact portion 38 of each of the plates 32.

[0066] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the grooves 42 of each of the plates 32 of the same holding device 30 extend along the contact portions 38 in such a way that they extend over the entire circumference of the receiving housing 40.

[0067] The groove 42 of each of the plates 32 has a “U” shaped section in axial section along the axis of revolution, visible in [Fig.5], of which a bottom wall 46 is defined.

[0068] According to non-limiting examples of the invention, the groove 42 of each of the plates 32 may have a square or semi-circular section. Such a section of the groove 42 of each of the plates 32 may be produced by means of a milling cutter controlled by a numerically controlled machine.

[0069] According to the invention, the damping element 44 of each of the grooves 42 extends beyond a space delimited by the groove 42, towards the receiving housing 40 of the bottle 12.

[0070] Furthermore, the damping element 44 extends from the bottom wall 46 of the groove 42 as visible in [Fig.5].

[0071] In other words, the damping element 44 extends from the bottom wall 46 and radially beyond the groove 42 in which it is housed, towards the receiving housing 40 of the bottle 12, considering the axis R of revolution.

[0072] Thus, the damping element 44 forms a projection in the receiving housing 40 of the bottle 12.

[0073] In addition, the damping element 44 extends throughout its groove 42. associated such that it extends over the entire circumference of the receiving housing 40 of its associated holding device 30.

[0074] It is then understood that the damping element 44 is intended to be in contact with the bottle 12 housed in the receiving housing 40 of the holding device 30.

[0075] More specifically, the damping element 44 is configured to extend over the entire circumference of the bottle 12 when the latter is engaged in the receiving housing 40 of the holding device 30.

[0076] According to an example of the invention, the damping elements 44 can be force-fitted in their respective groove 42.

[0077] According to another example of the invention, the damping elements 44 can be fixed by gluing in their respective groove 42.

[0078] Such a structure of the holding devices 30 is then advantageous in that it allows the damping elements 44 to be integrated in a simple manner to protect the bottle during storage.

[0079] Furthermore, when the damping elements 44 are force-mounted, it is easy to change them, for example when they are worn or when a different radial thickness of the damping elements 44 is desired in order to adapt to the size of the bottle 12.

[0080] Visible in Figures 1 and 5, the base 14 comprises at least one pair of vertical grooves 48 which extend into the receiving volume 16 of the bottle 12.

[0081] More precisely, the vertical grooves 48 extend vertically along the longitudinal walls 22a from the bottom wall 20, until they open vertically outside the receiving volume 16 of the bottle 12.

[0082] Furthermore, the vertical grooves 48 of the same pair are aligned with each other in the transverse direction T of the base 14.

[0083] It is then understood that the plates 32 of the same holding device 30 are configured to slide in the vertical grooves 48 of the same pair, so as to be housed in the receiving volume 16.

[0084] It is also understood that the bottom wall 20 of the base 14 forms a vertical stop for the holding device 30 when its plates 32 are inserted into the vertical grooves 48.

[0085] Thus, the plates 32 of the same holding device 30, inserted into the receiving volume 16 via the vertical grooves 48 are locked longitudinally and transversely in position in the receiving volume 16.

[0086] Furthermore, the closing of the upper end 18 of the base 14 by the cover 26 allows the holding devices 30 to be locked in the vertical position in the receiving volume 16.

[0087] According to the example of the invention illustrated, the box 10 comprises two pairs of grooves vertical 48 such that each of the pairs cooperates with one of the two holding devices 30.

[0088] It is then understood that, once the bottle 12 is engaged in the holding devices 30 and installed in the receiving volume 16 of the base 14 closed by the cover 26, it is held securely in the base 14.

[0089] In particular, the radially projecting damping elements 44 in the receiving housings 40 of the holding devices 30 make it possible to limit the risk of breakage or deterioration of the bottle during its transport.

[0090] According to the invention, the damping element can be made of a natural and recyclable material.

[0091] For example and in a non-limiting manner, the damping element may be made of cork. According to other non-limiting examples of the invention, the damping element may be made of rubber or felt or textile or leather or rush or wool or canvas, felt or foam or plastic or cardboard or silicone or elastomer or cellulose or latex or nylon or cotton or jute or hemp or wood wool or linen or ramie or natural fiber.

[0092] According to the invention, the box 10, apart from the damping element 44, can be made of wood.

Claims

Claims

1. Box (10) capable of housing at least one bottle (12), the box (10) comprising a base (14) which extends in a longitudinal main elongation direction (L) and which delimits a receiving volume (16) for the bottle (12) open on an upper end (18), the box (10) comprising a cover (26) intended to close the receiving volume (16) for the bottle (12) at the upper end (18), the box (10) comprising at least one device (30) for holding the bottle (12) in the receiving volume (16), the holding device (30) comprising two plates (32) capable of cooperating with each other in the receiving volume (16) so as to hold the bottle (12) in the base (14) of the box (10),each of the plates (32) comprising a contact edge (36) which comprises a contact portion (38) forming a recess zone in the plate (32) and such that the contact portion (38) of each of the plates (32) of the holding device (30) participates in delimiting a receiving housing (40) for the bottle (12) when the plates (32) cooperate with each other to form the holding device (30), the contact portion (38) of the contact edge (36) of each of the plates (32) comprising a groove (42) open onto the receiving housing (40) and in which a damping element (44) is housed, the damping element (44) of each of the grooves (42) extending beyond the groove (42), into the receiving housing (40) for the bottle (12).

2. Box (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the groove (42) of the contact portion (38) of the contact edge (36) of each of the plates (32) extends over the entire length of the contact portion (38) of its associated contact edge (36).

3. Box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the holding device (30) extends in the receiving volume (16) along a main transverse (T) and vertical (V) plane, the damping element (44) of each of the grooves (42) extending beyond the groove (42), in the main plane of the holding device (30).

4. Box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in in which the contact portion (38) of the contact edge (36) of each of the plates (32) of the holding device (30) comprises an arcuate shape such that the receiving housing (40) of the holding device (30) has the shape of a cylinder of revolution with an axis (R) of revolution.

5. Box (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the groove (42) forms a radial recess in the contact portion (38) of the contact edge (36) of each of the plates (32), the damping element (44) extending radially beyond the groove (42), in the receiving housing (40).

6. Box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two holding devices (30) for the bottle (12) in the receiving volume (16), the holding devices (30) being offset longitudinally relative to each other in the receiving volume (16), the receiving housings (40) of the holding devices (30) having contours of distinct dimensions and / or distinct shapes.

7. Box (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the base (14) comprises at least one pair of vertical grooves (48) which extend into the receiving volume (16) of the bottle (12), the plates (32) of the at least one holding device (30) being able to cooperate with the vertical grooves (48) so that the plates (32) are engaged in the vertical grooves (48) when they extend into the receiving volume (16).

8. A box (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cushioning element (44) is made of cork.

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