Self-supporting packaging

Abstract

A self-supporting packaging is described, customizable depending on the object or objects to be contained, of the type made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet, such as for example a die-cut made of paper material, and comprising a plurality of planar partitions defining an outer shape substantially corresponding in shape to a six-faced right prismatoid, each face of the right prismatoid comprising one or more planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, wherein a planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions is provided, where said pair of adjacent planar partitions is arranged at the same face of the right prismatoid, said at least one planar fold being erected substantially orthogonally to said pair of planar partitions, on a plane intersecting at least one of said faces of the right prismatoid.

Description

[0001] " SELF-SUPPORTING PACKAGING"

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention is applied in the packaging sector and concerns self-supporting packaging customizable depending on the obj ects to be contained. In particular, the present invention describes packaging which can be customized and / or tailor-made depending on the obj ects to be contained, which is preferably made, but not exclusively, of fully recyclable and reusable materials and which has characteristics such as to make it self-supporting and capable of holding and protecting the goods therein without the aid of additional filling material.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] The packaging production sector must face several issues, also as a result of the growing development of e-commerce. A first issue, mainly felt by consumers and governments of the most industrialized countries, concerns the need to use packaging that is as environmentally sustainable as possible. In this regard, these countries are constantly engaged in promulgating regulations which impose restrictions on the use of non-recyclable and non-biodegradable materials for their production, also including onerous penalties where environmentally harmful packaging is not disposed of properly.

[0007] A second issue concerns the need to use fully recycled material in ever-increasing amounts, both to decrease the exploitation of virgin raw materials and to decrease the energy and water consumption required in production processes, consumption that is greater in processing virgin raw materials than in processing previously processed materials.

[0008] A further issue concerns the oversizing of packaging in relation to the size of the goods contained therein, mainly due to the widespread use of non-recyclable or biodegradable filling material. Said oversizing corresponds to an empty space included in the packaging and paid to shippers, resulting in an excess volumetric disproportion which generates both an increase in costs for transporting goods along the distribution chain and a consequent increase in CO2emitted into the atmosphere.

[0009] Moreover, another equally important issue concerns damage caused to the goods packaged along said distribution chain. This issue is closely linked to the one mentioned above, since using standardized filling material to package goods of constantly different shapes cannot ensure adequate, tailor-made, protection during the handling and storage of the aforesaid packaging.

[0010] Some of these issues are addressed in US 2018 / 0011477 Al, which provides for a tailor-made packaging system of the primary type based on Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology. This document describes the insertion of the good into a series of planar panels overlapping one another and to be placed in a box of equal volume, which make a laminated mold of said goods. The inner areas corresponding to the crosssections of the goods to be packaged, obtained according to the logic used in Additive Manufacturing (AM) in which rapid prototyping technology the virtual volume of an obj ect is subdivided into a sequence of cut planes parallel to each other by using CAD programs, are subtracted from said overlapping planar panels.

[0011] In order to solve a possible issue when removing the goods due to undercut recesses and / or protrusions present in the shape of the same, document US 2018 / 0011477 Al divides said laminated mold containing it in two or more blocks which can be reassembled inside said box of equal volume.

[0012] Although providing adequate support and protection for goods thanks to the self-supporting structure of the laminate, US2018 / 0011477A1 does not provide a solution for making versatile and economically convenient tailor-made packaging. Actually, by providing for the total filling of the tailor-made packaging with overlapping planar panels, the maximum possible amount of material is used, thus increasing both production costs and weight and, consequently, shipping costs.

[0013] US2020 / 0255170A1, US2020 / 0307140A1, US2021 / 0107246A1 describe boxes with planar walls of the smallest possible volume in relation to one or more items contained therein, which said one or more items can be already provided with primary packaging. Although reducing the oversizing of the packaging, the solutions described in these patents fail to ensure adequate protection to the goods when containing one or more items devoid of primary packaging.

[0014] CN 111547331 A describes packaging for containing a wine bottle in which the initial die-cut provides for seven specifically shaped inner dividers which are jutting out inwardly from a face of the packaging and which are defined by planar folds made between consecutive planar partitions of the initial die-cut. These inner dividers are exclusively shaped for coming into contact with the wine bottle being packaged, but do not have any structural function and do not contribute to determine the self-supporting nature of the packaging, also in the absence of the wine bottle.

[0015] Packages made according to the teachings these documents are therefore practically devoid of the self-supporting characteristic, i. e. the inherent ability of the packaging structure to maintain shape and performance when subjected to various stresses, essentially being boxes with planar walls devoid of strengthening inner structures, which transfer, on the inner goods, almost the total weight of any packaging stacked thereon during palletization, storage and distribution steps, and, in the case of CN 111547331, said self-supporting nature, absent in the aforesaid inventions, is achieved by empty parallelepiped side structures and not by the two planar folds in contact with said bottle. According to what has just been set forth, the disadvantages of currently known packaging are clear, which do not allow to simultaneously ensure adequate protection of the included goods and proper exploitation of the packaging space, resulting in most cases in oversized and economically disadvantageous packaging.

[0016] Obj ect of the invention is to provide tailor-made packaging with self-supporting structure, also in the absence of goods therein, and a respective production process which is able to overcome the limitations and disadvantages of the known art. In particular, obj ect of the invention is to provide self-supporting packaging, i. e. which is able to firmly secure and protect one or more items to be contained therein, only thanks to its own structure and shape of its faces, without the aid of additional filling material.

[0017] Further obj ect is to provide self-supporting packaging having a strengthened structure with high resistance to compression, deformation and torsion, without making the load of any packaging stacked thereon during the palletizing, handling and storing steps affect one or more obj ects therein.

[0018] Further obj ect is to provide such self-supporting packaging which is made, for example of the same material or with laminated or composite materials, from a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, so as to have optimized characteristics for the production, waste optimization, storage and transport steps. Further obj ect is to provide "tailor-made" self-supporting packaging, i. e. customizable depending on one or more items to be contained, which is able to overcome the disadvantages of known products, as well as a respective production process.

[0019] Still, further obj ect of the present invention is to provide self-supporting packaging and a respective making process which can use as less material as possible to adequately protect one or more items therein during all the steps of its life cycle, resulting lighter and more economical, as well as to define its self-supporting nature.

[0020] Still, further obj ect is to provide a respective process for the production of tailor-made self-supporting packaging which is simple to automate, quick to execute and economically advantageous compared to known systems.

[0021] Summary of the invention

[0022] These and further obj ects are achieved by self-supporting packaging having the characteristics listed in claim 1, as well as by a process having the characteristics listed in claim 14.

[0023] Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims.

[0024] Substantially, the present invention concerns self-supporting packaging customizable depending on the obj ect or obj ects to be contained, of the type made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet, such as for example a die-cut, and comprising a plurality of planar partitions defining an outer shape substantially corresponding to the shape of a six-faced right prismatoid, each face of the right prismatoid comprising one or more planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, wherein at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions is provided, where said pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at the same face of the right prismatoid, said at least one planar fold being erected substantially orthogonally to said pair of adj acent planar partitions on a plane intersecting at least one of said faces of the right prismatoid, the aforesaid at least one planar fold contributing to determine or determining the self-supporting nature of said packaging, also without the presence of the obj ect or obj ects to be housed in said self-supporting packaging.

[0025] As will become clearer to the reader, the expression "planar-shaped initial sheet" refers to the planar development of the self-supporting packaging of the present invention, i. e. to a planar development body, with two dimensions prevailing over the third dimension, which can be constituted by only one material and, in this case, which can for example be a diecut, preferably of a paper material ( for example smooth, corrugated or honeycomb cardboard), or which can be constituted by several portions of the same material or portions of several materials, also different in nature, which are coupled coplanarly to one another, so that the overall surface of the planar-shaped initial sheet is devoid of discontinuities, being substantially uninterrupted, and which can be shaped to allow it to be stably folded, even by machine, along predefined folding / creasing lines, and in this way allow it to be erected according to the present invention.

[0026] In the event of coplanar coupling of the aforesaid portions of homogeneous or heterogeneous material to form that single planar-shaped initial sheet, this coupling can be made through known systems such as gluing, stapling with metal or other material staples, pins, pawls, chain stitching, etc. Altogether, said planar-shaped initial sheet of the self-supporting packaging of the invention is erected by means of a concatenated movement of isometric type.

[0027] It should be noted that the term "six-faced right prismatoid" refers to a polyhedral solid whose vertices belong to one or the other of the two parallel planes, differing from prisms in that the bases are not necessarily equal and do not have the same number of faces, one of the two even being able to be reduced to a point.

[0028] Furthermore, it should be noted herein and hereunder that the term "face" means a surface of the aforesaid six-faced right prismatoid which substantially lies, i. e. prevalently or completely, on a respective (lying) plane, although that face is not necessarily completely regular, as it may include recessed or protruding parts with respect to the lying plane. In the same way, the term "planar partition" refers to a planar surface of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, which, although connected to other planar partitions of that planar-shaped initial sheet or to one or more linear extensions defining the aforesaid planar folds of the self-supporting packaging, defines or contributes to define at least one face of the six-faced right prismatoid and can generally be defined by one or more perimeter folding / creasing lines.

[0029] Still, the term "planar fold" refers to a portion of the self-supporting packaging comprising two side-by-side planar folding surfaces jutting out from a respective face of the packaging, thanks to two respective base folding lines parallel to one another, which join them to two adjacent planar partitions of said respective face and which are joined together, at their mutually adj acent or coinciding ends, by a linear, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding line, also parallel to the two base folding lines. That planar fold assumes a substantially " V" shape during the steps of erecting the self-supporting packaging from the respective planar-shaped initial sheet.

[0030] It should be noted that the aforesaid planar folds can jut out, when the self-supporting packaging is erected, preferably inside the packaging itself, or can jut out outside of the packaging, and can preferably jut out both from the inside and outside of the same self-supporting packaging.

[0031] From henceforth, it should be noted that the term "self-supporting" refers to the fact that the at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions is responsible, at least in part, for the packaging being able to withstand external stresses without collapsing, also in the absence of one or more objects housed therein. That is, the at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions at least contributes to determine or even determines the aforesaid self-supporting nature of the packaging.

[0032] In practice, especially in the event of several planar folds jutting out from several faces of the six-faced right prismatoid, these planar folds contribute to determine or substantially determine the self-supporting nature of the packaging, effectively constituting a frame inside or outside of the packaging itself.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions defines or contributes to define at least one strut jutting out from the respective face of the six-faced right prismatoid and extending between two parallel opposite faces of the same right prismatoid, which are separated from the face from which the at least one planar fold juts out, preferably joining them. In the event of a plurality of planar folds, the mutual arrangement of these planar folds defines at least one strut extending between two parallel opposite faces of the six-faced right prismatoid and jutting out from the face of the same right prismatoid which separates these opposite faces.

[0034] It should be noted that the entire extent, along a plane orthogonal to the face from which it juts out, of the at least one planar fold does not necessarily contribute to define that strut.

[0035] Still, it should be noted that the entire extent, along a plane orthogonal to the face from which it juts out, of these planar folds does not necessarily contribute to define that strut.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, in which there are a plurality of planar folds, these planar folds form frames jutting out inwardly and orthogonally from the faces of the self-supporting packaging which define a space, not necessarily regular, to contain one or more obj ects to be packaged and to contribute to determine or to determine the self-supporting nature of the packaging. The planar folds defining these frames, or at least one frame, can be struts of the type set forth above.

[0037] Furthermore, still by way of example, the aforesaid at least one planar fold has at least one perimeter portion which, when the self-supporting packaging is in its erected condition, comes into contact with a corresponding perimeter portion of a possible opposite or adj acent planar fold, or comes into contact with a planar partition opposite those from which it juts out.

[0038] In an embodiment, the planar folds extend along at least one face of the self-supporting packaging, preferably along all faces of the packaging.

[0039] In the event of several planar folds made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of the aforesaid plurality of planar partitions, where said pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at the same face of the six-faced right prismatoid, these several planar folds are defined by a plurality of side-by-side planar folding surfaces jutting out from a respective face of the self-supporting packaging, where there are two planar folding end surfaces in that plurality of planar folding surfaces, which are connected by respective base folding lines parallel to one another, at two respective adj acent planar partitions, and two or more planar folding surfaces which join the planar folding end surfaces to one another thanks to linear, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding lines, parallel to one another and to the base folding lines. This way, for example, in the event of two planar folds, they assume a substantially " W" shape during the steps of erecting the self-supporting packaging from the respective planar-shaped initial sheet, such as for example a die-cut.

[0040] In practice, in the event of only one planar fold, it can be equated with two doors hinged at their top by a linear, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding line, and in the event of several planar folds between two adjacent planar partitions, they can be equated with a plurality of door shutters set in a zig-zag pattern, hinged to one another by linear, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding lines, parallel to one another, de facto to form "bellows". The "planar fold" and the "planar folds" set forth herein, as will be said, are defined by one or more than one linear extensions of the planar-shaped initial sheet.

[0041] In the event of a planar-shaped initial sheet defined by portions of heterogeneous materials coupled to one another or anyhow attached coplanarly, it is particularly effective, in an embodiment of the invention, to make the aforesaid one or more than one linear extension, or at least some of them, of smooth cardboard and to simultaneously make the planar partitions, or at least some of them, of corrugated cardboard.

[0042] It is observed that, since each face of the six-faced right prismatoid can be made of several planar partitions of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, which are mutually adj acent in pairs, several individual planar folds or groups of planar folds ("bellows") spaced from one another can jut out from each face of the right prismatoid.

[0043] Obviously, each planar partition which contributes to define a face of the right prismatoid can form one or more adj acent pairs of planar partitions, joined together by one or more planar folds.

[0044] This way, for example, three adj acent planar partitions aligned to form a face of the six-faced right prismatoid can be joined in pairs by two groups of parallel planar folds. As a further example, in the event of four adj acent planar partitions facing one another two by two, forming two faces of the right prismatoid, four groups of planar folds can be defined, in which two groups of planar folds aligned (parallel) with one another to form a face of the two said faces are orthogonal to the other two groups of planar folds, also aligned (parallel) with one another.

[0045] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid at least one planar fold of the self-supporting packaging comprises at least one aperture and / or at least one hole.

[0046] Preferably, that at least one planar fold comprises at least one aperture of a shape partially complementary to at least part of the shape of the object or objects to be contained. This allows to customize the self-supporting packaging of the present invention, by adapting its respective inner volume to the shape of the object or objects contained therein.

[0047] According to a further obj ect of the present invention, the intended obj ects are also achieved by a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, to erect self-supporting packaging of the type defined above, in which that planar- shaped initial sheet defines the plane development of the self-supporting packaging and comprises a plurality of planar partitions. Such planar-shaped initial sheet, such as for example, but not necessarily, a die-cut, advantageously comprises at least one linear extension interposed between two adjacent planar partitions, and this at least one linear extension corresponds to the plane development of the aforesaid at least one planar fold, and in which such at least one planar fold is defined on said planar-shaped initial sheet by at least three straight folding lines, parallel and consecutive to one another and orthogonal to said linear extension.

[0048] According to a preferred aspect of the present invention, such planar-shaped initial sheet, such as for example a diecut, is made of a paper material, but can be also be made of a plastic or bioplastic, wooden, metal or composite material or of a combination of these materials.

[0049] Further preferred aspects of the present invention are claimed in the accompanying claims.

[0050] Brief description of the drawings

[0051] Further characteristics of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description hereunder, referring to a purely illustrative and therefore not limiting embodiment depicted in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] figures 1A-1F are axonometric views of illustrative embodiments of self-supporting packaging according to the present invention;

[0053] figures 2A-2C are views showing the configurations of the planar-shaped sheets from which the self-supporting packages shown in figures 1A-1C are formed, in which planar folding surfaces to form planar folds between adj acent planar partitions of a face are visible during the erecting and coupling step;

[0054] figure 3 is an axonometric view of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of fig. 2B in which the planar folding surfaces are erected and coupled to one another to form orthogonal planar folds on the faces of the self-supporting packaging;

[0055] figure 4 is an illustration which schematically shows how a cubic self-supporting packaging is made from a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, with the aid of letter references;

[0056] figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of fig. 2B to which the references of fig. 4 were applied;

[0057] figure 6 is an axonometric view of a different development of a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, for self-supporting packaging according to the invention in which orthogonal planar folds are erected;

[0058] figures 7, 8 and 9 schematically illustrate portions of a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, corresponding to a pair of adjacent planar partitions of a face of self-supporting packaging, between which planar folding surfaces are arranged during erection and coupling to form a planar fold, in which the planar folding surfaces vary in number and configuration;

[0059] figure 10 is a schematic illustration which shows how to form planar folds comprising apertures corresponding to one or more sequential cut profiles of an obj ect to be inserted into self-supporting packaging;

[0060] figure 11 is a schematic illustration showing an obj ect to be inserted into self-supporting packaging according to the invention, its positioning inside the packaging and an axonometric view of the development of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, with which the self-supporting packaging is made, with the planar folds erected orthogonally;

[0061] figure 12A is a plan view of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of figure 11 with the planar folding surfaces in extended condition;

[0062] figure 12B is a plan view corresponding to that of fig.

[0063] 12A, with the planar folding surfaces erected and coupled to form planar folds;

[0064] figure 13A shows a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of the 0201 type of the FEFCO code, with the planar folding surfaces being erected and coupled to form planar folds;

[0065] figure 13B shows self-supporting packaging formed by erecting the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a diecut, of figure 13A;

[0066] figures 14A, 14B and 14C respectively illustrate a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, to erect self-supporting packaging in the shape of a six-faced right prismatoid according to an aspect of the present invention, and two successive configurations of partial erection of the packaging from that planar-shaped initial sheet; and figures 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D representatively illustrate a planar-shaped initial sheet formed by joining initially-separated portions of the same, for example of non-homogeneous materials, schematically depicted in the various erecting and coupling steps of the planar folds of the respective self-supporting packaging.

[0067] Detailed description of the invention

[0068] The customizable self-supporting packaging according to the present invention will now be described in more detail.

[0069] Figures 1A-1F are views showing possible configurations of self-supporting packaging in the erected condition. Obviously, the embodiments illustrated in these figures are only illustrative embodiments and many other configurations can be provided, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] The self-supporting packages shown in the erected condition in the various figures 1A - IF, but also in figures 11 and 13B, all substantially have the shape of a six-faced right prismatoid. A particularly innovative characteristic of the self-supporting packaging according to the invention is that it has a structure strengthened by providing at least one planar fold, or rib, on at least one of the faces of its right prismatoid structure, such planar fold, or rib, being made in continuity with said structure of the self-supporting packaging substantially in the same planar panel (or planar-shaped initial sheet, for example, but not necessarily, a die-cut) with which the volume of the packaging is made and without the aid of additional strengthening elements not inherent in the self-supporting packaging itself, or applied subsequently, as will be better illustrated in the following description.

[0071] The aforesaid at least one planar fold, or rib, is preferably arranged inside the self-supporting packaging, as in the embodiments of figures 1B and 1E, although its presence also on the outside of the self-supporting packaging is not excluded, as seen in the embodiment of figures 1C and 1F, and, in preferred embodiments, it is arranged both inside and outside of the self-supporting packaging, as in the embodiments of figures 1A and 1D.

[0072] As will be seen, this strengthened structure is such as to make the packaging "self-supporting", i. e. adapted both to firmly protect the obj ect or obj ects housed therein and to provide high resistance to stresses (compression, deformation, torsion) which could occur both during transport and storage steps, without the need for additional filling material or further strengthening structures.

[0073] As can also be noted from the figures, the self-supporting nature of the packaging shown herein is due at least in part, if not almost completely, to the at least one planar fold and preferably to the planar folds of such self-supporting packaging.

[0074] Indeed, in the embodiments shown herein, the planar folds, or at least one planar fold, made between pairs of adj acent planar partitions, define or contribute to define at least one strut, i. e. a structural element resistant to axial compression, extending between and possibly joining two parallel opposite faces of the right prismatoid defining the self-supporting packaging and jutting out from the face of the same right prismatoid which divides those opposite faces. In the event of several planar folds jutting out from different faces of the right prismatoid (see for example figures 1A, 1B, 1D and 1E), these planar folds can define continuous frames arranged on planes orthogonal to the faces of the self-supporting packaging, which frames can intersect and inside which an object or more objects to be packaged are housed. Each side of these frames can be considered a strut in the sense set forth above.

[0075] Still, in a further embodiment, the planar folds extend along at least one face of the self-supporting packaging, preferably along all faces of the packaging. This characteristic of "self-supporting nature", determined by a strengthened structure obtained by the presence of planar folds formed directly during erection on the faces of the packaging itself, allows keeping said self-supporting packaging unchanged when subjected to stacking, also when devoid of objects housed therein.

[0076] Similarly, it allows them to remain structurally intact in the presence of multiple holes and cuts made in said faces, such as pierced handles, ventilation holes, knurls, cutouts, i. e. all those cuts and removals of material which constitute the main cause of structural weakness and loss of resistance to stacking in packaging in general.

[0077] These cuts and removals of material would be impossible to be made in the faces of the tailor-made packaging made, for example, according to documents US2020 / 0255170A1, US2020 / 0307140A1, US2021 / 0107246A1 mentioned above, the objects housed therein being placed in direct contact with said faces, resulting non-compliant with goods and conservation standards, when made as primary packaging, due to possible contamination and tampering of said goods.

[0078] Furthermore, when extended within the volume defined inside the self-supporting packaging, the aforesaid strengthened structure of the same self-supporting packaging according to the present invention, formed by providing at least one planar fold, or rib, on at least one of the faces of its right prismatoid structure, allows, possibly with apertures, cuts and removals of material made on the same planar fold (see for example fig. 11 ), the volume inside the packaging to be adapted to the shape of the object or objects intended to be contained by that self-supporting packaging.

[0079] Such customization of the configuration of the planar folds inside the self-supporting packaging, which does not affect the stability of the same packaging, i. e. does not affect its self-supporting nature, allows the object or objects intended to be contained in the same self-supporting packaging to be held even more firmly.

[0080] The characteristics of the invention, with particular reference to the embodiment shown in fig. 1B, will now be described in more detail, it being understood that what is described hereunder can also be extended to other configurations, and not only to those illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0081] In that figure, self-supporting packaging 100 which is substantially like a six-faced right prismatoid comprising a lower face or base 110, four side faces 120, 130, 140, 150 to form the side surface of the right prismatoid and an upper face or base 160 intended to close the space formed by the lower face and the side faces, actually acting like a lid, is shown.

[0082] The self-supporting packaging 100 has, in an innovative way, one or more planar folds made in its faces and erected orthogonally to them, like the planar folds 115 at the face 110, the planar folds 125 at the face 120, the planar folds 135 on the face 130, the planar folds 145 on the face 140, the planar folds 155 on the face 150, and the planar folds 165 on the face 160. Generally, these planar folds can be provided inside and / or outside of the space defined by the volume of the six-faced right prismatoid of the self-supporting packaging, as illustrated in other figures of figures 1A-1F.

[0083] It should be noted that in the embodiment herein illustrated in figure 1B, with the planar folds made inside, these planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, when the self-supporting packaging 100 is erected, engage with one another to actually form two continuous frames orthogonally jutting out inwardly from the faces 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the self-supporting packaging 100, which are arranged on orthogonal planes, inside which an object or more objects to be packaged can be housed. These frames confer the self-supporting nature, i. e. the ability to bear external loads without collapsing, to the self-supporting packaging 100.

[0084] It should be noted that these planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, when the self-supporting packaging 100 is erected, must generally be shaped so that at least one perimeter portion of each planar fold comes into contact with another opposite or adjacent planar fold, or with a planar partition, or with a face 120, 130, 140, 150, 160 of the self-supporting packaging 100 to define those frames. Each planar fold therefore acts, at least in part, as a strut, i. e. as a linear structural element resistant to compression. Indeed, from another point of view, still considering the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B by way of example, it should be observed that, for example, the planar fold 165 jutting out from the face 160 of the right prismatoid which defines that self-supporting packaging 100, joins together the opposite faces 120 and 140 of the same self-supporting packaging 100 which are separated from one another by the same face 160. That planar fold 165 therefore acts as a strut between the faces 120 and 140 if one of them is compressed relative to the other face by an external load.

[0085] It will be noted that the combination, for example, of the planar fold 145 with those portions of the adjacent planar folds 165 and 115 in contact with the planar fold 145 also defines a strut which, jutting out inwardly from the face 140 of the self-supporting packaging 100, extends between the opposite faces 160 and 110 of the same self-supporting packaging 100.

[0086] It will not be difficult for the Reader to recognize the other struts defined by these planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155, 165, which struts are visible in the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B.

[0087] Thanks to the presence of specific planar folds, in this case orthogonal, the packaging object of the invention advantageously has a strengthened structure which defines the characteristic and innovative self-supporting nature highlighted above, thus ensuring high functional performance, preventing torsion and structural bending also in the event of impacts to the ground which occur from great heights, such as accidental falls from pallets, storage, transport means, drones, in addition to ensuring the protection of the goods from possible punctures and blows inflicted by blunt objects. Moreover, the characteristic shapes made by the specific planar folds contribute to appropriately space the goods from the inner walls of the tailor-made self-supporting packaging, protective spacing that is not present in the documents of the known art mentioned above.

[0088] An essential aspect of the self-supporting packages according to the invention is that they are made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet, for example, but not necessarily a diecut, such as those shown in figures 2A-2C, which refer to the self-supporting packaging of figures 1A-1C, respectively, in the pre-erected configuration.

[0089] It is reiterated that those planar-shaped initial sheets can be obtained from a single continuous material, for example smooth or corrugated cardboard, and, for example, assume the shape of a die-cut, or can be obtained by joining two or more portions of the same material, or of different materials, coupled to one another, or anyhow attached, coplanarly.

[0090] The planar-shaped initial sheets, for example the die-cuts shown in the accompanying figures 2A, 2B, 2C, 5 have, by way of example, a typical "cross-like" plane development, in which the different faces composing the six-faced right prismatoid corresponding to the self-supporting packaging of the invention are identifiable. However, unlike the die-cut sheets traditionally used to make the packaging, the portions constituting the faces of said six-faced right prismatoid are formed by one or more planar partitions, between which a series of planar folding surfaces are arranged, herein also denoted as "linear extensions" intended to be erected and coupled "bellows-like" together to form one or more planar folds.

[0091] In the planar-shaped initial sheet of figure 2B, from which the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure IB is erected, the following is actually recognized:

[0092] - the planar partitions 131 and 132 which, side-by-side to one another, define the face 130 of the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B and which are joined together by a linear extension 135 defining the homologous planar inner fold of the self-supporting packaging 100;

[0093] - the planar partitions 111 and 112 which, side-by-side to one another, define the face 110 of the self-supporting packaging 100 and which are joined together by three side-by-side linear extensions 145, 115, 125 defining the homologous planar folds of the self-supporting packaging 100;

[0094] - the planar partitions 151, 152 which, side-by-side to one another, define the face 150 of the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B and which are joined together by a linear extension 155 defining the homologous planar inner fold of the self-supporting packaging 100; and

[0095] - the planar partitions 161, 162 which, side-by-side to one another, define the face 160 of the self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B and which are joined together by a linear extension 165 defining the homologous planar inner fold of the self-supporting packaging 100.

[0096] This characteristic is better understood with reference to figure 3, which shows the same planar-shaped initial sheet of fig. 2B with the planar folding surfaces, or also linear extensions, which are erected and coupled to one another to form planar folds, in this case orthogonal to the planar partitions in which they are arranged.

[0097] The faces used to compose the self-supporting packaging of fig. 1B are clearly visible in that figure 3, as the planar folds made, which are inside the volume of the packaging when the self-supporting packaging is erected. In particular, in the embodiment described herein, the face 110, which forms the lower face or base of the six-faced right prismatoid structure of the self-supporting packaging 100, is formed by two adjacent planar partitions 111, 112, between which planar folds 115, which are erected substantially orthogonal to the planar partitions and which extend along the entire length of the face, are provided.

[0098] The side face 120 is also formed by two adj acent planar partitions 121 and 122, between which a series of planar folds 125, which are erected substantially orthogonally to the planar partition and which extend along a part of the length of the face, are provided. Similarly, the opposite side face 140 comprises two planar partitions 141 and 142 between which planar folds 145 of the same shape and length of the planar folds 125 are provided. This way, when the two faces 120 and 140 are folded along classic folding / creasing lines to achieve the erected condition of the self-supporting packaging 100, the planar folds 125 and 145 do not overlap the space occupied by the planar folds 115.

[0099] In a very similar way, the planar folds 135, 155 are made between planar partitions 131 and 132, 151 and 152 of the side faces 130, 150, respectively. In figure 3, the planar folds 135, 155 have a "horseshoe" shape, are erected orthogonally to the respective planar partitions and extend along the entire length of the respective face.

[0100] Finally, similarly to the face 110, planar folds 165 are provided between the adjacent planar partitions 161 and 162 of the face 160, which is the upper or closing base of the self-supporting packaging 100.

[0101] It should be noted that, although an embodiment in which each face of the self-supporting packaging 100 shaped as a sixfaced right prismatoid is defined by at most two adjacent planar partitions has been described so far, nothing precludes that at least one face of the self-supporting packaging 100 is formed by three or more adj acent planar partitions, not necessarily all aligned, and that per each pair at least one planar fold is present between at least two adjacent pairs of those planar partitions, however formed, i. e. in which a pair of adjacent planar partitions can comprise a planar partition also belonging to a different pair of adjacent planar partitions.

[0102] In this embodiment of figure 3, as also visible in the respective self-supporting packaging 100 of figure 1B, these planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155 and 165 define, when the respective self-supporting packaging is erected (fig. 1B), thanks to the contact between opposite or adj acent planar folds or between a planar fold and the inner surface of a respective face 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160 of the self-supporting packaging 100, a plurality of continuous frames parallel, or perpendicular, to one another, and, in this case, two frames perpendicular to one another and jutting out inwardly and orthogonally from the faces of the self-supporting packaging 100, which circumscribe a space therein for containing one object or more objects. As can be seen in figure 1B, one of the two frames of the self-supporting packaging 100 is substantially defined by the planar folds 135, 155, whereas the other frame is defined by the planar folds 125, 115, 145 and 165.

[0103] These frames, which can also be irregular (see the example of fig. 10), i. e. not necessarily in the shape of a regular rectangle or square or polygonal figure, contribute to or establish the self-supporting nature of the respective self-supporting packaging 100.

[0104] From another point of view, these planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155 and 165 define one or more struts extending along, i. e. preferably joining, two opposite faces of the six-faced right prismatoid of the self-supporting packaging 100 once erected, jutting out from the face separating those two opposite faces.

[0105] In the embodiment of fig. 1B, three planar folds parallel to one another and forming a structure which is erected substantially orthogonal and formed between two adjacent planar partitions are illustrated, but this representation only has an illustrative purpose, only one orthogonal planar fold also being able to be provided between two adjacent planar partitions to achieve the desired self-supporting packaging.

[0106] It should also be noted that, although the planar folds made orthogonal to the lying plane of a face of the six-faced right prismatoid of the self-supporting packaging were so far described herein as substantially having the same sizes, it is not only possible, but sometimes appropriate, to have planar folds of different sizes and shapes within the inner volume of the self-supporting packaging.

[0107] Actually, as will be better discussed hereunder, in a preferred embodiment, it is possible to shape the planar folds of the self-supporting packaging by cuts, apertures and removals of material, and more precisely by cuts, apertures and removals of material involving the so-named linear extensions of the planar initial sheet, so that said planar folds define a support space shaped to fit the shape of the object or objects intended to be transported with this self-supporting packaging.

[0108] After the planar-shaped initial sheet has been erected, for example, but not necessarily, a die-cut, the self-supporting packaging takes the appearance illustrated in figure IB, in which the inner volume of the packaging is bounded not only by the planar partitions but also by the various planar folds. This way, the obj ect intended to be packaged is confined inside a precise space defined precisely by the presence of the planar folds, which appropriately space the obj ect from the inner walls, thus providing a protective spacing not present in currently known products.

[0109] What has been described for the self-supporting packaging of fig. 1B is similarly applicable to the other configurations illustrated, for example in figure 1A, which is made from the planar-shaped initial sheet of figure 2A, for example a diecut.

[0110] As noted above, a characteristic shared by all self-supporting packaging according to the invention is that they are made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet, for example but not necessarily, a die-cut, which defines at the same time both the faces of the right prismatoid structure and the strengthening and retaining planar folds.

[0111] Such planar-shaped initial sheet can be made not only as a die-cut of a single material, for example a paper material, but also as a coplanar coupling of multiple portions of the same material or of different materials. For example, the die-cut of fig. 2B could be made by coupling to one another portions of corrugated cardboard coplanarly for the planar partitions 111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132, 141, 142, 151, 152, 161 and 162, with portions of smooth cardboard for the linear extensions, which will constitute the planar folds 115, 125, 135, 145, 155 and 165.

[0112] Figures 15A, 15B, 15C and 15D symbolically show how possible coplanar couplings ( fig. 15A) of a planar-shaped initial sheet are arranged and how these couplings are arranged in the erection steps of the respective self-supporting packaging of the invention. In these figures, it should be noted that, for example, such couplings are made along lines parallel to the folding lines of the linear extensions present in the planar-shaped initial sheet.

[0113] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate, with the aid of alphanumeric references, the composition of a possible structure of self-supporting packaging according to the invention. Figure 4 generally illustrates a cubic structure formed from a respective planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a diecut. In this case, the development of the planar-shaped initial sheet has a cross-like structure, in which the central face denoted by the letter A is intended to form the lower, or bottom, face of the self-supporting packaging. The edges of the face A are conventionally bounded, i. e. by creasing, by folding lines from which the side faces B, B', C, C' extend. A further folding line separates the face B from the upper face A', which defines the closure of the boxshaped structure.

[0114] What has just been illustrated with reference to fig. 4, is clearly not limited to the cubic structure illustrated herein, but can be generalized to any structure able to generate a six-faced right prismatoid. In this regard, the faces can clearly have shapes different from a square one, assuming a generic rectangular shape or, still more generally, within geometric limits, of a quadrilateral or other polygon, even if not regular, or a number greater than six faces can also be provided in its plane development such as it equally erects said six-faced right prismatoid.

[0115] Figure 5 substantially shows the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of fig. 2B in which the letter references corresponding to those of figure 4 are also denoted, so as to better highlight how the planar partitions of such planar-shaped initial sheet are assembled to make the corresponding self-supporting packaging. In this figure, as in figures 2A-2C, the folding / creasing lines, from which the faces of the self-supporting packaging are erected, are also depicted.

[0116] As described above, the planar-shaped initial sheets, for example, but not necessarily, die-cuts, with which the self-supporting packages according to the invention are made, have the characteristic of having one or more faces constituted by surfaces, or adj acent planar partitions separated by at least one planar fold, i. e. a so-named linear extension. For example the central face, corresponding to the bottom surface 110 of the self-supporting packaging 100, is formed by two planar partitions denoted by the letter A in fig. 5. A series of planar folding surfaces joined along the longitudinal edges and intended to be erected and coupled to one another, i. e. folded on themselves, are arranged between these planar partitions, so as to form the planar folds visible in fig. 3. In the configuration of fig. 5, all the faces A, A', B, B', C, C' are formed by a pair of adjacent planar partitions and six planar folding surfaces being two by two different in shape are arranged between each pair, such that, once erected and coupled to one another, these folding surfaces make three parallel planar coupled folds.

[0117] Clearly, the configuration described so far is purely illustrative and should not be understood as limiting. In particular, an embodiment, in which all the faces of the sixfaced right prismatoid comprise two adjacent planar partitions between which a respective series of planar folds is provided, was described, but the planar folds needs not necessarily be present on all the faces of the right prismatoid. Actually, the number and configurations of the planar folds generally depends on the object or objects to be packaged and the packaging specifications.

[0118] In relation to the plane development of the faces of the sixfaced right prismatoid, the configuration of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, can also clearly differ from the "cross-like" one illustrated in the preceding figures for illustrative purposes only, being able to have various configurations, such as the " T" one shown in figure 6, in which planar folding surfaces erected and coupled to one another, to form planar folds developing orthogonally to the planar partitions in which they are arranged, are illustrated.

[0119] The same considerations are also valid for the so-named " American packaging, " characterized by a FEFCO code of the "02xx" type, with the two last numbers variable according to the configuration. Such packages are also substantially in the shape of a six-faced right prismatoid and are constituted from a single planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, as the one shown in figure 13A, relating to a box with code 0201.

[0120] The die-cut sheets of the American boxes have four planar partitions corresponding to the side faces of the packaging, separated by transverse folding lines (shown in dashes). Fig.

[0121] 13A shows a planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, from which self-supporting packaging 400 of fig. 13B is made and substantially has four side faces 410, 420, 430, 440. At the outer transverse edge of the side face 410, a flap is provided which, once the same is erected, is attached with glue or similar means to the opposite transverse edge of the face 440.

[0122] The upper and lower faces of the self-supporting packaging 400 are formed from planar partitions 412, 422, 432, 442, 452, 462, 472, 482 and planar partitions 414, 424, 434, 444, 454, 464, 474, 484 developing from the longitudinal edges of the aforesaid side faces, through appropriate folding / creasing lines (in dashes).

[0123] In the self-supporting packaging 400 shown in figure 13B, erected from the die-cut sheet of figure 13A, the lower face is made substantially by the planar partitions 434, 444, 474, 484 provided at the folding / creasing lines of the side faces 420, 440, to which the planar partitions 414, 424, 454, 464, provided at the folding / creasing lines of the side faces 410, 430, of greater length, are substantially overlapped. Similarly, the upper face is constituted by the planar partitions 432, 442 and 482, 472 of the side faces 420, 440 to which the planar partitions 412, 422, 452, 462 of the side faces 410, 420 are overlapped.

[0124] As can be seen in figure 13B, in which the self-supporting packaging obtained from the planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of figure 13A is visible in the erected condition, a six- faced right prismatoid characteri zing the sel f-supporting packaging of the present invention is thereby made.

[0125] As can be seen in figures 13A and 13B, it is therefore clear that the characteristics of the present invention can also be applied to packaging of this type.

[0126] According to an aspect of the present invention, in the planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of figure 13A, each side face 410, 420, 430, 440 comprises adj acent planar partitions in the longitudinal direction, spaced out from one another in pairs by respective linear extensions provided with parallel folding lines orthogonal to the longitudinal development of the planar initial sheet, for example a diecut, which define, during the erection steps of the packaging, a plurality of planar folds 415, 425, 435, 445, 455, 465, 475, 485, 495, 416, 426, 436, 446, 456, 466, 476, 486, 496, 417, 427, 437, 447, 457, 467, 477, 487, 497, 418, 428, 438, 448, 458, 468, 478, 488, 498, according to what is intended in the present invention.

[0127] More in particular, in the embodiment of figures 13A and 13B, such planar folds are made between pairs of planar partitions mutually adj acent in a longitudinal direction, which are adapted to define the faces of the six- faced right prismatoid, which are provided, in this case, with inner planar folds, therefore providing sel f-supporting packaging according to the present invention. For example, between the adj acent planar partitions 412, 422, which contribute to define part of the upper face of the erected self-supporting packaging (see figure 13B), a linear extension defining planar folds 415, 425, 435 during the erection step of the self-supporting packaging 400 is present; similarly, between the adj acent planar partitions 414, 424 which contribute to define part of the lower face of the erected self-supporting packaging 400, a linear extension defining planar folds 445, 455, 465 during the erection step of the packaging, is present; and so forth. The Reader who observes figures 13A and 13B can easily check for the presence and arrangement of the aforesaid linear extensions, between pairs of adj acent planar partitions on the planar initial sheet of figure 13A, for example a die-cut, which define the inner planar folds of the self-supporting packaging depicted in figure 13B.

[0128] Also in this self-supporting packaging of figures 13A and 13B, the respective planar folds define, or contribute to define, struts jutting out from a face of the six-faced right prismatoid and arranged between opposite faces separated by the face from which the strut juts out.

[0129] In particular, the planar folds extend inside the self-supporting packaging and define between them, thanks to the engagement of at least part of a planar fold with at least part of an opposite or adj acent planar fold, or with at least part of an opposite face, not only the aforesaid struts but also continuous frames defined by these struts, which are jutting out orthogonally from the faces inside the packaging and which define a space, not necessarily regular, for containing one or more obj ects and which contribute to or determine the self-supporting nature of the same packaging. It is reminded that these illustrations are only illustrative and other configurations and arrangements of the planar folds erected inside and outside of the volume of the self-supporting packaging can be provided, thereby falling within the scope of the invention.

[0130] Similarly, it will be understood that planar folds can also be provided in other configurations of packages of the " American" type, which have the characteristic of defining, once assembled, a self-supporting six-faced right prismatoid. Therefore, self-supporting packaging according to the invention is generally characterized by comprising at least one planar fold provided between a pair of adjacent planar partitions at a face of the six-faced right prismatoid which defines the outer shape of the self-supporting packaging, the at least one planar fold being arranged substantially orthogonal to said adj acent planar partitions on a plane intersecting at least one of the faces of the six-faced right prismatoid defining the outer shape of the self-supporting packaging. Depending on the case, several planar folds could be provided on the same face of the self-supporting packaging. In these cases, the faces of the six-faced right prismatoid clearly have more than one pair of adj acent planar partitions, as in the embodiment 200 shown fig. 1A, in which a side face 220 comprises a first planar fold 225 outside of the packaging volume and provided between two pairs of planar partitions 221 and 222, a second planar fold 227 directed towards the inside and arranged between the pair of planar partitions 222 and 223, and another outer planar fold 229 between the pair of planar partitions 223 and 224.

[0131] As seen above, depending on the purpose, without any limitation, the self-supporting packaging according to the invention can comprise planar folds all facing towards the inside of the packaging space, as in the case of the embodiment described with reference to fig. IB, planar folds all facing towards the outside ( figures 1C and 1F) or a combination of inner planar folds and outer planar folds ( figures 1A and 1D).

[0132] Similarly, as was already mentioned above, the actual number of planar folds provided between a pair of adjacent planar partitions is variable depending on packaging purposes and requirements. It is indeed possible to have solutions with only one planar fold formed between a pair of adjacent planar partitions, as shown for example in figures 1C and 1F, or with a greater number of planar folds, as previously illustrated for figure IB. Moreover, faces of the same self-supporting packaging can comprise pairs of adj acent planar partitions between which a different number of planar folds are arranged, as shown in fig. ID.

[0133] It has already been seen that the number of planar folds provided between a pair of adjacent planar partitions depends on the geometry of the planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, with which the self-supporting packaging is made, and in particular on the number of planar folding surfaces provided between the planar partitions, also depending on the obj ect or obj ects to be contained.

[0134] The embodiment of fig. IB previously discussed in detail provides for six planar folding surfaces between each pair of adj acent planar partitions composing the side faces of the six-faced right prismatoid. Fig. 7 shows details of the planar-shaped initial sheet of fig. IB, which correspond to the planar partitions intended to constitute the lower face 110 and the side face 130 or 150, respectively. In this planar-shaped initial sheet, for example, but not necessarily, a die-cut, six planar folding surfaces are provided between a pair of adjacent planar partitions. In fig. 7, it can be seen that the planar folding surfaces of the face 110 are substantially rectangles joined along a longitudinal edge, on which a folding / creasing line is formed to made continuous and parallel planar folds on the entire length of the face, as shown in fig. 3, while the planar folding surfaces of the face 130 have a " C" or "horseshoe" shape and are arranged specularly in pair, such as to form the corresponding planar folds 135 of figure 3.

[0135] If a lesser number of planar folds is preferred, the number of planar folding surfaces between the pair of adj acent planar partitions will be reduced accordingly. Portions of a planar-shaped initial sheet, with two planar folding surfaces between the two adj acent planar planes and whose configuration allows to achieve a single planar fold, are shown in figures 8 and 9. Clearly, in case two planar folds are to be obtained, four planar folding surfaces will be provided, and so on in case an even greater number of planar folds should be necessary.

[0136] Generally, the at least one planar fold characterizing the self-supporting packaging involves providing, on the planar-shaped initial sheet between the adj acent planar partitions, at least three straight folding lines parallel and consecutive to one another and orthogonal to the direction in which the planar folding surfaces are folded on themselves (compression direction), de facto defining a linear extension.

[0137] Generally, the planar folding surfaces determining the planar folds can be kept in a folded condition in various ways, for example through the use of double-sided tape, glue, staples or other material, chain stitching, etc. Alternatively, other fastening systems which provide for removable elements such as clips, pawls, pins, etc. can be used.

[0138] The planar folding surfaces, as shown in figures 8 and 9, can take different shapes according to the planar fold to be obtained and / or the object or objects to be packaged. One of the great advantages of the self-supporting packaging according to the invention is actually that it is possible to obtain a packaging volume which is customizable and which can also be tailor-made, by making planar folds with contour lines that can be adapted to the shape of the object or objects to be contained.

[0139] For this purpose, the self-supporting packaging can comprise one or more planar folds provided with at least one aperture and / or hole. Advantageously, this aperture comprises a shape partially complementary to at least part of the shape of the object or objects to be contained.

[0140] Still more advantageously, the self-supporting packaging can further comprise at least one or more planar folds provided between another pair of adj acent planar partitions arranged on a face different from that of the planar fold on which an aperture ( first planar folds) is provided and said further planar folds can provide for at least one hole for the juxtaposition with at least part of said first planar folds. Such a situation is schematized in the illustration of figure 10, in which an obj ect (O) of generic shape to be inserted into self-supporting packaging is shown. From the three-dimensional obj ect, a two-dimensional shape (S), corresponding to a cross section of the obj ect to be packaged, is achieved and, in this example, is in turn split into an upper half (SU) and a lower half (SL). Consequently, one or more planar folds are provided in the self-supporting packaging, by providing in the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example, but not necessarily a die-cut, at least between a pair of adjacent planar partitions which define, or contribute to define, a face of the packaging, two (PU1) or more (PU3) planar folding surfaces provided with apertures of the same shape as the upper shape and, between a further pair of planar partitions, two (PL1) or more (PL3) planar folding surfaces provided with apertures of the same shape as the lower shape.

[0141] It is observed that, in case three or more adj acent planar partitions, also not aligned with each other, define a face of the self-supporting packaging, two or more of all the identifiable pairs of these adj acent planar partitions which define that face of the packaging can be joined together by one or more planar folds, possibly with apertures if necessary to avoid mutual interference.

[0142] This way, once the planar-shaped initial sheet, also die-cut, has been erected, inside the packaging volume the planar folds define a specific shaped / sized space on the cross sections of the obj ect or obj ects to be contained. These planar folds can advantageously be provided in pairs on opposite faces of the right prismatoid, in a specular and preferably coplanar way.

[0143] As stated, the planar folds can preferably define, thanks to their mutual contact or the contact with an opposite face, continuous frames jutting out inwardly and orthogonally from the walls of the packaging to define a space for containing the object or objects to be packaged and contribute or establish the self-supporting nature of the packaging.

[0144] The process schematically illustrated in fig. 10 can be applied to obj ects of any shape, material and geometric complexity.

[0145] Figure 11 shows an obj ect 21 of complex shape inserted into self-supporting packaging 300, whose faces are shown in transparency and the edges are defined by dashed lines. The obj ect is firmly kept inside the packaging volume in a space defined by the juxtaposition of planar folds formed therein and provided with appropriate apertures.

[0146] The same figure 11 also shows an axonometric view of the planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, with which the self-supporting packaging is made, with the respective planar folds erected, whereas figure 12A shows the same planar-shaped initial sheet in a substantially top plan view, with the planar folding surfaces in the extended condition, thus defining a linear extension. In that figure, the apertures on the planar folding surfaces arranged between pairs of adj acent planar partitions are clearly noticed.

[0147] Figure 12B is a plan view corresponding to that of figure 12A, in which the planar folding surfaces are erected to form planar folds on the faces and the planar folds coupled between two adjacent planar partitions of the faces that will make the self-supporting packaging shown in fig. 11 are clearly visible.

[0148] Various configurations and various possible ways of making self-supporting packaging, which can have a tailor-made inner space with respect to the obj ect or obj ects to be contained, were described herein. The characteristic shared by all the embodiments is that of being made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, whose assembly generates a six-faced right prismatoid, in which one or more planar folds are provided between at least one pair of adj acent planar partitions which define a face of the right prismatoid.

[0149] According to what is set forth above, it will be understood that the purposes and obj ects of the present invention are actually achieved thanks to the provision of a single planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, to erect self-supporting packaging customizable to the obj ect or obj ects to be contained, in which said planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, defines the plane development of the self-supporting packaging comprising a plurality of planar partitions.

[0150] The planar initial sheet, for example a die-cut, which is preferably constituted by cardboard material, advantageously comprises at least one linear extension interposed between two adjacent planar partitions, in which said at least one linear extension can correspond to the plane development of the at least one planar fold which characterizes the self-supporting packaging. This at least one planar fold is bounded on the planar-shaped initial sheet by three straight, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding lines parallel and consecutive to one another and orthogonal to the extent of the linear extension. In the case where the extension comprises more than one planar plane, the straight, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding lines consequently increase, being five lines in the case of two planar folds, seven lines in the case of three planar folds and so on.

[0151] The planar-shaped initial sheet with which the self-supporting packages according to the invention are made can substantially define one of the eleven possible plane developments of a cube, or of the six-faced right prismatoid constituting the external appearance of the self-supporting packaging, and generally comprises a plurality of folding / creasing lines which are only arranged along two orthogonal axes on its development plane.

[0152] Such planar-shaped initial sheet with which self-supporting packages according to the invention are made can alternatively be of the type adapted to make cardboard boxes with two or more closing flaps of the FEFCO type. An example of such die-cut is visible in figure 13A (where the self-supporting packaging made with the die-cut of figure 13A is illustrated in 13B).

[0153] The invention also concerns a process for obtaining self-supporting packaging. The process first provides for making of a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, as defined above, i. e. having at least one linear extension formed by at least two planar folding surfaces (sides of the planar fold) and three straight folding lines between a pair of adjacent planar partitions which defines, at least in part, a face of the right prismatoid, in which the plane development of the die-cut defines a six-faced right prismatoid, possibly with closing flaps, as provided by the boxes of the FEFCO type.

[0154] The making of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, can be performed by die-cutting, i. e. cutting and defining folding lines with mechanical tools, or by means of laser cutting or other CNC cutting tools, or also by means of water j et or other ways known in the art.

[0155] Please note that the material constituting this planar-shaped initial sheet, for example but not necessarily a die-cut, can be an inelastic and / or not flexible and / or non-plastically deformable material, such as for example a paper, plastic, bioplastic material, metal, wood, composite materials and preferably is a paper material, such as corrugated or smooth cardboard.

[0156] Once the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, has been made, the at least one linear extension interposed between two adjacent planar partitions intended to substantially lie on the same plane which defines a face of the six-faced right prismatoid constituting the self-supporting packaging is erected, coupled and compressed, by folding the planar folding surfaces of the at least one linear extension along the straight, rectilinear or collinearly segmented folding lines defining the planar fold, or planar folds, made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions of the planar-shaped initial sheet. Finally, it is sufficient to fold the creasing lines provided on the planar-shaped initial sheet at the segments of the various faces of the right prismatoid to erect the self-supporting packaging with an outer shape substantially corresponding to a six-faced right prismatoid possibly provided with two or more closing flaps. According to an aspect, the planar-shaped initial sheet can comprise two or more linear extensions which can be shaped to make planar folds jutting out from opposite faces of the right prismatoid, which are symmetrically facing one another (and preferably, but not necessarily, coplanar to one another), so as to define both symmetrical structural strengthening struts of the packaging and housing dividers for the obj ect or obj ects to be contained in the self-supporting packaging.

[0157] Advantageously, in a preferred embodiment, the process comprises a step consisting in making at least one aperture and / or at least one hole at said at least one linear extension, said at least one aperture and / or said at least one hole being previously defined mathematically depending on the shape of the object or objects, as well as their material, intended to be contained and / or depending on the mutual arrangement of said planar folds.

[0158] In the embodiment shown in figures 14A, 14B, 14C there is self-supporting packaging in the shape of a six-faced right prismatoid, in which at least one face of this right prismatoid is made by means of four planar partitions aligned two by two and separated two by two by a respective linear extension defining, once erected, one or more planar folds arranged between two adjacent planar partitions.

[0159] In particular, a planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, is shown in fig. 14A, from which self-supporting packaging 500, as just described, is made, whose structure is similar to the one illustrated in fig. 4.

[0160] In this embodiment, the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example but not necessarily a die-cut, provides four planar partitions 511, 512, 513, 514 which, in the erected condition, define a face of a six-faced right prismatoid corresponding to the one denoted by the letter A in figure 4. Similarly, the opposite face A' of the right prismatoid is constituted by four similar planar partitions 561, 562, 563, 564. The pairs of planar partitions 531 and 532, 521 and 522, 541 and 542, 551 and 552 respectively define the faces B', C', C", B.

[0161] A respective linear extension defining a planar fold is provided between each pair of planar partitions defining a face of the six-faced right prismatoid. Accordingly, in the embodiment now illustrated, four planar folds are provided at the faces defined by four planar partitions, such as the planar folds 515, 516, 517, 518, the planar folds 525, 535, 545, 555 and the planar folds 565, 566, 567, 568 illustrated in fig. 14C, which shows the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut, of fig. 14A with the linear extensions erected and coupled to form said planar folds.

[0162] To allow to erect these planar folds, the linear extensions, and therefore also the respective planar folds, are provided with cuts or openings which prevent the mutual interference of parts of the same planar folds, once erected. Examples of these apertures are illustrated in the planar-shaped initial sheet of fig. 14A, which apertures contribute to define a "cross-like" configuration in the event of the planar folds provided at the faces formed by four planar partitions.

[0163] This way, the planar folds of this face of the six-faced right prismatoid cross each other, for example to form a cross with arms two by two orthogonal to each other, so as to define at their center a housing also for an obj ect of small sizes, such as for example an egg.

[0164] Generally, the process can start with the acquisition of a digital 3D model of the object or objects to be packaged through any known technology, such as a 3D scanner, photogrammetric, laser triangulation, laser pulse, laser phase shift, structured light, contact acquisition systems, etc., or the process can start with a CAD-designed 3D model of the object or objects to be packaged, followed by the scanning, through cut planes preferably with regular pitch equal to the thickness of the material constituting the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example, but not necessarily, a die-cut, of said 3D model in a series of substantially two-dimensional cross-sections (cut planes), so as to define the shapes of the apertures to be made on the folding surfaces corresponding to the planar folds during the processing step of the planar-shaped initial sheet, for example a die-cut.

[0165] According to what has just been set forth, the advantages of the present invention, which allows, in particular, to obtain tailor-made self-supporting packaging which uses less material than known systems, are clear.

[0166] Another advantage of the invention is to provide tailor-made self-supporting packaging having a strengthened structure highly resistant to compression, deformation and torsion, which can be self-supporting without making the load of packaging stacked on the obj ect or obj ects housed inside during palletizing, handling and storing steps affecting on them.

[0167] Said strengthened structure is obtained thanks to specific planar folds made in its faces and erected orthogonally to them both inside and / or outside of the volume of said self-supporting packaging and which also allow the goods to be spaced from the inner walls. Said spacing of the goods from the walls of the self-supporting packaging further ensures a constant temperature to be maintained inside them, thanks to gaps created by the characteristic shapes of the planar folds, a characteristic which makes them particularly adapted for the containment and transport of goods which require said constant temperature, in particular in the food sector.

[0168] Where material of paper type is used for making them, a further advantage of the self-supporting nature of the packaging of the invention is that of being able to use material of lesser consistency and value, i. e. fully recycled material, by way of example, thus ensuring the same degree of resistance and protection of goods obtained by packaging made with types of paper material of greater thickness and / or having a high percentage of virgin fiber.

[0169] An additional advantage of the invention is the production of tailor-made self-supporting packaging made using planarshaped sheets, also die-cuts, capable of being erected in three-dimensional structures, thanks to the related structural kinematics that characterize them, a characteristic which speeds up their manufacturing processes and optimizes their storage and transport, being able to be stored and shipped as flat die-cuts. Further advantage is linked to the assembly and disassembly of the self-supporting packaging of the invention, i. e. that the transition from plane developments (also flat die-cuts) to three-dimensional structures (self-supporting packaging) is achieved through the current fastening systems used in the packaging industry ( for example, adhesive / double-sided tape, glue, staples or metal or other material, chain stitching), and equally through fastening systems providing removable elements ( for example, ratchet rivets, pawls with washers, buried screws, snaps, clips, eyelets) inserted into holes appropriately counted and distributed in the plane development of the self-supporting packaging according to the process and system of the invention.

[0170] The scanning of the acquired 3D model of the object or objects to be packaged, through a series of cut planes in cross-sections defining the shapes of the apertures to be made at one or more of planar folds of the same self-supporting packaging, results to be a quick and effective technique for shaping the inner volume of the packaging so as to complement the obj ect or obj ects to be contained.

[0171] The choice to use removable fastening systems for assembling and disassembling said self-supporting packaging allows it to be reused without damaging their surface, a characteristic which makes them particularly adapted for e-commerce, which is affected by the problem of returned goods and therefore the need to have reusable packaging. Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments previously described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and numerous detailed changes can be made to it by the technician of the field, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention itself, as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Self-supporting packaging customizable according to the obj ect or obj ects to be contained, said packaging being of the type made from a single planar-shaped initial sheet and comprising a plurality of planar partitions defining an outer shape substantially corresponding in shape to a sixfaced right prismatoid, each face of the right prismatoid comprising one or more planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, characterized by providing at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, where said pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at the same face of the six-faced right prismatoid, said at least one planar fold being erected substantially orthogonally to said pair of adj acent planar partitions on a plane intersecting at least one of said faces of the right prismatoid, said at least one planar fold contributing to determine or determining the self-supporting nature of said packaging, also without the presence of the obj ect or obj ects to be housed within said packaging.

2. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one planar fold defines or contributes to define at least one strut extending between two parallel opposite faces of said six-faced right prismatoid and juts out from a face of the same right prismatoid which separates said parallel opposite faces.

3. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a plurality of planar folds, characterized in that said plurality of planar folds forms one or more frames jutting out inwardly and orthogonally from the faces of the packaging, said one or more frames defining a space for containing one or more obj ects to be packaged and contributing to determine, or determining, the self-supporting nature of the packaging.

4. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized by comprising at least one plurality of parallel planar folds made between at least one pair of adj acent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, where said pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at one face of the six-faced right prismatoid, the planar folds of said at least one plurality of planar folds being erected substantially orthogonally to said pair of adj acent planar partitions on at least one plurality of parallel and consecutive planes intersecting at least one of said faces of the right prismatoid.

5. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4, characterized by comprising one or more planar folds interposed between two or more pairs of adj acent planar partitions not coinciding with one another, where each of said pairs of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at a respective face of the six-faced right prismatoid, wherein said one or more planar folds are erected substantiallyorthogonally to the respective pair of adj acent planar partitions, on a plane, or on several planes parallel and consecutive to one another and intersecting at least one of said faces of the right prismatoid.

6. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by comprising at least one or more first planar folds made between a first pair of adj acent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, where said first pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at one face of the six-faced right prismatoid, and at least one or more second planar folds made between a second pair of adj acent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions, which second pair is not coinciding with said first pair of adj acent planar partitions, where said second pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged at one face of the right prismatoid, said one or more first planar folds and said one or more second planar folds being respectively erected substantially orthogonally to the first and second pairs of adj acent faces, on planes intersecting at least one of said faces of the six-faced right prismatoid.

7. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 4 or 6, wherein said first pair of adj acent planar partitions is not arranged on the same face of the six-faced right prismatoid on which said at least one second pair of adj acent planar partitions is arranged.

8. Self-supporting packaging according to any one of thepreceding claims, wherein said at least one planar fold comprises at least one aperture and / or at least one hole.

9. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 8, wherein said at least one planar fold comprises at least one aperture of a shape partially complementary to at least part of the shape of the object or objects to be contained.

10. Self-supporting packaging according to claim 7 in combination with claim 8 or 9, wherein said at least one or more first planar folds comprise at least one hole for juxtaposition with at least part of said at least one or more second planar folds.

11. Self-supporting packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one planar fold is arranged inside and / or outside of the volume of said six-faced right prismatoid.

12. Planar-shaped initial sheet for erecting self-supporting packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said planar-shaped initial sheet defines the plane development of said self-supporting packaging and comprises a plurality of planar partitions, said planar-shaped initial sheet being characterized by comprising at least one linear extension interposed between two adjacent planar partitions, said at least one linear extension corresponding to the plane development of said at least one planar fold, said at least one planar fold being defined on said planar-shaped initial sheet by at least three straightfolding lines, rectilinear or collinearly segmented, parallel and consecutive to one another and orthogonal to said linear extension.

13. Planar-shaped initial sheet according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of creasing and folding lines, wherein said creasing and folding lines are arranged only along two orthogonal axes on the plane development of said planar-shaped initial sheet.

14. Planar-shaped initial sheet according to claim 12 or 13, characterized by substantially defining said six-faced right prismatoid through one of the eleven plane developments of the cube, or through a die-cut for a casing with juxtaposed closing flaps, preferably of the FEFCO type or similar.

15. Pl anar-shaped initial sheet according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized by being constituted by at least one paper material, preferably corrugated or smooth or honeycomb cardboard.

16. Pl anar-shaped initial sheet according to any one of preceding claims 12 to 15, characterized by consisting of the joining of two or more portions of the same material or of different materials coupled to one another or anyhow mutually attached coplanarly.

17. Planar-shaped initial sheet according to claim 16, wherein one or more of said at least one linear extension are made with portions of smooth cardboard and wherein one ormore of said planar partitions are made with portions of corrugated cardboard.

18. Process of erecting self-supporting packaging according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the steps of:a. making a planar-shaped initial sheet comprising a plurality of planar partitions according to any one of claims 12 to 17;b. compressing said at least one linear extension interposed between two adjacent planar partitions of the planar-shaped initial sheet, by folding the straight folding lines, rectilinear or collinearly segmented, which define said at least one planar fold made between a pair of adjacent planar partitions of said plurality of planar partitions of the planar-shaped initial sheet;c. folding said creasing lines for erecting the self-supporting packaging with an outer shape substantially corresponding to a six-faced right prismatoid.

19. Process according to claim 18, comprising a step consisting in making at least one aperture and / or at least one hole at said at least one linear extension, said at least one aperture and / or said at least one hole being previously defined mathematically depending on the shape of the object or objects to be contained and / or depending on the mutual arrangement of said planar folds, where said self-supporting packaging is of the type made according to one of claims 4 to11.

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