Stackable box and machine for packing such boxes

Abstract

A stackable box, a machine for packing such boxes, and a container processed by one such machine. The box has a shape such as a conical shape ( 2 ) which enables the box to be stacked by the largest opening ( 3 ) therein. The container can include one such box, closed by a cover.

1 . A box for an aerosol can, of a type comprising an orifice designed for receiving a closing means, characterized in that it is produced, before its filling and closing, according to a profile allowing it to be stacked, a box being capable of being inserted over a large proportion of its length through the orifice of the box immediately preceding it in a stack when a plurality of boxes are stacked, so as to reduce the volume occupied in packing cases for the boxes before their storage and/or transport toward a machine for the filling of aerosol cans.  
   
   
       2 . The box as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that it is produced from a pellet consisting of tin plate or of another formable material, with a substantially flat shape, with the aid of a tool ( 5 ) for giving the pellet a hollow shape so as to form a stackable box ( 1 ).  
   
   
       3 . The box as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that the stackable box ( 1 ) has side walls ( 2 ) which are each inclined at at least one predetermined angle to the vertical, and in that it has at least one orifice ( 3 ).  
   
   
       4 . The box as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that it has a conical shape, the cross section of the box being substantially circular, and the orifice ( 3 ) being arranged on the side of largest diameter of the cone frustum.  
   
   
       5 . The box as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that, before the stackable box ( 10 ) is delivered onto a stack ( 14 ), it is processed at a station making it possible to carry out the covering of its inner and/or outer faces with the aid of coverings of various treatments and particularly by the application of publicity, commercial or statutory messages, or for the marking of products and, in particular, of the final container which will subsequently be produced, as will be described later.  
   
   
       6 . The box as claimed in  claim 1 , characterized in that it is loaded from packs in the form of stacks with the aid of an unstacking loader at the entrance of a filling machine.  
   
   
       7 . An aerosol can or the like composed of at least one box obtained as claimed in  claim 1 , previously stackable before its use for the manufacture of said container, characterized in that it comprises a closing means and a product to be dispensed through a dispensing means associated with a stackable box.  
   
   
       8 . The aerosol can or the like as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that it comprises a valve carrier cap ( 62 ) specially designed for this type of box, produced from a sheet consisting of a rigid material, and formed so as to be fitted by crimping to the edge of the orifice ( 60   c ) of the box ( 60 ), the matching edges of the cap ( 62 ) and of the box ( 60 ) being bent in interlocked semicircles ( 65 ,  63 ) separated by a plastic seal ( 64 ), the valve carrier cap being intended to be equipped with a valve ( 61 ) for the projection of the product which is filled in the aerosol can, after the valve carrier cap ( 62 ) has been secured to the box ( 60 ).  
   
   
       9 . The aerosol can or the like as claimed in  claim 8 , characterized in that it comprises a cowl or cover for closing and/or protecting the actual valve, which cooperates with an additional bend ( 66 ) which makes it possible to increase the horizontal dimension of the aerosol can in the drawing, so as to make it possible to accommodate the thickness of said cowl ( 67 ) therein.  
   
   
       10 . The aerosol can or the like as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that the stackable box ( 70 ) has a part ( 71 ) designed in the form of a valve carrier cap intended for receiving a valve ( 73 ).  
   
   
       11 . The aerosol can or the like as claimed in  claim 7 , characterized in that the box ( 70 ) comprises an orifice ( 74 ), the edge of which has a crimping rim ( 75 ) receiving a closing cover ( 76 ) of convex shape, the reciprocal crimping rim ( 77 ) cooperating with a cylindrical seal ( 79 ) consisting of a material, such as an initially fluid material, serving as a leaktightness seal and/or as a permanent fixing adhesive.  
   
   
       12 . A machine for the packaging of industrial, agricultural, food, pharmaceutical, chemical or cosmetic products, comprising a loader of stacked boxes produced as claimed in  claim 1 , a transfer line, a filling station, a station for putting in place a closing means and a station for the final packaging of aerosol cans.