Box for packaging and cooking a food product to be cooked by popping or puffing
Patent Information
- Application Number
- AE202602444
- Authority / Receiving Office
- AE · AE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-01-23
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-13
Smart Images
Figure ABST_ABST
Abstract
Description
Box for packaging and cooking a food product to be poppedThe present application relates to a box for packaging and cooking a food product to be popped such as popcorn and to a device including said box.In an embodiment described in the document WO2004032633 and seen in figures 1 and 2 a device for packaging and cooking popcorn comprises a cardboard box 10 that can be folded up and a tray containing kernels of corn to be cooked in the tray.The tray is generally thermoformed and comprises a container that has a coating favoring the absorption of energy from electromagnetic waves also known as a “susceptor”. The tray includes a film for closing it, said film being glued to the periphery of the container using a hot melt glue. The tray assures sealed packaging of the kernels of corn and additives such as sugar or vegetable oil for example.The box 10 includes in a lower part a non-foldable first volume 12 on top of which is a foldable and retractable second volume 14 enabling the volume of the box 10 to be greatly reduced during phases of transport and storage and at the point of sale.The cardboard box 10 comprises a bottom 16, four lateral walls 18.1 to 18.4 and a top 20. Each lateral wall 18.1 to 18.4 includes a first fold line 22 parallel to and at a small distance (of the order of 1 cm) from the bottom 16 and a median second fold line 24 parallel to the first fold line 22 and equidistant from the first fold line 22 and the top 20.Two opposite lateral walls 18.2 and 18.4 include in addition to the first and second fold lines two diagonal fold lines 26 in the part of the lateral walls situated above the first fold line 22.The box 10 can occupy a storage position, seen in part (A) of figure 1, in which the parts of the lateral walls 18.1 to 18.4 situated above the first fold lines 22 are pressed against one another, above the first volume 12 situated below the first fold lines 22 and containing the tray, and a deployed position, visible in part (B) of figure 1, in which the lateral walls 18.1 to 18.4 are unfolded and delimit a large volume enabling cooking of the kernels of corn.As depicted in figure 2 the top 20 of the box includes two flaps 28.1, 28.2 connected to the lateral walls 18.2 and 18.4 with diagonal fold lines 26 and two flaps 30.1 and 30.2 connected to the other lateral walls 18.1 and 18.3. When they are folded over the flaps 28.1, 28.2 the flaps 30.1 and 30.2 overlap slightly in such a manner as to close the box.In the document WO2004032633 the flaps 30.1 and 30.2 have shapes that cooperate in such a manner as to hold them in the closed position. Thus each flap includes a tab 32.1, 32.2 articulated relative to the rest of the flap 30.1, 30.2 above a fold line 34. The tabs 32.1 and 32.2 are oriented in opposite directions and form hooks that cooperate with one another in such a manner as to hold the flaps in the closed position.The box is produced from a cardboard blank.This box 10 is particularly clever because it occupies a small volume during transportation and storage and offers a large volume closed by the flaps 28.1, 28.2 and the flaps 30.1 and 30.2 when cooking the corn.Closing this box can be difficult to automate because of the presence of the flap fastening system.To overcome this drawback the document WO2014064342 proposes a box that includes, instead of the two tabs, a tongue connected to the first flap and a slot in the second flap configured to receive the tongue. The tongue and the slot have particular shapes to enable automation of the insertion of the tongue in the slot and thus closure of the box.It is relatively complex to control a packaging line enabling the box described in the document WO2014064342 to be shaped, its bottom to be closed, a tray to be inserted in the box, the top of the box to be closed and the box to be folded into its storage position.The document US2005048170 proposes a device for packaging and cooking popcorn including a box that includes a bottom and four lateral walls each including a first fold line substantially parallel to the bottom. Two opposite lateral walls include two fold lines of inverted V shape positioned above the first fold line. Thanks to these V-shaped fold lines the upper parts of the lateral walls situated above the first fold line can be folded to close the box. Thus this box is configured to occupy a compact first state in which the upper parts of the lateral walls are folded and a deployed second state in which the upper parts of the laterals are positioned in line with the lower parts of the lateral walls.Unlike the embodiments described in the documents WO2004032633 and WO2014064342, when the box is in the deployed position it does not include a lid to confine the kernels of corn to the interior of the box when cooking them. Consequently the packaging and cooking device described in the document US2005048170 includes a "susceptor" coating covering the bottom and a film covering the kernels of corn placed on the bottom, said film extending against the interior face of the lateral walls and being fixed at the level of the upper edges of the lateral walls. Thus during storage the film is pressed onto the kernels of corn and against the lateral walls. During cooking the film moves away from the lateral walls and enables the popcorn to be confined between the box and the film.The embodiment described in the document US2005048170 necessitates a cardboard box the interior faces of which and more particularly the bottom of which must be covered by a coating forming a barrier to oil, which leads to a significant increase in the cost of the box and to generation of waste that is more difficult to process and to reuse.The present invention aims to remedy some or all of the disadvantages of the prior art.To this end the invention has for object a box for packaging and cooking a food product to be popped configured to occupy folded and deployed states, including a bottom and first, second, third and fourth lateral walls connected in pairs by first fold lines, each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls extending between a lower edge adjoining the bottom and an upper edge and including:a lower fold line substantially parallel to the bottom,a first median fold line situated equidistantly from the lower fold line and the upper edge.According to the invention two opposite lateral walls each include fold lines forming an inverted Y shape including first and second oblique fold lines connecting the lower fold line and the first median fold line and a second median fold line connecting the upper edge and the first median fold line.This solution enables a compact box that is easy to fold to be obtained, which makes it possible to simplify a packaging line for filling the boxes, closing them and folding them.Other features and advantages will emerge from the following description of the invention given by way of example only with reference to the appended drawings, in which:Figure 1 is a representation of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting a prior art embodiment in a folded position in the part (A) and in a deployed position in the part (B),Figure 2 is a front view of a cardboard blank for forming the box seen in figure 1,Figure 3 is a perspective view of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting one embodiment of the invention in a folded state,Figure 4 is a lateral view of the box seen in figure 3 during deployment,Figure 5 is a perspective view of the box seen in figure 3 in a deployed and unlocked state,Figure 6 is a cross section on the plane PC in figure 5 of the box seen in figure 3 in the deployed and unlocked state,Figure 7 is a cross section of the box seen in figure 3 in a deployed and locked state,Figure 8 is a perspective view of the box seen in figure 3 in the deployed and locked state,Figure 9 is a perspective view of the box seen in figure 3 in an open state,Figure 10 is a front view of a blank of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting one embodiment of the invention,Figure 11 is a front view of a blank of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting another embodiment of the invention,Figure 12 is a front view of a blank of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting another embodiment of the invention,Figure 13 is a section of a lower part of a device for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting an embodiment of the invention,Figure 14 is a section of a lower part of a device for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting another embodiment of the invention,Figure 15 is a front view of a blank of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn depicting another embodiment of the invention,Figure 16 is a perspective view of a box for packaging and cooking popcorn obtained from the figure 15 blank in a deployed state in the part (A) and in a folded state in the part (B),Figure 17 is a perspective view of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn seen in figure 16 during a first folding step,Figure 18 is a lateral view of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn seen in figure 17 during a first folding step,Figure 19 is a section of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn taken along the line XIX-XIX in figure 18,Figure 20 is a lateral view of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn seen in figure 18 after a second folding step,Figure 21 is a section of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn taken along the line XXI-XXI in figure 20,Figure 22 is a lateral view of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn seen in figure 20 after a gluing step,Figure 23 is a lateral view of the box for packaging and cooking popcorn seen in figure 22 after a final folding step.In an embodiment seen in figures 3 to 9 and 13 a device 40 for packaging and cooking popcorn includes a box 42 in which is positioned a tray 44 (seen in figure 13). Of course the invention is not limited to popcorn. It can be applied to all food products to be popped. Thus the tray 44 can contain a food product to be popped such as popcorn.The tray 44 is generally thermoformed and comprises a container 44.1 that includes a bottom F44.1, a peripheral rim C44.1 and a coating of a material favoring the absorption of energy from electromagnetic waves, also known as a “susceptor”. The tray 44 includes a film 44.2 for closing it stuck to the periphery of the container 44.1 by means of a hot melt glue 44.3. The tray 44 assures sealed packaging of the kernels of corn and additives such as sugar or vegetable oil for example. The tray 44 has a height H44 corresponding to the distance between the bottom F44.1 and the film 44.2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the bottom F44.1.The box 42 includes in a lower part a non-foldable first volume 42.1 on top of which is a foldable second volume 42.2 that enables the interior volume of the box 42 to be greatly reduced during transport and storage phases and at the point of sale.The box 42 comprises a bottom 46 and first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 connected in pairs by first fold lines 56 in such a manner as to form a tube. In one configuration the first fold lines 56 are significantly flared. The box 42 is therefore frustoconical, favoring the stacking of the boxes 42 inside one another. In variants the first fold lines 56 could be parallel to one another.Each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 has a lower edge 58 adjoining the bottom 46 and a lower fold line 60 substantially parallel to the bottom 46 or the lower edge 58.The distances between the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 of the various lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are identical and substantial equal or very slightly greater than the height H44 of the tray 44. By way of example, in each lateral wall 48, 50, 52, 54 the distance between the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 measures of the order of 10 mm to 12 mm.The zone of the box 42 situated between the bottom 46 and a first plane passing through the lower fold lines 60 corresponds to the non-foldable first volume 42.1 configured to contain the tray 44.The first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 each extend between the lower edge 58 and an upper edge 62 substantially parallel to the lower edge 58, to the lower fold line 60 or to the bottom 46. The distances between the lower fold lines 60 and the upper edges 62 of the various lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are identical. By way of example, in each lateral wall 48, 50, 52, 54 the distance between the lower fold line 60 and the upper edge 62 measures of the order of 80 mm. Each upper edge 62 has a length L0 of the order of 160 mm to 170 mm. In each of the lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 the lower fold line 60 and the upper edge 62 are separated by a distance substantially equal to half the length of the upper edge 62.The lower fold line 60 divides each lateral wall 48, 50, 52, 54 into a lower part 64.1 between the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 and an upper part 64.2 between the lower fold line 60 and the upper edge 62.Each of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 includes first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ forming an inverted V shape. The first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ have common first ends 66.1, 66.1’ situated approximately at the level of the middle of the upper edge 62 and second ends 66.2, 66.2’ situated at the ends of the lower fold line 60. The first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ divide each of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 into a central first triangle 68.1 adjoining the lower fold line 60 and second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 positioned on respective opposite sides of the central first triangle 68.1 and adjoining the upper edge 62.The zone of the box 42 situated between the first plane passing through the lower fold lines 60 and a second plane passing through the upper edges 62 corresponds to the foldable second volume 42.2.Thus the box 42 is configured to occupy a folded state seen in figure 3 in which the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 are substantially parallel to the bottom 46 and in which, in each of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52, the central first triangle 68.1 is folded parallel to the bottom 46 thanks to the lower fold line 60, the second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 being folded against the central first triangle 68.1 thanks to the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’, the upper parts 64.2 of the second and fourth walls 50, 54 being folded against the second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 thanks to the lower fold lines 60. The box 42 is also configured to occupy a deployed state seen in figures 5, 8 and 9 in which the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls are substantially plane. The upper edges 62 of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 delimit an opening 70 (seen in figure 9) when the box 42 is in the deployed state.The bottom 46 includes at least one large flap 72 connected to at least one of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 by a fold line situated at the level of the lower edge 58 of the corresponding lateral wall.In a preferred embodiment seen in figures 10 to 12 the bottom 46 includes first and second large flaps 72, 72’ respectively connected to two opposite laterals walls, in particular to the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54, by fold lines situated at the level of the lower edges 58. The second large flap 72’ is positioned between the first large flap 72 and the interior of the box 42 and has an exterior face F72’ pressed against an interior face F72 of the first large flap 72. As shown in figure 13 the tray 44 is therefore positioned against the second large flap 72’.In this embodiment the first large flap 72 is sized to extend over all the surface of the bottom 46. The second large flap 72’ is sized to extend over at least part of the area of the bottom 46.The bottom 46 includes a glued connection 74 connecting the first and second large flaps 72, 72’, to be more specific the interior face F72 of the first large flap 72 and the exterior face F72’ of the second large flap 72’.In one configuration at least one orifice 72.1’ passes through the second large flap 72’. Thus when the interior face F72 of the first large flap 72 is stuck to and pressed against the exterior face F72’ of the second large flap 72’ the glue 76 positioned in line with the through-orifice 72.1’ fixes the tray 44 against the bottom 46, as depicted in figure 13. In this configuration the glued connection 74 connecting the first and second large flaps 72, 72’ makes a connection between the bottom 46 and the tray 44 enabling the latter to be immobilized in the box 42.In one embodiment the bottom 46 includes first and second small flaps 78.1, 78.2 connected to two opposite lateral walls different from those to which the first and second large flaps 72, 72’ are connected. In one configuration the first and second small flaps 78.1, 78.2 are connected to the first and second lateral walls 48, 52 and positioned between the first and second large flaps 72, 72’ when the bottom 46 is formed. The first and second small flaps 78.1, 78.2 each include at least one cut-out 80 to free each orifice 72.1’ through the second large flap 72’.Of course the invention is not limited to this embodiment of the bottom 46. The bottom 46 could be an automatic bottom or any other bottom including flaps interconnected by any appropriate means.Alternatively there is no through-orifice 72.1’. The glue is therefore isolated from the tray 44 by at least one flap.If the tray 44 is not immobilized by gluing it can be immobilized on the bottom 46 by coming into contact or virtually into contact all around its periphery with the four lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54, as depicted in figure 14. In this case the rim C44.1 has an overlength so that for the same capacity the periphery of the tray 44 is in contact with or very slightly spaced from the four lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54. This solution enables centering and immobilization of the tray 44 and favors folding about the lower fold lines 60.The box 42 includes a square or rectangular lid 82 to close the opening 70 when the box 42 is in the deployed state, which lid has first and second sides respectively connected to the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 by first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2. This lid 82 includes at least one intermediate fold line 86 situated between the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2 and substantially parallel to the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2, enabling the lid 82 to be folded when the box 42 is in the folded state.In one configuration the lid 82 includes a single intermediate fold line 86 situated substantially equidistantly from the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2 and dividing the lid into two substantially equal zones 88.1, 88.2, the first zone 88.1 adjoining the second lateral wall 50 and the second zone 88.2 adjoining the fourth lateral wall 54. When the box 42 is in the deployed state the first and second zones are positioned between the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 substantially in line with the opening 70, as depicted in figure 5. When the box 42 is in the folded state the first zone 88.1 is situated in line with the second lateral wall 50 and the second zone 88.2 is folded against the fourth lateral wall 54 between the latter and the first zone 88.1, as depicted in figure 3. When the box 42 is being deployed from the folded state to the deployed state, as depicted in figure 4, the first and second zones 88.1, 88.2 are respectively positioned in line with the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54. Thus as seen in side view the assembly forms a triangle.In variants seen in figures 10 and 12 the lid 82 includes first and second flaps 90, 92 glued together over their entire width and respectively connected to the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 by fold lines situated at the level of the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54. In one configuration the first and second flaps 90, 92 include overlapping zones 90.1, 92.1 glued together.In another variant seen in figure 11 the lid 82 includes a single flap 90 connected by a fold line to the second lateral wall 50 and glued to the fourth lateral wall 54. In one configuration the flap 90 has an edge 90.1 configured to be glued against the fourth lateral wall 54.Of course the invention is not limited to these variants where the number of flaps forming the lid 82 is concerned.In one embodiment the lid 82 includes at least one precut line 94 enabling the lid 82 to be separated into two parts, as depicted in figure 9, or to be separated from at least one of the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 in order to free the opening 70 at least partially and to provide access to the interior of the box 42. Thus the lid 82 can include a precut line 94 at the level of the first or second fold line 84.1, 84.2, at the level of each of the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2, or between the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2. In one configuration the intermediate fold line 86 and the precut line 94 coincide. The box 42 can include at least one cut or precut intersecting the precut line 94 to facilitate cutting it.In embodiments seen in figures 10 to 12 to facilitate its deployment the box 42 includes at least two handles 96, 96’ connected to two opposite lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54.In embodiments seen in figures 10 and 11 the handles 96, 96’ are positioned on the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54. In these embodiments the box 42 includes for each handle 96, 96’ a cut or precut 96.1, 96.1’ straddling the lid 82 and the second or fourth lateral wall 50, 54 in order to delimit the handle 96, 96’.In other embodiments seen in figure 12 the handles 96, 96’ are positioned on the upper edges 62 of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52. In these embodiments the box includes for each handle 96, 96’ a tongue 96.2, 96.2’ one end of which is connected to the upper edge 62 of the first or third lateral wall 48, 52.Of course the invention is not limited to these embodiments of the handles 96, 96’ configured to enable deployment of the box 42 by pulling them apart.Given the folding of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 about the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 are not plane but retain a slightly folded shape when the box 42 goes from the folded state to the deployed state.According to one particular feature of the invention the lid 82 has a dimension L1, the distance separating the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2, greater than the length L0 of each upper edge 62 of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52, enabling mechanical immobilization of the lid 82 thanks to a toggle effect.Thus the box 42 is configured to occupy a deployed and unlocked state seen in figures 5 and 6 in which the intermediate fold line 86 is situated above the second plane or the upper edges 62 of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 and a deployed and locked state seen in figures 7 and 8 in which the intermediate fold line 86 is situated below the second plane or the upper edges 62 of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52.When the box 42 is in the deployed and unlocked state it can be returned to the folded state and there are gaps between the lid 82 and the first and third lateral walls 48, 52, as depicted in figure 6.On pressing the lid 82 toward the bottom 46 the box 42 goes to the deployed and locked state seen in figure 7 and remains in that state and can no longer be returned to the deployed and unlocked state. In this state the box 42 is closed and no popcorn can escape.In an embodiment seen in figure 11 each of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 (those which include the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ forming an inverted V shape) is extended by a flap 102 folded against the internal face of the corresponding first or second lateral wall 48, 52. To be able to fold the first and second lateral walls 48, 52 each flap 102 includes fold lines in line with the oblique fold lines 66, 66’. These flaps 102 enable stiffening of the first and second lateral walls 48, 52, which makes it possible to prevent said lateral walls 48, 52 moving away from the lid 82 at the end of cooking when the box 42 is in the deployed state.The box 42 is obtained from a flat blank 98. The first lateral wall 48 includes an extension 100 opposite the second lateral wall 50 glued against the fourth lateral wall 54 to form a tube. The tubes are stored flat, the flaps 72, 72’, 78.1, 78.2 of the bottom 46 and the flaps 90, 92 of the lid 82 being situated in line with lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54, the first and second lateral walls 48, 50 being pressed against the third and fourth lateral walls 52, 54.To form the box 42 the lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are moved apart in such a manner as to form a tube. Following this, at least one of the two large flaps 72, 72’ being glued, the large and small flaps 72, 72’, 78.1, 78.2 are folded and glued together in such a manner as to form the bottom 46. The tray 44 is placed on the bottom 46 and retained thanks to the glue 76 that is used to glue the large and small flaps 72, 72’, 78.1, 78.2 together and which passes through the through-orifices 72.1’.After this the flap or flaps 90, 92 is / are folded and glued in such a manner as to form the lid 82. Finally the box 42 is folded about the lower fold lines 60, the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66’ and the intermediate fold line 86 of the lid 82.According to the invention, the tray 44 being immobile relative to bottom 46, the box 42 has a section in a plane parallel to the bottom 46 greater than that of the tray 44, in contrast to the prior art which provides a box with a section substantially identical to that of the tray. Consequently the box in the deployed state has a height less than that of prior art boxes, which enables use of smaller cooking appliances.Another advantage is that when the flap or flaps 90, 92 is / are glued and form the lid 82 the latter has two opposite edges connected to the rest of the box 42, which simplifies folding the box 42. In contrast to the prior art the box 42 includes no flap with free edges as in the case of the prior art box seen in figures 1 and 2, which makes it difficult to automate the folding of the box.Another advantage is that the lateral walls 48, 50, 52, 54 include only a limited number of fold lines 60, 66, 66’. Thus each of the first and third lateral walls 48, 52 includes a single fold line 60 parallel to the bottom 46 instead of two in the prior art and V-shape fold lines instead of X-shape fold lines (equivalent to two V shapes). Complementing this, each of the second and fourth lateral walls 50, 54 includes a single fold line 60 parallel to the bottom 46 instead of two as in the prior art. This limited number of fold lines makes it possible to limit the risk of inadequate deformation of the box 42 on going from the deployed state to the folded state, which simplifies automation of folding the box 42 into the folded state.Finally, thanks to the mechanical immobilization of the lid 82 the box can occupy a deployed and locked state in which it is completely closed even in the absence of a fold in line with the first and third lateral walls 48, 52. Figures 15 to 23 depict another embodiment 142 of the box.As indicated above the box 142 includes in the lower part a non-foldable first volume 142.1 on top of which is a foldable second volume 142.2 that enables the interior volume of the box 142 to be greatly reduced during phases of transport and storage and at the point of sale, as depicted in part (B) of figure 16.The box 142 includes a bottom 146 and first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 connected in pairs by first fold lines 156 in such a manner as to form a tube. In one configuration the first fold lines 156 are significantly flared. The box 142 is therefore substantially frustoconical, favoring stacking the boxes 142 inside one another. Alternatively the first fold lines 156 could be parallel to one another.Each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 has a lower edge 158 adjoining the bottom 146 and a lower fold line 160 substantially parallel to the bottom 146 or to the lower edge 158.The distances between the lower edge 158 and the lower fold line 160 of the various lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are identical and substantially equal to or very slightly greater than the height H44 of the tray 44. By way of example, in each lateral wall 148, 150, 152, 154 the distance separating the lower edge 158 and the lower fold line 160 measures of the order of 10 mm to 12 mm.The zone of the box 142 situated between the bottom 46 and a first plane passing through the lower fold line 160 corresponds to a non-foldable first volume 142.1 configured to contain a tray 44.Each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 extends between the lower edge 158 and an upper edge 162 substantially parallel to the lower edge 158, the lower fold line 160 or the bottom 146. The distances between the lower fold line 160 and the upper edge 162 of the various lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are identical.The distance separating the lower fold line 160 and the upper edge 162 of each lateral wall and the distance separating the first fold lines 156 from one another are adjusted as a function of the required volume of the foldable second volume 142.2.The bottom 146 is not described further because it can be identical to that of the embodiments described above.As depicted in part (A) of figure 16 the box 142 is configured to occupy a deployed state in which the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are substantially plane. In this deployed state the upper edges 162 of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 delimit an opening 170.The box 142 includes a square or rectangular lid 182 for closing the opening 170 when the box 142 is in the deployed state, and this lid has first and second sides respectively connected to the upper edges 162 of the first and third lateral walls 148, 152 by fold lines 184.1, 184.2. This lid 182 includes at least one intermediate fold line 186 situated between the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2 and substantially parallel to the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2, enabling folding of the lid 182 when the box 142 is in the folded state. In one arrangement the box 142 includes a single intermediate fold line 186 equidistant from the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2.In an embodiment seen in figures 15 to 23 the lid 182 includes first and second flaps 190, 192 connected to the first and third lateral walls 148, 152 by fold lines 184.1, 184.2. One of the flaps 190, 192 includes a tab 190.1, 192.1 connected to the first or second flap 190, 192 by a fold line that corresponds to the intermediate fold line 186. This tab 190.1, 190.2 enables the first and second flaps 190, 192 to be glued together. If the tab 190.1 (190.2) is fastened to the first flap 190 (or the second flap 192), it is glued over its entire surface to the second flap 192 (or the first flap 190).In one configuration the first and second flaps 190, 192 can have different lengths (their dimension perpendicular to the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2). Thus the first or second flap 190 (192) extended by the tab 190.1 (192.1) has a length greater by of the order of 1 mm than that of the flap 192 (190) with no tab.The lid 182 is not described further as it can be identical to the lid 82. Thus the lid 182 can have a dimension L1, the distance separating the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2, greater than the length L0 of each upper edge 162 of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154, enabling mechanical immobilization of the lid 182 thanks to a toggle effect. Thus the box 142 is configured to occupy a deployed and unlocked state in which the intermediate fold line 186 is situated below the second plane or the upper edges 162 of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 and a deployed and locked state in which the intermediate fold line 186 is situated below the second plane or the upper edges 162 of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154.The lid 182 can include at least one precut line enabling it to be separated into two parts or to be separated from at least one of the lateral walls in order to free the opening 170 at least partly and to provide access to the interior of the box 142.In the embodiment seen in figures 15 to 23 each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 includes a first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 situated equidistantly from the lower fold line 160 and the upper edge 162 and substantially parallel to the lower fold line 160 and to the upper edge 162. The first median fold lines 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 are positioned in the same plane substantially parallel to the bottom 146. Each first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 divides each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 into an upper zone 148S, 150S, 152S, 154S situated between the first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 and the upper edge 162 and a lower zone 148I, 150I, 152I, 154I situated between the first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 and the lower fold line 160.Complementing this, each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 includes in its lower zone 150I, 154I first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’ forming an inverted V shape. The first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’ have common first edges 166.1, 166.1’ situated approximately at the level of the middle of the first median fold line 150.1, 154.1 and second edges 166.2, 166.2’ situated at the ends of the lower fold line 160. The first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’ divide the lower zone 150I, 154I of each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 into a central first triangle 168.1 adjoining the lower fold line 160 and second and third triangles 168.2, 168.3 positioned on respective opposite sides of the central first triangle 168.1 and adjoining the median fold line 150.1, 154.1.Complementing this, each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 includes at the level of its upper zone 150S, 154S a second median fold line 149 equidistant from the first fold lines 156 situated on respective opposite sides of each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154, having a first edge 149.1 situated approximately at the level of the middle of the first median fold line 150.1, 154.1 and coinciding with the first edges 166.1, 166.1’ of the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’ and a second edge 149.2 situated approximately at the level of the middle of the upper edge 162.The box 142 can include handles 196, 196’ and vents 202. In an embodiment seen in figure 15 each handle 196, 196’ takes the form of a half-disc connected to the upper edge 162 of each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 (the walls not extended by the flaps 190, 192). The handles 196, 196’ adjoin the second median fold lines 149 of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154. In one configuration when the box 142 is in the folded state the first handle 196 fastened to the second lateral wall 150 is situated on one side of the second median fold line 149 of the second lateral wall 150 and the second handle 196 fastened to the fourth lateral wall 154 is situated on the other side of the second median fold line 149 of the fourth lateral wall 154. Thus the first and second handles 196, 196’ are offset and do not interfere with one another.The first median fold line 150.1, 154.1 of each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 can include a cut D that extends on respective opposite sides of the edges 149.1, 166.1, 166.1’ of the second median fold line 149 and the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’. This cut D favors folding of the box 142 if it is slightly in the shape of a truncated pyramid.The box 142 can include other cuts D’ at the level of the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’.The box 142 is obtained from a flat blank 198 seen in figure 15.Firstly the first and fourth lateral walls 148, 154 are connected together in such a manner as to form a tube as depicted in part (A) of figure 16. To this end the fourth lateral wall 154 is extended by a tongue 200 glued to the first lateral wall 148.Following this, the central first triangle 168.1 of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 is folded toward the bottom 146 during a first folding operation. During this movement the upper zones 150S and 154S of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 form as seen from above a V shape, the point of the V shape corresponding in each of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154 to the second median fold line 149, and are positioned between the upper zones 148S and 152S of the first and third lateral walls 148, 152 that move closer together, as depicted in figures 17 and 19.At the end of this first folding operation, as depicted in figure 18 the box 142 forms an inverted T shape, the first volume 142.1 of the box 142 forming the head of the T shape, the lower zones 148I, 152I of the first and second lateral walls 148, 152 covering those of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154, the upper zones 148S, 152S of the first and third lateral walls 148, 152 being pressed against either side of the upper zones 150S, 154S of the second and fourth lateral walls 150, 154, as depicted in figure 19. Following this, during a second folding operation the upper parts 148S, 150S, 152S, 154S of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are folded against the lower zone 148I, 152I of the first or third lateral wall 148, 152, as depicted in figures 20 and 21.Following this, the first and second flaps 190, 192 situated in line with the upper zones 148S, 152S of the first and third walls 148, 152 are connected together by gluing the flap 190.1 of the first flap 190 against the second flap 192, as depicted in figure 22. Before this gluing step the first and second flaps 190, 192 could be folded at 90°. Finally, as depicted in figure 23, after the gluing step the first and second flaps 190, 192 connected together are folded against the upper zone 148S, 152S of the first or third wall 148, 152 in such a manner as to obtain a box 142 in a folded state, as depicted in part (B) of figure 16.In the embodiment seen in figures 15 to 23 two opposite walls of the box 142 each include fold lines forming an inverted Y shape that includes first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166’ in the lower zone of the opposite walls and a second median fold line 149 in the upper zone of the opposite walls.In contrast to the X shape in the prior art embodiment, this Y shape simplifies automation of folding the box 142 from the deployed state to the folded state.Another advantage is that when the box 142 has been partly folded (as depicted in figure 17) and has not yet been completely deployed it has a height preventing entry into a microwave oven.
Claims
1. Box for packaging and cooking a food product to be popped configured to occupy folded and deployed states, including a bottom (146) and first, second, third and fourth lateral walls (148, 150, 152, 154) connected in pairs by first fold lines (156), each of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls (148, 150, 152, 154) extending between a lower edge (158) adjoining the bottom (146) and an upper edge (162) and including:a lower fold line (160) substantially parallel to the bottom (146), a zone of the box situated between said bottom and a first plane passing through the lower fold lines (160) of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls (148, 150, 152, 154) corresponding to a non-foldable first volume (142.1) configured to contain a tray (44),a first median fold line (148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1) situated equidistantly from the lower fold line (160) and the upper edge (162);the box (142) including an opening (170) delimited by the upper edges (162) of the first, second, third and fourth lateral walls (148, 150, 152, 154) when the box is in a deployed state;a first pair of opposite lateral walls (150, 154) of the lateral walls (148, 150, 152, 154) including in each lateral wall (150, 154) fold lines forming an inverted Y shape including first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166’) connecting the lower fold line (160) and the first median fold line (150.1, 154.1) and a second median fold line (149) connecting the upper edge (162) and the first median fold line (150.1, 154.1);characterized in that the box includes a lid (182) configured to close the opening (170) when the box (142) is in the deployed state that has first and second sides respectively connected to the upper edges (162) of the lateral walls of a second pair of opposite lateral walls (148, 152) different from the first pair of opposite lateral walls (150, 154) by first and second fold lines (184.1, 184.2), the lid (182) including at least one intermediate fold line (186) enabling it to be folded when the box (142) is in the folded state.
2. Packaging and cooking box according to claim 1 characterized in that the first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166’) have common first ends (166.1, 166.1’) situated approximately at the level of the middle of the first median fold line (150.1, 154.1) and second ends (166.2, 166.2’) situated at the ends of the lower fold line (160).
3. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim characterized in that each second median fold line (149) is positioned equidistantly from the first fold lines (156) and has a first end (149.1) situated approximately at the level of the middle of the first median fold line (150.1, 154.1) and coinciding with the first ends (166.1, 166.1’) of the first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166’) and a second end (149.2) situated approximately at the level of the middle of the upper edge (162).
4. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim characterized in that the first median fold line (150.1, 154.1) of each of the opposite lateral walls (150, 154) includes a cut (D) that extends on respective opposite sides of the first ends (149.1, 166.1, 166.1’) of the second median fold line (149) and the first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166’).
5. Packaging and cooking box according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the lid (182) has a dimension (L1), the distance separating the first and second fold lines (184.1, 184.2), greater than the length (L0) of each upper edge (162) of the lateral walls of the first pair of opposite lateral walls (150, 154), the box (142) being configured to occupy a deployed and unlocked state in which the intermediate fold line (186) is situated above a plane passing through the upper edges (162) and a deployed and locked state in which the intermediate fold line (86) is situated below the plane passing through the upper edges (162).
6. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim characterized in that the lid (182) includes a single intermediate fold line (186) situated substantially equidistantly from the first and second fold lines (184.1, 184.2).
7. Packaging and cooking box according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the lid (182) includes first and second flaps (190, 192) connected to one another and respectively connected to the lateral walls (148, 152) of the second pair of opposite lateral walls by fold lines.
8. Packaging and cooking box according to any one of the preceding claims characterized in that the lid (182) includes at least one precut line enabling the lid (182) to be separated into two parts or separation thereof from at least one of the lateral walls in order to free the opening (170) at least partially.
9. Device for packaging and cooking a food product to be popped including a box having any one of the foregoing features and a tray (44) containing the food product to be popped positioned in the box.