FOLDING PACKAGE HAVING A SECURE FLAT CONFIGURATION

Abstract

The invention relates to a package including a bottom and panels including a lid, the package being foldable between a use configuration defining a stowage volume, and in which the lid is capable of sealing the stowage volume; a flat configuration; the package including, in the flat configuration of the package, anchors between the bottom and at least one of the panels in a position folded down against the bottom, each anchor exerting a force for holding one of the panels in its position folded down against the bottom.

Claims

1.-8. (canceled)

9. A package comprising a bottom extending between a front end and a rear end along a first axis, the package also comprising panels including: a front panel pivotally mounted on the front end of the bottom; a rear panel pivotally mounted on the rear end of the bottom; side panels pivotally mounted on the bottom; a lid pivotally mounted on one of the front panel or of the rear panel; the package being foldable between: a use configuration in which the bottom, the front panel, the rear panel and the side panels form a case defining a stowage volume, and in which the lid is capable of sealing the stowage volume; a flat configuration, in which the panels extend substantially parallel to the bottom; with, in the flat configuration of the package: the side panels are in a position folded down against the bottom; one of the front panel and of the rear panel is in a position folded down against the bottom overlapping the side panels, and the other of the front panel and of the rear panel is in a pivoted position in the extension of the bottom; the lid is in a position folded down against the bottom, overlapping the side panels; wherein the package comprises anchors between the bottom and at least one of the panels in a position folded down against the bottom, each anchor exerting, in the flat configuration of the package, a force for holding said at least one of the panels in its position folded down against the bottom, the anchors comprising: at least a first anchor in the vicinity of the front end of the bottom; at least a second anchor in the vicinity of the rear end of the bottom; the first anchor(s) being spaced from the second anchor(s) along the first axis.

10. The package according to claim 9, wherein the bottom comprises two side ends on which the side panels are pivotally mounted, and in that it comprises: two first anchors distributed respectively in the vicinity of each side end of the bottom, at the same length along the first axis; two second anchors distributed respectively in the vicinity of each side end of the bottom, at the same length along the first axis.

11. The package according to claim 9, wherein the lid is pivotally mounted on the rear panel, one of the lid or of the front panel having: a first part of the or each first anchor, the bottom having a second part of the or each first anchor complementary to the first parts; a member for holding by overlapping the other of the lid or of the front panel; and in that, in the flat configuration of the package, the holding member blocks said other of the lid or of the front panel in its position folded down against the bottom.

12. The package according to claim 9, wherein the first anchor(s) and/or the second anchor(s) are of the type operable by clipping, a switching of the package into its flat configuration being likely to cause the clipping of said anchors.

13. The package according to claim 12, wherein it comprises a locking mechanism including at least one movable actuator between: a locked position in which, in the flat configuration of the package, the first anchor(s), and/or the second anchor(s), called lockable anchors, are locked, and an unlocked position in which the lockable anchor(s) are inoperative.

14. The package according to claim 13, wherein the locking mechanism comprises means for elastically returning the actuator(s) tending to bring them back from their unlocked position to their locked position.

15. The package according to claim 13, wherein only some of the first anchors or of the second anchors are lockable anchors, the others of the first anchors or of the second anchors can be unclipped by force.

16. The package according to claim 13, wherein only some of the first anchors or of the second anchors are lockable anchors, the others of the first anchors or of the second anchors being detachable by means of a pivoting of the panel located in a position folded down in the extension of the bottom beyond this position folded down in extension of the bottom.

Description

[0082] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly upon reading the following description of one preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings, among which:

[0083] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective top representation of a package according to the invention, in a use configuration in which a case of the package is formed and defines a stowage volume closed by a lid;

[0084] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective top representation of the package according to the invention, in a flat configuration;

[0085] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation in side view of the package according to the invention, in the flat configuration;

[0086] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective top representation of the package according to the invention, in an intermediate state between the use configuration and the flat configuration, with a detail medallion illustrating part of an anchor presented by a bottom of the package;

[0087] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective top representation of a rear face of a front panel of the case of the package, the panel integrating a locking mechanism, comprising two detail medallions illustrating parts of anchor points;

[0088] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation in top view of the package according to the invention, in an intermediate state between the use configuration and the flat configuration;

[0089] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective representation, centered on part of a second anchor presented by the lid of the package;

[0090] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective top representation of another part of an anchor carried by the bottom of the package, complementary to the part of the anchor illustrated in FIG. 7;

[0091] FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional representation of the cooperation of the two anchor parts illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8;

[0092] FIG. 10 is a partial schematic representation in side view of a detached position of the anchors of FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0093] With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, a package 1 according to the invention is represented. The package 1 according to the invention is a foldable package. The package 1 comprises: [0094] a bottom 20; [0095] panels.

[0096] The bottom 20 extends between a front end 201 and a rear end 202 along a first axis 200.

[0097] The bottom 20 also comprises two side ends 203 extending between the front end 201 and the rear end 202.

[0098] The panels 21, 22, 23, 3 of the package 1 are made up of: [0099] a front panel 21; [0100] a rear panel 22; [0101] side panels 23; [0102] a lid 3.

[0103] The front panel 21 is pivotally mounted on the front end 201 of the bottom 20.

[0104] The rear panel 22 is pivotally mounted on the rear end 202 of the bottom 20.

[0105] The side panels 23 are pivotally mounted on the side ends 203 of the bottom 20.

[0106] According to the present embodiment, the lid 3 is pivotally mounted on the rear panel 22. However, according to one possible embodiment, and through an ad hoc modification of the elements described below, the lid 3 can be pivotally mounted on the front panel 21 of the package 1.

[0107] As mentioned above, the package 1 is foldable. More specifically, the package 1 can have different configurations, including a use configuration and a flat configuration.

[0108] In its use configuration, the package 1 has a case 2 defining a stowage volume.

[0109] This case 2 is formed by joining the bottom 20, the front panel 21, the rear panel 22 and the side panels 23.

[0110] In this use configuration, the front panel 21, the rear panel 22, and the side panels 23 form a peripheral rim at the bottom 20. The front panel 21, the rear panel 22, and the side panels 23 are then each in a use position.

[0111] In this use configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, the lid 3 makes it possible to seal the stowage volume.

[0112] As explained previously, the lid 3 is pivotally mounted on the rear panel 22. By pivoting the lid 3 backwards, it is possible to access the interior of the stowage volume.

[0113] In its flat configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front panel 21, the rear panel 22, and the side panels 23 extend substantially parallel to the bottom 20. The front panel 21, the rear panel 22, and the side panels 23 are then each in a folded down position (or stowed position).

[0114] Indeed, in this flat configuration of the package 1, the side panels 23 are folded down, directly, against the bottom 20.

[0115] Then, one of the front panel 21 and of the rear panel 23 is folded down against the bottom 20 by overlapping the side panels 23, and the other of the front panel 21 and of the rear panel 22 is folded down backward, that is to say pivoted backward and positioned in the extension of the bottom 20.

[0116] In this case, the front panel 21 is in a position folded down against the bottom 20 by overlapping the side panels 23, and the rear panel 22 is pivoted rearward, in the extension of the bottom 20. The rear panel 22 is then located in the same plane as the bottom 20.

[0117] Finally, the lid 3 is also folded down against the bottom 20. The lid 3 then covers the side panels 23. According to the present embodiment, the lid 3 also covers the rear panel 22.

[0118] As mentioned above, the lid 3 is pivotally mounted on the rear panel 22.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the package 1 comprises a member for holding 6 by overlapping one of the front panel 21 and of the lid 3.

[0120] In this case, to maintain a front edge 31 of the lid 3 in its position folded down against the bottom 20, the front panel 21, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, comprises the overlapping holding member 6, thus intended to make an overlapping of the lid 3 in the flat configuration of the package 1.

[0121] In the flat configuration of the package 1, illustrated in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3, the holding member 6 blocks the lid 3 in its position folded down against the bottom 20. This holding member 6 takes the form of a cap extending by overlapping that is to say above the front edge 31 of the lid 3.

[0122] Of course, according to this embodiment, the lid 3 must be completely folded down against the bottom 20 before the front panel 21 is in turn completely folded down.

[0123] According to one embodiment not represented, another type of overlapping holding member 6 can take the form of at least one arm movably mounted on one of the front panel 21 and of the lid 3. In this case, the arm is positioned under the other of the front panel 21 and of the lid 3 in the flat configuration of the package 1. The front panel 21 or the lid 3 carrying the arm cannot then be raised without the other of the front panel 21 or of the lid 3 has been raised beforehand, because the arm(s) is/are captive under this element.

[0124] According to the principle of the invention, the package 1 comprises, in its flat configuration, anchors between the bottom 20 and at least one of the panels 21, 22, 23, 3 in its position folded down against the bottom 20.

[0125] Each anchor is designed to exert a force for holding such a panel 21, 22, 23, 3 in its position folded down against the bottom 20.

[0126] In particular, this holding force appears as soon as a force tends to move apart said panel 21, 22, 23, 3 from its position folded down against the bottom 20.

[0127] These anchors are composed of at least a first anchor 41, 42 located in the vicinity of the front end 201 of the bottom 20, and at least a second anchor 51, 52 located in the vicinity of the rear end 202 of the bottom 20.

[0128] The first anchors 41, 42 are spaced from the second anchors 51, 52 along the first axis 200.

[0129] In other words, the first anchors 41, 42 are not directly adjoined to the second anchors 51, 52.

[0130] According to the present embodiment, the anchors comprise: [0131] two first anchors 41, 42, including a first left anchor 41 and a first right anchor 42, which are respectively located in the vicinity of each side end 203 of the bottom 20, at the same length along the first axis 200; [0132] two second anchors 51, 52, including a second left anchor 51 and a second right anchor 52, distributed respectively in the vicinity of each side end 203 of the bottom 20, at the same length from the first axis 200.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 3, in a non-limiting manner, four possible anchor positions are represented, including: [0134] a first position P1 and a second position P2 located in the vicinity of the front end 201 of the bottom 20, and [0135] a third position P3 as well as a fourth position P4 located in the vicinity of the rear end 202 of the bottom 20.

[0136] In other words, the first two anchors 41, 42 can be located at a position along the first axis 200 corresponding to the position P1 or to the second position P2, while the two second anchors 51, 52 can be located at a position along the first axis 200 corresponding to the third position P3 or to the fourth position P4.

[0137] As described below, each anchor comprises two parts, including a first part presented by a first element of the package 1, and a second part presented by a second element of the package 1. The first part and the second part of each anchor are complementary to each other to achieve the anchor when the package 1 is in its flat configuration.

[0138] According to the present embodiment, the first anchors 41, 42 comprise a first part presented by the front panel 21, as illustrated in FIG. 5 and a second part presented by the bottom 20, as illustrated by FIG. 4.

[0139] Consequently, when the front panel 21 is folded down against the bottom 20, then the first anchors 41, 42 are operative and exert a force for holding the front panel 21 in its position folded down against the bottom 20.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 4, the second part 412 of the first left anchor 41 and the second part 422 of the first right anchor 42 are formed by anchor points 410 retracted into the side panels 23 in the use configuration of the package 1 and being visible when the side panels 23 are folded down against the bottom 20.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 5, the anchor points 410, formed by rings, are complementary to the first part 411 of the first left anchor point 41 and to the first part 421 of the first right anchor point 42 presented by the front panel 21.

[0142] When the front panel 21 is folded down against the bottom 20, then the anchor points 410 of the second parts 412, 422 fit inside the first parts 411, 421. The anchors are thus operational.

[0143] These first anchors 41, 42 are of the type operable by clipping.

[0144] That is to say a switching of the package 1 into its flat configuration, from its use configuration, makes it possible to cause the clipping of these anchors.

[0145] Such clipping is for example achievable by means of a movable hook between a hooked position of the anchor point 410 and a released position.

[0146] This hook can comprise an elastic return system tending to maintain it in its hooked position, combined with a design, for example an outer bevel, causing the switching of the hook from its locked position to its released position during the insertion of the anchor point 410 inside the first parts 411, 421, and a return of the hook to its hooked position as soon as the insertion is complete. The outer bevel can in particular form a cam system causing the withdrawal of the hook during the insertion of the anchor point 410, this anchor point pressing on the bevel and then causing it to move back.

[0147] According to the present embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the package 1 comprises a locking mechanism including two actuators 7.

[0148] These actuators 7 are movable between: [0149] a locked position, in particular represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, in which, in the flat configuration of the package 1, the first anchors 41, 42 are locked; [0150] an unlocked position in which the first anchors 41, 42 are unlocked.

[0151] The first anchors 41, 42 are then anchors called lockable anchors.

[0152] This locking mechanism comprises means for elastically returning the actuators 7 tending to bring them back from their unlocked position to their locked position. These elastic return means can advantageously be the same as the means for returning the hooks mentioned above.

[0153] According to the present embodiment, the locking mechanism is also designed to make it possible to lock the lid 3 when it seals the stowage volume of the package 1 in the use configuration.

[0154] To this end, and with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid 3 has two locking members 71 and the front panel 21 has two locking elements 72, complementary to the two locking members 71.

[0155] In this case, when the package 1 is in its use configuration and when the lid 3 closes the stowage volume, then: [0156] in the locked position of the actuators 7, the two locking members 71 are inserted and held captive in the two locking elements 72; and [0157] in the unlocked position of the actuators 7, the two locking members 71 are inserted into the two locking elements 72 but are not held captive, the lid 3 can be freely pivoted backward.

[0158] To allow the change of locking state during the actuation of the actuators 7, the locking mechanism can implement a rod or cam system, of conventional design known per se.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 9, the second anchors 51, 52 are described below.

[0160] As mentioned previously, these second anchors 51, 52 are located in the vicinity of the rear end 202 of the bottom 20.

[0161] According to the present embodiment, the second anchors 51, 52 are composed of a second left anchor 51 and of a second right anchor 52. These anchors are in particular located at the length corresponding to the position P3 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0162] According to the present embodiment, the second anchors are made between the bottom 20 and the lid 3.

[0163] The second anchors 51, 52 are also of the type operable by clipping. That is to say, when the package 1 has switched into its flat configuration, then the clipping of the second anchors 51, 52 is carried out.

[0164] Unlike the first anchors 41, 42, the second anchors 51, 52 are not lockable anchors.

[0165] As mentioned above, the second anchors 51, 52 comprise a first part 511, 521 and a second part 512, 522.

[0166] In particular, the second anchors 51, 52 comprise: [0167] a first part 511, 521 formed by receptacles with hooks presented by the lid 3; [0168] a second part 512, 522 carried by the bottom 20 in the immediate vicinity of the rear end 202 of the bottom 20.

[0169] These second parts 512, 522 are formed by complementary hooks 5120, 5220 by snapping of the receptacles with hooks, formed by the first parts 511, 521 of the second anchors 51, 52.

[0170] The receptacles with hooks, forming the first parts 511, 521 of the second anchors 51, 52 comprise in particular at least two partially elastically deformable wings 5110, 5210. These wings 5110, 5210 make it possible to guide the hooks 5120, 5220 when the package 1 is switched into its flat configuration and in particular during the snapping of these hooks 5120, 5220 between the wings 5110, 5210 of the receptacles with hooks.

[0171] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, the hooks 5120, 5220 and the receptacles with hooks have a shape designed to detach the second anchors 51, 52 when a user wishes to unfold the package 1 from its flat configuration.

[0172] In particular, the hooks 5120, 5220 have a rounded shape pointing away from the front end of the bottom 20, in the direction of a position towards which the lid 3 must be raised when the package 1 must be unfolded from its flat configuration. The receptacles with hooks are open in the direction of the front end of the bottom 20.

[0173] Also, and more specifically with reference to FIG. 10, rearward pivoting of the rear panel 22, beyond its folded down position in the extension of the bottom, makes it possible to disengage the hooks 5120, 5220 from the receptacles with hooks.

[0174] FIG. 10 thus illustrates an intermediate configuration between the flat configuration and the use configuration, for detaching the second anchors 51, 52.

[0175] According to another possible design, the second anchors 51, 52 are anchors that can be unclipped by force or in other words unclasped by force. That is to say, to make the second anchors 51, 52 inoperative, it is necessary to exert a pull of a force greater than the force of the holding in the folded down position exerted by the second anchors 51, 52.