EP3070017B1 - Packaging element and blank for packaging element with improved setting device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to the field of packaging and more particularly the field of packaging obtained from a single blank, pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material, in particular from a sheet of cardboard.

Such packages are very widely used in many fields for packaging products, for example cosmetics or perfumery products. These products may for example be containers, especially tubes, flasks, etc. Such containers contain substances that may be in the form of fluids, pastes, powders, granules, etc.

The packages according to the invention therefore comprise at least one peripheral envelope formed of at least three peripheral panels articulated successively to one another around longitudinal fold lines which extend in the longitudinal direction, parallel to one another. the other. The fold lines define longitudinal sides of the peripheral panels. The peripheral envelope is closed on itself to define a closed contour around an interior space in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fold lines. Generally, at least one of the extreme peripheral panels is provided with an assembly flap, also articulated to the end peripheral panel by a longitudinal fold line, to be pressed against an inner or outer face of the other extreme peripheral panel to achieve an assembly, for example by gluing, to form the peripheral envelope. The interior space defined by such a peripheral envelope is closed in at least two directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. But it is generally still necessary to provide means to ensure the longitudinal locking of the product in the peripheral envelope, in at least one direction in the longitudinal direction.

Of course, it is known to produce closed cases in which the peripheral envelope defines an outer envelope and is provided with closure flaps which are articulated to one of the peripheral panels by a transverse fold line. Such shutters can be provided at one and the other of the longitudinal ends of the outer peripheral envelope. Such closure flaps have a shape corresponding to the shape of the closed contour of the outer peripheral envelope and, once folded, often at 90 °, they respectively close the interior space longitudinally to one and the other both ends of the interior space.

In other embodiments, the outer peripheral envelope is not provided with closure flaps, at least not at both longitudinal ends, but is optionally provided with product locking means in the longitudinal direction in space inside. For example, it is known tab systems, each tab being connected to a transverse longitudinal end edge of one of the peripheral panels. Such tongues are for example folded inwards and then form harpoons which allow the introduction of the product inside the interior space, but which then cooperate with this product to prevent the withdrawal of the product from the packaging , except to deform or irreparably tear the tabs forming harpoons.

Some packages comprise on the one hand an outer envelope as described above and a wedging element which is received inside the outer casing, the outer casing and the wedging element being both obtained to from the same single blank pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material. Such a wedging element also comprises a main peripheral envelope comprising at least three main panels successively articulated to each other around longitudinal fold lines which extend parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction. The fold lines define longitudinal sides of the main panels and the main envelope thus formed is closed on itself to also define a closed wedging contour around an internal wedging space. The wedging element is received inside the interior space of the outer envelope. The product is received inside the interior space of the wedging element. Generally, the wedging element has as many main panels as there are peripheral panels in the external envelope. Preferably, support lugs are provided between the outer casing and the main casing of the wedging element to maintain a relative position between the two casings, in the two transverse directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. It is understood that a package comprising both an outer envelope and a wedging element, obtained from the same single blank, is already a complex object, both in its design and in its manufacture by folding and assembling the single blank .

In all cases, it will be understood that the product wedging in the longitudinal direction in the peripheral envelope, whether this peripheral envelope is an external envelope or that it is the envelope of a wedging element, remains to be improved, both from the point of view of the packaging design, only from the point of view of the manufacture of the packaging and from the point of view of the packaging operation during which the product to be packaged is introduced into the packaging.

The document GB-365.78 describes a centering system which is elastic which acts transversely. Other locking systems are known to US 4,445,613 and DE 20 2011 106417 U . The invention therefore aims to propose a new design of a packaging or packaging element, and a blank to obtain this packaging or packaging element, which provides a solution to at least some aspects of this problem. wedging in the longitudinal direction.

• un bandeau d'extrémité comprenant autant de panneaux d'extrémités que le nombre de panneaux principaux, articulés successivement l'un à l'autre autour de lignes de pliages agencées dans l'alignement des lignes de pliage des panneaux principaux, le bandeau d'extrémité étant refermé sur lui-même pour définir un contour fermé autour d'un espace intérieur de l'élément d'emballage dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale;
• pour au moins deux panneaux principaux distincts, au moins une patte de liaison longitudinale qui relie ledit panneau principal à un panneau d'extrémité correspondant, et la patte de liaison d'un panneau principal étant distincte de la ou les pattes de liaison des autres panneaux principaux, les pattes de liaison étant séparées l'une de l'autre transversalement par une découpe de séparation dans la feuille de matériau.

In order to achieve this objective, the present invention proposes a packaging element obtained from a single blank, pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material, of the type in which the packaging element comprises an envelope. headstock comprising at least three main panels successively hinged to each other around longitudinal fold lines which extend parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, the fold lines defining longitudinal sides of the main panels , the envelope being closed on itself to define a closed contour around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The element for packaging comprises, at at least one longitudinal end, an end wedging device which comprises:

• an end strip comprising as many end panels as the number of main panels successively articulated to one another around fold lines arranged in alignment with the fold lines of the main panels, the strip of end being closed on itself to define a closed contour around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
• for at least two distinct main panels, at least one longitudinal connecting lug which connects said main panel to a corresponding end panel, and the connecting lug of a main panel being distinct from the one or more connecting lugs of the other panels main, the connecting tabs being separated from each other transversely by a separating blank in the sheet of material.

Each connecting lug comprises an intermediate transverse folding line which delimits a main portion and an end portion of the connecting lug, respectively attached to the corresponding main panel and to the end panel, so as to bring the band of end of the main casing by folding the two parts of the connecting lug on themselves around the intermediate fold line. The main part of the connecting lug is hinged to the corresponding main panel by a pre-marked transverse fold line.

According to one aspect of the invention, the end wedging device is a bi-articulated device in which the end portion of said at least two connecting lugs is attached to the corresponding end panel by a deflection free flexion zone. of pre-marked folding cross line.

• la longueur de la partie principale d'une patte de liaison, définie comme étant la plus courte distance entre la ligne de pliage intermédiaire et la ligne de pliage transversale pré-marquée de rattachement au panneau principal, est inférieure à la moitié de la dimension maximale de l'espace intérieur de l'élément d'emballage selon une direction transversale perpendiculaire au panneau principal correspondant ;
• la longueur de la partie principale d'une patte de liaison, définie comme étant la plus courte distance entre la ligne de pliage intermédiaire et la ligne de pliage transversale pré-marquée de rattachement au panneau principal, est inférieure à la longueur de la partie d'extrémité de la patte de liaison, définie comme étant la plus courte distance entre la ligne de pliage intermédiaire et une ligne de partage transversale correspondant à la dernière ligne théorique, en partant de l'extrémité longitudinale correspondante de l'élément d'emballage, pour laquelle on trouve une continuité de matière du bandeau d'extrémité sur toute la largeur transversale du panneau d'extrémité correspondant, ou pour laquelle on n'intercepte pas ni l'une ni l'autre des découpes de séparation de part et d'autre de la patte de liaison ;
• entre deux pattes de liaisons adjacentes correspondant à deux panneaux principaux adjacents, la découpe de séparation entre deux pattes de liaison est agencée sous la forme d'un ajourage de telle sorte, repliées à 90 degrés vers l'espace intérieur par rapport au panneau principal correspondant, les parties principales des deux pattes de liaisons adjacentes n'ont pas de recouvrement.
• les pattes de liaison présentent chacune une partie principale dont la géométrie lui permet d'être reçue, repliée à 90° vers l'espace intérieur par rapport au panneau principal correspondant, sans contacter les panneaux principaux adjacents ;
• le dispositif de calage d'extrémité peut être déplacé de manière réversible, entre deux positions longitudinales distinctes stables, de part et d'autre d'une position instable dans laquelle les parties principales des pattes de liaison s'étendent dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale ;
• le dispositif de calage d'extrémité est rappelé élastiquement vers ses deux positions longitudinales distinctes stables sous l'effet d'une force de rappel due à la déformation élastique de la zone de flexion des dites au moins deux pattes de liaison ;
• les deux positions longitudinales stables du dispositif de calage d'extrémité comportent une position étendue vers l'extérieur, dans laquelle les pattes de liaison sont dépliées, et une position rapprochée vers l'intérieur dans laquelle les deux parties des pattes de liaison sont repliées l'une sur l'autre et dirigées longitudinalement vers l'intérieur pour former un harpon dirigé longitudinalement vers l'intérieur de l'espace délimité par l'enveloppe ;
• l'élément d'emballage comporte, à une extrémité longitudinale, un dispositif de calage d'extrémité, et, à l'extrémité longitudinale opposée, un dispositif de fermeture comportant au moins un volet de fermeture articulé sur un bord transversal d'un panneau principal ;
• l'élément d'emballage comporte un dispositif de calage d'extrémité à chacune de ses deux extrémités longitudinales ;
• l'élément d'emballage fait partie d'un emballage obtenu à partir d'un flan unique, prédécoupé et plié à partir d'une feuille de matériau, ledit emballage comportant, en plus de l'élément d'emballage, une enveloppe externe formée de panneaux externes articulés successivement l'un à l'autre autour de lignes de pliage longitudinales qui s'étendent parallèlement l'une à l'autre selon la direction longitudinale, les lignes de pliage définissant des côtés longitudinaux des panneaux externes, l'enveloppe externe étant refermée sur elle-même pour définir un contour fermé autour de l'élément d'emballage dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale ;
• l'élément d'emballage est relié à un panneau externe de l'enveloppe externe par un panneau de liaison qui est articulé par rapport au dit panneau externe le long d'un côté longitudinal de celui-ci, et qui est articulé par rapport à un panneau principal le long d'un côté longitudinal de celui-ci ;
• l'élément d'emballage comporte des pattes d'appui qui s'étendent selon une ou plusieurs directions transversales et qui sont chacune en contact avec une face interne d'un panneau externe de l'enveloppe externe pour maintenir au moins un des panneaux principaux de l'élément d'emballage écarté dudit panneau externe de l'enveloppe externe ;
• l'enveloppe externe comporte, à au moins une extrémité longitudinale, un dispositif de fermeture comportant au moins un volet de fermeture articulé sur un bord transversal d'un panneau externe.
• l'élément d'emballage est réalisé en une seule pièce à partir d'un flan unique de carton dont le grammage est supérieur ou égal 180 g/m2, et inférieur ou égal à 2000 g/m2.

According to other features, optional, of the invention, taken separately or in combination:

• the length of the main part of a connecting lug, defined as the shortest distance between the intermediate fold line and the pre-marked transversal fold line of attachment to the main panel, is less than half of the maximum dimension the inner space of the packaging element in a transverse direction perpendicular to the corresponding main panel;
• the length of the main portion of a connecting leg, defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate fold line and the pre-marked transverse folding line of attachment to the main panel, is less than the length of the part of the end of the connecting lug, defined as the shortest distance between the intermediate fold line and a transverse divide corresponding to the last theoretical line, starting from the corresponding longitudinal end of the packaging element, for which there is a material continuity of the end strip over the entire transverse width of the corresponding end panel, or for which no separation cutouts of either side are inter- other of the connecting leg;
• between two adjacent link tabs corresponding to two adjacent main panels, the separating cut-out between two connecting tabs is arranged in the form of an openwork such as to be folded at 90 degrees to the inner space with respect to the corresponding main panel , the main parts of the two adjacent link legs have no overlap.
• the connecting lugs each have a main portion whose geometry allows it to be received, folded at 90 ° to the inner space relative to the corresponding main panel, without contacting the adjacent main panels;
• the end wedging device can be reversibly moved between two distinct stable longitudinal positions, on either side of an unstable position in which the main parts of the legs linkage extend in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
• the end stopping device is resiliently biased towards its two distinct longitudinal stable positions under the effect of a restoring force due to the elastic deformation of the bending zone of said at least two connecting lugs;
• the two stable longitudinal positions of the end stopping device comprise an extended outward position, in which the connecting tabs are unfolded, and an inwardly close position in which the two parts of the connecting tabs are folded together. one on the other and directed longitudinally inwardly to form a harpoon directed longitudinally inward of the space bounded by the casing;
• the packaging element comprises, at one longitudinal end, an end stopping device, and at the opposite longitudinal end, a closure device comprising at least one closure flap hinged to a transverse edge of a panel main ;
• the packing member has an end wedging device at each of its two longitudinal ends;
• the packaging element is part of a package obtained from a single blank, pre-cut and folded from a sheet of material, said packaging comprising, in addition to the packaging element, an outer envelope formed of external panels successively articulated to each other about longitudinal fold lines which extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, the fold lines defining longitudinal sides of the outer panels, the outer shell being closed on itself to define a closed contour around the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
• the packaging element is connected to an outer panel of the outer casing by a connecting panel which is articulated with respect to said outer panel along a longitudinal side thereof, and which is articulated with respect to a main panel along a longitudinal side thereof;
• the packing member has bearing lugs which extend in one or more transverse directions and which are each in contact with an inner face of an outer panel of the outer casing to hold at least one of the main panels the packaging element spaced apart from said external panel of the outer casing;
• the outer casing has, at at least one longitudinal end, a closure device comprising at least one closure flap hinged to a transverse edge of an outer panel.
• the packaging element is made in one piece from a single blank of cardboard whose weight is greater than or equal to 180 g / m2, and less than or equal to 2000 g / m2.

• l'élément d'emballage comporte une enveloppe principale comprenant au moins trois panneaux principaux articulés successivement l'un à l'autre autour de lignes de pliage longitudinales qui s'étendent parallèlement l'une à l'autre selon une direction longitudinale, les lignes de pliage définissant des côtés longitudinaux des panneaux principaux, l'enveloppe étant refermée sur elle-même pour définir un contour fermé autour d'un espace intérieur de l'élément d'emballage dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale ;
• l'élément d'emballage comporte, à au moins une extrémité longitudinale, un dispositif de calage d'extrémité comportant :
  • un bandeau d'extrémité comprenant autant de panneaux d'extrémités que le nombre de panneaux principaux, articulés successivement l'un à l'autre autour de lignes de pliages agencées dans l'alignement des lignes de pliage des panneaux principaux, le bandeau d'extrémité étant refermé sur lui-même pour définir un contour fermé autour d'un espace intérieur de l'élément d'emballage dans un plan transversal perpendiculaire à la direction longitudinale.
  • pour au moins deux panneaux principaux distincts, au moins une patte de liaison longitudinale qui relie ledit panneau principal à un panneau d'extrémité correspondant, et la patte de liaison d'un panneau principal étant distincte de la ou les pattes de liaison des autres panneaux principaux, les pattes de liaison étant séparées l'une de l'autre transversalement par une découpe de séparation dans la feuille de matériau.

The invention also proposes a pre-cut blank folded from a sheet of material, of the type in which

• the packaging element comprises a main envelope comprising at least three main panels successively connected to one another around longitudinal fold lines which extend parallel to each other in a longitudinal direction, the lines bending device defining longitudinal sides of the main panels, the envelope being closed on itself to define a closed contour around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;
• the packing element has, at at least one longitudinal end, an end wedging device comprising:
  • an end strip comprising as many end panels as the number of main panels successively articulated to one another around fold lines arranged in alignment with the fold lines of the main panels, the strip of end being closed on itself to define a closed outline around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
  • for at least two distinct main panels, at least one longitudinal connecting lug which connects said main panel to a corresponding end panel, and the connecting lug of a main panel being distinct from the one or more connecting lugs of the other panels main, the connecting tabs being separated from each other transversely by a separating blank in the sheet of material.

Each connecting lug comprises an intermediate transverse folding line which delimits a main portion and an end portion of the connecting lug, respectively attached to the corresponding main panel and to the end panel, so as to bring the band of end of the main envelope by folding the two parts of the connecting lug on themselves around the intermediate fold line, and of the type in which the main part of the connecting lug is hinged to the corresponding main panel by a pre-marked transverse folding line.

The end wedging device is a bi-articulated device in which the end portion of said at least two connecting lugs is attached to the corresponding end panel by a bending zone devoid of pre-marked transverse folding line. .

• la longueur de la partie principale d'une patte de liaison, définie comme étant la plus courte distance entre la ligne de pliage intermédiaire et la ligne de pliage transversale pré-marquée de rattachement au panneau principal, est inférieure à la moitié de la dimension transversale d'un panneau principal adjacent audit anneau principal auquel est rattaché la patte de liaison, définie comme étant la distance entre les deux côtés longitudinaux du panneau principal adjacent ;
• le flan comporte, à une extrémité longitudinale, un dispositif d'extrémité de calage comportant une partie d'extrémité d'au moins une patte de liaison rattachée au panneau d'extrémité correspondant par une zone de flexion dépourvue de ligne transversale de pliage pré-marquée, et, à l'extrémité longitudinale opposée, un dispositif de fermeture comportant au moins un volet de fermeture rattaché sur un bord transversal d'un panneau principal par une ligne de pliage transversale ;

• le flan comporte, à chacune de ses deux extrémités longitudinales, un dispositif de calage d'extrémité comportant une partie d'extrémité d'au moins une patte de liaison rattachée au panneau d'extrémité correspondant par une zone de flexion dépourvue de ligne transversale de pliage pré-marquée ;
• le flan comporte, en plus, des panneaux externes articulés successivement l'un à l'autre autour de lignes de pliage longitudinales qui s'étendent parallèlement l'une à l'autre selon la direction longitudinale, les lignes de pliage définissant des côtés longitudinaux des panneaux externes, et en ce que un panneau principal est relié à un panneau externe par un panneau de liaison rattaché respectivement par une ligne de pliage à un côté longitudinal d'un panneau externe et à un côté longitudinal d'un panneau principal ;
• le flan comporte au moins une patte d'appui qui est délimitée par une découpe en U pratiquée dans un panneau principal, les sommets des branches du U correspondant à une ligne de pliage, la découpe en U délimitant une extension transversale pour le panneau principal adjacent partageant le même côté longitudinal.
• le flan est réalisé en une seule pièce à partir d'une feuille unique de carton dont le grammage est supérieur ou égal 180 g/m², et inférieur ou égal à 2000 g/m².

According to other features, optional, of the invention, taken separately or in combination:

• the length of the main portion of a connecting leg, defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate fold line and the pre-marked transverse fold line of attachment to the main panel, is less than half of the transverse dimension a main panel adjacent to said main ring to which is attached the connecting lug, defined as the distance between the two longitudinal sides of the adjacent main panel;
• the blank comprises, at one longitudinal end, a wedge end device comprising an end portion of at least one connecting lug attached to the corresponding end panel by a bending zone devoid of pre-marked folding transverse line, and at the opposite longitudinal end, a closure device comprising at least one closure flap attached to a transverse edge a main panel by a transverse fold line;

• the blank comprises, at each of its two longitudinal ends, an end wedging device comprising an end portion of at least one connecting lug attached to the corresponding end panel by a bending zone devoid of transverse line of pre-marked folding;
• the blank further comprises external panels successively hinged to each other around longitudinal fold lines which extend parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, the fold lines defining longitudinal sides outer panels, and in that a main panel is connected to an outer panel by a connecting panel respectively attached by a fold line to a longitudinal side of an outer panel and to a longitudinal side of a main panel;
• the blank comprises at least one support leg which is delimited by a U-shaped cut made in a main panel, the vertices of the branches of the U corresponding to a fold line, the U-shaped cut-out defining a transverse extension for the adjacent main panel sharing the same longitudinal side.
• the blank is made in one piece from a single sheet of cardboard whose weight is greater than or equal to 180 g / m ² , and less than or equal to 2000 g / m ² .

• La Figure 1 est une vue en plan d'un flan selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La Figure 2 illustre une partie du flan de la Figure 1 .
• La Figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une étape intermédiaire de montage de l'emballage obtenu grâce au flan de la Figure 1 .
• La Figure 4 est une vue en perspective de l'emballage obtenu à partir du flan de la Figure 1 .
• Les Figures 5A, 5B et 5C sont des vues schématiques en section montrant, en section par un plan longitudinal, différentes positions du dispositif de calage d'extrémité de l'emballage de la Figure 4 .
• Les Figures 6 et 7 sont des vues similaires aux Figures 1 et 4 illustrant un deuxième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• Les Figures 8 et 9 sont des vues similaires aux Figures 1 et 4 illustrant un troisième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La Figure 10 est une vue en plan d'un flan selon un quatrième mode de réalisation de l'invention.
• La Figure 11 est une vue en section transversale de l'emballage obtenu à partir du flan de la Figure 10 .

Various other characteristics appear from the description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of non-limiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

• The Figure 1 is a plan view of a blank according to a first embodiment of the invention.
• The Figure 2 illustrates part of the flan of the Figure 1 .
• The Figure 3 is a perspective view of an intermediate step of mounting the package obtained thanks to the blank of the Figure 1 .
• The Figure 4 is a perspective view of the packaging obtained from the blank of the Figure 1 .
• The Figures 5A, 5B and 5C are diagrammatic sectional views showing, in section through a longitudinal plane, different positions of the endstop of the packaging of the Figure 4 .
• The Figures 6 and 7 are similar views to Figures 1 and 4 illustrating a second embodiment of the invention.
• The Figures 8 and 9 are similar views to Figures 1 and 4 illustrating a third embodiment of the invention.
• The Figure 10 is a plan view of a blank according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.
• The Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the package obtained from the blank of the Figure 10 .

We illustrated on the Figure 1 a first embodiment of a blank 10 according to the invention for obtaining a package according to the invention.

The blank 10 which is illustrated on the Figure 1 is obtained by cutting a sheet of material and constitutes a single blank in that there is continuity of material in the blank, which is not constituted by an assembly of several previously disjoint elements.

The blank material will be a conventional material for this type of packaging. It may for example be a cardboard whose weight is greater than or equal to 180 g per square meter. Generally, the cardboard used for such packages has a basis weight less than or equal to 2000 g per square meter. However, the use of other materials, including polymeric materials, is conceivable. Preferably, these materials have a semi-rigid appearance flexion about an axis in the plane of the sheet in which the blank is pre-cut.

• la technique de découpe mi-chair, dans laquelle la feuille de matériau est découpée, mais pas sur toute son épaisseur ;
• le marquage par écrasement de matière, etc...

On the Figure 1 , and in similar figures, there is shown in continuous lines the free or cut edges of the blank. Dashed lines have been used to mark the contents of the blank but at of which the blank is not entirely cut out. The realization of the markings may involve one or more techniques, among which may be mentioned for example:

• the half-flesh cutting technique, in which the sheet of material is cut, but not over its entire thickness;
• marking by crushing of material, etc ...

These markings are intended to form a pre-marked fold line of the sheet of material for the purpose of producing the package. Indeed, the blank 10, which is planar, must be subjected to folding operations and assembly, including gluing, to achieve a three-dimensional packaging.

The blank 10 has two main portions each intended to form a peripheral envelope. A first portion 12, visible on the left of the Figure 1 and visible on the Figure 2 , is intended to form a main element, called wedging element, packaging. A second portion 14, visible on the right side of the Figure 1 , is intended to form an outer envelope of the package. The two portions 12, 14 of the blank 10 are connected to each other by a connecting panel 16 whose role will be explained later.

Firstly, the first portion 12 of the blank 10 intended to form a main cushioning element of the package will be described.

In this portion, the blank comprises four main panels 21, 22, 23, 24 which are juxtaposed and articulated successively to one another around three fold lines 31, 32, 33 longitudinal. A first fold line 31 connects, delimiting, a distal extreme main panel 21 of a distal intermediate main panel 22. A second fold line 32 connects the distal intermediate main panel 22 to a proximal intermediate main panel 23, which is connected to a proximal proximal main panel 24 around a fold line 33. The fold lines 31, 32, 33 thus define longitudinal sides of the corresponding main panels.

The distal endmost main panel 21 further comprises a longitudinal side 30 through which it is connected to an assembly flap 18, the longitudinal side 30 corresponding to a fold line, preferably pre-marked, between the panel 21 and the flap 18. Opposite the longitudinal side 30, the flap 18 has a longitudinal free edge 29, which is a free edge of the blank 10.

The proximal end main panel 24 has, opposite the longitudinal side 33, a longitudinal side 34 which, in this embodiment, is formed of a pre-marked fold line by which it is connected to the connecting panel 16 .

Thus, starting from the free edge 29 of the blank 10, and moving through the blank in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, one encounters successively the flap 18, the longitudinal side 30, the main distal end panel 21, the longitudinal side 31, the distal intermediate main panel 22, the longitudinal side 32, the proximal intermediate main panel 23, the longitudinal side 33, the proximal extreme main panel 24, the longitudinal side 34 and the connecting panel 16.

In this embodiment, where the main envelope is intended to form a wedging element, the main panels have transverse extensions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 arranged at the longitudinal sides 31, 32, 33 between two panels. key. These cross-sectional extensions are optional. Each transverse extension is secured to one of the panels and is delimited by a U-shaped cut formed in the material constituting one of the adjacent main panels. The tips of the legs of the U-cut are located on a fold line 31, 32, 33 between two main panels, while the base of the U is formed by a longitudinal edge of the cutout which is offset a transverse offset " e " with respect to the corresponding fold line. At each transverse extension, the fold line is interrupted so that, when folding two successive panels around their common fold line, the extension remains in the alignment of the panel of which it is solidarity. It will be seen later that these extensions are intended to form support legs. It is therefore understood that, at these transverse extensions, the longitudinal sides of the main panels have recesses. However, these recesses do not affect the fold line between two panels. Preferably, the fold lines 31, 32 and 33 are pre-marked, except at the level of the transverse extensions.

Each of the main panels 21, 22, 23, 24 has opposite upper and lower transverse sides 41, 42, 43, 44, which are arranged at the longitudinal ends of the corresponding panel and which are each materialized by a fold line. In the proposed example, the main panels all have the same dimension in the longitudinal direction so that the upper and lower transverse edges of the four main panels are respectively aligned along an upper fold transverse line and in a lower fold transverse line. The notions of "superior" and "inferior" that are used here are only illustrative to simplify the understanding of the description. These notions refer to the orientation of the blank as illustrated on the Figure 1 and do not prejudge any orientation of the blank or packaging in the space.

It is understood that the four main panels 21, 22, 23, 24 are intended to form, after a bending at 90 ° around each of the fold lines 31, 32, 33, a main envelope closed on itself defining a closed contour around an internal wedging space of the wedging element 12. In the illustrated example, comprising four main panels, the closed contour of the main envelope corresponds to a quadrilateral in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. If the folding is done at 90 ° around each fold line, a rectangle is obtained, and even more precisely a square in the case where, in addition, the main panels have an identical transverse width. It is also understood that the flap 18 can also be folded at 90 ° around the fold line 30 so that it can be brought in support, plane against plane, against the main proximal end panel 24. An assembly of the flap 18 on the panel 24, for example by gluing, to set the three-dimensional geometry of the packaging element comprising the four main panels. The fact that a peripheral envelope defines a closed contour does not preclude the peripheral panels that compose it possibly have windows or openings.

In the example illustrated, the proximal extreme main panel 24 has a width greater than that of the other panels. It is thus possible to define a virtual longitudinal assembly line LM1 offset from the fold line 34 connecting to the connecting panel 16 by a transverse gap "e". The transverse distance between the longitudinal virtual assembly line LM1 and the longitudinal side 33 of the proximal extreme main panel 24 is equal to the transverse width of the distal intermediate main panel 22 between its two longitudinal sides 31 and 32. Preferably, this transverse deviation " e " corresponds to the transverse distance " e " of the support legs 51-55. During the assembly of the main envelope, it is planned to make the fold line 30, separating the flap 18 from the main panel 21, coincide with the longitudinal virtual assembly line LM1. The portion of the proximal proximal main panel 24 which lies between the longitudinal virtual assembly line LM1 and the fold line 34 constitutes a transverse extension of the panel intended to form a support lug to maintain a gap between the main cushioning casing and the outer envelope of the package.

As can be seen on the Figure 1 , the packaging element comprising the four main panels 21, 22, 23, 24 further comprises, at at least one longitudinal end, an end strip 60 which comprises as many end panels 61, 62, 63, 64 than the number of main panels. Similarly to the main panels, the end panels are successively articulated to one another around longitudinal fold lines 71, 72, 73 arranged in alignment with the fold lines 31, 32, 33 of the main panels. . In the illustrated example, the packaging element is provided with two end bands 60, one at each longitudinal end, but only one could be provided.

As can be seen more particularly on the Figure 2 For at least two separate main panels, at least one longitudinal connecting lug 80 is provided which connects a main panel to a respective end panel, that is to say, an end panel arranged longitudinally in the extension of main panel considered. In the example shown, the four end panels are each connected to the corresponding main panel by a connecting lug 80. In this embodiment, the connecting lugs all have the same geometry. Note that the connecting lug 80 of a main panel is separate from the or the connecting lugs of the other main panels. In this sense, the connecting tabs are separated from each other transversely by a separation cutout 82 in the sheet of materials. Each connecting lug 80 has an intermediate transverse folding line 84 which delimits the tab in two parts: a main part 80a which is attached to the corresponding main panel and an end part 80b which is attached to the corresponding end panel. .

The main part of the connecting lug 80 is articulated to the corresponding main panel by a pre-marked transverse fold line.

Within the meaning of this text, a pre-marked fold line is intended to form, at the time of folding, a net hinge between two portions of the material constituting the blank, in this case between the main panel and the main part 80a of the blank. link lug 80. At a pre-marked fold line, folding is done where the bulk of the deformation is concentrated on the fold line. At the level of a pre-marked line, the mechanical characteristics of the material, in particular in flexural strength, have a sudden weakening, which makes it a zone of deformation privileged with respect to the neighboring zones. The production of a pre-marked fold line may involve one or more techniques, among which may be mentioned, for example, the technique of cutting half-flesh, or marking by crushing of material, etc.

In the illustrated example, the pre-marked fold line, by which each link tab is attached to the corresponding main panel, coincides with the transverse end side 41, 42, 43, 44 of the corresponding main panel.

Preferably, the intermediate fold lines 84 of all the connecting tabs connecting an end strip 60 to the corresponding main panels are aligned in a transverse direction.

Preferably, the intermediate fold line 84 of each leg is also pre-marked in the sense defined above.

On the contrary, the end portion 80b of the connecting lugs 80 is attached to the corresponding end panel by a bending zone devoid of a pre-marked folding cross line. In this sense, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 , It is not possible to clearly distinguish the separation between the end panel and the end portion of the corresponding connecting lug. Preferably, there is no abrupt discontinuity in the mechanical characteristics of the material, in particular flexural strength, in the transition zone between the end panel 61, 62, 63, 64 and this end portion 80b of the corresponding link leg 80 . In other words, if it is desired to deform the end portion of the connecting lug in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the blank, relative to the end panel, this deformation results in a progressive curvature that extends over any a transition zone, not a crisp fold at a hinge line.

The transition zone, between an end panel of the strip 60 and the end portion 80b of the corresponding connecting tab, has a greater stiffness in flexural strength than the transition zone between a main panel and the part. main 80a of the same connecting lug, the latter transition zone comprising the pre-marked fold line.

In the illustrated example, each end panel is connected to the corresponding main panel by a single connecting lug. However, it could be expected that at least one end panel is connected to the panel corresponding principal by several independent link legs. Furthermore, it is not necessary that all the end panels are connected to the corresponding main panel by a connecting lug. In particular, in the context of a packaging element with four main panels, it is possible for example to provide that only two of the four end panels, preferably non-adjacent, are connected to their corresponding main panel by one or more legs of link.

In the example shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , a separation cutout 82 between two connecting lugs has a diamond shape with two longitudinal vertices 82a , 82b and with two transverse vertices 82c.

Preferably, the transverse peaks 82c of a diamond cutting separation are each arranged at the end of the intermediate transverse fold line 84 of the two adjacent connecting webs.

In the illustrated example, a separation cutout 82 has an end, here formed by a longitudinal apex 82a , on the main panel side, which is located at the intersection of the fold line 31, 32, 33 between two main panels. with the pre-marked fold line 41, 42, 43, 44 by which each of the two adjacent connecting lugs, separated by the cut in question, are connected to said main panels.

In the illustrated example, a separation cutout 82 has an end, here formed by a longitudinal end 82b, on the end panel side, which is situated on the fold line 71, 72, 73 of articulation of these panels. end.

In the illustrated example, all the connecting lugs 80 have the same geometry and all the separation cutouts 82 between the connecting lugs also have the same geometry. Thus, the longitudinal vertices 82b of the cuts 82, on the side of the end panels 61, 62, 63, 64, are aligned along a virtual transverse line LP1.

The second portion of the blank 10, intended to form the outer envelope of the package, conventionally has a case, four external panels 121, 122, 123, 124 successively articulated one to the other around longitudinal fold lines 131, 132, 133, which define longitudinal sides of the outer panels. A proximal outer panel 121 is connected by a longitudinal fold line 130, opposite its other longitudinal side 131 , to the connecting panel 16, the latter thus ensuring the connection between the two portions 12, 14 of the blank 10. By folding, this outer envelope is intended to be closed on itself to define a closed contour around an interior space in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this case, the connecting panel 16 is intended to also form an assembly flap, intended to be assembled, for example by gluing, plane against plane against an inner face of a distal outermost panel 124, to produce and maintain the three-dimensional shape of the outer shell. In the example shown, the outer panels have an upper transverse width, twice the transverse deviation value "e", the width of the corresponding main panels of the wedging element 12. Similarly, the outer panels present a length in the longitudinal direction which is greater than the length of the main panels of the wedging element.

As illustrated, one can provide at least one closure flap 125 hinged along a transverse longitudinal end edge of an outer panel, for example the proximal outermost panel 121. In this case, two such closure flaps 125 are provided to close the case at both longitudinal ends. Each closure flap 125 is preferably provided with a locking flap 126 hinged to a transverse longitudinal end edge of the closure flap 125 opposite its hinge edge on the outer panel 121. In addition, it can be provided that the closure of the package at the longitudinal ends is completed by one or more complementary closure shutters 128, also articulated along a transverse longitudinal end edge of an outer panel 122, 124 other than the outer panel 123 opposite the outer panel 121 carrying the closure flap 125.

To form a package starting from the blank thus described, it is proceeded, as is visible on the Figure 3 , First by the formation of the wedge member by folding the flap 18, then successively the main panels 21, 22, 23, 24 respectively about fold lines 30, 31, 32, 33. At the same time the end panels 61, 62, 63, 64 of the end strip 60 are folded respectively around the fold lines 71, 72, 73 to form a packaging element as illustrated in FIG. Figure 3 . As explained above, the outer face of the assembly flap 18 is assembled, for example by gluing, against the inner face of the main proximal end panel 24 by making the fold line 30 coincide with the longitudinal virtual assembly line LM1. The packaging element thus formed thus has a closed contour, in this square example, in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

We see on the Figure 3 the transverse extensions 51-55 which protrude transversely with respect to this contour by a distance corresponding to the transverse deviation value "e".

As illustrated on the Figure 3 , One will preferably method, prior to the step of winding and assembling the wedge member 12, in a step of pre-folding of the connecting brackets 80 of the or of the end bands 60. This pre -folding is to perform a folding, for example at 120 ° or 180 °, by folding the entire end strip 60 inwardly around the line constituted by the alignment of the transverse edges 41, 42, 43, 44 of the main panels, then to fold in the opposite direction, for example to 120 ° or 180 ° to the outside, the end strip around the intermediate transverse fold lines 84 of the connecting lugs 80. Thus, naturally, it creates a conformation of the connecting lugs 80 so that they are slightly folded, relative to the main panels, inwardly around their pre-marked fold line by which are connected to the main panel. On the other hand, as can be seen on the figure 3 , the connecting tabs then naturally present, at the intermediate fold line 84, a concavity turned outward. Before the folding operation and of winding described above to form the wedging element, one can choose to redeploy the end bands by resting the connecting tabs flat, or almost flat, as shown on the Figure 3 .

Note that the end strip 60 also has an assembly flap 18a, which may be constituted by the extension of the assembly flap 18, which is secured to an end end panel 61, and which is intended to to be folded down and assembled, for example by gluing, against the other extreme end panel 64 to give the end strip a closed contour substantially identical to the closed contour determined by the main panels.

We see that each end panel of the end strip is then arranged in the same plane as the corresponding main panel of the packaging element.

From the intermediate step illustrated in Figure 3 , the formation of the package is continued by forming the outer envelope by successive folds of the blank around the fold lines 34, 130, 131, 132, 133 so that, once the distal outermost panel 124 folds with its internal face bearing against an outer face of the connecting panel 16, the four outer panels form around the wedging element 12, the outer casing also having a closed contour. The result of this assembly is illustrated in Figure 4 . There is then a package consisting of an outer casing and an internal wedging element whose main panels are arranged substantially parallel to the outer panels. Note that in this embodiment, the connecting panel 16 has a transverse width which is substantially equal to the transverse width of the outer panels minus the transverse deviation value "e". This offset is combined with the role of the transverse extensions 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, which form as many support tabs which extend along one or more transverse directions and which are each in contact with an inner face of an outer panel of the outer casing for holding at least one of the main panels of the wedge member spaced apart from said external panel of the outer casing. Thus, the main envelope of the wedging element is firmly held away from the external panels of the outer envelope, preferably in the two transverse directions perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The difference value "e" determines the distance between the respective panels vis-à-vis the outer envelope and the cushioning envelope.

The end strip 60 and the connecting tabs 80 form, at one longitudinal end of the packaging element, an end wedging device for longitudinally wedging a product inside the packaging element. .

We have illustrated on Figures 5A, 5B, 5C schematic sectional views that illustrate different positions of the endstop device.

Due to the absence of a pre-marked fold line in the transition zone between the end panel and the end portion 80b of the corresponding connecting lugs 80 , this transition zone thus forming a bending zone, the endstop device may be described as a bi-articulated device because the connecting lug 80 has only two net joints, namely the intermediate transverse fold line 84 and the pre-marked fold line of the corresponding main panel.

On the Figure 5A the endstop has been illustrated in a longitudinally extended outward position. In this position, the connecting lugs 80 are unfolded in the sense that the two parts of the connecting lugs form, between them, an angle greater than 90 °.

On the Figure 5C the endstop has been illustrated in an inward longitudinal position. In this position, the two parts of the connecting lugs 80 are folded over one another in the sense that they form, between them, an angle less than 90 °. As illustrated, the tabs 80 are directed longitudinally inward to form a harpoon directed longitudinally inward of the space defined by the envelope formed by the main panels which carry them. In the close position illustrated at Figure 5C , the intermediate fold line 84 of the connecting lugs forms a projecting edge of the folded connecting lug 80 , this projecting edge being able to bear against a product contained in the packaging to ensure the wedging.

The end wedging device can be reversibly moved between these two distinct stable longitudinal positions, on either side of an unstable position, illustrated in FIG. Figure 5B Wherein the main portions 80a of the connecting lugs 80 extend in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Due to the absence of a pre-marked transverse fold line between the end panel and the end portion 80b of the corresponding connecting tabs, the bi-articulated end clamping device is resiliently biased toward one or the other of these two longitudinal positions stable under the effect of a restoring force which is due in particular to the elastic deformation of the bending zone at the transition between the end panel and the end portion of the dough link. The same restoring force makes the position illustrated in Figure 5B is an unstable position. Note that the closed nature of the contour formed by the end strip 60 contributes to the efforts generated at two legs carried by opposite main panels tend to cancel each other. Moreover, the closed nature of the contour formed by the end strip 60 contributes to the fact that the end panels can not move individually in the transverse direction, and the end strip 60 thus forms a rigid base for taking up the ends. bending stresses generated in the transition zone between the end panel and the end portion 80b of the corresponding connecting tabs, which allows this transition zone to generate a relatively large restoring force.

Preferably, the length "la" of the main portion 80a of a connecting lug 80, defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate fold line 84 and the pre-marked transverse fold line 41, 42, 43, 44 by which it is attached to the corresponding main panel, is less than half the maximum dimension "T" of the inner space of the packaging element in a transverse direction perpendicular to the corresponding main panel. This characteristic is especially visible on the Figure 5B where it can be seen that the main portions 80a of the two opposite connecting lugs 80 , that is to say connected to two non-adjacent panels of the envelope, can not come into abutment against each other during the tilting of the end strip 60 between its extended and close positions. In the case of a four-panel main envelope, the maximum dimension 'T' of the inner space of the packaging element, in a transverse direction perpendicular to the corresponding main panel, shall in general be equal to the distance between the two longitudinal sides of a main panel adjacent to the panel considered.

In the same way, the separating blanks 82 between two adjacent connecting tabs 80 are preferably arranged, as in the example illustrated, in the form of an openwork, that is to say in the form of a cutting that is not a simple cut line. The geometry of this openwork is preferably chosen so that, when the main parts 80a of two adjacent connecting lugs, not being linked to the same main panel but being connected to two adjacent main panels, are folded at 90 ° towards the interior space, as illustrated in Figure 5B , The main parts 80a of the adjacent connection tabs do not overlap, particularly in view in the longitudinal direction. This prevents two adjacent tabs abut against each other during the tilting of the end strip between its extended and close positions.

In addition, it will be advantageously provided that the connecting tabs each have a main portion 80a whose geometry allows it to be received, folded at 90 ° to the inner space relative to the corresponding main panel, without contacting the adjacent main panels.

Furthermore, we can define the length of the end portion 80b of a connecting lug as the shortest distance "Ib" between the intermediate fold line 84 and a transverse dividing line between this end part 80b and the corresponding end panel. In a bi-articulated end wedging device, this dividing line is not not marked. It is therefore a theoretical line. It can be defined as the last theoretical line, starting from the corresponding longitudinal end of the packing element, for which there is continuity of material of the end strip over the entire transverse width of the end panel. corresponding. In other words, this theoretical line may be the last theoretical line for which one does not intercept either of the separation blanks 82 on either side of the link tab considered. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, these two definitions correspond to the virtual transversal line LP1 along which the longitudinal vertices 82b of the cuts 82, on the side of the end panels 61, 62, 63, 64, are aligned.

Preferably, the length "la" of the main portion 80a of a connecting lug 80 is less than the length "Ib" of the end portion 80b of the same connecting lug. In this way, it tends to avoid that, during the tilting of the end wedging device between these two stable positions, the bending zone of the end portion of the connecting lug undergoes irreversible damage. Thus, this bending zone remains essentially in its elastic deformation range and thus retains sufficient elasticity to maintain the endstop device in one or other of its stable positions.

On the Figure 6 There is illustrated a blank for producing a package which does not include a transverse wedge envelope within an outer envelope. The corresponding packaging is illustrated on the Figure 7 . As seen in these figures, the package 12 comprises only one peripheral casing, formed of the main panels 21, 22, 23, 24, and consists only of a packaging element having a main casing such that defined above, and at least one end stopping device according to the invention comprising an end strip 60 connected to the main panels by connecting lugs 80. The end portion 80b of at least two connecting lugs 80 is attached to the corresponding end strip 60 by a bending zone devoid of pre-marked fold transverse line. In this case, this embodiment comprises two endstop devices, one at each longitudinal end of the package. Such a package is not closed at the longitudinal ends, but the end wedging devices can however lock the product longitudinally inside the package.

On the Figure 8 , there is illustrated a blank for the production of a package 12 which comprises only three main panels 21, 22, 23, articulated successively to one another. The packaging obtained thanks to such a blank is illustrated on the Figure 9 where we see that its three main panels define a main envelope which defines a triangular closed contour in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, as in that of Figures 6 and 7 , the package has only one peripheral envelope. However, it would of course be possible to provide a package comprising two peripheral envelopes, namely an outer envelope and a main envelope of a wedging element, which would both have only three main panels, thus defining envelopes having triangular sections. nested. The package 12 comprises at least one end stopping device according to the invention comprising an end strip 60 connected to the main panels by connecting lugs 80. The end portion 80b of at least two connecting lugs 80 is attached to the corresponding end strip 60 by a bending zone devoid of pre-marked fold transverse line. To facilitate the realization of such a package with three main panels, it may be useful to provide on one of the main panels, and thus on the end panel (s) of the end strip or strips corresponding to this main panel a temporary longitudinal fold line used to permit flat gluing of an assembly flap 18 bonded to an extreme main panel on an opposite extreme main panel. More generally, it is also possible to provide packaging or packaging elements whose peripheral envelope or envelopes have 5, 6, 7, 8 or more peripheral panels.

In a package having only a single peripheral envelope formed of the main panels, it is possible to provide, at one longitudinal end, a wedging end device as described above, of the bi-articulated type, and, at the opposite longitudinal end, a closure device comprising at least one closure flap which would be attached to a transverse edge of a main panel by a transverse fold line. Unlike the embodiments of Figures 6 to 9 , Then such a package has a longitudinal end which is closed, the other end then being provided with a wedge end device which will block the product in the inner space delimited by the package.

On the Figure 10 There is illustrated one embodiment of a single blank for producing packaging comprising an outer shell formed of outer panels 121, 122, 123, 124 and a wedge element 12 formed of main panels 21, 22, 23, 24. The number of external panels is equal to the number of main panels. However, as can be seen on the Figure 11 schematically illustrating a section, the assembled package obtained from this blank, and contrary to the embodiments described above, the outer panels are not parallel to the main panels. In this embodiment, the transverse width of the connecting panel 16 is chosen so as to create an angular offset, in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, between the external panels of the outer envelope and the main panels of the main envelope of the wedging element. Note also that this embodiment has only one end stopping device according to the invention comprising an end strip 60 connected to the main panels of the wedging element 12 by connecting tabs 80. The end portion 80b of at least two connecting lugs 80 is attached to the corresponding end strip 60 by a bending zone devoid of pre-marked folding cross line. This end wedging device is arranged at a longitudinal end of the wedging element 12, the other longitudinal end being devoid of it.

In the illustrated examples, in which the package comprises an outer envelope formed of outer panels and a wedging element whose main envelope is formed of main panels, there are as many external panels as main panels. However, this feature is not mandatory and may be provided packages with more external panels than main panels, or conversely packs with fewer external panels than the main panels of the wedging element.

The endstop device according to the invention is particularly advantageous for several reasons.

On the one hand, the end wedging device according to the invention is obtained from the same single blank as the package.

Furthermore, the realization of the endstop device according to the invention is relatively simple, including at the time of assembly, because it does not require particularly complicated cuts or complex assembly operations. In particular, all the fold lines are either longitudinal or transverse, without the need for folding around oblique fold lines.

Its bistable character is particularly useful at the time of introduction of the product of the package. Before introduction, it is in a stable extended position in which it does not interfere with the introduction of the product into the package.

After the introduction of the product, it is brought to its close position in which it is able to block the product. This tilting operation can be done by simply pressing on the end strip in the longitudinal direction. This operation can be done with an automated push tool, having only one axis of displacement. The automated push tool can be the same tool that ensures the introduction of the product into the package.

Note that there is no need to provide either a particular operation, or additional holding means to maintain the end clamping device in its close position, this maintenance resulting from the bistable character as described above. The maintenance obtained by the return force of the connecting lugs is sufficient to wedge a product in the longitudinal direction. Note that the passage of the end wedging device from one to the other of its stable positions is reversible, allowing several manipulations.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown because various modifications can be made without departing from its scope.

Claims (15)

1. A packaging element (12) obtained from a single blank, precut and folded from a sheet of material, of the type in which

   - the packaging element (12) includes a main enclosure comprising at least three main panels (21, 22, 23, 24) successively articulated to one another around longitudinal folding lines (31, 32, 33) that extend parallel to one another along a longitudinal direction, the folding lines defining longitudinal sides of the main panels, the enclosure being closed on itself to define a closed contour around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;

   - the packaging element includes, at least at a first longitudinal end, an end setting device (60, 80) including:

   • an end strip (60) comprising the same number of end panels (61, 62, 63, 64) as the number of primary panels, successively articulated to one another around folding lines arranged aligned with folding lines of the main panels, the end strip being closed on itself to define a closed contour around an inner space of the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction;

   • for at least two separate main panels, at least one longitudinal connecting tab (80) that connects said main panel to a corresponding end panel, and the connecting tab of a main panel being separate from the connecting tab(s) of the other main panels, the connecting tabs (80) being separated from one another transversely by a separating cutout (82) in the sheet of material;

   of the type in which each connecting tab (80) includes a transverse intermediate folding line (84) that delimits a main part (80a) and an end part (80b) of said connecting tab (80), respectively attached to the corresponding main panel and end panel, to make it possible to bring the end strip (60) of the main enclosure closer by folding two parts (80a, 80b) of the connecting tab on themselves around the intermediate folding line (84), and of the type in which the main part (80a) of the connecting tab is articulated to the corresponding main panel by a pre-marked transverse folding line (41, 42, 43, 44),
   characterized in that the end setting device is a bi-articulated device in which the end part (80b) of said at least two connecting tabs (80) is attached to the corresponding end panel (61, 62, 63, 64) by a flexion zone with no pre-marked transverse folding line.
2. The packaging element according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (Ia) of the main part (80a) of the connecting tab (80), defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate folding line (84) and the pre-marked transverse folding line (41, 42, 43, 44) for attachment to the main panel (21, 22, 23, 24), is smaller than half the maximum dimension of the inner space (T) of the packaging element (12) along a transverse direction perpendicular to the corresponding main panel.
3. The packaging element according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the length (Ia) of the main part (80a) of a connecting tab, defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate folding line (84) and the pre-marked transverse folding line (41, 42, 43, 44) for attaching to the main panel, is smaller than the length (Ib) of the end part (80b) of the connecting tab, defined as being the shortest distance between the intermediate folding line (84) and a transverse dividing line corresponding to the theoretical last line (LP1), starting from the corresponding longitudinal end of the packaging element, for which a material continuity of the end strip (60) is found over the entire transverse width of the corresponding end panel (61, 62, 63, 64), or for which neither one nor the other of the separating cutouts (82) is intercepted on either side of the connecting tab (80).
4. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, between two adjacent connecting tabs (80) corresponding to two main panels (41, 42, 43, 44), the separating cutout (82) between two connecting tabs is arranged in the form of an open-working such that, bent at 90 degrees toward the inner space relative to the corresponding main panel, the main parts (80a) of the two adjacent connecting tabs (80) have no overlap.
5. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting tabs (80) each have a main part (80a), the geometry of which allows it to be received, bent at 90° toward the inner space relative to the corresponding main panel (41, 42, 43, 44), without contacting the adjacent main panels.
6. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end setting device can be moved reversibly, between two separate stable longitudinal positions, on either side of an unstable position in which the main parts (80a) of the connecting tabs (80) extend in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
7. The packaging element according to claim 6, characterized in that the end setting device is elastically returned toward its two separate stable longitudinal positions under the effect of a return force due to the elastic deformation of the flexion zone of said at least two connecting tabs (80).
8. The packaging element according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the two stable longitudinal positions of the end setting device include an outwardly extended position, in which the connecting tabs (80) are unbent, and a position closer to the inside in which the two parts (80a, 80b) of the connecting tabs (80) are folded on one another and oriented longitudinally inward to form a harpoon oriented longitudinally toward the inside of the space defined by the enclosure.
9. The packaging element according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is part of a packaging (10) obtained from a single blank, precut and bent from a single sheet of cardboard, the grammage of which is greater than or equal to 100 g/m² and less than or equal to 2000 g/m², said packaging (10) including, in addition to the packaging element (12), an outer enclosure formed by outer panels (121, 122, 123, 124) successively articulated to one another around longitudinal folding lines (131, 132, 133) that extend parallel to one another along the longitudinal direction, the folding lines defining longitudinal sides of the outer panels, the outer enclosure being closed on itself to define a closed contour around the packaging element in a transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
10. The packaging element according to claim 9, characterized in that it is connected to an outer panel (121) of the outer enclosure by a connecting panel (16) that is articulated relative to said outer panel along a longitudinal side (130) thereof, and which is articulated relative to a main panel (24) along a longitudinal side (34) thereof.
11. The packaging element according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it includes bearing tabs (51-55) that extend along one or several transverse directions and that are each in contact with an inner face of an outer panel (121, 122, 123, 124) of the outer enclosure to keep at least one of the main panels (21, 22, 23, 24) of the packaging element (12) separated from said outer panel of the outer enclosure.
12. A precut blank for a packaging element, formed in a single piece from a sheet of material, of the type in which:

    - at least three main panels (21, 22, 23, 24) that are successively arranged next to one another, and are attached by longitudinal folding lines (31, 32, 33) that extend parallel to one another along a longitudinal direction, the folding lines defining longitudinal sides of the main panels,

    - the blank includes, at least at one longitudinal end, an end setting device (60, 80) including:

    • an end strip (60) comprising the same number of end panels (61, 62, 63, 64) as the number of main panels, successively attached to one another by folding lines (71, 72, 73, 74) arranged aligned with the folding lines of the main panels;

    • for at least two separate main panels, at least one longitudinal connecting tab (80) that connects said main panel to a corresponding end panel, and the connecting tab of a main panel being separate from the connecting tab(s) of the other main panels, the connecting tabs (80) being separated from one another transversely by a separating cutout (82) in the sheet of material;

    of the type in which each connecting tab (80) includes a transverse intermediate folding line (84), which defines a main part (80a) and an end part (80b) of the connecting tab, respectively attached to the corresponding main panel and end panel, and of the type in which the main part of the connecting tab is attached to the corresponding main panel by a pre-marked transverse folding line,
    characterized in that the end part of each of said at least two connecting tabs is attached to the corresponding end panel by a flexion zone with no pre-marked transverse folding line.
13. The precut blank according to claim 12, characterized in that the length (Ia) of the main part (80a) of a connecting tab (80), defined as the shortest distance between the intermediate folding line (84) and the pre-marked transverse folding line (41, 42, 43, 44) for attaching to the main panel (21, 22, 23, 24), is smaller than half the transverse dimension of a main panel adjacent to said main panel to which the connecting tab is attached, defined as the distance between the two longitudinal sides (30, 31, 32, 33) of the adjacent main panel.
14. The precut blank according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that it includes, at one longitudinal end, an end setting device (60, 80) including a first end part (80b) of at least one connecting tab (80) attached to the corresponding end panel (61, 62, 63, 64) by a flexion zone with no pre-marked transverse folding line, and, at the opposite longitudinal end, a closing device including at least one closing flap attached on a transverse edge of a main panel by a transverse folding line.
15. The precut blank according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that it additionally includes outer panels (121, 122, 123, 124) successively articulated to one another around longitudinal folding lines (131, 132, 133) that extend parallel to one another along the longitudinal direction, the folding lines defining longitudinal sides of the outer panels, and in that a main panel (24) is connected to an outer panel (121) by a connecting panel (16) respectively attached by a folding line (130) to a longitudinal side of the outer panel and to a longitudinal side (34) of a main panel.

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