Box for containing objects, in particular bottles

Abstract

A box (1) for containing at least one object (9) and which comprises at least one internal cardboard die-cut element (2, 3) for retaining the object (9) along at least one direction inside the box. The die-cut element is folded along a fold line (25) that defines a first portion (21, 31) fixed to a lateral wall (12, 13) of the box and a second portion (22, 32) that can oscillate substantially elastically about the fold line (25, 35). In its inactive or preloading position, the second portion is inclined so as to define an acute angle with the respective lateral wall. In its release position, the second portion is loaded in a position closer to the lateral wall. The second portion comprises a die-cutting adapted to define a retaining edge (23, 33) which can engage the object when it is in the inactive or preloading position.

Description

[0001] BOX FOR CONTAINING OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR BOTTLES

[0002] The present invention relates to a box for containing objects, in particular bottles, so as to limit the movement thereof inside the box during storage or transport.

[0003] In order to secure bottles or other objects inside their cardboard packaging, the use is known of separate inserts (for example of the selferecting or pedestal-like type) which are placed in the box and which contain a seat adapted to retain the object laterally by interference. Such inserts can be positioned both above and below the object, in order to retain it at two opposite ends (for example, at the neck and at the bottom of the bottle).

[0004] Boxes with inserts are known, for example, from FR2348120A1 and from DE9419312U1.

[0005] Display boxes are also known which combine pedestals with a seat for inserting the base or the neck of a bottle. A box of this type is known, for example, from EP3178745A1.

[0006] Such conventional boxes are not devoid of drawbacks, which notably include the fact it is necessary to remove, irreversibly deform, or break the inserts in order to be able to remove the object from the box, with consequent difficulties both in the removal and handling of the object, and in the possible restoration of the box when the object is inserted back into it.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, which is capable of improving the known art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0008] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, that makes it possible to retain the object contained without using removable inserts.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, that is made entirely of cardboard or card or which in any case retains the object inside it without using retention means made of plastic or other non-paper-based materials.

[0010] Another object of the invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, that enables the object contained in it to be displayed without being removed from the box and, if it is removed, for it to be inserted back into the box while automatically restoring the means for retaining the object.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, from which the object contained in it can be rapidly extracted without dismantling, permanently deforming or damaging the retention means contained in the box.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the background art in a manner that is alternative to any existing solutions.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide a box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, that is highly reliable, easy to implement and at low cost.

[0014] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a box according to claim 1 , optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0015] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the box for containing objects, in particular one or more bottles, according to the invention, which are illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0016] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a box according to the invention;

[0017] - Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the box of Figure 1, taken along a central plane that is parallel to the two vertical lateral walls of the box;

[0018] - Figures 3 and 4 show the step of insertion of a bottle into the box of Figure 2; - Figures 5a, 5b and 5c respectively show the die-cut element of the upper retention element, the die-cut element of the lower retention element and the die-cut element of the box;

[0019] - Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the lower portion of a box of a second embodiment of the invention;

[0020] - Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the upper portion of a box of a third embodiment of the invention.

[0021] With reference to the figures, a box for containing objects according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1 , comprises a plurality of lateral walls 12, 13, 14, 15 which protrude from a back wall 11 and which define, at the end opposite to the back wall, an entrance 16 for the insertion of one or more objects in the box 1. The entrance 16 can be closed with a lid, integrated in the box 1 or separate from it.

[0022] Preferably, the box 1 has a parallelepiped shape, with four lateral walls 12-15 that protrude from the back wall 11 which is rectangular. The box 1 is preferably made entirely of cardboard or card, optionally with some parts glued together.

[0023] The object to be contained in the box 1 is preferably a bottle 9, in particular made of glass like the bottles used for wines, sparkling wines or champagne (for example Bordeaux bottles, Champagne bottles, Burgundy bottles, Rhine wine bottles and the like). Although in the embodiments described, the box 1 is dimensioned to contain only one bottle, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to this embodiment. The box according to the invention can be, in fact, dimensioned to contain multiple objects / bottles side-by-side parallel to the back wall 11, even if they are of different shapes and dimensions.

[0024] The box 1 comprises at least one die-cut element made of cardboard 2, 3, 6 and / or 7, which is folded and fixed to a respective lateral wall of the box in order to retain, along at least one direction, the bottle 9 inside the box. Preferably, at least one of these die-cut elements is adapted to prevent the bottle from sliding parallel to, and / or away from, the back wall 11.

[0025] The cardboard of the die-cut element 2, 3, 6, 7 can be for example FBB, GC or UC and can have a thickness comprised between 0.4 mm and 3.0 mm (for example between 1 mm and 2 mm, for example 1.6 mm) and a basis weight comprised between 200g / m2and 1000g / m2.

[0026] Each one of these cardboard die-cut elements 2, 3, 6, 7 is folded along at least one substantially straight fold line 25, 35, 65, 75a which defines at least two portions of the die-cut element (21, 22; 31, 32; 61, 62; 71, 72, 74) which can oscillate with respect to each other substantially elastically about the fold line.

[0027] In particular, the cardboard die-cut element 2, 3, 6, 7 folded along the fold line 25, 35, 65, 75a has a shape memory that tends to restore a position, mutually spaced apart (for example at an angle between them greater than 90°) or substantially coplanar, of the two above-mentioned portions after these are mutually brought close together by folding the die-cut element along the fold line 25, 35, 65, 75a.

[0028] A first portion 21, 31, 61, 71 of the die-cut element 2, 3, 6, 7 is fixed to one of the lateral walls 12-15 of the box 1. At least one of such die-cut elements is advantageously fixed to the lateral wall 12 that constitutes the base of the box 1 and is adapted to keep the object in the erect configuration, as is the case with the bottle 9 illustrated in the figures.

[0029] The first portion 21, 31, 61, 71 can be fixed to the respective lateral wall 12 or 13 directly (as in the case shown) or with the interposition of a support or shim (not shown). As fixing means, a layer of adhesive is preferable. Alternatively, the first portion of the die-cut element is fixed by providing the first portion as a lateral wall of the box 1 and the second portion 22, 32, 62, 72a as a flap integrated in that lateral wall.

[0030] Therefore, in the present description and in the claims, the fixing of the first portion 21, 31, 61, 71 to a lateral wall of the box 1 should be understood as a direct or indirect fixing (obtained, for example, by adhesive bonding or crimping) or as an integration of the first portion in that lateral wall.

[0031] With reference to the first embodiment of Figures 1-5, the box 1 comprises at least one of the cardboard die-cut elements 2 and 3, integral with respective lateral walls 12 and 13 which are at opposite ends of the box and are substantially mutually parallel. Each one of the die-cut elements 2, 3 is a substantially rectangular sheet of cardboard which is folded substantially mid-sheet along a fold line 25, 35 so as to define the first portion 21, 31 and the second portion 22, 32, respectively.

[0032] The fold line 25, 35 is straight and is preferably transverse to the direction of insertion of the object 9 into the box 1 when the die-cut element 2, 3 is fixed to it. In other words, the die-cut elements 2, 3 in the preferred embodiments of the box 1 are folded substantially parallel to the direction of insertion of the object 9 into the box 1.

[0033] The first and the second portion 21, 22, 31, 32 are preferably flat and connected directly by the fold line 25, 35.

[0034] Furthermore, the width of the second portions 22, 32, measured parallel to the respective fold line 25, 35, can be substantially equal to the internal distance between the parallel lateral walls 14-15 that are contiguous with the lateral walls 12, 13 on which the die-cut elements 2, 3 are fixed, so that the second portion 22, 32 can slide on or interfere with the inner face of the parallel lateral walls 14-15.

[0035] The first portion 21 of the die-cut element 2 is fixed to the lateral wall 12 on which the base of the bottle 9 rests when the bottle is in the erect position, as in the figures.

[0036] By contrast, the first portion 31 of the other die-cut element 3 is fixed to the upper lateral wall 13, toward which the neck of the bottle 9 is directed.

[0037] The die-cut element 2, 3 is fixed to the respective lateral wall 12, 13 of the box 1 so that its fold line 25, 35 is substantially parallel to the back wall 11 from which the lateral walls 12-15 protrude perpendicularly.

[0038] As in the embodiment of Figures 1-5, the fold line 25, 35 is preferably closer to the entrance 16 than to the back wall 11 , and the second portion 22, 32 is folded so as to define an acute angle directed toward the back wall 11. In particular, the fold line 25, 35 skirts the edge of the outline of the entrance 16, for example so that the corner edge formed on the side opposite to the fold line 25, is substantially flush with such edge of the entrance 16.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment of the box, shown in Figure 6, at least one of the die-cut elements for retaining the object 9 or limiting its movements in the box 1 is indicated with 6 and is again a substantially rectangular sheet of cardboard folded mid-sheet along a fold line 65 that, however, is closer to the back wall 11 of the box 1 than to the edge of the entrance 16. The first and the second portion 61, 62 are preferably flat and the width of the second portion 62, measured parallel to the respective fold line 65, can be substantially equal to the distance between the parallel lateral walls 14-15 that are contiguous with the lateral wall 12 or 13 on which the first portion 61 of the die-cut element 6 is fixed.

[0040] In the additional embodiment shown in Figure 7, the fold line 75a between the first portion 71 fixed to the lateral wall 13 and the second portion 72 which can be oscillated is also closer to the back wall 11 of the box 1 than to the edge of the entrance 16. In the specific case of Figure 7, the flat die-cut element 7 is, however, accordion-folded or folded in a Z- shape, and the second portion 72 according to the invention has a second fold line 75b which is substantially parallel and on the side opposite to the first fold line 75a, so as to define a third portion 76 that can oscillate substantially elastically about the second fold line.

[0041] Returning to the embodiment of Figures 1-5, the second portion 22, 32 can oscillate substantially elastically about the respective fold line 25, 35, toward or away from the respective lateral wall 12, 13. In particular, the second portion 22, 32 can oscillate between an inactive or preloading position (Figures 2-3) and a release position (Figure 4), returning elastically to the inactive or preloading position if bent toward the release position.

[0042] In the inactive or preloading position, the second portion 22, 32 of the die-cut element 2, 3 is inclined along an oblique direction with respect to the respective first portion 21, 31 so as to form an acute angle with the first portion 21, 31 and, therefore, also with the respective lateral wall 12, 13 on which the die-cut element 2, 3 is fixed.

[0043] The acute angle formed between the second portion 22, 32 and the respective first portion 21, 31 can be, although does not necessarily need to be, identical in the two die-cut elements 2, 3.

[0044] In all the embodiments, the second portion 22, 32, 62, 72 has a diecutting that is adapted to define, in the second portion 22, 32, 62, 72, a retaining edge 23, 33, 63, 73 that engages the lateral surface of the object (in particular, of the bottle 9) when the second portion 22, 32, 62, 72 is in the inactive or preloading position, or is inclined between the inactive or preloading position and the release position.

[0045] The second portion 22, 32, 62, 72, through the respective retaining edge 23, 33, 63, 73 that at least partially enshroud the object 9, can act basically as a prop against the object 9 contained in the box 1 by virtue of the oblique inclination according to the invention, in particular in the region of the retaining edge that is near the respective fold line 25, 35, 65, 75a. Furthermore, the rest of the retaining edge is adapted to limit any movements of the object 9 laterally in the box, substantially parallel to the back wall 11.

[0046] The die-cutting cut into the second portion can be a window, consequently suitable for providing a retaining edge 33, 63, 73, 74 with a closed shape (for example circular or elliptical). Such window advantageously has a shape and extent that are adapted to be fitted around the part of the object 9 for which movements are to be limited, by interfering with the outer surface of that part. Alternatively, the die-cutting cut into the second portion of one or both die-cut elements can be an open indentation on the free edge of the second portion 22 that lies opposite with respect to the fold line 25, as shown for example in Figure 5b. This indentation is thus adapted to define a substantially arc-like (U-shaped or V-shaped) retaining edge 23 that only partially embraces the object (the bottle 9, in the examples) and interferes with the lateral surface of the object at least in the areas of the retaining edge 23 that are closest to the fold line 25, as shown in Figure 2.

[0047] In its release position, the second portion 22, 32 is substantially elastically loaded in a position that is closer to the lateral wall 12 with respect to the inactive / preloading position. In particular, in the release position, the second portion 22, 32 is superimposed on and in contact with the first portion 21, 31 of the respective die-cut element 2, 3.

[0048] Considering the cardboard memory effect that will characterize the die-cut element 2, 3, 6, 7 following its bending, at least one stroke limiter 5a-5b and 4a-4b, respectively, is advantageously present on at least one of the lateral walls 14, 15 that are contiguous with the lateral wall 12, 13 on which the first portion 21, 31 is fixed. Such stroke limiters (shown in the drawings only with reference to the die-cut elements 2 and 3, but also implementable in the other embodiments of the invention) are adapted to limit the elastic return rotation of the second portion 22, 32 about the fold line up to a certain maximum acute angle, in the direction moving away from the respective first portion 21, 31.

[0049] In this manner, the forced extraction of the object (i.e. of the bottle 9) from the entrance 16 of the box 1 in a direction perpendicular to the back wall 11 is also obstructed, by virtue of the propping action of the retaining edges 23, 33 on the inclined second portions 22, 32 and advantageously by virtue of the resistance to rotation of such second portions further away from the respective first portions 21, 31.

[0050] In other embodiments, not shown, the stroke limiters can be fixed or integrated on the inner face of a lid of the box 1, so as to abut against the second portion 22, 32 when it is in the inactive or preloading position.

[0051] In the condition for retaining the object 9 in the box, shown for example in Figures 1 and 2, the second portions 22 and 32 can be in the inactive or preloading position or (if the shape of the object impedes the complete return to the inactive / preloading position) in a position with an inclination comprised between the inactive / preloading inclination and the release inclination.

[0052] By manually pressing the second portion 22, 32 in the release position, the die-cut element 2, 3 is pressed against the lateral wall 12, 13 on which the obstacle presented by the retaining edge 23, 33 is fixed and is consequently removed. The object 9 can then be slid out from the box 1, as shown in Figure 4. After removal of the object, the tabs formed by the second portions 22, 32 elastically return substantially to the inactive or preloading position (as in Figure 3).

[0053] A similar operation occurs with the other die-cut elements 6 and 7 shown.

[0054] Optionally, one or two of the lateral walls 14-15 of the box, which are substantially perpendicular to the lateral wall 12, 13 on which the first portion 21, 31 of the die-cut element 2, 3 is fixed, comprise a guide 2a, 2b (at the end of the walls 14-15 that is close to the wall 12) or 3a, 3b (at the end of the walls 14-15 that is close to the wall 13).

[0055] Each guide 2a-2b, 3a-3b is curved and is engaged with a respective tab 24a-24b, 34a-34b which preferably protrudes on one side of the second portion 22, 32, so as to guide the rotation of such second portion between the resting / preloading and release positions. Each guide 2a-2b, 3a-3b extends along an arc, the center of which is passed through by the straight line on which the fold line 25 or 35 lies.

[0056] The guides 2a-2b and 3a-3b can be provided by means of a curved die-cutting, executed starting from an edge of the lateral wall 14-15 (as in the cardboard sheet of Figure 5c, which is then covered by a covering sheet on the outer face in order to cover the curved die-cutting externally).

[0057] Alternatively, the guides for rotating the second portion can be provided by means of a curved raised portion, glued onto the inner face of the lateral wall 14-15, or by means of a curved slot impressed on that inner face.

[0058] The embodiments of Figures 6 and 7 can also have curved guides that function similarly to the above description with reference to Figures 1-5.

[0059] Inserting the object in the box according to the invention is also particularly advantageous if the fold line is adjacent to the edge of the outline of the entrance 16, i.e. when the second portion 22, 32 forms a kind of ramp or guiding portion that gradually gets further away from the respective first portion 21, 31 as it extends from the entrance 16 to the back wall 11. When pushing the object 9 into the box, in fact, the ends of the object 9 push the second portion 22, 32 toward the respective first portion 21, 31 up until the release position, in which the ends are no longer superimposed on and in contact with the respective second portions 22, 32 owing to the die-cuttings present on the latter. At this point, the memory effect of the cardboard of the die-cut element 2, 3 makes the second portions return to the inactive / preloading position. Holding the object 9 in place is therefore automatic when the latter is inserted into the box 1.

[0060] In practice it has been found that the invention fully achieves the intended aim and objects.

[0061] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0062] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000027072 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference. Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A box (1) for containing at least one object (9), in particular at least one bottle, said box comprising at least one internal cardboard die-cut element (2, 3, 6, 7) for retaining the object (9) along at least one direction inside the box, characterized in that said at least one cardboard die-cut element (2, 3, 6, 7) is folded along at least one fold line (25, 35, 65, 75a) that defines at least two portions of the die-cut element, a first portion (21, 31, 61, 71) of said portions being fixed to a lateral wall (12, 13) of the box and a second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) of said portions being able to oscillate substantially elastically about said fold line (25, 35, 65, 75a) between an inactive or preloading position and a release position, wherein, in said inactive or preloading position, said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) is inclined along an oblique direction with respect to said lateral wall (12, 13) so as to form an acute angle between said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) and said lateral wall (12, 13), wherein, in said release position, said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) is substantially elastically loaded in a position closer to said lateral wall (12, 13) with respect to said inactive or preloading position, and wherein said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) comprises a diecutting adapted to define, in said second portion, a retaining edge (23, 33, 63, 73) which can engage with said at least one object when said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) is in the inactive or preloading position.

2. The box according to claim 1, wherein said at least one die-cut element is fixed to said lateral wall (12, 13) so that said fold line (25, 35, 65, 75a) is substantially parallel to a back wall (11) of the box from which said lateral wall protrudes.

3. The box according to claim 1, wherein said lateral wall (12, 13) is one of a plurality of lateral walls of the box which protrude from the back wall (11) and which define, on the side opposite to said back wall, an entrance (16) for inserting said at least one object (9) into the box, andwherein said fold line (25, 35) is closer to said entrance than to said back wall.

4. The box according to claim 1, wherein said fold line (25, 35, 65, 75a) is interposed between said first portion and said second portion of the cardboard die-cut element and is fixed with respect to said lateral wall (12, 13) on which the first portion (21, 31, 61, 71) is fixed, so that said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) can oscillate substantially elastically about said fold line.

5. The box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lateral walls (14, 15) of the box is substantially perpendicular to said lateral wall (12, 13) to which said first portion of the die-cut element is fixed, and comprises a guide (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) engaged with an appendage (24a, 24b, 34a, 34b) of said second portion (22, 32, 62, 72), so as to guide the movement of said second portion between the resting / preloading and release positions.

6. The box according to claim 5, wherein said guide (2a, 2b, 3a, 3b) is shaped like an arc that is substantially concentric to the direction of said fold line (25, 35, 65, 75a).

7. The box according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the lateral walls (14, 15) of the box comprises a stroke limiter (5a, 5b, 4a, 4b) adapted to limit the stroke of the second portion (22, 32, 62, 72) moving away from the first portion up to a maximum acute angle.

8. The box according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises two of said cardboard die-cut elements, which are fixed, via the respective first portion, to respective lateral walls (12, 13) of the box that are substantially parallel to each other, so that the retaining edges (23, 33) defined on the respective second portions of the die-cut elements are adapted to engage with respective opposite ends of the object (9).

9. The box according to one or more of the preceding claims, whereinsaid die-cutting of the second portion (22, 32, 62, 72, 76) is selected from the group comprising a window-type die-cutting and a die-cutting with an indentation.

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