Support for articles

Abstract

Support (S) for articles (B) comprising a main panel (100) and at least one housing (A) configured to house and hold an article. The housing is defined by a bottom wall (200) and at least a first pair of arms (300a, 300b) extending transversally to the main panel and comprising a first arm (300a) connected to the bottom wall and hinged to the main panel by a first hinge line (L1) and a second arm (300b) connected to the bottom wall and hinged to the main panel by a second hinge line (L2). The arms are rotatable about the respective hinge lines between a starting position, wherein the arms and the bottom wall are coplanar with the main panel, and an end position, wherein the arms and the bottom wall define the housing and wherein the bottom wall is lowered and rotated about an axis perpendicular to the main panel.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SUPPORT FOR ARTICLES.

[0003] Technical field

[0004] This invention relates to a support for articles.

[0005] Background art

[0006] This invention also relates to a package comprising the support, a blank for making the support and a method for packaging an article starting from the blank.

[0007] The term “articles” means articles of the pharmaceutical industry, such as, for example, vials, bottles, capsules, syringes or articles in the tobacco industry, such as, for example, cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

[0008] In the above-mentioned sectors, there are prior art containing trays provided with a plurality of seats for housing a respective product, for example an ampoule or a bowl. The tray is normally inserted in a preformed carton or box to form a package.

[0009] The trays are normally made of plastic preformed by thermal action. In more detail, the plastic trays are obtained by means of a vacuum action wherein a sheet of preheated material rests on a mould by suction in such a way as to follow the shapes of the mould.

[0010] Alternatively, the plastic trays are obtained by means of a pressurising action wherein the preheated material is pushed on the mould thanks to a high pressure exerted by the air which also facilitates the cooling.

[0011] The most commonly used plastic materials are ABS, PET, PS-RE, HDPE, but other plastic materials such as PP, PS, PVC can be used.

[0012] As an alternative to the plastic materials, it is possible to make the trays of paperboard. An example of these trays is described in patent document CN1087595A. That patent document describes a paper tray obtained by shaping a pre-glued blank: the fact that the blank is pre-glued requires a large quantity of material and the use of glue. Moreover, in order to package a product in this tray it is necessary to shape the tray, that is to say, shape and lock it in the end configuration, and then insert the product inside the tray formed.

[0013] The trays made of plastic are particularly harmful for the environment precisely because of their material and due to the high energy cost linked to their production. Prior art cardboard trays require large quantities of material and the use of adhesive substances for their production.

[0014] A further drawback of the prior art trays derives from the fact that, when making the package, the tray must be firstly formed in such a way as to define the housings for the products and, only subsequently, the products may be actually housed. This increases the production time and costs of the packages.

[0015] The technical purpose of the invention is therefore to provide a support for articles, a package comprising the support, a blank for making the support and a method for packaging an article starting from a blank which are able to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0016] Disclosure of the invention

[0017] The aim of this invention is therefore to provide a support for articles and a blank for making said support which have a lower environmental impact.

[0018] A further aim of the invention is to provide a support for articles which allows a secure retaining of the article.

[0019] A further aim of this invention is to provide a package wherein the articles maintain their position without the risk of striking each other.

[0020] A further aim of this invention is to provide a method for packaging an article starting from a blank which is fast, efficient and inexpensive.

[0021] The technical purpose indicated and the aims specified are substantially achieved by a support for articles, a package which comprises the support, a blank for making the support and a method for packaging an article starting from the blank comprising the technical features described respectively in claims 1 , 18, 19 and 20 and / or in one or more of the claims dependent thereon.

[0022] Brief description of drawings

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention are more apparent in the non-limiting description which follows of a non-exclusive embodiment of a support for articles.

[0024] The description is set out below with reference to the accompanying drawings which are provided solely for purposes of illustration without restricting the scope of the invention and in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a top view of a support according to the invention wherein some articles have been inserted in respective housings and some housings are without articles to better show the housing;

[0026] Figure 2 is a top view of the back of the support shown in Figure 1 ;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the support of Figure 1 ;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the support of Figure 2;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a detail of the support of Figure 4;

[0030] Figure 6 is a plan view of a blank, according to the invention, used to make the support of Figure 1 ;

[0031] Figure 7 shows a package according to the invention.

[0032] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0033] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the numeral “S” denotes a support for articles “B”. According to the accompanying drawings, the articles “B” illustrated are bottles of the pharmaceutical sector. Alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the articles “B” can be other products of the pharmaceutical sector, such as, for example, ampoules, bottles, carpules or syringes. As a further alternative, the articles “B” may be tobacco industry products such as, for example, cartridges for electronic cigarettes. More generally speaking, the article “B” may have shapes and types different from those specifically illustrated.

[0034] The support “S” comprises a main panel 100 having a substantially planar shape.

[0035] According to the accompanying drawings, the main panel 100 has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0036] Alternatively, the main panel 100 may have any shape.

[0037] In the case of a main panel 100 with a polygonal shape, the main panel 100 comprises, on at least two opposite sides of the main panel 100, a wing 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d connected to the main panel 100 by a fold line P1 , P2, P3, P4.

[0038] According to the embodiment illustrated, the main panel 100 has a wing 100a, 100b, 100c, 10Od for each side.

[0039] Each wing 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d is configured to adopt, alternately, a starting configuration, where it is coplanar with the main panel 100 (Figure 1 ), and an end configuration, where it is folded around the respective fold line P1 , P2, P3, P4 so as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel 100, defining a respective support for the main panel 100.

[0040] In use, the end configuration is adopted by the support “S” before being inserted in a container (box) in such a way that the support “S” is substantially standalone with the main panel 100 raised and spaced from a support portion surface (for example the bottom of the container).

[0041] With reference to the embodiment illustrated, two wings 100b, 100d connected to opposite sides of the central panel 100 have a substantially rectangular shape wherein the corners define sharp edges whilst the other two wings 100a, 100c have a substantially rectangular shape wherein the corners are rounded or bevelled.

[0042] Alternatively, all the wings 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d could have a substantially rectangular shape wherein the corners define sharp edges.

[0043] Alternatively, all the wings 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d could have a substantially rectangular shape wherein the corners are rounded or bevelled.

[0044] Preferably, the main panel 100 has, close to the fold lines P1 , P2, P3, P4, notches 101 , for example in the shape of an elongate half-moon designed to facilitate the folding of the wings 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d from the staring configuration to the end configuration.

[0045] The support “S” also comprises at least one housing “A” configured to house and hold an article “B”.

[0046] Preferably, the housing “A” has, in plan view, a substantially elongated shape along a main direction of extension “X”. This shape is correlated with the shape of the article “B” to be contained.

[0047] According to the embodiment illustrated, the support “S” comprises a plurality of housings “A”, in particular four housings “A” of the same shape. It will be understood that the number of housings “A” could be different. Moreover, the housings “A” of a same support “S” could have a different shapes from each other (for example, for containing articles of a different shape).

[0048] Preferably, the housings “A” are disposed in succession along a direction of predominant extension “Y” of the main panel 100.

[0049] According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the main panel 100 has a rectangular shape, the housings “A” are aligned alongside each other along the larger direction (main direction of extension “Y”) of the main panel 100.

[0050] According to the embodiment illustrated, the main direction of extension “X” of the housing “A” is transversal and, preferably, perpendicular to the main direction of extension “Y” of the main panel 100.

[0051] As shown, by way of example, in Figures 1 and 2, each housing “A” is defined by a bottom wall 200 lying substantially flat and by at least a first pair of arms 300a, 300b extending transversally to the main panel 100.

[0052] The first pair of arms 300a, 300b comprises a first arm 300a connected to the bottom wall 200 and hinged to the main panel 100 by a first hinge line “L1” and a second arm 300b connected to the bottom wall 200 and hinged to the main panel 100 by a second hinge line “L2”.

[0053] Preferably, the first and second hinge lines “L1 ”, “L2” of the first and second arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b are parallel to each other.

[0054] Preferably, the first and the second arm 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b are opposite each other along the main direction of extension “X”.

[0055] Preferably, the first and second arm 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b have a substantially L-shape.

[0056] The arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b are rotatable about the respective hinge lines “L1 ”, “L2” between a starting position and an end position.

[0057] In the starting position (Figure 6), generally before the forming of the housing “A”, the arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the bottom wall 200 are coplanar with the main panel 100.

[0058] In the end position (for example, Figure 1 ), on the other hand, the arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the bottom wall 200 define the housing “A” for an article “B”; in particular, the bottom wall 200 is lower than the main panel 100, substantially parallel thereto, and is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the main panel 100.

[0059] In use, the support "S" is prepared with the arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b in a starting position, therefore planar (Figure 6). In order to move the arms 300a, 300b from the starting position to the end position and insert an article “B” in the housing “A”, the article “B” rests on the support “S” close to the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the bottom wall 200. In this situation, the article “A” has a top portion “T” resting close to one of the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b, a bottom portion “F” resting close to the other of the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and a central portion “M” resting on the bottom wall 200. By means of an action for pushing the article "A" against the bottom wall 200, the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b pass from the starting position to the end position in such a way that the bottom wall 200 is spaced from the main panel 100 and is lowered relative to the main panel 100 to create the housing "A". Alternatively, it is possible to form the housing “A” and then insert a respective article “B”.

[0060] In particular, the bottom wall 200 is always substantially parallel to the main panel 100. In other words, in the starting position the bottom wall 200 is parallel to the main panel 100 (in particular they are coplanar) and in the end position the bottom wall 200 is lower than the main panel 100 but substantially parallel to it. Moreover, during the passage from the starting position to the end position, the bottom wall 200 always remains substantially parallel to the main panel 100.

[0061] With reference to the drawings, the article “B” positioned in the housing “A” is rested on and supported by the bottom wall 200 and interposed between the first and the second arm 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b which have been moved from a configuration wherein they were coplanar with the bottom wall 200 and the main panel 100 (starting position, Figure 6) to a configuration wherein they are inclined relative to the main panel 100 in such a way as to support the bottom wall 200 in its lowered position and rotated relative to the main panel 100 (end position, Figures 1 and 3).

[0062] More in detail, according to the embodiment illustrated, once the housing “A” has been defined, the article “B” rests on the bottom wall 200, the first arm 300a of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b is abutted against the top portion “T” of the article “B” whilst the second arm 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b is abutted against the bottom portion “F” of the article “B” (Figures 2, 4 and 5).

[0063] Preferably, in the passage from the starting position to the end position, the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b can be subjected to twisting, that is to say, to a (slight) deformation by twisting.

[0064] According to the preferred embodiment, the support “S” also comprises a second pair of arms 400a, 400b extending transversally to the main panel 100.

[0065] Preferably, the arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b have a substantially “L” shape.

[0066] The arms of the second pair 400a, 400b act in conjunction with the arms of the first pair 300a, 300b to define the housing “A”.

[0067] The second pair of arms 400a, 400b comprises a first arm 400a connected to the bottom wall 200 and hinged to the main panel 100 by a first hinge line “L3” and a second arm 400b connected to the bottom wall 200 and hinged to the main panel 100 by a second hinge line “L4”.

[0068] Preferably, the first and second hinge lines “L3”, “L4” of the first and second arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b are parallel to each other.

[0069] Preferably, the first and second hinge lines “L1 ”, “L2” of the first and second arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b are perpendicular to the first and second hinge lines “L3”, “L4” of the first and second arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b.

[0070] As shown, by way of example, in Figures 4 and 6, the first arm 400a of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b is interposed between the first arm 300a of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the bottom wall 200.

[0071] As shown for example in Figures 4 and 6, the second arm 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b is interposed between the second arm 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the bottom wall 200.

[0072] According to an aspect of the invention, the arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b are also rotatable about the respective hinge lines “L3”, “L4” between the staring position and the end position in such a way as to operate in conjunction with the first pair of arms 300a, 300b to define the housing “A”, as described below.

[0073] Preferably, in the passage from the starting position to the end position, the arms of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b can also be subjected to twisting, that is to say, to a (slight) deformation by twisting.

[0074] As shown, by way of example, in Figures 4 and 6, the first arm 300a of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the first arm 400a of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b define, in the starting position, a first support zone “Z1”. The second arm 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b and the second arm 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b define, on the other hand, in the starting position, a second support zone “Z2”.

[0075] The first and second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” are separate from each other and spaced apart.

[0076] Preferably, the first and second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” are spaced along the main direction of extension “X”.

[0077] Preferably, the first and second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” are positioned at respective end zones of the housing “A”.

[0078] Preferably, the first and second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” are, when the arms of the first and second pairs 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b are in the end position, interposed between the bottom wall 200 and the main panel 100 in positions axially opposite each other relative to the article “B”.

[0079] In use, therefore, in order to insert an article “B” in a housing “A”, the article “B” is positioned above the support “S” wherein the first and the second pair of arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b and the bottom wall 200 are coplanar with each other, that is to say, the first and the second pair of arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b have the arms in the starting position.

[0080] In this situation, the article “B” has the top portion “T” resting on one of either the first or the second support zones “Z1”, “Z2”, the bottom portion “F” resting on the other of either the first or the second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” and the central portion “M” resting on the bottom wall 200.

[0081] By means of an action for pushing or pressing the article “B”, the first arms 300a, 400a and the second arms 300b, 400b rotate about the respective hinge lines “L1 ”, “L2”, “L3”, “L4” passing from the starting position to the end position.

[0082] In the end position, the arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b of the first and second pairs are inclined with respect to the main panel 100 in such a way that the bottom wall 200 is lowered with respect to the main panel 100 and rotated (that is, in plan view, angled with respect to the main direction of extension "X"). In this situation, the article “B” is inserted in the housing “A” just created in such a way that it rests on the bottom wall 200, which, being rotated relative to the main direction of extension “X”, supports the article “B” for its entire length.

[0083] The article “B” is also inserted in the housing “A” just created in such a way that it is retained in the top portion “T”, in the bottom portion “F” and in the lateral portions by the arms of the first and the second pair 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b.

[0084] As shown, by way of example, in Figures 4 and 5, in the end position, the first arm 300a and the second arm 300b of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b are configured to abut, respectively, at a top surface of the top portion “T” and at a bottom surface of the bottom portion “F” of the article “B” whilst the first arm 400a and second arm 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b are configured to abut at opposite lateral portions of the article “B”.

[0085] More in detail, as for example shown in Figure 5, in the end position, the first and the second arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b extend, respectively, between an end portion of the bottom wall 200 and a point of the main panel 100 close to the half way point of the housing "A". In this situation, the first arm 400a of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b holds a lateral portion of the article “B” close to the top portion “T” whilst the second arm 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b holds a lateral portion of the article “B” close to the bottom portion “F”.

[0086] In this way the article "B" is substantially locked in the housing "A" (see Figure 5) since:

[0087] - basically, it cannot escape from the bottom of the housing “A” thanks to the bottom wall 200 which supports it, preferably for its entire length;

[0088] - preferably, it cannot move laterally relative to the housing “A”, with the risk of striking nearby articles “B”, thanks to the arms 400a, 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b;

[0089] - Preferably, it cannot slide axially along the main direction of extension “X” of the housing “A” thanks to the arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms which are in contact with the top portion “T” and the bottom portion “F”.

[0090] According to an aspect of the invention, in order to retain even more firmly the article “B” in the respective housing “A”, the support “S” comprises retaining means 500 defined by respective protrusions of the main panel 100 facing towards the housing “A”.

[0091] The retaining means 500 are configured to hold an article “B” within the housing “A” while keeping the bottom wall 200 at the recessed position relative to the main panel 100.

[0092] In other words, the retaining means 500 hold the article “B” inside the housing “A” in such a way as to prevent it from escaping due to an elastic return of the material constituting the bottom wall 200, that is to say, a return towards the main panel 100 of the bottom wall 200, or due to accidental events (impacts, acceleration).

[0093] Preferably, the retaining means 500 have a substantially half-moon or semi-circular shape.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, the retaining means 500 are interposed between the first and the second support zones “Z1”, “Z2”.

[0095] In use, at the moment of passage of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b (and, if necessary, also of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b), the retaining means 500 progressively surmount the article "B" in the central position "M" in such a way that, when the article "B" is housed in the housing "A", the retaining means 500 constrain it to remain inserted therein.

[0096] According to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the housing “A” is provided with a pair of retaining means 500 offset from each other axially along the main direction of extension “X” of the housing “A”. In this situation, one of the retaining means 500 acts on the central portion "M" in a halfway zone whilst the other of the retaining means 500 acts on the central portion "M" in a zone close to the top portion "T".

[0097] According to an aspect of the invention, again in order to retain even more firmly the article “B” in the respective housing “A”, and in particular to prevent a lateral movement of the article “B”, the support “S” comprises, for each housing “A”, a pair of retaining walls 501. The retaining walls 501 are connected to the main panel by respective fold lines and face towards the housing “A”. The retaining walls 501 are movable between a first position, wherein they are coplanar with the main panel 100, and a second position, wherein they are rotated about the respective fold line in such a way as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel 100 towards the inside of the housing “A”.

[0098] According to an aspect of the invention, arms 300a, 300b of the first pair of arms (and, if necessary, of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b) and the bottom wall 200 are obtained by cutting or punching a single sheet which also defines the main panel 100.

[0099] The retaining walls 501 are also made by cutting or punching the sheet which also defines the main panel 100.

[0100] Preferably, the support “S” is made from a single sheet of paper material. Preferably, the cutting or punching to obtain the arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b and the bottom wall 200 is swarf free.

[0101] The invention also relates to a package “C” shown by way of a non-limiting example in Figure 7.

[0102] The package “C” comprises a box 600 comprising at least four side walls 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d.

[0103] The package “C” also comprises a bottom wall acting in conjunction with the side walls 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d to define a containment space “V”. According to a possible embodiment, the containment space “V” is open at the top and the package “C” also comprises a cover 600e which can be engaged reversibly to the side walls 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d to prevent or allow an access to the containment space “V”.

[0104] According to the embodiment illustrated, the cover 600e is connected to an upper edge of one of the side walls 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d in such a way as to be rotatable about the upper edge.

[0105] Alternatively, the cover 600e could be a separate entity relative to the side walls 600a, 600b, 600c, 600d and to the bottom wall.

[0106] The package “C” also comprises a support “S” as described above, wherein at least the first pair of arms 300a, 300b is in the end position and the housing “A” contains an article “B”.

[0107] The package “C” also comprises and article “B” positioned in the housing “A” of the support “S”.

[0108] According to the embodiment illustrated, the support “S” has four housings “A” in each of which the first and the second pair of arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b is in the end position in such a way as to retain the respective article “B”.

[0109] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the support “S” is stably and substantially fixed inside the box 600.

[0110] According to an embodiment not illustrated, the support “S” is movable in a sliding fashion relative to the box 600 between an extraction position, wherein the support “S” is at least partly extracted from the box 600 to be able to pick up the articles “B”, and an inserted position, wherein the support “S” is substantially entirely inserted in the box 600 inside the containment space “V” in such a way as to prevent access to the articles “B”. According to this embodiment, the box 600 might be shaped like a sleeve or be parallelepiped in shape with one end which can be opened.

[0111] In order to produce an embodiment of the package “C” described above, the steps are as follows: the housings “A” of the support “S” are filled with a respective article “B”, in particular starting from a blank of the support “S” the housings “A” are formed and the articles “B” inserted;

[0112] Preferably, before inserting the support “S” in the containment space “V” of the box 600, the wings 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d are folded in such a way as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel 100; the support “S” is then inserted in the containment space “V” of the box 600 to form the package “C”.

[0113] According to a further embodiment, not illustrated, the package “C” and the support “S” could be integral with each other and made by folding a same blank.

[0114] The invention also relates to a blank “P” for making a support “S” as described above.

[0115] The blank “P” comprises a main panel 100 having a substantially planar shape on which are made a plurality of programmed yield lines configured to delimit at least one contour of a housing “A”.

[0116] According to the embodiment illustrated, four contours are made on the blank “P” intended to define as many housings “A”.

[0117] Alternatively, there may be any number of contours.

[0118] The contour of a housing “A” comprises: a bottom panel 200' intended to define the bottom wall 200; the first arm 300a, which is connected to the bottom panel 200' at a connecting portion (stable, that is, not intended to yield) and at least at one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel 100 at the first hinge line “L1” and at least at one programmed yield line; the second arm 300b, which is connected to the bottom panel 200' at a connecting portion (stable, that is, not intended to yield) and at least at one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel 100 at the second hinge line “L2” and at least at one programmed yield line.

[0119] The contour may also comprise: the first arm 400a of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b, which is connected to the bottom panel 200' at a connecting portion (stable, that is, not intended to yield) and at least at one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel 100 at the first hinge line “L3” and at least at one programmed yield line; the second arm 400b of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b, which is connected to the bottom panel 200' at a connecting portion (stable, that is, not intended to yield) and at least at one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel 100 at the second hinge line “L4” and at least at one programmed yield line.

[0120] Preferably, the yield lines are cutting lines (through incisions), notch lines (non-through incisions) and / or lines of weakness of the material (for example, interrupted cut lines).

[0121] Preferably, the contour also comprises a pair of retaining walls 501 connected to the main panel 100 by means of respective fold lines and facing towards the housing “A”. The retaining walls 501 are movable between a first position, wherein they are coplanar with the main panel 100, and a second position, wherein they are rotated about the respective fold line in such a way as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel 100 towards the inside of the housing “A”.

[0122] Preferably, a first and a second support zones “Z1”, “Z2” delimiting the arms at least of the first pair 300a, 300b in a starting position and a central zone “Z3”, interposed between the first and the second zone “Z1”, “Z2”, can be defined in the contour.

[0123] Preferably, the central zone “Z3” is defined by the bottom panel 200’ and by the retaining walls 501 positioned in the first position, that is to say, coplanar with the main panel 100.

[0124] The invention also relates to a method for packaging an article “B” starting from a blank “P”.

[0125] The method comprises the steps of:

[0126] - preparing a blank “P” according to one of the embodiments described above;

[0127] - pressing the bottom panel 200' to move the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b relative to the main panel 100 along the first hinge line L1 and the second hinge line L2 respectively so that the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b move from the starting position to the end position to define the housing A;

[0128] - placing the article “B” in the housing “A”.

[0129] Preferably, the step of pressing the bottom panel 200' is accomplished by pressure exerted by the article “B”. In this case, the step of pressing on the bottom panel 200’ (and therefore forming the housing “A”) and the step of positioning the article “B” in the housing “A” are performed simultaneously. In other words, the article “B” is positioned in the housing “A” whilst this is formed.

[0130] In other words, once the article “B” has been rested on the bottom panel 200’ (that is to say, the contour of a housing “A”), it is pressed against the bottom panel 200’ in such a way as to create a yield of the yield lines and a detachment of the bottom panel 200’ from the main panel 100. In this situation, the bottom panel 200’ (which defines the bottom wall 200) is lowered and rotated and the arms of the first and possibly the second pair of arms 300a, 300b, 400a, 400b are inclined relative to the main panel 100 to hold the article “B” in the housing “A”.

[0131] Preferably, the article ‘B’ is rested on the bottom panel 200’ in such a way that the top portion T rests on one of either the first or the second support zones ‘Z1 ’, ‘Z2’ and the bottom portion ‘F’ rests on the other of either the first or the second support zones ‘Z1 ’, ‘Z2’, whilst the central portion ‘M’ rests on the central zone ‘Z3’.

[0132] In this situation, the method comprises a step of pressing on the central zone “Z3” in such a way as to move at least the arms of the first pair of arms 300a, 300b (and, if present, also the arms of the second pair of arms 400a, 400b) from the starting position to the end position and define the housing “A”.

[0133] In this situation, whilst the bottom panel 200’ is lowered, the retaining walls 501 move from the first position to the second position in such a way as to laterally hold the article “B”.

[0134] Wherein the step of pressing on the bottom panel 200' is carried out until the retaining walls 501 are moved from the first to the second position.

[0135] At the end of the pressing step, the retaining means 500 surmount at least partly the article “B” to prevent the article “B” from coming out of the housing “A” due to a possible elastic return of the material of the bottom wall 200.

[0136] In other words, the step of pressing the bottom panel 200' with the article “B” is carried out until the retaining means 500 at least partly surmount the article “B” and prevent it from coming out of the housing “A”. The invention achieves the preset aims overcoming the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0137] The support “S” according to this invention does not require glues or plastic materials in order to be made. In particular, the housings ‘A’ do not require vacuum machining or pressure machining to be performed.

[0138] The support “S” according to the invention allows the housings “A” to be created and, at the same time, to house the articles “B” inside them, reducing the associated production costs and times.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A support (S) for articles (B), comprising:- a main panel (100) having a substantially planar shape;- at least one housing (A) configured to receive and hold an article (B), the housing (A) being defined by: a bottom wall (200) having a substantially planar shape; at least a first pair of arms (300a, 300b) extending transversely to the main panel (100) and comprising a first arm (300a), connected to the bottom wall (200) and hinged to the main panel (100) by a first hinge line (L1 ), and a second arm (300b), connected to the bottom wall (200) and hinged to the main panel (100) by a second hinge line (L2), the arms (300a, 300b) being rotatable about the respective hinge lines (L1 , L2) between a starting position, where the arms (300a, 300b) and the bottom wall (200) are coplanar with the main panel (100), and an end position, where the arms (300a, 300b) and the bottom wall (200) define the housing (A) for an article (B) and wherein the bottom wall (200) is recessed relative to the main panel (100) and is rotated about an axis perpendicular to the main panel (100).

2. The support (S) according to claim 1 , wherein the arms (300a, 300b) and the bottom wall (200) are obtained by cutting or punching a single sheet which also defines the main panel (100).

3. The support (S) according to claim 2, wherein the cutting or punching to obtain the arms (300a, 300b) and the bottom wall (200) is swarf free.

4. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second hinge lines (L1 , L2) respectively of the first and second arms (300a, 300b) of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) are parallel to each other.

5. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a second pair of arms (400a, 400b) extending transversely to the main panel (100) and comprising a first arm (400a), connected to the bottom wall (200) and hinged to the main panel (100) by a first hinge line(L3), and a second arm (400b), connected to the bottom wall (200) and hinged to the main panel (100) by a second hinge line (L4).

6. The support (S) according to claim 5, wherein the first and second hinge lines (L3, L4) respectively of the first and second arms (400a, 400b) of the second pair of arms (400a, 400b) are parallel to each other.

7. The support according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first and second hinge lines (L1 , L2) respectively of the first and second arms (300a, 300b) of the first pair of arms are perpendicular to the first and second hinge lines (L3, L4) respectively of the first and second arms (400a, 400b) of the second pair of arms (400a, 400b).

8. The support according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first arm (300a) of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) and the first arm (400a) of the second pair of arms (400a, 400b) define a first support zone (Z1 ) and wherein the second arm (300b) of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) and the second arm (400b) of the second pair of arms (400a, 400b) define a second support zone (Z2), the first and second support zones (Z1 , Z2) being separate and spaced from each other and preferably disposed at respective end zones of the housing (A).

9. The support (S) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein at the end position, the first arm (300a) and the second arm (300b) of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) are configured to come into abutment against a top portion and a bottom portion of the article (A) respectively, while the first arm (400a) and the second arm (400b) of the second pair of arms (400a, 400b) are configured to come into abutment against opposite lateral portions of the article (B).

10. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising retaining means (500), defined by respective protrusions of the main panel (100) facing towards the housing (A), the retaining means (500) being configured to hold an article (B) within the housing (A) while keeping the bottom wall (200) at the recessed position relative to the main panel (100).

11. The support (S) according to claim 10, wherein the retaining means (500) have a substantially half-moon or semicircular shape.

12. The support (S) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 8, wherein the retaining means (500) are interposed between the first and the second support zone (Z1 , Z2).

13. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one housing (A) has, in plan view, a substantially elongated shape along a main direction of extension (X).

14. The support (S) according to claim 13, wherein the first and the second arm (300a, 300b) of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) are opposite each other along the main direction of extension (X).

15. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support (S) comprises a plurality of housings (A), the housings (A) being preferably disposed in succession along a direction of predominant extension (Y) of the main panel (100).

16. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising, on at least two opposite sides of the main panel (100), a wing (100a, 100b, 100c, 100d) connected to the main panel (100) by a fold line (P1 , P2, P3, P4) and configured to adopt, alternately, a starting configuration, where it is coplanar with the main panel (100), and an end configuration, where it is folded around the respective fold line (P1 , P2, P3, P4) so as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel (100), defining a respective support for the main panel (100).

17. The support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pair of retaining walls (501 ) connected to the main panel by respective fold lines and facing towards the at least one housing (A), the retaining walls (501 ) being movable between a first position, where they are coplanar with the main panel (100), and a second position, where they are rotated about the respective fold lines so as to be positioned perpendicularly to the main panel (100) towards the inside of the housing (A).

18. A package (C) comprising:- a support (S) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pair of arms (300a, 300b) is at the end position and the housing (A);- an article (B) positioned in the housing (A) of the support (S);- a box (600) which contains the support (S) and comprises at least four side walls (600a, 600b, 600c, 600d) and a bottom wall cooperating with the side walls (600a, 600b, 600c, 600d) to define a containing space (V).

19. A blank (P) for making a support (S) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, comprising a main panel (100) having a substantially planar shape on which are made a plurality of programmed yield lines configured to delimit at least one contour of a housing (A), the contour comprising:- a bottom panel (200') intended to define the bottom wall (200);- the first arm (300a), which is connected to the bottom panel (200') at a connecting portion and at at least one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel (100) at the first hinge line (L1 ) and at at least one programmed yield line;- the second arm (300b), which is connected to the bottom panel (200') at a connecting portion and at at least one programmed yield line and which is connected to the main panel (100) at the second hinge line (L2) and at at least one programmed yield line.

20. A method for packaging an article (B) starting from a blank (P), comprising the following steps:- providing a blank (P) according to claim 19;- pressing the bottom panel (200') to move the arms of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) relative to the main panel (100) along the first hinge line (L1 ) and the second hinge line (L2) respectively so that the arms of the first pair of arms (300a, 300b) move from the starting position to the end position to define the housing (A);- placing the article (B) in the housing (A).21 . The method according to claim 20, wherein the step of pressing the bottom panel (200') is accomplished by pressure exerted by the article (B) and wherein the step of pressing the bottom panel (200') and the step of placing the article (B) in the housing (A) are carried out simultaneously.

22. The method according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 10, wherein the step of pressing the bottom panel (200') is carried out until the retaining means (500) at least partly surmount the article (B) and prevent it from coming out of the housing (A).

23. The method according to claim 21 when dependent on claim 17, wherein the step of pressing the bottom panel (200') is carried out until the retaining walls (501 ) are moved from the first to the second position.

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