ITPD20070269A1 - CONTAINER OBTAINED FROM A SHEET WITH DIE-CUT WITH MODULAR INTERNAL COMPARTMENTS - Google Patents

Description

TITLE

CONTAINER OBTAINED FROM DIE-CUT SHEET WITH

MODULAR INTERIOR COMPARTMENTS

DESCRIPTION

The present patent relates to packaging and containers obtained from punched and folded sheets and in particular concerns a new container obtained from one or more punched and folded sheets, with modular internal disappearances.

Containers for packing solid or liquid materials and substances of various kinds, food or non-food are known.

In particular, containers obtained from one or more sheets of cardboard, plastic, plasticized paper or other, shaped by punching and able to be folded along folding lines to form a container equipped with a bottom, side walls and lid, generally joined together, are known. to the sheet itself. The die-cut sheets for the construction of containers are generally produced in extremely simple production processes: the production takes place continuously and in series, where each sheet or part of the sheet is shaped by means of a press or punch, equipped with sharp shaped edges that cut the sheet in a defined form.

The sheet is then subjected to creasing or grooving to create grooves on the surface of the punched sheet which identify the fold lines of the sheet itself.

The flat die-cut sheets obtained have a small footprint and therefore can be stacked on top of each other, creating compact storage volumes that are easy to handle and transport.

At the time of use, i.e. packaging, the punched sheet is folded along the folding lines by means of special mechanical devices, thus creating the container.

The edges of the sheet are generally provided with assembly tabs adapted to be folded and glued on the edges of the adjacent folded parts, to prevent the sheet from unfolding and to maintain the shape of the container.

The material to be packaged is introduced into the container after or during the folding phase. Finally, the container is closed by folding the lid, joined to one of the side walls, and binding it to the opposite side wall and / or to the adjacent side walls.

Cardboard containers used for packaging dry food products, such as pasta, are known.

The pasta is packaged at the end of its production process, which basically involves the phases of dough, drawing through the molds and the final drying phase, during which the product loses most of the water contained and takes on the appearance and known consistency.

The dry pasta thus prepared is then fed into conveyor belts or devices and conveyed into dosers which divide the pasta into specific quantities to be packaged individually.

Each of said quantities is inserted into the container automatically or semi-automatically, depending on the type of product to be packaged. For example, packages containing 250 g, 500 g or 1000 g of pasta are known and particularly widespread in the domestic environment.

These cardboard containers are not hermetically resealable, but, once opened, they can be closed again, for example by inserting a flap or a tab of the lid in a special slot on the opposite side wall. Since the closure is not hermetic, insects and dirt can enter and in addition the pasta, exposed to the air, deteriorates more quickly and takes on unpleasant odors and tastes.

The problem exists above all in the case of using high capacity packs of 500 g or more, since the container, after opening, remains open for a long time.

In fact, given the increasingly widespread habit of eating meals outside the home and the attention paid to low-calorie diets, the consumption of pasta at home is limited, so that once opened, a package of 1000 g, for example, remains open for many days.

At the time of consumption, the user opens the package of pasta, for example by lifting or even tearing the lid or other part of the container, and must dose, for example by weighing it, the desired amount of pasta.

The unused product is left in the original container, closed non-hermetically, or transferred to another hermetically sealed container. In this regard, glass or plastic containers with hermetically sealed lids are particularly appreciated, which guarantee the preservation of the organoleptic, taste and aroma properties of the pasta, as well as protection from dirt and humidity.

Unlike glass or plastic, simple cardboard is not particularly suitable for preserving food products for a long time, since it does not completely protect the product from humidity and odors, for example.

The subject of the present patent is a new type of container obtained from one or more punched and folded sheets, with one or more modular internal screens, each with a lid or a cover part that can be opened individually.

The main aim of the present invention is to guarantee the correct conservation of products, particularly food products such as dry pasta or other, by dividing the product contained into portions of defined quantities, and where each portion is stored in a modular compartment, equipped with its own openable lid. individually.

Another important object of the present invention is to guarantee the correct conservation of the product not yet used even after the first opening of the package, since the residual product is contained in still closed vents and is thus protected from humidity and dirt.

Another important advantage of the present invention is that it can be mass-produced, using simple and cheap materials and means.

Another important advantage is that it has a compact, space-saving shape that is easy to store, both in its folded three-dimensional shape and in its developed flat shape.

Another important advantage of the present invention consists in the fact that it protects the stored product from odors, dirt, humidity, since it is preferably made of plastic or plasticized material for food. These and other direct and complementary purposes are achieved by the new container obtained from one or more punched and folded sheets, with one or more modular internal disappearing elements, each with a lid that can be opened individually. The new container is obtained from one or more sheets, made of cardboard or cardboard, plastic or polylaminate material, particularly suitable for containing the specific type of material or substance, whether liquid or solid, where said sheets are subjected to punching and creasing and subsequently folded to form a container equipped with a bottom, side walls and one or more substantially vertical internal partitions, identifying two or more modular internal compartments, where each of said compartments is equipped with a lid.

It is envisaged that all said parts, bottom, side walls, septa and lid (s) are part of a single folded star-shaped sheet.

In the preferred solution, it is envisaged that said starred sheet comprises a substantially rectangular part, which constitutes the development of the lateral walls and of the internal partitions of the container.

The height of said rectangular part substantially determines the height of the container, while the length determines the development of the side walls and partitions of the container, except for assembly tabs.

Said rectangular part includes a plurality of parallel folding lines in the direction of height, where the sheet section between two successive folding lines identifies a side wall or a partition of the container.

Said folding lines can all be equidistant or at different distances, depending on the geometry of the container to be obtained.

By adequately folding said rectangular part along said folding lines, it is possible to make the side walls of a three-dimensional volume, for example substantially cylindrical or preferably prismatic, with a polygonal section, for example hexagonal, or triangular, square, octagonal, etc., as well as the internal disappearances, identified and delimited by said partitions and / or by said side walls themselves.

Said sheet also comprises at least a foldable flat part having a shape substantially corresponding to the section of said prism or cylinder and having the function of the bottom of the container.

Said flat part is joined to said rectangular part on one of the longitudinal sides, transversal to said fold lines, hereinafter referred to as the lower side, while on the opposite side or upper side, in a suitable position, one or more further parts forming the / the lid (s) of the container. In particular, according to a possible embodiment, it can be provided that the sheet comprises a single folding part with the function of a lid, having a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the section of the prism or cylinder, and on which lines are pre-engraved or pre-drilled which identify of the detachable parts, each in a position corresponding to each of said disappearances identified by the partitions inside the container.

In particular, it can be provided that each of said detachable parts has a corresponding shape and dimensions comparable or slightly smaller than the section of the compartment identified by the side walls and by the partitions.

In this case, to open one or more disappearances of the new container, it is sufficient to tear one or more of said detachable parts along the pre-engraved lines, leaving the others intact, to close the remaining disappearances. Alternatively, it can be provided that, instead of a single lid with detachable parts, the sheet comprises, joined to the upper side of said rectangular part, at the top of the side walls, one or more folding parts, each having the function of a lid of the relevant compartment.

For example, each of said compartment lids can have a shape and dimensions corresponding to the section of the compartment itself.

Each of said folding parts with lid and bottom function are also equipped with folding perimeter assembly flaps for fixing to the side walls of the container.

The new container can have a prismatic shape with a hexagonal, square, triangular, octagonal or other section, depending on the conformation of the punched sheet.

For example, according to a possible embodiment, the new container has the shape of a right prism, with a hexagonal section, internally divided, by means of said radially arranged septa, into six sections, all preferably of the same prismatic shape with an equilateral triangular section. Said container is obtained by folding at least one punched sheet comprising said rectangular part divided, by folding lines, into six successive sections identifying the lateral walls of the container and into one or more successive sections constituting the separating baffles of the internal volume into two or more disappeared of prismatic shape, for example triangular section.

The bottom, of hexagonal shape, is joined to the lower side of said rectangular part at the base of a side wall, while the lid (s) of the disappearances is / are joined to the rectangular part on the upper side, in correspondence with one or more of said side walls.

According to a further possible embodiment solution, the new container has the shape of a straight parallelepiped, that is, with a square or rectangular section, internally divided into modular sections with a triangular or square section, for example.

The container, obtained from the process of punching and folding a single sheet thus shaped, therefore comprises a plurality of modular compartments, each covered with a removable part or lid.

Each compartment is designed to contain a part of the total product contained by the entire container.

The user who has to use one or more parts of the product, opens, for example by tearing, only one or more of said disappearances, removing the corresponding lids, so that the other disappearances remain closed and the contained products can thus be preserved for a long time in the best conditions, i.e. in the same packaging in which the product was packaged.

The new container is produced by a low-cost serial process, as only the die-cutting, creasing and folding of one or more sheets is required.

The container is practical to use and allows you to accurately dose the product without using scales and also does not require the transfer of unused residual product to other airtight containers.

The container can also usefully indicate the correct product doses for a given purpose. In the case of pasta, for example, it will also be possible for an inexperienced user to dose exactly the quantities of pasta sufficient for an average consumer.

The characteristics of the present invention will be better clarified by the following description with reference to the drawing tables, attached by way of non-limiting example.

Figure 1 shows the development of the die-cut sheet (P6) for the construction of the new container (S6) with a regular hexagonal base, with a hexagonal folding lower part with a bottom function (F) and a single hexagonal folding upper part with the function of cover (C).

Figure 2 shows the development of the punched sheet (P6) for the construction of the new container (S6) with a regular hexagonal base, with a bottom (F) and six triangular folding parts with the function of lids (Cl), one for each compartment ( YES).

Figure 3 shows the development of the punched sheet (P6) for the construction of the new container (S6) with a regular hexagonal base, with a single lid (C) with detachable parts (C12) and six triangular parts with a bottom function (FI ), one for each compartment (SI).

Figure 4 schematically shows, in three-dimensional view, two containers (S6) with a prismatic shape with a regular hexagonal section, with six internal disappearances (SI), each with a prismatic shape with a triangular section.

Figure 5 shows in detail the section of the container (S6) with a hexagonal base, where the sheet portions (P6) that identify the side walls (14-19) of the container (S6) and the sheet portions (P6) are visible ) with the function of internal septa (1-13), which delimit, also in combination with the side walls (14-18), the internal disappearances (SI).

Figure 6 schematically shows a top view of the container (S6) with a hexagonal base, where each compartment (SI) is closed by a folding part (Cl) of shape and size substantially corresponding to the section of the compartment (SI) itself, i.e. triangular.

Figure 7 shows the development of the punched sheet (P4) for the construction of the new container (S4) with a square base, with a square folding part with a bottom function (F) and four triangular folding parts with a lid function (Cl). each compartment (YES). Figure 8 shows the development of the punched sheet (P4) for the construction of the new container (S4) with a regular hexagonal base, with a single lid (C) with detachable parts (C12) and four triangular parts with a bottom function (FI ), one for each compartment (SI).

Figure 9 schematically shows a three-dimensional view of the container (S4) obtained, having a prismatic shape with a square section, with four internal compartments (SI), each having a prismatic shape with a triangular section.

Figure 10 shows in detail the section of the container (S4) with a square base, where the sheet portions (P4) that identify the side walls (10-13) and the sheet portions (P4) with the function of septa are visible (1-9) which delimit, also in combination with the side walls (10-12), the internal compartments (SI).

The new container (S4, S6) is obtained by folding one or more punched and creased sheets (P4, P6), the development of which is shown for example in Figures 1, 2 and 4.

In one of the possible embodiments, schematized in figure 1, said punched sheet (P6) comprises a substantially rectangular part (R), which constitutes the development of the side walls (14-19) and of the internal partitions (1-13) of the container (S6).

The height (RI) of said rectangular part (R) determines the height of the container (S6), while the length (R2) determines the development of the side walls (14-19) and of the septa (1-13) of the container (S6) itself.

Said rectangular part (R) comprises a plurality of folding lines (R3) parallel in the direction of the height (RI), where the portion (1-19) of sheet (P6) between two consecutive folding lines (R3) identifies a lateral wall (14-19) or an internal septum (1-13).

In the solution shown in Figures 1 and 2, said folding lines (R1) are all substantially equidistant, to obtain a container (S6) having the shape of a right prism with a regular hexagonal section, having side walls (14-19) and intermediate septa ( 1-13) of equal surface.

Said container (S6) is obtained by folding said sheet (P6) as shown in Figure 3 a.

In detail, the subsequent sections 1-13, constituting the partitions (1-13), must be folded substantially like an accordion and then radially arranged to identify the partitions (4-13) separating the compartments (SI).

In particular, with reference to Figure 1, starting from section 1, it must be rotated towards section 2 in the direction coming out of the sheet. The section 3 is then rotated towards the section 2 in the direction coming out of the sheet, thus realizing, with the section 1, a laterally closed prismatic volume with a triangular section, which constitutes one of the internal compartments (SI).

The section 4, integrally with the previous portions, is rotated towards the section 3 in the direction entering the sheet, while the section 5 is rotated towards the section 4 in the outgoing direction.

The procedure is repeated identically up to section 13, rotating each portion towards the previous one, alternately in the direction entering the sheet and in the outgoing direction.

The remaining sections 14-19, which will form the side walls (14-19) of the container (S6), are all folded to wrap the folded septa (1-13) externally, identifying the side walls (14-19) of the container ( S6) and delimiting the six internal compartments (SI).

Said sheet (P6) also comprises at least a foldable flat part (F) having a regular hexagonal shape substantially corresponding to the section of the container (S6) and having the function of the bottom of the container (S6) itself.

Said flat part or bottom (F) is joined to the lower side (R41) of said rectangular part (R), at the base of a section constituting a side wall (18).

It is envisaged that said bottom (F) comprises, along the edges, one or more tabs (F11) for fixing to the base of the adjacent side walls (14-17.19).

On the opposite side or upper side (R42) of the rectangular part (R) is joined, at the top of a side wall (15), a foldable flat part (C) with function of lid, having shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the section of the container (S6), and on which lines (Cll) are pre-engraved or pre-drilled which identify detachable parts (C12), each in a position corresponding to each of said disappearances (SI) inside the container (S6).

In particular, as shown in Figure 1, it can be provided that each of said detachable parts (C12) has a corresponding shape and dimensions comparable or slightly smaller than the section of the compartment (SI) itself.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2, the sheet (P6) can be provided to comprise, joined to said rectangular part (R) along the upper side (R42) at the top of the side walls (14-19) and / or a partition (1), one or more folding parts (Cl) each having the function of lid of the relative compartment (SI) and having a shape and dimensions corresponding to the section of the compartment (SI) itself, ie triangular.

Each of said folding parts with lid function (Cl) is provided with folding flaps (C13) for fixing to the adjacent side walls (14-19) of the container (S6).

According to a further possible solution, the container obtained has the shape of a straight parallelepiped, ie with a square section, as shown in figures 4, 5 and 5 a. In this case the punched sheet (P4), the development of which is shown in Figure 4, comprises a rectangular part (R) on which a plurality of fold lines (R3) are creased, identifying at least four portions (10-13) constituting the side walls and one or more partitions (1-9) designed to separate Γ inside of the container (S4) into a given number of internal disappearances (S4), for example four disappearances (SI) of equal section of triangular or square shape.

Said folding lines (R3) identify side walls (10-13) all of the same surface, and partitions (1-9), all of the same surface, having the same height but less width than said side walls (10-13).

The bottom (F), of square or rectangular shape, is joined to said rectangular part (R) on the lower side (R41), at the base of a wall (12), while the lid or the four lids (Cl) of the (SI) are joined to the rectangular part (R) on the upper side (R42), at the top of one or more of said side walls (10-13). These are the schematic modalities sufficient for the skilled person to realize the invention, consequently, in concrete application there may be variations without prejudice to the substance of the innovative concept.

Therefore, with reference to the above description and the attached tables, the following claims are expressed.

Claims (4)

CLAIMS 1. Container (S4, S6) obtained from at least one punched sheet (P4, P6), characterized in that it comprises at least a bottom (F), side walls (10-13, 14-19) and septa (1-9, 1-13) for separating the internal volume of the container (S4, S6) into two or more compartments (SI) of substantially prismatic or cylindrical shape, each equipped with an upper lid or cover part (C, Cl) that can be opened individually, and where said bottom (F), said side walls (10-13, 14-19), said septa (1-9, 1-13) and said lid (s) (C, Cl) are parts of a single punched sheet ( P4, P6). 2. Container (S4, S6), as per claim 1, characterized in that said sheet (P4, P6) comprises: • a substantially rectangular part (R) on which are distributed, parallel to one side (RI), a plurality of folding lines (R3) identifying a plurality of sections, of which one or more sections constitute said side wall (s) / i (10-13, 14-19) of the container (S4, S6) and one or more sections constitute said septum / s (1-10, 1-13) of the container (S4, S6); • at least one part (F) joined to said rectangular part (R) on the lower side (R41) and foldable with respect to it to form the bottom of the container (S4, S6), having a shape and dimensions corresponding to the section of the prism or cylinder obtained from the folding of said side wall (s) (10-13, 14-19); • at least one part (C), having shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the section of the cylinder or prism obtained by bending said side wall / s (10-13, 14-19), joined to said rectangular part (R ) on the upper side (R42) and foldable with respect to it to form the lid of the container (S4, S6). and where said part or lid (C) is joined to said rectangular part (R) at the upper edge (R42) of a side wall (10-13, 14-19) and includes one or more pre-cut or pre-drilled lines (CI 1) identifying detachable parts (C12), each in a position corresponding to one of said compartments (SI), laterally delimited by one or more of said partitions (1-10, 1-13) and / or by one or more of said walls lateral (10-13, 14-19). Container (S4, S6), as per claim 2, characterized in that each of said detachable parts (Cl 2) of the lid (C) has a shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the section of the relative compartment (S1). 4. Container (S4, S6), as per claims 1, 2, characterized in that said sheet (P4, P6) comprises: • a substantially rectangular part (R) on which are distributed, parallel to one side (RI), a plurality of folding lines (R3) identifying a plurality of sections, of which one or more sections constitute said side wall (s) / i (10-13, 14-19) of the container (S4, S6) and one or more sections constitute said septum / s (1-10, 1-13) of the container (S4, S6); • at least one part (F) joined to said rectangular part (R) on the lower side (R41) and foldable with respect to it to form the bottom of the container (S4, S6), having shape and dimensions corresponding to the section of the cylinder or prism obtained from the folding of said side wall (s) (10-13, 14-19); • two or more parts (Cl), each joined to said rectangular part (R) on the upper side (R42) and foldable with respect to it to form the lid of each compartment (SI) of the container (S4, S6), and where each of said parts or lids (Cl) has shape and dimensions substantially corresponding to the section of the relative compartment (SI). 6. Container (S4, S6), as per one or more preceding claims, characterized in that said bottom (F) and / or said lid (s) (C, Cl) each comprise one or more folding perimeter assembly tabs , designed to be fixed to the side walls (10-13, 14-19) of the container (S4, S6). 7. Container (S4, S6), as per one or more preceding claims, characterized in that said rectangular part (R) of the sheet (P4, P6) comprises three or more successive sections constituting as many side walls (14-19) which , folded, delimit a prismatic volume with a polygonal section, and a plurality of successive sections constituting the internal vertical septa (1-13) which, folded like an accordion, separate said volume into internal compartments (SI) of prismatic shape, each laterally delimited by said partitions (1-13) and by at least one of said side walls (14-19), below by said bottom (F) and above by said lid (C, Cl) and / or detachable part (C12).