WO2020025777A1

WO2020025777A1 - Blank and packaging for pack of pots comprising at least one spacing/wedging part

Info

Publication number: WO2020025777A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/070842
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fabien Jego
Original assignee: Synerlink
Priority date: 2018-08-01
Filing date: 2019-08-01
Publication date: 2020-02-06
Also published as: FR3084653A1; FR3084653B1

Abstract

A cardboard blank (1) intended for forming a packaging (2) for a pack (3) of pots (4), the blank (1) comprising a bottom panel (12) extending in a plane (P) in a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to each other, the bottom panel (12) comprising: - at least two receiving parts (16); and - at least one spacing/wedging part (18).

Description

Blank and packaging for pack of pots comprising at least one part

spacing / timing

The invention relates to the field of packaging of packs comprising several pots grouped one next to the other, by means of cardboard packaging of tubular envelope type matching the group of pots, produced by shaping and closing on itself of a flat cardboard blank.

The invention more specifically relates to a flat cardboard blank, intended for the formation of a packaging for a pack including at least one layer of base pots comprising four pots two by two side by side and facing each other. opposite, spaced and wedged on their side walls in the vicinity of their bottom walls, a process for producing such a pack, a packaging, the pack produced, a volume setting device, and, finally, a line of creation of such a pack.

Cardboard blanks are known which are intended for the formation of a packaging for a pack of pots, each pot comprising a bottom wall and a side wall, the blanks respectively comprising at least a first top panel, a first side panel, a bottom panel, a second side panel and a second top panel, the bottom panel extending in a plane in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction perpendicular to each other, the bottom panel comprising:

- at least two receiving parts configured to each receive the bottom wall of a pot; and

- at least one spacing / wedging part arranged between the two receiving parts, the two receiving parts and the spacing / wedging part being arranged in the longitudinal direction.

However, such blanks are not entirely satisfactory.

In particular, such blanks are often not robust enough to resist in the event of sudden movement of the pots in the packaging. Indeed, the spacing / wedging parts are liable to collapse, namely no longer being placed in volume, leaving the jars free in the packaging. In addition, the pots are not held satisfactorily in all directions, longitudinal and transverse, in the packaging. The invention thus aims to obtain a container packaging in which the pots are spaced and wedged from each other, and maintained satisfactorily.

Thus, according to the invention, the spacing / wedging part is configured to be set in volume by folding in the transverse direction relative to the two receiving parts, the spacing / wedging part comprises a spacing / wedging flap , a first support member and a second support member, the first support member and the second support member being configured to keep the spacer / wedge shutter away from the two pot receiving portions after the spacer portion / wedging set in volume, and at least the first support element and the spacing / wedging flap are configured to constitute stop edges at the side walls of two pots once the spacing / wedging part is set volume.

Since the spacing / wedging part is set in volume by folding in the transverse direction, a force exerted by the pots on the spacing / wedging part in the longitudinal direction is not likely to collapse, that is to say that is to say to fold up, the spacing / wedging part, which would then no longer be set in volume. In addition, the spacing / wedging flap is kept apart from the pot receiving parts by means of two support elements, further reducing the risk of sagging. Finally, the pots are correctly spaced and wedged because kept adjacent to the stop edges consisting of the spacer / wedging flap and at least one support element, which also promotes the maintenance of the pots in all directions, longitudinal and transverse, in the packaging.

According to one embodiment, the first support element and the second support element are configured to keep the spacing / wedging flap parallel or substantially parallel to the plane of the bottom panel.

According to another embodiment, the sidewall comprises two spacing / wedging parts, the two spacing / wedging parts being arranged symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to each other by axial rotation about an elevation axis perpendicular to the plan and centered on the bottom panel.

According to another embodiment, the first support element is delimited at least by a first fold line connected to the bottom panel, a second fold line connected to the spacing / wedging flap and two cut lines respectively connecting the first and second fold lines, the cut lines being inclined with respect to each other so as to be closer together at the second fold line.

According to another embodiment, the second support element is delimited at least by a first fold line connected to the bottom panel, a second fold line connected to the spacing / wedging flap and two cut lines connecting the first and second lines respectively. folding, the cut lines being parallel to each other.

According to another embodiment, the first fold line of the second support element is arranged relatively closer to the first support element relative to the second fold line of the second support element.

According to another embodiment, the spacing / wedging flap is delimited by the respective second fold lines of the first and second support elements and by two cut lines, one of the cut lines of the second support element corresponds to one of the cut lines delimiting the spacing / timing flap.

According to another embodiment, the spacing / wedging parts are produced without removing material from the bottom panel.

The invention also relates to a method for producing a pack of pots, each pot comprising a bottom wall and a side wall, in which:

- we have a flat cardboard blank as described above,

- the spacing / wedging part is urged so that the spacing / wedging part is set in volume by folding in the transverse direction relative to the two receiving parts,

- we have pots, intended to be part of the pack,

- the pots are placed on the receiving parts,

- the blank is shaped to form a package around the pots.

The invention also relates to a packaging consisting of the shaping of the sidewall by the process for producing a pack of pots as described above.

The invention also relates to a pack of pots comprising:

at least two pots, each pot comprising a bottom wall, a side wall, the pots being spaced and wedged on their side walls in the vicinity of their bottom walls, and

- a packaging as described above. According to one embodiment, the stop edges are placed adjacent to the side wall of the pots in the vicinity of their bottom walls, so as to ensure the spacing and wedging of the pots in the vicinity of their bottom walls.

According to another embodiment, the stop edges are configured to limit the movement of the pots in the longitudinal direction and / or the transverse direction.

The invention also relates to a device for placing the spacing / wedging part of a blank as described above, comprising a bottom wall and at least one element projecting from the bottom wall, the element having a shape complementary to the shape of the spacing / wedging portion of the sidewall when it is set in volume.

According to one embodiment, the volume setting device comprises two flanges, the flanges being configured to fold the side panels relative to the bottom panel.

The invention also relates to a line for producing a pack of pots as described above, comprising:

- means for providing a blank as described above,

- means of making pots available, intended to be part of the pack, and

- A device for setting up the spacing / wedging portion of the blank as described above.

The figures of the drawings are now briefly described.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a cardboard blank according to the invention, shown flat, intended for producing a pack having a single layer of base pots of four wedging pots.

Figure 1B is a top view of the bottom panel of the blank of Figure 1.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 1 in which spacing / wedging parts are set in volume.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the blank of FIG. 2, in which four wedging pots, two by two facing each other, of the layer of base pots are spaced and wedged on their side walls in the vicinity of their bottom walls against the spacing / wedging parts.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the blank of Figure 2, wherein only three of the four wedging pots of the base pot layer are spaced and wedged on their side walls in the vicinity of their bottom walls against the parts d spacing / timing.

Figure 5 is a perspective view from above of a pack comprising a single layer of base pots according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view, from above, of a pack comprising a layer of base pots and an upper layer of pots according to another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of a device for setting up the spacing / wedging parts.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the device for setting up the spacing / wedging parts of FIG. 7, in which the bottom panel of the blank of FIG. 1 is arranged.

A cardboard blank 1, flat, is intended for the formation of a package 2, the package 2 being part of the pack 3 also comprising pots 4, including four pots qualified as "wedging pots 4a". The qualification of "wedging pot 4a" aims to distinguish such a pot from any other pot from pack 3, namely a pot with an upper pot layer 4b, sometimes called "upper pots 4b". In the description, the expression “spaced and wedged pot” applies to a wedging pot 4a, once it is effectively spaced and wedged, compared to the other wedging pots 4a.

By “cardboard”, it is necessary to understand a layered material, such as that commonly used or adapted to a blank having the indicated destination. Such cardboard should be neither too rigid nor too flexible. It must be able to be folded at the place of fold lines, such as grooved lines and / or cut lines, provided for this purpose.

By “flat” in the expression “flat blank”, it should be understood that the blank 1 is deployed, so as to be at least substantially in one and the same plane P. The packaging 2 is of the tubular envelope type and is produced by shaping and closing the blank 1 on itself, so as to match the jars 4 of the pack 3 which are thus kept grouped.

By "tubular envelope", it should be understood that the package 2 has generally six faces and is inscribed in a generally parallelepiped shape, has four adjacent faces closed on themselves and two faces vis-à-vis open.

The term "pack" should be understood as meaning a batch formed by several pots 4 presented grouped in layer (s), with superposition in the case of multiple layers, in longitudinal rows and / or in transverse rows, in a packaging, so to form a unitary unit, intended to be stored, handled, moved, put on sale and sold as such.

A pot 4, such as that of the pack in question, comprises a bottom wall 5a, a side wall closed on itself 5b, and with an opening opposite to the bottom wall 5a with top closure 6.

In one embodiment, the pot 4 is in the form of a cylinder or truncated cone and has a flange 7 transverse to its upper opening, the top closure 6 being a flat cover secured to and on the flange 7. In other embodiments , the generatrix of the side wall 5b is a line other than a straight line, having a more or less complex shape, and the directing curve is other than a circle, being for example a curvilinear square with rounded corners. Such a pot 4 can stand upright by resting on its bottom wall 5a forming a seat.

Depending on the case, the pots 4 are individualized or else they are connected together, for example by their flanges 7, so as to form a plate of pots 4. In the context of the invention, the pots 4 of a pack 3 are analogous, especially identical, and they are filled with a certain content, identical or not for the different pots 4, and closed.

In one embodiment, such a pot 4 is made of thermoformed plastic and it has a certain holding allowing it to be self-supporting, but the pot can be made of other materials and by other methods.

Such a pot 4 is typically intended to contain a homogeneous content or not, having a more or less fluid overall state, which does not exclude the presence of more or less pieces. less solid. Such content is for example a milk product or a dessert, this list not being exhaustive.

In one embodiment, the pot 4 is intended to receive a dose of such content for individual and unitary use, for example of the order of a hundred grams and, in this case, it may have a height of order of a few centimeters and register laterally in a cylinder whose diameter is also of the order of a few centimeters. In other embodiments, the pot 4, intended for a mini-dose, is smaller or, on the contrary, intended for a larger dose, is larger.

The description with reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 to 5, relates to the particular embodiment of a pack 3 of pots 4, having a single layer, qualified as a "base" layer, of four wedging pots 4a, two to two side by side and opposite, arranged in a square, spaced and wedged.

However, more generally, the invention also relates to any blank 1, any packaging 2 and any pack 3 including spacing / wedging parts. Such embodiments are illustrated in a nonlimiting manner by FIG. 6, showing that a pack 3 can comprise two layers of pots 4. The pack 3 can comprise three or a greater number of layers of pots (not illustrated).

One can define, relatively to the blank 1 in the plane P, a longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, perpendicular to each other, as well as a direction Z perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane P.

The blank 1 is generally rectangular in shape and is limited by two free edges 8 in the longitudinal direction L and two free edges 9 in the transverse direction T. In the embodiment shown, the free edges 8, 9 are straight, but in other achievements, they may not be. The two free edges 9 delimit the edges of two open faces of the package 2.

The blank 1 comprises, arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction L, and between the two free edges 8, extending transversely, a first top panel 10a, a first side panel 1 1 a, a panel of below 12, a second side panel 11b and a second top panel 10b. The term “panel” should be understood to mean a flat piece in the form of a layer, made of cardboard in this case, delimited by a border comprising fold lines, such as grooved lines and / or cut lines.

The blank 1 is such that, in the longitudinal direction L, the two side panels 1 1 a and 1 1 b have the same dimension.

The first top panel 10a is wide in the longitudinal direction L, intended to form the entire surface of a top wall 10c, while the second top panel 10b is relatively narrower, like a shutter, suitable for coming on the front of the first top panel 10a, on its free edge 8. Such an embodiment may include a means of attachment between the first top panel 10a and the second top panel 10b, such as tabs, notches or a glue of joining.

The blank 1 also comprises fold lines, such as grooved lines of transverse direction T. These lines are suitable and intended for the relative folding of the panels 10a, 10b, 1 1 a, 1 1 b, and 12, when placing shape of the blank 1 and the constitution of the packaging 2 and of the pack 3. Grooved lines are well known in the field of packaging and cardboard and allow relative folding of two adjacent panels in a predefined location. Such grooved lines are formed by using a creasing tool. It is understood that the expression "grooved line" must be understood in the broadest sense as meaning that the line is suitable and intended for the relative folding of two adjacent panels.

The blank 1 comprises two grooved lines from below 14 between the bottom panel 12 and the two side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b, and two grooved lines from above 15 between the two top panels 10a, 10b and the two side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b.

The blank 1 comprises, in the plane P, a longitudinal median axis ML of longitudinal direction L, a transverse median axis MT of transverse direction T, intersecting at an intersection X. The blank 1 also comprises an elevation axis MZ of direction Z, perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the plane P. When the packs 3 are being formed or in the usual position for storage and presentation, the elevation axis MZ is vertical or substantially vertical. The blank 1 is symmetrical or substantially symmetrical by axial rotation around the elevation axis MZ, if one disregards the top panels 10a, In one possible embodiment, the longitudinal dimension of the assembly formed by the bottom panel 12 is substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension of the top wall 10c, and in particular is substantially equal to the dimension of the first top panel 10a. The longitudinal dimension and the transverse dimension of the bottom panel 12 are of the same order of magnitude, the longitudinal dimension possibly being smaller than the transverse dimension, so that the pots 4 are spaced apart from the two opposite faces, inward of packaging 2.

The bottom panel 12 of the blank 1 also includes parts for receiving pots 16, each part for receiving pots 16 being suitable and intended for receiving a wedging pot 4a at its bottom wall 5a. Each pot receiving part 16 (sometimes designated, by ellipse, “receiving part 16”) extends over a part of the bottom panel 12, in the plane P. Each pot receiving part 16 is in particular centered on an opening 17, advantageously circular, cut out from the bottom panel 12 and visible more particularly in FIGS. 1A and 1B.

The bottom panel 12 of the blank 1 also includes at least one pot spacing / wedging part 18 (sometimes designated, by ellipse, “spacing / wedging part 18”), coming from the bottom panel 12, with lines cut. As illustrated in the figures, the blank 1 more precisely comprises two spacing / wedging parts for pots 18.

A spacing / wedging part 18 is produced by cutting from the bottom panel 12, advantageously without removing material.

The two spacing / wedging parts 18 are substantially arranged on either side of the longitudinal central axis ML. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the two spacing / wedging parts 18 may however be arranged each going up to the longitudinal median axis ML, or even projecting slightly beyond the longitudinal median axis ML.

The two spacing / wedging parts 18 are arranged symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to one another by axial rotation around the elevation axis MZ. The two spacing / wedging parts 18 are also arranged in the transverse direction T, in particular parallel or substantially parallel to the grooved lines from below 14 located between the bottom panel 12 and the two side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b .

Each spacing / wedging part 18 is centered on the transverse median axis MT. These spacing / wedging parts 18 are suitable and intended to be set in volume with respect to the receiving parts 16, so as to constitute stop edges 34 of the wedging pots 4a, suitable for stopping them on their side walls 5b , in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a.

More particularly, each spacing / wedging part 18 can be in two situations: either flat, that is to say in the same plane P of the blank 1 when the latter is flat, before setting in volume, or projecting from the bottom panel 12, after volume.

Projecting, the spacing / wedging parts 18 ensure or participate in the wedging of the wedging pots 4. The spacing / wedging parts 18 are then separated from the receiving parts 16, that is to say kept at a distance from the plane P comprising the receiving parts 16, in the direction Z.

Each spacing / wedging part 18 is formed, more particularly constituted, by three portions of the bottom panel 12, namely a spacing / wedging flap 20 and two support elements 21, 22.

Each spacing / wedging part 18 thus comprises a first support element 21 towards a free edge 9 in the transverse direction T.

The first support element 21 is delimited at least by a first fold line 23 connecting the first support element 21 to the bottom panel 12. The first support element 21 is also delimited by a second fold line 24 connecting the first element of support 21 to the spacing / wedging flap 20. The first fold line 23 is relatively closer to the free edge 9 relative to the second fold line 24.

The first and second fold lines 23, 24 therefore define fold segments extending in the longitudinal direction L. Advantageously, the first and second fold lines 23, 24 are alternately cut lines. By "alternating cutting", it should be understood that on the line, the cardboard is regularly and alternately cut through and then not cut, and so on, so as to create a mixed line.

The first support element 21 is also delimited by two cut lines 25, 26, respectively connecting the first and second fold lines 23, 24. The lines cut 25, 26 are rectilinear, as visible in FIG. 2. However, these cut lines 25, 26 can also be curved to form a cradle capable of marrying the profile of the side wall 5b of a pot 4.

The cut lines 25, 26 are in particular inclined so as to be closer to the transverse median axis MT at the level of the second fold line 24. The first support element 21 thus has a generally isosceles trapezoidal shape whose large base is the first fold line 23 and the small base is the second fold line 24.

Each spacing / wedging part 18 further comprises a second support element 22, disposed relatively closer to the longitudinal central axis ML with respect to the first support element 21.

The second support element 22 is delimited at least by a first fold line 27 connecting the second support element 22 to the bottom panel 12. The second support element 22 is also delimited by a second fold line 28 connecting the second element of support 22 to the spacing / wedging flap 20. The first fold line 27 is relatively closer to the free edge 9, or even further from the longitudinal central axis ML, with respect to the second fold line 28.

The first and second fold lines 27, 28 therefore define fold segments extending in the longitudinal direction L. Advantageously, the first and second fold lines 27, 28 are alternately cut lines (this term should be understood as previously).

The second support element 22 is also delimited by two cut lines 29, 30, respectively connecting the first and second fold lines 27, 28. The cut lines 29, 30 are rectilinear, as can be seen in FIG. 2. However, these lines cutouts 29, 30 can also be curved to form a cradle capable of matching the profile of the side wall 5b of a pot 4.

The two cut lines 29, 30 are in particular parallel to each other so as to be closer to the transverse median axis MT at the level of the first fold line 27. The second support element 22 thus has a shape general parallelogram. The spacer / wedge flap 20 is connected to the first and second support elements 21, 22 respectively by their second fold lines 24, 28. In particular, as illustrated more particularly in FIG. 4, the spacer / wedge flap 20 comprises a first portion 35 extending in the transverse direction T and a second portion 36 extending in the longitudinal direction L. The first portion 35 and the second portion 36 are integral with one another , in particular devoid of fold lines between them.

The first portion 35 is connected to the first support element 21 by its second fold line 24. The second portion 36 is connected to the second support element 22 by its second fold line 28.

The spacing / wedging flap 20 is also delimited by at least two cut lines 31, 32. The two cut lines 31, 32 extend in the transverse direction T so as to marry, at least partially, once the volume of the spacing / wedging part 18, two pots 4 facing each other by their lateral faces 5b.

According to one embodiment, the cut line or lines 31, 32 are curved to form a cradle capable of marrying the profile of a pot 2 of the pack 3.

According to another embodiment, the cut line or lines 31, 32 form a broken line comprising several sections. The cut line 32 comprises a section corresponding to the cut line 29 of the second support element 22 and a section 33 inclined relative to the cut line 29 of the second support element 22.

Each spacing / wedging part 18 thus forms a stop edge 34 for two wedging pots 4a arranged opposite and on each side of the spacing / wedging part 18. The stop edges 34 are formed by, in particular are substantially constituted by, the first support element 21 and the spacer / wedging flap 20. The stop edges 34 are more particularly formed by the cut lines 25, 26, 31, 32 of the first element of support 21 and of the spacing / wedging flap 20. Advantageously, the stop edges 34 can also be formed by the cut line 30 of the second support element 22. Thus, the wedging pot 4a is held by its two sides in the transverse direction T as well as in the longitudinal direction L.

In the figures, in particular in FIG. 2, four stop edges 34 are thus provided, one per wedging pot 4a. Such a stop edge 34 has a general shape close to or akin to that of a circular arc. The two stop edges 34 formed by a spacing / wedging part 18 are arranged face to face in the longitudinal direction L.

In such a pack 3, the wedging pots 4a are received by their bottom walls 5a on the receiving parts 16, the stop edges 34 are placed adjacent to the side walls 5b of the wedging pots 4a, in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a, so as to ensure the spacing and wedging of these pots 4a in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a.

The stop edges 34 are suitable for stopping the wedging pots 4a on their side walls 5b, in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a.

By "stopping the wedging pots 4a on their side walls 5b", it should be understood that, in the pack 3, the wedging pots 4a are prevented, at least to some extent, from moving relatively - inadvertently -, relative to the packaging 2, or to shock each other, because the side wall 5b of each wedging pot 4a is adjacent to a stop edge 34 specific to this pot 4a. The stop edge 34 being formed by the first support element 21 and the spacing / wedging flap 20 of a spacing / wedging part 18, the wedging pots 4a are held as well in the longitudinal direction L, by the spacing / wedging flap 20, only in the transverse direction T by the first support element 21.

By stopping the wedging pots 4a on their side walls 5b "in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a", it should be understood that the part of the side wall 5b of each wedging pot 4a which, in the pack 3, is adjacent to the stop edge 34 considered is, for a substantial part, spaced from the bottom part 5a with a relatively small spacing with regard to the spacing between the bottom part 5a and the top closure 6.

The "substantial part" of the part of the side wall 5b separated from the bottom part 5a is that corresponding to the part of the stop edge 34 comprising the first support element 21 and the spacing / wedging flap 20.

For example, in a possible embodiment envisaged, where the wedging pots 4a have a height of the order of 6 cm, the spacing between this substantial part of the side wall 5b and the bottom wall 5a can be of the order of 2cm, however, this embodiment is not limiting, the spacing being able to be other, smaller or larger. By the term "adjacent" relating to the side wall 5b of a wedging pot 4a and the corresponding stop edge 34, it should be understood that, depending on the circumstances, the side wall 5b of a wedging pot 4a is in contact the corresponding stop edge 34, even with a certain bearing force, so as to ensure the stop blocking of the wedging pot 4a in this position, or else that the side wall 5b is only in the immediate vicinity of this edge stop 34 so that the movement of the wedging pot 4a is limited to the small spacing between the side wall 5b and the corresponding stop edge 34, and that at the end of any movement of the wedging pot 4a, the side wall 5b comes into contact with the stop edge 34, so as to ensure the stop blocking of the wedging pot 4a in the end of movement position.

The stop edges 34 being able to stop the wedging pots 4a, as has just been explained, they participate in that, in the pack 3, the wedging pots 4a cannot, or can only do a little, moving around unexpectedly or shocking each other. This is why the stop edges 34 participate in the part 18 qualified as "spacing / wedging".

The pack 3 may include slots or cutouts 40, 41 in the fold lines 14 in particular to allow the flange 7 or the base of the pots 4 to project outwards from the pack 3.

The blank 1 described can be declined and adapted in particular as a function of the shape of the pots 4.

Referring now to FIG. 6 which represents a blank 1 specially suitable and intended for a pack 3 having two layers of four pots, namely the base layer which comprises the four wedging pots 4a and an upper layer of pots which comprises four upper pots 4b.

The four wedging pots 4a of the base pot layer carried by the bottom panel 12 are spaced and wedged on their side walls 5b in the vicinity of their bottom walls 5a, with the spacing / wedging parts 18 conforming to those previously described in relation to Figures 1 to 5.

The four upper pots 4b of the upper pot layer rest by their bottom walls 5a on the top closures 6 of the four wedging pots 5a of the base pot layer. The layer of upper pots 4b is therefore carried by the layer of base pots 4a. Compared to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, and in the nonlimiting embodiment illustrated by FIG. 6, it is not intended that the blank 1 has slots or cutouts for the flanges of the four wedging pots 4a of the layer basic.

The invention also relates to a process for producing the packaging 2 and the pack 3.

For this process, there is a cardboard blank, flat, 1, four wedging pots 4a and, if necessary, four upper pots 4b intended to form part of the pack 3.

The spacing / wedging parts 18 have not been placed in volume.

The spacing / wedging parts 18 are urged so that the spacing / wedging flap 20 of each spacing / wedging part 18 is spaced from the plane P of the bottom panel, and in particular from the receiving parts 16.

For this purpose, the spacing / wedging parts 18 are pivoted, in particular at the level of the first fold lines 23, 27 respectively of the first support element 21 and of the second support element 22. The pivoting is carried out around the direction longitudinal L, by folding around the first fold lines 23, 27 in the transverse direction T with respect to the receiving parts 16. The direction of pivoting is such that the spacing / wedging parts 18 are distant from the longitudinal median axis ML, in particular towards the free edges 9 of the blank 1.

The spacing / wedging flap 20 of each spacing / wedging part 18 is then substantially horizontal and parallel to the plane P of the bottom panel 12. The spacing / wedging flap 20 is in a plane perpendicular to the axis elevation MZ.

In doing so, the spacing / wedging part 18, once set in volume cannot change shape, collapse, cease to be operative for the wedging pots 4a. In particular, a certain bearing force of the wedging pots 4a on the spacing / wedging flaps 20 is not likely to lower the spacing / wedging parts 18, in which case the wedging pots 4a would no longer be properly maintained .

There are, successively or simultaneously, the four wedging pots 4a in a layer of base pots on the receiving part 18, the blank 1 then being disposed generally horizontally, so that the wedging pots 4a are arranged two by two side by side. coast and opposite, in square. More precisely, the four wedging pots 4a are placed on the receiving parts 16, one for each wedging pot 4a.

Then the blank 1 is shaped, around the pots 4 of the pack 3, by folding the two side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b, around the two grooved lines from below 14, and the two top panels 10a and 10b, around the two grooved lines from above 15.

In this step, the collar 7 of each pot 4 of the base pot layer can be made to cooperate, with a slit or cut 40 in the top grooved line 15.

The two top panels 10a and 10b are arranged in a coplanar manner, for example one on the other, and the two top panels 10a and 10b are joined together, so as to close the blank 1 on itself, to form the top wall 10c, by implementing the securing means, and in forming a package surrounding the pots 4 of the pack 3.

In packaging 2, the bottom panel 12 is arranged in the plane P so that the receiving parts 16 are coplanar or substantially coplanar.

The two side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b are erected, upwards, relative to the plane of the bottom panel 12 and form with it an angle, in particular obtuse. The side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b, extend to the top wall 10c. The top wall 10c is arranged above and plumb with the bottom panel 12.

Such packaging 2 is illustrated very specifically by FIGS. 5 having a single layer of base pots comprising four wedging pots 4a. The form of detail of the packaging is adapted to the form of detail of the pots 4. The description of the packaging 2 which has just been made is therefore not exclusive of others, in the case of pots 4 of different shapes.

The process is similar in the case of a pack 3 having two or more than two layers of pots. In the case of a pack 3 having two or more two layers of pots, the final packaging 2 is, as a whole, similar to that of a pack 3 with a single layer of base pots, except , first of all, that its dimension along the elevation axis MZ is larger so as to be adapted to the number of layers.

The invention also relates to an embodiment of a pack 3 as just described. Such a line includes means for providing blanks 1 in flat cardboard. It also includes means for providing pots 4, intended to be part of pack 3.

Such a line also comprises, associated with the means of providing flat cardboard blanks and the means of providing jars, suitable conveying means intended for conveying flat blanks, blanks with pots resting on them, and functional means.

These functional means notably comprise a device 50 for setting up the spacing / wedging parts 18, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The volume setting device 50 comprises a bottom wall 51, substantially planar, and two elements projecting 52 from the bottom wall 51. The two elements 52 have a shape complementary to the shape of the spacing / wedging parts 18 a times set in volume.

Thus, each element 51 comprises a plate 53. The plate 53 is substantially horizontal, in particular parallel to the bottom wall 51 of the volume setting device 50. The plate 53 is arranged at a distance from the bottom wall 51. The plate 53 has a shape identical or substantially identical to the shape of the spacing / wedging flap 20 of a spacing / wedging part 18.

Each element also comprises two inclined walls 54, 55 respectively connecting the plate 53 to the bottom 51. The two inclined walls 54, 55 have a shape identical or substantially identical to the shape of the first and second supports 21, 22 of a part of spacing / timing 18.

Thus, when the bottom panel 12 of the cardboard blank 1 is placed in the volume setting device 50, a force is exerted on the spacing / wedging parts 18 against the projecting elements 52. The force exerted causes the setting up the spacing / wedging parts 18 as described above.

The volume setting device 50 may further comprise two flanges 55, projecting from the bottom wall 51. When the bottom panel 12 is arranged in the volume setting device 50, the grooved lines from below 14 are arranged at the level of ledges 55. Thus the side panels 1 1 a, 1 1 b are folded, in particular inclined upwards, relative to the bottom panel 12. This then facilitates the creation of the packaging 2 surrounding the pots 4. The functional means also include upstream downstream of the gripping means, displacement, and arrangement of wedging pots 4a, suitable and intended to arrange these pots 4a on the receiving part 16 of the blanks 1 on the conveying means.

The functional means comprise folding means, suitable and intended to set up the blanks 1 around the pots 4, by folding the side panels 1 1a, 1 1b around the grooved lines from below 14 and the top panels 10a, 10b around the grooved lines from above 15.

The functional means include closing and securing means, suitable and intended to arrange in a coplanar manner and to secure the two top panels 10a, 10b to each other and to constitute a package 2 surrounding the pots 4.

The functional means comprise, finally, means for removing the packs 3. Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and provided only by way of example. It encompasses various modifications, alternative forms and other variants which a person skilled in the art may envisage within the framework of the present invention and in particular any combination of the different operating modes described above, which can be taken separately or in combination.

Claims

1. Cardboard blank (1) for forming a package (2) of a pack (3) of pots (4), each pot (4) comprising a bottom wall (5a) and a side wall (5b) , the blank (1) comprising at least a first top panel (10a), a first side panel (1 1 a), a bottom panel (12), a second side panel (1 1 b) and a second panel top (10b), the bottom panel (12) extending in a plane (P) in a longitudinal direction (L) and a transverse direction (T) perpendicular to each other, the bottom panel (12 ) including:

- at least two receiving parts (16) configured to each receive the bottom wall (5a) of a pot (4a); and

- at least one spacing / wedging part (18) disposed between the two receiving parts (16), the two receiving parts (16) and the spacing / wedging part (18) being arranged in the longitudinal direction ( L)

characterized in that:

- the spacing / wedging part (18) is configured to be set in volume by folding in the transverse direction (T) relative to the two receiving parts (16),

- the spacing / wedging part (18) comprises at least one spacing / wedging flap (20), a first support element (21) and a second support element (22), the first support element (21 ) and the second support element (22) being configured to keep the spacing / wedging flap (20) separated from the two pot receiving parts (16) once the spacing / wedging part (18) has been set up , and

- At least the first support element (21) and the spacing / wedging flap (20) are configured to constitute stop edges (34) at the side walls (5b) of the pots (4a) received on the receiving parts (16) once the spacing / wedging part (18) has been placed in volume.

2. Blank (1) according to claim 1, in which the first support element (21) and the second support element (22) are configured to keep the spacing / wedging flap (20) parallel or substantially parallel to the plane (P) from the bottom panel (12).

3. Blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two spacing / wedging parts (18), the two spacing / wedging parts (18) being arranged symmetrical or substantially symmetrical to each other by axial rotation about an elevation axis (MZ) perpendicular to the plane (P) and centered on the bottom panel (12).

4. Blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first support element (21) is delimited at least by a first fold line (23) connected to the bottom panel (12), a second line folding (24) connected to the spacing / wedging flap (20) and two cut lines (25, 26) respectively connecting the first and second fold lines (23, 24), the cut lines (25, 26) being inclined one relative to the other so as to be closer together at the second fold line (24).

5. Blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second support element (22) is delimited at least by a first fold line (27) connected to the bottom panel (12), a second line folding (28) connected to the spacing / wedging flap (20) and two cut lines (29, 30) respectively connecting the first and second fold lines (27, 28), the cut lines (29, 30) being parallel one from the other.

6. Blank (1) according to claim 5, the first fold line (27) of the second support member (22) is disposed relatively closer to the first support member (21) relative to the second fold line (28 ) of the second support element (22).

7. blank (1) according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the spacer / wedging flap (20) is delimited by the second fold lines (24, 28) respective of the first and second support elements (21, 22 ) and by two cut lines (31, 32), one of the cut lines (29) of the second support element (22) corresponds to one of the cut lines (32) delimiting the spacing / wedging flap (20).

8. Blank (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the spacing / wedging parts (18) are produced without removing material from the bottom panel (12).

9. Method for producing a pack (3) of pots (4), each pot (4) comprising a bottom wall (5a) and a side wall (5b), in which:

- there is a blank (1) of cardboard, flat, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - the spacing / wedging part (18) is urged so that the spacing / wedging part (18) is formed by folding in the transverse direction (T) relative to the two receiving parts (16),

- there are pots (4a), intended to be part of the pack (3),

- the pots (4a) are placed on the receiving parts (16), and

- the blank (1) is shaped to form a package (2) around the pots

(4).

10. Packaging (2) consisting of the shaping of the sidewall (1) by the process for producing a pack (3) of pots (4) according to claim 9.

1 1. Pack (3) of pots (4) comprising:

- at least two pots (4a), each pot (4a) comprising a bottom wall (5a), a side wall (5b), the pots (4a) being spaced and wedged on their side walls (5b) in the vicinity of their bottom walls (5a), and

- a package (2) according to claim 10.

12. Pack (3) according to claim 1 1, in which the stop edges (34) are placed adjacent to the side wall (5b) of the pots (4a) in the vicinity of their bottom walls (5a), so as to ensure the spacing and wedging of the pots (4a) in the vicinity of their bottom walls (5a).

13. Pack (3) according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the stop edges (34) are configured to limit the movement of the pots (4a) in the longitudinal direction (L) and / or the transverse direction (T ).

14. Device for placing in volume (50) the spacing / wedging part (18) of a blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a bottom wall (51) and at least an element (52) projecting from the bottom wall (51), the element (52) having a shape complementary to the shape of the spacing / wedging part (18) of the sidewall (1) once it has been placed in volume .

15. A volume setting device (50) according to claim 14, comprising two flanges (55), the flanges (55) being configured to fold the side panels (1 1 a, 1 1 b) relative to the bottom panel ( 12).

16. Line for producing a pack (3) of pots (4), according to one of claims 1 1 to 13, comprising:

- means for providing a blank (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

means for providing pots (4a), intended to form part of the pack (3), and

- A device for setting volume (50) of the spacing / wedging part (18) of the blank (1) according to claim 15.