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(11) | EP 2 389 828 A2 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Vertical container box made out of blown up plastic material |
| (57) Case-container made of a blown plastic material which has two double-wall parts made
of a blown plastic material articulated by a hinged connection and with a closure
system for the case-container. This defines an inner space for housing articles and
having in said inner space forming elements which, with the case-container in the
closed position, form at least one close-fitting reception cavity for an article.
Said hinged connection comprises a double-wall base part made of a blown plastics
material, said base part defining a support base for the case-container and a side
wall. The upper portion of the base part has at least one hinge element for joining
to each of said two parts made of a blown plastics material. In the closed position
of the case-container, the two parts made of a blown plastics material rest on the
base part and are in contact with one another.
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DESCRIPTION
[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a device for transport and storage which is particularly suitable for use in the air transport of bottles and also for use as a portable icebox, although the invention is not necessarily limited to this category of stored and/or transported article nor to the mentioned kind of transport, or to said use.
[0003] Due to restrictions to carrying liquids in aircraft cabins, the international shipment of bottled wines, in particular of high quality wines, has been restricted.
[0004] Formerly, said bottles were sent by air in the passenger cabin. The cabin is the ideal location for this transport as the environmental conditions are optimal and relatively unchanging and there is more than enough space given that shipments are limited to a very small number of bottles.
[0005] Since the introduction of liquids into the cabin is now limited, shipment by air is no longer viable as the environmental humidity, temperature and vibration/movement conditions in the aircraft hold are so severe that they affect the quality of the wine shipped.
[0006] It is also necessary for the unit to have suitable strength to the knocks associated with the transport of luggage and parcels in the aircraft hold.
[0007] Novel packaging for bottles of high quality wine is therefore required which allows a small number of bottles to be shipped economically and protects the bottles from the temperature fluctuations in the hold, from vibrations and from possible knocks.
[0008] According to the present invention, novel packaging is disclosed which is suitable for the above-mentioned application, and is also suitable for other applications as an upright briefcase or icebox, for example.
[0009] In particular, the present invention consists of a case-container made of a blown plastics material which has two double-wall parts made of a blown plastics material articulated by a hinged connection which joins them on one side and which has a closure system for the case-container on the other, so that the case-container defines an inner space to house articles, said inner space having forming elements which in the closed position of the case-container form at least one close-fitting reception cavity for an article.
[0010] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, said hinged connection comprises a double-wall base part made of a blown plastics material, said base part defining a support base for the case-container and at least one side wall, the upper portion of the base part having at least one hinge element for joining to each of said two parts made of a blown plastics material, so that in the closed position of the case-container, the two parts made of a blown plastics material rest on the base part and are in contact with one another, the base part defining, at least in part, said inner space for storing articles.
[0011] According to another particular embodiment, the case-container takes the form of a briefcase consisting of two generally parallelepiped-shaped parts, one of the sides of each of said parts being directly hinged to the other.
[0012] The case-container according to the present invention takes the form of a briefcase or upright bag with a double wall which defines an inter-wall chamber. This means that the case-container has great mechanical strength, particularly against knocks, and high resistance to temperature fluctuations, owing to the inter-wall chamber, but also has low manufacturing costs.
[0013] The forming elements may be additional elements for the snug fitting of the element to be contained (preferably a bottle), but which ensure that the main structure is a double-wall case-container made of a blown plastics material, with the advantages of strength and low manufacturing cost that this entails.
[0014] Preferably, the forming elements are situated in the space defined between the base and the side wall or walls of the base part.
[0015] More preferably, the close-fitting cavity is formed by the inner wall of the double wall made of an injected plastics material which forms the base part.
[0016] Preferably, the forming elements will comprise a structural element to absorb movements and/or knocks that could affect the article or articles kept in the case-container.
[0017] The present invention provides two particularly advantageous embodiments. In one embodiment, the forming element is foam with a geometry that defines said close-fitting reception cavity for the article or articles. In this case, the foam also acts as a structural absorption element. In another embodiment, the forming element is expanded polystyrene (a structural absorption element) on which a sheet of thermoformed polymer is placed so that the article or articles to be conserved / transported fit perfectly. Said sheet of thermoformed polymer may be flocculated. Combinations of the preferred embodiments are also possible.
[0018] Still more preferably, the space between the double walls of the articulated parts forming the case-container may be filled with an insulating material. The insulating material may advantageously be expanded polystyrene.
[0019] To introduce the insulating material, one of said parts and/or said base part preferably has at least two apertures, a larger one for injecting the insulating material and at least one smaller one (preferably more than one) so that the air displaced by the insulating material during injection can escape.
[0020] Preferably, the base part has an inner space containing a thermal gel. To be able to fill the inner space with the thermal gel, preferably, said inner space has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture. More preferably, said inlet aperture is located at a high point of the base part inside the case-container, and the outlet aperture is located at a lower point of the outer surface of the case-container.
[0021] The present invention also provides for the outer surface of each of said parts to have, optionally, a series of adjacent parallel recesses and projections, the recesses and projections of each of the parts fitting together so that the recesses of a case-container placed above the case-container, and the projections of said case-container enter the recesses of the other case-container placed above.
[0022] For a better understanding, the accompanying drawings of an embodiment of the present invention are given as an explanatory but nonlimiting example of the invention.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a case-container according to the present invention.
Fig. 2 is another perspective view from a different viewpoint of the embodiment of Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of Figs. 1 and 2, in the process of being opened.
Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of the case-container in the open position.
Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the case-container of Fig. 4 from another viewpoint.
Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 5 during the bottle removal process, which allows the housing for the bottle in the case-container to be seen.
Fig. 7 shows a cross-section of the bag of Figs. 1 to 6.
Fig. 8 shows another cross-section of the bag of Figs. 1 to 7 along a cutting plane parallel to that of Fig. 7.
Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the case-container according to the present invention.
Fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the case-container according to the present invention.
Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the case-container according to the present invention.
Fig. 12 shows a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment which can be shared by all the embodiments of the previous Figs. 1 to 11.
Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 14 shows a view in front elevation of said sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 15 shows a view in side elevation of said sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 16 shows a view from above of said sixth embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 17 shows a perspective view of said sixth embodiment in the open position.
Fig. 18 shows a perspective view of said sixth embodiment in the half-open position.
Fig. 19 shows a perspective view of said sixth embodiment in the open position and with bottles.
Fig. 20 shows a view in cross-section of the embodiment of Figs. 13 to 19.
Fig 21 shows a perspective view in the open position of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 22 shows a view in cross-section of the embodiment of Fig. 21 in the closed position with bottles.
Figs. 1 to 8 show an embodiment of the case-container according to the present invention.
[0023] The case-container -1- shown is in the form of a hinged bag. The case-container or bag -1- consists of two parts joined by hinges -14-. The parts are made of a blown plastics material using a known technique and have a double wall -11-, -12-. The parts also define a closure -19- and a handle -18-for transport.
[0024] The space -15- defined between said double walls -11-, -12- is filled with expanded polyurethane as an insulating material, significantly increasing the mechanical strength of the product and its resistance to temperature fluctuations.
[0025] The polyurethane may be injected into the space -15- defined between the double walls -11-, -12- through a separate inlet aperture of for example 10 mm in diameter (not shown in the figures) in the inner portion of the bag. Said inlet aperture allows an injection head to be introduced which, at an additional pressure of, for example, 3 bar, supplies a quantity of liquid-phase polyurethane.
[0026] One to six apertures, 0.8 mm in diameter (depending on the inner geometry and size of the bag), have been made through which the air, displaced from inside the chamber or space -15- between the walls -11-, -12-during the reaction in which the injected polyurethane components change from liquid to solid, escapes.
[0027] As can be observed, the parts produced by the technique using a blown plastics material have a neutral internal part, that is, a formless interior which is not particularly suitable for the transport of delicate articles.
[0028] Accordingly, in the case of for example Figs. 1 to 8, various forming elements -16-, -162- made of foam (for example polystyrene, polyurethane, etc.) have been positioned with the function of absorbing movement and/or knocks. In the example shown, one of the forming elements -16- has a close-fitting reception cavity -161- for the bottles -100- to be conserved and/or transported. Said forming element may be a single part or, for ease of manufacture, it may consist of a sheet less than 5 to 15 mm thick, and another layer die-cut to match the profile of the bottle -100-. Placed on the back of the frame part is another sheet of foam -62- between 5 and 15 mm thick with the function of pressing directly on the bottle -100- once the case-container -1- is closed.
[0029] Fig. 9 shows a variant in which the foam sheets are replaced by two different elements. An expanded polystyrene element (not shown in the figures) is placed in the lower portion and in contact with the lower wall of the bag and supports the weight of the bottles. The geometry of this element supports bottles of varying geometries. This element is not visible to the user as it is covered by the upper thermoformed element -15-.
[0030] The upper thermoformed element -15- is a sheet of thermoformed polymer (PP, PE, etc.), which may have a flocculated finish. The thermoformed sheet -15- has a geometry which defines a cavity which is very precisely adapted to the contours of the bottle -100-.
[0031] In Figs. 10 and 11 different variants are shown with different numbers of delicate transported elements (bottles -100-). In the figures corresponding to the different variants, identical reference numerals relate to the same or equivalent elements.
[0032] Fig. 12 shows a variant in which chromatic strips -21-, -22- have been provided on the outer surface of the bag -1- which indicate the external and internal temperature of the bag for controlling the transport conditions. A set -23- of adjacent parallel recesses and projections has also been provided. Said adjacent parallel recesses of each of the parts forming a bag -1- fit together so that the recesses of a bag or case-container receive the projections of the adjacent bag and vice versa. Various case-containers -1- can therefore be stacked with no transverse movement between bags.
[0033] Finally, the examples which have been illustrated show a low-cost container for delicate articles which provides great protection against mechanical impact and high mechanical strength, and which offers protection against heat and light. The complete unit can have an excellent external appearance, and be adapted to each specific situation, recyclable, long-lasting and reusable as a bag for other types of delicate articles or as a bag in general.
[0034] Figs. 13 to 22 show sixth and seventh embodiments of a case-container according to the present invention.
[0035] Elements that are similar, close or equivalent to the elements of the embodiments of Figs. 1 to 12 have been designated with the same reference numerals.
[0036] The case-container -1- shown takes the form of an upright bag, i.e. a bag in which the handle is uppermost.
[0037] The case-container -1- consists of two parts -2-, -3- joined by a hinged connection. Here, the hinged connection comprises a double-wall base part -4- made of a blown plastics material.
[0038] Said base part -4- defines a support base -41- for the case-container -1-. The base part -4- also defines a side wall -42- in the form, in this case, of a rectangular prism.
[0039] The base part -4- is joined to each of said two parts -2-, -3- by hinged connections. In the examples in the drawings, this is a hinge -14-consisting of a sheet of plastics material. The hinged connection is provided on the upper face of the parts -2- and -3- and on the upper portion of the base part -4-, in such a way that, in the closed position, both parts -2-, -3- made of a blown plastics material rest on the base part -4- and are in contact with one another.
[0040] Thus, the base part -4- defines an inner space -16- for housing articles, in this case bottles -100-.
[0041] The inner space may consist of a formed part -15-, for example of polyurethane, which leaves close-fitting reception spaces -161- for bottles -100-, as can be seen in Figs. 1 to 6. A wall made of a plastics material may also form the close-fitting spaces -161- and leave a space inside the base part -4- which can be filled with a thermal gel -500-, i.e. a material with high calorific capacity which, like an icebox, helps to maintain the unit at a lower temperature. For filling with the thermal gel, in the examples in Figs. 9 and 10 two apertures -502-, -501- have been provided. The lower or outlet aperture - 501- has been positioned in the lower portion of the side wall of the base part while the upper or inlet aperture -502- has been positioned at a high point of the base part, in this case in its inner portion.
[0042] For improved closure and a better seal, the areas of contact and closure between the two parts -2-, -3- and the base part -4- have a set of recesses and projections -431-, -432-, -232-, -231-, -431-, -342-, -322-, etc, which fit together.
[0044] The space -15- defined between said double walls of the double-wall parts made of a blown plastics material may be filled with expanded polyurethane as an insulating material, which significantly increases the mechanical strength of the product and its resistance to temperature fluctuations.
[0045] The polyurethane may be injected into the space defined between the double walls through a separate inlet aperture (not shown in the figures) with a diameter of, for example, 10 mm in the inner portion of the bag. Said inlet aperture allows an injection head to be introduced which, with an additional pressure of, for example, 3 bar, supplies a quantity of liquid-phase polyurethane.
[0046] Similarly, a series of apertures (for example from 1 to 6) with a diameter of, for example, 0.8 mm (depending on the inner geometry and size of the bag) can be produced through which the air, displaced from the inter-wall chamber or space during the reaction as the injected polyurethane components change from liquid to solid, escapes.
[0047] Chromatic strips -21-, -22- (not shown in the figures) may be provided on the outer surface of the bag -1- which indicate the exterior and inner temperature of the bag to control the transport conditions. A set of adjacent parallel recesses and projections has also been provided. Said adjacent parallel recesses of each of the parts forming a bag fit together in such a way that the recesses of a bag or case-container receive the projections of the adjacent bag and vice versa. Various case-containers can therefore be stacked with no transverse movement between bags.
1. Case-container made of a blown plastic material which has two double-wall parts made
of a blown plastic material articulated by a hinged connection which joins them on
one side and which has a closure system for the case-container on the other, so that
the walls of the case-container define an inner space to house articles, characterised in that said inner space comprises forming elements which in the closed position of the case-container
form at least one close-fitting reception cavity for an article.
2. Case-container according to claim 1, characterised in that said hinged connection comprises a double-wall base part made of a blown plastics
material, said base part defining a support base for the case-container and at least
one side wall, the upper portion of the base part having at least one hinge element
for joining to each of said two parts made of a blown plastics material, so that in
the closed position of the case-container, the two parts made of a blown plastics
material rest on the base part and are in contact with one another, the base part
defining, at least in part, said inner space for storing articles.
3. Case-container according to claim 2, characterised in that the forming elements are situated in the space defined between the base and the side
wall or walls of the base part.
4. Case-container according to claim 3, characterised in that the close-fitting cavity is formed by the inner wall of the double wall made of an
injected plastics material which forms the base part.
5. Case-container according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the base part has an inner space containing a thermal gel.
6. Case-container according to claim 5, characterised in that said inner space has an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture.
7. Case-container according to claim 6, characterised in that said inlet aperture is located at a high point of the base part inside the case-container,
and the outlet aperture is located at a lower point of the outer surface of the case-container.
8. Case-container according to claim 1, characterised in that it takes the form of a briefcase consisting of two generally parallelepiped-shaped
parts, one of the sides of each of said parts being directly hinged to the other.
9. Case-container according to claim 8, characterised in that the outer surface of each of said parts has a series of adjacent parallel recesses
and projections, the recesses and projections of each of the parts fitting together
so that the recesses of a case-container receive the projections of another case-container
placed above the case-container, and the projections of said case-container enter
the recesses of the other case-container placed above.
10. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that said forming elements form at least one close-fitting reception cavity for a bottle.
11. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the forming elements comprise a structural element to absorb movements and/or knocks.
12. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the forming element is expanded polystyrene with a geometry that defines said close-fitting
reception cavity for an article.
13. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the forming element is foam with a geometry that defines said close-fitting reception
cavity for an article.
14. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterised in that a sheet of thermoformed polymer is placed on the structural element.
15. Case-container according to claim 14, characterised in that said sheet of thermoformed polymer is flocculated.
16. Case-container according to claim 15, characterised in that the spaces defined between the double walls of said hinged parts are filled with
an insulating material.
17. Case-container according to claim 16, characterised in that said insulating material is expanded polyurethane.
18. Case-container according to claim 15 or 16, characterised in that each of said parts and/or the base part preferably has at least two apertures, a
larger one for injecting the insulating material and at least one smaller one so that
the air displaced by the insulating material during injection can escape.
19. Case-container according to claim 18, characterised in that it has more than one smaller aperture.
20. Case-container according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterised in that it has at least one chromatic strip on the outer surface which indicates the external
or internal temperature of the bag.