Box for transporting foodstuffs

Abstract

A box (S) for transporting foodstuffs under ice, wherein said box is made of corrugated board treated with a covering material (Q) that after depositing and drying creates on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties. The box (S) has in its flat development a substantially rectangular shaped bottom wall (10), two long side walls (12a, 12b) and two short side walls (14a, 14b), also substantially rectangular shaped, in which the two long side walls (12a, 12b) and the two short side walls (14a, 14b) are connected to the bottom wall (10) via respective common sides forming the fold lines (12a1, 12b1, 10a, 14a1, 14b1, 10b), the box further comprises two reinforcing walls (13a, 13b) also substantially rectangular shaped, connected to the two long side walls (12a, 12b) by the common sides forming the fold lines (13a1, 13b1). The box (S) further comprises four substantially square shaped flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) connected in pairs to the two free side edges of the two long side walls (12a, 12b) by a respective side forming the fold line (16a1, 16b1, 16c1 and 16d1). All the parts forming the box (S) are shaped so as to form, on the four corners of the flat upper portion of the box (S), angular abutments (18), i.e., protruding ribs that limit the relative displacement between two boxes in the superimposed condition, in which the angular abutments (18) are designed to cooperate with corresponding openings (20) formed on the corresponding corners of the bottom of the box (8).

Description

[0001] BOX FOR TRANSPORTING FOODSTUFFS

[0002] * * * * *

[0003] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of containers for transporting foodstuffs, in particular boxes for transporting fish and seafood products.

[0005] PRIOR ART

[0006] In the prior art it is known to make plastic or polystyrene containers for transporting foodstuffs.

[0007] In particular, for transporting foodstuffs such as fresh or defrosted fish, polystyrene boxes are used, filled with ice on which the fish to be transported is placed. Ice is used to keep the fish at a temperature that preserves its organoleptic characteristics and keeps the development of parasites under control.

[0008] Therefore, the ice with which the transport box is filled serves to keep the temperature of the fish within certain values so that the fish maintains the same quality and freshness as if it had just been caught. This type of transport is known as “under ice”.

[0009] Transport temperatures for fresh or defrosted fish must be comprised between 0°C and + 4°C and these products must be transported “under ice”.

[0010] The boxes used must be waterproof because the ice they are filled with is subject to melting over time.

[0011] Currently, for the transport of fish and seafood products under ice, plastic or polystyrene boxes are used (polystyrene has greater thermal insulation power than plastic), but they are not biodegradable.

[0012] Furthermore, polystyrene boxes are recyclable, but due to their large size, recycling is expensive and complicated.

[0013] Various attempts have been made to use corrugated board as a substitute for polystyrene or plastic trays for the transport of fresh fish under ice, but so far all these attempts have been unsuccessful.

[0014] The main reason for the negative results of these attempts is linked to the absorption of water by the paper (by its nature) that forms the corrugated board, in addition to the dissolution of the natural glue that holds together the layers of paper that make up the corrugated board. As known, the glue used to attach the corrugated or wavy layer inside the flat layers is a natural-based water-soluble glue. Therefore, corrugated board boxes placed in contact with water from melting ice deteriorate and the various layers that make up the corrugated board detach from each other, deforming and making the boxes unusable.

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The object of the invention has been achieved by a box as defined in claim 1 . The present invention also relates to a corresponding process and a corresponding machine for making the boxes according to the invention.

[0017] In particular, a box for transporting foodstuffs under ice is made of corrugated board treated with a covering material which, after depositing and drying, creates on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties. The box has in its flat development a substantially rectangular shaped bottom wall, two long side walls and two short side walls, also substantially rectangular shaped, in which the two long side walls and the two short side walls are connected to the bottom wall via respective common sides forming the fold lines. The box further comprises two reinforcing walls also substantially rectangular shaped, connected to the two long side walls by the common sides forming the fold lines. The box further comprises four substantially square shaped flaps connected in pairs to the two free side edges of the two long side walls by a respective side forming the fold line. All the parts forming the box are shaped so as to form on the four corners of the flat upper portion of the box angular abutments, i.e. protruding ribs that limit the relative displacement between two boxes in the superimposed condition, in which the angular abutments are designed to cooperate with corresponding openings formed on the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box.

[0018] Preferably, on the two short side walls, substantially oval shaped openings are provided which are used to form the handles to grip the box.

[0019] In the assembled condition of the box, the inner face of the reinforcing wall faces the inner face of the long side wall and is spaced therefrom, and the inner face of the reinforcing wall faces the inner face of the long side wall and is spaced therefrom.

[0020] Still in the assembled condition of the box, the free outer sides of the reinforcing walls are brought into contact with the bottom wall. The angular abutments are trapezoid shaped and the fold lines between the long side walls and the flaps divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids having the same height.

[0021] In various embodiments, the openings formed on the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box are made by chamfering and shaping the facing sides of the different elements of the box, i.e. , of the bottom wall, of the long side walls, of the short side walls and of the flaps.

[0022] The bottom wall has the four comers joined and chamfered, the long side walls and the flaps in their joining portion have a chamfer that has a trapezoidal shape as a whole, and the fold lines divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids and each trapezoidal chamfer is formed on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding angular abutment.

[0023] The trapezoidal chamfer is symmetrical with respect to the fold line and, in the assembled condition of the box, the openings essentially have a triangular-based truncated pyramid shape.

[0024] The covering material that is used to coat the corrugated board is a sol, i.e., a viscous solution containing silicon compounds that, in the steps subsequent to depositing on the corrugated board, give rise to condensation reactions forming a three-dimensional lattice of silicon-oxygen bonds.

[0025] In embodiments of the exact composition of the starting sol, in order to make the covering material Q, some silicon-oxygen bonds are replaced by bonds between silicon and other species, such as alkyl groups.

[0026] The sol that constitutes the covering material Q is prepared by dispersing or dissolving in water or in hydroalcoholic mixtures at least one alkyltrialkoxysilane and at least a second component selected from micrometric silica and a tetraalkoxysilane, or both.

[0027] With respect to the covering material Q, once distributed on the corrugated board, condensation reactions leading to the formation of the glassy layer are carried out by heating, at temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200 °C.

[0028] In the process for making boxes, at least one or both of the reels (B1 , B3) for making the two outer layers of the corrugated board are treated with a covering material (Q) and heated to temperatures comprised between 100 and 250°C, preferably between 150 and 200 °C to create a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties to the corrugated board made with such reels (B1 , B3).

[0029] Alternatively, the corrugated board is die-cut on the basis of the flat development of the box, treated with a covering material and heated to temperatures comprised between 100 and 250°C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to create on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties.

[0030] The machine for making boxes comprises a treatment station for applying the covering material to the paper unwound from at least one or both of the outer reels feeding the corrugator module for making the corrugated board, a heating station for temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to dry the covering material and create on the treated paper a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties, and a die-cutting station for cutting out the treated corrugated board on the basis of the flat development of the box.

[0031] Alternatively, in the machine there is a die-cutting station for cutting out the corrugated board on the basis of the flat development of the box, a station for treating the flat development of the box with a covering material, and a heating station for temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to create on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] Hereafter in this description, reference will be made to the drawings shown in the accompanying figures, in which:

[0034] - Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a flat development of a box according to the invention,

[0035] - Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of a box in the implementation step,

[0036] - Figures 3 and 4 show details of the box in its assembled condition with the flat development folded and formed, and with external gluing to protect the corrugated board,

[0037] - Figures 5 and 6 show two boxes in the position stacked on top of each other,

[0038] - Figure 7 shows steps of the process and the machine for making the boxes according to the invention, - Figures 8-11 show a second embodiment of the box according to the invention,

[0039] - Figure 12 shows a first embodiment of a tray used as a bottom to be added to the box in Figures 8-11 ,

[0040] - Figure 13 shows the steps of assembling the first tray used as a bottom in the box in Figures 8-11 ,

[0041] - Figures 14-17 show a third embodiment of the box according to the invention,

[0042] - Figure 18 shows a second embodiment of a tray used as a second bottom to be added to the box in Figures 14-17, and

[0043] - Figures 19-20 show the steps of assembling the second tray used as a bottom in the box in Figures 14-17.

[0044] The parts according to the present description are represented in the drawings, when suitable, employing conventional symbols, showing only the specific details that lead to understanding the embodiments of the present invention, so as not to highlight details that will be immediately apparent to the person skilled in the art, with reference to the description provided below.

[0045] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The solution according to the present invention will now be described with the help of the drawings.

[0047] The present solution involves making containers, boxes, trays or dishes for transporting fresh fish and seafood products used for industrial transport. These containers are not used on fishing boats but are needed for transporting fresh fish and seafood products under ice in preparation centers, before being sent to mass distribution or the catering industry.

[0048] As already mentioned, polystyrene or plastic containers are used but, given the type of product transported, neither product can be reused.

[0049] In fact, fresh fish and seafood products emit a volatile compound, trimethylamine, which is formed after the fish dies, and which has an unpleasant smell that is difficult to remove from the objects that come into contact with the fish. Therefore, the containers used for transporting fish may be contaminated and absorb the unpleasant smell and typically are not reused.

[0050] Obviously, this generates a large amount of waste that is difficult to recover, recycle and transport. Consider, for example, local markets, when at the end of the day there are boxes piled up and thrown on the ground waiting for the waste operators to come and clean, or supermarket warehouses when the fish stalls have been prepared and the boxes are piled up for disposal.

[0051] It was thus decided to use corrugated board for making the containers for transporting fresh fish and seafood products under ice.

[0052] In the past, some attempts were made with cardboard boxes covered in plastic, but all the proposed designs failed due to the high costs, poor performance and the need to dispose in a special way of these containers which are actually covered in a plasticized layer making them not biodegradable.

[0053] The solution proposed herein involves the provision of boxes for transporting fresh fish and seafood products under ice made of corrugated board covered in a covering material Q which makes the corrugated board waterproof and thus resistant to leaks due to melting ice.

[0054] The corrugated board is made with a special process according to which a corrugated board is glued between two sheets of flat paper using natural adhesives. However, these natural adhesives are subject to dissolving when they come into contact with water. This is because the natural adhesives used are typically water soluble in order to be biodegradable.

[0055] Therefore, corrugated board in its simplest form is comprised of two layers of flat paper, known as “covers”, which enclose within them a layer formed by corrugated paper, all glued using natural adhesives. The combined action of the outer flat layers with the inner corrugated layer gives rigidity and resistance to the corrugated board thus obtained and determines its efficacy in packing and transporting goods.

[0056] Obviously, it is not possible to use corrugated board as it is supplied, but the corrugated board must be treated and coated with a waterproof layer that allows the structure to be protected during use of the box, which is put in contact with ice and water.

[0057] In particular, the most delicate areas subject to wear are the channels, i.e., the exposed edges where the inner corrugated layer can be seen and is uncovered.

[0058] The covering material Q which is used to cover the corrugated board will now be described. The covering material Q allows two things to be done: protecting the corrugated board of which the box or container is made against water and allowing the “board to be glued”, in particular at the meeting and overlap points of the flat developments that are used to give the container a 3D box shape.

[0059] The covering material Q is a sol, i.e. a viscous solution containing silicon compounds which in the steps subsequent to depositing on the paper causes condensation reactions, forming a three-dimensional lattice of silicon-oxygen bonds, in which, possibly, depending on the exact composition of the starting sol, some siliconoxygen bonds may be replaced by bonds between the silicon and other species (frequently, alkyl groups). The structure consisting of this three-dimensional lattice forms, on the surface of the corrugated board, at macroscopic level, a layer with glassy properties which makes it waterproof.

[0060] The sol can be prepared by dispersing or dissolving in water or hydroalcoholic mixtures at least one alkyltrialkoxysilane and at least a second component selected from micrometric silica and a tetraalkoxysilane, or both.

[0061] The micrometric silica (also known in the art as “colloidal silica” or “fumed silica”) is a form of silica consisting of silica primary particles of nanometric dimensions (i.e., dimensions less than a micrometer, pm) generally aggregated to form secondary particles of micrometric dimensions. This material is widely available on the market and is sold, for example, by the company Evonik Resource Efficiency GmbH in Essen (Germany) under the name AEROSIL® (for example, the product AEROSIL® OX 50), or by the company Cabot Corporation in Boston, Massachusetts (USA) under the name Cab-O-Sil®.

[0062] Tetraalkoxysilanes are compounds with general formula Si(OR)4, in which R is generally a C1 -C6 alkyl radical, preferably C1 -C2.

[0063] Alkyltrialcoxysilanes are compounds with general formula R’-Si(OR)s, in which R and R’, same or different from each other, are generally C1 -C6 alkyl radicals, preferably C1 -C2.

[0064] Tetraalkoxysilanes and alkyltrialcoxysilanes are also widely available products.

[0065] A sol useful for the purposes of the invention can be obtained by following the process described in patent application WO 2022 / 171893 A1 in the name of this Applicant, by dissolving or dispersing in water between 25 and 40% by weight of an alkyl- trialkoxysilane and a second component selected from micrometric silica, a tetraalkoxysilane, or both. When present, micrometric silica is in quantities comprised between 5 and 20% by weight of the sol, while tetraalkoxysilane, when present, is in quantities comprised between 15 and 25% by weight of the sol. Optionally, one or more other components can be added to this sol, selected from a C1 -C6 alcohol or a mixture thereof and a base selected from NaOH and KOH in such quantities to regulate the pH in the range between 2 and 5.

[0066] Once distributed on the corrugated board, the condensation reactions that lead to the formation of the vitreous layer as described above are made to take place by heating, typically to temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200 °C; in the case of heating to temperatures greater than about 230 °C (self-combustion temperature of the paper), the heating must be rapid and only last long enough for the evaporation of the liquid components of the initial sol. The covering material Q acts as a protection from water, making the corrugated board on which it is applied waterproof.

[0067] The treatment with the covering material Q can be carried out in two ways:

[0068] 1 ) The covering material Q is applied on the paper unwound from at least one or both the outer reels B1 and B3 which are then used to create the two outer layers of corrugated board (see Figure 7a). The application of the covering material Q takes place on the corrugation plant which produces the corrugated board. In particular, the paper unwound from at least one or both of the reels B1 and B3 is treated with the covering material Q by the spreading rollers R; the treated paper is then used to make the outer covers which then close the corrugated layer created, starting from the reel B2; in particular only one of the two outer reels, e.g. B1 , i.e. the side of the corrugated board that will create the inner side of the box, may be treated with the covering material Q; or

[0069] 2) The covering material Q is applied to the flat developments of the box S once they have been die-cut (see Figure 7b); practically, the die-cut board printed according to the flat development of the box S to be made is inserted into the spreading rollers R, obtaining the covered board S+Q which is then dried in the oven. It is also possible to provide a further treatment process which involves the combination of the two modes described above, i.e., treatment on an outer reel for making the corrugated board and then treatment of the flat die-cut development.

[0070] In this way, i.e., by providing a solution which envisages the use of die-cut board covered in covering material Q, a product is obtained which can be recycled according to the paper supply chain.

[0071] As already mentioned previously, it is important to make sure the edges of the box that have the channels (i.e., the sharp edges of the corrugated board in which the exposed corrugation can be seen) are not directly exposed to water.

[0072] Therefore, the flat development of the box geometry was studied in such a way that, thanks to appropriate folds, during the formation of the box the edges that present the channels are protected and not directly exposed to the water. For example, the flat development can be folded so that the channels are perpendicular to other walls so that they are not directly exposed but covered by other walls.

[0073] The plan development of the box geometry will now be described, considering the previous needs (covering the channels) and considering the fact that the boxes or containers must be stackable with each other.

[0074] The present invention thus relates to a palletizable box or container made of corrugated board treated with a covering material Q to create a waterproof mineral coating. The boxes are designed for the industrial transport of fresh fish.

[0075] Obviously, the boxes can also be used to transport other fresh foods, such as vegetables or fruit.

[0076] Figure 1 shows the flat development of the box S.

[0077] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the flat development folded to cover the corrugated sheet of the long sides thereof.

[0078] Figures 3 and 4 show a perspective view of the folded and formed flat development with external gluing to protect the corrugated sheet (internal corrugated layer of the corrugated board).

[0079] Figures 5 and 6 show a perspective view of two boxes being stacked, where it is clear that the stackers are protected by the box above them for the entire stacked pile. Further, this solution has created a water drain for channeling it into a less exposed area. In particular, the box S has a substantially rectangular shaped bottom wall 10, the long side walls 12a and 12b and two short side walls 14a and 14b, also substantially rectangular shaped.

[0080] The two long side walls 12a and 12b and the two short side walls 14a and 14b are connected to the bottom wall 10 by a common side, which will be the folding line for making the box S.

[0081] In particular, the bottom wall 10 is connected to the two long side walls 12a and 12b respectively via the sides 12a1 and 12b1 or the side 10a. Likewise, the bottom wall 10 is connected to the two short side walls 14a and 14b via the sides 14a1 and 14b1 or side 10b, respectively.

[0082] Preferably, on the two short side walls 14a and 14b, substantially oval shaped openings 15 are provided which are used to form the handles for gripping the box S.

[0083] The upper edges 14a2 and 14b2 of the two short side walls 14a and 14b are open edges in which the central layer of corrugated paper is exposed.

[0084] The two long side walls 12a and 12b are respectively connected to two reinforcing walls 13a and 13b, also of a substantially rectangular shape. The reinforcing walls 13a and 13b are connected to the two long side walls 12a and 12b along the sides 13a1 and 13b1 , respectively.

[0085] The sides 13a1 and 13b1 represent the first fold lines and, at a distance of a few millimeters from each first fold line 13a1 and 13b1 respectively, there are two second fold lines indicated in the drawings with the references 13c and 13d.

[0086] At the time of forming the box, the reinforcing walls 13a and 13b are folded and brought to superimpose to the two long side walls 12a and 12b respectively, and the two fold lines 13a1 , 13b1 and 13c, 13d form the long side upper edges BSLL of the box S (see Figure 2).

[0087] The reinforcing walls 13a and 13b create ledges which provide rigidity to the box S to allow the boxes to be stacked.

[0088] In particular, the inner face of the reinforcing wall 13a faces the inner face of the long side wall 12a, and is spaced therefrom, and the inner face of the reinforcing wall 13b faces the inner face of the long side wall 12b and is spaced therefrom.

[0089] In this way, the free outer sides 13a2e 13b2 of the reinforcing walls 13a and 13b are brought into contact with the bottom wall 10. Further, the box S comprises four flaps 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d connected in pairs to the two free side edges of the two long side walls 12a and 12b.

[0090] The flaps 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are substantially square shaped. The comers are chamfered to compensate for any slight difference during the step of gluing the box. Each flap 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d is connected via a respective side 16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 and 16d1 to a side edge of the two long side walls 12a and 12b.

[0091] Also in this case, the sides 16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 and 16d1 create the fold lines to follow during the formation of the box S.

[0092] All the parts that form the box S are shaped in such a way as to create angular abutments 18 on the four comers of the flat upper portion of the box S, i.e., protruding ribs that limit the relative displacement between two boxes in the superimposed condition.

[0093] These angular abutments 18 are designed to cooperate with corresponding openings 20 formed on the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box S.

[0094] In the flat development shown in Figure 1 , the angular abutments 18 are trapezoid shaped and the fold lines 16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 and 16d1 divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids having the same height. In particular, each angular abutment 18 is formed by a first rectangular trapezoid shaped portion which is part of one of the long side walls 12a and 12b and the second rectangular trapezoid shaped portion which is part of one of the two flaps 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d.

[0095] The openings 20 formed on the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box S are made by chamfering and shaping the facing sides of the different elements of the box, i.e., of the bottom wall 10, of the long side walls 12a and 12b, of the short side walls 14a and 14b, and of the flaps 16.

[0096] The bottom wall 10 has four comers 10c joined and chamfered.

[0097] Further, the long side walls 12a, 12b and the flaps 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d in their joining portion have a chamfer which, as a whole, has a trapezoidal shape and the fold lines 16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 , 16d1 divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids. Each trapezoidal chamfer is formed on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding angular abutment 18.

[0098] Each trapezoidal chamfer is symmetrical with respect to the fold line 16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 , 16d1 and the oblique sides are indicated by references 12a2 e 12b2 e 16a2 16b2, 16c2 and 16d2. The short side walls 14a and 14b also represent a chamfer 14a3 and 14b3.

[0099] As shown in Figure 1 all the sharp edges are chamfered to prevent problems in the die-cutting step during production (failure to eject waste).

[0100] Figure 2 shows a box S in the partially assembled condition. As can be seen, the first long side wall 12a has been folded and the reinforcing wall 13a has been folded so that it was facing and parallel with respect to the first long side wall 12a. The second long side wall 12b has been folded and the corresponding reinforcing wall 13b still needs to be folded.

[0101] The two flaps 16a and 16b connected to the long side walls 12a and 12b have been folded and glued to the first short side wall 14a and the two angular abutments 18 are visible.

[0102] In the folded part of the box S, the openings 20 are visible, which have the shape of a substantially truncated pyramid with a triangular base.

[0103] Figures 3 and 4 show some details of the openings 20.

[0104] Figures 5 and 6 show two boxes S1 and S2 in the stacked condition according to the invention.

[0105] According to the present invention, the problem is solved using a corrugated board box for containing fresh fish under ice.

[0106] The solution combines an innovative structure for the corrugated board box with the application of a water-repellent mineral coating to make the corrugated board waterproof, so that it does not deteriorate when in contact with water.

[0107] This result was achieved mainly with some measures described below.

[0108] The flaps 16a and 16b are eternally glued to the short side walls 14a and 14b; this prevents water (derived from the melting ice) from damaging the glued surface, causing the starch to dissolve and causing the box S to lose performance; essentially, the load-bearing part of the box S is safeguarded.

[0109] The presence of angular abutments 18 and corresponding openings 20 to obtain angular stacking; this measure avoids exposing the stackers (necessary for transporting the boxes) directly to water as the structure of the box S is designed to protect the exposed corrugated board thanks to the matching of the upper box in the stacking condition.

[0110] The creation of the openings 20 as water drains; these are the only holes present in the box and are at the four corners and are essential for the flow of water; the surface of the openings 20 is extremely small and thanks to the mineral coating due to the covering material Q, it is possible to waterproof the paper that forms the corrugated board avoiding the consequent dissolution of the glue on the bottom of the box S.

[0111] The presence of reinforcing walls 13a and 13b to create the reinforcing ledges on the two long sides of the S box; the reinforcing walls 13a and 13b on the long sides have a dual function: the first is to protect the corrugated sheet along the entire profile, and the second is to increase performance in stacking conditions.

[0112] With reference to Figures 8-20, some further preferred embodiments will now be described, which involve some modifications with respect to the embodiment described so far with reference to Figures 1 -6.

[0113] In particular, in order to overcome some disadvantages in case of using large quantities of ice, which melt over time and form a large amount of water, the possibility to provide some small modifications to make the S box more resistant was evaluated.

[0114] In particular, some modifications were introduced to the box S to make it more resistant and transform it into the new version SA or new version SB.

[0115] As a first modification, additional reinforcement flaps 17 were introduced which allow for greater stability and rigidity to the two short side walls of the box.

[0116] As a second modification, a tray 30A or 30B was inserted which creates a second bottom for the box SA or SB. This tray 30A or 30B has a shape that facilitates the flow of water when the ice melts. In particular, the tray 30A or 30B has a sloping chute shape to facilitate the flow of water resulting from melting ice and convey it to a certain area of the bottom 10.

[0117] And finally, as a third modification, holes 11 were introduced on the bottom of the boxes SA and SB, in order to facilitate the exit of the water which is conveyed into that area by the tray 30A or 30B.

[0118] With reference to Figures 8-11 , the modifications made to the box S are described, which becomes a second embodiment SA of the box S. All the parts that remain the same are not described again and not all the references are reported in the figures, but only those that are most useful in describing the modifications.

[0119] As mentioned, the box SA shown in Figure 8 differs from the box S in Figure 1 primarily due to the presence of four reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d which act as a ledge on the two short side walls 14a and 14b, thus giving greater rigidity to the box. The four reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d are connected to the four flaps 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d along the sides 16a3, 16b3, 16c3 and 16d3, respectively.

[0120] The sides 16a3, 16b3, 16c3 and 16d3 represent the first fold lines and, at a distance of a few millimeters from each first fold line 16a3, 16b3, 16c3 and 16d3 respectively, there are two second fold lines indicated in the drawings with the references 17a1 , 17b1 , 17c1 and 17d1.

[0121] As illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, once folded and closed, the four reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d protect the two short side walls 14a and 14b. In particular, the upper edges 14a2 and 14b2 of the two short side walls 14a and 14b are exposed edges in which the corrugated paper that forms the inner layer of the corrugated board used to make the box is visible.

[0122] By providing the four reinforcement flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d, the upper edges 14a2 and 14b2 of the two short side walls 14a and 14b are protected.

[0123] Preferably, two holes 11 are provided on the bottom wall 10.

[0124] The holes 11 are made near the two short side walls 14a and 14b. In more detail, the holes 11 are made halfway along the length of the short side walls 14a and 14b, i.e., the center of the holes 11 is located on the central longitudinal axis A of the bottom wall 10.

[0125] These modifications to the structure of the box S to make it into a box SA are necessary to increase performance under conditions of use with a large amount of melting ice.

[0126] The presence of the reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d creates a ledge that has the function of stiffening the structure of the box SA, thanks to the addition of four gluing points that attach the free ends of the reinforcing flaps 17 to the tray 30A. Furthermore, the presence of the flaps 17 allows, in the superimposed condition of two boxes illustrated for example in Figure 5, protecting the upper edges 14a2 and 14b2 of the two short side walls 14a and 14b from water, leaving less exposed the surface than in the previous solution of the box S.

[0127] The holes 11 have the function of draining and removing excess water from the box SA to mitigate and reduce the deformation of the bottom wall 10 of the box 10 and of the base wall of the tray 30A. This is particularly useful when the boxes are superimposed on one another. With reference to Figure 12, a first embodiment 30A for the tray is now described.

[0128] The tray 30A comprises a substantially rectangular shaped central portion 31 with the four chamfered edges 31 a. The chamfered edges 31a serve to define drainage areas.

[0129] The tray 30A is made of corrugated board, also treated with a covering material Q. The central portion 31 has two short walls 31 b and two long walls 31 c.

[0130] The central portion 31 has a central fold line 31 d which divides it into two equal half portions.

[0131] Joined to the central portion 31 there are two end portions 32a and 32b. The two end portions 32a and 32b are substantially square shaped and joined to the central portion 31 at the short walls 31 b thereof. The two end pieces 32a and 32b have two chamfered edges 32c.

[0132] On the opposite side to where the two end portions 32a and 32b are connected to the central portion 31 , there are two distal portions 33a and 33b.

[0133] In the assembled condition illustrated in Figures 12c and 12d the two distal portions 33a and 33b are folded at 90° with respect to the two end portions 32a and 32b and act as a support for the central portion 31 which is folded in its central portion 31 d. This way the two half portions of the central portion 31 are inclined. In particular, once folded and assembled the 30A tray has a half-diamond lateral profile.

[0134] In each end portion 32a and 32b there is a hole 34. These holes 34 are positioned to be aligned with the holes 11 drilled into the base wall of the box SA when the tray 30A is assembled and received in the box SA.

[0135] The dimensions of the tray 30A are such that, in the assembled condition of the tray 30A, it has dimensions to be accommodated inside the box SA.

[0136] The holes 34 on the tray 30A have been designed to coincide with the holes 11 in the bottom wall 10 of the box SA. Further, the holes 34 of the tray 30A have a smaller diameter than the holes 11 of the bottom wall 10 of the box SA to limit as much as possible the entry of water into the areas not protected by the covering material Q (i.e. , the corrugated paper inside the tray 30A).

[0137] With the previous solution of the box S illustrated in Figure 1 , the absence of holes on the bottom wall 10 tended to let water originating from the melting of ice accumulate without giving it the possibility of coming out, thus creating a sort of basin effect which tended to curve the bottom wall 10. The tray 30A mainly has two functions:

[0138] - creating a slope designed to allow the water generated by melting ice to flow more quickly towards the outside of the box SA and prevent it from remaining inside the tray;

[0139] - in extreme conditions of use, absorbing part of the water in the tray 30A reducing the bottom deformation of the box 10.

[0140] The inner tray 30A is designed to be assembled manually as per images 13a and 13b, and the surface treated with the covering material Q will be the inner cover of the corrugated board.

[0141] The structure is designed to maintain the slope even in extreme conditions thanks to a reinforcement below the sloping surface. The reinforcement is provided by the two distal portions 33a and 33b which, when folded, act as a support for the central portion 31 .

[0142] The slope is designed to allow the water to flow towards the drainage areas of the tray 30A, i.e., the portions of the chamfered edges 31 a, or towards the special holes 34 positioned on the tray. In extreme cases of use, the corrugated board, of which the tray 30A itself is made, will help absorb part of the water, helping the loadbearing capacity of the external box SA.

[0143] With reference to Figures 14-17, the modifications made to the box S are described, which become a third embodiment SB of the box S. All the parts that remain the same are not described again and not all the references are reported in the figures, but only those that are most useful in describing the modifications.

[0144] As mentioned, the box SB shown in Figure 14 differs from the box S of Figure 1 primarily due to the presence of four reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d which act as a ledge on the two short side walls 14a and 14b, thus giving greater rigidity to the box. The four reinforcing flaps 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d are connected to the four flaps 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d along the sides 16a3, 16b3, 16c3 and 16d3, respectively.

[0145] Preferably, two holes 11 are provided on the bottom wall 10.

[0146] The holes 11 are made near the two short side walls 14a and 14b. In more detail, the holes 11 are made halfway along the length of the short side walls 14a and 14b, i.e., the center of the holes 11 is located on the central longitudinal axis A of the bottom wall 10. Finally, with respect to the second embodiment SA, in the third embodiment, the box SB illustrated in Figures 14-17 has holes 11 a added on the long side walls 12a and 12b. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two holes 11 a for each long side wall 12a and 12b.

[0147] In particular, the bottom wall 10 is connected to the two long side walls 12a and 12b respectively via the sides 12a1 and 12b1 or the side 10a.

[0148] The holes 11 a are made in part on the bottom wall 10 and in part on the long side walls 12a and 12b, in particular on the sides 12a1 and 12b1 .

[0149] Additionally, half holes 11 b are provided on the free outer sides 13a2 and 13b2 of the reinforcing walls 13a and 13b, so that in the assembled condition of the box SB there are two holes on the long sides of the box SB.

[0150] As already mentioned, these modifications to the structure of the box are necessary to increase performance under conditions of use with a large amount of melting ice. The holes 11 and 11 a have the function of draining excess water to mitigate the deformation of the base of the box SB.

[0151] With reference to Figure 18 a second embodiment 30B for the tray is now described. The tray 30B comprises a substantially rectangular shaped single body 35 with the four chamfered edges 35a. The chamfered edges 35a serve to define drainage areas.

[0152] The tray 30B is made of corrugated board, also treated with a covering material Q. The single body 35 has two short walls 35b and two long walls 35c.

[0153] On each long wall 35c, there are two half-holes 36 positioned to be aligned with the holes 1 1 a provided on the box SB.

[0154] The single body 35 has a central fold line 35d which divides it into two equal half portions.

[0155] In particular, once folded, the tray 30B has an inverted V-shaped lateral profile.

[0156] The holes 36 on the tray 30B have been designed to coincide with the holes 11 a of the box SB.

[0157] In fact, the holes 36 of the tray 30B have a smaller diameter than those of the box SB to limit as much as possible the entry of water into the areas not protected by the covering material Q (i.e. , the corrugated paper inside the tray 30B). With the previous solution S, the absence of holes on the base wall 10 tended to let water originating from the melting ice accumulate without giving it the possibility to leak out, compromising the sealing of the box S.

[0158] The tray 30B is designed to be manually assembled, as per Figure 19, but with a lot less cardboard, and the surface treated with the covering material Q will be the inner cover of the corrugated board.

[0159] The structure of the tray 30B is designed to keep the slope even in extreme conditions thanks to the measures specifically studied to put force on the long side 35c of the tray 30B.

[0160] The slope is designed to allow the water to flow towards the drainage areas of the tray 30B, i.e., the portions of the chamfered edges 35a, or towards the special holes 36 positioned on the tray. In extreme cases of use, the corrugated board of which the tray 30B itself is made will help absorb part of the water, helping the load-bearing capacity of the external box SB.

[0161] The advantages of the solution described herein include the use of a product made from 100% recyclable paper in the paper supply chain to replace polystyrene or plastic to overcome the disadvantages listed above.

[0162] This solution also provides for logistical optimization, given the possibility of flat storage of corrugated board with respect to polystyrene, with a consequent reduction in transport volumes.

[0163] The description of specific embodiments provided above shows the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using the prior art, will be able to modify and / or adapt in various applications those specific embodiments without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and, thus, it is understood that such adaptations and modifications will be considered as equivalents of the specific embodiments.

[0164] Means and materials for achieving the various functions described may be of various nature, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0165] It is worth noting that terminology or expressions used are only descriptive and therefore non-limiting.

[0166] Obviously, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the construction details and the embodiments can widely vary with respect to what is described and illustrated above by way of example, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0167] When the constructive features and techniques mentioned in the claims below are followed by references signs or numerals, such reference signs were introduced for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims themselves, and therefore, such reference signs have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified, by way of example only, by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1 ) A box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice, wherein said box is made of corrugated board treated with a covering material (Q) which, after depositing and drying, creates on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties, wherein the box (S, SA, SB) has in its flat development a substantially rectangular shaped bottom wall (10), two long side walls (12a, 12b) and two short side walls (14a, 14b), also substantially rectangular shaped, wherein the two long side walls (12a, 12b) and the two short side walls (14a, 14b) are connected to the bottom wall (10) via respective common sides forming the fold lines (12a1 , 12b1 , 10a, 14a1 , 14b1 , 10b), the box further comprises two reinforcing walls (13a, 13b) also substantially rectangular shaped, connected to the two long side walls (12a, 12b) by the common sides forming the fold lines (13a1 , 13b1 ), wherein the box (S) further comprises four substantially square shaped flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) connected in pairs to the two free side edges of the two long side walls (12a, 12b) by a respective side forming the fold line (16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 and 16d1 ), wherein all the parts forming the box (S, SA, SB) are shaped so as to form on the four comers of the flat upper portion of the box (S) angular abutments (18), i.e., protruding ribs that limit the relative displacement between two boxes in the superimposed condition, wherein said angular abutments (18) are designed to cooperate with corresponding openings (20) formed on the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box (S, SA, SB).2) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 1 , wherein there are reinforcing flaps (17a, 17b, 17c, 17d) that act as a ledge on the two short side walls (14a, 14b) and are connected to the four flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) along the sides (16a3, 16b3, 16c3, 16d3), respectively.3) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein on the two short side walls (14a, 14b) substantially oval shaped openings (15) are provided which are used to form the handles to grip the box (S, SA, SB).4) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the assembled condition of the box (S, SA, SB), the inner face of the reinforcing wall (13a) faces the inner face of the long sidewall (12a), and is spaced therefrom, and the inner face of the reinforcing wall (13b) faces the inner face of the long side wall (12b), and is spaced therefrom.5) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 4, wherein, in the assembled condition of the box (S, SA, SB), the free outer sides (13a2, 13b2) of the reinforcing walls (13a, 13b) are brought into contact with the bottom wall (10).6) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angular abutments (18) are trapezoid shaped and the fold lines (16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 , 16d1 ) between the long side walls (12a, 12b) and the flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids having the same height.7) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the openings (20) formed at the corresponding comers of the bottom of the box (S, SA, SB) are made by chamfering and shaping the facing sides of the different elements of the box (S, SA, SB), i.e. , of the bottom wall (10), of the long side walls (12a, 12b), of the short side walls (14a, 14b) and of the flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d).8) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 7, wherein the bottom wall (10) has the four comers (10c) joined and chamfered, the long side walls (12a, 12b) and the flaps (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) in their joining portion have a chamfer that, as a whole, has a trapezoidal shape and the fold lines (16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 , 16d1 ) divide the trapezoid into two rectangular trapezoids and each trapezoidal chamfer is formed on the opposite side with respect to the corresponding angular abutment (18).9) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 8, wherein each trapezoidal chamfer is symmetrical with respect to the fold line (16a1 , 16b1 , 16c1 , 16d1 ) and, in the assembled condition of the box (S, SA, SB), the openings (20) essentially have a triangular-based truncated pyramid shape.10) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the covering material (Q) that is used to coat the corrugated board is a sol, i.e., a viscous solution containing silicon compounds that, in the steps after deposition on the corrugated board, give rise to condensation reactions forming a three-dimensional lattice of silicon-oxygen bonds.11 ) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 10, wherein in the exact composition of the starting sol to form the covering material (Q), some silicon-oxygen bonds are replaced by bonds between silicon and other species, such as alkyl groups.12) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the sol forming the covering material (Q) is prepared by dispersing or dissolving in water or in hydroalcoholic mixtures at least one alkyltrialkoxysilane and at least a second component chosen from micrometric silica and a tetraalkoxysilane, or both.13) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 12, wherein in the treatment of the covering material (Q), once distributed on the corrugated board, condensation reactions leading to the formation of the glassy layer are carried out by heating, at temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200 °C.14) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein holes (11 , 11 a) are provided on the bottom wall (10) which have the function of draining the excess water originating from the melting of ice.15) The box (S, SA, SB) for transporting foodstuffs under ice according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a tray (30A, 30B) is provided to be inserted inside the box (S, SA, SB) to define a second bottom, wherein said tray (30A, 30B) is adapted to create a slope to allow the water originating from the melting of ice flowing more quickly towards the outside of the box (S, SA, SB) and prevent it from remaining inside the box.16) A process for making boxes (S, SA, SB) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one or both of the reels (B1 , B3) for making the two outer layers of the corrugated board are treated with a covering material (Q) and heated to temperatures comprised between 100 and 250°C, preferably between 150 and 200 °C, to dry the covering material and create a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties to the corrugated board made with such reels (B1 , B3).17) The process for making boxes according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein the corrugated board is die-cut on the basis of the flat development of the box (S, SA, SB), treated with a covering material (Q) and heated to temperatures comprised between 100 and 250°C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to create on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties.18) A machine for making boxes according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein it has a treatment station for applying the covering material (Q) to the paper unwound from at least one or both of the outer reels (B1 , B3) feeding the corrugator module for making the corrugated board, a heating station for temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to dry the covering material and create on the treated paper a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties, and a die-cutting station for cutting out the treated corrugated board on the basis of the flat development of the box (S).19) The machine for making boxes according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 15, wherein it has a die-cutting station for cutting out the corrugated board on the basis of the flat development of the box (S, SA, SB), a treatment station for treating the flat development of the box (S, SA, SB) with a covering material (Q), and a heating station for temperatures comprised between 100 and 250 °C, preferably between 150 and 200°C, to create on the corrugated board a layer with glassy properties which imparts waterproofing properties.

Images