A wedging element for wedging and protecting electric cooking appliance, blank and manufacturing method

Abstract

The wedging element (2) defines a main housing (9) configured to at least partially house the electric cooking appliance (3), and the wedging element (2) comprises a fixing element (12) arranged on an upper wall (4) of the wedging element (2) and a retaining portion (13) protruding relative to an upper surface of the upper wall (4), the retaining portion (13) comprises a first end portion (13.1) connected to the upper wall (4) by a main fold line (14) and a second end portion (13.2) provided with a fixing member (130) cooperating with the fixing element (12) in order to fix the second end portion (13.2) to the upper wall (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wedging elements configured to wed in and protect electric cooking equipment within packaging. Background Technology

[0002] To protect electric cooking appliances during transport or storage, especially from impacts, it is known to house the appliance in a cardboard box and secure it to the box using one or more wedging members, for example, made of expanded polystyrene. This material allows for the easy and inexpensive production of wedging members of very different shapes and significant thicknesses.

[0003] However, due to regulatory and ecological reasons, the use of expanded polystyrene to achieve wedge components is increasingly being banned.

[0004] To overcome the limitations of expanded polystyrene, wedge-shaped components made of cellulose-based materials, and more specifically, corrugated or honeycomb paperboard, are known. However, when electric cooking equipment includes cooking utensils, such as a cheese scraper, a crepe pan, or a fondue fork, multiple wedge-shaped components that can be glued together are required to ensure satisfactory retention of the cooking utensils. Therefore, the multiple wedge-shaped components and the use of adhesives complicate industrial packaging processes and increase environmental impact. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings.

[0006] The technical problem upon which this invention is based is, in particular, to provide a wedge element for electric cooking appliances that is simple and economical in structure, avoids the use of wedge components specifically designed for cooking utensils equipped with electric cooking appliances, and at the same time ensures the satisfactory retention of these cooking utensils.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention relates to a wedging element configured to wed and protect an electric cooking appliance, such as a cheese scraper, crepe pan, or fondue appliance, in packaging, such as a box or cardboard box. The wedging element is at least partially made of a cellulose-based material. The wedging element includes an upper wall and at least partially defines a main receiving portion configured to at least partially receive a main part of the electric cooking appliance. The main receiving portion has an upper opening that opens to the upper wall of the wedging element, and the main part of the electric cooking appliance can be introduced into the main receiving portion through the upper opening. The wedging element includes a fixing element, such as a fixing hole, and a retaining portion. The fixing element is disposed on the upper wall of the wedging element, and the retaining portion protrudes relative to the upper surface of the upper wall of the wedging element. The retaining portion is formed by a cutting portion, such as a main tongue, which is cut in the upper wall of the wedge element. The retaining portion includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is connected to the upper wall of the wedge element by a main fold line located at a distance from the fixing element. The second end portion is positioned opposite to the first end portion and is provided with a fixing member, such as a fixing finger. The fixing member cooperates with the fixing element provided on the upper wall of the wedge element to fix the second end portion of the retaining portion to the upper wall of the wedge element. The retaining portion of the wedge element and the upper wall at least partially define a retaining compartment, which is configured to at least partially accommodate at least one cooking utensil of the electric cooking appliance, such as a cooking cup, also known as a frying pan.

[0008] This construction of the wedge element according to the invention, particularly the retention portion achieved by cutting and folding the cut portion, allows for easy assembly of the wedge element without the need for glue and / or additional assembly components on the one hand, and complex and expensive installation equipment on the other, which significantly reduces the manufacturing cost of such a wedge element. Furthermore, the specific construction of the retention compartment ensures good retention of the at least one cooking utensil, especially during transport or drop of the package containing the wedge element according to the invention.

[0009] Furthermore, the fact that the wedge element is at least partially made of cellulose-based material gives it a very high recyclability.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main fold line connecting the retaining portion to the upper wall of the wedge element partially forms the upper opening of the main receiving portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the area of ​​the cut portion is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper opening of the main accommodating portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cut portion is the remaining portion of at least one cut portion that forms the upper opening of the main receiving portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main fold line is located in the extension of the at least one cut portion that forms the upper opening of the main accommodating portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining compartment is located at least partially above the upper surface of the upper wall of the wedge element.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the retaining portion includes: - A first wing, the first wing including the first end portion of the retaining portion, the first wing forming a first lateral wall of the retaining compartment; - A second wing, the second wing being connected to the first wing via a first additional fold line, and the second wing forming the upper wall of the retaining compartment; and - A third wing, the third wing including the second end portion of the retaining portion, the third wing being connected to the second wing via a second additional fold line and forming a second lateral wall of the retaining compartment, the second lateral wall of the retaining compartment being positioned at least partially facing the first lateral wall of the retaining compartment and located at a distance from the first lateral wall of the retaining compartment.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining portion is configured such that when the fixing member is fixed to the fixing element, the lateral edges of the first flap are substantially vertically positioned with respect to two adjacent lateral edges of the upper wall of the wedge element.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining portion is configured such that when the fixing member is fixed to the fixing element, the lateral edges of the third flap are substantially vertically positioned with respect to two adjacent lateral edges of the upper wall of the wedge element.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper wall of the retaining compartment is configured to cover the at least one cooking appliance when it is placed in the retaining compartment.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main fold line and the first and second additional fold lines are substantially parallel.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second lateral walls of the retaining compartment are substantially parallel to each other. The first and second lateral walls of the retaining compartment may, for example, be substantially parallel to each other, or may be inclined relative to each other at an angle of less than 15° and, for example, less than 10°.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first winglet has a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than that of the third winglet.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the maximum lateral dimension of the first wing is greater than the length of the main fold line.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second wing has a generally rectangular shape.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the invention, the third wing has a generally polygonal shape.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wedge element is obtained by folding a blank made of a cellulose-based material, which is advantageously cardboard and, for example, corrugated cardboard.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wedge element is three-dimensional.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wedging element is made of cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the invention, the upper wall of the wedge element has a substantially quadrilateral shape, the wedge element includes two opposing side walls, each side wall of the wedge element extending downward relative to the upper wall of the wedge element and connected to a corresponding side edge of the upper wall of the wedge element by a corresponding first fold line, the wedge element also includes a lower wall folded toward the interior of the wedge element and each connected to a corresponding side wall of the wedge element by a corresponding second fold line, the lower wall facing the lower surface of the upper wall of the wedge element and extending at a distance from the upper wall to form a bottom portion of the wedge element.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the invention, the fixing element is located near the corner of the upper wall of the wedge element.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first and second fold lines associated with the same lateral wall of the wedge element are substantially parallel.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wedging element includes a fixing opening and a fixing lug, the fixing opening being at least partially disposed on the lower wall, the fixing lug being folded downward and partially defining the upper opening of the main receiving portion, the fixing lug being configured to cooperate with the fixing opening to lock the lower wall into place.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the invention, the wedge element includes a retaining opening disposed on the upper wall of the wedge element and leading to the retaining compartment, wherein the at least one cooking appliance is configured to be partially inserted into the retaining opening when the at least one cooking appliance is received in the retaining compartment.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the main accommodating portion is three-dimensional.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a blank made of a cellulose-based material for forming a wedge element according to the invention, the blank comprising a main panel, the main panel comprising a panel portion configured to form the upper wall of the wedge element, the main panel further comprising at least one main cutout and a cut portion, the main cutout being configured to at least partially form the upper opening of the main receiving portion, the cut portion being configured to form the retaining portion, the cut portion comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the panel portion via a fold line for forming the main fold line, the second end portion being positioned facing the first end portion and provided with the fixing member, the fixing member being disposed on the panel portion at a distance from the fold line.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the main panel has a substantially quadrilateral shape, the blank includes two opposing lateral flaps, each lateral flap of the blank being connected to a corresponding lateral edge of the main panel via a corresponding first lateral fold line and configured to form a corresponding lateral wall of the wedge element, the blank also includes lateral folds, each lateral fold being connected to a corresponding lateral flap of the blank via a corresponding second lateral fold line, the lateral folds being configured to form a bottom portion of the wedge element.

[0036] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a wedging element configured to wed and protect an electric cooking appliance and at least one cooking utensil within packaging, such as a box or cardboard box, the manufacturing method comprising the following steps: - A blank made of a cellulose-based material is provided, the blank including a main panel, the main panel including a panel portion configured to form the upper wall of the wedge element; - Cut the panel portion to form a fixing element; - Cut the main panel to form a cut portion, the cut portion including a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the panel portion by a main fold line located at a certain distance from the fixing element, the second end portion being positioned facing the first end portion and provided with a fixing member, the fixing member being configured to cooperate with the fixing element; - Fold the cut portion at least along the main fold line and secure the fixing member to the fixing element so as to secure the second end portion of the cut portion to the panel portion and form a retaining compartment configured to at least partially accommodate at least one cooking utensil of the electric cooking appliance, such as a cooking cup, also known as a small saucepan with a handle, the retaining compartment being at least partially defined by the cut portion and the panel portion.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a component comprising a wedge element according to the invention and an electric cooking device, the electric cooking device comprising at least one cooking utensil. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The invention will be clearly understood with reference to the following illustrative drawings, which illustrate one embodiment of the wedge element by way of non-limiting example.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the wedging element according to the present invention, into which an electric cooking device is wedged; Figure 2 It is allowed to form Figure 1 A top view of the blank of the wedge-in element; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial top view of an embodiment of a variation of the billet; Figure 4 It is after the folded and cut section. Figure 3 A partial top view of the billet; Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the wedge-shaped element. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Figure 1 A wedge element 2 is shown, which is configured to wedge and protect an electric cooking device 3, such as a cheese scraper, crepe pan, or hot fondue device, in packaging, such as a box or cardboard box.

[0041] The wedging element 2 includes an upper wall 4 and two opposing side walls 5. The upper wall 4 is flat and has a substantially quadrilateral shape, such as a square or rectangular shape. Each side wall 5 is rectangular in shape and extends vertically downward relative to the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2. Each side wall 5 is connected to a corresponding lateral edge of the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 by a corresponding first lateral fold line 6. Each first lateral fold line 6 may be formed, for example, by a slotted line or a series of straight cuts aligned and spaced apart from each other.

[0042] The wedging element 2 also includes a lower wall 7, which is folded toward the interior of the wedging element 2 and each is connected to a corresponding lateral wall 5 of the wedging element 2 via a corresponding second fold line 8. The lower wall 7 faces the lower surface of the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 and extends at a distance from the upper wall 4 to form the bottom portion of the wedging element 2. Advantageously, the first and second fold lines 6, 8 associated with the same lateral wall 5 of the wedging element 2 are substantially parallel. Each second fold line 8 may be formed, for example, by a slotted line or a series of straight cuts aligned and spaced apart from each other.

[0043] The wedge element 2 defines a main receiving portion 9, which is three-dimensional and configured to at least partially receive the main portion of the electric cooking appliance 3. The main portion of the electric cooking appliance 3 may be, for example, the cooking plate or the main housing of the electric cooking appliance 3.

[0044] The main housing 9 is provided with an upper opening 11, which leads to the upper wall 4 of the wedge element 2, and the main part of the electric cooking device 3 can be introduced into the main housing 9 through the upper opening 11.

[0045] The wedging element 2 also includes a fixing element 12, which is disposed on the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 and, for example, located near a corner of the upper wall 4. The function of the fixing element 12 is as follows. According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the fixing element 12 is a fixing hole, which can be, for example, straight.

[0046] The wedging element 2 also includes a retaining portion 13 that protrudes relative to the upper surface of the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2. The retaining portion 13 includes a first end portion 13.1 and a second end portion 13.2. The first end portion 13.1 is connected to the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 via a main fold line 14 located at a distance from the fixing element 12. The second end portion 13.2 is positioned opposite the first end portion 13.1 and is provided with a fixing member 130, such as a fixing finger, which cooperates with the fixing element 12 provided on the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 to secure the second end portion 13.2 of the retaining portion 13 to the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2. Advantageously, the main fold line 14 connecting the retaining portion 13 to the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2 partially forms the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9.

[0047] The retaining portion 13 and upper wall 4 of the wedge element 2, together with the bottom portion formed by the lower wall 7, define a retaining compartment 15, which is configured to at least partially accommodate one or more cooking utensils 16 of the electric cooking appliance 3. The retaining compartment 15 may, for example, be configured to accommodate multiple cooking cups when the electric cooking appliance 3 is a cheese scraper. Advantageously, the wedge element 2 includes a retaining opening 17 (see...). Figure 2 The retaining opening 17 is disposed on the upper wall 4 of the wedge element 2 and leads to the retaining compartment 15. Each cooking appliance 16 is configured to be partially inserted into the retaining opening 17 when it is housed in the retaining compartment 15, so as to ensure that the strength of one or more cooking appliances 16 in the retaining compartment 15 is further increased.

[0048] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the retaining compartment 15 includes a first lateral wall 15.1 and a second lateral wall 15.2, the second lateral wall 15.2 being at least partially facing the first lateral wall 15.1 and positioned at a distance from the first lateral wall 15. The retaining compartment 15 is advantageously configured such that cooking utensils 16, when disposed within the retaining compartment 15, extend substantially vertically between the first and second lateral walls 15.1, 15.2 of the retaining compartment 15. The first and second lateral walls 15.1, 15.2 of the retaining compartment 15 may, for example, be parallel to each other, or inclined relative to each other at an angle of less than 20° and, for example, less than 15°.

[0049] The retaining compartment 15 also includes an upper wall 15.3, which connects to the upper edges of the first and second lateral walls 15.1, 15.2 of the retaining compartment 15 and is configured to cover the cooking appliance 16 when it is placed in the retaining compartment 15. Advantageously, the upper wall 4 of the wedged element 2 forms the bottom wall of the retaining compartment 15.

[0050] The wedge element 2 is advantageously obtained by folding and assembling a blank 18 made of cardboard sheet, and for example, corrugated cardboard sheet.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, the blank 18 includes a main panel 19, which has a substantially quadrilateral shape and, for example, a square or rectangular shape. The main panel 19 includes a panel portion 20 configured to form the upper wall 4 of the wedging element 2. Advantageously, the panel portion 20 is the peripheral portion of the main panel 19.

[0052] The main panel 19 also includes a main cutout 21, which is configured to at least partially form the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9. Advantageously, the main cutout 21 is formed in the central portion of the main panel 19.

[0053] The main panel 19 also includes a cut portion 22, such as a main tongue, which is configured to form a retaining portion 13. Advantageously, the cut portion 22 is the remaining portion of at least one cut portion that forms the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9, and thus has an area smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9.

[0054] The cut portion 22 more specifically includes: - A first wing 23, which includes a first end portion 13.1 of a retaining portion 13 and is connected to a panel portion 20 via a main fold line 14, the first wing 23 being configured to form a first lateral wall 15.1 of a retaining compartment 15; - A second wing 24, which is connected to the first wing 23 via a first additional fold line 25, and which is configured to form the upper wall 15.3 of the retaining compartment 15; and - A third wing 26, which includes a second end portion 13.2 of a retaining portion 13, is connected to a second wing 24 via a second additional fold line 27 and is configured to form a second lateral wall 15.2 of a retaining compartment 15.

[0055] Advantageously, the main fold line 14 and the first and second additional fold lines 25, 27 are parallel. Each of the main fold line 4 and the first and second additional fold lines 25, 27 can be formed, for example, by a corresponding slotted line or a series of corresponding straight cuts that are aligned with and spaced apart from each other.

[0056] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the first wing 23 has a maximum lateral dimension, i.e., maximum width, that is, greater than the maximum lateral dimension, i.e., maximum width, of the third wing 26, and it is equal to or greater than the length of the main fold line 14.

[0057] The second wing 24 may have a generally rectangular shape, for example, and the third wing 26 may have a generally polygonal shape, and in particular a generally pentagonal shape.

[0058] Advantageously, the cutting portion 22 is configured such that when the fixing member 130 is secured to the fixing element 12, the lateral edges of the first flap 23 are substantially vertically positioned with respect to two adjacent lateral edges of the upper wall 4 of the wedged element 2, respectively. Similarly, the cutting portion 22 can also be configured such that when the fixing member 130 is secured to the fixing element 12, the lateral edges of the third flap 26 are substantially vertically positioned with respect to two adjacent lateral edges of the upper wall 4 of the wedged element 2, respectively. This configuration of the cutting portion 22 and thus the retaining portion 13 ensures enhanced durability of the cooking appliance 16 in the retaining compartment 15 due to the fact that the corresponding lateral walls of the package housing the wedged element 2 are subsequently located near the retaining compartment 15 and allow at least partial closure of the two open ends of the retaining compartment 15.

[0059] The blank 18 also includes pairs of opposing lateral flaps 28. Each lateral flap 28 of the blank 18 is connected to a corresponding lateral edge of the main panel 19 via a corresponding fold line, forming a corresponding first lateral fold line 6, and each lateral flap 28 of the blank 18 is configured to form a corresponding lateral wall 5 of the wedging element 2. The blank 18 also includes lateral folds 29, which are connected to the corresponding lateral flaps 28 of the blank 18 via corresponding fold lines, forming a corresponding second lateral fold line 8. The lateral folds 29 are configured to form a lower wall 7 of the wedging element 2, and thus form the bottom portion of the wedging element 2.

[0060] The blank 18 also includes fixing openings 31 and fixing lugs 32. The fixing openings 31 are at least partially provided on the lateral folding portion 29. The fixing lugs 32 are configured to be partially defined by the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9 and are configured to fold downward. The fixing lugs 32 are configured to cooperate with the fixing openings 31 to lock the lateral folding portion 29 into place. Advantageously, the fixing lugs 32 are distributed around the periphery of the upper opening 11 of the main receiving portion 9.

[0061] according to Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion of the cut portion 22 can be connected to the fixed lug 32 via the connecting portion 33 for discarding, so as to ensure that the cut portion 22 remains in the plane of the main panel 19 until the cut portion 22 is folded to form the retaining portion 13.

[0062] The following describes an example of a method for manufacturing the wedge element 2 according to the present invention. This manufacturing method includes the following steps: - Provide blank 18 made of cardboard, such as corrugated cardboard, the blank 18 including a main panel 19, four side flaps 28 and four side folds 29; - Cut the main panel 19 to form the fixing element 12 and retain the opening 17; - Cut the main panel 19 to form the cut portion 22, the panel portion 20 and the fixing lug 32; - Folding lateral wing 28 and lateral folding section 29; - Fold the fixing lug 32 and insert the fixing lug 32 into the fixing opening 31 so as to lock the lateral wing 28 and the lateral folding part 29 into place; - Fold the cut portion 22 along the main fold line 14 and the first and second additional fold lines 25, 27; - Fix the fixing member 130 to the fixing element 12 so as to fix the second end portion of the cut portion 22 to the panel portion 20 and form the retaining compartment 15.

[0063] Of course, the present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described and shown only by way of example. Modifications can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, particularly from the viewpoint of the construction of various elements or by substituting technical equivalents.

Claims

1. A wedging element (2) configured to wed in and protect an electric cooking appliance (3), the wedging element (2) being at least partially made of a cellulose-based material, the wedging element (2) including an upper wall (4) and at least partially defining a main receiving portion (9), the main receiving portion (9) being configured to at least partially receive a main portion of the electric cooking appliance (3), and the main receiving portion (9) having an upper opening (11) leading to the upper wall of the wedging element (2). (4), and the main part of the electric cooking device (3) can be introduced into the main receiving part (9) through the upper opening (11). The wedge element (2) includes a fixing element (12) and a retaining part (13). The fixing element (12) is disposed on the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2). The retaining part (13) protrudes relative to the upper surface of the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2). The retaining part (13) is formed by a cutting part (22). The retaining portion (13) is cut in the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2), and includes a first end portion (13.1) and a second end portion (13.2). The first end portion (13.1) is connected to the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) by a main fold line (14) located at a certain distance from the fixing element (12). The second end portion (13.2) is positioned relative to the first end portion (13.1) and is provided with a fixing member (130). (130) Cooperates with the fixing element (12) disposed on the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) to fix the second end portion (13.2) of the retaining portion (13) to the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2), the retaining portion (13) of the wedge element (2) and the upper wall (4) at least partially defining a retaining compartment (15) configured to at least partially accommodate at least one cooking appliance (16) of the electric cooking device (3).

2. The wedge element (2) according to claim 1, wherein, The main fold line (14) connecting the retaining portion (13) to the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) partially forms the upper opening (11) of the main receiving portion (9).

3. The wedge element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The area of ​​the cut portion (22) is smaller than the cross-section of the upper opening (11) of the main accommodating portion (9).

4. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The cut portion (22) is the remaining portion of at least one cut portion of the upper opening (11) of the main accommodating portion (9) that has already been formed.

5. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The retaining portion (13) includes: - A first wing (23), the first wing (23) including the first end portion (13.1) of the retaining portion (13), the first wing (23) forming a first lateral wall (15.1) of the retaining compartment (15). - A second wing (24), which is connected to the first wing (23) via a first additional fold line (25), and which forms the upper wall (15.3) of the retaining compartment (15); and - A third wing (26), the third wing (26) including the second end portion (13.2) of the retaining portion (13), the third wing (26) being connected to the second wing (24) by a second additional fold line (27) and forming the second lateral wall (15.2) of the retaining compartment (15), the second lateral wall (15.2) of the retaining compartment (15) being positioned at least partially facing the first lateral wall (15.1) of the retaining compartment (15) and located at a distance from the first lateral wall (15.1) of the retaining compartment (15).

6. The wedge element (2) according to claim 5, wherein, The first wing (23) has a maximum lateral dimension that is greater than that of the third wing (26).

7. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the wedge element (2) is obtained by folding a blank (18) made of cellulose-based material.

8. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the wedge element (2) is made of cardboard.

9. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) has a substantially quadrilateral shape. The wedge element (2) includes two opposing side walls (5). Each side wall (5) of the wedge element (2) extends downward relative to the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) and is connected to a corresponding side edge of the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) by a corresponding first fold line (6). The wedge element (2) also includes a lower wall that folds toward the interior of the wedge element (2) and is connected to a corresponding side wall (5) of the wedge element (2) by a corresponding second fold line. The lower wall (5) faces the lower surface of the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) and extends at a distance from the upper wall (4) to form the bottom portion of the wedge element (2).

10. The wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the wedge element (2) comprising a retaining opening (17) disposed on the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2) and leading to the retaining compartment (15), the at least one cooking utensil (16) being configured to be partially inserted into the retaining opening (17) when the at least one cooking utensil (16) is received in the retaining compartment (15).

11. A blank (18) made of a cellulose-based material for forming a wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the blank (18) comprising a main panel (19), the main panel (19) comprising a panel portion (20), the panel portion (20) configured to form the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2), the main panel (19) further comprising at least one main cutout (21) and a cut portion (22), the main cutout (21) configured to at least partially form the upper opening (11) of the main receiving portion (9), the cut portion (22) configured to form the retaining portion (13), the cut portion (22) comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the panel portion (20) by a fold line for forming the main fold line (14), the second end portion being positioned facing the first end portion and provided with the fixing member (130), the fixing member (12) being disposed on the panel portion (20) at a distance from the fold line.

12. A method for manufacturing a wedge element (2) configured to wedge and protect an electric cooking appliance (3) and at least one cooking utensil in a package, the method comprising the steps of: - Provide a blank (18) made of cellulose-based material, the blank (18) including a main panel (19), the main panel (19) including a panel portion (20), the panel portion (20) being configured to form the upper wall (4) of the wedge element (2); - Cut the panel portion (20) to form a fixing element (12); - The main panel (19) is cut to form a cut portion (22), the cut portion (22) including a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being connected to the panel portion (20) by a main fold line (14) located at a certain distance from the fixing element (12), the second end portion being positioned facing the first end portion and provided with a fixing member (130), the fixing member (130) being configured to cooperate with the fixing element (12); - Fold the cut portion (22) at least along the main fold line (14) and fix the fixing member (130) to the fixing element (12) so as to fix the second end portion of the cut portion (22) to the panel portion (20) and form a retaining compartment (15) that at least partially accommodates at least one cooking appliance (16) of the electric cooking device (3) and is at least partially defined by the cut portion (22) and the panel portion (20).

13. An assembly comprising a wedge element (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 and an electric cooking appliance (3), the electric cooking appliance (3) comprising at least one cooking utensil (16).

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