EP3110699B1 - Method and machine for closing square or rectangular cross-section boxes by reducing the height of same to that of the contents thereof - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for closing boxes of cardboard, corrugated board or similar sheet material, the section of which is for example square or rectangular, while reducing, where desirable, the height of these boxes. to that of their content. It also aims a machine for carrying out the various steps of this process.

The technical field of the invention is that of packaging machines, cutting, manufacture or closure of packaging or manufacturing and implementation of methods and cushioning materials for such packaging.

The present invention is more particularly related to the closure and height adjustment of boxes used for the preparation of single or multi-item orders and more generally boxes used for packaging for shipment to customers or other recipients , various objects whose number and unit volume, and therefore also the overall volume, vary from one box to another.

It is known that the boxes of this type are formed by machines, from one or more blanks of rigid and foldable sheet material comprising different flaps and flaps secured together by gluing or adhesive tape.

Boxes are known which, after forming, are composed of five walls, either a square or rectangular bottom and a belt composed of four side walls assembled together at right angles, forming ridges. Boxes of this type are for example known as "American half-boxes", "trays" or "bell cases". These boxes are usually, after filling, closed by a lid. Lids are also known which have four flaps that are folded and glued to the sides of the box. Lids are also known whose different shutters are previously shaped by nesting or gluing; these lids are inserted on the top of the box and secured to the box by gluing, stapling or by a metal or plastic tie.

Boxes are still known which, after forming, are composed of a bottom and four side walls, like the previously described boxes, as well as four upper shutters. Each of these upper flaps is connected to one of the side walls of the box by a fold line. Boxes of this type are known as "American boxes". These boxes are, after filling, closed by withdrawal of the four upper shutters in the horizontal plane and maintaining these shutters by gluing, stapling or a metal or plastic link.

All boxes described above, and, in general, most of the boxes used for packaging articles have the common feature of providing a constant useful volume after manufacture and closure.

Various products are often used by the users or integrated in the machines for forming or closing boxes, to wedge the different objects previously packaged, the overall volume may vary from one box to another.

• ces produits de calage sont souvent onéreux ;
• sauf lorsqu'ils sont fabriqués avec le même matériau que l'emballage lui-même, ils doivent être nécessairement désolidarisés de l'emballage en carton avant collecte et recyclage éventuel des déchets correspondants ; d'autre part, les matériaux utilisés sont, le plus souvent, difficilement recyclables ; cette collecte et ce recyclage sont donc des opérations complexes et très onéreuses ;
• leur mise en oeuvre est difficile et nécessite, soit des machines automatisées complexes, soit un grand nombre d'heures de main d'oeuvre ; le coût de ces opérations est donc élevé ;
• le volume expédié, qui devrait être idéalement égal au volume de la boîte fabriquée, est, le plus souvent, très largement supérieur au volume utile, qui est égal au volume des objets disposés à l'intérieur de la boîte ; il en résulte des coûts de transport élevés pour lesdites boîtes.

This solution has many disadvantages. Indeed :

• these cushioning products are often expensive;
• except when they are made from the same material as the packaging itself, they must necessarily be disconnected from the cardboard packaging before collection and possible recycling of the corresponding waste; secondly, the materials used are, in most cases, difficult to recycle; this collection and recycling are therefore complex and very expensive operations;
• their implementation is difficult and requires either complex automated machines or a large number of manpower hours; the cost of these operations is therefore high;
• the volume shipped, which should ideally be equal to the volume of the box manufactured, is, in most cases, much greater than the useful volume, which is equal to the volume of the objects arranged inside the box; this results in high transport costs for said boxes.

Methods are also known which consist in reducing the height of the boxes in order to bring it closer to the height of the packaged products.

• on coupe les liaisons entre lesdites parois latérales, le long de la partie supérieure des arêtes verticales de ladite boîte, entre le haut desdites parois verticales de la boîte et le niveau du sommet de ladite pile d'objets préalablement disposés dans cette dernière,
• on replie ensuite toutes les parties hautes desdites parois latérales vers l'intérieur de ladite boîte pour les ramener dans un plan sensiblement horizontal.

In particular, a method is known ( EP 2.684.802 A1 ) which consists of cutting and removing the upper part of the boxes, located above the upper level of the stack of objects housed in said boxes, so as to reduce the height thereof to the useful height of the latter. This document describes a method for reducing the height of a box made of a foldable material, composed of a bottom and at least four side walls, to the level of the top of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box. , without removing a portion of material from said box, but by folding towards the center of said box the upper portions of said side walls. According to this method:

• the links between said side walls, along the upper part of the vertical edges of said box, are cut between the top of said vertical walls of the box and the level of the top of said stack of objects previously arranged in the latter,
• then folding all the upper portions of said side walls towards the inside of said box to bring them back into a substantially horizontal plane.

Similar processes are described in the documents FR-2292626 , FR 2,919,520 , EP 1.832.413 .

• la découpe de la boîte est une opération délicate qui suppose la mise en oeuvre d'outils coupants dangereux et soumis à une usure rapide, de sorte qu'ils doivent être fréquemment aiguisés ou remplacés ;
• l'élimination automatique de la partie haute coupée de la boîte est une opération difficile qui génère par ailleurs des poussières et autres déchets qui doivent être collectés et évacués ;
• l'automatisation de ce procédé nécessite la réalisation de machines complexes.

The process described in the document EP 2 684 802 has drawbacks that can be found in the other three documents mentioned above. Especially :

• cutting the box is a delicate operation that involves the implementation of dangerous cutting tools and subject to rapid wear, so they must be frequently sharpened or replaced;
• the automatic removal of the cut top of the box is a difficult operation that also generates dust and other waste that must be collected and evacuated;
• the automation of this process requires the realization of complex machines.

The document EP 2 684 802 also discloses a machine for wedging and confining objects within a box made of a foldable material, for example made of cardboard and consisting of a square or rectangular, or approximately square or rectangular, bottom and of four side walls, this machine comprising a tool for adapting the height of the useful volume of the box to the height of the stack of objects housed in it and to ensure the closure of said box, and means for to move this tool so as to position it above the box, or means for moving said box to position it below said tool.

Similar machines are known from the documents FR 2,292,626 , FR 2 919 520 , EP 1 832 413 .

The documents are also known EP-1,817,483 and FR-2 818 230 which describe a machine and a method, which consists of cutting the four vertical edges of a box, from the top of the box to an altitude corresponding substantially to that of the top of the stack of packaged objects and then making a horizontally creasing (or grooving) on each of the four side walls of the box at this same altitude, and finally to fold towards the inside of the box, around these horizontal creases and at an angle substantially equal to 90 °, the part high of these four vertical walls. This method also makes it possible to adjust the height of the box by reducing it to the useful height. In addition, when the distance between the top of the stack of objects and the top of the box is equal to or greater than half the width of the box, the upper part of one of the two side walls parallel to the length of the box must at least come into contact and possibly pass over the upper part of the second side wall parallel to the length of the box during folding, to such that they occupy, after complete folding, the entire upper surface of the box, possibly partially overlapping the center of said box. It is thus possible to simply close said box by providing means for maintaining said high parts in the folded position, for example by gluing.

• la découpe des quatre arêtes verticales est une opération délicate qui suppose la mise en oeuvre d'outils coupants dangereux et soumis à une usure rapide ;
• ces découpes génèrent des poussières et autres déchets qui polluent le contenu de la boîte, dans laquelle ils peuvent tomber lors de l'exécution desdites découpes.

This latter method nevertheless also has disadvantages, such as:

• the cutting of the four vertical edges is a delicate operation that involves the implementation of dangerous cutting tools and subject to rapid wear;
• these cuts generate dust and other waste that pollute the contents of the box, in which they can fall during the execution of said cuts.

The problem thus posed consists in providing a means of reducing the height of a box, comprising a bottom and at least four side walls, as close as possible to the objects previously arranged in this box, and of simultaneously closing said box using for this purpose the material which constitutes said box, without adding additional material flank, and without the aid of any cutting tool.

The solution to the problem is to provide a method and a machine for reducing the height of a box of foldable material, consisting of a bottom and at least four side walls, assembled together at right angles, forming edges to the level of the top of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box, without removing a portion of material from said box, nor using any cutting tool, but by folding towards the center of said box the high parts of said side walls.

• on rompt les liaisons entre lesdites parois latérales le long de la partie supérieure des arêtes verticales d'une boîte réalisée dans un matériau pliable, depuis le haut desdites parois latérales de cette boîte jusqu'au niveau du sommet de ladite pile d'objets préalablement disposés dans cette dernière, en exerçant un effort dirigé vers l'extérieur de ladite boîte, sur la partie haute, située au-dessus du niveau du sommet de ladite pile d'objets, d'au moins deux desdites parois latérales ;
• on replie simultanément, vers l'extérieur de ladite boîte, lesdites parties hautes sur lesquelles on exerce ledit effort ;
• on replie ensuite toutes les parties hautes desdites parois latérales vers l'intérieur de ladite boîte pour les ramener dans un plan sensiblement horizontal, parallèle au fond de la boîte.

The method used to realize the height reduction of said box is remarkable in that:

• the connections between said side walls are broken along the upper part of the vertical edges of a box made of foldable material, from the top of said side walls of this box to the level of the top of said stack of previously arranged objects in the latter, by exerting a force directed towards the outside of said box, on the upper part, situated above the level of the top of said stack of objects, of at least two of said side walls;
• said upper portions on which said force is exerted simultaneously are folded towards the outside of said box;
• then folding all the upper parts of said side walls towards the inside of said box to bring them in a substantially horizontal plane, parallel to the bottom of the box.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method of the invention, after folding of all said upper parts in a substantially horizontal plane, and parallel to the bottom of the box, they completely close the opening of said box, and maintains said high parts in said horizontal plane, for example by gluing, strapping, applying adhesive tape, wrapping with a plastic film or a sheet of paper or any other equivalent means known per se or within the reach of those skilled in the art, which has the effect of keeping closed said box.

Advantageously, to exert said force on said sidewalls and fold the upper portions of said sidewalls towards the outside of said box, said sidewalls are seized in an area between the top of said box and the level of the top of said stack. objects and preferably close to said vertical edges, by means of gripping members, for example constituted by clamps each comprising at least two jaws, one acting on the outer face of the wall, the other acting on the inner face of the wall, and then pivoting each of said grippers and thus each of said upper portions, about an axis of rotation substantially located on said side walls and at the top of the box, towards the outside of said box. said stack of objects.

On the other hand, the folding of the upper parts separated from the side walls towards the center of the box, is achieved by means of pushing members.

In an advantageous embodiment, for gripping said side walls with the aid of said clamps, said box is previously moved towards all of said clamps, or the set of said clamps is moved towards said box, in a movement perpendicular to the bottom of said box, and the corresponding movement is stopped when, for example using a sensor, a relative movement is detected between said clamps and a feeler, whose shape and the general dimensions correspond substantially to those said bottom, when said probe comes into contact with the top of said stack of objects.

Advantageously, before folding the upper portions of said side walls towards the inside of said box, a creasing (also called grooving) is carried out at the level of the axis of rotation around which the folding must take place, located on said side walls. and at the top of said stack of objects.

This grooving can be carried out over a reduced length, so as to constitute a folding primer, promoting the formation of a continuous fold line during the folding of the upper parts of the side walls which are no longer connected to each other, towards the center of the box, this folding primer can be performed when the clamps pinch the upper parts of the side walls of the box 1.

In an advantageous embodiment, said box used, has cutouts of reduced height and at most equal to the half-width of said box, made from the top of said box, at the vertical edges where the links are located. between said sidewalls.

Advantageously, a bead of adhesive is deposited on the inner face of at least one of said high parts and first of all said unsized high parts are folded, then said pre-bonded upper part is folded in such a way that said bead adhesive bonds at least two of said high parts together and maintain all of said upper parts in a substantially horizontal plane.

In an advantageous embodiment, a bead of adhesive is deposited on the internal face of at least one of said upper parts and one or more beads of adhesive on the inner and / or outer face of at least another of said upper parts and first folded said unsized high parts and then folds successively said upper parts previously glued such that said adhesive beads do not come into contact with said objects but solidarize several of said high parts together and maintain all of said upper portions in a substantially horizontal plane.

Advantageously, said adhesive beads are parallel to each other and the deposition of said adhesive beads is obtained by spraying glue from an adhesive reservoir using fixed gluing nozzles, during the movement of said box in one direction. parallel to said glue beads.

The implementation of this method therefore makes it possible to reduce the height of the box to the useful height corresponding to the height of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box, and this reduction in height is obtained without removal of material or the use of any cutting tool.

The implementation of this method allows, on the other hand, to close said box without adding material but using only the material that constitutes the body of said box.

Thus, the invention provides an effective, robust and economical method for reducing the volume of said box and closing it, this because of the absence of cutting tool subjected to wear and because it is not necessary to bring one or more additional material flanks.

• La figure 1 est une vue isométrique d'une boîte vide utilisable pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 2 est une vue isométrique, avec écorché, d'une boîte du même type, remplie avec un certain nombre d'objets de formes et de dimensions variées.
• La figure 3 est une vue isométrique de la boîte après mise en oeuvre des premières étapes du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 4 est une vue isométrique d'une boîte fermée après adaptation de sa hauteur à celle de son contenu, selon un exemple de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 5 est une vue isométrique d'une boîte fermée après réduction de sa hauteur, selon un autre exemple de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 6 est une vue isométrique d'une boîte et d'une partie de machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.
• La figure 7 est une vue isométrique de la boîte et de la même partie de machine à une autre étape du procédé selon l'invention.
• Les figures 8 et 9 sont deux vues en coupe de la boîte et d'une partie de machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention à deux étapes successives.
• La figure 10 est une vue isométrique d'une boîte vide utilisable pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.
• Les figures 11 et 12 sont des vues isométriques de la boîte à une étape intermédiaire du procédé suivant deux exemples différents de mise en oeuvre de ce procédé.
• La figure 13 est une vue de côté de la boîte et d'une partie de machine pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention.

The advantages provided by the invention will be better understood through the following description which refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, without any limiting character, a particular embodiment of the method according to the invention.

• The figure 1 is an isometric view of an empty box used for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• The figure 2 is an isometric view, with skin, of a box of the same type, filled with a number of objects of various shapes and sizes.
• The figure 3 is an isometric view of the box after carrying out the first steps of the method according to the invention.
• The figure 4 is an isometric view of a closed box after adaptation of its height to that of its contents, according to an exemplary implementation of the method according to the invention.
• The figure 5 is an isometric view of a closed box after reduction of its height, according to another example of implementation of the method according to the invention.
• The figure 6 is an isometric view of a box and a part of a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• The figure 7 is an isometric view of the box and the same machine part at another stage of the method according to the invention.
• The figures 8 and 9 are two sectional views of the box and a part of a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention in two successive steps.
• The figure 10 is an isometric view of an empty box used for carrying out the method according to the invention.
• The Figures 11 and 12 are isometric views of the box at an intermediate stage of the process according to two different examples of implementation of this method.
• The figure 13 is a side view of the box and a part of a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention.

Reference is made to the drawings to describe interesting embodiments, although in no way limiting, of implementation of the method according to the invention.

In the following description, words such as "upper parts", "lower parts", "side walls", "horizontal" and "upper" are used, considering a resting box, through its bottom. , on a horizontal surface. These terms are, of course, not limiting in nature.

The figure 1 shows a box 1 which is composed of a bottom 1e and side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, connected to each other at right angles.

We also see in this figure, the vertical edges 2ab, 2bc, 2cd and 2da which connect said side walls two by two.

According to the illustrated example, the bottom 1e has a rectangular shape, so that the box has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. We see that, according to this example, the side walls 1a and 1c are parallel to the length of the box 1 and the side walls 1b and 1d are parallel to the width of said box 1.

It is emphasized that the bottom and the side walls could have a different shape, for example a square shape or a general square or rectangular shape with cut corners.

As indicated, this box 1 may be made of corrugated cardboard, compact cardboard or any other equivalent foldable sheet material having the necessary rigidity and known per se or within the reach of those skilled in the art.

The figure 2 shows the box 1, composed of the bottom 1e and the side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d, into which have been introduced a number of objects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 of various shapes and sizes. The number and size of objects can be any, as well as their storage in the box. The objects can in particular be stacked on top of one another if necessary. In order to justify and authorize the implementation of the method according to the invention, the height of the stack of objects must be substantially less than the height of the box, which is almost always the case.

The figure 3 shows said box 1 after the first stages of implementation of the method according to the invention.

In this figure, we see the objects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 previously arranged in the box 1.

We also see the upper part 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of each of the side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of the box 1, said upper parts being located above the level of the top of the stack of objects, c that is, in the example shown, above the level of the upper face of the object 3.

It is found that the connections between said side walls, located at the edges 2ab, 2bc, 2cd and 2da, have been partially broken, so that said high parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of said sidewalls are no longer connected between they, but separated by notches 28ab, 28bc, 28cd and 28da. It can also be seen that said upper portions have been bent towards the outside of the box 1 by rotation around folding lines 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and it is understood that these are the forces Fa, Fb, Fc and Fd, respectively exerted on each of said high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1 hp and 1 dh, which caused these ruptures and caused these folds. During these foldings, are formed said folding lines 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d connecting the bottom of the notches resulting from the connection of said upper parts.

It is also understood that it would have been sufficient, in the particular case of implementation of the method illustrated, to exert a force on the upper part of two of the four opposite side walls, for example the forces Fa on the upper part 1ah and Fc on the upper part 1 ch or for example the efforts Fb on the upper part 1 bh and Fd on the upper part 1 dh, to cause the breaking of the links between said four high parts 1ah, 1 bh, 1ch and 1dh two by two but that, in this case, only two of said high parts would have been bent outwardly of said box 1.

The figure 4 shows said box 1 at a next step of the method according to the invention.

In this figure, it can be seen that the four upper parts 1a 1, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of said side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d have been folded towards the inside of the box 1, by an angle substantially equal to 90 °, with respect to the lower part of said side walls. It can be seen that the folding of the upper parts 1bh and 1dh of the short sides of the box has been done before that of the upper parts 1a 1 and 1b, so that the upper parts 1a 1 and 1b partially cover the upper parts 1bh and 1 dh after folding.

We also see that, in the example shown on the figure 4 the height of the stack of objects is such that the reduction in height of the box 1 is small, so that, after folding, said high parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh do not completely close the upper face of said box 1, which has a central opening.

The figure 5 shows said box 1 at the same stage of the process as on the figure 5 but in another example of implementation of this method.

In this figure, it can be seen that the four upper parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of said side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d have been folded towards the inside of the box 1, by an angle substantially equal to 90 °. It can be seen that the folding of the upper parts 1bh and 1dh was carried out before that of the upper parts 1ah and 1ch, so that the upper parts 1h and 1hb cover the upper parts 1bh and 1dh after folding.

We also see, in the example shown on the figure 5 , that the high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1ch and 1dh completely close the upper access opening to the contents of said box 1, after folding said upper parts towards the center of said box. It is understood that the height of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box 1 in the example shown in FIG. figure 5 , is less than the height of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box 1 in the example shown in FIG. figure 4 , so that the height reduction of the box 1 in the example shown on the figure 5 is, therefore, more important than the reduction in height of said box 1 in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 4 . For this reason, the height of said high parts 1 ah, 1bh, 1ch, and 1dh before folding is, therefore, more important in the example illustrated in FIG. figure 5 than in the example shown on the figure 4 , and that for the same reason, said high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1 hp and 1 dh occupy, once folded, a larger surface in the example shown in FIG. figure 5 , which allows them to completely close the opening of said box 1.

It is also understood that, in the case of a box with rectangular section, as illustrated on the Figures 1 to 5 it is the two upper parts 1ah and 1ch of the side walls 1a and 1c parallel to the length of the box which, once folded, can completely close the opening of said box 1, provided that the height of each of said parts high 1 ah and 1 hp before folding is equal to or greater than the half-width of said box 1, which is possible only if the height of the stack of objects previously disposed in said box 1 is equal to or less than the initial height of said box 1 minus the half-width of said box 1.

It is therefore understood that it is sufficient not to fill the box 1 above a limit located at a distance equal to the half-width of said box 1 relative to the top of said box 1 to be able to completely close the opening of said box 1 by the implementation of the method according to the invention.

Finally, it is conceivable that it is sufficient to maintain in the horizontal plane said folded high parts 1ah and 1ch, by means of a fixing method known per se or within the reach of those skilled in the art, for example by gluing, strapping, applying adhesive tape, wrapping with a plastic film or a sheet of paper or any other equivalent means, which keeps closed said box 1.

According to another characteristic arrangement of the method of the invention, for exerting said effort Fa, Fb, Fc and Fd on said side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d and folding the upper parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of said sidewalls to outside said box 1, said side walls are grasped in an area between the top of said box and the level of the top of said stack of objects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 and, preferably, close to said vertical edges 2ab, 2bc, 2cd and 2da, for example by means of clips 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2 each having at least two jaws, one (9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, 9c1, 9c2, 9d1 and 9d2) acting on the outer face of the wall, the other (10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1 and 10d2) acting on the inner face of the wall. Each clamp 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2 comprises two elongate jaws, 9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, respectively. 9c1, 9c2, 9d1 and 9d2, 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1 and 10d2, whose opening and closing are obtained by means of jacks or other actuators (not shown) for exerting on least one of the jaws and, preferably, on each of the said jaws, a force that tends to bring them closer to the jaw which is in vis-à-vis, on the other side of the side wall of the box.

After positioning the clamps on the upper parts of the side walls of the box, each of said grippers and thus each of said high parts is rotated towards the outside of said box 1, around an axis of rotation 11a, 11b. , 11c and 11d substantially located on said side walls and at the top of said stack of objects.

The figure 6 shows said box 1 in one of the first steps of the method according to the invention.

In this figure, we see means set up to grip the upper part of the side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of said box 1, in the form of pairs of clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1 , 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2 each having two jaws, one 9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, 9c1, 9c2, 9d1 and 9d2 acting on the outer face of the wall, the other 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1 and 10d2 acting on the inner face of the wall.

We see that in the example shown on the figure 6 , the upper part of each of said side walls is gripped by two clamps and these clamps are located near the vertical edges 2ab, 2bc, 2cd and 2da at which said side walls are interconnected in pairs.

It is understood that it would also be possible to use a single pliers of large width to grasp each of said side walls, or even a larger number of narrower pliers.

We also see, on the figure 6 , that the lower end of the jaws of said clamps is at an altitude substantially equal to that of the top of the stack of objects previously disposed in said box 1, that is to say, in the example shown, above the level of the upper face of the object 3.

The figure 7 shows said box 1 in the next step of the method according to the invention.

In this figure, it can be seen that each of said clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2 has pivoted about a horizontal axis 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d located on the side wall 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d previously gripped by said clamps, at an altitude substantially equal to that of the lower end of the jaws of said clamps, which is known to be substantially identical to the altitude of the top of the stack of objects previously arranged in said box 1.

It is understood that the fact of rotating said clamps made it possible to exert a tilting force on the upper part 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh of said side walls, directed towards the outside of the box 1 and that this effort is transmitted on the links between the two to two high parts, and allowed to break these connections and that it is because this rupture occurred that said high parts could be folded out of said box 1.

It is thus seen that said links have been broken by the sole effect of this rotational movement, without the direct action of any member on said links or use of any cutting tool.

It is also understood that it would have been sufficient to rotate only the clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9c1 / 10c1 and 9c2 / 10c2 around horizontal axes parallel to the length of the box 1, or only the clamps 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2 around the horizontal axes parallel to the width of the box 1 to break the links between said upper parts two by two but that, in this case, only two of said high parts were folded towards the outside of said box 1.

After rupture of the connection between the upper parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh, side walls 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d of the box 1, said upper parts are separated by notches 28ab, 28bc, 28cd and 28da.

After openings of the clamps and removal thereof, said upper parts are then folded towards the inside of the box, by means such as pushing bodies known by the state of the art, so as to bring them back into a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane thus constituting the upper closing wall of said box. During this folding, the upper parts are flaps or flaps that pivot about the axes 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, creating folding lines 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d.

It is understood that the clamps serve only to grip and bend outwardly said upper parts which then return to the vertical starting position. Their inward folding therefore occurs after removal of said clamps, for example on another machine station.

The figure 8 is a sectional view of the box 1 and a part of a machine for carrying out the method according to the invention, in a plane parallel to the width of said box 1 and passing through the center of said box 1.

In this figure, we see the clamps 9a1 / 10a1 and 9c2 / 10c2 intended to grip respectively the upper parts of the side walls 1a and 1c of said box 1.

We also see, on the figure 8 , the probe 12, movable along a vertical axis with respect to auditing tongs, and the detector 13 whose function is to detect the position of said probe 12. The probe 12 may be constituted by a plate whose shape and dimensions correspond approximately to the shape and the dimensions of the bottom 1e boxes 1. The detector 13 may be constituted by a device known per se. This detector 13 can be mounted with a capacity of vertical movement relative to the 12. For this purpose, it can be carried by a slide 26 mounted with a possibility of sliding on a vertical slideway 27 whose lower end is provided with the probe 12 (FIG. figures 8 and 9 ).

We also see on the figure 8 , the objects 3, 4, 5 and 7, previously arranged in said box 1.

It should be noted that the elements situated in the background of this section, such as the clips 9d1 / 10d1 and 9d2 / 10d2, have not been drawn for the sake of clarity.

The figure 9 is similar to the figure 8 but shows the box 1 and said machine part at a next step of the method according to the invention.

We see, on the figure 9 , that said grippers 9a1 / 10a1, 9c2 / 10c2, said feeler 12 and said detector 13 have been moved to said box 1, using means not shown such as for example cylinders or other actuators associated with a belt transmission , chain, rod-type / crank-type mechanism or any other suitable means, such that the upper part 1ah of the side wall 1a has been introduced between the two jaws of the clamp 9a1 / 10a1 and that the upper part 1 ch of the side wall 1c was introduced between the two jaws of the clamp 9c2 / 10c2. It is also understood that a similar result could have been obtained by moving said box 1 towards said clamps 9a1 / 10a1 and 9c2 / 10c2, and towards the assembly consisting of said feeler 12 and said detector 13.

It is also seen that, during this movement, said probe 12 first comes into contact with the object 3 whose highest point is the top of the stack constituted by said objects, which stops the downward movement of said probe 12, then that the movement of said clamps 9a1 / 10a1 and 9c2 / 10c2 and said detector 13 continued until said detector 13 comes into contact with said probe 12 and it is understood that the control system which controls said displacement has then stopped this move. We also see that the position of said detector 13 is such that the contact between said detector 13 and said probe 12 occurs when the lower end of the jaws of said clamps 9a1 / 10a1 and 9c2 / 10c2 is at an altitude substantially equal to that of the highest point of the object 3, that is to say at an altitude equal to that of the top of the stack of objects previously disposed in said box 1 and that this is true regardless of the height of said stack objects.

The folding of the high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1 hp, 1 dh, in horizontal position towards the center of the box 1, can be favored by providing horizontal creases or grooves at the axes 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d these creases or grooves may occupy the entire distance between the bottom of two consecutive notches 28ab, 28bc, 28cd and 28da or only part of this distance. They are obtained by crushing of the material used for the manufacture of the box, for example under the pressure of a suitable tool.

We see, for example on figures 8 and 9 , that the jaws 9a1, 10a1, 9c2 and 10c2 each have, in the lower part, a beveled edge 25, these beveled edges being arranged opposite one another ( figure 8 ), which allows them to crush the side walls 1a and 1c in this area, at the approximation of said jaws of the clamp. It is known that this zone corresponds to the position of the axes 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, around which we will then rotate said clamps 9a1 / 10a1 and 9c2 / 10c2 and thereby the upper part 1ah and 1ch of said side walls 1a and 1c, facilitating the creation of folding lines 8a and 8c. It is understood that these creases or grooves, are intended to facilitate the folding of said upper parts of the side walls towards the inside of said box 1. It is also understood that these creases or grooves may be of reduced length, sufficient to promote the creation of lines 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, over the entire length of the short sides and the long sides of the box 1, but can also advantageously be made on all or part of the distance between the bottoms of the notches 28ab , 28bc, 28cd and 28da located on the axes 11a and 11c and around which will be folded said high portions 1ah and 1ch, this using pliers of large width.

According to an alternative embodiment, only one of the two jaws of each clamp may comprise a beveled edge 25 for making grooves or grooves in one side of the side walls of the boxes made of cardboard or other foldable material.

Finally, we understand that the explanations given for the mechanisms that appear on the figures 8 and 9 which represent cross-sectional views in a plane parallel to the width of said box 1 are also applicable for the mechanisms that would appear on other sectional views, for example in a plane parallel to the length of said box 1 if one realized the corresponding figures.

The figure 10 shows said box 1 before implementing the method according to the invention. We see on the figure 10 the four side walls 1a, 1b, 1c and 1d of said box 1. We also see the edges 2ab, 2bc, 2cd and 2da where are the connections between said side walls in pairs.

We also see that said box 1 has a cut 14ab, 14bc, 14cd, 14da, made at the vertical edge 2ab, 2bc, 2cd, 2da where is the connection between said side walls 1a and 1b, 1b and 1c , 1c and 1d, 1d and 1a. This cutting was performed on a reduced height, for example on a height of the order of a few millimeters, from the top of the box.

It is understood that such a cut of reduced height is intended to facilitate the implementation of the method according to the invention in the sense that it constitutes a breaking primer from which the breaking of the connection between said side walls of the box 1 , for example between the side walls 1a and 1b, will be able to easily propagate to the level of the top of the stack of objects previously disposed in said box 1, during the folding of the upper parts 1ah and 1bh of the side walls 1a and 1b of said box, in the context of the implementation of the method which is the subject of the invention, as described for example in the explanations given for the figure 7 .

Similarly we see the cutouts 14bc, 14cd and 14da and it is understood that they play the same role for breaking the bonds between, respectively, the side walls 1a and 1b, 1c and 1d, and 1d and 1a.

It is also known that, for the complete implementation of the method according to the invention, to obtain a closed box, as described for example in the explanations given for the figure 5 , the height of each of said high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1 ch and 1dh must be at least equal to the half-width of said box 1, and that, therefore, said cutouts 14ab, 14bc, 14cd and 14da may have a height at most equal to the half-width of said box 1, so that, under these conditions, the low point of said blanks will always be located above or possibly at the same level as the top of the stack of previously housed objects in said box 1.

The figure 11 shows said box 1 after implementation of the first steps of the method according to the invention. We know, through the explanations given for the figure 5 , that the box 1 can be kept closed after implementation of said method by providing a means for maintaining in the horizontal plane said high parts 1ah and 1ch after folding of said upper parts to the inside of said box 1.

We see, on the figure 11 said upper portions 1bh and 1dh, already folded towards the inside of said box 1, in the horizontal plane. We also see said high parts 1ah and 1ch, not yet folded and we see on the inner face of the upper part 1ch a bead of adhesive 15, deposited near the upper upper edge of said upper part 1ch. It is therefore understood that said adhesive bead 15 will be brought into contact with the outer face of the upper part 1ah if said upper part 1ah is folded towards the inside of the box 1, in the horizontal plane, before folding also said upper part 1 ch towards the inside of said box 1, in the horizontal plane. It is therefore understood that said adhesive bead 15 will make it possible to bind said high parts 1ah and 1ch together after folding and, thereby, to maintain them, as well as said high parts 1bh and 1dh, in the horizontal plane, thus providing means for maintaining said box 1 closed.

We see, on the figure 12 said upper portions 1bh and 1dh, already folded towards the inside of said box 1, in the horizontal plane. We also see said high parts 1 ah and 1 hp, not yet folded and we see on the inner face of the upper part 1 ch a bead of adhesive 15, deposited near the upper upper edge of said upper part 1ch. Also seen on the inner face of the upper part 1ah two adhesive beads 16 and 17, deposited near the upper upper edge of said upper part 1 ah. And we also see a bead of adhesive 18, deposited on the outer face of said folded upper part 1HD and a bead of adhesive 19, deposited on the outer face of said upper part 1 bh folded.

It is therefore understood that, if one folds first of said upper portion 1ah inwardly of the box 1, in the horizontal plane, said glue beads 16 and 18 will allow to bind said high parts 1ah and 1dh between them and said adhesive beads 17 and 19 will make it possible to bind said high parts 1 ah and 1 bh between them and, thereby, to maintain them in the horizontal plane and that if one folds then said upper part 1ch towards the inside of said box 1, in the horizontal plane, said adhesive bead 15 will make it possible to bind said upper parts 1ah and 1ch together and, thereby, to maintain them, as well as said high parts 1bh and 1dh, in the horizontal plane.

It is therefore understood that these different adhesive beads 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 provide means for keeping said box 1 closed, in a reliable and hermetic manner, regardless of the height of said high parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh, between the half-width and the width of said box 1.

The figure 13 shows said box 1 after the first steps of the method according to the invention.

We see on the figure 13 that the upper part 1 dh, and also the upper part 1 bh which is no longer visible in this figure, have been folded towards the inside of the box 1, in the horizontal plane. It is understood that said folding was carried out at the top of the stack of articles previously arranged in said box 1.

We also see, on the figure 13 , the glue beads 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. It can be seen that said adhesive bead 15 is deposited on the upper part 1ch, that said glue beads 16 and 17 are deposited on the upper part 1a and we know , thanks to the figure 12 , said adhesive bead 18 is deposited on the folded upper part 1dh and said adhesive bead 19 is deposited on the folded upper part 1 bh.

We also see on the figure 13 a sizing system consisting of a glue tank 20, gluing nozzles 21, 22 and 23 and a pipe 24 which connects said glue nozzles to said tank.

It is understood that said gluing nozzles may each be provided with a device, not shown on the figure 13 , allowing them to project glue when the control system of said gluing system gives the order.

It can also be seen that said glue beads 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 are all parallel to one another, and it is therefore easy to remove said glue beads by moving said box 1 under said system. sizing in the direction D parallel to said adhesive beads and ordering, by said control system, the projection of the adhesive for each of said sizing nozzles 21, 22 and 23 at the appropriate time for said adhesive beads to be deposited on said high parts 1ah, 1bh, 1ch and 1dh at the desired location.

From the foregoing description, it is again retained that the machine according to the invention comprises means making it possible, on the one hand, to exert a force directed outwards on the upper part (1ah, 1bh, 1ch, 1dh) at least two opposite side walls (1a, 1c or 1b, 1d) of a box 1 made of a foldable material such as cardboard or other and consisting of a bottom 1e and four side walls (1a, 1b, 1c , 1d) connecting together and forming 90 ° angles, so as to break the connections between said upper parts, and, on the other hand, to then fold all the upper parts (1ah, 1bh, 1ch, 1dh) to inside the box to bring them back into a substantially horizontal plane. This machine thus makes it possible to adapt the height of the useful volume of the box to the height of the set of objects or the stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) housed in said box.

According to the invention, said means consist of a tool comprising at least two clamps (9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2) each having at least two vertical jaws, on the one hand, a first motorization to bring them closer to each other to be able to grip, by a pinching action, the upper part of at least two walls side of the box, and secondly, a second motorization for applying a force (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) directed outwardly on said upper parts of said two side walls, so as to break the links between them.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the tooling comprises at least four clamps (9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2) arranged each on the sides of a quadrilateral to allow bending the upper parts of the side walls of the box 1, to the outside thereof.

Preferably, the tooling comprises two clamps arranged on each side of said quadrilateral, these two clamps being arranged at a distance from one another, and positioned to be able to grip the upper parts of the side walls of the box 1, close to vertical edges of said box. An example of realization of such arrangement is illustrated on the figure 7 which shows that the gripping assembly consists of eight clips 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2.

In order not to lengthen and unnecessarily complicate the description and the drawings, the actuators of the cylinders or other device ensuring the approximation or removal of the jaws of the clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / are not described. 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2, nor programmable controllers, nor the motorization, nor the detection and transmission devices ensuring the proper functioning of the tools (clamps) of the machine, these different apparatus not falling within the scope of the invention and being well known to those skilled in the art.

The machine for wedging and confining objects inside a box 1 made of a foldable material, for example made of cardboard and composed of a base 1e of square or rectangular shape, or approximately square or rectangular, and of four side walls 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, comprises, according to the invention, a tool for adjusting the height of the useful volume of the box to the height of the stack of objects 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, housed in the latter and to ensure the closure of said box, and means for moving this tool so as to position it above the box 1, or means for moving said box 1 to position it below said tooling, which comprises at least two clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2, each having two jaws vertical, said clamps being subjected, on the one hand, to a first motorization to bring closer the said jaws of each other to be able to grip, by a pinching action, the upper part of at least two side walls of the box, and secondly, a second motorization allowing them to apply a force Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd directed outwards, on said two high parts 1 ah, 1 bh, 1 hp, 1 dh, so as to break the links between said high parts.

According to another characteristic arrangement, the machine comprises at least four clamps 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2 each arranged on one sides of a quadrilateral, to allow to grasp and bend the upper parts of the four side walls of the box to the outside thereof.

Preferably, said tooling comprises two clamps arranged on each of the four sides of the quadrilateral, these two clamps being arranged at a distance from each other and positioned to grip the upper parts of the side walls of the box 1, close to the angles formed by the junction of said side walls.

It is pointed out that the clamps could also have jaws having a nip length corresponding to the distance between the bottom of two successive notches 28ab, 28bc, 28cd, 28da.

Advantageously, the lower edge of at least one of the jaws of the clamps and, preferably, the lower edge of each jaw 9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, 9c1, 9c2, 9d1, 9d2, 10a1, 10a2, 10b1 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1, 10d2 of each of said clips 9a1 / 10a1, 9a2 / 10a2, 9b1 / 10b1, 9b2 / 10b2, 9c1 / 10c1, 9c2 / 10c2, 9d1 / 10d1, 9d2 / 10d2, have a bevel 25 oriented towards the other jaw, so as to achieve a crushing of the material in which the box is executed at the locations compressed by these bevelled edges, creases or grooves resulting from this crushing constituting fold lines or line primers folding to promote the folding of the upper parts of the side walls inwards.

On the other hand, the machine comprises a probe 12 and a detector 13 movable vertically and with respect to each other, the shape and the general dimensions of this probe 12 corresponding substantially to the shape and dimensions of the bottom 1e of the box 1 so as to be able to move vertically between the vertical walls of the box, the detector 13 being connected to the controller controlling the movements and the closing and opening of the clamps.

Claims (19)

1. Method to reduce the height of a box (1) made of a foldable material, composed of a base (1e) and at least four side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) inter-connected at a right angle by forming ridges, up to the top of the stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) previously placed into said box, without removal of a part of the material of said box nor utilization of any cutting tool whatsoever, but by folding towards the center of said box the upper sections of said side walls, characterized in that:

   - the connections between said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) are broken along the upper portion of the vertical ridges (2ab, 2bc, 2cd, and 2da) of said box (1) from the top of said vertical walls of the box to the level of the top of said stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) previously placed inside the latter, by exerting a force (Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd) directed towards the exterior of said box (1), on the upper portion (1 ah, 1 bh, 1 ch, and 1 dh) situated above the level of the top of said stack of objects, of at least two of said side walls;

   - simultaneously are folded, towards the exterior of said box (1) said upper sections (1ah, 1bh, 1ch, and 1dh) on which said force (Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd) is exerted;

   - then all upper sections (1ah, 1bh, 1ch, and 1dh) of said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) are folded towards the interior of said box (1) to bring them back into an essentially horizontal plane.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that a force (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) directed towards the exterior of said box, is exerted on the upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1 ch, 1 dh) situated above the stack of objects, of the assembly of the four side walls of the box.
3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, after folding of all said upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1ch, and 1dh) into an essentially horizontal plane, these obturate completely the opening of said box (1) and in that said upper sections are kept in said horizontal plane for example by gluing, or strapping or application of adhesive tape, or wrapping in plastic film or a sheep of paper, whereby said box is kept closed.
4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in order to exert said force (Fa, Fb, Fc, and Fd) on said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) and to fold back the upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1 ch, and 1 dh) of said side walls towards the exterior of said box (1), said side walls are seized in an area situated between the top of said box and the top of said stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) by using clamps (9a1/10a1, 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, and 9d2/10d2) each featuring at least two jaws capable of being brought closer together or being moved further apart from each other, one of these jaws (9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, 9c1, 9c2, 9d1, 9d2) acting on the outside face of the wall, the other one (10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c1, 10c2, 10d1, 10d2) acting on the inside face of the wall, then each of said clamps and thus each of said upper sections are swung around, in the direction of the exterior of said box (1), around a rotational axis (11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d) essentially situated on said side walls and at the top of said stack of objects.
5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper sections of the side walls are seized by means of clamps positioned in proximity of the vertical ridges of the box (1).
6. Method according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, in order to seize said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) by using said clamps (9a1/10a1, 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, and 9d2/10d2), said box (1) is first moved towards the assembly of said clamps, or the assembly of said clamps is moved towards said box, in a movement that is perpendicular to the base (1e) of said box, and in that the corresponding movement is stopped upon detection, by means of a detection device comprising, for example, a feeler (12) and a sensor (13), a relative movement between said clamps and said feeler (12).
7. Method according to claim 6, characterized in that, for the detection of the top of the stack of objects located in the box (1), a feeler (12) is used whose shape and general dimensions correspond to the shape and dimensions of the base 1e of said box(1).
8. Method according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, prior to folding the upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1ch, and 1dh) of said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) towards the interior of said box (1) a score (also called a groove) is made at the level of the rotational axis (11a, 11b, 1c, and 11d) around which the folding is to be executed, situated on said side walls and at the level of the top of said stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7).
9. Method according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, before applying a force directed towards the exterior of said box (1) on the upper portion (1ah, 1bh, 1ch, 1dh) situated above the level of the top of the stack of objects located in said box (1), a score or groove (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d) is made in said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) at a height corresponding to the level of the stack of objects (3, 4, 6, 5, 7) placed inside the box (1) by means of the lower end of the jaws of the clamps, at least one of which features a beveled edge (25) oriented in the direction of the other one of said jaws.
10. Method according to any of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the box (1) used features slits (14ab, 14bc, 14cd, and 14da) of reduced height, made from the top of said box, at the vertical ridges (2ab, 2bc, 2cd, and 2da) where the connections between said side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d) are situated.
11. Method according to any of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a bead of glue (15) is deposited on at least one of the faces of at least one of said upper sections (1 ah, 1bh, 1ch, and 1dh), then said upper sections are folded back so that said bead of glue makes at least two of said upper sections adhere to each other and keeps all of said upper sections in an essentially horizontal plane.
12. Method according to any of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a bead of glue (15) is deposited on the inside face of at least one of said upper sections as well as one or several beads of glue (16,17,18, and 19) on the inside and/or outside of at least one more of said upper sections and said non-glued upper sections (1bh and 1dh) are folded first, then said previously glued upper sections (1ah then 1ch) are successively folded so that said beads of glue (15, 16, 17, 18, and 19) do not come into contact with said objects (3, 4, 5, 6, and 7) but ensure the adhesion of several of said upper sections to each other and keep all of said upper sections in an essentially horizontal plane.
13. Method according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that said beads of glue (15, 16, 17, 18, and 19) are parallel to each other and that the deposition of said beads of glue is obtained by projection of glue from a glue tank (20) using fixed gluing nozzles (21, 22, and 23) during the travel of said box (1) in a direction (D) parallel to said beads of glue.
14. Machine for the cushioning and confinement of objects inside a box (1) made of foldable material, for example of carton and composed of a base (1e) of square or rectangular, or approximately square or rectangular shape, and of four side walls (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) inter-connected at right angles forming ridges, this machine featuring tooling for adapting the height of the useful volume of the box to the height of the stack of objects (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) placed into it and for ensuring the closure of said box, and of means for moving said box (1) in order to position it under said tooling, characterized in that this tooling comprises, on the one hand, gripping elements (9a1/10a1, 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, and 9d2/10d2) for seizing the upper portion of at least two side walls of the box, and to apply a force (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) directed towards the exterior, on said two upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1ch, 1dh) so as to break the connections between said upper sections, and to ensure the tilting towards the exterior of said separated upper sections and, on the other hand, pushing elements for folding the separated upper sections of the side walls back in the direction of the center of the box.
15. Machine according to claim 14, characterized in that the gripping elements are constituted by clamps (9a1/10a1, 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, and 9d2/10d2) featuring two vertical jaws, said clamps being driven, on the one hand, by a first motor for bringing said jaws closer together to be able to seize, by a clamping action, the upper portion of at least two side walls of the box, and on the other hand, by a second motor for applying a force (Fa, Fb, Fc, Fd) directed towards the exterior, on said two upper sections (1ah, 1 bh, 1ch, 1dh) so as to break the connections between said upper sections.
16. Machine according to claim 15, characterized in that said tooling comprises at least four clamps (9a1/10a1, 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, 9d2/10d2) positioned each on one of the sides of a quadrangle, for seizing and bending the upper sections of the four side walls of the box towards the exterior of it.
17. Machine according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the tooling comprises two clamps placed on each of the four sides of the quadrangle, these two clamps being placed at a distance from each other and positioned for seizing the upper sections of the side walls of the box (1), in proximity to the angles formed by the junction of said side walls.
18. Machine according to one of claims 15 or 16, characterized in that the lower edge of at least one of the jaws of the clamps and, preferably, the lower edge of each jaw (9a1, 9a2, 9b1, 9b2, 9c9, 9c2, 9d1, 9d2, 10a1, 10a2, 10b1, 10b2, 10c9, 10c2, 10d1, 10d2) of each of said clamps (9a1/10a1 , 9a2/10a2, 9b1/10b1, 9b2/10b2, 9c1/10c1, 9c2/10c2, 9d1/10d1, 9d2/10d2) presents a bevel (25) oriented in the direction of the other jaw, so as to achieve a crushing of the material the box is made of, at the places compressed by these beveled edges, the scores or grooves resulting from this crushing constituting folding lines or beginnings of folding lines facilitating the folding of the upper sections towards the inside.
19. Machine according to any of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that it features a feeler (12) and a sensor (13) that are vertically mobile and one in relation to the other, the shape and the general dimensions of this feeler (12) corresponding essentially to the shape and dimensions of the base (1e) of the box (1) so as to be able to travel vertically between the vertical side of the box, the sensor (13) being connected to the process controller guiding the travels as well as the closing and opening of the clamps.

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