Method for packaging items in a corrugated cardboard box realised starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip

Abstract

The method makes it possible to package items in a cardboard box that is realized starting from a continuous cardboard strip that is free of waste or scrap material.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field related to packaging items inside a corrugated cardboard box obtained starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip. [Background technology]

[0002] Methods and procedures are known for packaging items inside associated corrugated boxes obtained starting from a continuous corrugated strip instead of pre-cut blanks of various sizes stored in an associated storehouse.

[0003] For example, document EP 2 890 554 A1 describes a procedure for starting from a continuous cardboard strip, obtaining a cardboard blank on which an article is placed, and subsequently folding the cardboard blank to obtain a closed cardboard box with the article inside.

[0004] The procedure described in this document involves unwinding a continuous cardboard strip from an associated fanfold storehouse and making cross-cuts in the continuous strip to obtain cardboard sheets with appropriate dimensions, taking into account the available dimensions of the items to be packed, in order to obtain blanks suitable for packing the items.

[0005] At least one pair of vertical score lines is realized on the cardboard sheet parallel to the two vertical boundary lines of the cardboard sheet so as to define a central sector and two horizontal sectors on either side of the central sector.

[0006] In the central sector of the cardboard sheet, horizontal score lines are made to identify at least four sides, which then constitute the base wall, the first pair of side walls, and the top wall of the box.

[0007] A series of transverse cuts extend diagonally across two transverse sectors of the cardboard sheet, extending to the two longitudinal score lines to define a series of transverse sides that remain projecting laterally relative to the central sector of the sheet and are hingedly connected to the central sector at the two longitudinal score lines.

[0008] Next, a portion of the lateral side is folded over the central section of the cardboard sheet in the plane intended to form the first pair of lateral walls and the top wall of the box, so that the wall is formed by a double layer of cardboard, which is then reinforced.

[0009] Instead, the remaining two lateral sides positioned on the face of the central sector intended to constitute the base wall of the box constitute a second pair of lateral walls of the box.

[0010] The procedure described in this document also includes placing an item on a face of a central sector of a corrugated cardboard sheet that then constitutes the base wall of the box, and then folding the remaining three faces of the central sector and the remaining lateral sides around the item to completely package the item in a box having a base wall, a first pair of lateral walls, a top wall, and a second pair of lateral walls.

[0011] On the one hand, this type of procedure makes it possible to pack items into cardboard boxes starting from a continuous cardboard strip, thus saving space without having to resort to various stores each containing die-cut blanks of various dimensions, but it still requires that cardboard strips be available whose width is considerably larger than the width of the items to be packed, since the lateral sides of the cardboard blank must be folded at the central section of the blank.

[0012] Furthermore, the implementation of the cross-cutting means means that waste and debris of material is generated.

[0013] In effect, then, carrying out the procedure described in this document would necessarily result in a large consumption and waste of cardboard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0014] [Patent Document 1] European Patent Application Publication No. 2890554 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] The object of the present invention is therefore to describe a new method for packaging items in corrugated boxes made starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip, which makes it possible to obviate the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] Specifically, the object of the present invention is to describe a new method for packaging items inside a corrugated box made from a continuous corrugated strip, which method effectively accomplishes packaging items inside the associated corrugated box while eliminating all corrugated waste or trash, thereby reducing costs.

[0017] The above-mentioned advantages are fully achieved with a method for packaging articles inside a corrugated cardboard box, which is realized starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip according to the subject matter of the claims.

[0018] A preferred embodiment for carrying out the method of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying list of drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 shows in a schematic perspective view a first preferred sequence of steps of a method according to the invention for packaging articles inside a corrugated cardboard box realised starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of a particular step of the method of the invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of a particular step of the method of the invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of a particular step of the method of the invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of a particular step of the method of the invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective side view of a particular step of the method of the invention according to a preferred embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 shows in schematic perspective views some particular steps of the method of the invention according to further possible preferred embodiments. [Figure 8] 10A-10C show schematic perspective side views of further steps of carrying out the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 9] 10A-10C show schematic perspective side views of further steps of carrying out the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 10] 10A-10C show schematic perspective side views of further steps of carrying out the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 11] 10A-10C show schematic perspective side views of further steps of carrying out the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 12] 10A-10C show schematic perspective side views of further steps of carrying out the invention according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; [Figure 13] 1 shows, in a perspective view, a schematic representation of a cardboard box that can be obtained by carrying out the method of the invention in a second preferred embodiment of the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a possible sequence of operations of a first preferred embodiment of the method of the invention for packaging items (B) into a cardboard box (S) realized starting from a continuous cardboard strip (N).

[0021] Usually, the article (B) to be packaged has a parallelepiped shape or a polyhedron with six sides.

[0022] In practice, therefore, the article (B) to be packed comprises a bottom surface, four lateral surfaces (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) arranged in pairs facing each other and, for example, parallel to each other, and a top surface (BS).

[0023] Therefore, a cardboard box (S) to be formed for packaging an item must have a base wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4), and a top wall (SU). Specifically, the four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) of the cardboard box (S) to be realized must have heights at least equal to the heights of the four side walls (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) of the item (B) to be packaged.

[0024] The present invention relates to a method for packaging items (B) in a corrugated box (S) realized starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) without waste or excess of corrugated cardboard.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment shown in the drawing figures, the method shown in Figures 1 to 6 comprises, for example, advancing a continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) along an advance direction (A) having a width at least equal to a base wall of an article to be packaged, and performing a cutting operation during the advance of the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) along the advance direction (A) to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N), the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) having a first transverse edge (B1), a second transverse edge (B2) parallel to the first transverse edge (B1), a first longitudinal edge (B3), and a second longitudinal edge (B4) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3), and a partial transverse notch (V) parallel to the first transverse edge (B1), the partial transverse notch (V) defining the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) between the first transverse edge (B1) and the partial transverse notch (V). The cutting operation divides and separates the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) into a first sheet section (F1) that is partially separated from the first sheet section (F1) by the partial transverse cut (V) and a second sheet section (F2) that is defined between the partial transverse cut (V) and the second transverse edge (B2), and the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2) are partially separated from each other by the partial transverse cut (V), but remain joined and connected to each other only by two sheet portions (p1, p2) that are respectively defined between the two ends of the partial transverse cut (V) and the two vertical boundary lines (B3, B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F), and define a first hinge point (a1) and a second hinge point (a2) between the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2), respectively (see, for example, specifically, the left side of Figure 2, where the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) obtained at the end of the cutting operation is shown).

[0026] Next, the method includes advancing the resulting single cardboard sheet (F) along the advance direction (A), and realizing a longitudinal cut (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first lateral edge (B1) to the partial transverse cut (V) in such a way as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B), wherein the first sheet half section (F1A) remains hingedly connected to the second sheet section (F2) using a first hinge point (a1), and the second sheet half section (F1B) remains hingedly connected to the second sheet section (F2) using a second hinge point (a2) (see, for example, specifically, the right side of Figure 2).

[0027] The method further includes realizing three mutually parallel horizontal score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2) between the first vertical edge (B3) and the second vertical edge (B4), which includes a first sector (S1) between the partial horizontal cut (V) and the first horizontal score line (C1) constituting the bottom wall (SF) of the box (S), and a first sector (S1) between the partial horizontal cut (V) and the first horizontal score line (C1) constituting the first horizontal wall (SL1) of the box (S). This is realized in such a way as to define a second sector (S2) between the second horizontal score line (C2) and the third horizontal score line (C3), which constitutes the first upper wall (SU) of the box (S), a third sector (S3) between the second horizontal score line (C2) and the third horizontal score line (C3), which constitutes the first upper wall (SU) of the box (S), and a fourth sector (S4) between the third horizontal score line (C3) and the second horizontal edge (B2), which constitutes the second horizontal wall (SL2) of the box (S) (see, for example, specifically, the right side of Figure 2 in this regard).

[0028] The method further includes rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) about the second hinge point (a2) to position the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) by adhering the first sheet half-section (S1) to the first sector (S1) at a first overlap strip (r1) adjacent the first longitudinal edge (B3) and by adhering the second sheet half-section (F1B) to the first sector (S1) at a second overlap strip (r2) adjacent the second longitudinal edge (B4) (see, for example, FIG. 3).

[0029] Thus, by the above-described operations, using the method of the present invention, starting from a continuous cardboard strip (N), a cardboard blank (W) is obtained which is used to realize a cardboard box (S) for packaging an item (B).

[0030] In this regard, the method further includes, starting from the blank (W) shown in FIG. 3, rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first sector (S1) about the first overlap strip (r1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the first sector (S1) about the second overlap strip (r2) so as to position the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F2B) at an angle relative to the first sector (S1), wherein the first sheet half-section (F1A) constitutes the third lateral wall (SL3) of the box (S) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) constitutes the fourth lateral wall (SL4) of the box (S).

[0031] Thus, by advancing the blank (W) together with the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) at an angle relative to the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) once again along the advancing direction (A), the method comprises placing the articles (B) on their respective bottom faces on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) (see the central process diagram of the sequence of processes shown in FIG. 5), rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first overlapping strip (r1) so as to position the first sheet half-section facing the first lateral side (B1L) of the article (B), and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second overlapping strip (r2) so as to position the second sheet half-section facing the second lateral side (B2L) of the article (B) (see the last process diagram of the sequence of processes shown in FIG. 5). 6, the process includes rotating the second sector (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) around the first horizontal score line (C1), rotating the third sector (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) around the second horizontal score line (C2), and rotating the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) around the third horizontal score line (C3), so as to position the second sector (S2) facing the third horizontal side (B3L) of the item (B), so as to position the third sector (S3) facing the top side of the item (B), and so as to position the fourth sector (S4) facing the fourth horizontal side (B4L) of the item (B) in such a way as to obtain a box (S) having a base wall (SB), four side walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4), and a top wall (SU) and containing the item (B) therein (see the series of process diagrams shown in FIG. 6).

[0032] From the foregoing, it is clear how the method provided by the invention makes it possible to pack items inside a corrugated cardboard box, which is realized starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip, which is cut so as to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet, which, following the operations described, is transformed into a blank and, following folding of the blank around the item placed thereon, forms a corrugated cardboard box inside which the item is accommodated, without generating waste or disposal of material (no cardboard waste or waste).

[0033] Further preferred embodiments of the method of the present invention are described below.

[0034] The method can be carried out in such a way that the cutting operations performed during the advancement of the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) along the advance direction (A) to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) include, in any order, first cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) to separate the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) and then making a partial cross cut (V) in the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F), or making a partial cross cut (V) in the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) and then cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) with the partial cross cut (V), or cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) and simultaneously making a partial cross cut (V).

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment, the method can be carried out in such a way that, simultaneously with, before or after making three horizontal score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2), a vertical cut (L) is made in the first sheet section (F1) from the first horizontal edge (B1) to the partial horizontal cut (V) so as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B).

[0036] According to a further possible preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention comprises rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about a first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) about a second hinge point (a2) so as to place the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about a first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) about a second hinge point (a2) so as to define a first wing (t1) in the first sheet half-section (F1A). and creating a first longitudinal score line (l1) in the first sheet half-section (F1A) parallel to a first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) in such a manner as to define a second wing (t2) in the second sheet half-section (F1B) parallel to a second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) (see, for example, Figures 3 and 4).

[0037] In this manner, when the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) are rotated and positioned facing the first lateral surface (B1L) and the second lateral surface (B2L) of the item (B), respectively, the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) are intended to be folded onto the top surface (BS) of the item (B) (see, for example, specifically, the last two process diagrams in Figure 5 and the first process diagram in Figure 6).

[0038] In this way, adhesive can be applied to the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) before the third sector (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) is rotated and placed on the top surface (BS) of the article, so that the third sector (S3) constituting the top wall (SU) of the box (S) is adhered to the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2).

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, the method of the present invention includes rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about a first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) about a second hinge point (a2) to place the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), before attaching a first tab (n1) between the first fold line (g1) and the first longitudinal edge (B3) to be glued to the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and intended to form a first overlapping strip (r1). and realizing a second fold (g2) in the second sheet half-section (F1B) adjacent to the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) so as to identify a second tab (n2) between the second fold (g2) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), which is to be glued to the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and form a second overlap strip (r2) (see, for example, Figures 2, 3, and 4).

[0040] The method includes realizing the first fold (g1) and the second fold (g2) in such a way that the distance between the first fold (g1) and the second fold (g2) is at least equal to the major dimension of the bottom surface (and thus, for example, the length of the bottom surface) of the item (B) to be packed.

[0041] In this way, the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) are rotated and placed on the first sector (S1) and glued together with the two wings (n1, n2) to the first sector (S1), forming two overlapping strips (r1, r2), the distance between the two overlapping strips (r1, r2) being at least equal to the larger dimension of the bottom surface (and thus the length of the bottom surface) of the item (B) to be packed.

[0042] In the first preferred embodiment described, the method may include, before rotating the second sector (S2), the third sector (S3), and the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F2), realizing a fourth horizontal score line (C4) in the fourth sector (S4) between the first vertical edge (B3) and the second vertical edge (B4) and adjacent to the second horizontal edge (B2) so as to identify a closure tab (z) between the fourth horizontal score line (C4) and the second horizontal edge (B2).

[0043] After the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F4) is rotated and placed facing the fourth lateral face (BL4) of the item (B) to form the lateral wall (SL2) of the box (S), the closing tab (z) can be rotated and folded about the fourth lateral score line (C4) to close the box after being adhered to the base wall (SB) of the box.

[0044] 7 to 13 show a further preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention, which is particularly advantageous when the height of the article (B) to be packed, i.e., the height of the lateral vertical corners of the four lateral faces (B1L, B2L, B3L, B4L) of the article (B), is of considerable size, for example greater than about 10 cm.

[0045] When the height of the articles to be packed is particularly great, the resulting height of the lateral walls of the box is also great, and the four lateral vertical corners of the box are, so to speak, the weakest parts of the box and are susceptible to any deformation as a result of possible external stresses, such as collisions, or to the weight that may bear on them when the boxes are stacked on top of each other.

[0046] However, this other preferred embodiment is not exclusively limited to this particular situation, but can also work when the items to be packed are at a low height, so as to obtain a box that is in any case able to prevent deformation at the fourth lateral vertical corner.

[0047] In this connection, advantageously, in this further preferred embodiment, before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) and before rotating the second sheet half-section (F1b) about the second hinge point (a2) so as to place the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1b) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), the method comprises realizing, in the second sector (S2), between the first horizontal score line (C1) and the second horizontal score line (C2), a first longitudinal fold line (v1) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3), a second longitudinal fold line (v2) parallel to the first vertical fold line (v1) and the second vertical edge (B4), so that the first longitudinal fold line (v1) ) and the second longitudinal fold line (v2) are spaced apart by a first distance, the first distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the third horizontal face (B3L) of the article (B) to be packed; and in the fourth sector (S4), between the third horizontal score line (C3) and the fourth horizontal score line (C4), a third vertical fold line (v3) parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) and a fourth vertical fold line (v4) parallel to the third vertical fold line (v3) and the second vertical edge (B4), whereby the third vertical fold line (v3) and the fourth vertical fold line (v4) are spaced apart by a second distance, the second distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the fourth horizontal face (B4L) on the opposite side of the third horizontal face (B3L) of the article (B) to be packed; (See, for example, the right side of FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 in particular).

[0048] The method further includes forming a first horizontal notch (z1) in the first horizontal score line (C1) and a first vertical edge (B3) extending from the first vertical edge (B3) to at most the first vertical fold line (v1) in a manner that forms a first reinforcing tab (e1) between the first vertical fold line (v1) and the first vertical edge (B3) simultaneously with or after forming the first vertical fold line (v1), the second vertical fold line (v2), the third vertical fold line (v3), and the fourth vertical fold line (v4). a second horizontal notch (z2) in the second horizontal score line (C2) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending to the first vertical fold line (v1) at most, and a third horizontal notch (z3) in the first horizontal score line (C1) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending to the second vertical fold line (v2) at most, in such a way as to form a second reinforcing tab (e2) configured between the second vertical fold line (v2) and the second vertical edge (B4). a fourth horizontal notch (z4) in the second horizontal score line (C2) extending to at most the third vertical fold line (v3) from the first vertical edge (B3) in such a way as to form a third reinforcing tab (e3) formed between the third vertical fold line (v3) and the first vertical edge (B3); a fifth horizontal notch (z5) in the third horizontal score line (C3) extending to at most the third vertical fold line (v3) from the first vertical edge (B3); a sixth horizontal notch (z6) in the third horizontal score line (C3) (C4), a seventh horizontal notch (z7) in the third horizontal score line (C3) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the fourth vertical fold line (v4), in a manner to form a fourth reinforcing tab (e4) configured between the fourth vertical fold line (v4) and the second vertical edge (B4); and an eighth horizontal notch (z8) in the fourth horizontal score line (C4) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the fourth vertical fold line (v4). This includes realizing the following.

[0049] The method further includes performing the operations shown in the sequence of steps in Figures 9-12 to form a corrugated box (S) around the item (B), i.e., by gluing a first sheet half-section (S1) to the first sector (S1) of a second sheet section (F2) by adhering the first sheet half-section (S1) to the first sector (S1) at a first overlap strip (r1) adjacent the first longitudinal edge (B3) and by adhering a second sheet half-section (F1B) to the first sector (S1) at a second overlap strip (r2) adjacent the second longitudinal edge (B4). The first sheet half-section (F1A) is rotated about a first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1b) is rotated about a second hinge point (a2) to obtain a corrugated board blank (W) (see, for example, FIG. 9 ), and the first sheet half-section (F1A) is rotated about a first overlap strip (r1) relative to the first sector (S1) to arrange the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F2B) at an angle relative to the first sector (S1). rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first sector (S1) about the second overlapping strip (r2), the first sheet half-section (F1A) constituting the third lateral wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second sheet half-section (F1B) constituting the fourth lateral wall (SL4) of the box (S) (see FIG. 10); placing an article (B) on the bottom of each of the first sectors (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) (see the central process diagram of the process sequence shown in FIG. 11); Rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first overlapping strip (r1) so as to position the first sheet half-section facing the first horizontal surface (B1L) of (B), and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second overlapping strip (r2) so as to position the second sheet half-section facing the second horizontal surface (B2L) of the article (B) (see the final process diagram of the series of processes shown in Figure 11), and rotating the second sector (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) around the first horizontal score line (C1);rotating a third sector (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) about the second horizontal score line (C2); and rotating a fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) about the third horizontal score line (C3), such that the second sector (S2) faces a third horizontal surface (B3L) of the article (B) and forms a first side wall (SL1) of the box (S) and a top wall (SU) of the box (S). The third sector (S3) is placed facing the top surface of the item (B) to form the box (S), and the fourth sector (S4) is placed facing the fourth lateral surface (BL4) of the item (B) to form the second lateral wall (SL2) of the box (S), thereby obtaining a box (S) having a base wall (SB), four lateral walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU), and containing the item (B) therein (see the sequence of steps shown in Figure 12).

[0050] As shown in Figure 12 (the two process diagrams on the right) and Figure 13, the first reinforcing tab (e1) and the third reinforcing tab (e3) protrude relative to the first sheet half-section (F1A) that constitutes the third lateral wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second reinforcing tab (e2) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) protrude, on the opposite side of the third lateral wall (SL3), relative to the second sheet half-section (F1B) that constitutes the fourth lateral wall (SL4) of the box (S).

[0051] At this point, the method, i.e., this second preferred embodiment, further comprises rotating the first reinforcing tab (e1) relative to the first longitudinal fold (v1) and rotating the third reinforcing tab (e3) parallel to the third longitudinal fold (v3) so as to fold and secure the tab by gluing it to the first sheet half-section (F1A) (the third transverse wall (SL3) of the box (S)) that is folded and facing the first transverse wall (B1L) of the item (B) to form a first pair of reinforcing transverse vertical corners (D1, D2) of the corrugated box. rotating the second reinforcing tab (e2) relative to the second longitudinal fold (v2) and rotating the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) relative to the fourth longitudinal fold (v4) to fold and secure the tab by gluing it to the second sheet half-section (F1B) (the fourth transverse wall (SL4) of the box (S)) that is folded and faces the second transverse wall (B2L) of the item (B) on the opposite side of the first transverse wall (B1L) to form a second pair of reinforcing transverse vertical corners (D3, D4) of the corrugated cardboard box (S); (See, for example, the last flow chart of FIG. 12 or FIG. 13).

[0052] The method preferably includes applying adhesive to the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4), or to a vertical portion of the first sheet half-section (F1A) or to the second sheet half-section (F1B), before folding the first reinforcing tab (e1), the second reinforcing tab (e2), the third reinforcing tab (e3) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) relative to the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) and securing them to each other.

[0053] In this way, a cardboard box (S) can be obtained which can accommodate the relevant packaged item (B) inside and which has four reinforcing lateral vertical corners (D1, D2, D3, D4) on each side, thus making it possible to resist any stress and avoid possible deformation of the box, for example, but not limited to, when the height of the item is greater than, for example, about 10 cm.

Claims

1. A method for packaging items (B) in a corrugated cardboard box (S) realised starting from a continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N), comprising: advancing a continuous corrugated board strip (N) along an advancing direction (A); performing a cutting operation during the advancement of the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) along the advancement direction (A) so as to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N), the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) comprising: a first horizontal edge (B1), a second horizontal edge (B2) parallel to the first horizontal edge (B1), a first vertical edge (B3), and a second vertical edge (B4) parallel to the first vertical edge (B3); and a partial cross notch (V) parallel to the first lateral edge (B1), wherein the partial cross notch (V) divides and separates the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) into a first sheet section (F1) defined between the first lateral edge (B1) and the partial cross notch (V) and a second sheet section (F2) defined between the partial cross notch (V) and the second lateral edge (B2), and the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2) are separated. the first and second sheet sections (F1, F2) are partially separated from each other by the partial transverse cuts (V), but remain joined and connected to each other only by two sheet portions (p1, p2) respectively formed between the two ends of the partial transverse cuts (V) and two vertical boundary lines (B3, B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F), and define a first hinge point (a1) and a second hinge point (a2) between the first sheet section (F1) and the second sheet section (F2), respectively; As a result, the obtained single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) is advanced along the advance direction (A), realizing a longitudinal cut (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first lateral edge (B1) to the partial transverse cut (V) in such a way as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half-section (F1A) and a second sheet half-section (F1B), wherein the first sheet half-section (F1A) remains hingedly connected to the second sheet section (F2) using the first hinge point (a1) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) remains hingedly connected to the second sheet section (F2) using the second hinge point (a2); and realizing three mutually parallel horizontal score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2) between the first vertical edge (B3) and the second vertical edge (B4), wherein a first sector (S1) between the partial horizontal cut (V) and the first horizontal score line (C1) constitutes a bottom wall (SF) of the box (S), and the first horizontal score line (C1) constitutes a first lateral wall (SL1) of the box (S). and the second horizontal score line (C2), a third sector (S3) between the second horizontal score line (C2) and the third horizontal score line (C3), which constitutes a first upper wall (SU) of the box (S), and a fourth sector (S4) between the third horizontal score line (C3) and the second horizontal edge (B2), which constitutes a second horizontal wall (SL2) of the box (S), rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) about the second hinge point (a2) to position the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) by gluing the first sheet half-section (S1) to the first sector (S1) at a first overlap strip (r1) adjacent the first longitudinal edge (B3) and gluing the second sheet half-section (F1B) to the first sector (S1) at a second overlap strip (r2) adjacent the second longitudinal edge (B4); rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first sector (S1) about the first overlapping strip (r1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the first sector (S1) about the second overlapping strip (r2) so as to arrange the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F2B) at an angle relative to the first sector (S1), wherein the first sheet half-section (F1A) constitutes a third lateral wall (SL3) of the box (S) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) constitutes a fourth lateral wall (SL4) of the box (S); placing an item (B) on the bottom surface of each of the first sectors (S1) of the second seat section (F2); moreover, rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) relative to the first overlapping strip (r1) so as to position the first sheet half-section (F1A) facing a first lateral side (B1L) of the item (B), and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1B) relative to the second overlapping strip so as to position the second sheet half-section (F1B) facing a second lateral side (B2L) of the item (B); rotating the second sector (S2) of the second sheet section (F2) around the first horizontal score line (C1), rotating the third sector (S3) of the second sheet section (F2) around the second horizontal score line (C2), and rotating the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F2) around the third horizontal score line (C3), The method of rotating the box (S) so as to position the second sector (S2) facing the third lateral side (B3L) of the item (B), the third sector (S3) facing the top side of the item (B), and the fourth sector (S4) facing the fourth lateral side (BL4) of the item (B) in such a way as to obtain a box (S) having a base wall (SB), four lateral walls (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4) and a top wall (SU) and containing the item (B) therein.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the cutting operation during the advancement of the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) along the advancement direction (A) to obtain a single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) comprises, in any order, first cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) to separate the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) from the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) and then making the partial cross cut (V) in the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F), or making the partial cross cut (V) in the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) and then cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N) to obtain the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) with the partial cross cut (V), or making the partial cross cut (V) simultaneously with cutting diagonally across the continuous corrugated cardboard strip (N).

3. 3. The method according to claim 1, comprising simultaneously with, before or after making the three horizontal score lines (C1, C2, C3) in the second sheet section (F2), making a vertical incision (L) in the first sheet section (F1) from the first horizontal edge (B1) to the partial horizontal incision (V) in such a way as to divide the first sheet section (F1) into a first sheet half section (F1A) and a second sheet half section (F1B).

4. realizing a first longitudinal score line (11) in the first sheet half-section (F1A) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) and parallel to the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) in such a way as to define a first wing (t1) in the first sheet half-section (F1A) before rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) and rotating the second sheet half-section (F1b) about the second hinge point (a2) so as to place the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2); and forming a second longitudinal score line (12) in the second sheet half-section (F1B) between the partial transverse cut (V) and the first transverse edge (B1) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) and parallel to the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) in such a manner as to define a second wing (t2) in the second sheet half-section (F1B), wherein when the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B) are rotated and positioned facing the first transverse side (B1L) of the item (B) and the second transverse side (B2L) of the item (B), respectively, the first wing (t1) and the second wing (t2) are intended to be folded onto the top surface (BS) of the item (B).

5. and rotating the first sheet half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) to place the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1b) on the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2), before rotating the second sheet half-section (F1b) about the second hinge point (a2), so as to identify a first tab (n1) between the first fold line (g1) and the first longitudinal edge (B3), which is to be glued to the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and which is to form the first overlapping strip (r1).

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: making a first fold line (g1) in the first sheet half-section (F1A) adjacent to the first longitudinal edge (B3) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F); and making a second fold line (g2) in the second sheet half-section (F1B) adjacent to the second longitudinal edge (B4) of the single corrugated cardboard sheet (F) so as to identify a second tab (n2) between the second fold line (g2) and the second longitudinal edge (B4), which is to be glued to the first sector (S1) of the second sheet section (F2) and form the second overlapping strip (r2).

6. 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, before rotating the second sector (S2), the third sector (S3), and the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F2), realizing a fourth horizontal score line (C4) in the fourth sector (S4) between the first vertical edge (B3) and the second vertical edge (B4) and adjacent to the second horizontal edge (B2) so as to identify a closure tab (z) between the fourth horizontal score line (C4) and the second horizontal edge (B2), wherein after the fourth sector (S4) of the second sheet section (F4) is rotated and placed facing the fourth horizontal surface (BL4) of the article (B) to form a lateral wall (SL2) of the box (S), the closure tab (z) can be rotated and folded about the fourth horizontal score line (C4) to close the box after being adhered to the base wall (SB) of the box.

7. before rotating the first seat half-section (F1A) about the first hinge point (a1) and the second seat half-section (F1b) about the second hinge point (a2) so as to place the first seat half-section (F1A) and the second seat half-section (F1b) on the first sector (S1) of the second seat section (F2); In the second sector (S2), between the first horizontal score line (C1) and the second horizontal score line (C2), a first vertical fold line (v1) parallel to the first vertical edge (B3) and a second vertical fold line (v2) parallel to the first vertical fold line (v1) and the second vertical edge (B4) are created, wherein the first vertical fold line (v1) and the second vertical fold line (v2) are spaced apart from each other by a first distance, and the first distance is at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of the third horizontal face (B3L) of the article (B) to be packed; and creating in the fourth sector (S4) between the third horizontal score line (C3) and the fourth horizontal score line (C4) a third vertical fold line (v3) parallel to the first vertical edge (B3) and a fourth vertical fold line (v4) parallel to the third vertical fold line (v3) and the second vertical edge (B4), wherein the third vertical fold line (v3) and the fourth vertical fold line (v4) are spaced apart from each other by a second distance, the second distance being at least equal to the distance between the lateral vertical corners of a fourth horizontal face (B4L) on the opposite side of the third horizontal face (B3L) of the article (B) to be packed, Simultaneously with or after realizing the first longitudinal fold (v1), the second longitudinal fold (v2), the third longitudinal fold (v3), and the fourth longitudinal fold (v4), a first horizontal notch (z1) in the first horizontal score line (C1) that starts from the first vertical edge (B3) and extends up to the first vertical fold line (v1) in a manner that forms a first reinforcing tab (e1) that is configured between the first vertical fold line (v1) and the first vertical edge (B3); and a second horizontal notch (z2) in the second horizontal score line (C2) that starts from the first vertical edge (B3) and extends up to the first vertical fold line (v1). a third horizontal notch (z3) in the first horizontal score line (C1) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the second vertical fold line (v2), in such a way as to form a second reinforcing tab (e2) configured between the second vertical fold line (v2) and the second vertical edge (B4); and a fourth horizontal notch (z4) in the second horizontal score line (C2) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the second vertical fold line (v2). a fifth horizontal notch (z5) in the third horizontal score line (C3) starting from the first vertical edge (B3) and extending at most to the third vertical fold line (v3), in such a way as to form a third reinforcing tab (e3) configured between the third vertical fold line (v3) and the first vertical edge (B3); and a sixth horizontal notch (z6) in the fourth horizontal score line (C4) starting from the first vertical edge (B3) and extending at most to the third vertical fold line (v3). a seventh horizontal notch (z7) in the third horizontal score line (C3) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the fourth vertical fold line (v4), and an eighth horizontal notch (z8) in the fourth horizontal score line (C4) starting from the second vertical edge (B4) and extending at most to the fourth vertical fold line (v4), in such a way as to form a fourth reinforcing tab (e4) configured between the fourth vertical fold line (v4) and the second vertical edge (B4); As a result, when the cardboard box (S) is formed, the first reinforcing tab (e1) and the third reinforcing tab (e3) project relative to the first sheet half-section (F1A) constituting the third lateral wall (SL3) of the box (S), and the second reinforcing tab (e2) and the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) project relative to the second sheet half-section (F1B) constituting the fourth lateral wall (SL4) of the box (S) on the opposite side of the third lateral wall (SL3), The method further comprises: rotating the first reinforcing tab (e1) relative to the first longitudinal fold (v1) and rotating the third reinforcing tab (e3) relative to the third longitudinal fold (v3) to fold and secure the tab by gluing it to the first sheet half-section (F1A) that is folded and faces a first lateral wall (B1L) of the item (B) so as to form a first pair of reinforcing lateral vertical corners (D1, D2) of the corrugated cardboard box (S); rotating the second reinforcing tab (e2) relative to the second longitudinal fold line (v2) and rotating the fourth reinforcing tab (e4) relative to the fourth longitudinal fold line (v4) to fold and secure the tab by gluing it to the second sheet half-section (F1B) that is folded and faces the second transverse wall (B2L) of the item (B) on the opposite side of the first transverse wall (B1L) to form a second pair of reinforcing transverse vertical corners (D3, D4) of the corrugated cardboard box (S); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:

8. 8. The method of claim 7, comprising applying adhesive to the first reinforcement tab (e1), the second reinforcement tab (e2), the third reinforcement tab (e3), and the fourth reinforcement tab (e4), or to a vertical portion of the first sheet half-section (F1A) or to the second sheet half-section (F1B), before folding and securing the first reinforcement tab (e1), the second reinforcement tab (e2), the third reinforcement tab (e3), and the fourth reinforcement tab (e4) to the first sheet half-section (F1A) and the second sheet half-section (F1B).

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