BOX FOR CONTAINING BOTTLES AND METHOD FOR EQUIPPING AN ANTI-TAMPERING BOX

Abstract

 Box for containing bottles, which comprises a bottom wall (2), delimited perimetrically by a lower edge (21), a perimeter wall (3), which rises up to an upper edge (31) and delimits an access opening (32) for the insertion of bottles in said box (1). The box also comprises a cover (4), at least one shaped band (5) which is extended, towards said bottom wall (2), starting from said perimeter wall (3).
The cover (4) comprises a retention band (42) and an anti-tampering portion (6), which is delimited by a weakening line (61) placed at least partially on the retention band (42) of said cover (4).
The retention band (42) comprises at least one foldable wing (7), which is extended with a third fold (71), starting from said anti-tampering portion (6), and is foldable along said third fold (71), in a folded portion, towards said anti-tampering portion (6), in order to form an acute angle with said anti-tampering portion (6). The shaped band (5) comprises an engagement opening (50) and said foldable wing (7) in said folded portion being susceptible of being mechanically engaged with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening (50) of said shaped band (5).

Description

Field of application

[0001] The present invention regards a box for containing bottles and a method for equipping an anti-tampering box, according to the preamble of the respective independent claims.

[0002] The present box and method are intended to be employed in the field of packaging, in particular for containing bottles.

[0003] Advantageously, moreover, the present box and method are intended to be employed in order to allow the receiver who receives the box to verify that it has not been previously opened and tampered with.

[0004] The box, object of the present invention, is advantageously intended to be employed for containing bottles, in particular bottles of alcoholic drinks (such as wine, for example) or non-alcoholic drinks intended for sale in packages.

State of the art

[0005] In the packaging field, boxes are quite widespread that are attained starting from a cardboard sheet that has been die-cut and folded, which are intended to contain very different articles. For example, boxes are known that are intended to contain bottles, and in particular bottles of alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, e.g. wine, beer, grappa, liqueurs, mineral water, fruit juices or still others.

[0006] The aforesaid boxes of known type conventionally have prismatic shape, i.e. they are provided with a bottom wall, usually rectangular, from whose sides four perimeter walls are extended which on the upper part define an edge of the box, which delimits an upper access opening, through which the bottles are intended to be inserted.

[0007] The perimeter walls have variable height based on the destination and on the mode of use of the box itself. For example, the box can be intended to contain bottles placed in vertical position, i.e. with their main extension axis perpendicular to the bottom wall of the box, or it can be intended to contain bottles placed in horizontal position, i.e. with their main extension axis parallel to the bottom wall of the box.

[0008] The boxes of known type are also provided with a closure cover which is susceptible of being placed to cover the upper opening, preventing its contents from exiting outward.

[0009] In particular, the closure cover is usually made in a single body with the box and is extended starting from one side of the upper edge of the box itself.

[0010] Alternatively, the boxes of known type can be provided with two covers extended from two opposite sides of the upper edge of the box and adapted to be placed to cover two complementary portions of the upper opening.

[0011] In addition, the boxes are usually provided with multiple foldable wings which are extended starting from the remaining sides of the upper edge of the box and are susceptible of being folded towards the interior of the box itself in order to cooperate with the closure cover.

[0012] In order to ensure the closure of the box, the closure cover generally terminates with a closure flap, which is susceptible of being inserted in a first through slit made on the wall or on the foldable wing opposite the closure cover in order to retain the latter in a position to cover the upper opening.

[0013] Such closure flap is generally provided with an extension about equal to the extension of the first through slit such to establish a retention friction with the margins of the first through slit itself and in order to be retained at its interior, thus ensuring the closure of the box.

[0014] In order to reopen the box, it is sufficient to lift the closure cover with a force such to overcome the friction between the closure flap and the margins of the first through slit, thus removing the closure flap from the aforesaid first through slit.

[0015] The boxes for containing bottles of the above-described known type have in practice proven that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0016] The main drawback of these boxes of known type is the fact that it is impossible to ensure a safe closure, free of tampering during transport, storage or sale of the box.

[0017] Indeed, the boxes of known type can be opened and closed as desired, without it being possible to verify if their content has been extracted or tampered with.

[0018] Therefore, during the transport, the storage or the sale of the bottles contained in the aforesaid boxes, anyone would be able to access them and take a bottle, with the consequent risk of economic damage for a subsequent consumer who purchased a tampered package.

[0019] In order to remedy the technical problem manifested by the aforesaid boxes, solutions are known which provide that at least one portion of the closure cover be fixed, for example with glue or with adhesive tape, to the walls or to the foldable wings.

[0020] Nevertheless, such solution has also in practice shown that it does not lack drawbacks.

[0021] In particular, such solution involves an assembly that is not easy, due to the glue previously placed placed on parts of the cover (or, indistinctly, of the walls or of the foldable wings).

[0022] Indeed, during the closure of the box, such glue can be inadvertently transported into other parts of the box, for example on parts of the box intended to house the bottles, therefore risking the dirtying of the bottles contained in the box itself.

[0023] A further drawback lies in the fact that such boxes cannot be transported or sold open or in die-cut form, without then requiring a further gluing operation that must be attained after the filling of the box.

[0024] In addition, a further drawback of the boxes of known type described above is the fact that it is impossible to newly reclose the box once it has been opened, since the capacity of adhesion of the glue is compromised.

[0025] The aforesaid drawback is particularly significant in the case of boxes containing a plurality of bottles, which can be picked up by the consumer in time periods that are distant from each other and in which there is the need to reclose the box from one pickup to the next.

[0026] A further drawback lies in the fact that such closure methods do not ensure a duration over time, in particular in the event in which the boxes are stored in settings that are not very suitable, in particular for a long time, where the glue or the adhesive tape could be degraded and not allow a correct adhesion of the cover.

[0027] A further drawback lies in the fact that such closure methods do not allow employing the boxes with or without the anti-tampering system, depending on the needs of the user, but always require carrying out the aforesaid gluing (and hence exploiting the anti-tampering system) in order to be able to close the box.

[0028] Also known are boxes for containing bottles provided with an anti-tampering portion which generally comprise a foldable tab, which is made on the cover and is delimited by a notched weaking edge. More in detail, such boxes are provided with an engagement opening in which the foldable tab is inserted with a non-reversible engagement, such that once the box is closed it is necessary to break the foldable tab, along the notching, in order to be able to reopen it, thus forming an anti-tampering seal.

[0029] For example, known is the document US 2021/371153, which describes a box provided with an anti-tampering portion, made on the cover, provided with a foldable tab.

[0030] The folded tab of the portion anti-tampering is inserted within a slit made on the top of the front wall of the box, opposite the cover, and is engaged in a through opening made on a lateral flap which is extended from a lateral wall of the same box. More in detail, the front wall is folded on itself, with the flap of the perimeter wall interposed, such that the foldable tab, once folded and inserted within the slit, can be elastically re-opened by engaging the opening made on the lateral flap in order to constrain the cover of the box with the flap of the lateral wall.

[0031] A further box of known type is described in the document GB 2578137, which is provided with an anti-tampering portion which is obtained by means of two access windows, made on the perimeter front wall, which can be broken by a user in order to access within the box and re-fold two tabs of the cover, allowing the reopening of the latter.

[0032] Nevertheless, also such box types have in practice proven that they do not lack drawbacks.

[0033] In particular, such box types are complicated and expensive to produce and assemble, and not very aesthetically pleasing or appreciable either.

[0034] In addition, such boxes of known type are not very robust, in particular during the step of first opening of the box, since they tend to be disassembled before the breakage of the anti-tampering portion.

[0035] In addition, the document IT 201900001388 is known, which describes a box provided with an anti-tampering portion provided with multiple tabs shaped for being engaged with non-reversible engagement in respective openings made on the perimeter wall. In particular, the tabs described in the box of the document IT 201900001388 are provided with an enlarged base, which has a width greater than the opening with which it is intended to be engaged, so as to allow the elastic insertion of the tab, however preventing the exit of the same tab, which must therefore be broken in order to allow the reopening of the box once closed.

[0036] Also such box type nevertheless has several drawbacks. In particular, such box type does not ensure the correct operation of the tamper evident band, and therefore is not effective as anti-tampering box.

Presentation of the finding

[0037] In this situation, the problem underlying the present finding is therefore that of overcoming the drawbacks shown by boxes of known type, by providing a box for containing bottles which allows signaling the tampering of the box and/or its contents.

[0038] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box which allows being closed in an effective and safe manner, without risking reopening of the cover.

[0039] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box which is capable of giving proof of its opening without requiring the use of further elements to apply to the box with tamper evident seal, such as for example glue or adhesive tape.

[0040] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box which allows being re-enclosed in an effective manner even after the first opening.

[0041] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box that allows being opened by breaking the relative tamper evident band in a simple manner and without excessive force.

[0042] A further object of the present finding is to provide a method for equipping a box which allows arranging an anti-tampering function of the box in a simple and quick manner, in particular without requiring the use of glue layers or adhesives.

[0043] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box and a method for equipping a box which are quick to assemble and attain.

[0044] A further object of the present finding is to provide a box that is easy and inexpensive to attain.

Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The technical characteristics of the invention, according to the aforesaid objects, can be clearly seen in the contents of the below-reported claims and the advantages thereof will be more evident in the following detailed description, made with reference to the enclosed drawings, which represent merely exemplifying and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, in which:

• figure 1 shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 2 shows a front perspective view of the box of figure 1;
• figure 3 shows a detail of a foldable wing of the box of figure 1;
• figure 4 shows a lateral section view of the box of figure 1, in which the first embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, is indicated before its closure;
• figure 5 shows a lateral section view of the box of figure 1, in which the first embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, is in the process of closing;
• figure 6 shows an enlargement of a portion of the lateral section view of figure 5, during the opening of the box, object of the present invention;
• figure 7 a plan view of a second embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 8 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 9 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 10 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 11 shows a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 12 shows a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled;
• figure 13 shows a plan view of a eighth embodiment of the box, object of the present invention, not assembled.

Detailed description of a preferred embodiment

[0046] With reference to the enclosed drawings, reference number 1 overall indicates a box for containing bottles according to the present invention, and preferably for containing alcoholic drinks, such as for example wine.

[0047] The box 1 it is intended to contain bottles of any type, such as for example "Bordeaux", "Burgundy", "Rhine" or still other types of bottles and preferably champagne bottles, known in the jargon of the field as "champagnotte" or a sparkling wine-type bottle. Of course, the box 1, object of the present finding, is intended to contain bottles of any form, different from that of the abovementioned bottles, without departing from the scope of the present patent.

[0048] In addition, the box 1 can be configured for containing bottles both in laid-down position, i.e. with the respective extension axes placed horizontally or, alternatively, in vertical position, with the respective extension axes placed vertically.

[0049] The present box 1 is advantageously made of cardboard, in particular of die-cut cardboard, and is preferably attained in a single body overall.

[0050] The present box 1 is provided with a bottom wall 2, which is perimetrically delimited by a lower edge 21, and with a perimeter wall 3, which rises starting from the lower edge 21 of the bottom wall 2, up to an upper edge 31, and delimits an access opening 32 for the insertion of the bottles in the box 1.

[0051] More in detail, the bottom wall 2 delimits, with the perimeter wall 3, a containment volume V adapted to contain one or more bottles in order to allow the storage and the transport thereof, and for such purpose the access opening 32 is intended to allow the insertion and the extraction of bottles from the aforesaid containment volume V.

[0052] Advantageously, in a non-limiting manner, the lower edge 21 of the bottom wall 2 has a polygonal, preferably rectangular shape.

[0053] Advantageously, in a non-limiting manner, the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3 has a polygonal, preferably rectangular shape, and is provided with multiple sides connected together to delimit the access opening 32.

[0054] In particular, the perimeter wall 3 is formed by multiple walls, each of which rising from the lower edge 21 of the bottom wall 2 up to a corresponding side of the upper edge 31. In accordance with the preferred embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the perimeter wall 3 is formed by four walls, including a first front wall 33, a second rear wall 34, which is opposite the front wall 33, and at least two third lateral walls 35, which are placed to connect between the first wall 33 and the second wall 34. In accordance with such embodiments the upper edge 31 is thus provided with four sides, preferably placed two-by-two parallel. Advantageously, the perimeter wall 3 is extended vertically from the bottom wall 2, substantially orthogonal with respect to the latter so as to define a prismatic containment volume V with the aforesaid bottom wall 2, preferably parallelepiped.

[0055] Advantageously, the perimeter wall 3 rises from the bottom wall 2 for a height at least equal to the size of the bottles to be contained. In particular, in the event in which the bottles are intended to be contained in the box 1 with their main extension axis placed perpendicular to the bottom wall 2, the height of the box will be greater than the height of the bottles measured along their main extension axis. Otherwise, in the event in which the bottles are intended to be contained in the box 1 with their main extension axis placed parallel to the bottom wall 2, the height of the box will be greater than the diameter of the bottle or the height of the superimposed layers of bottles.

[0056] The present box 1 also comprises at least one cover 4, which is intended to be placed at least partially to close the access opening 32 and is extended with a first fold 41 starting from a first side 310 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3. In particular, the cover 4 is movable around the first fold 41 between an open position, in which the cover 4 is lifted in order to free the access opening 32 and allow the insertion or the extraction of the bottles, and a closed position, in which the cover 4 is placed to at least partially close the access opening 32, preferably substantially set above the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3.

[0057] In particular, the cover 4 is extended longitudinally between the first fold 41 and a free edge 421, as better explained hereinbelow, which is preferably opposite the first fold 41. Advantageously, in addition, the cover 4 is extended transversely between two opposite lateral edges 4', which are placed to connect between the first fold 41 and the aforesaid front edge 421 and are preferably placed at the third lateral walls 35 of the perimeter wall 3 when the cover 4 is in closed position, in order to more greatly obstruct the access opening 32.

[0058] Advantageously, the box 1 can comprise more than a cover 4, being for example provided with two covers 4 that are extended with respective first folds 41, for example starting from opposite sides of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3, and each of such covers 4 is placed to close a portion of the access opening 32.

[0059] Preferably, in such case, the respective free edges 421 of the covers 4 are placed substantially close together, preferably at a median line, when the two covers 4 are in closure position, in order to close substantially the entire access opening 32.

[0060] The box 1 also comprises at least one shaped band 5 which is extended with a second fold 51 starting from the perimeter wall 3. Advantageously, the shaped band 5 is folded along the second fold 51 and is placed facing a wall of the perimeter wall 3.

[0061] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments from the first to the seventh, the shaped band 5 is extended, with the aforesaid second fold 51, towards the bottom wall 2, preferably starting from a second side 320 of the upper edge 31 of the same perimeter wall 3.

[0062] Otherwise, in accordance with the eighth embodiment, illustrated in figure 13, the shaped band 5 is extended, with the aforesaid second fold 51, from a lateral edge of the perimeter wall 3, and in particular from a lateral edge of the first front wall 33.

[0063] In particular, the aforesaid lateral edge of the first wall 33, from which the shaped band 5 is extended, is adjacent to a third wall 35 (lateral) of the same perimeter wall 3 and the shaped band 5 is extended with the aforesaid second fold 51 towards the opposite third wall 35, preferably adjacent to the perimeter wall 3.

[0064] Preferably, in accordance with such eighth embodiment, the box 1 comprises two distinct shaped bands 5, which are extended with respective second folds 51 from opposite lateral edges of the first wall 33, and are directed towards respective opposite third walls 35.

[0065] Advantageously, the second side 320 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3 is opposite the first side 310 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3 from which the cover 4 is extended, and preferably the second side 320 is substantially parallel to the first side 310.

[0066] In accordance with the preferred embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the first side 310 from which the cover 4 is extended is the side corresponding to the second wall 34 (rear) of the same perimeter wall 3, and the second side 320 from which the shaped band 5 is extended is the side corresponding to the first wall 33 (front) of the same perimeter wall 3. Advantageously, therefore, the shaped band 5 is placed facing the second wall 34 (front) of the box 1.

[0067] Preferably, in the case of box with rectangular section, the first side 310 from which the cover 4 is extended and the second side 320 from which the shaped band 5 is extended correspond to the long sides of the rectangular section.

[0068] Alternatively, in accordance with an embodiment variant not illustrated in the enclosed figures, the second side 320 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3 is connected to the first side 310 and is preferably placed substantially orthogonal with respect to the latter. In this manner, the shaped band 5 is not placed opposite the cover 4 but on one side adjacent to that from which the latter is extended and therefore is placed facing the third wall 34 (lateral) of the box 1.

[0069] Preferably, in such embodiment variant, the box 1 comprises two shaped bands 5, which are extended with respective second folds 51 from opposite sides of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3.

[0070] In accordance with such embodiment variant, the first side 310 from which the cover 4 is extended is the side corresponding to the second wall 34 (rear) of the same perimeter wall 3, while the second side 320 from which the shaped band 5 (or the second sides 320 in the case of two distinct shaped bands 5) is extended is the side corresponding to the third wall 35 (lateral) of the same perimeter wall 3.

[0071] Of course, the cover 4 and the shaped band 5 can also be made starting from different sides of the upper edge 31 or of lateral edges of the perimeter wall 3 with respect to those described above, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention.

[0072] Advantageously, the cover 4 and the shaped band 5 are made in a single body with the perimeter wall 3 from which they are extended, and preferably also with the bottom wall 2.

[0073] The cover 4 also comprises at least one retention band 42, which is intended to be placed facing the shaped band 5 when the cover 4 is placed to close the access opening 32. The retention band 42 can be placed either laterally or frontally on the cover 4.

[0074] Advantageously, in particular in the case of two shaped bands 5, the cover 4 is provided with two retention bands 42, preferably lateral, both intended to be placed facing a corresponding shaped band 5 when the cover 4 is in closure position.

[0075] In accordance with the idea underlying the present invention, the cover 4 comprises at least one anti-tampering portion 6, which is delimited by a weakening line 61, and is placed at least partially on the retention band 42 of the cover 4.

[0076] The retention band 42 comprises at least one foldable wing 7, which is extended with a third fold 71, starting from the anti-tampering portion 6, and is foldable along the third fold 71, in a folded portion, towards the anti-tampering portion 6, in order to form an acute angle with the anti-tampering portion 6.

[0077] More in detail, the foldable wing 7 is foldable between a non-folded position, in which it is placed substantially aligned, preferably on the same plane as the anti-tampering portion 6, and a folded portion, in which the foldable wing 7 is folded substantially by 180° in order to face, preferably in abutment, the anti-tampering portion 6.

[0078] In particular, the foldable wing 7 is folded towards the wall of the perimeter wall 3 from which the shaped band 5 is extended. In other words, the foldable wing 7 is advantageously folded towards the outside of the box 1.

[0079] The shaped band 5 comprises an engagement opening 50 and the foldable wing 7 in folded portion is susceptible of being mechanically engaged with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5, in order to retain the cover 4 to close the access opening 32. Advantageously, the engagement opening 50 is through, and preferably in window form.

[0080] Advantageously, the anti-tampering portion 6 is intended to be removed from the rest of the cover 4, along the aforesaid weakening line 61, in order to attain a first opening of the box 1, subsequent to a first closure following which the foldable wing 7 engages the engagement opening 50.

[0081] In particular, with the foldable wing 7 engaged in the engagement opening 50, the cover 4 can be lifted by breaking the weakening line 61 in order to allow the opening of the box 1.

[0082] In particular, the weakening line 61 is advantageously attained by means of a plurality of notches or holes aligned with each other, which allow an easy separation of the anti-tampering portion 6, during the reopening of the cover 4.

[0083] In this manner, the aforesaid first closure of the box 1 with the foldable wing 7 coupled with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5, defines a tamper evident band of the box 1, which allows abutting if the box 1 was opened following the first closure.

[0084] Advantageously, the foldable wing 7 is configured for elastically returning towards a non-folded position, in which it is placed substantially aligned with the anti-tampering portion 6, and abuts against the perimeter wall 3.

[0085] In particular, the foldable wing 7 is intended to engage the engagement opening 50 and abut against the wall of the second side 320 from which the shaped band 5 is extended, which is the first front wall 33 in the preferred embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures.

[0086] The elasticity of the foldable wing 7 is advantageously given by its re-folding around the third fold 71 between the non-folded position and the folded portion, in an opposite direction with respect to its normal extension. Such re-folding action implies that the foldable wing 7 tends to elastically return from the folded portion towards the non-folded position, nevertheless intercepting the perimeter wall 3 and hence not allowing the release of the same foldable wing 7 from the shaped band 5.

[0087] Advantageously, the distance between the third fold 71 of the foldable wing 7 and the perimeter wall 3 is smaller than the depth of the same foldable wing 7, measured between the aforesaid third fold 71 and a terminal edge 70 thereof, in order to ensure the mechanical engagement between the foldable wing 7 and the perimeter wall 3.

[0088] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments from the first to the seventh illustrated in figures 1, 7-12, the box 1 comprises only one anti-tampering portion 6 and only one foldable wing 7, and these are preferably placed in central position on the cover 4. More in detail, the cover 4 is advantageously provided with a plane of symmetry placed orthogonal to the bottom wall 2 and to the first wall 33 from which the cover 4 is extended, and the anti-tampering portion 6 and the foldable wing 7 are symmetric with respect to such plane of symmetry.

[0089] Otherwise, in accordance with the eighth embodiment illustrated in figure 13, the box 1 comprises two anti-tampering portions 6, which are extended preferably laterally, starting from the free edge 421 of the retention band 42.

[0090] In accordance with the aforesaid eighth embodiment, the box 1 also comprises two foldable wings 7, which are preferably placed symmetric with respect to the aforesaid symmetry plane.

[0091] Advantageously, in accordance with the aforesaid embodiments from the first to the seventh, the retention band 42 is provided with two lateral portions which are separated from each other by the aforesaid foldable wing 7. Advantageously, the lateral portions of the retention band 42 act as reclosure elements, since they allow retaining the cover 4 in closure position even if reclosed following the first opening. More in detail, the lateral portions of the retention band 42 are susceptible of interfering via friction against the shaped band 5 and/or against the walls (e.g. the third lateral walls 35) of the perimeter wall 3.

[0092] Advantageously, the shaped band 5 delimits with the perimeter wall 3, in particular with the respective wall from which the same shaped band 5 is extended, a housing volume V', accessible from the engagement opening 50.

[0093] Advantageously, the foldable wing 7 is susceptible of occupying the aforesaid housing volume V' when the cover 4 is placed to close the access opening 32.

[0094] More in detail, the foldable wing 7 is interposed between the perimeter wall 3 and a rear face of the shaped band 5, directed towards the same perimeter wall 3.

[0095] Advantageously, the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5 is placed spaced from the second side 320 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3.

[0096] In particular, the shaped band 5 comprises an abutment wall 52, which is extended between the second fold 51 and the engagement opening 50.

[0097] In this manner, the housing volume V' is extended from the engagement opening 50 at least towards the second side 320 of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3, and the foldable wing 7 is oriented substantially vertically in the aforesaid housing volume V', being directed towards such second side 320.

[0098] Advantageously, the abutment wall 52 is arranged for being at least partially interposed between the anti-tampering portion 6 and the foldable wing 7 when the cover 4 is placed to close the access opening 32.

[0099] Advantageously, the engagement opening 50 is extended as a rectangular window between an upper abutment wall 500, and an opposite lower wall 501, and is laterally delimited by two lateral walls 502.

[0100] Of course, it is also possible to provide for an engagement opening 50 of different shape, polygonal or otherwise, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention. In addition, the engagement opening 50 can also lack the lower wall 501, for example being substantially extended up to the bottom wall 2 of the box 1.

[0101] Advantageously, the abutment wall 52 is extended between the second fold 51 and the upper wall 500 of the engagement opening 50, which is thus advantageously interposed between the anti-tampering portion 6 and the foldable wing 7 when the cover 4 is placed to close the access opening 32. In particular, the upper wall 500 of the engagement opening 50 acts in abutment against the foldable wing 7, in particular at the third fold 71, when the user tries to lift the cover 4, ensuring the locking of the anti-tampering portion 6 in position.

[0102] As is visible in figure 6, indeed, when the cover 4 is closed and the foldable wing 7 is coupled in the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5, a situation is formed in which the foldable wing 7 is interposed between the perimeter wall 3 and the shaped band 5, and the shaped band 5 is in turn interposed between the foldable wing 7 and the anti-tampering portion 6.

[0103] Advantageously, the foldable wing 7 is extended from the third fold 71 up to a terminal edge 70 thereof, and such terminal edge 70 of the foldable wing 7 is preferably placed at a distance from the second fold 51 of the shaped band 5 which is less than the distance between the upper wall 500 of the engagement opening 50 and the second fold 51.

[0104] Advantageously, the cover 4 also comprises a closure portion 43, which is extended from the first fold 41 and is susceptible of being placed to close the access opening 32. Preferably, the closure portion 43 is extended for an area which corresponds to the area defined by the access opening 32, in order to substantially totally cover it when the cover 4 is in closure position.

[0105] Advantageously, the retention band 42 is extended from the closure portion 43 with a fourth fold 420, preferably parallel to the third fold 71 of the foldable wing 7, up to a free edge 421 thereof.

[0106] Advantageously, in accordance for example with the embodiments from the first to the fifth and the seventh, the anti-tampering portion 6 is partly placed on the retention band 42 of the cover 4 and partly on the closure portion 43 of the latter.

[0107] Otherwise, in accordance for example with the sixth and eighth embodiment illustrated in figures 11 and 13, the anti-tampering portion 6 is placed completely on the retention band 42 of the cover 4.

[0108] In particular, in accordance for example with the embodiments from the first to the fifth and the seventh, the anti-tampering portion 6 comprises a first portion 601, placed on the closure portion 43 of the cover 4 and a second portion 602, placed on the retention band 42 of the same cover 4. Advantageously, the foldable wing 7 is extended starting from the second portion 602 of the anti-tampering portion 6. In particular, when the foldable wing 7 is in non-folded position, it is placed aligned and substantially coplanar to the second portion 602 of the anti-tampering portion 6, while when the foldable wing 7 is in folded portion it is placed facing the second portion 602 of the anti-tampering portion 6.

[0109] Advantageously, the first portion 601 of the anti-tampering portion 6 is extended from the fourth fold 420 towards the first fold 41 of the cover 4 and preferably has a substantially trapezoidal shape, with the greater base placed at the fourth fold 420.

[0110] Advantageously, the second portion 602 of the anti-tampering portion 6 is instead extended between the fourth fold 420 and the third fold 71, from which the foldable wing 7 is extended, and preferably has a substantially rectangular shape.

[0111] Advantageously, the third fold 71 from which the foldable wing 7 is extended is interposed between the fourth fold 420 and the free edge 421 of the retention band 42, spaced from the same free edge 421, and the foldable wing 7 is delimited laterally by two lateral notches made on the cover 4, which are extended from the third fold 71 up to the free edge of the retention band 42. The aforesaid lateral notches advantageously allow making the foldable wing 7 in a single body with the rest of the cover 4, simultaneously without this projecting from the retention band 42 of the cover 4, and allow the foldable wing 7 to be able to be folded around the third fold 71 for the subsequent coupling in the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5.

[0112] Otherwise, as illustrated in figures 10-13, the weakening line 61 that delimits the anti-tampering portion 6 is advantageously extended up to the free edge 421 of the retention band 42, and the foldable wing 7 is extended projectingly starting from the free edge 421, up to a terminal edge 70 thereof. In this case notches will not preferably be necessary on the cover 4 since the foldable wing 7 is connected to the rest of the cover 4 by means of only the third fold 71 and hence is already foldable around the latter.

[0113] Advantageously, the third fold 71 of the foldable wing 7 is extended between a first end 71' and a second end 71", and the weakening line 61 is extended in closed line form between the first end 71' and the second end 71" of the third fold 71.

[0114] Advantageously, in accordance for example with the embodiments from one to four and six, the box 1 comprises a false bottom portion 8, which is extended, preferably in a single body, with a fifth fold 81 starting from the shaped band 5.

[0115] More in detail, the shaped band 5 is extended, parallel to the perimeter wall 3, from the second fold 51 up to the fifth fold 81, from which the false bottom portion 8 is extended. In accordance with the second embodiment, in addition, the housing opening 50 is extended preferably up to the fifth fold 81.

[0116] Advantageously, the false bottom portion 8 is extended orthogonal with respect to the shaped band 5 and is preferably placed set on the bottom wall 2 of the box 1.

[0117] The false bottom portion 8 is advantageously intended to receive in abutment the bottles to be contained within the box 1.

[0118] The false bottom portion 8 can be substantially planar, for example in accordance with the first embodiment, or alternatively it can comprise one or more dividing flaps which are formed by means of notches and are intended to be lifted in order to project from the false bottom portion 8 itself and allow maintaining the bottles placed within the box 1 divided.

[0119] In an entirely exemplifying and non-limiting manner the second embodiment provides that two substantially C-shaped dividing flaps project from the false bottom portion. The third and the fourth embodiment instead provide that five dividing flaps project from the false bottom portion adapted to divide six bottles from each other, to be contained within the box 1.

[0120] Otherwise, in accordance with the fifth embodiment, illustrated in figure 10, the box 1 does not comprise a false bottom portion 8, but is provided with pack-stopper portion 10, which is extended with a fold thereof starting from the shaped band 5, and is intended to be placed substantially orthogonal with respect to the shaped band 5, within the containment volume V.

[0121] In particular, the pack-stopper portion 10 is provided with a plurality of through openings intended to house the neck of a respective bottle in order to retain the latter in a stable position within the box.

[0122] Advantageously, the shaped band 5 can be at least partially glued to the lateral wall 3 so as to be maintained in the correct position in order to obtain an efficient operation of the box 1. In such case, the box 1 preferably lacks the false bottom portion 8.

[0123] Advantageously, in accordance with the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, the box 1 comprises at least one lateral wing 9, and preferably two lateral wings 9, which are extended starting from one side of the upper edge 31 of the perimeter wall 3.

[0124] In particular, in the case of two lateral wings 9, these are extended from opposite sides, in particular the third and fourth side of the upper edge 31.

[0125] The lateral wings 9 are advantageously intended to be placed to cover the bottles contained within the box 1, below with respect to the cover 4.

[0126] Advantageously, the lateral wings 9 are configured for being spaced by an interspace from the perimeter wall 3, in particular at the second side 320 from which the shaped band 5 is extended.

[0127] In this manner, the lateral portions of the retention band 42 can be inserted in the aforesaid interspaces in order to increase the friction and the seal of the cover 4 in closure position also following the first opening of the box 1.

[0128] Advantageously, the lateral wings 9 can also be provided with dividing tabs 90, as in the case of the embodiments from one to three, or otherwise they can lack such dividing tabs 90 as in the case of embodiments four and five, illustrated in figures 9 and 10.

[0129] The dividing tabs 90 of the lateral wings 9 are advantageously made from respective folds and are intended to be folded towards the bottom wall 2 so as to compartmentalize the containment volume V in order to separate the bottles contained in the latter.

[0130] In the present description of the present box 1, "bottom wall 2" by convention was indicated to be the wall illustrated as lower wall in the enclosed figures, and "cover 4" was indicated to be the wall illustrated as upper wall in the enclosed figures. Nevertheless, it is possible to consider the box 1 also rotated on one side, in which the bottom wall 2 and the cover 4 are placed at two opposite lateral walls of the box 1, without departing from the protective scope of the present patent.

[0131] In addition, with the term "bottom wall" it can be intended both a single wall that on its own defines the bottom of the aforesaid box 1, and multiple walls that are connected to each other in order to form the bottom of the same box 1, without departing from the protective scope of the present invention.

[0132] Advantageously, indeed, the box 1 provides for a bottom wall 2 in automatic bottom form, i.e. composed of multiple wings that are engaged together in order to form a single bottom wall 2 of the box 1.

[0133] More in detail, the bottom wall 2 comprises two first lower wings 22, extended starting from the lower edge 21 of the third and fourth side, from which the two above-described lateral wings 9 are extended.

[0134] In addition, the bottom wall 2 advantageously comprises two second lower wings 23, extended starting from the lower edge 21, including preferably a second lower wing 23 placed on the same side from which the cover 4 is extended, and the other second lower wing 23 placed on the same side from which the shaped band 5 is extended.

[0135] Advantageously, in addition, each of the first lower wings 22 is hinged to a corresponding wing of the second lower wings 23 along a junction line 24, which is tilted with respect to the lower edge 31.

[0136] In accordance with a possible embodiment, the junction line 24, along which a first and a second lower wing 22, 23 are hinged, coincides with a fold line provided on the second lower wing 23, and from such fold line the second lower wing 23 is extended with a junction flap 23' susceptible of being fixed to the first lower wing 22. Advantageously, in this manner, the first and the second lower wing 22, 23 are joined together by the aforesaid junction flap 23', with the second lower wing 23 free to rotate with respect to the first lower wing 22 around the junction line 24.

[0137] In operation, indeed, the first lower wing 22 is susceptible of being rotated with respect to the second lower wing 23 around the corresponding junction line 24 between a retracted position and an extended position.

[0138] More in detail, in the aforesaid retracted position the first and the second lower wing 22, 23 are susceptible of being placed substantially parallel to each other and parallel to the perimeter wall 3 of the box 1, with the box 1 placed in a collapsed configuration and not suitable for containing the bottles at its interior.

[0139] In addition, in the extended position, the first and the second lower wing 22, 23 are susceptible of being placed coplanar with respect to each other and perpendicular to the perimeter wall 3, with the box 1 placed in an open configuration adapted to contain the bottles at its interior.

[0140] Advantageously, in the aforesaid open configuration of the box 1, the first and the second lower wing 22, 23 substantially constitute one half of the bottom wall 2 and are susceptible of being fit with the corresponding opposite first and second lower wings 22, 23 in order to constitute the entire bottom wall 2.

[0141] The two pairs of lower wings hinged together along the junction line 24 are thus susceptible of being fit together, e.g. via shape coupling or via partial superimposition, along an engagement line 25, which is extended advantageously parallel to the first and second side 310, 320 and in the middle line on the bottom wall 2 itself.

[0142] Advantageously, the bottom wall 2 thus attained is susceptible of being constituted by a shape fitting of the first and second lower wings 22, 23 and allows a quicker assembly of the box 1, since it does not require fixing the first and second lower wings 22, 23, for example by means of adhesive tape or other fixing means.

[0143] Of course the bottom wall 2 can also be made in other ways without departing from the protective scope of the present patent. For example, the box 1 can be provided with a bottom wall of the type known in the field as "American bottom" in which the lower wings are simply surmounted and fixed together by means of adhesive tape.

[0144] Also forming the object of the present invention is a method for equipping an anti-tampering box 1, which comprises a step of arranging a box for containing bottles of the above-described type.

[0145] The method also comprises a folding step, in which the foldable wing 7 is folded around the third fold 71, towards the anti-tampering portion 6, up to forming an acute angle with the anti-tampering portion 6, and a closing step, in which the cover 4 is brought to close the access opening 32, with the foldable wing 7, folded, which slides interposed between the anti-tampering portion 6 and the shaped band 5, up to being mechanically engaged with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening 50 of the shaped band 5, in order to retain the cover 4 to close the access opening 32.

[0146] More in detail, in operation a user, starting from a cardboard die-cut of the type shown in figures 1 and from 7 to 10, proceeds to arrange the bottom wall 2, which can be made in automatic bottom form, and subsequently re-folds the shaped band 5 along the second fold 51 in order to place it facing with respect to the perimeter wall 3.

[0147] Advantageously, in the event in which the box 1 also comprises a false bottom portion 8, the user places such false bottom portion 8 set against the bottom wall 2 of the box 1.

[0148] At such point the user therefore re-folds, as described above, the foldable wing 7, from the non-folded position to the folded portion. Preferably, such operation provides for the folding of the foldable wing 7 substantially by 180°, so as to bring the latter facing with respect to the anti-tampering portion 6, in particular facing the second portion 602 of the anti-tampering portion 6.

[0149] Advantageously, during the closing step, the user maintains the foldable wing 7 in abutment against the anti-tampering portion 6 in order to allow the insertion of the retention band 42 within the containment volume V, facing the shaped band 5, with the foldable wing 7 which substantially slides along the shaped band 5. In such closing step, the user pushes the cover 4 up to reaching the free edge 421 of the retention band 42 in abutment against the bottom wall 2, or against the false bottom portion 8 if present, in order to mechanically couple the foldable wing 7 in the housing opening 50.

[0150] Advantageously, following the aforesaid non-reversible mechanical coupling, the foldable wing 7 is elastically brought, due to the action exerted by the third fold 71, to return towards the non-folded position, determining the elastic return of the foldable wing 7 up to bringing it in abutment against the perimeter wall 3.

[0151] In this manner, when a user will provide to execute the first opening, following the above-described preparation operation, he/she will lift the cover 4 up to bringing the foldable wing 7, substantially at the third fold 71, to intercept the upper wall 500 of the engagement opening 50.

[0152] The mechanical collaboration between the foldable wing 7 and the upper wall 500 of the engagement opening 50 ensures that the user perceives a strong force, which is opposed to the opening of the cover 4. At such point, if the user continues with the lifting of the cover 4 he/she will obtain the breakage of the weakening line 61 and the consequent separation of the anti-tampering portion 6 from the rest of the cover 4, so as to obtain proof of the first opening of the box 1.

[0153] The invention thus conceived therefore attains the pre-established objects.

Claims

1. Box for containing bottles, which comprises:

- a bottom wall (2), which is perimetrically delimited by a lower edge (21);

- a perimeter wall (3), which rises starting from the lower edge (21) of said bottom wall (2), up to an upper edge (31), and delimits an opening access (32) for the insertion of said bottles in said box (1);

- a cover (4), which is intended to be placed to at least partially cover said opening access (32) and is extended with a first fold (41) starting from a first side (310) of the upper edge (31) of said perimeter wall (3);

- at least one shaped band (5) which is extended with a second fold (51) starting from said perimeter wall (3);

said cover (4) comprising a retention band (42), which is intended to be placed facing said shaped band (5) when said cover (4) is placed to close said opening access (32);

wherein said cover (4) comprises at least one anti-tampering portion (6), delimited by a weakening line (61) which is placed at least partially on the retention band (42) of said cover (4);

said retention band (42) comprising at least one foldable wing (7), which is extended with a third fold (71), starting from said anti-tampering portion (6), and is foldable along said third fold (71), in a folded portion, towards said anti-tampering portion (6), in order to form an acute angle with said anti-tampering portion (6);

said shaped band (5) comprising an engagement opening (50) and said foldable wing (7) in said folded portion being susceptible of being mechanically engaged with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening (50) of said shaped band (5), in order to retain said cover (4) to close said opening access (32);

wherein said shaped band (5) comprises an abutment wall (52), which is extended between said second fold (51) and said engagement opening (50);

said box being characterized in that said abutment wall (52) is at least partially interposed between said anti-tampering portion (6) and said foldable wing (7) when said cover (4) is placed to close said access opening (32).

2. Box according to claim 1, characterized in that, with said foldable wing (7) engaged in the engagement opening (50), said weakening line is susceptible of being broken following the lifting of said cover (4), in order to allow the opening thereof.

3. Box according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said foldable wing (7) is configured for elastically returning towards a non-folded position, in which said foldable wing (7) is placed substantially aligned with said anti-tampering portion (6), and abuts against said perimeter wall (3).

4. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaped band (5) is extended with said second fold (51), towards said bottom wall (2), starting from a second side (320) of the upper edge (31) of said perimeter wall (3).

5. Box according to claim 3 and 4, characterized in that said perimeter wall (3) is formed by multiple walls, each of which rising from the lower edge (21) of said bottom wall (2) up to a corresponding side of said upper edge (31);
in which said foldable wing (7) is intended to engage said engagement opening (50) and to abut against the wall of said perimeter wall (3), such wall rising up to the second side (320) of said upper edge (31), and from such second side (320) said shaped band (5) is extended.

6. Box according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the engagement opening (50) of said shaped band (5) is placed spaced from the second side (320) of the upper edge (31) of said perimeter wall (3).

7. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said shaped band (5) delimits, with said perimeter wall (3), a housing volume (V'), accessible from said engagement opening (50);
said foldable wing (7) being susceptible of occupying said housing volume (V) when said cover (4) is placed to close said opening access (32).

8. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said cover (4) comprises a closure portion (43), which is extended from said first fold (41) and is susceptible of being placed to close said opening access (32);
said retention band (42) extended from said closure portion (43) with a fourth fold (420), up to a free edge (421) thereof, and being susceptible of being placed facing with respect to said perimeter wall (3).

9. Box according to claim 8, characterized in that the third fold (71) from which said foldable wing (7) is extended is interposed between said fourth fold (420) and the free edge (421) of said retention band (42), spaced from said free edge (421);
said foldable wing (7) being delimited laterally by two lateral notches obtained on said cover (4), which are extended from said third fold (71) up to the free edge (421) of said retention band (42).

10. Box according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the weakening line (61) delimiting said anti-tampering portion (6) is extended up to the free edge (421) of said retention band (42); said foldable wing (7) extended projectingly starting from said free edge (421), up to a terminal edge (70) thereof.

11. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the third fold (71) of said foldable wing (7) is extended between a first end and a second end;
said weakening line extended in closed line form between the first end and the second end of said third fold (71).

12. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a false bottom portion (8), which is extended with a fifth fold (81) starting from said shaped band (5), and such shaped band (5) is extended, parallel to said perimeter wall (3), from said second fold (51) up to said fifth fold (81), from which said false bottom portion (8) is extended;
in which said false bottom portion (8) is extended orthogonal with respect to said shaped band (5) and is placed set on said bottom wall (2) and is intended to abuttingly receive said bottles.

13. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said foldable wing (7) is interposed between said perimeter wall (3) and a rear face of said shaped band (5), which is directed towards said perimeter wall (3).

14. Box according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said foldable wing (7) is extended from said third fold (71) up to a terminal edge (70) thereof and said abutment wall (52) is extended between said second fold (51) and an upper wall (500) of said engagement opening (50);
in which, when said cover (4) is placed to close said access opening (32), the terminal edge (70) of said foldable wing (7) is placed at a distance from the second fold (51) of said shaped band (5) which is less than the distance between the upper wall (500) of said engagement opening (50) and said second fold (51).

15. Method for equipping an anti-tampering box, said method comprising:

- a step of arranging a box for containing bottles, according to any one of the preceding claims;

- a folding step, in which said foldable wing (7) is folded around said third fold (71), towards said anti-tampering portion (6), up to forming an acute angle with said anti-tampering portion (6);

a closing step, in which said cover (4) is brought to close said opening access (32), with said foldable wing (7) folded which slides interposed between said anti-tampering portion (6) and said shaped band (5), up to being mechanically engaged with non-reversible engagement in the engagement opening (50) of said shaped band (5), in order to retain said cover (4) to close said opening access (32), with said abutment wall (52) which is at least partially interposed between said anti-tampering portion (6) and said foldable wing (7) when said cover (4) is placed to close said access opening (32).

Drawing