EP1103481B1 - Packaging having curved retaining means - Google Patents

Abstract

Package (2) is folded from a pre-cut carton board sheet. The bottom (F) is limited by two side walls (6) and flanges (R). Each flange has a central portion (14) and two curved portions (16) extending from it, the end portions (15) being folded against the internal face (38) of the side wall. Independent claims are included for carton board sheet and the storing assembly.

Description

The invention relates to the technical field of packaging.

More particularly, the invention relates to a packaging obtained by placing volume of a blank made of cardboard or an equivalent material, and intended for group and wrap objects such as cylindrical containers for food products: bottles, cans, or the like.

The invention also relates to a blank whose volume setting leads to this packaging, as well as a packaging assembly comprising such a packaging, in which objects are grouped and wrapped.

We know many types of packaging for objects such as cylindrical containers for food products.

Such packaging is destroyed after unpacking the objects, which leads manufacturers to use for their manufacture recycling materials such than cardboard, the volume of which is particularly easy.

Due to the significant mass of certain articles such as bottles glass containing liquids, it is necessary to provide packaging having a resistance such that they do not break under the weight of articles, or under the effect of compression or traction forces due to movement of articles during transport of the packaging.

We know packaging made from thick cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard, which has good resistance to such forces, but whose setting in volume is difficult because of their thickness.

We also know of packaging that completely envelops objects. Such packaging prevents a buyer from seeing, and not seeing, the items appreciate the form, the touch, the content.

In addition, ecological and economic requirements lead manufacturers to save the material in which their packaging is made, and choose for packages that have a small thickness as well as many openings.

Hence the need to provide reinforcements at certain points on the packaging subject to strong constraints, as well as means of maintaining the articles in the packaging, especially near the lower parts of the articles.

To ensure a firm hold of the objects in the packaging and to minimize their movements, it is necessary to adapt the shape of the reinforcements or holding means to that of objects, which is particularly difficult in the case of cylindrical objects.

The documents US - 5,558,212 and US - 5,558,213 describe packaging which have corner panels connected to a back panel and side panels, which are in contact with the lower parts of the articles.

These packages have many drawbacks, including two major ones.

On the one hand, the corner panels have a flat surface which cannot follow the shape of a cylindrical object. Each corner panel is therefore in punctual contact with an article.

The efforts due to the weight and movements of the article are therefore concentrated in a single point on the corner panel, which weakens the packaging and increases its probability of tearing or rupture.

On the other hand, closing these packages from below increases the possibility of rupture of these packaging, and of falling objects during their transport.

It is then impossible, to produce such packaging, to use a carton with a grammage of less than 400 grams per square meter, and / or a thickness less than 500 micrometers.

The invention aims to solve these drawbacks in particular, by proposing a packaging that is resistant, thin, light and easy to shape, while ensuring a firm hold of the objects.

To this end, a first object of the invention is a packaging intended to group and wrap cylindrical objects such as bottles or cans, formed by setting up a blank cut from a cardboard sheet or equivalent, this packaging comprising closure means and means grip, as well as a bottom intended to support the objects, bordered by two side panels folded from the bottom along the first two lines articulation, the packaging further comprising means for holding the objects in the packaging, which have a rim connected to the bottom and to the panels lateral by a flap line substantially coincident with an outer edge common at the bottom and side panels.

According to one characteristic, the rim has a projecting central part of the bottom folded upwards substantially perpendicular to the bottom, extended by two protruding end portions of each of the side panels, each end part being folded against an internal face of the side panel corresponding and connected to the central part by a panel which has a surface curve capable of substantially matching the shape of one of the objects, said face being on the one hand connected to the central part by a fold line situated substantially in the extension of the first line of articulation, and extending between a end of it and a free edge of the rim, the pan being on the other hand connected to the terminal part and separated from it by a curvilinear fold line suitable for give said pan its curved shape.

As a result, the objects are held firmly inside the packaging, the sides conforming to the cylindrical shape of the objects to limit their movements to inside the package.

This results in a reduction in the constraints to which the packaging is subjected, which authorizes the manufacturer to use, for the manufacture of the packaging, a material of lighter grammage and thinner than those of known packaging.

The packaging according to the invention has a grammage of about 25% less than that of known packaging.

According to one embodiment, said curvilinear fold line extends substantially between a point of intersection between the fold line and the line of flap, and a point located on the free edge of the rim at a distance from the line of folding.

In addition, the packaging may include so-called lower wedging means, of a lower portion of the objects.

• au moins deux pans latéraux formant chanfrein, disposés de part et d'autre du fond, entre ce dernier et les panneaux latéraux, lesdits pans formant chanfrein étant d'une part reliés au fond et articulés autour de celui-ci le long des premières lignes d'articulation, et d'autre part reliés aux panneaux latéraux et articulés autour de ceux-ci le long de deux troisièmes lignes d'articulation, sensiblement parallèles aux premières et situées à distance de celles-ci.
• des premières ouvertures, pratiquées de part et d'autre du fond, entre celui-ci et les panneaux latéraux, sensiblement entre les premières et deuxièmes lignes d'articulation inférieures, de manière à permettre à une portion inférieure des objets de saillir, au moins en partie, hors de l'emballage.
• au moins deux premières pattes, qui surmontent chaque première ouverture, et séparées par une première ligne de découpe, chaque première patte étant reliée au panneau latéral par une ligne de pliage courbe autour de laquelle ladite patte s'articule pour s'adapter à la forme d'une portion inférieure de l'objet destinée à saillir, au moins en partie, hors de l'emballage.

These lower wedging means may comprise, alone or in combination:

• at least two lateral sides forming a chamfer, arranged on either side of the bottom, between the latter and the side panels, said sides forming a chamfer being on the one hand connected to the bottom and articulated around it along the first lines articulation, and secondly connected to the side panels and articulated around them along two third lines of articulation, substantially parallel to the first and located at a distance therefrom.
• first openings, made on either side of the bottom, between the latter and the side panels, substantially between the first and second lower articulation lines, so as to allow a lower portion of the objects to protrude, at least partly out of the package.
• at least two first legs, which surmount each first opening, and separated by a first cutting line, each first leg being connected to the side panel by a curved fold line around which said leg is articulated to adapt to the shape a lower portion of the object intended to project, at least in part, out of the packaging.

According to one embodiment, the closure means comprise a first and second panels connected to the side panels and folded by relative to these along two second lines of articulation, the second top panel overlapping the first by covering it at least partially, the upper panels being associated with each other by fastening means, such as gluing, stapling, snap-fastening or the like, for close the packaging.

• deux premières fenêtres pratiquées dans le premier panneau supérieur, et dont la surface est suffisante pour permettre le passage d'un doigt lors de la préhension de l'emballage.
• deux secondes fenêtres pratiquées dans le second panneau supérieur, disposées sensiblement au regard des premières fenêtres, et dont la surface est suffisante pour permettre le passage d'un doigt.

The gripping means may include, alone or in combination:

• first two windows made in the first upper panel, and whose surface is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger when gripping the packaging.
• two second windows made in the second upper panel, arranged substantially facing the first windows, and the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.

In addition, each second window may include a movable flap substantially complementary to said window, and which removably closes the latter, the movable flap being connected to the second upper panel and articulated around it by a fold line, the movable flap being adapted to be retracted towards the inside of the packaging when passing a finger to through windows.

• des deuxièmes ouvertures, pratiquées dans chaque panneau latéral le long des deuxièmes lignes d'articulation, à proximité des panneaux supérieurs, de sorte à permettre à une portion supérieure des objets de saillir, au moins en partie, hors de l'emballage.
• au moins deux deuxièmes pattes, adjacentes à chaque deuxième ouverture et surmontées par celles-ci, séparées par une deuxième ligne de découpe, chaque deuxième patte étant reliée à un panneau latéral, par une ligne de pliage autour de laquelle elle s'articule pour s'adapter à la forme d'une portion supérieure de l'objet, destinée à saillir hors de l'emballage.

According to one embodiment, the packaging also comprises so-called upper wedging means, of an upper portion of the objects, which may comprise, alone or in combination:

• second openings, made in each side panel along the second articulation lines, near the upper panels, so as to allow an upper portion of the objects to protrude, at least in part, out of the packaging.
• at least two second legs, adjacent to and surmounted by each second opening, separated by a second cutting line, each second leg being connected to a side panel, by a fold line around which it is articulated for s 'Adapt to the shape of an upper portion of the object, intended to protrude from the packaging.

According to one embodiment, the packaging comprises a single panel upper forming the packaging cover, connected to the two side panels and bent relative to these along two second lines of articulation, and can include means for gripping the packaging.

For example, the gripping means comprise two windows made in the upper panel, and able to allow the passage of at least one finger for gripping the packaging.

According to one embodiment, each window includes a movable flap substantially complementary to said window, and which closes so removable the latter, the movable flap being connected to the upper panel and articulated around it by a fold line, the movable flap being adapted to be retracted towards the inside of the packaging when passing a finger to across the window for gripping the packaging.

In addition, the bottom of the package can be in at least two parts, and can comprise a first bottom panel connected to one of the side panels, as well as a second bottom panel connected to the other side panel, which overlaps the first bottom panel by covering it at least partially, the bottom panels being associated with each other by the fixing means, such as gluing, stapling, snapping, or the like.

The rim is then also in two parts, the central part comprising first and second main parts, connected respectively to first and second bottom panels along the fold line, and folded upwards from the bottom panels, the first main part overlapping the second main part by covering it at least partially, the main parts being associated with each other by fixing means such as gluing, stapling, snap-fastening, or the like.

A second object of the invention is a blank cut from a cardboard sheet or equivalent, intended to form, by its volume setting, a package such as the one described above.

• d'une part relié à la partie centrale par une ligne de pliage, située sensiblement dans le prolongement d'une des premières lignes d'articulation et qui s'étend entre une extrémité de celle-ci et un bord libre de du volet ;
• -d'autre part relié à la partie terminale par une ligne de pliage curviligne apte à conférer audit pan une forme courbe lors de la mise en volume du flan pour former l'emballage.

According to one embodiment, this blank comprises a central panel intended to form the bottom of the packaging, bordered by two side panels, connected to the central panel by two first articulation lines, and bordered themselves, along two third articulation lines, by first and second end panels intended to form closing means and covered with the packaging, the blank further comprising two flaps intended to form means for holding objects in the packaging, s extending along the central panel and at least partly along the side panels, the flaps being connected to the central panel and to the side panels by two flap lines, each merged with an edge common to the central panel and to the side panels, each flap comprising a protruding central part of the central panel, extended by two protruding end parts of each of the side panels, each end part being connected to the central part trale by a pan which is:

• on the one hand connected to the central part by a fold line, located substantially in the extension of one of the first articulation lines and which extends between one end of the latter and a free edge of the shutter;
• on the other hand connected to the terminal part by a curvilinear folding line capable of giving said pan a curved shape when the blank is placed in volume to form the packaging.

The blank may include at least two side panels intended to form chamfer of the packaging during the setting in volume of the blank, said sides being arranged on either side of the central panel, between it and the panels side, and being on the one hand, connected to the central panel by the first lines of articulation, and on the other hand connected to the side panels by two thirds articulation lines substantially parallel to the first articulation lines, and located at a distance from them.

The blank may also include first openings, made from on either side of the central panel, between it and the side panels, substantially between the first and third lines of articulation.

• au moins deux premières pattes, adjacentes à chaque première ouverture, et séparées par une ligne de découpe, chaque première patte étant reliée au panneau latéral par une ligne de pliage courbe ;
• deux premières fenêtres pratiquées dans le premier panneau d'extrémité, et dont la surface est suffisante pour permettre le passage d'un doigt.
• deux secondes fenêtres pratiquées dans le second panneau d'extrémité, et dont la surface est suffisante pour permettre le passage d'un doigt.

Can also be provided, alone or in combination:

• at least two first tabs, adjacent to each first opening, and separated by a cutting line, each first tab being connected to the side panel by a curved fold line;
• first two windows made in the first end panel, and whose surface is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.
• two second windows made in the second end panel, and whose surface is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.

For example, each second window includes a substantially movable flap complementary to said window, and which removably closes it, the movable flap being connected to the second panel by a fold line.

In addition, the blank may include second openings, made in each side panel along the second articulation lines, close to end panels.

Can also be provided two second legs, adjacent to each second opening, separated by a second cutting line, each second tab being connected to a side panel by a fold line.

• d'une part relié à la partie principale par une ligne de pliage située sensiblement dans le prolongement de la première ligne d'articulation, et s'étendant entre une extrémité de celle-ci et un bord libre du volet ;
• d'autre part relié à la partie terminale par une ligne de pliage curviligne apte à conférer au dit pan une forme courbe lors de la mise en volume du flan pour former l'emballage.

According to another embodiment, the blank comprises a central panel intended to form the cover of the packaging, bordered by two side panels, themselves bordered by two end panels which are connected to the side panels by two first lines d articulation, the end panels being intended to form by association the bottom of the package, the blank further comprising four flaps intended to form means for holding objects in the package, extending along the panels ends and at least partly along the side panels, the flaps being connected to the end panels and to the side panels by four respective flap lines, each substantially coincident with an edge common to the end panels and to the side panels, each flap comprising a main protruding part of the end panel, extended by a protruding end part of the side panel, and connected to the main part by a section which is:

• on the one hand connected to the main part by a fold line situated substantially in the extension of the first articulation line, and extending between one end of the latter and a free edge of the flap;
• on the other hand connected to the terminal part by a curvilinear fold line capable of giving the said pan a curved shape when the blank is placed in volume to form the packaging.

The blank may include at least two side panels intended to form chamfer of the packaging during the setting in volume of the blank, said sides being disposed between the end panels and the side panels, and being of a part connected to the end panels by the first articulation lines, and on the other hand connected to the side panels by two third lines articulation substantially parallel to the first, and located at a distance from them.

• des ouvertures pratiquées entre les panneaux latéraux et les panneaux d'extrémité, sensiblement entre les premières et troisièmes lignes d'articulation ;
• au moins deux premières pattes adjacentes à chaque première ouverture, et séparées par une première ligne de découpe, chaque première patte étant reliée au panneau latéral par une ligne de pliage courbe ;
• deux fenêtres pratiquées dans le panneau central, et dont la surface est suffisante pour permettre le passage d'un doigt ;

The blank may also include, alone or in combination:

• openings made between the side panels and the end panels, substantially between the first and third lines of articulation;
• at least two first tabs adjacent to each first opening, and separated by a first cutting line, each first tab being connected to the side panel by a curved fold line;
• two windows made in the central panel, and whose surface is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger;

For example, each window comprises a substantially movable flap complementary to said window, and which removably closes it, the movable flap being connected to the central panel by a fold line.

The blank may also include second openings made in each side panel along the second articulation lines, close to of the central panel.

In addition, two second legs can also be provided adjacent to each second opening, separated by a second cutting line, each second leg being connected to a side panel by a line of folding.

A third object of the invention is a packaging assembly comprising a packaging as described above, in which are arranged cylindrical objects such as bottles or cans.

• La figure 1 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un flan conforme à l'invention, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• La figure 2 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un premier détail II du flan de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un deuxième détail III du flan de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 4 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un troisième détail IV du flan de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 5 est une vue en perspective d'un emballage réalisé par mise en forme du flan de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 6 est une vue en perspective d'un ensemble de conditionnement comprenant un emballage tel que celui de la figure 5, dans lequel sont disposés des objets, ici des bouteilles ;
• La figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'ensemble de conditionnement de la figure 6, selon un angle de vue différent.
• La figure 8 est une vue en perspective d'un détail VIII de l'emballage de la figure 6 ;
• La figure 9 est une vue en plan de dessus d'un flan conforme à l'invention, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation ; et
• La figure 10 est une vue en perspective d'un un emballage obtenu par mise en volume d'un flan tel que celui de la figure 9.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description of embodiments, description made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is a top plan view of a blank according to the invention, according to a first embodiment;
• Figure 2 is a top plan view of a first detail II of the blank of Figure 1;
• Figure 3 is a top plan view of a second detail III of the blank of Figure 1;
• Figure 4 is a top plan view of a third detail IV of the blank of Figure 1;
• Figure 5 is a perspective view of a package made by shaping the blank of Figure 1;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view of a packaging assembly comprising a package such as that of Figure 5, in which are arranged objects, here bottles;
• Figure 7 is a perspective view of the packaging assembly of Figure 6, from a different angle of view.
• Figure 8 is a perspective view of a detail VIII of the packaging of Figure 6;
• Figure 9 is a top plan view of a blank according to the invention, according to a second embodiment; and
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a package obtained by setting up a blank such as that of FIG. 9.

A blank 1 is shown in Figures 1 and 9. This blank 1 is cut from a sheet made of cardboard or an equivalent material such as a polymer, and is intended to form, by its volume, a package 2 (Figures 5, 10).

In this packaging 2 are arranged cylindrical objects 3 such as bottles or cans, to form a packaging set 4 (Figures 6, 7), intended for sale.

The blank 1 is now described, according to a first embodiment, with reference in Figures 1 to 4, the blank 1 being unfolded and laid flat.

The blank 1 has two axes of perpendicular symmetries which intersect in a point P substantially coincident with the center of gravity of the blank 1, and which define respectively two longitudinal X and transverse Y directions, the term "lateral" being defined in relation to the latter.

In the description of the blank, a location near the center P of the blank 1 is said central or interior, while a location remote from the center P of the blank 1 is said to be external.

The blank 1 comprises a central panel 5, which is intended to form the bottom of packaging 2, for example of substantially rectangular shape, bordered by two side panels 6, which are connected to the central panel 5 by two first longitudinal articulation lines 7, substantially rectilinear and parallel to each other.

The side panels 6, are themselves bordered outwards, along two second longitudinal articulation lines 8, substantially parallel between them and at the first articulation lines 7, by a first and a second end panels 9, 10.

The end panels 9, 10 are intended to form closing means and covered with packaging.

The blank 1 further comprises two flaps 11 intended to form means of retaining objects in the package, which extend transversely along of the central panel 5 on either side thereof.

The flaps 11, for example of substantially rectangular shape, extend also, transversely, at least partly along the side panels 6, the flaps 11 being connected to the central panel 5 and to the side panels 6 by two transverse flap lines 12.

The flap lines 12, substantially rectilinear and parallel to each other, are for example each confused with an edge 13 common to the central panel 5 and the side panels 6.

Each flap 11 comprises a central part 14 which projects longitudinally from the central panel 5, extended by two end portions 15 which project longitudinally of each of the side panels 6, each end portion 15 being connected to the central part 14 by a panel 16.

Each panel 16 is on the one hand connected to the central part 14 and separated from the latter by a substantially straight fold line 17, located substantially in the extension of one of the first articulation lines 7, and which extends between one end 18 of the latter and a free edge 19 of the flap.

Each flap 11 has a longitudinal dimension d1, substantially equal to the distance between the flap line 12 and the edge 19 of the flap 11.

Each panel 16 is on the other hand connected to the terminal part 15 and separated from the latter. by a curvilinear fold line 20, which is capable of giving the pan 16 a curved shape when the blank 1 is put into volume to form the packaging 2.

Furthermore, each side panel 6 can be bordered inwards by at minus a side panel 21, which connects the side panel 6 to the central panel 5 (Figures 1, 4).

The side panels 21 are intended to form the chamfer of the package 2 during setting up the blank 1.

According to one embodiment, the side panels 21, which are arranged on the side and on the other side of the central panel 5, between the latter and the side panels 6, are firstly connected to the central panel 5 by the first articulation lines 7, and on the other hand connected to the side panels 6 by two third lines of longitudinal articulation 22, substantially rectilinear and parallel to first lines of articulation 7, and located at a distance therefrom.

Each side panel 21 has a transverse dimension d2, substantially equal to the distance between the first and third articulation lines 7, 22.

In an embodiment illustrated in Figures 1, 4, each side panel 6 is bordered inwardly by a plurality of side panels 21 which connect the side panel 6 to the center panel 5.

The blank 1 may also include first openings 23, made on either side of the central panel 5, between it and the side panels 6, substantially between the first and second articulation lines 7, 22.

Each first opening 23, which has substantially the shape of a lunula whose concavity is turned towards the inside of the blank 1, is bordered longitudinally by two side panels 21, arranged on either side of the first opening 23.

Each first opening 23 is intended to receive, during the setting in volume of the blank 1 to form the package 2, at least part of a portion lower 24 of the object 3 of which it is substantially complementary, of so as to limit the movement of the object 3 inside the packaging 2.

The blank 1 may also include at least two first legs 25, adjacent to each first opening 23.

The first legs 25 are for example separated by a first line of cutout 26, and are each connected to the side panel 6 by a line of curved folding 27.

In this way, the packaging 2 can best match the shape of the objects 3, whose lower portions 24 push the first legs 25, which bend so along their curved fold lines 27 outward from packaging 2.

In addition, the blank 1 may include second openings 28, made in each side panel 6 along the second articulation lines 8, at near the end panels 9, 10.

Each second opening 28 is intended to receive, when the volume of the blank 1 to form the package 2, at least part of a portion upper 29 of object 3.

Each second opening 28 has for example a shape of a lunula whose the concavity is turned towards the outside of the blank 1, substantially complementary of the upper portion 29 of the object 3, so as to limit the movement of the latter inside the package 2.

The blank 1 may also include two second legs 30, adjacent to each second opening 28, separated by a second cutting line 31, each second tab 30 being connected to a side panel 6 by a line folding 32.

In addition, in order to allow gripping of the package 2, the first two windows 33 can be made in the first end panel 9, the area of each first window 33 being sufficient to allow the swipe of a finger.

Two second windows 34 can also be used in the second end panel 10, the surface of each second window 34 being sufficient to also allow the passage of a finger.

For example, each second window 34 includes a movable flap 35 substantially complementary to window 34, and which removably closes the latter, the movable flap 35 being connected to the second end panel 10 by a fold line 36, for example substantially rectilinear and transverse.

These movable shutters 35, which close the second windows 34 before their first handling by a buyer, guarantee the inviolability of packaging 2.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8, the package 2 as obtained by setting up the blank 1 described above, as well as the set of packaging 4 comprising this packaging 2, which groups and envelops 3 cylindrical objects such as bottles, cans or boxes containing beverages.

The elements common to packaging 2, and to blank 1, bear the same references.

The packaging comprises a substantially flat bottom F, coincident with the panel central 5 of the blank 1, and intended to support the objects 3. The term "horizontal" is defined relative to the bottom F of the package.

In FIG. 5 is shown an axis Z merged with a direction of elevation, substantially perpendicular to the bottom F and to the longitudinal directions X and transverse Y.

The terms "vertical", "high", "low" are defined in relation to this direction.

The bottom F is bordered by the two side panels 6, folded upwards by relative to the bottom F, substantially at right angles.

The packaging also comprises means 37 for holding objects 3 in the package 2, which has a rim R merged with the flap 11, and obtained by folding the latter relative to the bottom F, upwards and substantially at right angle.

The rim R, which has an elevation dimension substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension d1 of the flap 11, is connected to the bottom F and to the panels side 6 by the flap line 12, substantially coincident with the edge 13 exterior, common to bottom F and side panels 6.

The central part 14 of the rim 11, which projects from the bottom F, is folded upwards substantially perpendicular to the bottom F, while each of the two end parts 15, projecting from each of the side panels 6, is folded down against an internal face 38 of the corresponding side panel 6.

The pan 16, which connects each end portion to the central portion 14, has a curved surface capable of substantially matching the cylindrical shape of one of the objects 3, due to the curvilinear shape of the fold line 20.

The fold line 17, which connects the pan 16 to the central part 14 of the rim R is located substantially in the extension of a first articulation line 7, extends between one end 18 of the latter and a free edge 19 of the rim R, and is extended upward substantially parallel to the direction Z of elevation.

The curvilinear fold line 20 extends substantially between a point of intersection between the fold line 17 and the flap line 12, substantially merged with the end 18 of the first articulation line 7, and a point M located on the free edge 19 of the rim R, at a distance d from the fold line 17.

According to one embodiment, the curvilinear fold line 20 has a shape in an arc, the diameter of which is greater than the diameter of objects 3 cylindrical arranged in the package 2.

Due to its curved shape, the rim R keeps the objects 3 firmly at inside the packaging 2, the sides 16 conforming to the cylindrical shape of the objects 3 to limit their movements inside the packaging 2.

As a result, the constraints to which the packaging is subjected are lower than those to which known packaging is subjected.

It is then possible, to make the blank 1, to use less material thickness and lower grammage than thicknesses and grammages respective known packages.

It is in particular possible to use a recycling cardboard whose grammage is less than 400 grams per square meter, while its thickness is less than 500 micrometers, for example of the order of 300 micrometers.

In order to secure the objects in the packaging, the latter may include so-called lower wedging means 39, lower portions 24 of the objects 3.

These lower wedging means 39 comprise on the one hand the side panels 21 arranged on either side of the bottom F, between the latter and the side panels 6.

These side panels 21 are folded upwards relative to the bottom F of the packaging 2, along the first articulation lines 7, and form with the bottom F an angle, for example about 45 degrees.

While the side panels 6 are folded relative to the side panels 21 up along the second fold lines 8, and form with the sides lateral angles, for example about 45 degrees.

The chamfer thus created during the setting up of the blank 1, spreads the panels side 6 of the bottom F, so that the distance between their internal faces 38 is greater than a transverse dimension of the bottom F of the package 2.

Thus, the pan 16 extends substantially transversely between the central part 14 of the rim R and the terminal part 15, and takes a curved shape imposed by the curvilinear fold line 20.

The ability of the pan 15 to take its curved shape depends on the one hand on the shape of the curvilinear fold line 20, and on the other hand of the distance d, which separates the point M of the fold line 17.

According to one embodiment, the distance d is defined as follows: d ≅ d1 + d2 × (1 - 1 / √2)

The wedging means 39 further comprise the first openings 23 and the first legs 25 also called lower.

The lower legs 25 are articulated around their curved fold lines 27 to adapt to the shape of the lower portions 24 of the objects 3, intended to protrude, at least in part, out of the package 2.

The packaging also includes a cover C which includes the panels end 9, 10, also called upper panels which form means of closure 40 of the packaging.

The packaging also comprises gripping means 41 formed by the windows 33, 34 made in these end panels 9, 10.

The upper panels 9, 10 are connected to the side panels 6 and folded by relative to these along the two third articulation lines 22, forming with the side panels 6 an angle, for example of approximately 90 degrees.

Therefore, the upper panels 9, 10, substantially cover the objects 3, and are substantially parallel to the bottom F, the package closing from the top.

For example, the second upper panel 10 overlaps the first 9, by covering at least partially, the upper panels 9, 10 being associated with each other by fixing means 42, such as gluing, stapling, snap or similar, to close the packaging 2.

Furthermore, the gripping means 41 can comprise both first windows 33, made in the first upper panel 9, thus that the two second windows 34, made in the second panel higher 10.

The second windows 34 are for example arranged substantially facing each other first windows 33, so as to allow the passage of a finger simultaneously through the first and second windows 33, 34 for the gripping the packaging 2.

The movable flaps 35, which can be provided to substantially close the second windows 34 in order to guarantee the inviolability of the packaging 2, are then retracted towards the interior of the latter.

In addition, the packaging 2 can also include so-called wedging means. upper 43, upper portions 29 of the objects 3, in order to maintain these in a substantially fixed position in the package 2.

The upper wedging means 43 include the second openings 28, also called superior, already described above, so as to allow to the upper portions 29 of the objects 3 to protrude, at least in part, out of packaging 2.

According to an embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 to 7, each opening upper 28 overcomes two second legs 30 also called upper, described above.

When an object 3 is placed in the packaging 2, its upper portion 29 presses on the upper legs 30 which then articulate around their lines folding 32 to adapt to the shape of the upper portion 29 and allow to protrude at least partially outside the packaging 2.

We will now describe, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, a second mode of creation of the blank 1 and of the packaging 2, which differs from the first mode of realization in that the packaging 2 closes from the bottom.

The elements common to the first and second embodiment bear the same references, and will not be described again. The elements that differ meanwhile have new references.

The blank 1 comprises a central panel 5 ′ intended to form the cover C of the packaging, bordered by two side panels 6, themselves bordered by a first and second end panels 9 ', 10' also called panels bottom which are intended to form by association the bottom F of the packaging.

The end panels 9 ', 10' are connected to the side panels 6 by two first articulation lines 7, the side panels 6 being themselves connected to the central panel 5 ′ by two second articulation lines 8, substantially longitudinal and parallel to the first.

The blank 1 further comprises four flaps 11a, 11b intended to form means holding 37 of the objects 3 in the packaging 2, extending transversely the along the end panels 9 ', 10' and at least partly along the side panels 6.

Two first flaps 11 a are connected to the first end panel 9 'and to one side panels 6 by two respective flap lines 12 ', each substantially coincident with an edge 13 'common to the first panel end 9 'and to the side panels 6.

While two second flaps 11b are connected to the second panel end 10 'and to the other side panel 6 by two flap lines 12' common to the second end panel 11b and to the side panel 6.

The first and second flaps 11a, 11b respectively comprise a first and second main parts 14a, 14b projecting from the first and second end panels 9 ′, 10 ′, extended by an end portion 15 already described above, protruding from the side panel 6, and connected to the part main 14a, 14b by a pan 16.

The pan 16, already described above, is on the one hand connected to the main part 14a, 14b and separated from it by a fold line 17 already described.

The pan 16 is on the other hand connected to the terminal part 15 and separated by the latter by a curvilinear fold line 20 capable of giving the pan 16 a shape curve when the blank 1 is put into volume to form the packaging 2.

In addition, the blank 1 may include at least two side panels 21 intended to forming a chamfer on the packaging 2 when the blank 1 is set into volume.

The side panels 21 have already been described, and are here arranged between the end panels 9 ', 10' and side panels 6.

The side panels are connected on the one hand to the end panels 9 ′, 10 ′ by the first two articulation lines 7, and on the other hand to the side panels 6 by two third articulation lines 22 substantially parallel to the first, and located at a distance from them.

The first openings 23 are here made between the side panels 6 and the end panels 9 ', 10', substantially between the first and third articulation lines 7, 22.

As before, the blank 1 comprises at least two first legs 25 adjacent to each first opening 23, separated by a first line cutting 26, each tab 25 being connected to the side panel 6 by a line bending curve 27.

Two windows 34, forming gripping means 41 of the package 2, can be practiced in the central panel 5 ', windows whose surface is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger. For example, each window 34 comprises a movable flap 35 (already described above).

In addition, the second openings 28, described above, are for example practiced in each side panel 6, near the central panel 5 ', the along the second articulation lines 8 which separate the central panel 5 ' side panels 6.

In addition, two second legs 30 can also be provided, adjacent to each second opening 28, separated by a second line cutting 31, each tab being connected to a side panel 6 by a line folding 32.

The packaging 2, formed by setting up the blank 1 which has just been described, comprises a single upper panel 44 forming a cover C of the package 2, confused with the central panel 5 'of the blank.

The upper panel 44 is connected to the two side panels 6 and folded by relative to these, for example substantially at right angles, along the first and / or third articulation lines 7.22.

As mentioned above, the bottom F of the package 2 is in two parts at the minus, and includes a first bottom panel 45 merged with the first end panel 9 'of the blank.

The bottom F also includes a second bottom panel 46 merged with the second end panel 10 'of the blank 1, and which overlaps the first bottom panel 45 by covering it at least partially (FIG. 10).

The bottom panels 44, 45 are associated with each other by the means of fixing, such as gluing, stapling, snap-fastening, or the like.

The means 41 for holding the objects 3 in the packaging 2 comprise a rim R in two parts, obtained by combining flaps 11 '.

The rim R comprises a central part 14 ′ formed by association of the main parts 14a, 14b of the two flaps 11a, 11b arranged opposite one of the other when the packaging is closed 2.

The main parts are folded upwards in relation to the panels bottom, for example substantially at right angles, the first main part 14a overlapping the second main part 14b by covering it at least partially.

The main parts 14a, 14b are associated with each other by means fasteners such as gluing, stapling, snap-fastening, or the like.

Claims (37)

1. Packaging (2) intended to group together and enclose cylindrical objects (3) such as bottles or flasks, formed by shaping a blank (1) cut from a sheet of cardboard or equivalent, this packaging (2) comprising closure means (40) and gripping means (41), as well as a bottom (F) intended to support the objects (3), bordered by two lateral panels (6) folded with respect to the bottom (F) along two first articulation lines (7), the packaging (2) also comprising means (37) of holding the objects (3) in the packaging (2), which comprise a rim (R) connected to the bottom (F) and to the lateral panels (6) by a flap line (12, 12') substantially merged with an external edge (13, 13') common to the bottom (F) and to the lateral panels (6), characterised in that the rim (R) comprises a central part (14, 14') projecting from the bottom (F), folded upwards substantially perpendicular to the bottom (F), extended by two end parts (15) projecting from each of the lateral panels (6), each end part (15) being folded against an internal face (38) of the corresponding lateral panel (6), and connected to the central part (14, 14') by a section (16) which has a curved surface able to substantially match the shape of one of the objects (3), the said section (16) being on the one hand connected to the central part (14, 14') by a folding line (17) situated substantially in line with the first articulation line (7), and extending between one end (18) thereof and a free edge (19) of the rim R, the section (16) being moreover connected to the end part (15) and separated therefrom by a curved folding line (20) able to confer on the said section (16) its curved shape.
2. Packaging (2) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the said curved folding line (20) extends substantially between a point of intersection between the folding line (17) and the flap line (12), and a point (M) situated on the free edge (19) of the rim (R) at a distance from the folding line (17).
3. Packaging (2) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterised in that it comprises so-called bottom means (39) of wedging a bottom portion (24) of the objects (3).
4. Packaging (2) according to Claim 3, characterised in that the said bottom wedging means (39) comprise at least two lateral panels (21) forming a chamfer, disposed on each side of the bottom (F), between the latter and the lateral panels (6), the said panels (21) forming a chamfer being on the one hand connected to the bottom (F) and articulated about this along first articulation lines (7), and on the other hand connected to the lateral panels (6) and articulated about these along two third articulation lines (22), substantially parallel to the first and situated at a distance from these.
5. Packaging (2) according to Claim 4, characterised in that the bottom wedging means (39) comprise first openings (23), formed on each side of the bottom (F), between these and the lateral panels (6), substantially between the first and third articulation lines (7, 22), so as to enable a bottom portion (24) of the objects (3) to project, at least partly, out of the packaging (2).
6. Packaging (2) according to Claim 5, characterised in that the bottom wedging means (39) comprise at least two first lugs (25) which surmount each first opening (23), and separated by a first cutting line (26), each first lug (25) being connected to the lateral panel (6) by a curved folding line (27) about which the said lug (25) articulates in order to adapt to the shape of a bottom portion (24) of the object (3) intended to project, at least partly, out of the packaging (2).
7. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the closure means (40) comprise first and second top panels (9, 10) connected to the lateral panels (6) and folded with respect to these along two second articulation lines (8), the second top panel (10) straddling the first (9) and covering it at least partially, the top panels (9, 10) being associated with each other by fixing means (42), such as gluing, stapling, snapping in or the like, in order to close the packaging (2).
8. Packaging (2) according to Claim 7, characterised in that the said gripping means (41) comprise two first windows (33) formed in the first top panel (9), the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger when the packaging (2) is gripped.
9. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 7 or 8, characterised in that the gripping means (41) comprise two second windows (34) formed in the second top panel (10), disposed substantially opposite the first windows (33) and the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.
10. Packaging (2) according to Claim 9, characterised in that each second window (34) comprises a movable flap (35) substantially complementary to the said window (34) and which removably closes off the latter, the movable flap (35) being connected to the second top panel (10) and articulated about it by a folding line (36), the movable flap (35) being able to be retracted towards the inside of the packaging (2) when a finger passes through the windows (33, 34).
11. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that it comprises so-called top wedging means (43), for a top portion of the objects.
12. Packaging (2) according to Claim 11, characterised in that the said top wedging means (43) comprise second openings (28), formed in.each lateral panel (6) along the second articulation lines (8), close to the top panels (9, 10), so as to enable a top portion (29) of the objects (3) to project, at least partly, out of the packaging (2).
13. Packaging (2) according to Claim 12, characterised in that the top wedging means (43) comprise at least two second lugs (30), adjacent to each second opening (28) and surmounted by the latter, separated by a second cutting line (31), each second lug (30) being connected to a lateral panel (6) by a folding line (32) about which it articulates in order to adapt to the shape of a top portion (29) of the object (3), intended to project out of the packaging.
14. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that it comprises a single top panel (44) forming a cover (C) for the packaging (2), connected to the two lateral panels (6) and folded with respect to these along two second articulation lines (8).
15. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 14, characterised in that the said top panel (44) comprises means (41) of gripping the packaging (2).
16. Packaging (2) according to Claim 15, characterised in that the gripping means (41) comprise two windows (34) formed in the top panel (44) and able to allow the passage of at least one finger for gripping the packaging (2).
17. Packaging (2) according to Claim 16, characterised in that each window (34) comprises a movable flap (35) substantially complementary to the said window (34) and which removably closes off the latter, the movable flap (35) being connected to the top panel (44) and articulated about it by a folding line (36), the movable flap (35) being able to be retracted towards the inside of the packaging (2) when a finger passes through the window (34) for gripping the packaging (2).
18. Packaging (2) according to one of Claims 14 to 17, characterised in that the bottom (F) of the packaging (2) is in at least two parts and comprises a first bottom panel (9', 45) connected to one of the lateral panels (6), and a second bottom panel (10', 46) connected to the other lateral panel (6) and which straddles the first bottom panel (9', 45), covering it at least partially, the bottom panels (9', 45, 10', 46) being associated with each other by the fixing means (2), such as gluing, stapling, snapping in or the like.
19. Packaging (2) according to Claim 18, characterised in that the said rim (R) is in two parts, the central part (14') comprising first and second main parts (14a, 14b) connected respectively to the first and second bottom panels (9', 45, 10', 46) along the flap line (12), and folded upwards with respect to the bottom panels (9', 45, 10', 46), the first main part (14b) straddling the second main part (14), covering it at least partially, the main parts (14a, 14b) being associated with each other by fixing means (42) such as gluing, stapling, snapping in or the like.
20. A blank (1) cut from a sheet of cardboard or equivalent, intended to form, by its shaping, a packaging (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 13, this blank comprising a central panel (5) intended to form the bottom (F) of the packaging (2), bordered by two lateral panels (6), connected to the central panel (5) by two first articulation lines (22), and bordered themselves, along two third articulation lines (22), by first and second end panels (9, 10) intended to form means of closing (40) and covering (C) the packaging, the blank (1) also comprising two flaps (11a, 11b) intended to form means (37) of holding the objects (3) in the packaging (2), extending along the central panel (5) and at least partly along the lateral panels (6), the flaps (11a, 11b) being connected to the central panel (5) and to the lateral panels (6) by two flap lines (12), each merged with an edge (13) common to the central panel (5) and to the lateral panels (6), each flap (11a, 11b) comprising a central part (14) projecting from the central panel (5), extended by two end parts (15) projecting from each of the lateral panels (6), each end part (15) being connected to the central part (14) by a section (16) which is:

    on the one hand connected to the central part (14) by a folding line (17), situated substantially in line with the first articulation line (7) and which extends between one end (18) thereof and a free edge (19) of the flap (11a, 11b);

    on the other hand connected to the end part (15) by a curved folding line (20) able to confer on the said section (16) a curved shape when the blank (1) is shaped in order to form the packaging (2).
21. A blank (1) according to Claim 20, characterised in that it comprises at least two lateral sections (21) intended to form a chamfer on the packaging (2) when the blank (1) is formed, the said sections (21) being disposed on each side of the central panel (5), between the latter and the lateral panels (6), and being on the one hand connected to the central panel (5) by the first articulation lines (7) and on the other hand connected to the lateral panels (6) by two third articulation lines (22) substantially parallel to the first articulation lines (7) and situated at a distance from these.
22. A blank (1) according to Claim 21, characterised in that it comprises first openings (23) formed on each side of the central panel (5) between the latter and the lateral panels (6), substantially between the first and third articulation lines (7, 22).
23. A blank (1) according to Claim 22, characterised in that it comprises at least two first lugs (25), adjacent to each first opening (23) and separated by a first cutting line (26), each first lug (25) being connected to the lateral panel (6) by a curved folding line (27).
24. A blank (1) according to one of Claims 20 to 23, characterised in that it comprises two first windows (33) formed in the first end panel (9) and the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.
25. A blank (1) according to one of Claims 20 to 24, characterised in that it comprises two second windows (34) formed in the second end panel (10) and the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.
26. A blank (1) according to Claim 25, characterised in that each second window (34) comprises a movable flap (35) substantially complementary to the said window (34) and which removably closes off the latter, the movable flap (35) being connected to the second end panel (10) by a folding line (36).
27. A blank (1) according to one of Claims 20 to 26, characterised in that it comprises second openings (28) formed in each lateral panel (6) along the second articulation lines (8), close to the end panels (9, 10).
28. A blank (1) according to Claim 27, characterised in that it also comprises two second lugs (30) adjacent to each second opening (28), separated by a second cutting line (31), each second lug (30) being connected to a lateral panel (6) by a folding line (32).
29. A blank (1) cut from a sheet of cardboard or equivalent, intended to form, by its shaping, a packaging (2) according to one of Claims 14 to 19, which comprises a central panel (5') intended to form the cover (C) of the packaging (2), bordered by two lateral panels (6), themselves bordered by two end panels (9', 10') which are connected to the lateral panels (6) by two first articulation lines (7), the end panels (9', 10') being intended to form by association the bottom (F) of the packaging (2), the blank (1) also comprising four flaps (11a, 11b) intended to form means (37) of holding objects (3) in the packaging (2), extending along the end panels (9', 10') and at least partly along the lateral panels (6), the flaps (11a, 11b) being connected to the end panels (9', 10') and to the lateral panels by four folding lines (12'), each substantially merged with an edge (13') common to the end panels (9', 10') and to the lateral panels (6), each flap (11a, 11b) comprising a main part (14a, 14b) projecting from the end panel (9', 10'), extended by an end part (15) projecting from the lateral panel (6) and connected to the main part (14a, 14b) by a section (16) which is:

    on the one hand connected to the main part (14a, 14b) by a folding line (17) situated substantially in line with the first articulation line (7) and extending between one end (18) thereof and a free edge (19) of the flap (11a, 11b);

    on the other hand connected to the end part (15) by a curved folding line (20) able to confer a curved shape on the said section (16) when the blank (1) is formed in order to form the packaging (2).
30. A blank (1) according to Claim 29, characterised in that it comprises at least two lateral sections (21) intended to form a chamfer on the packaging (2) when the blank is formed, the said sections (21) being disposed between the end panels (9', 10') and the lateral panels (6), and being on the one hand connected to the end panels (9', 10') by the first articulation lines (7) and on the other hand connected to the lateral panels (6) by two third articulation lines (22) substantially parallel to the first, and situated at a distance from them.
31. A blank according to Claim 30, characterised in that it comprises openings formed between the lateral panels (6) and the end panels (9', 10'), substantially between the first and third articulation lines (7, 22).
32. A blank (1) according to Claim 31, characterised in that it comprises at least two first lugs (25) adjacent to each first opening (23), and separated by a first cutting line (26), each first lug (25) being connected to the first lateral panel (6) by a curved folding line (27).
33. A blank (1) according to one of Claims 29 to 32, characterised in that it comprises two windows (34) formed in the central panel (5'), and the surface of which is sufficient to allow the passage of a finger.
34. A blank (1) according to Claim 33, characterised in that each window (34) comprises a movable flap (35) substantially complementary to the said window (34), and which removably closes off the latter, the movable flap (35) being connected to the central panel (5') by a folding line (36).
35. A blank (1) according to one of Claims 29 to 34, characterised in that it comprises second openings (28) formed in each lateral panel (6) along the second articulation lines (8), close to the central panel (5').
36. A blank (1) according to Claim 35, characterised in that it also comprises two second lugs (30) adjacent to each second opening (28), separated by a second cutting line (31), each second lug (30) being connected to a lateral panel (6) by a folding line (32).
37. A packaging assembly (4) comprising a packaging (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 19, in which there are disposed cylindrical objects (3) such as bottles or flasks.

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