US20060289334A1

US20060289334A1 - Assembly for transporting and presenting at least one object, a packaging method using such an assembly, and an opening method

Info

Publication number: US20060289334A1
Application number: US11/452,963
Authority: US
Inventors: Bernard Lechelle; Vincent Lemaire
Original assignee: LOreal SA
Current assignee: LOreal SA
Priority date: 2005-06-22
Filing date: 2006-06-15
Publication date: 2006-12-28

Abstract

An assembly for transporting and presenting at least one object may include: a box including a first portion and a second portion that is connected in a separable manner to the first portion; and a display tray disposed inside the box and fastened to the second portion. The display tray may include a holding wall configured to hold one or more objects. The holding wall may be disposed relative to the second portion in such as manner as to form, below the holding wall, and between the holding wall and the second portion, a space in which the one or more objects may extend, at least in part.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional application claims the benefit of French Application No. 05 51710 filed on Jun. 22, 2005, French Application No. 05 52881 filed on Sep. 26, 2005, French Application No. 05 53851 filed on Dec. 13, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/698,005 filed on Jul. 12, 2005, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/755,061 filed on Jan. 3, 2006, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an assembly for transporting and for presenting at least one object, and to a method of packaging at least one object in such an assembly, a method of opening such an assembly, and a sheet of cardboard or the like used in fabricating such an assembly.

BACKGROUND

There exists a need: to benefit from a transport assembly that may also be used to present packaged object(s); to make it easier to automate operations of packaging one or more objects in an assembly that is used both for transporting the object(s) and for presenting the object(s), for example, in a shop display; to benefit from an assembly that is compatible with being erected automatically, and that is capable of effectively protecting the packaged object(s) therein, while, for economic and/or ecological reasons, using as little material as possible; to benefit from an assembly that reduces the risks of poor folding; to make it easier to put objects onto shelf space in a shop, for example, reducing handling of the objects; and to improve holding the objects in position.
International applications WO 03/011709and WO 2004/02837 disclose a transport box that is capable of transforming into a display tray by a system of perforations. A drawback of such a box is that, once a remainder of the box has been detached, the perforations may be seen on the display tray, and that may turn out to be unattractive.
Patent applications FR 2 795 390 and FR 2 795 050 describe trays that are surmounted by a lid, and that are secured to the lid via a side that is separable.
Patent application FR 2 815 015 discloses a box comprising a tray and a cover that are secured together, and that are easy to separate.

SUMMARY

A drawback of known devices resides in the fragility of the packaging that is used for transporting the objects.
Another drawback is the need for manual packaging steps.
An additional drawback lies in the separate fabrication of the box and of the display tray, and in the subsequent assembly thereof together before the objects may be inserted, which requires two different production lines.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention seek to remedy all or part of these drawbacks, and to satisfy all or part of these needs.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may achieve this by an assembly for transporting and for presenting at least one object, the assembly comprising: a box comprising a first portion that may be made from a plurality of parts, and a second portion that is connected in a separable manner to the first portion; and a display tray disposed inside the box, and including at least one wall that is fastened in a permanent or removable manner to the second portion.
According to various exemplary embodiments, fabrication of the transport assembly may be automated more easily, with the wall of the display tray and the second portion of the box possibly being assembled together before performing operations of shaping the assembly.
In addition, exemplary embodiments of the assembly may provide increased strength without having to use a heavier sheet for the box, for example, as a result of the assembly being thicker where the wall of the display tray is fastened onto the second portion of the box. This may result in a savings in material.
The second portion may comprise a bottom wall of the box. The wall of the display tray may comprise a bottom wall of the display tray. In such case, the bottom wall of the box and the bottom wall of the display tray may be fastened together, thereby reinforcing the packaging where weight of the objects is applied.
Also, the second portion may reduce the risk of the sheet for forming the display tray being poorly folded in a boxing machine.
The wall of the display tray that is fastened to the second portion of the box may be fastened by various means, for example, by adhesive or stapling, or by any other optionally permanent fastening technique.
The first portion of the box may comprise at least one side upright, and better two side uprights.
At least one of the display tray and the box may comprise cardboard or the like, for example, corrugated or flat cardboard.
The display tray and the box may comprise various materials. For example, the display tray may comprise decorated cardboard, for example, covered in varnish. For example, the display tray may comprise flat cardboard, and the box may comprise corrugated cardboard. The display tray may comprise a plastics material, for example, a sheet of flat or corrugated material made from at least one plastics material.
The term “cardboard” refers to a structure comprising one or more planar and/or corrugated sheets of overall weight greater than 90 grams per square meter (g/m²), for example, greater than or equal to 190 g/m², or even greater than 200 g/m². For example, corrugated cardboard may comprise three sheets, having one corrugated sheet that is sandwiched between two planar sheets.
The term “cardboard or the like” refers to a sheet of cardboard, or a sheet of an optionally-composite material having substantially the same mechanical behavior as cardboard.
Where appropriate or desired, the sheets of cardboard used to make the display tray may be subjected to a solid bleached sulfate (SBS) treatment, and may include a surface film.
An outside of the cardboard may be covered in a varnish that contains at least one additive seeking to reduce deterioration of the box or the display tray under an effect of light, for example, yellowing of the sheet and/or spoiling of underlying printing.
Such a surface coating may be useful, for example, for the display tray, which, where appropriate or desired, may remain on display over a certain period of time, and is therefore subject to deterioration in appearance, which may be detrimental to sale of the displayed objects.
The display tray may comprise a sheet that is printed before or after a protective varnish has been deposited, where appropriate or desired. The varnish, if any, may be applied by various techniques, for example, by offset, letterpress, flexograpic, or silk-screen printing.
The first and second portions of the box may be connected in a separable manner via at least one breakable zone. For example, the breakable zone may comprise at least one of a tear-off strip and a perforated line formed in the box, this list not being limiting.
The wall of the display tray may be fastened in a removable manner to the second portion, for example, by a suitable adhesive, or a plurality of adhesive spots that may be detached.
The breakable zone may comprise a perforated line that is situated set back from a corresponding edge of the bottom wall of the display tray, for example, a side edge. This may make it possible, when the first portion and the second portion are separated, for the breakable zone to be hidden better, which may be desirable when the zone includes irregularities spoiling the appearance of the display tray.
The display tray may include at least one side upright that is connected to the bottom wall of the display tray, and the box may include at least one side upright that is connected to the bottom wall of the box. The side uprights of the display tray and the box may advantageously not be fastened together, thereby making it easier to raise the uprights simultaneously in a boxing machine used to erect the assemblies, for example.
In exemplary embodiments, the display tray may include two side uprights that are connected to the bottom wall of the display tray, and a rear upright that is connected to the bottom wall of the display tray, each of the two side uprights of the display tray possibly including a flap that is fastened onto the rear upright of the display tray.
The display tray may include two side uprights that are connected to the bottom wall of the display tray, and a holding wall that extends transversally to the side uprights, both above and at a distance from the bottom wall of the display tray, thereby making it easier to hold relatively unstable objects in the display tray, for example.
The holding wall may include cutouts configured to receive objects. For example, the cutouts may be of a shape that corresponds to a shape of the objects, so as to hold the objects therein. For example, the cutouts may have a shape that substantially corresponds to a shape of two objects disposed side by side. The cutouts may also be individual, and may each receive one object. For example, the cutouts may prevent the objects from toppling over while the box is being transported, during unpacking, and while the objects are being displayed in the display tray.
The holding wall may be made of a plastics material, for example, a transparent material. The side uprights may optionally be made of a plastics material, for example, a transparent plastics material, as may the bottom wall of the display tray. The box may be made of cardboard or the like.
In exemplary embodiments, the breakable zone may comprise a perforated line formed in the box between the bottom wall of the box and a side upright of the box.
Exemplary embodiments of the transport and presentation assembly may include a breakable zone comprising a tear-off strip that belongs to, e.g., is part of, the bottom wall of the box, or a side upright of the box.
For example, the assembly may include two tear-off strips, one on either side of the bottom wall of the box, or, in other exemplary embodiments, a single tear-off strip on one side of the bottom wall of the box, and a perforated line on the other side of the bottom wall of the box.
Advantageously, the tear-off strip(s) may not be formed on the bottom wall of the box, thereby enabling tearing to be performed without any need to turn over the box, for example.
The box alone need not form a sealed enclosure. In such case, an outer face of the assembly may be defined, at least in part, by the display tray, for example, firstly by at least one rear upright of the box, and secondly by the rear upright of the display tray. This may make it easier to shape the display tray and/or the box. For example, it may make adhesion easier and/or may make it easier to limit a number of packaging steps by making a plurality of folds simultaneously, for example. In such case, the rear upright of the box and the rear upright of the display tray may be juxtaposed one on top of the other, for example.
The box may include a lid, for example, made integrally, i.e., monolithically, with a remainder of the box.
In exemplary embodiments in which the box includes two side uprights that are connected to the bottom wall of the box, the first portion may include two separate parts, for example, when the sheet for forming the box is laid out flat. One of the side uprights of the box may be connected to the lid of the box, and the other of the side uprights may include a tongue that is configured to be fastened onto the lid of the box.
The box may include a front upright that is connected to the lid of the box. In such case, the front face of the assembly may be defined by the front upright of the box. Each of the two side uprights of the box may include a flap that is configured to be fastened onto the front upright of the box while the box is being assembled. The front upright of the box need not be fastened to the display tray.
The display tray and the second portion of the box may be configured to separate into at least two parts once the first and second portions have been separated.
In exemplary embodiments, the bottom wall of the box and the bottom wall of the display tray may be separated into two by a line of cut, for example, a central line, so as to form two parts situated one on either side of the line of cut, for example, symmetrical relative to each other, so as to obtain two identical display trays once the two parts have been separated. The line of cut may correspond to a complete cut, i.e., no bridge of material existing between the two parts situated on either side of the line, such that the box and the display tray immediately separate into two parts as soon as the breakable zone is torn off, without any need to perform any additional tearing.
In exemplary embodiments, the tear-off strip may include a reinforcing strip over an entire length. For example, the reinforcing strip may comprise a plastics strip that is bonded to the tear-off strip along the entire length thereof. The reinforcing strip may prevent the tear-off strip from being removed over a fraction of its length only, for example, when the tear-off strip is torn off by the user taking hold of one end thereof. The assembly may contain a plurality of articles that are identical or different, for example, promotional objects, or objects containing compositions of different shades. For example, the objects may be arranged in an ordered manner on the display tray. A height of each object may be greater than a height of the display tray, where appropriate or desired.
The bottom wall of the display tray may include cutouts configured to receive the objects, the cutouts being shaped to correspond to shapes of bottom portions of the objects, for example, so as to hold the objects therein. The objects may thus rest directly against the bottom wall of the box. For example, the cutouts may prevent the objects from toppling over while the box is being transported.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide, independently or in combination with the above, an assembly for transporting and presenting at least one object, the assembly comprising: a box comprising a first portion, and a second portion that is connected in a separable manner to the first portion; and a display tray disposed inside the box, and fastened to the second portion, the display tray including a holding wall configured to hold object(s) and disposed relative to the second portion in such as manner as to form, below the holding wall, and between the holding wall and the second portion, a space in which the object(s) may extend, at least in part.
The display tray may include a bottom wall that is fastened to the second portion, with the holding wall extending above, and at a distance from, the bottom wall.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of packaging at least one object in an assembly as defined above, the method comprising: fastening the display tray onto the second portion of the box; erecting the assembly at least in part; depositing object(s) to be packaged in the display tray; and closing the box.
The display tray may be assembled before depositing the object(s) on the display tray.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of packaging at least one object in an assembly as defined above, the method comprising: fastening the wall of the display tray onto the second portion of the box; erecting the assembly at least in part; depositing object(s) to be packaged on the wall of the display tray; and closing the box.
The display tray may include a bottom wall, and may be assembled into a final shape before the object(s) to be packaged is/are deposited thereon.
Various steps of the exemplary packaging method may be performed at different locations, and by different companies, for example. For example, the step of fastening the bottom wall of the display tray onto the second portion of the box may take place at a supplier, and the assembly may be erected on the premises of another company.
Various exemplary embodiments may also include a step of closing the assembly by a lid of the box.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a method of opening an assembly as defined above, the method comprising: separating the first portion of the box from the second portion of the box; and removing the first portion of the box.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a sheet of cardboard or the like that is configured to form a box of an assembly as defined above, the sheet of cardboard including first and second portions that are connected in a separable manner, the second portion being configured to enable a display tray to be fastened thereon.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a sheet of cardboard or the like that is configured to form a box of an assembly as defined above, the sheet of cardboard including first and second portions that are connected in a separable manner, the second portion being configured to enable a wall of a display tray to be fastened thereon, for example, on a bottom wall of the display tray.
The first and second portions may be connected by at least one breakable zone comprising at least one tear-off strip, for example.
For example, the breakable zone may comprise a tear-off strip disposed in the bottom wall of the box, or, in other exemplary embodiments, in a side upright.
For example, the sheet may include two tear-off strips disposed one on either side of the bottom wall of the box, both in the bottom wall of the box, or one in each of the side uprights. The sheet may include at least one fold line including perforations. The sheet may also include at least one fold line that does not include perforations. An advantage of a fold line including perforations may be the ease of folding such a zone, the perforations enabling the fold line to be more pliable. This may make it easier to erect the box, for example.
However, the perforations may weaken the fold line and make the box fragile. Thus, in certain locations, the absence of perforations may be preferable, for example, in regions of the box that are significantly stressed while the objects are being transported. Such regions may thus be connected together via a fold line that does not include perforations.
The sheet may include perforations along a fold line at a junction between the bottom wall of the box and a side upright, together with a tear-off strip.
The sheet may include a first side upright that is connected via a fold line to a tongue that is configured to be fastened onto a lid that is cut out from the sheet. The sheet may also include a second side upright that is connected via a fold line to a lid that is cut out from the sheet. In such case, the lid may also be connected to a front upright of the box via a fold line. The lid may be connected to a rear upright of the box via a fold line.
Each of the side uprights of the box may include a flap that is configured to be fastened onto the front upright of the box. Each of the side uprights may also include a flap that is configured to be fastened onto the rear upright of the box.
The second portion may comprise a bottom wall of the box, including four edges, of which two are free and unconnected to an upright of the box, for example.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a sheet of cardboard or the like that is configured to form a display tray of an assembly as defmed above, the sheet of cardboard comprising a bottom wall, two side uprights, and a rear upright, with the side uprights and the rear upright being connected to the bottom wall via respective fold lines.
The sheet of cardboard or the like may also include a holding wall that connects the two side uprights.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide, independently or in combination with the above, a sheet of plastics material that is configured to form a display tray of an assembly as defined above, the sheet of plastics material comprising two side uprights, and a transverse holding wall that connects the side uprights, and that is provided with cutouts for putting objects into place, for example, cutouts configured to receive and/or hold objects.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an assembly comprising a box, and a display tray disposed inside the box, the box including at least two parts that may be separated during opening, and the display tray including two portions that are separated by a line of cut and that are held together by at least one of the portions of the box before the box is opened.
For example, the two parts of the display tray may be held together by the side uprights of the box.
The two parts of the display tray may be symmetrical to each other.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide a box including a bottom wall, and side uprights, with a line of perforations at the junction of the bottom wall with one of the side uprights, and a tear-off strip on the other side upright.
A display tray may be housed in the box, the display tray possibly including a bottom wall that is bonded onto a bottom wall of the box, for example.
Exemplary embodiments of the invention may provide an assembly comprising a box, and a display tray disposed in the box, the display tray including a bottom wall that is assembled with a bottom wall of the box, and including cutouts that are configured to receive articles, the box including at least two portions that may be separated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various details of the present invention may will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and on examining the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a flat sheet for fabricating a box of an exemplary assembly;
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a flat sheet for fabricating a display tray of an exemplary assembly;
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flat sheets of FIGS. 1 and 2 assembled together, and viewed from the inside;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the flat assembly of FIG. 3, viewed from the outside;
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of a rear of the exemplary assembly;
FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a front of the exemplary assembly;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the exemplary assembly, viewed from above;
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the exemplary assembly, viewed from below;
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the display tray shown in isolation, and containing a plurality of objects;
FIG. 10 shows the display tray after the objects are removed;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a flat sheet for fabricating a box of another exemplary embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a flat sheet for fabricating display tray of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11;
FIG. 13 is an elevational view showing the sheets of FIGS. 11 and 12 while being assembled together;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the exemplary assembly of FIG. 13, shown upsidedown;
FIG. 15 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 13 of another exemplary embodiment; and
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the exemplary display tray of FIG. 15 shown in isolation, and containing a plurality of objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a sheet 10, for example made of cardboard or the like, for making the box of an exemplary assembly.
The sheet 10 may include a first portion 12, which, in the exemplary embodiment, may comprise two parts 12 a and 12 b configured to form a top portion of the box, and a second portion 13 configured to form a bottom wall thereof, also referred to as a floor.
The two parts 12 a and 12 b may be situated one on either side of the second portion 13, which, in the exemplary embodiment, may include a substantially rectangular shape defined by four edges 21, 22, 23, and 24.
The second portion 13 may be connected to each part 12 a or 12 b of the first portion 12 via a breakable zone 14.
Each breakable zone 14 may comprise a tear-off strip 15 including two perforated lines 16, one of which may be situated set back from the corresponding edge 23 or 24 of the second portion 13.
In the exemplary embodiment, the perforated lines 16 may be substantially parallel, at least over a major fraction of a length thereof, with one of the lines distancing itself from the other line at one end, for example, in such a manner as to make it easier for a user to take hold of the tear-off strip 15, and to tear the strip off.
The edges 23 and 24 of the second portion 13 may be parallel to each other, being respectively connected to the parts 12 a and 12 b of the first portion 12, and each may be defined by a perforated line 16 of the tear-off strip 15.
The edges 21 and 22 of the second portion 13, respectively perpendicular to the edges 23 and 24, may be free in the exemplary embodiment.
The part 12 a of the first portion 12 may include a side upright 30 of the box. The side upright 30 may be defined by the edge 23, which is common with the second portion 13, and by three other edges 31, 32, and 33. The edge 31, corresponding to a rear edge, may be connected, over a fraction only of a length thereof, corresponding to about half of its length in the exemplary embodiment, to a flap 35 of substantially rectangular shape, via a fold line 36 including perforations in the exemplary embodiment.
In the exemplary embodiment, the upright 30 may be connected to a tongue 40 over an entire length thereof, via the edge 32 that is substantially parallel to the edge 23. The edge 32 may comprise a fold line, and may include perforations. A height of the flap 35 may, however, vary, for example, as a function of the objects to be transported and/or of a height of the display tray that is to be obtained.
Finally, the side upright 30 may be connected to a front flap 42 via the edge 33, the edge defining a fold line that also may include perforations, for example. The edges 33 and 31 may be substantially parallel.
The part 12 b of the first portion 12 may include a side upright 50, which, in the exemplary embodiment, may include a substantially rectangular shape, the upright being connected to the second portion 13 via the edge 24, for example.
The side upright 50 may include an edge 51 that is connected over a fraction of a length thereof, for example, over half of the length thereof, to a rear flap 55 via a perforated fold line 56. The flap 55 may include a substantially rectangular shape, similar to the shape of the flap 35.
The side upright 50 may be connected to a front flap 57 of shape similar to the shape of the front flap 42, via an edge 53 defining a perforated fold line. The edges 51 and 53 may be substantially parallel to each other.
The side upright 50 may be also connected, via an edge 52 thereof that may be substantially parallel to the edge 24, to a lid 60 of substantially rectangular shape, the edge 52 defining a fold line that does not include perforations, for example, so as not to weaken the box.
In addition to the edge 52 that the lid 60 may include in common with the side upright 50, the lid 60 also may include three other edge 61, 62, and 63. The edge 61 may define a perforated fold line, and may connect the lid 60 to a substantially rectangular-shaped rear upright 65 of the box. The edge 62 of the lid 60 that may be substantially parallel to the edge 52, may be free, whereas the edge 63 may define a perforated fold line that connects the lid 60 to a substantially rectangular-shaped front upright 66 of the box. The edges 61 and 63 may be substantially parallel to each other.
An exemplary sheet 80 may comprise a sheet of cardboard or the like, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, and may be configured to make the display tray.
The display tray may include a wall 90 that may be configured to be fastened onto the second portion 13 of the sheet 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the wall 90 may comprise the bottom wall of the display tray, and may include a substantially rectangular shape, including four edges 91, 92, 93, and 94. The front edge 91 may be free in the exemplary embodiment. The side edges 92 and 94 may be parallel to each other, may define fold lines that do not include perforations, and may connect the wall 90 to symmetrical side uprights 95 that may be of any shape. In the exemplary embodiment, each side upright 95 may include a rounded front edge 96 that may be connected via a small step 97 to a substantially rectilinear and horizontal top edge 98 of the display tray. Each side upright 95 may be connected to a flap 100 via an edge 99 that may also define a fold line.
The edge 93 of the wall 90, that may be substantially parallel to the edge 91, may comprise a perforated fold line, and may connect the wall 90 to a substantially rectangular-shaped rear upright 101 of the display tray.
The sheets for forming the display tray and the box may be assembled as described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.
Once the sheets 10 and 80 have been cut out, the wall 90 of the sheet 80 may be superposed on the second portion 13 of the sheet 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the shape of the second portion 13 and the shape of the wall 90 may be substantially identical, such that the edges of the second portion 13 and the wall 90 are more or less superposed. The edges of the second portion 13, and, for example, the front edge, may be set back a little from the edges of the wall 90 for appearance reasons, for example, when the display tray may be on display for retail sale. The second portion 13 and the wall 90 may be fastened by adhesive, for example.
In the exemplary embodiment, the sheet 80 may be disposed relative to the sheet 10, in such a manner that the flaps 100 and the rear upright 101 of the display tray may be situated on the same side as the flaps 35, 55, and the rear upright 65 of the box. The flaps 35 and 100 may be juxtaposed, as may be the flaps 55 and 100.
The side uprights 95 of the display tray may not be fastened to the box.
The tear-off strips 15, shown in FIG. 4, may be marked by two colored strips, so that the strips 15 may be located more easily by the user.
On an outer surface thereof, the sheet 10 may include printing or a label containing instructions for opening the assembly.
In FIGS. 5 to 8, the assembly 1 comprising the box and the display tray is shown assembled and erected. The assembly 1 may be erected automatically.
At a first station, which may be situated at a geographical location that is different from the location where the assemblies are erected, the sheets of the box and of the display tray may be fastened one on the other, as described above.
The sheets of the box and the display tray may be put flat into a loader, with the sheet of the display tray on top of the sheet of the box.
At a second station, the bottom wall of the assembly may be held by suction and the side uprights 30, 50, and 95 may be raised by folding the fold lines 23, 24, 92, and 94. Having the bottom walls of the box and the display tray secured to each other may reduce the risk of poor folding.
At a third station, the fold lines 36, 56, and 99 may be folded so as to raise the flaps 35, 55, and 100.
Objects O, for example, identical objects, may be disposed on the wall of the display tray, preferably in an ordered manner, for example, in rows. For example, the objects O may comprise packaging devices for packaging a composition, for example, a cosmetic, for example, flasks or other objects, which are themselves possibly in boxes.
The step of arranging the objects O may be performed in an automated manner.
The fold lines 33 and 53 may be folded so as to raise the flaps 42 and 57.
At a fourth station, lines of adhesive may be deposited, and the rear upright 101, the lid 60, the front and rear uprights 66 and 65, and the tongue 40 may be folded, and the assembly may be closed.
The assembly may be opened as follows.
Once the assembly has been transported, the user may place the assembly upsidedown, and tear off the strips 15, after which the user may turn the assembly 1 the right way up while maintaining pressure on the box so as to avoid premature separation thereof, and may then detach the first portion 12 from the second portion 13, thereby enabling the objects O on the display tray to be uncovered, as illustrated in FIG. 9.
As shown in FIG. 8, each tear-off strip 15 may include a perforated line 16 that may be situated set back from the corresponding edge of the wall 90, thereby enabling the second portion 13 to be substantially masked, as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, once the first portion 12 has been removed. This may be advantageous from an appearance point of view.
Naturally, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The shape of the display tray may be modified and adapted to the kind of objects and/or the marketing environment, for example.
FIGS. 11 to 14 show another exemplary embodiment of an assembly, which may differ from the assembly described above with referenced to FIGS. 1 to 10, for example, in the way in which the box may be opened.
In this exemplary embodiment, only one breakable zone 14 may include a tear-off strip 15. The tear-off strip 15 may include two perforated lines 16, namely, a first line situated on the fold line 24 formed between the side upright 50 and the second portion 13 for forming the bottom wall of the box, and a second line situated set back from the fold line 24, in the side upright 50. By this configuration, the tear-off strip 15 may extend along the side upright 50, such that it may be easy for the user to tear the strip 15 off when the box rests on a bottom wall thereof, without having to turn the box over.
On the other side of the second portion 13, another breakable zone 14 may include a perforated line 16 that coincides with the fold line 23 that connects the second portion 13 to the side upright 30.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11, the sheet 10 therefore may include firstly a tear-off strip, and secondly a perforated line, but it is not beyond the ambit of the present invention to have some other configuration. In exemplary embodiments not shown, for example, the sheet 10 may include two tear-off strips 15 disposed one on either side of the second portion 13 comprising the bottom wall of the box, in each of the side uprights 30 and 50.
The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 11 may also differ from the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in that a reinforcing strip 17 may be fastened along an entire length of the tear-off strip 15. The reinforcing strip may comprise a strip of plastics material that may be bonded onto the tear-off strip. The reinforcing strip 17 may make it possible to avoid the tear-off strip 15 being removed over a fraction only of the length thereof while the strip 15 is being torn off by the user.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 14, the display tray 80 may include cutouts 85 formed in the bottom wall of the display tray for receiving the objects O. For example, the cutouts 85 may include a shape that corresponds to the shape of the bottom portion of the objects O, for example, so as to hold the objects in the display tray. The objects O in place in the display tray may rest directly against the bottom wall of the box, for example, via the cutouts 85.
In the embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 14, the second portion 13 for forming the bottom wall of the box, and the wall 90 forming the bottom wall of the display tray, may be configured to separate into two parts once the breakable zones 14 have been torn, and to this end, the second portion 13 and the wall 90 may include respective lines of cut 19 and 89.
The two parts 13 a and 13 b of the second portion 13, situated one on either side of the line of cut 19, 89, may be symmetrical. The same applies for the two parts 80 a, 80 b of the display tray 80.
Once the breakable zones 14 have been torn off, the display tray 80 may be separated into two independent parts 80 a, 80 b, each of which may form a smaller display tray.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show another exemplary embodiment of an assembly, which may differ from the assembly described above, for example, in the configuration of the display tray.
In this exemplary embodiment, in addition to the bottom wall 90 thereof, the display tray 80 may include a rear upright 101, and two side uprights 95, for example, symmetrical side uprights each carrying a flap 100. A transverse holding wall 110 may connect the two side uprights 95, and may extend substantially parallel to the bottom wall.
The holding wall 110 may include openings 85 through which the objects O may be disposed, as illustrated in FIG. 16, to hold the objects in place, for example, by wedging the objects O in the display tray 80.
In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, each opening 85 may make it possible to pass two objects O, but it is not beyond the ambit of the present invention for the opening 85 to receive a single object O, or more than two objects.
In the exemplary embodiments described above, the display tray 80 may be made of a sheet of cardboard, or of an optionally-transparent plastics material that may carry printing.
For example, the display tray 80 may be made of a material that is different from the material of the box, for example, of a more costly material including superior esthetic qualities.
The display shelf 80 illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 may be assembled with the box before being erected, and may be erected at the same time as the box.
Regardless of the embodiment, the materials constituting the box and the display shelf may be similar or different. For example, the box and the display shelf may be constituted by flat or corrugated cardboard. Where appropriate or desired, the display tray may be varnish and/or printed, or may comprise a plastics material.
The display tray may be bonded in a removable manner using a non-permanent adhesive, or using spots of adhesive that may be detached, for example, when the display tray comprises a plastics material, thereby reducing the risks of tearing. This may make it possible to separate the display tray from the box to present the objects, for example, by pulling forward or backward.
The disposition of the uprights and flaps of the box and the display tray may be modified, for example, as a function of the objects to be transported and to be presented. For example, if the objects are tall, the flaps 35 and 55 may be shortened or even omitted, as may the rear upright 65 and the flaps 100, while the side uprights 95 and the rear upright 101 may be extended so as to form a display tray with taller uprights.
For example, a height of the side and rear uprights 95 and 101 of the display tray may be substantially equal to a height of the front upright 66 of the box. In such case, the rear face of the assembly may be formed entirely by the rear upright of the display tray.
The exemplary display tray 80 of FIGS. 1 to 10 may be made with cutouts 85, and, where appropriate or desired, may be configured to separate into two smaller display trays, as in the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 11 to 14.
The display shelf may include a front upright that may be connected via a fold line to the bottom wall of the display tray, for example, with the front upright possibly being free, and not fastened to the box.
Although various details of the present invention herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The term “comprising a” should be understood as being synonymous with the term “comprising at least one” unless specified to the contrary.

Claims

1. An assembly for transporting and for presenting at least one object, the assembly comprising:

a box comprising:

a first portion; and

a second portion that is connected in a separable manner to the first portion; and

a display tray disposed inside the box, and comprising at least one wall that is fastened to the second portion.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion comprises a bottom wall of the box.

3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein the wall of the display tray comprises a bottom wall of the display tray.

4. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first portion comprises at least one upright of the box.

5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first portion comprises at least one side upright of the box.

6. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display tray and/or the box comprise(s) cardboard.

7. An assembly according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the display tray and the box comprises at least one of corrugated cardboard and flat cardboard.

8. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display tray and the box comprise different materials.

9. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first and second portions are connected in a separable manner via at least one breakable zone.

10. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the breakable zone comprises a tear-off strip.

11. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the tear-off strip comprises part of the bottom wall of the box.

12. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the tear-off strip comprises part of a side upright of the box.

13. An assembly according to claim 10, wherein the tear-off strip comprises a reinforcing strip.

14. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the breakable zone comprises at least one perforated line formed in the box.

15. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wall of the display tray is fastened in a removable manner to the second portion.

16. An assembly according to claim 9, wherein the breakable zone comprises a perforated line that is situated set back from a corresponding edge of a bottom wall of the display tray.

17. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the wall of the display tray and the second portion of the box are bonded together.

18. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display tray comprises at least one side upright that is connected to a bottom wall of the display tray, and the box comprises at least one side upright that is connected to the bottom wall of the box, and wherein the side uprights of the display tray and of the box are not fastened together.

19. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the display tray comprises two side uprights that are connected to a bottom wall of the display tray, and a rear upright that is connected to the bottom wall of the display tray, and wherein each of the two side uprights of the display tray comprises a flap that is fastened onto the rear upright of the display tray.

20. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the box alone does not form a sealed enclosure.

21. An assembly according to claim 20, wherein at least one outer face of the assembly is defined, at least in part, by the display tray.

22. An assembly according to claim 21, wherein the outer face is defined by at least one rear upright of the box, and by a rear upright of the display tray.

23. An assembly according to claim 22, wherein the rear upright of the box and the rear upright of the display tray are juxtaposed one on top of the other.

24. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second portion and the display tray are configured to separate into two parts once the first and second portions are separated.

25. An assembly according to claim 24, wherein the second portion comprises a line of cut, and the bottom wall of the display tray comprises a line of cut.

26. An assembly according to claim 25, wherein the second portion and the bottom wall of the display tray comprise respective lines of cut extending over the entire width of the box and of the display tray.

27. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein a bottom wall of the display tray comprises cutouts configured to receive objects.

28. An assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of identical objects contained at least in part by the display tray.

29. An assembly according to claim 28, wherein the objects are arranged in an ordered manner on the display tray.

30. A method of packaging at least one object in an assembly as defmed in claim 1, the method comprising:

fastening the wall of the display tray onto the second portion of the box;

erecting the assembly at least in part;

depositing at least one object to be packaged on the wall of the display tray; and

closing the box.

31. A method according to claim 30, further comprising assembling the display tray before depositing the at least one object on the wall of the display tray.

32. A method of opening an assembly as defmed in claim 1, the method comprising:

separating the first portion of the box from the second portion of the box; and

removing the first portion.

33. A sheet of cardboard that is configured to form a box of an assembly as defined in claim 1, the sheet of cardboard comprising first and second portions that are connected in a separable manner, the second portion being configured to enable a wall of a display tray to be fastened thereon.

34. A sheet of cardboard that is configured to form a display tray of an assembly as defined in claim 1, the sheet of cardboard comprising a bottom wall, two side uprights, and a rear upright, with the side uprights and the rear upright being connected to the bottom wall via respective fold lines.