Box for packaging and cooking a food product to be cooked by popping or puffing

Abstract

The invention relates to a box for packaging and cooking a food product to be cooked by popping or puffing, which box comprises a bottom (46) and first, second, third and fourth side walls (48, 50, 52, 54) which each extend between lower and upper edges (158, 162) and which each comprise: - a lower folding line (160) substantially parallel to the bottom (146), - a first median folding line (148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1) located at equal distances from the lower folding line (160) and from the upper edge (162), two opposite side walls (150, 154) each comprising folding lines forming an inverted Y, the first and second oblique folding lines (166, 166') of which inverted Y connect the lower folding line (160) to the first median folding line (150.1, 154.1), as well as a second median folding line (149) connecting the upper edge (162) to the first median folding line (150.1, 154.1).

Description

[0001] Packaging and cooking box for a puffed food product

[0002] The present application relates to a box for packaging and cooking a popped food product such as popcorn and to a device comprising said box.

[0003] According to an embodiment described in document WO2004032633 and visible in figures 1 and 2, a device for packaging and cooking popcorn comprises a foldable cardboard box 10 as well as a tray, containing corn kernels to be cooked, positioned in the tray.

[0004] The tray is generally obtained by thermoforming and includes a container which has a coating which promotes the absorption of the energy of electromagnetic waves also called "susceptor". The tray includes a lid to close it, said lid being glued to the periphery of the container using a hot melt glue. The tray ensures airtight packaging of corn grains and adjuvants such as sugar or vegetable oil for example.

[0005] The box 10 comprises in the lower part a first non-foldable volume 12 surmounted by a second foldable and retractable volume 14 which makes it possible to significantly reduce the volume of the box 10 during transport, storage and at the point of sale.

[0006] The cardboard box 10 comprises a base 16, four side walls 18.1 to 18.4 and a top 20. Each side wall 18.1 to 18.4 comprises a first folding line 22, parallel and slightly spaced (of the order of 1 cm) from the base 16, as well as a second median folding line 24 parallel to the first folding line 22 and arranged equidistant from the first folding line 22 and the top 20.

[0007] Two opposite side walls 18.2 and 18.4 comprise, in addition to the first and second fold lines, two diagonal fold lines 26 in the portion of the side walls located above the first fold line 22.

[0008] The box 10 can occupy a storage position, visible in part (A) of figure 1, in which the side wall parts 18.1 to 18.4 located above the first fold lines 22 are pressed against each other, above the first volume 12 located under the first fold lines 22 and containing the tray, as well as a deployed position, visible in part (B) of figure 1, in which the side walls 18.1 to 18.4 are unfolded and delimit a large volume allowing the corn grains to be cooked.

[0009] As illustrated in Figure 2, the top 20 of the box comprises two flaps 28.1, 28.2 connected to the side walls 18.2 and 18.4 with the diagonal fold lines 26 as well as two flaps 30.1 and 30.2 connected to the other side walls 18.1 and 18.3. When folded over the flaps 28.1, 28.2, the flaps 30.1 and 30.2 overlap slightly so as to close the box.

[0010] According to document WO2004032633, the flaps 30.1 and 30.2 comprise shapes which cooperate so as to maintain them in the closed position. Thus, each flap comprises an ear 32.1 and 32.2 hinged relative to the rest of the flap 30.1, 30.2 along a fold line 34. The ears 32.1 and 32.2 are oriented in opposite directions and form hooks which cooperate with each other so as to maintain the flaps in the closed position.

[0011] The box is made from a cardboard blank.

[0012] This box 10 is particularly clever because it takes up a small volume during transport 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.

[0013] Due to the presence of the shutter hanging system, the closing of this box can hardly be automated.

[0014] To overcome this drawback, document WO2014064342 proposes a box which comprises, instead of the two ears, a tab connected to a first flap as well as a slot provided at the level of a second flap and configured to receive the tab. The tab and the slot have particular shapes to allow automation of the insertion of the tab into the slot and thus the closing of the box.

[0015] A packaging line for shaping the box described in WO2014064342, closing its bottom, inserting a tray into the box, closing the top of the box and folding the box into its storage position is relatively complex to adjust.

[0016] Document US2005048170 proposes a device for packaging and cooking popcorn comprising a box which comprises a bottom and four side walls each comprising a first fold line substantially parallel to the bottom. Two opposite side walls comprise two inverted V-shaped fold lines positioned above the first fold line. Thanks to these V-shaped fold lines, the upper portions of the side walls located above the first fold line can be folded to close the box. Thus, this box is configured to occupy a first compact state in which the upper portions of the side walls are folded and a second deployed state in which the upper portions of the side walls are positioned in line with the lower portions of the side walls.

[0017] Unlike the embodiments described in WO2004032633 and WO2014064342, when the box is in the deployed position, it does not include any cover to keep the corn kernels inside the box while they are being cooked. Therefore, the packaging and cooking device described in US2005048170 includes a "susceptor" type coating covering the bottom as well as a film covering the corn kernels placed on the bottom, said film extending against the inner face of the side walls and being fixed at the upper edges of the side walls. Thus, during storage, the film is pressed against the corn kernels and against the side walls. During cooking, the film moves away from the side walls and allows the popcorn to be kept between the box and the film.

[0018] The embodiment described in document US2005048170 requires providing a cardboard box whose interior faces and more particularly the bottom must be covered with a coating forming an oil barrier, which leads to a significant increase in the price of the box and to generating waste that is more difficult to treat and reuse.

[0019] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0020] To this end, the invention relates to a box for packaging and cooking a puffed food product, configured to occupy folded and deployed states, comprising a base as well as first, second, third and fourth side walls connected in pairs by first fold lines; each of the first, second, third and fourth side walls extending between a lower edge adjoining the base as well as an upper edge and comprising: a lower fold line substantially parallel to the base, a first median fold line located equidistant from the lower fold line and the upper edge.

[0021] According to the invention, two opposite side walls each comprise fold lines forming an inverted Y including first and second oblique fold lines connecting the lower fold line and the first middle fold line as well as a second middle fold line connecting the upper edge and the first middle fold line.

[0022] This solution provides a compact and easy-to-fold box, simplifying a packaging line for filling, closing and folding boxes.

[0023] Other characteristics and advantages will emerge from the description of the invention which follows, a description given by way of example only, with reference to the appended drawings, among which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a representation of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating a prior art embodiment, in a folded position on part (A) and an extended position on part (B),

[0025] Figure 2 is a front view of a cardboard blank for forming the box shown in Figure 1,

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating one embodiment of the invention in a collapsed state,

[0027] Figure 4 is a side view of the box seen in Figure 3 being deployed,

[0028] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the box shown in Figure 3 in the deployed and unlocked state,

[0029] Figure 6 is a cross-section, along the plane PC of Figure 5, of the box visible in Figure 3 in the deployed and unlocked state,

[0030] Figure 7 is a cross-section of the box seen in Figure 3 in the deployed and locked state,

[0031] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the box shown in Figure 3 in the deployed and locked state.

[0032] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the box shown in Figure 3 in the open state, Figure 10 is a front view of a blank of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating an embodiment of the invention,

[0033] Figure 11 is a front view of a blank of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0034] Figure 12 is a front view of a blank of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating another embodiment of the invention, Figure 13 is a sectional view of a lower portion of a popcorn packaging and cooking device illustrating one embodiment of the invention,

[0035] Figure 14 is a sectional view of a lower portion of a popcorn packaging and cooking device illustrating another embodiment of the invention, Figure 15 is a front view of a blank of a popcorn packaging and cooking box illustrating another embodiment of the invention,

[0036] Figure 16 is a perspective view of a popcorn packaging and cooking box obtained from the blank of Figure 15, in the expanded state on part (A) and in the folded state on part (B),

[0037] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the popcorn packaging and cooking box seen in Figure 16 during a first folding step,

[0038] Figure 18 is a side view of the popcorn packaging and cooking box shown in Figure 17 after the first folding step,

[0039] Figure 19 is a section of the popcorn packaging and cooking box along line XIX-XIX of Figure 18,

[0040] Figure 20 is a side view of the popcorn packaging and cooking box shown in Figure 18 after a second folding step,

[0041] Figure 21 is a section of the popcorn packaging and cooking box along line XXI-XX of Figure 20,

[0042] Figure 22 is a side view of the popcorn packaging and cooking box shown in Figure 20 after a gluing step,

[0043] Figure 23 is a side view of the popcorn packaging and cooking box shown in Figure 22 after a final folding step.

[0044] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 3 to 9 and 13, a popcorn packaging and cooking device 40 comprises a box 42 in which a tray 44 is positioned (visible in Figure 13). Of course, the invention is not limited to popcorn. It can be applied to all food products to be puffed. Thus, the tray 44 can contain a food product to be puffed such as popcorn.

[0045] The tray 44 is generally obtained by thermoforming and comprises a container 44.1 which has a base F44.1, a peripheral collar C44.1 as well as a coating made of a material promoting the absorption of the energy of electromagnetic waves also called a “susceptor”. The tray 44 comprises a lid 44.2 for closing it, glued to the periphery of the container 44.1 using a hot-melt glue 44.3. The tray 44 ensures leak-proof packaging of the corn grains and additives such as sugar or vegetable oil for example. The tray 44 has a height H44 corresponding to the dimension separating the base F44.1 and the lid 44.2 measured in a direction perpendicular to the base F44.1.

[0046] The box 42 comprises in the lower part a first non-foldable volume 42.1 surmounted by a second foldable volume 42.2 which makes it possible to significantly reduce the interior volume of the box 42 during transport, storage and at the point of sale.

[0047] The box 42 comprises a bottom 46 as well as first, second, third and fourth side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 connected two by two by first fold lines 56 so as to form a tube. According to one configuration, the first fold lines 56 are substantially flared. Thus, the box 42 is substantially frustoconical, promoting the stacking of the boxes 42 inside each other. In variants, the first fold lines 56 could be parallel to each other.

[0048] Each of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 48, 50, 52 and 54 includes a lower edge 58 adjoining the bottom 46 as well as a lower fold line 60 substantially parallel to the bottom 46 or the lower edge 58.

[0049] The distances between the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 of the different side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are identical and substantially equal to or very slightly greater than the height H44 of the tray 44. For information purposes, for each side wall 48, 50, 52, 54, the distance separating the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 measures around 10 to 12 mm.

[0050] The area of ​​the box 42 located between the bottom 46 and a first plane passing through the lower folding lines 60 corresponds to the first non-foldable volume 42.1, configured to contain the tray 44.

[0051] The first, second, third and fourth side walls 48, 50, 52 and 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 different side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are identical. For information purposes, for each side wall 48, 50, 52, 54, the distance separating 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 to 170 mm. For each of the side 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.

[0052] The lower fold line 60 divides each side wall 48, 50, 52, 54 into a lower portion 64.1 between the lower edge 58 and the lower fold line 60 and an upper portion 64.2 between the lower fold line 60 and the upper edge 62.

[0053] Each of the first and third side walls 48, 52 comprises first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66' forming an inverted V. The first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66 have common first ends 66.1, 66.1' located approximately at the middle of the upper edge 62 as well as second ends 66.2, 66.2' located 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 side walls 48, 52 into a first central triangle 68.1 adjoining the lower fold line 60 as well as second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 positioned on either side of the first central triangle 68.1 and adjoining the upper edge 62.

[0054] The area of ​​the box 42 located between the first plane passing through the lower fold lines 60 and a second plane passing through the upper edges 62 corresponds to the second foldable volume 42.2.

[0055] Thus, the box 42 is configured to occupy a folded state, visible in FIG. 3, in which the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 are substantially parallel to the bottom 46 and in which, for each of the first and third side walls 48, 52, the first central triangle 68.1 is folded parallel to the bottom 46 by means of the lower folding line 60, the second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 being folded against the first central triangle.

[0056] 68.1 thanks to the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66', the upper parts

[0057] 64.2 of the second and fourth walls 50, 54 being folded against the second and third triangles 68.2, 68.3 by means of the lower fold lines 60.

[0058] The box 42 is also configured to occupy an expanded state, visible in Figures 5, 8 and 9, in which the first, second, third and fourth side walls are substantially planar. The upper edges 62 of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 define an opening 70 (visible in Figure 9) when the box 42 is in the expanded state. The bottom 46 comprises at least one large flap 72 connected to at least one of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 by a fold line located at the lower edge 58 of the corresponding side wall.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment visible in Figures 10 to 12, the bottom 46 comprises first and second large flaps 72, 72' connected respectively to two opposite side walls, in particular to the second and fourth side walls 50, 54, by fold lines located 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 outer face F72' pressed against an inner face F72 of the first large flap 72. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 13, the tray 44 is positioned against the second large flap 72'.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the first large flap 72 is sized to extend over the entire surface area of ​​the bottom 46. The second large flap 72' is sized to extend over at least a portion of the surface area of ​​the bottom 46.

[0061] The bottom 46 comprises a bonding connection 74 connecting the first and second large flaps 72, 72', more particularly the inner face F72 of the first large flap 72 and the outer face F72' of the second large flap 72'.

[0062] According to one configuration, the second large flap 72' has at least one through-hole 72.1'. Thus, when the inner face F72 of the first large flap 72 is glued and pressed against the outer face F72' of the second large flap 72', the glue 76 positioned in line with the through-hole 72.1' is used to fix the tray 44 against the base 46, as illustrated in FIG. 13. According to this configuration, the adhesive connection 74 connecting the first and second large flaps 72, 72' ensures a connection between the base 46 and the tray 44, making it possible to immobilize the latter in the box 42.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the bottom 46 comprises first and second small flaps 78.1, 78.2 connected to two opposite side walls different from those to which the first and second large flaps 72, 72' are connected. According to one configuration, the first and second small flaps 78.1, 78.2 are connected to the first and third side 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 comprise at least one cutout 80 to clear each through-orifice 72.1' of the second large flap 72'. Of course, the invention is not limited to this embodiment for the bottom 46. The bottom

[0064] 46 could be an automatic background or any other background comprising flaps connected together by any suitable means.

[0065] Alternatively, no through hole 72.1' is provided. Thus, the glue is isolated from the tray 44 by at least one flap.

[0066] When the tray 44 is not immobilized by gluing, it can be immobilized on the bottom 46 by coming into contact or almost into contact over its entire periphery with the four side walls 48, 50, 52, 54, as illustrated in FIG. 14. In this case, the collar C44.1 has an excess length so that, for equal capacity, the periphery of the tray 44 is in contact with the four side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 or very slightly spaced from the latter. This solution makes it possible to obtain centering and immobilization of the tray 44 and promotes the folding of the lower folding lines 60.

[0067] The box 42 comprises a lid 82, square or rectangular, for closing the opening 70 when the box 42 is in the deployed state, which has first and second sides connected respectively to the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 by first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2. This lid 82 comprises at least one intermediate fold line 86 located between the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2, substantially parallel to the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2, making it possible to fold the lid 82 when the box 42 is in the folded state.

[0068] According to one configuration, the lid 82 comprises a single intermediate fold line 86 located substantially equidistant 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 being adjacent to the second side wall 50, the second zone 88.2 being adjacent to the fourth side wall 54. When the box 42 is in the deployed state, the first and second zones are positioned between the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 substantially in line with the opening 70, as illustrated in FIG. 5. When the box 42 is in the folded state, the first zone 88.1 is located in the extension of the second side wall 50 and the second zone 88.2 is folded against the fourth side wall 54 between the latter and the first zone 88.1, as illustrated in FIG. 3.When the box 42 is being deployed, between the folded and deployed states as illustrated in FIG. 4, the first and second zones 88.1, 88.2 are positioned in the extension of the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 respectively. Thus, in side view, the assembly forms a triangle.

[0069] According to variants visible in figures 10 and 12, the cover 82 comprises first and second flaps 90, 92 connected to each other by gluing over their entire width and respectively connected to the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 by fold lines located at the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth side walls 50, 54. According to one configuration, the first and second flaps 90, 92 comprise overlapping zones 90.1, 92.1 connected to each other by gluing.

[0070] According to other variants visible in Figure 11, the cover 82 comprises a single flap 90 connected by a fold line to the second side wall 50 and connected by gluing to the fourth side wall 54. According to one configuration, the flap 90 comprises an end 90.1 configured to be glued against the fourth side wall 54.

[0071] Of course, the invention is not limited to these variants with regard to the number of flaps forming the cover 82.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the lid 82 comprises at least one pre-cut line 94 making it possible to separate the lid 82 into two parts, as illustrated in FIG. 9, or to separate it from at least one of the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 in order to at least partially clear the opening 70 and to access the interior of the box 42. Thus, the lid 82 may comprise a pre-cut line 94 at the first or second fold line 84.1, 84.2, at each of the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2 or between the first and second fold lines 84.1, 84.2. According to one configuration, the intermediate fold line 86 and the pre-cut line 94 are merged. The box 42 may comprise at least one cutout or pre-cut intersecting with the pre-cut line 94 to facilitate its cutting.

[0073] According to embodiments visible in figures 10 to 12, to facilitate its deployment, the box 42 comprises at least two handles 96, 96' connected to two opposite side walls 48, 50, 52, 54.

[0074] According to embodiments visible in Figures 10 and 11, the handles 96, 96' are positioned at the upper edges 62 of the second and fourth side walls 50, 54. According to these embodiments, for each handle 96, 96', the box 42 comprises a cutout or pre-cutout 96.1, 96.1' straddling the cover 82 and the second or fourth side wall 50, 54 in order to delimit the handle 96, 96'. According to other embodiments visible in Figure 12, the handles 96, 96' are positioned at the upper edges 62 of the first and third side walls 48, 52. According to these embodiments, for each handle 96, 96', the box comprises a tab 96.2, 96.2', one end of which is connected to the upper edge 62 of the first or third side wall 48, 52.

[0075] Of course, the invention is not limited to these embodiments for the handles 96, 96' which are configured to allow, by pulling and moving them apart, the box 42 to be deployed.

[0076] Given the folding of the first and third side walls 48, 52 along the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66', the first and third side walls 48, 52 are not planar but retain a slightly folded shape when the box 42 transitions from the collapsed state to the expanded state.

[0077] According to a feature of the invention, the cover 82 has a dimension L1, 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 LO of each upper edge 62 of the first and third side walls 48, 52, making it possible to obtain mechanical locking of the cover 82 thanks to a toggle effect.

[0078] Thus, the box 42 is configured to occupy a deployed and unlocked state, visible in Figures 5 and 6, in which the intermediate fold line 86 is located above the second plane or the upper edges 62 of the first and third side walls 48, 52 as well as a deployed and locked state, visible in Figures 7 and 8, in which the intermediate fold line 86 is located below the second plane or the upper edges 62 of the first and third side walls 48, 52.

[0079] When the box 42 is in the deployed and unlocked state, it can return to the collapsed state and there are gaps between the cover 82 and the first and third side walls 48, 52, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0080] By pressing the lid 82 toward the bottom 46, the box 42 enters the extended and locked state, as shown in FIG. 7, and remains in this state and can no longer return to the extended and unlocked state. In this state, the box 42 is closed and no popcorn can come out.

[0081] According to an embodiment visible in Figure 11, each of the first and third side walls 48, 52 (those which have first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66' forming an inverted V) is extended by a flap 102 folded against the internal face of the corresponding first or second side wall 48, 52. To be able to fold the first and second side walls 48, 52, each flap 102 comprises fold lines in the extension of the oblique fold lines 66, 66'. These flaps 102 make it possible to stiffen the first and second side walls 48, 52, which makes it possible to prevent said side walls 48, 52 from moving away from the cover 82 at the end of cooking, when the box 42 is in the deployed state.

[0082] The box 42 is obtained from a blank 98 cut flat. The first side wall 48 comprises an extension 100, opposite the second side wall 50, glued against the fourth side wall 54 to form a tube. The tubes are stored flat, the flaps 72, 72', 78.1, 78.2 of the bottom 46 as well as the flaps 90, 92 of the cover 82 being located in the extension of the side walls 48, 50, 52, 54, the first and second side walls 48, 50 being pressed against the third and fourth side walls 52, 54.

[0083] To form the box 42, the side walls 48, 50, 52, 54 are separated so as to form a tube. Next, 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 so as to form the bottom 46. The tray 44 is placed on the bottom 46 and held by means of the glue 76, used to glue the large and small flaps 72, 72', 78.1, 78.2 together, which passes through the through holes 72.1'.

[0084] Next, the flap(s) 90, 92 is (or are) folded and glued so as to form the cover 82. Finally, the box 42 is folded along the lower fold lines 60, the first and second oblique fold lines 66, 66' and the intermediate fold line 86 of the cover 82.

[0085] According to the invention, the tray 44 being stationary relative to the bottom 46, the box 42 has a section in a plane parallel to the bottom 46 greater than that of the tray 44, unlike the prior art which provides a box with a section substantially identical to that of the tray. Consequently, the box has a height in the deployed state less than that of the boxes of the prior art, which makes it possible to use cooking appliances of smaller dimensions.

[0086] According to another advantage, when the flap(s) 90, 92 is (or are) glued and forms the cover 82, the latter has two opposite ends connected to the rest of the box 42, which simplifies the folding of the box 42. Unlike the prior art, the box 42 does not have any flap or flap with free ends as in the case of the box of the prior art, visible in Figures 1 and 2, which makes it difficult to automate the folding of the box.

[0087] According to another advantage, the side walls 48, 50, 52 and 54 only comprise a limited number of fold lines 60, 66, 66'. Thus, the first and third side walls 48, 52 each comprise a single fold line 60 parallel to the bottom 46 instead of two according to the prior art and V-shaped fold lines instead of X-shaped fold lines (equivalent to two Vs). In addition, the second and fourth side walls 50, 54 each comprise a single fold line 60 parallel to the bottom 46 instead of two according to the prior art. This limited number of fold lines makes it possible to limit the risks of inadequate deformations of the box 42 when changing from the deployed state to the folded state, which simplifies the automation of the folding of the box 42 to the folded state.

[0088] Finally, thanks to the mechanical locking of the cover 82, the box can occupy a deployed and locked state in which it is completely closed, even in the absence of a flap in the extension of the first and third side walls 48, 52.

[0089] Figures 15 to 23 illustrate another embodiment of the box 142.

[0090] As indicated previously, the box 142 comprises in the lower part a first non-foldable volume 142.1 surmounted by a second foldable volume 142.2 which makes it possible to significantly reduce the interior volume of the box 142 during the transport and storage phases and at the points of sale, as illustrated in part (B) of figure 16.

[0091] The box 142 comprises a bottom 146 as well as first, second, third and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 connected two by two by first fold lines 156 so as to form a tube. According to one configuration, the first fold lines 156 are substantially flared. Thus, the box 142 is substantially frustoconical, promoting the stacking of the boxes 142 inside each other. Alternatively, the first fold lines 156 could be parallel to each other.

[0092] Each of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152 and 154 includes a lower edge 158 adjoining the bottom 146 as well as a lower fold line 160 substantially parallel to the bottom 146 or the lower edge 158.

[0093] The distances between the lower edge 158 and the lower fold line 160 of the different side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are identical and substantially equal to or very slightly greater than the height H44 of the tray 44. For information purposes, for each side wall 148, 150, 152, 154, the distance separating the lower edge 158 and the lower fold line 160 measures around 10 to 12 mm.

[0094] The area of ​​the box 142 located between the bottom 46 and a first plane passing through the lower folding lines 160 corresponds to a first non-foldable volume 142.1 configured to contain a tray 44.

[0095] The first, second, third and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152 and 154 each extend 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 lines 160 and the upper edges 162 of the different side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are identical.

[0096] The dimension separating the lower fold line 160 and the upper edge 162 of each side wall as well as the dimension separating the first fold lines 156 from each other are adjusted according to the desired volume for the second foldable volume 142.2.

[0097] The bottom 146 is not further described because it may be identical to the embodiments previously described.

[0098] As illustrated in part (A) of Figure 16, the box 142 is configured to occupy an expanded state in which the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152, and 154 are substantially planar. In this expanded state, the upper edges 162 of the first, second, third, and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 define an opening 170.

[0099] The box 142 comprises a square or rectangular lid 182, for closing the opening 170 when the box 142 is in the deployed state, which has first and second sides connected respectively to the upper edges 162 of the first and third side walls 148, 152 by fold lines 184.1, 184.2. This lid 182 comprises at least one intermediate fold line 186 located between the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2, substantially parallel to the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2, allowing the lid 182 to be folded when the box 142 is in the folded state. According to one arrangement, the box 142 comprises a single intermediate fold line 186 equidistant from the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2.

[0100] According to an embodiment visible in Figures 15 to 23, the cover 182 comprises first and second flaps 190, 192 connected to the first and third side walls 148, 152 by the fold lines 184.1, 184.2. One of the flaps 190, 192 comprises a flap 190.1, 192.1 connected to the first or second flap 190, 192 by a fold line which corresponds to the intermediate fold line 186. This flap 190.1, 190.2 makes it possible to connect the first and second flaps 190, 192 by gluing. If the flap 190.1 (190.2) is integral with the first flap 190 (of the second flap 192), it is glued over its entire surface to the second flap 192 (the first flap 190).

[0101] According to a configuration, the first and second flaps 190, 192 may have different lengths (dimensions taken perpendicular to the first and second fold lines 184.1, 184.2). Thus, the first or second flap 190 (192) extended by the flap 190.1 (192.1) has a length of the order of 1 mm greater than that of the flap 192 (190) without flap.

[0102] The cover 182 is not described further because it may be identical to the cover 82. Thus, the cover 182 may have a dimension L1, 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 and greater than the length L0 of each upper edge 162 of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154, making it possible to obtain mechanical locking of the cover 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 located above the second plane or the upper edges 162 of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 as well as a deployed and locked state in which the intermediate fold line 186 is located below the second plane or the upper edges 162 of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154.

[0103] The cover 182 may comprise at least one pre-cut line allowing it to be separated into two parts or to be separated from at least one side wall in order to at least partially clear the opening 170 and to access the interior of the box 142.

[0104] According to the embodiment visible in Figures 15 to 23, each of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 comprises a first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 located equidistant from the lower fold line 160 and the upper edge 162, substantially parallel to the lower fold line 160 and 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 side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 in an upper zone 148S, 150S, 152S, 154S located between the first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 and the upper edge 162 as well as a lower zone 1481, 1501, 1521, 1541 located between the first median fold line 148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1 and the lower fold line 160.

[0105] Additionally, each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 comprises, at its lower zone 1501, 1541, first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166' forming an inverted V. The first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166' have common first ends 166.1, 166.1' located approximately at the middle of the first middle fold line 150.1, 154.1 and second ends 166.2, 166.2' located at the ends of the lower fold line 160. The first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166' divide the lower area 1501, 1541 of each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 into a first central triangle 168.1 adjoining the lower fold line 160 and second and third triangles 168.2, 168.3 positioned on either side of the first central triangle 168.1 and adjoining the middle fold line 150.1, 154.1.

[0106] In addition, each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 comprises, at its upper zone 150S, 154S, a second median fold line 149, equidistant from the first fold lines 156 located on either side of each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154, comprising a first end 149.1 located approximately at the middle of the first median fold line 150.1, 154.1 and merged with the first ends 166.1, 166.1' of the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166' as well as a second end 149.2 located approximately at the middle of the upper edge 162.

[0107] The box 142 may comprise handles 196, 196' and vents 202. According to an embodiment visible in FIG. 15, each handle 196, 196' is in the form of a half-disc connected to the upper edge 162 of each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 54 (the walls not extended by the flaps 190, 192). The handles 196, 196' are adjacent to the second median fold lines 149 of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154. According to one configuration, when the box 142 is in the folded state, the first handle 196, integral with the second side wall 150, is located on one side of the second median fold line 149 of the second side wall 150 while the second handle 196, integral with the fourth side wall 154, is located on the other side of the second median fold line 149 of the fourth side wall 154. Thus, the first and second handles 196, 196' are offset and do not interfere with each other.

[0108] The first median fold line 150.1, 154.1 of each of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 may comprise a cutout D which extends on either side of the ends 149.1, 166.1, 166.1' of the second median fold line 149 and the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166'. This cutout D promotes the folding of the box 142 when it is slightly in the shape of a truncated pyramid.

[0109] The box 142 may include further cutouts D' at the first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166'.

[0110] Box 142 is obtained from a flat-cut blank 198 visible in figure 15.

[0111] Firstly, the first and fourth side walls 148, 154 are connected to each other so as to form a tube, as illustrated in part (A) of figure 16. For this purpose, the fourth side wall 154 is extended by a tab 200 connected by gluing to the first side wall 148.

[0112] Next, the first central triangle 168.1 of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 is folded towards the bottom 146 during a first folding operation. During this movement, the upper zones 150S and 154S of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154 form a V in top view, the tip of the V corresponding for each second or fourth side wall 150, 154 to the second median folding line 149, and are positioned between the upper zones 148S and 152S of the first and third side walls 148, 152 which are approaching each other, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 19. At the end of this first folding operation, as illustrated in FIG. 18, the box 142 forms an inverted T, the first volume 142.1 of the box 142 forming the head of the T, the lower zones 1481, 1521 of the first and second side walls 148, 152 covering those of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154, the upper zones 148S, 152S of the first and third side walls 148, 152 being pressed against each other of the upper zones 150S, 154S of the second and fourth side walls 150, 154, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0113] Next, during a second folding operation, the upper parts 148S, 150S, 152S, 154S of the first, second, third and fourth side walls 148, 150, 152, 154 are folded against the lower zone 1481, 1521 of the first or third side wall 148, 152, as illustrated in Figures 20 and 21. Next, the first and second flaps 190, 192 located in the extension of 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 illustrated in Figure 22. Prior to this gluing step, the first and second flaps 190, 192 could be folded at 90°.Finally, as illustrated in Figure 23, after the gluing step, the first and second flaps 190, 192 connected to each other are folded against the upper zone 148S, 152S of the first or third wall 148, 152 so as to obtain a box 142 in a folded state, as illustrated in part (B) of Figure 16.

[0114] According to the embodiment visible in Figures 15 to 23, two opposite walls of the box 142 each comprise fold lines forming an inverted Y which comprises first and second oblique fold lines 166, 166' in the lower zone of the opposite walls as well as a second median fold line 149 in the upper zone of the opposite walls.

[0115] Unlike the X-shape of the prior art embodiment, this Y-shape simplifies the automation of folding the box 142 from the deployed state to the collapsed state.

[0116] According to another advantage, when the box 142 is partially collapsed (as illustrated in FIG. 17) and not fully extended, it has a height that prevents it from fitting into a microwave.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Packaging and cooking box for a puffed food product configured to occupy folded and deployed states comprising a base (146) as well as first, second, third and fourth side walls (148, 150, 152, 154) connected two by two by first fold lines (156); each of the first, second, third and fourth side walls (148, 150, 152, 154) extending between a lower edge (158) adjoining the base (146) and an upper edge (162) and comprising: a lower fold line (160) substantially parallel to the base (146), a first median fold line (148.1, 150.1, 152.1, 154.1) located equidistant from the lower fold line (160) and the upper edge (162), characterized in that a first pair of opposite side walls (150, 154) among the side walls (148, 150, 152, 154) comprises, at each side wall (150, 154), fold lines forming an inverted Y including first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166') connecting the lower fold line (160) and the first middle fold line (150.1, 154.1) as well as a second middle fold line (149) connecting the upper edge (162) and the first middle fold line (150.1, 154.1).

2. Packaging and cooking box according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second oblique folding lines (166, 166') have common first ends (166.1, 166.1') located approximately at the middle of the first middle folding line (150.1, 154.1) as well as second ends (166.2, 166.2') located at the ends of the lower folding line (160).

3. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each second median folding line (149) is positioned equidistant from the first folding lines (156) and comprises a first end (149.1) located approximately at the middle of the first median folding line (150.1, 154.1) and merged with the first ends (166.1, 166.1') of the first and second oblique folding lines (166, 166') as well as a second end (149.2) located approximately at the middle of the upper edge (162).

4. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first median folding line (150.1, 154.1) of each of the opposite side walls (150, 154) comprises a cutout (D) which extends on either side of the first ends (149.1, 166.1, 166.1') of the second median fold line (149) and of the first and second oblique fold lines (166, 166').

5. Packaging and cooking box according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the box (142) comprises an opening (170) delimited by the upper edges (162) of the first, second, third and fourth side walls (148, 150, 152, 154) when the box is in an extended state as well as a cover (182), configured to close the opening (170) when the box (142) is in the extended state, which has first and second sides connected respectively to the upper edges (162) of the side walls of a second pair of opposite side walls (148, 152), different from the first pair of opposite side walls (150, 154), by first and second fold lines (184.1, 184.2), the cover (182) comprising at least one intermediate fold line (186) which allows it to be folded when the box (142) is in the extended state. the folded state.

6. Packaging and cooking box according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the lid (182) has a dimension (L1), distance separating the first and second fold lines (184.1, 184.2), greater than the length (L0) of each upper edge (162) of the side walls of the first pair of opposite side walls (150, 154), the box (142) being configured to occupy a deployed and unlocked state in which the intermediate fold line (186) is located above a plane passing through the upper edges (162) as well as a deployed and locked state in which the intermediate fold line (86) is located below the plane passing through the upper edges (162).

7. Packaging and cooking box according to the claim according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the cover (182) comprises a single intermediate folding line (186) located substantially equidistant from the first and second folding lines (184.1, 184.2).

8. Packaging and cooking box according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the cover (182) comprises first and second flaps (190, 192) connected to each other and respectively connected to the side walls (148, 152) of the second pair of opposite side walls by fold lines.

9. Packaging and cooking box according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the cover (182) comprises at least one pre-cut line making it possible to separate the cover (182) into two parts or to separate it from at least one of the side walls in order to at least partially clear the opening (170).

10. Device for packaging and cooking a puffed food product comprising a box according to one of the preceding characteristics as well as a tray (44) containing the puffed food product and positioned in the box.

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