Waterproof paper container, particularly for a bouquet of flowers with a water reserve

Abstract

Watertight paper container (1) comprising: - a base (2) formed by a first sheet of paper (Pa1) having a peripheral, circular collar (20), - a side wall (3) formed by a second sheet of paper (Pa2), having two opposite edges joined together to form a hollow body having a tubular portion (TB), said tubular portion joined to said collar (20) by a third edge (B3) of the second sheet of paper, a fourth edge (B4) of the second sheet of paper, opposite the third edge defining a top opening (OV) of the container at the level of a top edge of the container, and in which the side wall (3) includes gussets (SF), formed by fold lines (Lp) in the second sheet of paper.

Description

[0001] This disclosure relates to a watertight container, essentially made of paper, typically kraft paper.

[0002] The watertight container finds a particular application for the making of cut flower bouquets with water reservoir, the flower stems of a floral composition received in an internal volume of the container, in contact with the water, a top opening of the container tightened on the stems of the bouquet, in particular by a drawstring.

[0003] The watertight container can still find a particular application as an ice cube container, a top opening of the container tightened over a drink, such as an alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) bottle to be cooled, partially received in said container. technical field

[0004] This disclosure relates to the field of water-reservoir packaging devices for flower bouquets, which are classically used to ensure the transport of cut flowers, preserving their shelf life.

[0005] Generally, such flower bouquet packaging devices consist of a waterproof plastic wrapping film, typically made of polypropylene, designed to act as a water reservoir, and an internal structural support element, often made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic, designed to give the packaging its shape and ensure its stability on a horizontal surface. Once the packaging is formed, with the waterproof film wrapped around the support element and the water reservoir created, a tie secures the film to the support, holding the bouquet stems in place. Previous technique

[0006] Document EP 0 881 167 A1 describes such a packaging device, which includes a support element having a substantially circular base with a raised edge, around the perimeter of which extend a plurality of elongated elements in their resting position. This element is typically a single-piece, injection-molded plastic component. The elongated elements are flexible and can be elastically deformed to be grouped towards the central axis of the base, in a position where the free upper ends of the elongated elements rest on the bouquet stems, said elongated elements being held in this position by a tie.

[0007] In their resting position, these elongated elements follow a geometric configuration in the shape of a truncated cone, which allows them to be stacked inside each other during storage, and in order to limit their size.

[0008] For creating a floral arrangement with a water reservoir, as illustrated in the figure 4 According to document EP 0 881 167 A1, this support element is combined with a waterproof polypropylene sheet that wraps around it. The elongated elements are grouped towards the central axis of the base against the stems of the floral arrangement, and a binding is applied to form the neck of the arrangement. The polypropylene sheet typically includes excess material above the neck, creating a flared shape that protects the flowers of the bouquet.

[0009] In such packaging, the function of the support element is to ensure the stability of the floral arrangement when placed on a horizontal surface, with the ends of the elastically deformed, elongated elements resting against the stems of the bouquet. This deformed support element forms a structure that gives shape to the polypropylene sheet beneath the neck of the bouquet.

[0010] On the other hand, the water reservoir function is ensured by the polypropylene sheet which must necessarily be waterproof.

[0011] Such a state-of-the-art design, according to EP 0 881 167 A1, requires two plastic components: a support element, typically injection-molded, and a waterproof sheet, typically polypropylene, which must be large enough to enclose this support element, with a flared edge above the neck of the bouquet. Since the polypropylene sheet serves as the decorative element, a wide variety of options are needed, with different colors and patterns, to meet market demand.

[0012] According to the inventor's findings, this large number of plastic references is not ideal because polypropylene sheets are not easily recycled.

[0013] We also know from document FR2 946 025 A1 a packaging device suitable for making a floral arrangement with a water reservoir.

[0014] This device notably comprises two sheets of flexible material bonded together: one decorative sheet with a collar, the other waterproof sheet attached to a frame. The bonding of the two sheets creates a sleeve for a clamping tie, the two ends of which pass through a push-in guide.

[0015] The frame consists of a cylindrical axis at its center and stiffeners articulated via flexible hinges at the center. A rigid support has a disc-shaped base with a hole for the frame's axis. This hole ensures the support is centered on the frame. The support also includes slats extending beyond the disc.

[0016] The frame stiffeners lie almost flat in their resting position and, when the tie is tightened, rest against the slats of the former to shape the packaging, as illustrated in drawing no. 3 of this prior art. This design facilitates the formation of the floral arrangement. However, this device, which comprises several distinct materials bonded together (the decorative sheet, the waterproof sheet, and the frame), is not easily recyclable at the end of its life.

[0017] We also know from document EP3552526 A1, a support device configured for the realization of a packaging device for a floral composition with a water reservoir, comprising a structural support element, comprising a substantially circular base from the perimeter of which extend a plurality of elongated elements, said base 2 and the elongated elements forming a single plastic element, said elongated elements extending substantially upwards when the base rests on a horizontal surface and when no stress is exerted on said elongated elements then in a rest position, said elongated elements being configured to be elastically deformed towards the central axis of the base, in the direction of the stems of the bouquet during the realization of the floral composition.The support device further includes a flexible means permanently attached to said support element, impermeable to water extending between said elongated elements, over the entire periphery of said support element, from said base and over all or part of the height of said elongated elements, and the flexible means configured to form with said support element a container with said water reserve.

[0018] EP3552526 thus reveals the possibility of using this plastic container with a water reservoir function, combined with a decorative sheet (which can be made of paper and not waterproof), to create a floral arrangement. EP3552526 offers a solution for water-reservoir bouquets that limits the amount of plastic used.

[0019] According to the Applicant's findings, there is a need for an even more eco-friendly water reservoir container. Summary

[0020] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0021] A waterproof paper container is proposed, comprising: a base formed by a first sheet of paper having a peripheral, circular collar, a side wall formed by a second sheet of paper, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge and a second edge, joined together to form a hollow body comprising a tubular portion, said tubular portion joined to said collar by a third edge of the second sheet of paper, a fourth edge of the second sheet of paper, opposite the third edge defining a top opening of the container at the level of a top edge of the container, an internal volume of the container delimited between the base and the side wall, and in which the first sheet of paper forming said base and the second sheet of paper forming the side wall are covered with a plastic coating, internal to the container, ensuring water tightness of the internal volume, and wherein the side wall comprises bellows, formed by fold lines in the second sheet of paper, extending along the height of the hollow body, from the fourth edge forming said opening, over the height of said tubular portion, the fold lines being distributed angularly around an axis of the tubular portion, said fold lines alternating in direction, inwards and outwards, along the periphery of the hollow body to form the bellows and wherein said bellows are configured to move the hollow body of the container from an opening position allowing the container to be filled through its upper opening to a closing position by compression of the bellows, the fold lines being brought towards the axis of the tubular portion by closing the upper opening, at least partially.

[0022] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0023] According to one embodiment, the container comprises, near the upper opening of the container relative to said base: closed-section holes in the first piece of paper on the periphery of the hollow body, or open notches radiating outwards around axis A at the apexes of the bellows, and in which said container is equipped with a clamping link passing through said closed section orifices, or else housed in said notches, said clamping link configured, when tightening, to ensure the passage from the open position to the closed position and then a holding of the hollow body in said closed position.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the clamping link is made of paper.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fourth edge of the second sheet of paper includes a fold so that the upper edge of the container is formed by a double thickness of the second sheet of paper.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the first sheet of paper is a disc, the collar formed by folding the peripheral edge of the disc, and the second sheet of paper is a developed truncated cone, the first edge and the second edge joined together forming a generatrix of the truncated cone, the third edge, concave in the flat position of the second sheet of paper, forming a small base of the truncated cone, and the fourth edge, convex in the flat position of the sheet of paper, forming a large base of the truncated cone.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the tubular portion is frustoconical, and in which, in said open position, the hollow body is a body flaring out from said base to said upper opening.

[0028] The present disclosure further relates to a stacking of containers according to the present disclosure, said containers, in said open position being stacked one inside the other, with an overlap between two successive containers stacked one on top of the other along the direction of axis A of the tubular portion greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%.

[0029] This disclosure further relates to a storage system comprising a stack of containers as described in this disclosure, and packaging consisting of a third pre-cut and folded sheet of paper, said stack comprising a first, lower container and a second, upper container, said packaging comprising: a middle part forming a support surface receiving the base of the first lower container of the stack, a first wing and a second wing attached to the middle part, respectively by a first fold line and a second fold line, said first wing and said second wing extending from said support surface, over the entire height of the stack, on either side of the stack, the first wing and said second wing comprising terminal ends configured to be folded into the internal volume of the last container of the stack, and glued by adhesive to an internal surface of the hollow body.

[0030] This disclosure further relates to a floral arrangement, comprising cut flowers and a container as described in this disclosure, filled with a volume of water, stems of the cut flowers inserted through the top opening of the container until the lower ends of the stems are in contact with the water, the container in said closed position in which the top opening of the container is tightened against the stems, the container held in said closed position, if necessary by the tightening tie.

[0031] The present disclosure is further related to the use of the watertight container as described in this disclosure, as an ice cube container, the internal volume filled with ice cubes, the top opening of the container tightened in said closed position over a beverage to be chilled received at least partially in the internal volume, for example, an alcoholic bottle.

[0032] This disclosure further relates to a manufacturing process for a container as detailed in this disclosure: / A / Provision of a first circular sheet of paper intended to form a base (2), / B / Provision of a second sheet of paper, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge and a second edge, and two further opposite edges consisting of a third, concave edge, and a fourth, convex edge, the second sheet of paper having fold lines intended to form gussets, extending from the fourth edge towards the third edge, / C / Shaping of the first sheet of paper so as to form a peripheral collar, / D / Shaping of the second sheet of paper along the fold lines in order to form gussets, / E / Rolling of the second sheet of paper so as to bring the third edge into contact with the periphery of the collar, and securing the collar and the third edge by welding or gluing, / F / Bringing the first and second opposite edges into contact,and joining the first edge and the second edge by welding or gluing.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the manufacturing process, said second sheet includes the orifices, the process including the placement of a clamping link through the orifices.

[0034] This disclosure further relates to a process for recycling a floral arrangement, as detailed in this disclosure, which includes: a separation of the container, made of paper, and the cut flowers, a recycling of the paper consisting of the first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper from the container for the manufacture of a paper article.

[0035] This disclosure further relates to a process for composting a floral arrangement according to this disclosure comprising composting the floral arrangement, including the cut flowers and the paper container of the floral arrangement, in particular without separation of the container and the cut flowers. Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Other features, details, and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below and analyzing the attached drawings, on which: Fig. 1 [ Fig. 1 ] illustrates, on the right, a watertight container in a position with the top opening open, a cable tie passing through holes through bellows, the tie loose, not tightened, and on the left the same container after tightening the cable tie and knotting two ends of the cable tie, in order to obtain the closure of the top opening, at least partially. Fig. 1a [ Fig. 1a ] illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the closed-section holes for the clamping link are replaced by notches opening outwards, the notches forming a discontinuous groove for receiving the clamping link. Fig. 2 [ Fig. 2 ] illustrates: a first flat sheet of paper in the shape of a disc, intended to form the base of the container of the figure 1, a second flat sheet of paper comprising two opposite edges, namely a first edge and a second edge intended to be joined together to form the side wall, as well as a third concave edge and a fourth convex edge, the second sheet of paper being the development of a truncated cone, the first and second edges extending along a generatrix of the truncated cone, the third concave edge intended to form the small base of the truncated cone, intended to be brought into contact with a collar of the base and joined to the latter, the fourth edge intended to form the large base of the truncated cone, the second sheet comprising fold lines, extending regularly along generatrices of the truncated cone, a tightening tie in the form of a paper cord. Fig. 3a [ Fig. 3a] illustrates a first step in which a peripheral edge of the first sheet of paper (in the form of a disc) is raised to form a collar, the second sheet of paper still flat. Fig. 3b [ Fig. 3b ] illustrates a second step in which the second sheet of paper is folded along the fold lines to form gussets, with on the right an embodiment with holes in the gussets for the placement of the drawstring, and on the left an embodiment without holes in the gussets, and without drawstring. Fig. 3c [ Fig. 3c ] illustrates a third step in which the second sheet is rolled up with the third edge in contact with the entire periphery of the collar and the watertight bonding between the collar and the third edge of the sheet. Fig. 3d [ Fig. 3d] illustrates the watertight joining of the first edge and two opposite edges along the height of the container. Fig. 3e [ Fig. 3e ] illustrates the paper container, which is waterproof once finished. Fig. 4 [ Fig. 4 ] is a view of a third pre-cut sheet of paper, flat, comprising a middle section, a first wing, and a second wing extending on either side of the middle section, the third sheet intended to be folded to form a package configured for holding a stack of containers, in their open position, the containers inserted one inside the other, the hollow body formed by the side wall flaring from said base to said upper opening, in the open position of the container. Fig. 5 [ Fig. 5] illustrates: on the left, a stack of containers inserted one inside the other, the hollow body of the container flaring out from said base to said upper opening, in the middle, the insertion of the stack which is supported by the base of a first container of the stack on the middle part of the packaging, and the folding of the first wing and the second wing along two fold lines so that the first wing and the second wing extend, on either side of the stack over the entire height of the stack, on the right, the folding of the terminal ends of the first wing and the second wing, within the internal volume of a last container of the stack and the securing of the terminal ends by adhesive, and last container. Fig. 6 [ Fig. 6] is a floral composition, comprising cut flowers whose stems are inserted through the top opening of the container, and until the stems come into contact with a volume of water inside the container, the top opening tightened against the stems of the bouquet, held by a tightening tie, the portion of the side wall bearing the bellows tightened towards the axis of the tubular portion ensuring a centered hold of the bouquet centered towards the axis A, allowing in particular a stable hold of the floral composition supported by the base of the container on a horizontal support surface. Description of the implementation methods

[0037] A waterproof container is offered, comprising: a base 2 formed by a first sheet of paper Pa1 having a peripheral collar 20, preferably circular, a side wall 3 formed by a second sheet of paper Pa2, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge B1 and a second edge B2, joined together to form a hollow body forming a tubular portion TB, said tubular portion joined to said collar 20 by a third edge B3 of the second sheet of paper Pa2, a fourth edge B4 of the second sheet of paper, opposite the third edge defining a top opening OV of the container at the level of a top edge of the container.

[0038] The first sheet of paper Pa1 can be a disc extending in a plane and has the collar 20, curved over the periphery of the disc.

[0039] The second sheet of paper, Pa2, can be, when laid flat, the developed surface of a truncated cone, with the first edge B1 and the second edge B2 joined together to form a generatrix of the truncated cone. The third edge, B3, which is concave, is intended to form a small base of the truncated cone, and the fourth edge, B4, which is convex, is intended to form a large base.

[0040] The first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper can typically be kraft paper, in particular paper with a weight between 180 g / m² and 400 g / m², more particularly between 220 g / m² and 350 g / m², such as for example 260 g / m² or even 300 g / m².

[0041] The container includes an internal volume delimited between the base 2 and the side wall 3 and preferably configured to receive a volume of water in a watertight manner.

[0042] To this end, the first sheet of paper Pa1 forming the base 2 and the second sheet of paper Pa2 forming the side wall 3 are covered with a plastic coating, internal to the container, ensuring watertightness of the internal volume. The external faces of the base 3 and the side wall 3 may be without such a coating.

[0043] The plastic coating can be a bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is compostable. It is typically made from starch, notably from corn, sugarcane, or potato starch. The plastic coating can also be a heat-sealable varnish, typically bio-based and biodegradable.

[0044] In general, the materials of the container (paper and plastic coating) can be bio-based.

[0045] According to this disclosure, the side wall 3 comprises bellows SF, formed by fold lines Lp, in the second sheet of paper Pa1, said fold lines Lp extending along the height of the hollow body, from the fourth edge forming said upper opening, along the height of said portion of tube TB.

[0046] The fold lines are distributed angularly around an axis A of the tubular portion TB, said fold lines Lp alternating inwards and outwards along the periphery of the hollow body to form the bellows. The fold lines preferably extend along the directions of the generatrices of the truncated cone.

[0047] Generally, and as shown in the figures, the fold lines LP can comprise, along the periphery of the side wall 3, alternately fold lines of a first length Lp1 and fold lines of a second length Lp2. The fold lines of the first length Lp1 may be longer than the second length. When folded to form the gussets SF, the fold lines of the first length Lp1 form the edges of the gussets and are oriented (protruding) outwards from the container, while the fold lines of the shorter second length Lp2 are oriented (protruding) inwards.

[0048] As seen at the figure 3a, and in general, the fold lines, in particular extending along generatrices of the truncated cone over a distance greater than half the generatrice, or even over at least 75% of the generatrices, at least with regard to the fold lines Lp1 along the first length. Thus, a lower portion of the tubular portion TB from the third edge can preferably be devoid of fold lines and therefore of bellows, and as visible at the figure 6 notably.

[0049] The fold lines Lp can be distributed angularly around the axis A, for example regularly, for example according to an angular offset of between 5° and 25°, for example between 10° and 20°. According to an illustrated example, the second sheet of paper has twenty-four fold lines, distributed according to an angular offset of 15° around the axis A.

[0050] Advantageously, said bellows are configured to move the hollow body from an open position PO allowing the container to be filled through its upper opening OV to a closed position PF in which the fold lines are brought closer to the axis A of the tubular portion by closing the upper opening OV, at least partially.

[0051] The tubular portion is frustoconical, in said opening position PO the hollow body, the hollow body is a body flaring from said base 2 to said upper opening OV, and in particular due to the geometry of the second sheet of paper which is a frustocone.

[0052] Advantageously, this allows the containers to be stacked, in the said open position, one inside the other, with an overlap between two successive containers stacked one on top of the other along the direction of axis A of the tubular portion 30, the overlap being greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%, and in particular as visible at the figure 5 .

[0053] The portion of the hollow body carrying the bellows SF can extend along the axis A of the tubular portion TB, over a dimension greater than the dimension of the tubular portion, and as visible at the figure 6 .

[0054] In the closed position PF, the portion of the hollow body carrying the bellows can be tightened by compressing the bellows, closing the upper opening OV, with a change in the geometry of the hollow body which is no longer diverging along the axis A, but converging along the direction of the axis A, from the lower part of the tubular portion TB devoid of the fold lines LP, and up to the upper opening OV.

[0055] Tightening and holding in the closed position PF can be achieved by means of a clamping link LS. The clamping link LS can be provided on the periphery, inserted into 30 closed-section holes in the first paper piece on the periphery of the hollow body, and as visible to the figure 1The LS cable tie is then preferably inserted into the various holes 30 around the periphery of the container. The LS cable tie may have two free ends that the operator can pull to tighten the top opening. The two free ends can be tied together to secure the tightening. This can be done, in particular, with a slipknot, which can be formed during manufacturing, especially to facilitate use for the user who only needs to pull on one end to close the container.

[0056] In the open position PO, the LS cable tie inserted through the various holes ensures that the cable tie remains in place, especially even when the two ends of the cable tie are not knotted.

[0057] Alternatively, the fold lines Lp forming the outward-facing edges of the bellows may have outward-opening notches. The succession of EC notches along the peripheral diameter of the hollow body forms a discontinuous, external, circular groove for receiving the cable tie. This embodiment with EC notches allows for faster attachment of the cable tie to the container but does not guarantee reliable retention of the cable tie when it is loose. The tie can thus be inserted into the notches by the user, and in particular not during manufacturing.

[0058] In general, the LS clamping link can be, like the first sheet of paper Pa1, and the second sheet of paper Pa2, made of paper.

[0059] In general, the fourth edge B4 of the second sheet of paper Pa2 may include a fold so that the upper edge of the container forming said upper opening OV is formed by a double thickness of the second sheet of paper Pa2, forming a peripheral bead, at the level of an upper edge of the container. According to another possibility the upper edge of the container may be formed by a single thickness.

[0060] This disclosure further relates to a manufacturing process for a container as described in this disclosure, which includes: / A / Provision of a first circular sheet of paper Pa1 intended to form a base 2, / B / Provision of a second sheet of paper Pa2, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge B1 and a second edge B2, and two other opposite edges consisting of a third concave edge B3 and a fourth convex edge B4, the second sheet of paper Pa2 having fold lines Lp intended to form bellows, extending from the fourth edge B3, towards the third edge B3, in particular, and over a major part of the second sheet of paper, the second sheet of paper being the unfolded of a truncated cone, and as previously described, / C / Shaping of the first sheet of paper Pa1 so as to form a peripheral collar 20, / D / Shaping of the second sheet of paper Pa2 along the fold lines in order to form bellows S, / E / Rolling the second sheet of paper Pa2 so that the third edge B3 is in contact with the periphery of the collar 20, and securing the collar and the third edge by welding or gluing, / F / Bringing the first edge B1 and the second edge B2, opposite each other, into contact, and securing the first edge and the second edge by welding or gluing.

[0061] Optionally / D / may be preceded by a prior shaping of the second sheet of paper Pa2, by folding the fourth edge of the second sheet of paper and that the upper edge of the container forming the upper opening is a double thickness of paper.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the second sheet of Pa2 paper may include the holes, the method comprising inserting a clamping link LS through the holes. Alternatively, the holes 30 may be replaced by EC notches.

[0063] At the end of its life, the container can be recycled through the cardboard recycling stream. The bin itself can also be composted.

[0064] This disclosure further relates to a floral arrangement, comprising cut flowers and a paper container 1 as described in this disclosure, filled with a volume of water, with the stems of the cut flowers inserted through the top opening of the container until the lower ends of the stems are in contact with the water.

[0065] The container is in said closed position PF in which the upper opening of the container is tightened against the flower stems, the container held in said closed position, if necessary by the clamping tie LS.

[0066] The portion of the side wall bearing the gussets that is brought closer to axis A ensures that the flower stems are held in place and centered along or near axis A, directly above the container's center of gravity. When the gussets SF are in a closed position, the side wall 3, with its fold lines PI forming the gussets, reinforces the side wall; the closed gussets act as stiffening elements, contributing to the stable support of the cut flowers. Such a floral arrangement with a water reservoir can be placed in a stable position on a horizontal support surface, resting on the base 2 of the container 1.

[0067] The paper container covers the flower stems, except for the flowers themselves (including the calyx and corolla), which remain outside the container. In one embodiment, this waterproof paper container may be the sole packaging used for the floral arrangement.

[0068] According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the watertight container 1 can be used in conjunction with a sheet, typically made of decorative paper, which is used to wrap the watertight container 1, forming a collar at the top of the container. The drawstring then simultaneously tightens the collar of the decorative sheet and the watertight container to ensure that the container remains in the closed position PF. The decorative sheet may be non-watertight.

[0069] This disclosure relates to a process for preparing a floral arrangement as detailed in this disclosure, which includes: a supply of a watertight container according to this disclosure, in the open position PO, a supply of cut flowers including flowers and flower stems, filling the internal volume of the container with a volume of water, inserting the cut flowers into the internal volume so as to bring the flower stems into contact with the volume of water, the flowers held outside the container, deformation of the side wall with compression of the bellows to said closed position PF for which the upper opening OV is closed on the flower stems at the level of the upper edge of the container, and preferably: setting up the clamping tie LS to hold the container in the closed position PF, stable.

[0070] At the end of its life, the composition can be recycled or composted.

[0071] This disclosure further relates to a process for recycling a floral arrangement, as detailed in this disclosure, which includes: a separation of the container, made of paper, and the cut flowers, a recycling of the paper from the container for the manufacture of a paper article.

[0072] This disclosure may also relate to a process for composting a floral arrangement according to this disclosure, including composting the floral arrangement, including the cut flowers and the paper container of the arrangement.

[0073] In particular, composting can be carried out advantageously without separating the container and the cut flowers.

[0074] The present disclosure is further related to the use of the watertight container as described in this disclosure, as an ice cube container, the internal volume filled with ice cubes, the upper opening OV of the container tightened in said closing position PF over a beverage to be chilled received at least partially in the internal volume, for example an alcoholic bottle.

[0075] This disclosure further relates to a process for preparing an ice cube container, as detailed in this disclosure, which includes: supplying a watertight container according to this disclosure, in the open position PO, supplying a beverage to be chilled, filling the internal volume of the container with ice cubes, inserting the beverage so as to bring the beverage into contact with the ice cubes, deforming the side wall with compression of the bellows to said closed position PF for which the upper opening OV is closed over the beverage, and putting in place the clamping link LS to hold the container in the closed position PF, stable.

[0076] The portion of the side wall carrying the gussets that is brought closer to axis A ensures that the beverage is held in place and centered along or near axis A, directly above the container's center of gravity. When the gussets SF are in a closed position, the side wall 3, with its fold lines PI forming the gussets, reinforces the side wall. The closed gussets act as stiffening elements, contributing to the stable support of the beverage, particularly a bottle. Such an ice cube container can be placed in a stable position on a horizontal support surface, resting on the base 2 of the container 1. The beverage can be a bottle (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), or one or more metal cans...

[0077] Before using the containers, especially for creating a floral arrangement or an ice cube tray, they can be stacked inside one another, as illustrated in the figure 5, in a less bulky position.

[0078] The present disclosure further relates to an EP stacking of containers 1 according to this disclosure, said paper containers, in said open position PO, being stacked one inside the other.

[0079] Preferably, the overlap between two successive containers stacked one on top of the other along the direction of axis A of tubular portion 30 is greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%.

[0080] The EP stack can be maintained by an EB packaging which holds the first container and the last container together, preventing them from separating along the direction of the stack.

[0081] The EP packaging can be formed by a third sheet of pre-cut Pa3 paper, which is illustrated flat, at the figure 4 , before it is shaped by folding.

[0082] The third sheet of paper, pre-cut, includes: a middle part PM intended to form a support surface for the base of a first container of the stack, lower, a first wing AL1 and a second wing AL2 extending the middle part, on either side of the middle part and following a longitudinal direction of the third sheet of paper Pa2.

[0083] A first fold line L1 delimits the middle part PM and the first wing AL1, and extends transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a second fold line L2 delimits the middle part PM and the second wing AL2. The first wing AL1 and the second wing AL2, once folded, respectively along the first line L1 and the second line L2, come on either side of the stack, over the entire height of the stack, blocking the stack, and in particular the first container resting on the support surface.

[0084] The first container is thus blocked along a first direction parallel to the support surface, passing through the first wing AL1 and the second AL2. The first wing AL1 and the second wing AL2 respectively have terminal ends provided with an adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive at each terminal end ET.

[0085] Optionally, the middle part PM may include a third fold line L3 and a fourth fold line L4 which allows to form two edges RB which block the stacking along a second direction parallel to the support surface, transverse to the first direction.

[0086] This disclosure further relates to a storage system comprising an EP stack of paper containers 1, and an EB package formed by a third pre-cut and folded sheet of Pa3 paper, said EP stack comprising a first, lower container and a last, upper container, said package comprising: a middle part PM forming a support surface receiving the base of the first lower container of the stack EP, a first wing AL1 and a second wing AL2 attached to the middle part, respectively by a first fold line L1 and a second fold line L2, said first wing AL1 and said second wing AL2 extending from said support surface, over the entire height of the stack EP, on either side of the stack, the first wing and said second wing comprising terminal ends ET, the ends configured to be folded into the internal volume of the last container of the stack, and glued by adhesive to an internal surface of the hollow body. List of reference signs

[0087] 1: Paper container, 2. Base, 20. Collar, Pa1. First paper sheet, 3. Side wall, LS. Clamping tie, 30. Holes (for clamping tie), Pa2. Second paper sheet, B1, B2, B3, B4. First, second, third, and fourth edges, TB. Tubular portion, A. Axis (Tubular portion), SF. Gussets, Lp. Fold lines (gussets), Lp1. Fold lines of one length (pointing outwards), LP2. Fold lines of one length (pointing inwards), EB. Packaging, PM. Middle portion, Pa2. Third paper sheet, AL1, AL2. First and second wings, L1, L2. First and second fold lines, RB. Edges, L3, L4. Third and fourth fold lines.

Claims

1. Watertight paper container (1) comprising: - a base (2) formed by a first sheet of paper (Pa1) having a peripheral, circular collar (20), - a side wall (3) formed by a second sheet of paper (Pa2), having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge (B1) and a second edge (B2), joined together to form a hollow body having a tubular portion (TB), said tubular portion joined to said collar (20) by a third edge (B3) of the second sheet of paper (Pa2), a fourth edge (B4) of the second sheet of paper (Pa2), opposite the third edge defining a top opening (OV) of the container at the level of a top edge of the container, an internal volume of the container delimited between the base and the side wall,and wherein the first sheet of paper (Pa1) forming said base (2) and the second sheet of paper (Pa2) forming the side wall (3) are covered with a plastic coating, internal to the container, ensuring watertightness of the internal volume, and wherein the side wall (3) comprises bellows (SF), formed by fold lines (Lp) in the second sheet of paper (Pa2), which extend along the height of the hollow body, from the fourth edge forming said opening, over the height of said tubular portion (TB), the fold lines (Lp) being distributed angularly around an axis (A) of the tubular portion (TB), said fold lines (Lp) alternating in direction, inwards and outwards,following the periphery of the hollow body to form the bellows and in which said bellows are configured to move the hollow body of the container from an open position (PO) allowing the container to be filled through its upper opening (OV) to a closed position (PF) by compressing the bellows, the fold lines are brought closer to the axis (A) of the tubular portion by closing the upper opening (OV), at least partially.

2. Container (1) according to claim 1, comprising, near the upper opening (OV) of the container relative to said base (2): - orifices (30) of closed section in the first paper piece on the periphery of the hollow body, or alternatively, - open notches (EC) opening radially around the axis A outwards at the level of the peaks of the bellows, and in which said container is equipped with a clamping link (LS) passing through said orifices of closed section, or alternatively housed in said notches (EC), said clamping link configured, during tightening, to ensure the passage from the open position (PO) to the closed position (PF) and then a holding of the hollow body in said closed position (PF).

3. Container according to claim 2, in which the tie (LS) is made of paper.

4. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fourth edge (B4) of the second sheet of paper (Pa2) includes a fold so that the upper edge of the container is formed by a double thickness of the second sheet of paper (Pa2).

5. Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first sheet of paper (Pa1) is a disc, the collar formed by folding the peripheral edge of the disc, and the second sheet of paper (Pa2) is a developed truncated cone, the first edge (B1) and the second edge (B2) joined together forming a generatrix of the truncated cone, the third edge (B3), concave in the flat position of the second sheet of paper, forming a small base of the truncated cone, and the fourth edge (B4), convex in the flat position of the sheet of paper, forming a large base of the truncated cone.

6. Container (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tubular portion is frustoconical, and wherein in said opening position (PO) the hollow body, the hollow body is a body flaring out from said base (2) to said upper opening (OV).

7. Stacking (EP) of containers according to claim 5 or 6, said containers, in said open position being stacked one inside the other, with an overlap between two successive containers stacked one inside the other along the direction of the axis (A) of the tubular portion (30) greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%.

8. A storage assembly comprising a stack (EP) of containers according to claim 6, and a package (EB) formed by a third pre-cut and folded sheet of paper (Pa3), said stack (EP) comprising a first, lower container and a second, upper container, said package comprising: - a middle part (PM) forming a support surface receiving the base of the first lower container of the stack (EP), - a first wing (AL1) and a second wing (AL2) attached to the middle part, respectively by a first fold line (L1) and a second fold line (L2), said first wing (AL1) and said second wing (AL2) extending from said support surface, over the entire height of the stack (EP), on either side of the stack, the first wing and said second wing comprising end ends (ET) configured to be folded into the internal volume of the last container of the stack,and glued with adhesive to an internal surface of the hollow body.

9. Floral arrangement, comprising cut flowers and a container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, filled with a volume of water, the stems of the cut flowers inserted through the upper opening of the container until the lower ends of the stems are in contact with the water, the container in said closed position (PF) for which the upper opening (OV) of the container is tightened against the stems, the container held in said closed position, where appropriate by the clamping tie (LS) when the container is according to claim 2.

10. Use of the watertight container according to any one of claims 1 to 6 as an ice cube container, the internal volume filled with ice cubes, the upper opening (OV) of the container tightened in said closed position (PF) over a beverage to be chilled received at least partially in the internal volume, for example an alcoholic bottle.

11. Method for manufacturing a container according to any one of claims 1 to 6: - / A / Supplying a first circular sheet of paper (Pa1) intended to form a base (2), - / B / Supplying a second sheet of paper (Pa2), having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge (B1) and a second edge (B2), and two other opposite edges consisting of a third concave edge (B3) and a fourth convex edge (B4), the second sheet of paper (Pa2) having fold lines (Lp) intended to form gussets, extending from the fourth edge towards the third edge, - / C / Shaping the first sheet of paper (Pa1) so as to form a peripheral collar (20), - / D / Shaping the second sheet of paper (Pa2) along the fold lines (Lp) in order to form gussets (SF),- / E / Rolling the second sheet of paper (Pa1) so that the third edge (B3) is in contact with the periphery of the collar (20), and securing the collar and the third edge by welding or gluing, - / F / Bringing the first edge (B1) and the second edge (B2), opposite each other, into contact, and securing the first and second edges by welding or gluing.

12. Manufacturing method according to claim 11, for obtaining a container according to claim 2, in which said second sheet includes the orifices, the method comprising the placement of a clamping link (LS) through the orifices (30).

13. A method for recycling a floral arrangement according to claim 9 comprising: - separating the container (1), made of paper, from the cut flowers, - recycling the paper consisting of the first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper from the container for the manufacture of a paper article.

14. A method for composting a floral composition according to claim 9 comprising composting the floral composition, including the cut flowers and the paper container of the floral composition, in particular without separating the container and the cut flowers.

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