Packaging blank for forming package and package formed from packaging blank

Abstract

A packaging blank (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2 ''') for forming a package (40) filled with pourable products, the packaging blank comprising at least a first transverse crease line (4) and a second transverse crease line (5), the first transverse crease line (4) and the second transverse crease line (5) extend transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the packaging blank (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2 ''') and divide the packaging blank (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2''') into a top region (6) comprising a top crease pattern (7) and a bottom region (8) comprising a bottom crease pattern (9) and an intermediate region (10) comprised between the first transverse crease line (4) and the second transverse crease line (5). The first transverse crease line (4) defines a top crease pattern (7) and the second transverse crease line (5) defines a bottom crease pattern (9). The packaging blank (2, 2 ', 2' ', 2 ''') further comprises a plurality of linear crease lines (19a, 19b, 19c) parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and extending from the first transverse crease line (4) and towards the second transverse crease line (5), each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and only along a portion of the intermediate region (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaging blank, in particular a packaging blank with a multilayer structure, for forming a package filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product.

[0002] Advantageously, the invention also relates to a package formed from a packaging blank and filled with a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product. Background Art

[0003] As is known to all, many liquid or pourable foods, such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature treated) milk, wine, ketchup, etc., are sold in packages made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquid or pourable foods, called Tetra Brik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding a laminated packaging blank. The packaging blank has a multilayer structure, including a fiber base layer (e.g. paper or paperboard) covered on both sides with layers of heat-sealable plastic material (e.g. polyethylene). For aseptic packaging for long-term storage products (e.g. UHT milk), the packaging blank also includes a layer of oxygen barrier material (oxygen barrier layer), such as aluminum foil, which is superimposed on a layer of heat-sealable plastic material and then covered with another layer of heat-sealable plastic material to form the inner surface of the package that finally contacts the food.

[0005] Such packaging is usually produced on a fully automatic packaging device, which forms the packaging from corresponding packaging blanks. These packaging blanks can be provided in the form of individual packaging blanks or in the form of a roll formed from a plurality of packaging blanks arranged in a row.

[0006] In case the packaging device is designed to form packages from a web, the packaging device advances and sterilizes the web, then forms it into tubes and fills the tubes with the pourable product before forming the individual sealed packages.

[0007] In order to facilitate forming and defining the shape of the package, the package blank is provided with a plurality of crease lines.

[0008] For example, it is known to produce packages with respective packaging blanks comprising respective at least partially circular side walls which are interposed between respective bottom walls and respective top walls.

[0009] Although known packaging blanks can satisfactorily well define packages having rounded side walls, there is still a desire in the art to further improve packaging blanks. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved packaging blank, in particular for forming a package having at least partially circular side walls.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved package formed from a packaging blank.

[0012] According to the invention, a packaging blank as claimed in claim 1 is provided.

[0013] Preferred non-limiting embodiments of the packaging blank are set out in the respective dependent claims.

[0014] According to the present invention, a package according to claim 17 is also provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Four non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine for forming packages with parts removed for clarity;

[0017] Figure 2 is a top view of a packaging blank according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0018] Figure 3 is a top view of a packaging blank according to a second embodiment of the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity;

[0019] Figure 4 is a top view of a packaging blank according to a third embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0020] Figure 5 is a top view of a packaging blank according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The number 1 denotes an overall packaging machine, which is used to pack corresponding packaging blanks 2 (see Figures 2 to 5 ) to produce (sealed) packaging 40 for pourable products (particularly pourable foods, such as pasteurized milk, juice, wine, ketchup, etc.).

[0022] Preferably, the packaging blank 2 may have a multi-layer structure.

[0023] In more detail, each packaging blank 2 may comprise at least one layer of fibrous material, such as a layer of paper or cardboard, and at least two layers of heat-sealable plastic material, such as polyethylene, interposed between each other.

[0024] One of the two layers of heat-seal plastic material may define the inner surface of a respective package 40 obtained from a respective package blank 2 and ultimately contact the pourable product.

[0025] Preferably, but not necessarily, each packaging blank 2 may also include a gas barrier and light barrier material layer (e.g., aluminum foil or ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), in particular arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer. Preferably, but not necessarily, the packaging blank 2 may also include another heat-sealable plastic material layer, which is between the gas barrier and light barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0026] according to Figure 1 In the example shown in , the packaging blank 2 is provided in the form of a roll 3 .

[0027] In more detail, the web 3 may be formed from a plurality of packaging blanks 2 arranged in series.

[0028] In other words, the package blanks 2 arranged in succession define a plurality of repeating units of the web 3. In particular, each repeating unit (i.e. a respective package blank 2) forms a precursor of a respective package 40. In other words, the packaging machine 1 can be configured to produce packages 40 from the web 3 such that each package 40 comes from a respective package blank 2.

[0029] In particular, each packaging blank 2 may comprise a desired pattern / decoration.

[0030] Each packaging blank 2 may be designed to form a package 40 comprising: - a first part, in particular having a first wall; a second portion, in particular having a second wall, offset from the first portion in the longitudinal direction of the package 40; and - an intermediate part, in particular having side walls, being (fixedly) connected to the first part, in particular the first wall, and extending from the first part.

[0031] In more detail, each first portion and each second portion may define a bottom portion and a top portion, respectively, of the respective package.

[0032] Additionally, each intermediate portion may be interposed between a corresponding first portion and a corresponding second portion.

[0033] In particular, when each package 40 is in its nominal position (ie, when used by a user in the intended manner), the user identifies the first portion as the bottom portion and the second portion as the top portion.

[0034] Preferably, each second portion can be defined as a portion of packaging that can be manipulated to allow pouring of the pourable product. For example, the second portion can be manipulated to obtain a pouring opening, or the second portion can include an opening device (such as a lid) that can be manipulated.

[0035] Preferably, each intermediate portion may be defined to be grasped by a user.

[0036] In more detail, each first wall may define a support surface of the respective package, which may be designed to come into contact with a support, such as a shelf, when in use, such as when displayed in a point of sale or when in storage.

[0037] In particular, each first wall may define a bottom wall of the respective package 40 (ie the first wall is in contact with the support when the respective package 40 is arranged on the support).

[0038] More specifically, each side wall may be circular, or may have at least one or more circular portions.

[0039] Furthermore, each side wall may be interposed between a corresponding first wall and a corresponding second wall.

[0040] In particular, the respective second walls may define respective top walls when the package 40 is arranged on the support.

[0041] According to some possible embodiments, each first wall and the corresponding second wall can be parallel to each other. Alternatively, the first wall and the second wall can be inclined relative to each other. Specifically, the second wall can define an inclined top or can define a part of a gable top.

[0042] Figure 2 A first embodiment of a packaging blank 2 is shown.

[0043] The packaging blank 2 comprises at least a first transverse fold line 4 and a second transverse fold line 5, which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis A of the packaging blank 2 and divide the packaging blank 2 into: a top region 6 comprising a top crease pattern 7 and being configured to form a top portion, preferably a top wall, even more preferably a top wall and a top cover panel, of a respective package 40; a bottom region 8 comprising a bottom crease pattern 9 and configured to form a bottom portion, preferably a bottom wall, even more preferably a bottom wall and a bottom cover, of a respective package 40; and - a middle region 10, which is interposed between the first 4 and second 5 transverse fold lines and between the top 6 and bottom 8 regions and is designed to form a middle portion of the package, in particular a side wall.

[0044] In more detail, each first transverse fold line 4 may define a corresponding top fold pattern 7 and may preferably be adjacent to the corresponding top fold pattern 7, and each second transverse fold line 5 may define a corresponding bottom fold pattern 9 and may preferably be adjacent to the corresponding bottom fold pattern 9.

[0045] In more detail, each packaging blank 2 may extend along a longitudinal axis A and a transverse axis B perpendicular thereto.

[0046] Furthermore, each packaging blank 2 has a (substantially) two-dimensional shape, ie the respective extension of each packaging blank 2 along the longitudinal axis A and the transverse axis B is significantly greater than the thickness of the packaging blank 2 .

[0047] Preferably, each packaging blank 2 may have a rectangular or square shape.

[0048] In more detail, each packaging blank 2 may comprise: a first 15 and a second 16 longitudinal border edge spaced from one another along a first direction D1 transverse (preferably perpendicular) to the longitudinal axis A; and - A first lateral boundary edge 17 and a second lateral boundary edge 18, which are spaced apart from each other along a second direction D2, wherein the second direction D2 is parallel to the longitudinal axis A and / or transverse to (preferably perpendicular to) the first direction D1 and / or transverse to (preferably perpendicular to) the transverse axis B.

[0049] Additionally, the first direction D1 may be parallel to the transverse axis B.

[0050] Furthermore, each first longitudinal border edge 15 and each second longitudinal border edge 16 may be connected to and interposed between a corresponding first transverse border edge 17 and a corresponding second transverse border edge 18 .

[0051] Preferably, each first longitudinal border edge 15 and each second longitudinal border edge 16 may be arranged at an angle of approximately 90° with respect to the respective first transverse border edge 17 and the respective second transverse border edge 18 .

[0052] It should be noted that, when each packaging blank 2 is arranged individually (i.e. separated from other packaging blanks 2), the corresponding first longitudinal boundary edge 15, the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16, the corresponding first transverse boundary edge 17 and the corresponding second transverse boundary edge 18 can be real edges.

[0053] In the case where the packaging blank 2 is arranged in the form of a web 3, the respective first longitudinal border edge 15 and the respective second longitudinal border edge 16 may be real edges (also referred to as Figure 2 ), and the corresponding first transverse boundary edge 17 and the corresponding second transverse boundary edge 18 can be virtual edges. Specifically, each first transverse boundary edge 17 of a packaging blank 2 can be adjacent to or overlap with the corresponding second transverse boundary edge 18 of another packaging blank 2.

[0054] Alternatively, the corresponding first transverse boundary edge 17 and the corresponding second transverse boundary edge 18 can be real edges, while the corresponding first longitudinal boundary edge 15 and the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16 can be virtual edges. Specifically, each first longitudinal boundary edge 15 of a packaging blank 2 can be adjacent to the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16 of another packaging blank 2.

[0055] Furthermore, each longitudinal axis A may allow defining a respective longitudinal axis of a respective package 40 formed from a respective package blank 2 .

[0056] Advantageously, each packaging blank 2 further comprises a plurality of linear fold lines, in particular at least a first linear fold line 19a and a second linear fold line 19b, extending from a respective first transverse fold line 4 and towards, but preferably not reaching, a respective second transverse fold line 5 .

[0057] Preferably, each linear fold line, in particular the respective at least first linear fold line 19a and the respective at least second linear fold line 19b, may extend only along a portion of the respective middle region 10, ie the linear fold line does not extend to the respective second transverse fold line 5.

[0058] The Applicant has found that the presence of linear crease lines, in particular the presence of at least a first linear crease line 19a and at least a second linear crease line 19b, facilitates the formation of a side wall having a circular shape or having a portion of a circular shape.

[0059] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first linear fold line 19a may be adjacent to the corresponding first longitudinal boundary edge 15, and preferably also parallel to the corresponding first longitudinal boundary edge 15. Preferably, no other linear fold lines parallel to the longitudinal axis A and / or extending from the first transverse fold line 4 and toward the second transverse fold line 5 may be interposed between each first linear fold line 19a and the corresponding first longitudinal boundary edge 15.

[0060] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second linear fold line 19b may be adjacent to the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16, and preferably also parallel to the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16. Preferably, no other linear fold line parallel to the longitudinal axis A and / or extending from the first transverse fold line 4 and toward the second transverse fold line 5 may be interposed between each second linear fold line 19b and the corresponding second longitudinal boundary edge 16.

[0061] In more detail, each first linear crease line 19a and each second linear crease line 19b may each be closer to the respective first transverse boundary edge 15 and the respective second transverse boundary edge 16 than to the centre point 20 of the respective first transverse crease line 4 .

[0062] In particular, each center point 20 may be defined as a point of the respective first transverse crease line 4 equidistant from a first end 21 of the respective first transverse crease line 4 and a second end 22 opposite to the respective first end 21 .

[0063] Special References Figure 2 Each packaging blank 2 may further comprise one or more additional linear fold lines 19c, which are interposed between the corresponding first linear fold lines 19a and the corresponding second linear fold lines 19b. In particular, each additional linear fold line 19c defines a portion of a plurality of linear fold lines of the corresponding packaging blank 2.

[0064] In particular, the corresponding linear crease lines of each packaging blank 2 (in particular the corresponding first linear crease line 19a, the corresponding second linear crease line 19b and preferably the corresponding additional linear crease line 19c) can be designed to facilitate forming a circular shape and / or circular portion of the corresponding side wall of the corresponding packaging 40.

[0065] More specifically, the respective linear crease lines of each packaging blank 2, in particular the respective first linear crease line 19a, the respective second linear crease line 19b and the respective additional linear crease line 19c, may be equidistantly spaced from each other, in particular with respect to the first direction D1.

[0066] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each linear crease line of each packaging blank 2 (in particular the respective first linear crease line 19a, the respective second linear crease line 19b and the respective additional linear crease line 19c) may be (substantially) parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0067] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each linear crease line of each packaging blank 2 (in particular, each first linear crease line 19a, each second linear crease line 19b and also in particular, each additional linear crease line 19c) may have a corresponding extension portion, which is at most 30% of the corresponding distance d between the corresponding first transverse crease line 4 and the corresponding second transverse crease line 5, preferably at most 20%, and even more preferably at most 17%.

[0068] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each linear fold line of each packaging blank 2, in particular each first linear fold line 19a, each second linear fold line 19b and also in particular each additional linear fold line 19c, may have a respective extension which may range between 4% and 20%, preferably between 6% and 18%, even more preferably between 8% and 16%, of the respective distance d between the respective first transverse fold line 4 and the respective second transverse fold line 5. In particular, each distance d between the respective first transverse fold line 4 and the respective second transverse fold line 5 may be defined relative to a linear axis coaxial with the respective linear fold line, i.e. coaxial with the first linear fold line 19a or the second linear fold line 19b or the additional linear fold line 19, and extending from the respective first transverse fold line 4 to the respective second transverse fold line 5.

[0069] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each linear crease line of each packaging blank 2 (in particular, each first linear crease line 19a, each second linear crease line 19b and also in particular each additional linear crease line 19c) can have an extension (length) ranging from 5 mm to 25 mm, preferably from 8 mm to 22 mm, and even more preferably from 10 mm to 20 mm.

[0070] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each linear crease line of each packaging blank 2 (particularly the respective first linear crease line 19a, the respective second linear crease line 19b and also particularly the respective additional linear crease line 19c) may have the same extension (length) as the other linear crease lines of the respective packaging blank 2. In other words, each first linear crease line 19a may have the same extension (length) as the respective second linear crease line 19b and also particularly the respective additional linear crease line 19c.

[0071] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each packaging blank 2 may also include a plurality of auxiliary linear crease lines 23, four in the specific example shown, extending from the respective second transverse crease line 5 towards (but not reaching) the respective first transverse crease line 4. In other words, each auxiliary linear crease line 23 may extend along only a portion of the respective middle region 10.

[0072] Preferably, at least some (in the specific example shown, all) of the auxiliary linear crease lines 23 may face a corresponding linear crease line.

[0073] More specifically, at least one auxiliary linear crease line 23 and at least another auxiliary linear crease line 23 may face the corresponding first linear crease line 19a and the corresponding second linear crease line 19b, respectively.

[0074] Special References Figure 2 , each packaging blank 2 may comprise a plurality of pairs 24 of auxiliary linear crease lines 23 .

[0075] Preferably, the respective auxiliary linear crease lines 23 of each pair 24 may be arranged to define a V-shape, preferably with the intersection being located at or at least adjacent to the respective second transverse crease line 5 and / or diverging towards the respective first transverse crease line 4 .

[0076] According to such an embodiment, the auxiliary linear crease lines 23 may allow forming the respective edge of the respective package 40 with increased strength.

[0077] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each second transverse crease line 5 may have a linear shape, preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A.

[0078] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each first transverse fold line 4 may include a plurality of first linear portions 30 perpendicular to the corresponding longitudinal axis A and a plurality of second linear portions 31 transverse to the corresponding longitudinal axis A.

[0079] Preferably, each second linear portion 31 may be interposed between two corresponding first linear portions 30 .

[0080] In more detail, each top crease pattern 7 may comprise a plurality of additional crease lines 32, preferably some additional crease lines are parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A and some additional crease lines are transverse thereto.

[0081] Furthermore, each top crease pattern 7 may also comprise an auxiliary top transverse crease line 33 , in particular transverse to (even more in particular perpendicular to) the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0082] More specifically, the additional crease lines 32 may be interposed between the respective first transverse crease lines 4 and the respective top transverse crease lines 33 .

[0083] Preferably, each top transverse crease line 33 may be adjacent to and parallel to the corresponding first transverse boundary edge 17 .

[0084] In more detail, each bottom crease pattern 9 may comprise a plurality of additional crease lines 34 , preferably some of which are parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A and some of which are transverse thereto.

[0085] Furthermore, each bottom crease pattern 9 may also comprise auxiliary bottom transverse crease lines 35 , in particular transverse to (even more particularly perpendicular to) the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0086] More specifically, the additional crease lines 34 may be interposed between the respective second transverse crease lines 5 and the respective bottom transverse crease lines 35 .

[0087] Preferably, each bottom transverse crease line 35 may be adjacent to and parallel to the corresponding second transverse boundary edge 18 .

[0088] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, each fold line (e.g. first transverse fold line 4 and / or second transverse fold line 5 and / or first linear fold line 19a and / or second linear fold line 19b and / or additional linear fold line 19c and / or auxiliary linear fold line 23 and / or additional fold line 32 and / or top transverse fold line 33 and / or additional fold line 34 and / or bottom transverse fold line 35) of each packaging blank 2 may define a plurality of panels. More specifically, the panels may give a starting point and / or may correspond to sections of the respective packaging 40.

[0089] More specifically, the panel may give a starting point and / or may correspond to a respective first portion (preferably a respective bottom portion), a respective middle portion and a respective second portion (preferably a respective top portion).

[0090] More specifically, some panels may give a starting point and / or may correspond to the corresponding first part, and / or some panels may give a starting point and / or may correspond to the second part, and / or some panels may give a starting point and / or may correspond to the middle part.

[0091] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the corresponding linear crease lines of each packaging blank 2 (i.e., each first linear crease line 19a and each second linear crease line 19b, and preferably each additional linear crease line 19c) can be arranged to correspond to a corresponding segment defined by one or more corresponding panels, which in turn corresponds to a corresponding corner of a corresponding second part (preferably a corresponding top part, and even more preferably a corresponding second wall).

[0092] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, each auxiliary linear crease line 23 can be arranged to correspond to a corresponding segment defined by one or more corresponding panels, which in turn corresponds to a corresponding corner of a corresponding first part (preferably a corresponding bottom part, even more preferably a corresponding first wall).

[0093] In particular, the top crease pattern 7 defines a panel that forms a top portion of the package 40, preferably a top wall.

[0094] Similarly, the bottom crease pattern 9 defines a panel that forms a bottom portion of the package 40, preferably a bottom wall.

[0095] In this case, each linear crease line of the packaging blank 2 (i.e. the first linear crease line 19a and the second linear crease line 19b, and preferably the additional linear crease line 19c) can be arranged to correspond to segments defined by one or more corresponding panels, which in turn correspond to corresponding corners of the top portion (even more preferably the second wall).

[0096] Similarly, each auxiliary linear crease line 23 of the packaging blank 2 may be arranged to correspond to a section defined by one or more respective panels, which in turn corresponds to a respective corner of the bottom portion (even more preferentially the first wall).

[0097] refer to Figure 3 , number 2' designates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the invention; since packaging blank 2' is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them and the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts where possible.

[0098] In particular, the packaging blank 2 ′ differs from the packaging blank 2 in that no further linear crease lines extending from the respective first transverse crease lines 4 towards the respective second transverse crease lines 5 are interposed between the respective first linear crease lines 19a and the respective second linear crease lines 19b.

[0099] refer to Figure 4 , number 2" indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the invention; since packaging blank 2" is similar to packaging blank 2, the following description is limited to the differences between them and the same figure marks are used for identical or corresponding parts where possible.

[0100] In particular, the packaging blank 2 ″ differs from the packaging blank 2 in that each auxiliary linear crease line 23 may be parallel to the respective longitudinal axis A.

[0101] In particular, according to such an embodiment, the circular shape and / or the formation of the circular portion of each package 40 may be further improved.

[0102] Alternatively or additionally, the one auxiliary linear crease line 23 and the further auxiliary linear crease line 23 may be coaxial with the first linear crease line 19a and the second linear crease line 19b, respectively.

[0103] Furthermore, only one auxiliary linear crease line 23 may face the corresponding linear crease line.

[0104] refer to Figure 5 , numeral 2'' indicates an alternative embodiment of a packaging blank according to the invention; since packaging blank 2''' is similar to packaging blank 2", the following description is limited to the differences between them and the same figure marks are used for identical or corresponding parts where possible.

[0105] In particular, the packaging blank 2''' differs from the packaging blank 2'' in that no further linear crease lines extending from the respective first transverse crease lines 4 towards the respective second transverse crease lines 5 are interposed between the respective first linear crease lines 19a and the respective second linear crease lines 19b.

[0106] Special References Figure 1 The packaging machine 1 may be configured to form individual packages 40 filled with a pourable product from any of the packaging blanks 2, 2', 2" and 2'" (preferably when provided in the form of a respective web 3).

[0107] In more detail, the packaging machine 1 may comprise at least: a conveying device 41 configured to advance the coil 3 along a coil advancement path P at least to a tube forming station where the coil 3 is formed into a tube 42; and - a tube forming and sealing device 43 configured to form a tube 42 from the web 3 and to longitudinally seal the tube 42 at the tube forming station; a filling device 44 configured to fill the tube 42 with the pourable product; and A package forming unit 45 configured to form, transversely seal and cut the tube 42 to obtain the package 40 .

[0108] From the above description, the advantages of the packaging blank 2 or packaging blank 2' or packaging blank 2" or packaging blank 2'" of the present invention will be apparent.

[0109] In particular, by having linear crease lines, in particular at least a first linear crease line 19a and a second linear crease line 19b, forming a circular shape and / or a circular portion of each package 40 is facilitated.

[0110] Obviously, changes may be made to the packaging blank 2 or packaging blank 2' or packaging blank 2" or packaging blank 2'" described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'" for forming a package (40) filled with a pourable product, comprising: - at least a first transverse fold line (4) and a second transverse fold line (5), which extend transversely to the longitudinal axis (A) of the packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'") and divide the packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'") into: - a top region (6) comprising a top crease pattern (7) and configured to form a top portion of the package (40); - a bottom region (8) comprising a bottom crease pattern (9) and configured to form a bottom portion of the package (40); as well as - an intermediate region (10) comprised between the first transverse fold line (4) and the second transverse fold line (5), interposed between the bottom region (8) and the top region (6) and designed to form a side wall of the package (40); wherein the first transverse crease line (4) defines the top crease pattern (7); wherein the second transverse crease line (5) defines the bottom crease pattern (9); wherein the packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'") further comprises a plurality of linear fold lines (19a, 19b, 19c) extending from the first transverse fold line (4) and towards the second transverse fold line (5), and each of the linear fold lines (19a, 19b, 19c) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (A); Therein, each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) extends along only a portion of the middle region (10).

2. The packaging blank according to claim 1, wherein: Each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) has a respective extension which is at most 30% of the respective distance (d) between the first transverse crease line (4) and the second transverse crease line (5).

3. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims and further comprising: a first longitudinal border edge (15) and a second longitudinal border edge (16), said first longitudinal border edge (15) and said second longitudinal border edge (16) being spaced apart from one another in a first direction (D1) transverse to said longitudinal axis (A) of said packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'"); as well as - a first transverse boundary edge (17) and a second transverse boundary edge (18), said first transverse boundary edge (17) and said second transverse boundary edge (18) being spaced apart from each other along a second direction (D2) parallel to said longitudinal axis (A); Therein, at least a first linear fold line (19a) is adjacent to the first longitudinal boundary edge (15), and at least a second linear fold line (19b) is adjacent to the second longitudinal boundary edge (16).

4. The packaging blank according to claim 3, wherein: No other linear fold line parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and / or extending from the first transverse fold line (4) and toward the second transverse fold line (5) is inserted between the first linear fold line (19a) and the first longitudinal boundary edge (15), and no other linear fold line parallel to the longitudinal axis (A) and / or extending from the first transverse fold line (4) and toward the second transverse fold line (5) is inserted between the second linear fold line (19b) and the second longitudinal boundary edge (16).

5. The packaging blank according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The first linear fold line (19a) and the second linear fold line (19b) are respectively closer to the first transverse boundary edge (15) and the second transverse boundary edge (16) than a center point (20) of the first transverse fold line (4).

6. A packaging blank according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein No further linear crease lines extending from the first transverse crease line (4) and towards the second transverse crease line (5) are interposed between the first linear crease line (19a) and the second linear crease line (19b).

7. A packaging blank according to any one of claims 3 to 5, and further comprising one or more linear crease lines (19c) interposed between the first linear crease line (19a) and the second linear crease line (19b).

8. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: at least said first transverse fold line (4) and said second transverse fold line (5) define respective panels giving a starting point and / or corresponding to at least said top portion, said middle portion and said bottom portion of said respective package (40); Therein, each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) is arranged corresponding to a respective segment defined by one or more respective panels, and the respective segment corresponds to a respective corner of the respective top portion.

9. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The top crease pattern (7) defines a panel forming the top portion of the package (40), and the bottom crease pattern (9) defines a panel forming the bottom portion of the package (40); Therein, each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) is arranged corresponding to a segment defined by one or more panels, which in turn corresponds to a corner of the top portion.

10. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each linear crease line (19a, 19b, 19c) has an extension ranging between 5 mm and 25 mm.

11. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each of the linear crease lines (19a, 19b, 19c) has the same extension as the other linear crease lines (19b, 19c, 19a).

12. A packaging blank according to any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a plurality of auxiliary linear crease lines (23) extending from the second transverse crease line (5) and towards the first transverse crease line (4); Each auxiliary linear crease line (23) extends along only a portion of the middle region (10).

13. Packaging blank according to claim 12, wherein each auxiliary linear crease line (23) is parallel to the longitudinal axis (A).

14. A packaging blank according to claim 12, comprising a plurality of pairs (24) of auxiliary linear crease lines (23); in, The respective auxiliary linear crease lines (23) of each pair (24) are arranged to define a V-shape.

15. A packaging blank according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein at least the first transverse fold line (4) and the second transverse fold line (5) define a respective panel giving a starting point and / or corresponding to at least the top portion, the middle portion and the bottom portion of the respective package (40); in, Each auxiliary linear crease line (23) is arranged to correspond to a respective section defined by one or more respective panels, which in turn corresponds to a respective corner of the respective bottom portion.

16. A packaging blank according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the top crease pattern (7) defines a panel forming the top portion of the package (40), and the bottom crease pattern (9) defines a panel forming the bottom portion of the package (40); Each auxiliary linear crease line (23) is arranged corresponding to a segment defined by one or more panels, which segment in turn corresponds to a corner of the bottom portion.

17. A package (40) filled with a pourable product, formed from a packaging blank (2, 2', 2", 2'") according to any one of the preceding claims.

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