ASSEMBLY AND STRUCTURING SYSTEM BASED ON LAMINATED AND CORRUGATED CARDBOARD

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of systems for constructing structures based on sustainable materials, particularly to the assembling of cardboard parts of two main types: corrugated cardboard and laminated cardboard, more specifically to the combination of both cardboards for building structures that make up furniture, packaging and self-supporting structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the state of the art there are structures built on the basis of corrugated cardboard sheets, like boxes and displays with a great range of presentations. These obtain considerable structural resistance due to the folds, tabs, tongues and grooves that house them to form interlocking locks that prevent the three-dimensional structures from folding or deforming.

As for laminated cardboard, generally it is used to provide support to the packaging of the end product, it is used in corner pieces that are not part of the base structure, but which are put into place when packaging or pelletized to protect the box or group of boxes on the outer edges which are the most exposed to friction wear with other harder materials during transit.

For more specific solutions it is necessary to provide an assembly system that includes the two types of cardboard, namely, sheets of corrugated cardboard and angular profiles or corner pieces of laminated cardboard, with both elements complementing each other to form self-supporting, three-dimensional structures that fully avail of the advantages of each type of cardboard.

The corrugated cardboard has a great loading capacity on the edge in the axial direction of the flute, little strength in the direction perpendicular thereto and also little strength in the direction transverse to the fold or sheet, said element is used as a compression supporting element considering the axial direction of the flute. Equivalent in the construction sector to a load-bearing wall, the corner pieces would be the interlocks, beams, chains, and reinforced concrete head frames.

As a complement to form a stable, strong structure that supports large loads, not used for elements made from cardboard, the state of the art defines a wide range of extruded laminated cardboard profiles, with the characteristic of being very resistant to axial and perpendicular loads. Said laminated cardboard manufacture by means of the splice with adhesive from a plurality of sheets of paper, stacked one above the other. Said elements or profiles are used as structural support elements in the vertical, horizontal or oblique direction. It is also necessary to provide additional strength to the corrugated cardboard based on the teachings of the strength of laminated cardboard, therefore, in turn, corrugated cardboard sheets are spliced and used as a centre of support in addition to the inherent strength of the corrugated cardboard flute.

The state of the art is defined by a series of documents that describe some corrugated cardboard laminates, furniture elements and structural arrangements, such as for example:

United States of America application US2011/011312, published on 20 January 2011, corresponding to International application WO2010024656 and Mexican application MX/a/2008/010916, invented by Luis Felipe Rego Garcia de Alba, describes a packaging and display that consists of a cubic, hollow body formed with corner pieces on the sharp corners, a plurality of shelves made up of corner pieces, which receive flat panels where the display products are finally arranged.

Design application MX/f/2010/000768, filed on 23 March 2010, invented by Luis Albarrán Torres and collaborators, describes a self-supporting structure with two side load-bearing shelves made from corrugated cardboard and joined by a plurality of laminated cardboard cross members in the form of angled or corner pieces, with said structure forming a furniture element such as a desk.

Design MX 32048, granted on 14 October 2010, invented by Luis Albarrán Torres and collaborators, describes a self-supporting structure with two load-bearing side shelves made from corrugated cardboard and joined by a plurality of laminated cardboard cross members in the form of angled or corner pieces, with said structure forming a furniture element such as a chair.

International patent application WO2010112627, published on 7 October 2010, invented by Raúl Santiago Martin, describes an ensemble of corrugated cardboard sheets to form a laminated panel where the flutes of each layer overlap each other in an arrangement where the direction of the flute in each sheet is perpendicular to the previous one and the following one, so as to provide strength in both directions and said panel can be used as a support element in both directions of the flute.

United States of America application US2010/0187626, published on 29 July 2010, corresponding to Mexican application MX/a/2007/002322, and invented by Luis Felipe Rego Garcia de Alba, describes a packaging structure made with angular elements (corner pieces) of laminated cardboard, cubic in shape and with the corner pieces placed as the edges of the cube, the structural elements being joined at the corners by bolts, and with the structure containing diagonal elements on the surface as reinforcements. The base is a platform with windows to receive hoisting elements for moving the load.

United States of America application US2009/0038989, published on 12 February 2009, invented by Luis Felipe Rego Garcia de Alba, describes a packaging and display structure that consists of a cubic, hollow body made with corner pieces on the sharp corners, a plurality of shelves formed with corner pieces, which receive flat panels where finally the display products are placed.

Korean patent application KR 20090032336, invented by Lee Gyeong Seok, published 1 April 2009, describes a chair with an animal head type backrest built with prefabricated corrugated cardboard elements, and made with a plurality of die-cut elements which are assembled via grooves.

Mexican patent application MX/a/2009/010101 which coincides with International application WO 2009/027992, invented by Mehta Vinay K. and collaborators, describes a foldable, disposable suitcase made from corrugated cardboard, adapted with removable wheels and a handle, consisting of two main bottom and top panels joined by side panels which together from the suitcase.

Japanese patent application JP2009005815, published on 15 January 2009, invented by Tashiro Hideo, describes a chair with a flat seat and backrest made from corrugated cardboard which can be assembled manually and quickly, very suitable for use in the case of natural disasters; the legs have z-shaped cardboard folds with internal hollow elements that form an x-shaped structural panel, a backrest with y-shaped structural support.

Japanese patent application JP2009005902, published 15 January 2009, invented by Tashiro Hideo, describes a bed structure made from corrugated cardboard, completely foldable for use in the event of disaster. It has a flat cover, a honeycomb formed by straight, flat elements coupled in perpendicular directions to form a grid that supports the flat cover joined to a perimeter cover to make the box or base on which the mattress is placed.

International application WO2008096026, published 14 August 2008, invented by Francisco Javier Lopez Latorre, describes a means for displaying objects in the shape of a chair and built with a sheet of corrugated cardboard with die-cutting lines for folding and unfolding the display when required; with the flat structure being supported by using grooves and side taps; the seat and the backrest of the chair are used for printing advertising motifs.

Mexican Utility Model MX1405, corresponding to Application PA/u/2004/00274, invented by Luis Felipe Rego Garcia de Alba, describes a packaging element, including a display made with laminated cardboard corner pieces, and using minimum material to make it. The angular elements or corner pieces are positioned on the sharp corners to form a three-dimensional structure with empty, rectangular windows like the faces of the structure defined by the corner pieces, with said windows performing the function of displaying the products contained inside the structure.

United States of America patent US 5681641 corresponding to Mexican patent MX 191683, published on 28 October 1997, invented by John M. Grigsby and collaborators, describes a structural element shaped by piling corrugated cardboard panels in layers and joined by glue and with a central support element, with the most elementary unit consisting of at least one layer and two corrugated cardboard lids.

The foldable chair of United States of America patent US 4648658, published on 10 March 1987, invented by Calco Wayne, describes a one-plane foldable chair made from a sheet of hardened cardboard; it consists of base panels that are joined to side panels to form the base portion; a seat panel and a backrest that emerges from the rear panels.

United States of America patent US3727979, published on 17 April 1973, invented by Schier R. Furtak R., describes a self-standing structure made from a sheet of cardboard, fully foldable and which when unfolded forms a triangular shaped, hollow seat, with three side faces, a top fold which forms a flat ring with points on the sharp corners of the faces. The seat folds in one plane, is fully portable and lightweight.

International application WO2007049947 corresponding to Mexican application MX/a/2005/011459, invented by Luis Felipe Rego Garcia de Alba, describes a packaging structure made with angular elements (corner pieces) of laminated cardboard, it is cubic and the corner pieces are placed as sharp corners of the cube, the structural elements are joined at the corners by bolts. The base consists of thick elements that form a loading platform.

DE 202004010733U discloses a further system for assembling and structuring based on corrugated cardboard.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• Figure 1a represents a perspective view of a corrugated cardboard splice which forms the supports, shelves or load-bearing elements of this invention.
• Figure 1b represents the breakdown of the corrugated cardboard support and the shape of the die-cut grooves that receive the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles, where it is noted that the top and bottom elements form the support lids, generally the outer lid does not contain die-cuts and acts as an end stop for them.
• Figure 2 diagrammatically represents the manufacturing process of the corrugated cardboard base cells or base elements and the laminated cardboard profiles.
• Figure 3 a represents a corrugated cardboard support part with the grooves for the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles, on the inner surface of the support where glue is placed.
• Figure 3b represents a corrugated cardboard support part with the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles inside the grooves on the inner surface of the support, the ensemble showing a half-finished three-dimensional structure.
• Figure 3c represents the corrugated cardboard support part with the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles inside the grooves on the inner surface of the support, in this stage the support of Figure 3 and the half-structure of Figure 3b, combine to form a finished structure or bench for this type of invention.
• Figure 3d represents a three-dimensional structure formed via the system in this invention; a preferred embodiment is a bench for sitting down that is strong and lightweight.
• Figure 4a represents a corrugated cardboard support part with the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles aimed at the grooves where glue was placed previously.
• Figure 4b represents a corrugated cardboard support part with the grooves occupied by the ends of the laminated cardboard parts perpendicular (cross members) to the support, another support part with grooves prepared previously with glue is imposed over the ends of the cross members of the half-finished structure.
• Figure 4c represents a three-dimensional structure formed via the system of this invention; a preferred embodiment is a chair for sitting down that is strong and lightweight, made from recyclable materials.
• Figure 5 represents a breakdown of a corrugated and laminated cardboard structure, where the component elements are directed towards the position of use; the cross members towards the inner grooves of the side support elements, and over the grooves of the intermediate support elements.
• Figure 5b represents a three-dimensional structure formed via the system of this invention; a preferred embodiment is a bench for sitting down that is strong and lightweight.
• Figure 6a represents a breakdown of a structure of corrugated and laminated cardboard, where the component elements are directed towards the positions of use: the cross members towards the inner grooves of the side support elements.
• Figure 6b represents a three-dimensional structure formed via the system of this invention, a preferred embodiment is a writing desk complemented with a glass cover.
• Figure 7a represents a first side support part of an embodiment not according to the invention made from corrugated cardboard, the outer lid made from card wraps the inner part to prevent the ingress of humidity therein, the inner part has grooves where the ends of the corrugated cardboard profiles are housed.
• Figure 7b represents an intermediate support part of an embodiment not according to the invention made from corrugated cardboard, the inner part has grooves where the profiles or cross members in laminated cardboard are housed.
• Figure 7c represents a second side support part of an embodiment not according to the invention made from corrugated cardboard, the outer lid made from this card wraps the inner part to prevent the ingress of humidity thereto, the inner part has grooves where the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles are housed.
• Figure 8a represents the assembly direction of the first side support part of an embodiment not according to the invention with the intermediate support made from corrugated cardboard with the surrounding outer lid covering the whole of the inner part, the folds of the taps being located on the inner surface of the support parts, and the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles are directed to be housed inside the corresponding grooves.
• Figure 8b represents the assembly of the first, second side and intermediate parts of the supports, of an embodiment not according to the invention as well as the ensemble of the bottom transverse supports, the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles to be housed inside the corresponding grooves. Both supports have top grooves where a longitudinal section of each of the cross members is housed or contained.
• Figure 9a represents the ensemble of the top transverse supports inside the corresponding grooves where glue has been poured.
• Figure 9b represents the fully assembled bed base not according to the invention, the three bottom supports, bottom and top cross members that form a flat surface on which the mattress is laid.
• Figure 10a represents the outer lid surrounded in the card of a display shelf.
• Figure 10b represents the central wall or support centre made from layers of corrugated cardboard with lines of dies and grooves that house taps; said wall forms a shelf display.
• Figure 10c represents the breakdown of the support cross members of the shelves, said supports being made from laminated cardboard profiles or corner pieces, also the corrugated cardboard tray which forms a wall of the display shelf.
• Figure 10d represents laying the surrounding outer lids on the central support wall, specifically on the inner and outer surfaces of the side profiles of said central wall.
• Figure 10e represents laying the wall trays, before closing one of the surrounding side covers, which is closed in the last step.
• Figure 11a represents a perspective view of laying the support cross members of the shelves, prior closing the wrap-around side lid.
• Figure 11b represents a perspective view of the closure of the wrap-around side lid, also the taps of the shelves that give it structural strength.
• Figure 11c represents another perspective view of the closure of the wrap-around side lid, and represents the area of the shelves where the display products are positioned.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard to obtain very strong, self-supporting three-dimensional structures.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a system for assembling and structuring very simple laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard, formed by adhering the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles in the grooves in the panels or load-bearing or support shelves made by splicing corrugated cardboard sheets.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard with versatility insofar as the structures formed, which present solutions in the field of furniture, packaging, displays and construction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard, which three-dimensional structures are sold cut-to-size and packaged unassembled to be put together by the end user who only has to apply glue to the die-cut grooves on the corrugated cardboard panel, in some cases.

It is even an object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard, which cut-to-size pieces are packed to size in a suitcase-like carrier box also made from corrugated cardboard.

It is also an object of this invention to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard, which three-dimensional structure is assembled easily and without using specific tools, only glue and the hands of the end user.

It is an object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard with lids wrapped in card or smooth card that can be printed with advertising motifs, which form three-dimensional, lightweight structures available to a large number of users.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard, with ecological and sustainability advantages as they can be made with materials that are 100% recyclable.

A further object of this invention is to provide a system for assembling and structuring laminated cardboard and corrugated cardboard with lids wrapped in card or smooth card, where the stable, three-dimensional furniture structures are for example: benches, chairs, writing desks, beds, displays, packaging and even construction elements for habitable spaces like shelves and mezzanine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Corrugated cardboard also known as wavy cardboard, is one of the main raw materials for making boxes and packaging and packets and it is used in most production and distribution chains worldwide. In its basic format it is made up of a first layer of smooth paper or liner, a second layer of corrugated paper (corrugated, flute or medium) and a third layer of smooth paper, joined by glue so that the three layers behave as one structural element. Corrugated cardboard has good compression strength in the axial direction of the channels defined by the waves or flutes. Depending on the height between the peak and valley of the waves, the type of flute is defined. Flute A=5 mm, flute B=3mm, flute C=4mm, flute E=1.5mm. In order to increase this strength even more double or triple corrugated cardboards are made which alternate smooth paper with wavy paper, and they are defined according to the splicing of the corrugated parts, for example: a double corrugated BC is 7.0mm thick, adding flute B and flute C. Corrugated cardboard is made in sheets of different measurements which are then converted by die-cutters and glue machines into boxes, display packaging, etc.

The smooth paper acts as a layer on the corrugated cardboard (flute) forming a structure that has increased mechanical strength for the loads in the axial direction of the channels defined by the waves or flutes, in other words, increased compression strength, therefore it is possible to stack various boxes full of products without them deforming significantly. The strength is gained through factors such as gram weight and/or strength of the papers and the height of the wave or flute.

Laminated cardboard is made by joining several layers of smooth paper with waterproof glue (APV) so that it can be used to made elements subject to damp conditions and which require increased strength expressed in g/m2, with the typical strengths being between 600 and 1250g/m2. Unlike corrugated cardboard, it is only made using smooth paper and joining several layers together using glue.

To make 150 calibre (in thousandths of an inch) laminated cardboard, five papers of 30 thousandths will be joined together.

Laminated cardboard is available in various formats like extended sheets in a smaller calibre, narrow sheets or slabs of a greater calibre, narrow sheets with longitudinal folds at right angles that form corner pieces and rectangular U-shaped channels, sheets adhered in the radial direction forming tubes. Laminated cardboard is solid and much heavier than corrugated cardboard, but for the same reason it has excellent load-bearing capacity in the axial and transverse direction, and is suitable for using as structural load-bearing elements.

The process known as die-cutting, also known as stamping, consists in marking or cutting a material by applying pressure with a tool called a die. In the context of this application, die-cutting is performed using a wooden table with grooves in the shape of the desired figure where knives are inserted that follow the contour of the figure, using a die-cutter the corrugated cardboard lies between the knives and a plate, and when the pressure is applied the desired figure is cut out.

The process of adhering one surface to another using glue is called splicing, and it can be done manually or using an appropriate machine. A surface like the lid or surface of the corrugated cardboard is covered with glue and prepared to superimpose another sheet of corrugated cardboard, or simply a sheet of white card or card printed with advertising or informative motifs.

Via the process for splicing a simple or double piece of corrugated cardboard more layers of corrugated cardboard are added, so as to increase its thickness, strength and load-bearing capacity. It is possible to splice untreated sheets or pre-die-cut parts. Additionally, it is possible to splice multiple pieces with the direction of the flute parallel between them all, also it is possible to splice with the transverse flutes inserted alternatively, for example, the even-ones in a direction at 90º with respect to the non-even or odd ones. By splicing the flutes in the parallel direction a support element is obtained with increased compression strength in the longitudinal direction of the flute; but relatively weak in the transverse direction thereof, alternating the directions of the flute forms panels with the same load-bearing capacity in both directions.

This application consists basically in making various panels of corrugated cardboard shaped by splicing sheets of die-cut corrugated cardboard to a specific, predetermined shape according to the desired structure. Splicing is performed using several layers of corrugated cardboard with grooves and the last layer without grooves which acts as a lid. This is so that once the panels are formed laminated cardboard profiles are inserted into the die-cut grooves to obtain a volumetric element, the last layer or lid acting as end stop for the end of the profile inserted into the die-cut groove before applying glue to the groove to obtain a stable, three-dimensional structure. It is possible to create variations according to the user's wishes like for example, silhouettes in traditional shapes like chairs or abstracts. The lids and profiles are a natural colour, with paint, printed motifs.

The laminated cardboard profiles come in various shapes that adapt according to structure requirements, for example, the corner piece, the U-shaped channel and the tube. The quantity and calibre of the profiles are adjusted according to the design and load-bearing requirements that are given to the support or load-bearing panels made from corrugated cardboard, the panels can be the same, mirror panels, different sizes and shapes, parallel or oblique, divergent or convergent, perpendicular to the floor, parallel to the floor, as a top lid, side lid, intermediate supports, etc.

The spliced corrugated cardboard forming the support panels and consequently the support elements in the various structures that are the object of this invention, must contain plurality of grooves with a pre-established shape and location to form the desired three-dimensional structure, where the elongated profiles of laminated cardboard are placed in said grooves under pressure and as far as the end stop defined by the inner layer of smooth paper in a basic format used as panel lid, the lids are used for the outer support parts. Support internal panels are included in some types of structure that do not require said lids, in this case, the grooves are through grooves from side to side, in other words, they are pre-established grooves defined by the shape of the laminated cardboard profiles that are used to shape the three-dimensional structure. The lids are used to prevent the profiles completely passing through the grooves and projecting from the body of the panel, the last or outer layer of the basic format of corrugated cardboard has the same shape as the first ones; but the grooves have not been die-cut on it, and so this way the profile is detained when it reaches said last layer that acts an end stop and remains in an internal location inside the support.

The elongated profiles remain inside the grooves with the help of glued applied in each one and then the end of the laminated cardboard profile is inserted, providing also a convenient drying time according to the glue, where in the preferred embodiments white glue is used.

The process for making all the self-supporting structures in this application is similar in all the structures obtained using the assembly system, namely, a support panel is placed on a horizontal flat surface, formed by splicing a plurality of basic formats and with the respective grooves looking upwards or with this plurality of grooves facing the operator who is putting it together; then glue is poured into each die-cut groove on said support panel; then, with manual pressure, each laminated cardboard profile is put into position, duly aligned, in the preferred embodiments the laminated cardboard profiles must be positioned to form a right angle with respect to the horizontal plane or the inner surface of the support panel, manual pressure is applied to ensure that the end reaches the end stop and runs the whole depth of the groove marked by the die; then another mirror support panel is put into position with the grooves pointing towards the operator, glue is put in each groove to insert therein the free ends of the profiles of the previously formed part, when placing the ends of the profiles in each corresponding groove, pressure is applied so that said ends reach the end stop and this way the three-dimensional structure built based on the assembly and structuring system that is the object of this invention is formed. In the preferred embodiment of the self-supporting, stable structure the position of the profiles forms a right angle with respect to the corrugated cardboard support panels; but for aesthetical or design purposes other embodiments of the three-dimensional structure exist where the support panels form oblique angles with respect to each other or with respect to the laminated cardboard profiles; furthermore, the position of the laminated cardboard profiles form oblique angles with respect to each other.

The novelty of the assembly system will be understood more clearly with the help of the figures, for example Figure 1a, which represents a perspective view of a splicing of basic formats which form the support panel of this invention, the splicing (E) which in this particular illustration consists of a plurality of layers of basic format of corrugated cardboard with the flute aligned in the same direction to form an intermediate or central support panel to which there is associated a side layer of corrugated cardboard (T1 and T2) which acts as a lid and support for the first splicing, the splicing of the invention is die-cut with grooves that house laminated cardboard profiles; one of the lids may be die-cut and have the same perforations as the splicing; but the other one is not die-cut so that it specifically fulfils the function of a lid and retains the end of the laminated cardboard profile placed in the grooves of the support panel or splice (E). In one embodiment the shapes of the die-cut grooves are round (34), angular U-shaped (35) and angular L-shaped (36).

Figure 1b is a perspective view of the arrangement in Figure 1a, which defines some layers of the splice (E) with three layers of corrugated cardboard (31, 32) forming the intermediate or central splice and the lids for one of the preferred embodiments, the lids (T) being die-cut with the grooves (36) in an L-shape, grooves (35) in a U-shape with rectangular angles, grooves (34) with a round shape, this lid also clearly shows the direction of the flute rolls or waves(30) on the lid that provide the increased strength of the sheets of corrugated cardboard, and it is noticeable that the direction of the flute is orientated in the same way as the splice and the lids. In Figure 1b the lid (T1) has grooves to allow the laminated cardboard profile to pass on its way toward the support splice (E), lid (T2) does not have any grooves because it acts as an end stop for the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles making up the final structure but the same longitudinal direction of the flute (33) which must coincide with the splice is defined. The intermediate or central corrugated cardboard splice (E) and lids (T1 and T2) also of corrugated cardboard, form a laminate that provides support strength to the three-dimensional structure of this invention in its various embodiments, with the splicing being performed by applying glue (A) to each intermediate layer.

Figure 2 represents a view that defines the process for making corrugated cardboard (16) and laminated cardboard (CL) which has greater strength, and consists of a reel of smooth paper (13a)that passes a station of toothed rollers which give it the corrugated shape; glue is applied to the peaks of the corrugated shape in the station (12); a top layer is applied and another bottom layer of smooth paper from two leader reels (11a and 14a) from which there comes the top lid sheet (11) and the bottom lid sheet (14), the ensemble passes the roller station (17 and 18) which apply pressure and heat to it to set the glue, this way the basic format of corrugated cardboard (16) is made. The laminated cardboard process is similar, except that the number of layers is greater and the toothed rollers are omitted. Namely, the embodiment where there are five leader reels, the reel (1) provides a first sheet of smooth paper to which glue is applied in the station (20), then another two leader reels (2 and 3) provide another two layers of smooth paper onto the glue of the first layer, this layer of three passes a pressure and heat setting station (27 and 28); glue is applied to the resulting splice in another station (20); another two reels (4 and 5) provide another two layers of smooth paper that are set by pressure and heat in the roller station (27 and28), this way laminated cardboard (CL) is produced, which is shaped by pressure to obtain the desired shape of the profile.

Figure 3a represents a perspective view of the process of putting together one of the structures of this invention, namely the first step where glue (A) or white glue is put inside the set of grooves (1f) in the front section, (1s) in the top section of the seat and (1p) in the rear section of the bench, which together receive the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles on the inner surface of the support (S1) of corrugated cardboard formed before, and which has bottom edges (31 and 32) for floor support which are protected by an insert consisting of a sheet of harder, stronger material in comparison with corrugated cardboard, such as a metallic or plastic sheet joined to the edge by glue. To apply the glue the corrugated cardboard laminate (S1) is placed on a flat surface or the floor with grooves facing towards the glue applicator, and with the grooves (1f, 1s and 1p) arranged in groups aligned in the horizontal direction and in the vertical direction; the horizontal arrangement forms a top plane and the two vertical arrangements each form a vertical reinforcement plane, the glue is poured into each of the nine grooves so that afterwards the laminated cardboard profile is positioned, which forms the above-mentioned planes.

Figure 3b represents a perspective view that shows the ensemble of the profiles (300) perpendicular to the support (S1) provided with corresponding grooves in one of the surfaces, in said grooves glue has been poured previously so as to immediately house the ends of the profiles (300) that are placed manually in the direction indicated, creating the union (111) between the support (S1) and the die (300), the support has edges (31 and 31) which make contact with the support surface or floor when the structure is fully assembled.

Figure 3c represents a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the structure in this invention, in this particular case a bench, the two side support laminates (S1 and S2) support at the ends thereof the laminated cardboard profiles (300), the supports have a top edge (45) and two bottom support edges (31 and 32), and the plurality of profiles (300) wedged into the corresponding grooves of the side laminates in a perpendicular arrangement on which there is placed the other support (S2) making the ends of the profiles coincide with the corresponding grooves in the support.

Figure 3d represents a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the structure in this invention, in this case a bench; the laminate (S2) provided with the bottom support edges (31 and 32), top edges (45), grooves not shown where an end of the laminated cardboard profiles (300) is inserted, to form a top seat area (44), a front reinforcement area (43), in this embodiment said profiles are L-shaped, or corner pieces sized 3in. by 3in. (7.62 cm x 7.62 cm) and 3in. by 2in. (7.62 cm x 5.08 cm), in other words, it is a laminated cardboard platform die-cut at right angles. The five profiles (300) of the horizontal arrangement form the top plane of support for the seat (44), the top end profiles and also the profiles in the vertical direction each form a rear and front reinforcement plane.

The sequence of Figures 3a to 3d represents the production of a bench or seat as an application of the basic system for assembling and structuring in this application, and begins by forming a panel with four die-cut corrugated cardboard silhouettes, three of them have been die-cut with grooves and one without such grooves. Using glue the four sheets of corrugated cardboard are stuck together thus forming the first panel, the operation is repeated to obtain a second mirror panel of the first, then glue is poured into the grooves to then insert the corner pieces in each one, allowing the glue to dry. Glue is poured into the grooves of the second panel, the previously assembled structure is taken and placed on the second panel with the ends of the corner pieces pointing downwards and in the direction of the corresponding grooves, pressure is applied to the ensemble until the ends of the corner pieces reach an end stop formed by the lid of the second panel, after leaving the glue from the previous stage to dry, the perpendicular nature of the corner pieces with respect to the support panels is ensured. In a preferred embodiment the lid of the support panels is larger than the die-cut layers, with side taps that can fold to conceal the flute of the corrugated parts making it up, and this last layer or lid can be smooth cardboard, white card and it can even be printed.

Figure 4a represents the inner surface of the corrugated cardboard support (40) with the grooves (111) where the ends of the profiles (300) are placed after glue (A) has been applied to form the complete structure that results in a chair. The support (40) as well as the arrangement of grooves that together with the profiles form the areas of the backrest, seat and front and rear reinforcement, has top profiles (43) that cooperate to support the three profiles making up the backrest of the chair; the floor support profiles (41 and 42), the front (41) which also contributes to the front support of the profiles; the rear (42) which in the same way is involved in the rear support of the profiles. In each groove (111) glue (A) is poured so that the ends of the profiles adhere to the support made from corrugated cardboard.

Figure 4b represents a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the structure in this invention, in this particular case a chair made with corrugated and laminated cardboard, which consists of two corrugated cardboard side supports (40) on the inner surface of which there is a series of die-cut grooves with a shape adapted to that of the laminated cardboard profiles (300) that make up the chair, backrest and front and rear support elements; the corrugated cardboard side supports (40) have two floor support surfaces (41 and 42) and a slimmed top section(43). The laminated cardboard profiles (300) are placed individually in each of the grooves on the inner surface of the side support to form a half-finished section of the chair that is completed by arranging another corrugated cardboard mirror support on the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles already placed perpendicular to the plane of the support (40) once prepared with glue (A).

Figure 4c represents the complete structure formed with two corrugated cardboard supports (40) and a plurality of laminated cardboard L-shaped profiles (300) that form the backrest (44), seat (46) and front reinforcement (45) profiles; each side support with bottom floor support ends (41 and 42)and a top end (43). The preferred shapes and sizes embodiments of the laminated cardboard profiles is an L-shaped right angle sized 3in. by 3in. or 3in. by 2in. (7.62 cm x 7.62 cm or 7.62 cm x 5.08 cm). The backrest formed by three, the seat by six profiles (300) and each of the front and rear reinforcements with a pair of profiles.

In a preferred embodiment the lid of the support panels is larger than the die-cut layers, with side taps that can be folded to conceal the flute of the corrugated parts making it up, this last layer or lid can be made of smooth cardboard, white card or even printed.

Figure 5a is a breakdown in perspective of one of the preferred structures in the invention, in this particular case a bench for sitting down, which consists of two corrugated cardboard side supports (50) and two intermediate supports (54) made of the same material, the side supports (50) have a plurality of grooves on the inner surfaces which house the ends of the laminated cardboard L-shaped profiles (55); the intermediate supports (54) have through grooves (58 and 59) on the front edge which allow the support profiles (55) to pass through them, in the top edge of the backrest and seat there are inlet grooves that house only one edge of the transverse profiles. The backrest section (56a) has three grooves that house the same number of profiles to form the backrest in cooperation with the top profiles (51 and 54) of the side and intermediate support, the seat section consists of seven grooves that house the same number of profiles, where the seventh corresponds to the transition area between the seat and the front reinforcement, said profile being arranged facing the others to provide comfort for the legs of the person using the bench and which also cooperates with the front reinforcement; said front reinforcement (56b) has two grooves that house the same number of profiles (55), the rear reinforcement (56c) also has a pair of grooves that house the same number of laminated cardboard profiles (55); the profiles of the front and rear reinforcements pass through the grooves of the intermediate supports and their ends are housed inside the grooves on the inner surfaces of the corrugated cardboard side supports, after applying the respective glue. The profiles making up the backrest and seat, the ends are housed in the corresponding grooves of the inner surfaces of the side supports (50); but in the case of the intermediate supports (54) only one section of the profile is housed in the groove located in a transverse direction to the edge of the body of the support, in other words, the profiles are inserted into the grooves. The bench is formed with two side supports (50) and two intermediate supports (54) in cooperation with a plurality of profiles (55) of which there are fourteen located in the transverse direction and which form one of the preferred embodiments of this invention and which is a bench for sitting down. The intermediate (54) and side (50) supports have a vertical front edge (53), only the side supports have a horizontal top edge section (52) which acts as an armrest; the same side supports formed with a corrugated cardboard splice on which a section with grooves is die-cut for housing the end of the profiles, have an outer corrugated cardboard lid (57) which prevents the profiles from running sideways and an inner lid (57a) with the plurality of grooves that act as a guide for the ends of the profiles.

Figure 5b is a perspective view of the fully assembled bench structure, having its backrest profiles (56a) made up of three profiles (55), its seat (100) section made up of seven profiles (55) and front reinforcement profiles (56b) made up of an arrangement of two laminated cardboard profiles (55) that traverse the through grooves (58 and 59), the side supports (50) with the outer lids (57) and the intermediate supports (54). The preferred shapes and measurements of the laminated cardboard profiles are L-shaped right angle sized 3in. x 3in. or 3in. x 2in. (7.62 cm x 7.62 cm or 7.62 cm x 5.08 cm), in another embodiment the profiles are an inverted U-shape with an elliptical or circular section.

Figure 5 represents another advantage of the system for assembling and structuring by including intermediate panels as structural reinforcement elements. Unlike the outer panels, the grooves pass through the panel in order to allow the corner piece or profile to pass through the groove unloading the load supported in the grooves to increase the structure's load-bearing capacity in the area of the seat and backrest designed so that the silhouette coincides with the corner piece to prevent users being bothered by threads as the silhouette remains tangential to the surface of the corner piece, additionally the outer panels have an armrest that increases comfort.

In a preferred embodiment the lid of the support panels is larger than the die-cut layers, with side taps that can be folded to conceal the flute of the corrugated parts making it up, this last layer or lid can be made of smooth cardboard, white card or even printed, in this case this characteristic is more suitable for outer panels.

Figure 6a is a breakdown in perspective of one of the preferred embodiments of the structure and which in this case is a writing desk with a top supporting glass cover, and which consists of two side supports (60) made from corrugated cardboard and a plurality of horizontal profiles (69) made of laminated cardboard that maintain the ensemble of the structure to be used as a writing desk stable. Namely the vertical side supports (60) are made from an ensemble of various layers in the basic format using a glue and together they form a support panel with an outer lid (61), the side supports (60) have a similar X-shaped with three top ends (63, 64 and 65) and two bottom ones (66 and 67) that rest on the floor, the side supports (60) have an inner lid (62) with grooves on each top end and along one of the edges of the "X" for positioning therein the ends of the laminated cardboard profiles (69) that form three profiles, namely, a top horizontal section (68a), one with a positive tilt (68b) and another with a negative tilt (68c), the section (68a) is the top horizontal base on which a hard cover is placed as a working surface on the writing desk, preferably glass, the titled profiles (68b and 68c) make up the structure which together with the side supports (60) provides stability to the full assembly, which is made in the same way as all the preferred structures in the invention, by placing the panel with the grooves opposite the operator, pouring glue onto each groove, inserting one end of each laminated cardboard profile and applying pressure thereto, pouring glue into each groove on the other side support and assembling with the ends of the profiles already arranged on the other support, it being noted that the profiles are in a position perpendicular to the first support and that the second support only superimposes the ends of the profiles in the corresponding grooves.

Figure 6b represents a perspective of the structure already assembled and which forms the writing desk as one of the embodiments of this application, the vertical side supports (60) with outer lid (61) support on their inner surface a plurality of laminated cardboard profiles (69) and specifically rectangular and L-shaped, the three top profiles are each placed on the top ends (63, 64 and 65) of the side support to form the horizontal section (68a), where the profiles of the ends are placed with the concave parts opposite one another; then three profiles in a descending arrangement with positive tilt and three with negative tilt to form a stable, vertical structure which is the front surface of the writing desk; overall to form the writing desk two side supports (60) are needed and nine laminated cardboard profiles (69) assembled as described in this same paragraph corresponding to the figure.

The system can be applied with panels horizontal to the floor, also other materials can be included and divergent corner pieces can be positioned. In the case of the writing desk in Figure 6, an additional material is added, different from cardboard, specifically a glass cover, MDF, HDF, wood, melanin, Formica, plastic, etc. Additionally to protect the structures against abrasion from the hard surface of the floor, elements are used to protect the bottom edge of the support panel in contact with the floor, said elements are heels of hard material. The corner pieces lose their parallelism and are positioned divergently due to their shape and function to counteract the divergent stresses to which the structure is subject.

The C-shaped panel is suitable for any solution that requires access to the space of the furniture on one side only, as it has three structural sides with a C-shaped panel the structure is more rigid so that in some cases it is not necessary to use glue to fix the laminated cardboard profiles in the panels. Omitting the glue in the final assembly saves time and material, but better still, it allows the structure to be dismantled and allows shelves or dismountable displays to be built.

The following structure or embodiment not according to the invention is a bed or the base thereof made with laminated cardboard cross members and corrugated cardboard supports, the supports have a surrounding lid of card that wraps a central splice providing support, the bed consists of two side supports, right and left, a central support and a plurality of laminated cardboard profiles sized 2in. x 3in.(5.08 cm x 7.62 cm) totalling 15 and going up to 25 parts.

The method of assembly includes the steps described below:

Place a side support parallel to the central support and place the corner pieces or profiles in the corresponding grooves that have been cut in them previously, then insert the ends of the profiles in the corresponding grooves on the inner surface of the other side support, the profiles are placed before the glue is applied to each groove. Once all the profiles have been inserted, leave the glue to dry and apply pressure to the outer surfaces of the side supports so that the ends of the profiles make contact with the inner surface of the lids.

Figure 7 represents the breakdown of a side support, showing the side support (71) made with a corrugated cardboard splice that has through grooves (73) and edge grooves or notches (74), both housing perpendicular profiles made with laminated cardboard. The support or central load-bearing body (71) is placed on a surrounding lid) (78) made from card and die-cut with corresponding grooves (73a to 74a), safety flange (75), the lid is joined to the support by glue, it protects the support against humidity as well as providing increased strength against loads, compression and flexion. The lid has two longitudinal profiles (72 and 76) which when folded over themselves cover the body of the support (71) to form the side support of the bed shaped structure in this invention.

Figure 7b represents the central support (72) in the lid (78) with the safety taps (75 and 77) adhered and folded to provide safety support to the central support, the grooves (73a and 74a) that house the cross members or laminated cardboard profiles are made to coincide.

Figure 7c represents the breakdown of a side support showing the side support (71) made with a corrugated cardboard splice that has through grooves (73) and edge grooves or notches not shown, both housing perpendicular profiles made with laminated cardboard. The support or central load-bearing body (71) is placed in a surrounding lid (78) made from card and die-cut with corresponding grooves (73a and 74a), safety taps (75) and (77), the lid is joined to the support by glue, it protects the support from humidity as well as providing increased strength against loads, compression and flexion. The lid consists of two longitudinal profiles (72 and 76) which when folded on themselves cover the body of the support (71) to form the side support of the bed shape structure in this invention.

Figure 8a represents the first step in assembling the bed embodiment structure not according to the invention, take any side support (71) and central support (72) to start inserting the corner pieces or profiles (70) in the corresponding grooves (73a) where glue has been applied previously.

Figure 8b represents the second step in assembling the bed embodiment structure not according to the invention, take the other side support (71) together with the central support (72) to complete inserting the corner pieces or bottom profiles (70) in the corresponding grooves (73a) where glue had been applied previously.

Figure 9a represents the third step in assembling the bed embodiment structure not according to the invention, start placing the corner pieces or top profiles (79) wedged in the top grooves (74) of the side supports (71) and the central support (72) where glue has been applied previously. Once the entire cross members are in place a flat surface is formed made up of strong structural elements that support the bed mattress, which will be lightweight and strong to support loads over 200 kg.

Figure 9b represents the full assembly of the bed embodiment structure not according to the invention, the corner pieces or profiles (79) wedged into the top grooves (74a) of the side supports (71) and the central support (72) where glue has been applied previously. Once the entire cross members are in place a flat surface is formed made up of strong structural elements that support the bed mattress, which will be lightweight and strong to support loads over 200 kg.

In an embodiment not according to the invention the lid of the support panels is larger than the die-cut layers, with side taps that can be folded to conceal the flute of the corrugated parts making it up, this last layer or lid can be made of smooth cardboard, white card or even printed.

Figures 10a to 10e represent another embodiment of the structures that can be obtained with the assembling system of this invention, and this embodiment results in a display stand with a rectangular body and shelves arranged in descending order, said display stand having increased strength thanks to its construction with a load-bearing centre or heart made from corrugated cardboard and die-cuts with a housing or lid formed of two parts made from card, which can be covered with plastic or printed with advertising motifs, resulting in a very strong self-standing structure that is used to display goods with a dense consistency or heavy weight like jars or soaps, on each shelf.

The shelf is made with a C-shaped panel and its first element is a continuous rectangular channel type load-bearing centre or heart with double fluting made of corrugated cardboard, provided with rear grooves or guides for the rear edge taps of each surrounding lid or C-shaped panel, side grooves for corner piece cross members that are placed in twos in an inverted position to support a tray or shelf with a free tab that provides structural strength on each side edge also including a flange that enters in a groove on the surrounding lid and acts as a support element therewith, the tray or shelf being supported also by two corner pieces or cross members, one on the rear edge and the other on the front edge, the tray is placed on said cross members, the stand embodiment consists of four trays or shelves. The side wings of the load-bearing centre or heart are each covered with a surrounding lid made from card with an inner surface and outer surface, where the outer surface can be covered with plastic and printed with advertising motifs and the inner surface is attached to the load-bearing centre by edge taps that go into the rear grooves of the surrounding heart piece, with the inner surface of the lid also having grooves to house the corner pieces and shelves: the outer surface is attached by glue as well as a tab on the top edge that folds inwards to give support to the central support. As the first step for arranging the surrounding lids, the inner surface is put in place leaving the outer surface open, because the corner pieces are placed via the grooves of the load-bearing centre, once the corner pieces and trays are in place one of the outer surfaces of the lid is closed, then the other one to complete the self-supporting structure with increased strength to form the load-bearing centre complemented with the side surrounding lids.

Figure 10a represents a view of one of the surrounding lids (110) a C-shaped panel made from card with an outer surface (115) and an inner surface (116) separated by a die-cut line (117) which acts as a hinge that allows both surfaces to be folded onto one of the wings of the load-bearing centre, where the inner surface (115) has grooves (112 and 113) which allow the corner pieces or cross members to pass through to support a tray or shelf, rear edge taps (118) that are inserted into the rear grooves on the load-bearing centre for supporting said inner surface, with the outer surface being adhered with glue to the wing of the load-bearing centre also supported by the top tab (114), where this outer surface can be covered with plastic or printed with advertising motifs.

Figure 10b is a front perspective view of the load-bearing centre or continuous heart (120) made with vertical profiles separated by two lines of die-cuts, a central one (126) provided with grooves (123) in the die-cut lines, where the edge taps (118) of the surrounding lid are inserted to support it, the side profiles (121 and 122) the same as the central one, contain two rows of grooves (124 and 125) arranged vertically which act as a support for the corner piece that supports the tray or shelf on which the display goods are placed.

Figure 10c represents the support elements for the goods, the pair of corner pieces (130) or L-shaped profiles made from laminated cardboard which are placed in the grooves of the load-bearing centre, via the sides thereof, but before being put in place the inner surfaces of the surrounding lids must be put in place, then they are inserted through the side of the shelf body and the outer surfaces of the surrounding lids are closed. Once the corner pieces are in place, the tray or shelf (131) is arranged on them, made of corrugated cardboard with a free tab (132) to provide structural resistance, each arranged on the side edge of the tray, which also has taps (133) that go into the grooves on the inner surface of the surrounding lids, where said taps help to attach the shelves and act as an adjustment element for the front corner pieces or cross members.

Figure 10d represents a view (140) of the load-bearing centre (120) with the two surrounding lids (110) placed on the side wings of the centre, and showing attachment of the inner surfaces (116) on the die-cut line that divides the centre (126) of the wings of the load-bearing centre (120); the inner surface (116) is attached by making the taps (118) coincide with and insert into the corresponding grooves (123), the grooves (141) of the inner surface house the taps of the tray, elements that cooperate with the grooves (112) to support it, the outer surfaces (115) are attached by glue and also by the top tab (114) which folds inwards to cover the top edge of the wings of the load-bearing centre.

Figure 10e is a rear perspective view of the display shelf of this invention, showing the tray (131) already in place and supported by the taps (133) in the grooves of the inner surface of the surrounding lid, also showing the rear support of the inner surface of the surrounding lid provided by the taps (118) in the die-cut line of the rear section (126), with the outer surface (115) of the surrounding lid being shown open to put into place the corner pieces via grooves (124) and also showing the flange (133) of the tray that forms the shelf, where said flange as well as supporting the tray is positioned to adjust the front corner piece that supports said tray.

Figures 11a to 11c represent perspective views of the shelf (140) which shows the process of inserting the corner pieces (130) via the side grooves with the outer surface (115) of the lid completely open, the corner pieces providing support to the tray (131) and together with a section of the rear wall (126) and the side shelves they define a space for displaying goods, the top tab (114) does not allow the outer surface (115) of the surrounding lid to be opened deliberately. Note the position of the free tab (132) of the tray located on the side edge thereof, with a vertical position that provides increased strength for the loads supported by the tray, where said tab cooperates with the cross members (130) to support the loads on the tray, as well as the inner surfaces (116) and (115) of the surrounding lid of a support panel, finally resulting in an attractive, lightweight display stand with increased strength to withstand loads.