WO1998021121A2

WO1998021121A2 - Container made of plastic material formed by the folding of a blank and fabrication method

Info

Publication number: WO1998021121A2
Application number: PCT/FR1997/002015
Authority: WO
Inventors: François René WEIL; Claude André Raymond MARTIN
Original assignee: Eurepak
Priority date: 1996-11-12
Filing date: 1997-11-07
Publication date: 1998-05-22
Also published as: FR2755666A1; WO1998021121A3; FR2755666B1; EP0889838A2; AU5059298A

Abstract

The container formed by the folding of a substantially flat blank, consists of plane panels with equally plane edges projecting externally and obliquely relative to the panels proper at a predetermined angle so that they can be urged two by two against each other and which are mutually connected by a common rectilinear end edge forming a folding line. The invention is characterised in that each of the two free ends of the panels (1-4, 81-83, 91-94) located at the ends of the blank each have an edge (5-12, 84) projecting externally, parallel to the folding lines (15, 16 and 17) and forming with the panel proper (1-4, 81-83, 91-94) an angle substantially equal to that which is formed, with said panels (1-4, 81-83, 91-94), by the mutually connected edges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 84), the two edges (5 and 12, 84) of the free ends being urged against each other in flush contour, by folding of the container in volume, along the folding lines (15-16-17).

Description

CONTAINER OF PLASTIC MATERIAL FORMED BY FOLDING A BLANK AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURE

The containers intended for the packaging and presentation of objects are mostly made of synthetic material or cardboard. Apart from their sealing properties, the synthetic materials lend themselves particularly well to molding in all the desired shapes, and they are chosen precisely when it is desired to give the container non-planar shapes.

When, on the contrary, we choose to give the container flat shapes, we can make it out of cardboard, starting from blanks if the final shape of the container is developable. Despite the significant progress made in the printing of synthetic materials, the near perfection of printing on cardboard has not yet been achieved by far.

But, the counterpart of an impeccable impression on cardboard is the opacity of the container. The present invention offers a new solution which makes it possible to reconcile the advantages of synthetic materials and the advantages of cardboard because it makes it possible to obtain a container made of synthetic material, capable of being transparent for presenting the product, while starting from storable blanks and transportable flat in a small volume.

It has already been proposed to produce containers made of synthetic material by placing a substantially planar blank in volume. In this regard, the following patent documents can be cited:

• EP-A-0 026 049 which describes a display container of the type known internationally under the name of "blister", the transparent part or "shell" of which is obtained by folding substantially flat panels, glued to a cardboard base by two ledges.

Figure 8 of this document shows a plastic element to be formed by folding into a fully transparent box each flat panel being connected to its neighbor by folding parts whose description specifies that they interconnect the panels. But no explanation is given as to the means allowing the box to be kept in volume, this embodiment appearing to have been added "for all practical purposes" but is not supported by any serious description, other than that which describes the edges of the box. 'end 15, 11b, l ie and l ld as "vertical". • US 2,941,708, describing a container which has no projecting outer edges. In the upper left corner of Figure 5, we see two edges placed one against the other, but they are not projecting from the outside since on the contrary they are exactly inscribed in the outline of the container, determined by its faces flat, these having reliefs directed towards the interior of the container in order to maintain an object wrapped with the minimum of contact, in order to create an insulating air mattress.

• EP 0 455 593 describing a box formed from panels folded directly to each other, without creating any rim, as are all cardboard boxes of this type, which have, once assembled, sharp edges to the intersection of the planes of their faces. The only noticeable difference here with the ordinary boxes comes from the choice not of cardboard but of thermoformable synthetic material, in order to be able to create interior reliefs constituting wedges for the packaged object.

• GB 2 078 674 which relates to a wedging formed of shells folded around an object along edges forming the angles of the completed wedging. The shells have a hollow molded to the shapes of the object to be packaged and located between two oblique flat parts. After folding, two oblique flat parts are placed one against the other and are directed towards the inside of the wedge contour until it is in contact with the wrapped object. There is no inclined ledge projecting from the outside.

The present invention relates to this element of the state of the art but provides new characteristics, making it possible to obtain an extremely efficient container, according to many different embodiments, adapted to various specific applications.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a container, of the type formed by folding a substantially flat blank, composed of flat panels having also flat edges which are inclined projecting from the plane of the panels themselves according to a angle given in order to be able to be applied two by two against each other and which are interconnected by a common straight end edge forming a fold line, characterized in that each of the two free edges of the panels (1 -4, 81-83, 91-94) located at the ends of the blank each have a rim (5-12, 84) projecting from the outside, parallel to the fold lines (15, 16 and 17) and forming with the panel proper (1-4, 81-83, 91- 94) an angle substantially equal to that made, with said panels (1-4, 81- 83, 91-94), the flanges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 84) connected together, the two edges (5 and 12, 84) of the free edges to be applied against each other without extra thickness, by folding the container in volume, along the fold lines (15-16-17).

The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a container comprising at least two substantially planar panels having also planar edges which are inclined projecting from the plane of the panels themselves at a given angle and which are connected between them by a common rectilinear end edge forming a fold line, characterized in that two substantially flat panels are formed having inclined projecting edges, by shaping a synthetic material and that before packaging 'articles in the container in volume, each fold line is given a discontinuity with respect to the panels and the edges, for the subsequent folding of the panels along at least one fold line to volume the container, then that l '' we connect at least two edges applied against each other during folding, then we join at least the two edges free end panels, pressed against each other.

The invention will be better understood from the detailed description below made with reference to the accompanying drawing. Of course, the description and the drawing are given only by way of an indicative and nonlimiting example.

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a blank in synthetic material according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view taken along line II-II of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view taken along line III-III of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the folding of the blank of Figure 1, after marking the fold lines. Figure 5 is a partial schematic sectional view showing the marking of a fold line by thinning the synthetic material. Figure 6 is a partial schematic sectional view showing the marking of a fold line by deformation of the synthetic material.

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a container obtained by folding the blank of Figure 1. Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention to be held in volume by two clamps .

Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a variant of the container of Figure 8, according to which a gripping handle is integral with the two closure clamps. Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a container according to the invention to be kept in volume by a rod.

Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view showing a variant of the container of Figure 10, according to which the container has two opposite rods, joined by a link which surrounds the container. Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the invention according to which the container must be kept in volume by means of two members, one fixed and the other openable.

Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a particular embodiment according to which at least one panel has reliefs suggestive of the packaged product.

FIG. 14 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the invention according to which the folded panels of the container form an H-cross and not a convex polygonal periphery.

Figure 15 is a schematic plan view of the container of Figure 14. Figure 16 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention according to which the container is associated with a part intended to contain and present a object outside the container itself.

Figure 17 is a schematic plan view of a container according to the invention, for the packaging of three articles, and having a triangle periphery. Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of a container according to the invention, intended for the packaging of four articles, and having a diamond-shaped periphery.

Figure 19 is a schematic view illustrating a mechanized packaging process using a container according to the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 13, we see that a container according to the invention is obtained from a blank from a sheet of synthetic material, which is prepared by cutting and shaping, preferably by thermoforming.

The finished container placed in volume having to have a square section, four panels in one piece are determined 1, 2, 3 and 4, and for each of these two projecting edges 5-6, 7-8, 9-10 , 11-12, inclined at an angle of 45 ° to the plane of the panels 1 to 4.

The four panels are provided with two projecting edges 13 and 14, inclined at an angle of 90 ° relative to the plane of the panels 1 to 4. The edges 13 and 14 are opposite and parallel, and are common to the four panels.

Their height from their projection relative to the plane of the panels 1 to 4 is equal to that of the edges 5 to 12, so that the assembly contributing to form one of the four faces of the finished container forms a bowl per face. The four panels 1 to 4 are intended to be folded with respect to one another as indicated in FIG. 4, in order to form a volume with a convex polygonal periphery with four orthogonal sides.

Edges 6-7, 8-9 and 10-11 are placed against each other, two by two, and their angles of skew are equal two by two, so that they are always located on the bisector of the angles formed by two adjacent panels 1-2, 2-3 and 3-4.

The flanges 5 and 12 located at the free ends of the blank before setting in volume, have the same inclination and are applied one against the other, without excess thickness, so that the corner edges of the finished container are located at the vertices of the polygonal section of the container, larger than the polygonal section formed by the panels 1, 2, 3 and 4. We already understand that the angle at which the edges 6-7, 8-9, 10-11 and

5-12 come into abutment two by two is determined during the manufacture of the blank and depends on the number of faces that the finished container must present in volume, like this will appear more precisely from the description which is given below with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18.

The folding is done along three parallel lines 15, 16 and 17 which can be obtained directly during thermoforming or be marked during a separate operation. We understand that the fold lines 15, 16 and 17 form the outermost edges of the container (Figure 7) and must be of irreproachable quality, which implies a clear marking that is obtained by creating a discontinuity between the two edges joints located on either side of the fold line.

For this, provision may be made for a thinning of the material constituting the blank, as shown in FIG. 5 which shows that the sheet from which the blank is cut has a thickness E, while at the base of the fold lines 15, 16 and 17 (only line 16 is shown in this figure 5) a kind of notch 18 has been created which gives the material a thickness e less than the nominal thickness E.

It is also possible to create a deformation which causes a misalignment of the surfaces of the joined flanges, with or without modification of the nominal thickness E.

FIG. 6 shows an example of such a deformation which removes the continuity of the two faces of the flanges 8 and 9.

A hollow 19 is obtained at the location of the fold line 16 and a relief 20 on the opposite face. We note that the nominal thickness E of the material equal to itself.

The folding is always done according to the arrows FI, which will have the consequence of opening the hollow 19, which will create a sharp edge 16 very clear when the two joined flanges 8 and 9 are in abutment against one another and the panels 2 and 3 at right angles.

It is observed that the hollow torque 19-relief 20 is the equivalent of what is called "upsetting" in the cardboard industry because with this material also the sharp edge is created not on the side of the relief 20 but of the side of the trough 19.

Folding in the direction of the arrows FI is therefore recommended but not compulsory according to the techniques used, in particular if the two solutions of FIGS. 5 and 6 are combined: thinning and deformation. When the blank is folded as suggested in FIG. 4 according to arrow F2, all the edges are brought into contact with each other, including the edges 5 and 12 of the free edges of the blank. To ensure the rigidity of the container, you can fix the edges in contact (all or some of them only): 6 and 7, 8 and 9, 10 and 11 and, in particular, 5 and 12 because these ensure the maintaining the volume of the container.

In order to make them integral, they can be glued or welded, or even stapled.

However, with regard to the edges 5 and 12, it may be convenient to join them together by neutralizable means, in order to obtain their non-destructive separation when one wants to access the packaged objects.

It is also possible to provide two different securing members: one definitive, the other separable.

For example, the final fixing member can be located in the lower part of the container and the separable member in the upper part.

By removing the latter, we can spread the panels to easily extract the object (or objects) from above, without undoing the entire container, which is particularly important when the container contains one or more objects attached to the walls (i.e. on the panels) of the container.

In FIG. 8, we see an example according to which the end panels 1 and 4 are held in position by securing their edges 5 and 12 by means of two clamps 21 and 22 whose branches are separated by a slot of width one little less than the thickness of the two flanges 5 and 12 applied one against the other.

The edges 5 and 12 are maintained and the two clamps 21 and 22 are successively engaged by forcing their branches to move apart elastically, so that once in place they permanently urge the edges 5 and 12 so that they remain energetically pressed against each other. FIG. 9 shows a variant of the assembly of FIG. 8, which consists of providing two clamps 23 and 24, joined by a grip handle 25.

It is thus possible to transport the closed and lined container by gripping the handle 25, thanks to the energetic tightening of the clamps 23 and 24, which can be improved, if necessary, by lining the branches of the clamps with non-slip members such as pins (not visible in the drawing). In FIG. 10, we see another variant according to which the edges 5 and 12 of the free edges are secured by means of a single clamp 26 which extends over the entire height of these edges and which, consequently, consists of a long rod with a continuous longitudinal slit. As specified above, it is possible to secure two edges applied against each other, that is to say not only the edges of the free edges 5 and 12. In FIG. 11, we have represented a solution which consists in placing two rods 26 opposite one another, the first as previously on the edges 5 and 12 and the second on the edges 8 and 9. For aesthetic reasons, one can give tongs 21 to 24 and rods

26 a different aspect from that of panels 1 to 4: coloring, appearance (golden for example), surface (grained for example) etc.

The same is true of the edges themselves when they are not concealed by a strip 26. In the case of FIG. 11, it is also possible to use the position of the strips 26 in opposition to reinforce the container.

For this, the rods 26 each have two opposite continuous longitudinal slots. By one of them the rods are placed on the edges 5-12 and 8-9 and in the other, then located externally, a link 27 is engaged such as a pretty string which vertically belts the container and keeps in places a lid with which it is provided (which will be described in detail later) and which can be knotted discreetly, on the underside of the container.

Referring to Figure 12, we see that after volume, the two end flanges 5 and 12 are joined to each other by two separate members, one 70 located at the bottom of the container and the other 71 located at its upper part.

The member 70 is a plate which is placed under the rim 14 and which comprises two wings 72 and 73 folded over said rim 14 so that this rim 14 is pinched between the lower plate and the upper wings 72 and 73, on both sides and d 'other of the end flanges 5 and 12, which has the effect of joining the panels 1 and 4 and to oppose their separation. In addition, the plate carries a tongue 74 which is straightened inside the container, in the angle formed by the panels 1 and 4. In this way, when an object such as a bottle is inside the container, it is placed very close to the tongue 74 and is opposed to its possible folding down, so that the member 70 cannot be accidentally removed since the tongue 74 is immobilized and opposes the withdrawal of the wafer. The member 71, unlike the fixed member 70, is of the openable type. Here, it is constituted by a press button 75 fixed to the rim 12 and cooperating with a counterpart 76 fixed to the rim 5.

Thanks to this double closure, the container remains perfectly closed when the press button 75 is active with its counterpart 76 and can be easily partially opened when it is desired to remove the packaged object.

Indeed, it suffices to separate the press button 75 and the counterpart 76 to authorize a yawning of the panels 1 and 4 in the upper part of the container, which is obtained by separating them from one another according to the arrows F4 and F5, to an approximate position evoked by dotted lines. The object can then be removed via the upper part of the container thus enlarged, without its lower part releasing the pinching force exerted against the object by the panels 1, 2, 3 and 4.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a decoration that can be produced by thermoforming during the creation of the blank, on one or more of the panels 1 to 4. Here, the panel 3 has a bunch of grapes 30, evocative of the wine contained therein. a bottle placed in the container. Of course, this pattern can be repeated on the four panels.

The panel 4 presents ice cubes 31, evocative of the freshness of the drink contained in a bottle placed in the container (Champagne for example). In this regard, it can be emphasized that the packaged product can be evoked not only by a thermoformed decoration, but also by the nature, the color, the transparency of the material constituting the blank.

Transparency, for example, has the advantage of allowing the observation of the packaged product and goes particularly well with the decoration of ice cubes 31. As the blank is shown in Figure 1, it gives the finished container neither bottom nor cover, the container then being a sheath which can only contain one or more articles provided that the walls of the container are that is to say the panels 1 to 4 retain the said item or items. If the content is light, it can be retained by simple rubbing or jamming whereas if it is heavy and / or slippery, the content must be maintained more energetically.

It follows from these considerations several alternative embodiments which will now be described.

FIG. 8 shows that a flange part 13 can be secured to a folding tab 40, itself secured to a cover 41, composed of a bottom 42 and a flange 43.

The cover 41 can be put in place by folding the tab 40 in the direction of the arrow F6 and is dimensioned in such a way that the bottom 42 and its rim 43 can penetrate and lock in the upper opening of the container, formed by the inner faces of panels 1 to 4 (Figure 9). If the wrapped item (a bottle for example) has a top that is flush with the rim

13, a central hollow 44 (or even an opening) can be provided, created on the bottom 42 lords of the thermoforming of the blank, hollow 44 which correlatively creates a relief on the outside face of the bottom 42, visible when the cover 41 is in place (figure 9).

In FIG. 10, the container is associated with a cover 45 of the styling type which covers, in the closed position, the upper part of the container and which gets stuck on the prominent edges of said container.

It will now be understood that the link 27 in FIG. 1 has the effect of keeping the cover 45 in place.

The embodiment of Figure 13 also provides a cover cap 45 but without a central recess.

This cover 45 is here held in place by means of a link 46 which surrounds the container transversely, passing through notches formed in the flanges 5 to 12.

One could also provide the passages in the rim of the covering cover. Of course, the container can also be provided with a bottom having substantially the same constitution as the cover 41 and fixed in place in particular by gluing. This background will not be described in detail because it is easy to make in itself for the skilled person having knowledge of the description above.

For the effective maintenance of one or more articles in the container, cells and / or openings are provided in at least one of the panels 1 to 4. FIG. 9 represents four cells 50, one per panel , only two of which are visible on panels 3 and 4.

These cells 50 are created during thermoforming and protrude outward from the plane of origin of the panels, which means that the perimeter of the container considered at the level of the plane part of the panels 1 to 4 is less than that of the packaged article, while the perimeter considered at the level of the cells 50 is substantially equal to that of the packaged article.

This extends partly beyond the original plane of the panels 1-4 and is therefore partly engaged in the cells 50, which prevents it from accidentally sliding out of the container devoid of bottom. In FIG. 10, a variant is shown according to which the panels 1 to 4 are crossed by an opening 51 (only two are visible on the panels 3 and 4).

The wrapped article, here a bottle A, and partly engaged in the openings 51 which play the same role as the cells 50, except that the surface of the cells does not exist. In this way, we can easily observe, and even touch, the wrapped article and we see here the bottle A and its label B.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, an embodiment is shown according to which the blank has eight panels and no longer four, separated by inverted fold lines (which has the consequence of also having to reverse their marking according to the indications of the Figure 5 or Figure 6), to give the container erected in volume an H section.

According to this configuration, the container has two exterior panels 61 and 62, two central panels applied one against the other 63 and 64, as well as four small panels respectively 65, 66, 67 and 68 which are applied two by two against the panel 61 and against panel 62. Thus, all the interior and exterior faces that the container comprises are of double thickness, which gives it a very great robustness. The two central panels 63 and 64 have an opening through which is engaged a bottle A.

A sheet of synthetic material, transparent or opaque, decorated or not, forms a wide ribbon 69 which surrounds the container and keeps the panels tight in position. It leaves open the two opposite faces located between the panels 61 and 62, so that one can observe and even touch the bottle A and its label B without opening the container.

The bottle A is held in place by all known means.

It is also possible to provide a second sheet (not shown) perpendicular to the previous one and thus closing the spaces located on either side of the panels 63 and 64.

It is then possible to place one or more articles in these spaces, where they are retained by the second sheet.

The variant of FIG. 16 shows that a container according to the invention can be combined with a display for one or more other articles D (here a champagne flute), in particular a double thermoformed transparent shell, as is known per se by the Man of the Trade.

By design, the container according to the invention has four completely smooth internal walls (the internal face of the panels 1 to 4), which makes it possible to accommodate easily, not only the articles to be packaged themselves, but also accessories or complementary objects.

Among the countless possible examples, one can cite one or more cooling elements, possibly in the form of an envelope for the main article.

It can be pockets containing a cold accumulating fluid that is placed in advance or at the last moment, when the item is sold so that it is kept at the right temperature during its transport.

The cooling element can be incorporated into the container or be removable.

One or less of the panels may have means for retaining one or more cooling elements inside the container, for example slides serving as guides for a cooling element placed in the manner of a drawer. Various examples of a container according to the invention have been described above, in the case where it has four orthogonal walls (or panels). It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to this single example because it allows many other solutions, in number of panels and, consequently, in value of their angular offset.

Figure 17 is an example of a container according to the invention having three panels 81, 82 and 83 folded in a triangle to closely match the periphery of three grouped bottles G.

The panels 81, 82 and 83 are offset at an angle of 60 °, so that the flanges 84 are each inclined by 30 ° and not more than 45 ° in the case of panels arranged at 90 °. The flanges 85 and 86 located at the free ends of the blank before volume setting, have the same inclination at 30 ° and are applied against each other, without extra thickness, so that here again the corner edges of the container finished are located at the vertices of the polygonal section of the container, larger than the polygonal section formed by the panels 81, 82 and 83. FIG. 18 is an example of a container according to the invention having four panels 91, 92, 93 and 94 folded not in square but in rhombus.

Consequently, the angles 95 and 96 are of two different values depending on whether they are located between two panels at an acute angle 92-93 and 91-94, or at an obtuse angle 91-92 and 93-94, this arrangement depending on that of four bottles H, I, J and K of which two, H and I, are located one against the other and the other two, J and K, on each side of the first two.

The flanges 97 are placed against each other, two by two, and their angles of obliquity are equal two by two, so that they are always located on the bisector of the angles formed by two adjacent panels.

The flanges 98 and 99 located at the free ends of the blank before setting in volume, have the same inclination and are applied one against the other, without excess thickness, so that here again the corner edges of the finished container are located at the vertices of the polygonal section of the container, larger than the polygonal section formed by the panels

91, 92, 93 and 94.

To obtain a container in accordance with the invention, associated with at least one article, the procedure is as described below with reference to FIG. 19.

First of all, the desired number of panels are created in a plastic sheet, by thermoforming, determining their inclined projecting edges. Simultaneously or by a separate operation, the fold lines between the edges joining two neighboring panels are marked.

This operation consists of making a discontinuity, as explained with reference to Figures 5 and 6. If it is carried out at the same time as thermoforming is carried out, the mold is adapted accordingly, as well as the desired parameters: temperature, vacuum , pressure.

If it is carried out separately, it can be carried out after constitution of the blanks, dispatch and storage, so that the marking of the fold lines can be carried out during the packaging operations. A stack 100 of superimposed blanks is then obtained, ready to be shaped.

We supply the articles to be packaged which, here, are bottles 200 whose dimensions are coordinated with those of the blanks so that each container contains a single bottle.

By transfer operations well known to those skilled in the art, a flat blank 101 is placed at the location where a bottle 201 is placed flat on one of the two central panels (panel 2, according to FIG. 1). blank 101.

We straighten the nearest end panel (panel 1, according to Figure 2), then we straighten the second central panel (panel 3, according to Figure 1), then fold the second end panel (panel 4, according to figure 1). The bottle 201 was thus wrapped by bringing the edges 4 and 12 above the plane on which the blanks and the bottles move.

It is then easy to secure the two flanges 5 and 12, in particular by means of clips stored in a tank 300 and put in place by known mechanical means (not shown). As mentioned above, it is possible to secure other edges applied against each other, in particular by glue or by welding, operations which find their place between the removal of the bottle on the blank. , and closing the container.

Depending on whether the folding lines are marked during thermoforming or just before packaging, the machine which embodies the process illustrated in FIG. 19 may or may not include a marking station. Likewise, depending on whether a single pair of flanges or more is secured, the machine comprises one or more dispenser and applicator stations for fixing means such as glue, welding electrodes, stapler, etc.

***

Claims

1. Container, of the type formed by folding a substantially flat blank, composed of flat panels having also flat flanges which are inclined projecting from the plane of the panels themselves at a given angle so that they can be applied two to two against each other and which are interconnected by a common straight end edge forming a fold line, characterized in that each of the two free edges of the panels (1-4, 81-83, 91- 94) located at the ends of the blank each have a rim (5-12, 84) projecting from the outside, parallel to the fold lines (15, 16 and 17) and forming with the panel proper (1-4, 81-83, 91-94) an angle substantially equal to that made, with said panels (1-4, 81-83, 91-94), the flanges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 84) connected together , the two edges (5 and 12, 84) of the free edges to be applied one against the other without additional thickness, by folding the container e n volume, along the fold lines (15-16-17).

2. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least two of the flanges (5-12, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11) applied one against the other are made integral. 3. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that the two flanges made integral are flanges (5 and 12) of the free edges.

4. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that two flanges, at least

(6-7, 8-9, 10-11) made integral are edges applied against each other, distinct from the edges (5-12) of the free edges. 5. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that ledges (5-12, 6-7, 8-

9, 10-11) applied against each other are permanently secured by welding, bonding or the like.

6. Container according to claim 2, characterized in that flanges (5-12, 6-7, 8- 9, 10-11) applied one against the other are temporarily made integral by separable members (21- 22, 23-24, 26).

7. Container according to claim 6, characterized in that the separable members are formed by at least one part (21-22, 23-24, 26) forming a clamp joining two flanges (5-12) applied one against the other.

8. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the clamp-forming part is a rod (26) having a continuous longitudinal slot and which extends substantially over the entire height of the two flanges (5-12) secured.

9. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the strip (26) has two opposite longitudinal slots, one of which must be engaged over two flanges

(5-12) applied one against the other, while in the other slot a link (27) can be engaged.

10. Container according to claim 9, characterized in that the container has two non-contiguous rods (26) and a link (27) which surrounds the container passing through the outer slots of the two rods (26). 11. Container according to claim 8, characterized in that the strip (26) has a different appearance from that of the flanges (5-12, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11) and of the panels (1, 2, 3, 4).

12. Container according to claim 7, characterized in that the two flanges (5-12) applied against one another are secured by two clamps (21-22, 23-24).

13. Container according to claim 12, characterized in that the two clamps (23 and 24) are joined by a part (25) forming a grip handle.

14. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the material of which the container is made being a synthetic material, each fold line (15-16-17) has a discontinuity with respect to the panels (1, 2, 3, 4 ) and at the edges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11).

15. Container according to claim 14, characterized in that the discontinuity consists of a thinning, the thickness of material (e) being less than that (E) of the flanges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11) and panels (1, 2, 3, 4).

16. Container according to claim 14, characterized in that the discontinuity consists of a deformation such as a hollow surface (s) misalignment (19) - relief (20).

17. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the panels (1, 2, 3, 4) are all folded in the same direction so that their flat surfaces form the sides of a convex polygon whose perimeter is less than that of one or more articles that these panels (1, 2, 3, 4) surround, this or these articles (A) extending in part beyond the planar surface of said panels (1, 2, 3, 4) .

18. Container according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the panels (1, 2, 3, 4) has at least one opening (51) in which one or more articles (A) pass.

19. Container according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the panels (1, 2, 3, 4) has at least one cell (50) projecting outside, constituted by a part of the panel ( 1, 2, 3, 4) shaped accordingly, one or more articles (A) partially extending in said cell (50). 20. Container according to claim 17, characterized in that the panels (1, 2, 3, 4) folded in volume form a bottomless sheath, the article or articles (A) being held in place by suspension of their (s) part (s) which extend beyond the flat surface of the panels (1, 2, 3, 4).

21. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the panels (61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68) are folded in different directions so that their planar surfaces form a volume other than polygonal convex, at least two of these panels (63-64) being applied one against the other, one or more articles (A) extending at least in part beyond the flat surface of at least one of the panels (63-64); the latter having for this purpose either an opening or a cell. 22. Container according to claim 21, characterized in that it comprises on the one hand a volume formed by folding the panels (61 to 68) and having two opposite walls (61-65-66 and 62-67-68) joined together by a transverse wall (63-64), and on the other hand an advantageously transparent sheet (69) which envelops the volume at least in part.

H _^ Container according to claim 22, characterized in that one or more articles are placed on either side of the transverse wall (63-64).

2A container according to claim 22, characterized in that one or more articles (A) cross (s) the transverse wall (63-64) which has for this purpose either one or more openings, or one or more cells.

25. Container according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one of the panels (3-4) has one or more raised and / or hollow parts (30-31), advantageously figurative (s), coordinated ( s) either to one or more of the articles associated with the container, or to a brand of the supplier of the said article or articles.

26. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the flanges (5 to 12) have an external appearance different from that of the panels (1 to 4), either by a surface finish, or by a decoration.

27. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that the flat panels (1 to 4) are quadrangular and at least one of them has at least one edge provided with a flange (13-14) also plane which extends perpendicular to the fold line (s) (15, 16, 17) and which is inclined in external projection relative to the plane of the panel (1-4) proper at an angle of 90 °, the ends of this flange (13) extending to those of the flanges (5 to 12) parallel to the fold line (s) (5 to 12). 28. Container according to claim 28, characterized in that each panel (1 to 4) has a flange (13-14) perpendicular to the, or to, fold line (s) (15, 16, 17), which is inclined projecting from the outside of the plane of the panel (1-4) proper at an angle of 90 °, so that after folding the panels (1 to 4) the container has a substantially continuous rim (13-14) projecting externally at right angles to the plane of the panels (1 to 4) proper.

29. Container according to claim 28, characterized in that each panel (1 to 4) has two opposite edges (13 and 14) parallel and both opposite edges (13 and 14) parallel and both perpendicular to the, or to, fold line (s) (15, 16, 17), which are inclined in external projection relative to the plane of the panel (1-4) proper at an angle of 90 °, so that after folding the panels (1 to 4) the two open ends of the container each have a substantially continuous rim projecting outside at right angles to the plane of the panels (1 to 4) proper.

30. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a cover (41-45) advantageously obtained by forming in one piece with one of the panels (3). 31. Container according to claim 31, characterized in that the cover (45) is of the styling type and is placed, in the closed position, outside the flanges (5-12, 6-7, 8-9, 10 -11).

32. Container according to claim 32, characterized in that the covering cover (45) is surrounded by a link (46) which extends in notches formed in the edges (5 to 12) of the panels 1 to 4).

33. Container according to claim 31, characterized in that the cover (41) is of the interlocking type and is placed, in the closed position, inside the panels (1 to 4).

34. Container according to claim 31, characterized in that the cover (41) has at least one passage or a cell (44) for one end of at least one article. 35. Container according to claim 1, characterized in that it is associated with at least one refrigerating element.

36. Container according to claim 36, characterized in that the cooling element is removable and is of the storage type, in order to acquire a cold storage capacity after being placed for a certain time in a refrigerator.

37. Container according to claim 37, characterized in that at least one of the panels has means for retaining the cooling element.

38. Method for the manufacture of a container comprising at least two substantially planar panels (1 to 4, 71 and 72) having edges (5 to 12, 73-74, 75-76) also planes which are inclined in external projection relative to the plane of the panels (1 to 4, 71 and 72) proper at a given angle and which are connected together by a common rectilinear end edge forming a fold line (15 to 17), characterized in that : it constitutes at least two panels (1 to 4) substantially planes having ledges (5 to 12) inclined projecting, by shaping in a synthetic manner and that before packaging articles (200) in the container (100) set in volume, each fold line (15 to 17) is given a discontinuity with respect to the panels (1 to 4) and to the flanges (5 to 12), for subsequent folding of the panels (1 to 4 ) according to at least one fold line (15 to 17) to put the container in volume, then that is connected between them at least two flanges (5 and 12) applied against each other during folding, then that at least the two free flanges (5 and 12) of the end panels (1 and 4) are secured , applied one against the other.

39- Method according to claim 39, characterized in that a discontinuity is given to each fold line (15 to 17) during the forming of the synthetic material.

40- Method according to claim 39, characterized in that the discontinuity is given to the fold line by reducing the thickness (e) of the synthetic material so that it is thinner at each fold line (15 to 17) to the edges (6-7, 8-9, 10-11) and to the panels (1 to 4). 41- Method according to claim 39, characterized in that the discontinuity is given to each fold line (15 to 17) by deforming the synthetic material to misalign its surface at each fold line (15 to 17) relative to its surface to the panels (1 to 4) and to the edges (6 to 11).

42- A method according to claim 43, characterized in that a hollow couple (19) relief (20) equivalent to a displacement of material is created, at each fold line (15 to 17).

43- Machine for implementing at least one step of the method according to any one of claims 39 to 44 above.