Blank for constructing a foldable container and relating foldable container

Abstract

A blank (10) for constructing a foldable container (100), comprising a plurality of intended folding lines which define on the blank (10) a plurality of panels which are suitable for being folded in accordance with a sequence of successive folds in order to define said container (100), said plurality of panels comprising: a lower panel (3) which is intended to form a base (103) of said container (100), a first side panel (1) and a second side panel (2) which are mutually opposite, a front panel (5) and a rear panel (4). Said blank (10) comprises a reinforcement system that includes: reinforcement fins and reinforcement panels. Each reinforcement fin and each reinforcement panel are intended to be folded on the respective panel to form a first external rim (E1) and a second external rim (E2). The front panel (5) and the rear panel (4) are intended to form a front wall (105) of the container (100) and a rear wall (104) of said container (100), respectively. The side panels (1, 2) are intended to form a first side wall (101) and a second side wall (102) of said container (100) respectively, so that the first side wall (101) is spaced apart from the first external rim (E1) and the second side wall (102) is spaced apart from the second external rim (E2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a blank for constructing a foldable container and a foldable container formed by folding said blank.

[0002] The present invention relates to a foldable container (hereinafter also referred to as "container" for simplicity), preferably made of cardboard or another suitable material and having a base. It is desirable that the container comprises a front wall, a rear wall and two side walls, and that these four walls are straight, i.e. perpendicular to the base.

[0003] The invention also relates to a semi-finished blank intended to form, after folding, the aforementioned container and having a flattened shape and small footprint so that it can be easily stored and shipped.

[0004] Foldable containers are typically formed by a foldable sheet material, generally cardboard, suitably shaped and die-cut, i.e. with intended folding lines arranged so as to form on the blank a plurality of panels intended to construct, after folding, the base, walls and cover of the container being formed. The blank may also comprise cutting lines along which it is intended to be cut.

[0005] One shortcoming of foldable containers is related to the features of rigidity and strength of the container itself. In fact, it can happen that if fragile objects, such as bottles, favours, confectionery products, etc., are placed in the container, there is a risk that they could be damaged as a result of any impacts received. During transport, in fact, it is possible for the container to be subjected to stresses that result in deformations, bending, pressure, etc., which can cause damage to the container and thus to the objects contained within it.

[0006] Traditional containers are known in patent documents WO 2023285958 A1, US 4836375 A and DE 8020235 U1.

[0007] A further shortcoming of foldable containers relates to stability during transport of any objects that may be inserted into them. During transport, it is indeed possible that the objects in the container are not particularly stable in the desired position and tend to shift within the container itself.

[0008] A further shortcoming of known foldable containers is that assembly operations are complicated and time-consuming.

[0009] In addition, the blank footprint of the foldable containers can be large.

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a blank to make a foldable container that overcomes the problems complained of with reference to the prior art mentioned above.

[0011] An object of the invention is to provide a blank that makes it possible to obtain a container that is particularly rigid and resistant.

[0012] An object of the invention is to provide a blank that makes it possible to obtain a container that is particularly suitable for transporting any objects that can be inserted into it, keeping them in the desired position.

[0013] An object of the invention is to provide a blank that allows a container to be formed in a simple and quick manner.

[0014] A further object is to provide a blank that allows a container to be formed, particularly suitable for holding at least one bottle.

[0015] Another object is to provide a blank that allows a container to be formed, particularly suitable for holding objects and / or confectionery products for the confectionery industry, e.g. for the Easter period.

[0016] A further object is to provide a blank that allows a container to be formed, particularly suitable for holding objects and / or confectionery products for the party favours industry.

[0017] The above-mentioned problem and object are solved, at least in part, by the present invention by means of a blank comprising one or more of the characteristics expressed in the following claims.

[0018] In a first aspect thereof, the present invention concerns a blank for constructing a foldable container. This blank comprises a plurality of intended folding lines which define on said blank a plurality of panels which are suitable for being folded in accordance with a sequence of successive folds in order to define said container, and a reinforcement system. Said plurality of panels comprises: a lower panel which is intended to form a base of said container, a first side panel and a second side panel which are opposite each other, a front panel and a rear panel which are connected to said lower panel by means of a first intended folding line and a second intended folding line.

[0019] The blank comprises a reinforcement system that preferably includes a first lower reinforcement fin and a second lower reinforcement fin, a first front reinforcement panel and a second front reinforcement panel, and a first rear reinforcement panel and a second rear reinforcement panel.

[0020] Preferably, the first lower reinforcement fin and the second lower reinforcement fin are connected to the lower panel by means of a fourth intended folding line and a twenty-third intended folding line, respectively, and to the respective side panel by means of respective fifth intended folding lines so as to be positioned between the lower panel and the respective side panel.

[0021] Preferably, the first front reinforcement panel and the second front reinforcement panel are connected to the front panel by means of a sixth and a twenty-fourth intended folding line, respectively, so that the front panel is positioned between said front reinforcement panels.

[0022] Preferably, each front reinforcement panel is connected to the respective side panel by means of a respective front edge. In other words, the first front reinforcement panel is connected to the first side panel by means of a front edge and the second front reinforcement panel is connected to the second side panel by means of a further front edge.

[0023] Preferably, the first rear reinforcement panel and the second rear reinforcement panel are connected to the rear panel by means of an eighth intended folding line and a twenty-fifth intended folding line, respectively, so that the rear panel is positioned between said rear reinforcement panels.

[0024] Preferably, each rear reinforcement panel is connected to the respective side panel by means of a respective rear edge. In other words, the first rear reinforcement panel is connected to the first side panel by means of a rear edge and the second rear reinforcement panel is connected to the second side panel by means of a further rear edge.

[0025] Preferably, the first lower reinforcement fin is intended to be folded on the fourth intended folding line with a downstream fold on the lower panel and the second lower reinforcement fin is intended to be folded on the twenty-third intended folding line with a downstream fold on the lower panel. It is preferable that said first lower reinforcement fins are folded in such a manner as to adhere to the lower panel. Preferably, the first front reinforcement panel and the second front reinforcement panel are intended to be folded on the front panel with a downstream fold on the sixth intended folding line and on the twenty-fourth intended folding line, respectively. It is preferable that said front reinforcement panels are folded in such a manner as to adhere to the front panel.

[0026] Preferably, the first rear reinforcement panel and the second rear reinforcement panel are intended to be folded on the rear panel with a downstream fold on the eighth intended folding line and on the twenty-fifth intended folding line, respectively. It is preferable that said rear reinforcement panels are folded in such a manner as to adhere to the rear panel.

[0027] In this way, a first external rim is formed in the region of the fourth intended folding line, sixth intended folding line and eighth intended folding line and a second external rim in the region of the twenty-third intended folding line, twenty-fourth intended folding line and twenty-fifth intended folding line.

[0028] The front panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the first intended folding line and the rear panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the second intended folding line, so that the front panel forms a front wall of the container and the rear panel forms a rear wall of said container.

[0029] The side panels are intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective fifth intended folding lines by means of the respective front edge and rear edge in such a manner that the side panels form a first side wall and second side wall of said container, respectively, and the first side wall is spaced apart from the first external rim and the second side wall is spaced apart from the second external rim.

[0030] Thanks to the above-mentioned features, the blank allows obtaining a particularly rigid and resistant container. In particular, the reinforcement system is intended to increase the features of rigidity and strength of the container which can be obtained from said blank. The container obtained by means of said blank will have particularly thick walls due to the reinforcement fins and reinforcement panels adhering to the respective panels.

[0031] The blank is preferably a single piece of sheet material. This provides benefits, including reduced production costs, increased structural strength, reduced risk of defects in the container, optimised storage space and increased environmental sustainability. Advantageously, the blank is made of cardboard or another flexible material, e.g. suitable plastic material.

[0032] The first external rim is protruding with respect to the first side wall of the container and the second external rim is protruding with respect to the second side wall of the container. In this way, the container can absorb stresses and impacts more effectively. This makes it possible to safeguard any objects contained in the container and this can be particularly useful if these objects are fragile, such as bottles, favours, confectionery products, etc.

[0033] Preferably, the container comprises a housing delimited by the base, the front wall, the rear wall and the side walls. Preferably, the first external rim and the second external rim are external with respect to the housing.

[0034] Preferably, the container comprises a first cavity and a second cavity, where the first cavity is delimited by the first external rim and the first side wall and the second cavity is delimited by the second external rim and the second side wall.

[0035] By means of the blank according to the invention, it is possible to obtain a container very quickly and easily even by inexperienced users.

[0036] In addition, said blank has limited footprint and allows limiting the overall space occupied during transport, while at the same time limiting any damage to the blank itself.

[0037] A Cartesian reference system can be associated with the blank and this system defines a transverse direction, a longitudinal direction and a thickness direction. The blank, in its extended configuration, lies advantageously on a plane defined by the transverse and longitudinal directions.

[0038] The lower panel has a thickening as a result of the adhesion of the lower reinforcement fins, the front panel has a thickening as a result of the adhesion of the front reinforcement panels, and the rear reinforcement panel has a thickening as a result of the adhesion of the rear reinforcement panels. These thickenings increase the rigidity of the container obtained by means of the blank according to the invention.

[0039] Preferably, each lower reinforcement fin and each side panel have the same dimension along the longitudinal direction (in short "longitudinal dimension") of the lower panel.

[0040] Preferably, each front reinforcement panel has the same longitudinal dimension as the front panel.

[0041] Preferably, each rear reinforcement panel has the same longitudinal dimension as the rear panel.

[0042] Preferably, adhesion between the lower panel and the lower reinforcement fins is achieved by direct contact of each front reinforcement fin with the lower panel.

[0043] It is desirable that the first and second lower reinforcement fins have the same dimension along the transverse direction (in short "transverse dimension").

[0044] Preferably, adhesion between the front panel and the front reinforcement panels takes place through direct contact of the front reinforcement panel, which is initially folded on the front panel. The front reinforcement panel that is subsequently folded can adhere to the front panel by direct, partial direct or indirect contact depending on the transverse dimension of the front reinforcement panels. Depending on the above dimensions, these front reinforcement panels may or may not (partially) overlap after folding on the front panel. The subsequently folded front reinforcement panel may in fact adhere to the front panel by direct contact (e.g. if both front reinforcement panels have a transverse dimension equal to half of the front panel), by partial direct contact (e.g. if the initially folded front reinforcement panel has a transverse dimension equal to about one third of that of the front panel and the subsequently folded front reinforcement panel has a transverse dimension equal to that of the front panel) or by indirect contact (e.g. if the initially folded front reinforcement panel has a transverse dimension equal to that of the front panel). Similar considerations can also be made for the adhesion between the rear panel and the rear reinforcement panels.

[0045] Preferably, the front panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the first intended folding line so that the front panel and the lower panel are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0046] Preferably, the rear panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the second intended folding line, so that the rear panel and the lower panel are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0047] In an embodiment, the blank comprises an upper panel connected to the rear panel by means of a third intended folding line positioned so that the rear panel is positioned between the upper panel and the lower panel.

[0048] It is preferable for the reinforcement system to comprise a first upper reinforcement fin and a second upper reinforcement fin connected to the upper panel by a tenth and a twenty-sixth intended folding line, respectively, so that the upper panel is positioned between said tenth and said twenty-sixth intended folding line. Preferably, the first upper reinforcement fin and the second upper reinforcement fin are intended to be folded on the upper panel with a downstream fold on the tenth and twenty-sixth fold lines respectively, so that said upper reinforcement fins adhere to the upper panel.

[0049] In this embodiment, the first external rim is formed in the region of the fourth, sixth, eighth and tenth intended folding lines and the second external rim is formed in the region of the twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth intended folding lines.

[0050] Thus, the upper panel has a thickening as a result of the adhesion of the upper reinforcement fins, and this further increases the rigidity of the container obtained by means of the blank according to the invention.

[0051] Preferably, adhesion between the upper panel and the upper reinforcement fins is achieved by direct contact of each upper reinforcement fin with the upper panel.

[0052] It is desirable that the first upper reinforcement fin has the same transverse dimension as the second upper reinforcement fin. It is desirable that the first upper reinforcement fin has the same transverse dimension as the first lower reinforcement fin and that the second upper reinforcement fin has the same transverse dimension as the second lower reinforcement fin. Preferably, each upper reinforcement fin has the same longitudinal dimension as the upper panel.

[0053] Preferably, the tenth intended folding line and the twenty-sixth intended folding line are mutually opposite and are both adjacent to the third intended folding line. "Adjacent" means that one intended folding line is contiguous to another intended folding line, i.e. that these two intended folding lines have at least one point in common or that one is a continuation of the other.

[0054] Preferably, the upper panel is intended to be folded on the third intended folding line, so that the upper panel forms a cover of said container. Preferably, the upper panel is rotatable with respect to the rear panel about an axis of rotation passing through the third intended folding line.

[0055] It is preferable that the cover be movable between an open and a closed position.

[0056] In the open position, the cover is positioned so that the container housing is accessible. This makes it possible, for example, to insert objects into such a housing. In the closed position, the cover is positioned so that the container housing is not accessible. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent objects contained in said housing from coming out of the container.

[0057] When the cover is in the closed position, it is possible to achieve a substantially closed conformation of both the first external rim and the second external rim. The substantially closed conformation allows the external rims to further increase the rigidity of the container. Preferably, this substantially closed conformation has a substantially rectangle or square or rhombus shape.

[0058] Preferably, by rotating the cover with a downstream fold on the third intended folding line, the cover approaches the closed position, and by rotating the cover with an upstream fold on the third intended folding line, the cover moves away from the closed position.

[0059] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the blank comprises a fixing panel connected to the upper panel via a twentieth intended folding line, said fixing panel being formed so as to maintain the cover in the closed position.

[0060] By maintaining the cover in the closed position, it is possible to maintain the above-mentioned substantially closed conformation of both the first external rim and the second external rim, which contributes to further increasing the rigidity of the container, improving the rigidity of the container.

[0061] Preferably, the fixing panel includes a tab that can be inserted into an opening of the front panel. This makes it possible to obtain a closure that is particularly simple to carry out and at the same time effective.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, each reinforcement fin adheres to the respective panel by means of adhesive bonding.

[0063] This provides a particularly effective adhesion and improves the stability and strength of the container.

[0064] It is preferable that each reinforcement fin adheres to the respective panel over its entire area. In this way, each reinforcement fin remains in contact with the respective panel so as to create a constant thickening throughout the entire area of the fin and this makes it possible to further increase the rigidity of the container near the first external rim and the second external rim.

[0065] Preferably, each lower reinforcement fin adheres to the lower panel by means of adhesive bonding when the blank is folded to form the container. In the embodiment in which the upper panel is provided, it is preferable that each upper reinforcement fin adheres to the upper panel by means of adhesive bonding when the blank is folded to form the container.

[0066] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each front reinforcement panel adheres to the front panel by means of adhesive bonding and each rear reinforcement panel adheres to the rear panel by means of adhesive bonding when the blank is folded to form the container.

[0067] This provides a particularly effective adhesion and improves the stability and strength of the container.

[0068] It is preferable that each front reinforcement panel and each rear reinforcement panel adhere over their entire area to the respective panel. In this way, each reinforcement panel remains in contact with the respective panel so as to create a constant thickening throughout the entire area of the reinforcement panel and this makes it possible to further increase the rigidity of the front wall and the rear wall of the container.

[0069] Preferably, the front edges are not connected by adhesive to the front panel and the rear edges are not connected by adhesive to the rear panel.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the first side panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifth intended folding line thereof so as to be substantially perpendicular to the lower panel and the second side panel is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifth intended folding line thereof so as to be substantially perpendicular to the lower panel so that, when the container is formed, the first side wall is substantially parallel with and equidistant to a plane which contains the first external rim and the second side wall is substantially parallel with and equidistant to a plane which contains the second external rim.

[0071] This makes it possible to obtain a container with a substantially parallelepiped shape. Thanks to this shape, the container can receive objects to be transported particularly easily, e.g. bottles, favours, confectionery products, etc.

[0072] When the first side panel is substantially perpendicular to the lower panel, the distance between the first side wall and the plane containing the first external rim is equal to the transverse dimension of the first lower reinforcement fin. The greater said distance, the greater the effect of absorption of any impacts suffered by the container.

[0073] When the second side panel is substantially perpendicular to the lower panel, the distance between the second side wall and the plane containing the second external rim is equal to the transverse dimension of the second lower reinforcement fin. The greater said distance, the greater the effect of absorption of any impacts suffered by the container.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, each front edge is delimited by an eleventh intended folding line, a thirteenth intended folding line and a first cutting line and each rear edge is delimited by a twelfth intended folding line, a fourteenth intended folding line and a second cutting line.

[0075] Preferably, each front edge is connected to the respective side panel by means of the eleventh intended folding line, is connected to the respective front reinforcement panel by means of the thirteenth intended folding line, and is separated from the respective front reinforcement panel by means of the first cutting line.

[0076] Preferably, each rear edge is connected to the respective side panel by means of the twelfth intended folding line, is connected to the respective rear reinforcement panel via the fourteenth intended folding line, and is separated from the respective rear reinforcement panel via the second cutting line.

[0077] Preferably, each front edge is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective thirteenth intended folding line and each rear edge is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective fourteenth intended folding line. Preferably, the side panels are intended to be folded with an upstream fold on the respective eleventh and twelfth intended folding lines.

[0078] This conformation of the front edges and the rear edges allows the side panels to be lifted with respect to the lower panel particularly effectively.

[0079] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the thirteenth intended folding line is inclined by a first angle with respect to the eleventh intended folding line and the fourteenth intended folding line is inclined by a second angle with respect to the twelfth intended folding line. Preferably, the first angle and the second angle have a value comprised between about 30° and 60°, even more preferably about 45°. The applicant found that these features allow the first side panel and the second side panel to be lifted particularly easily during folding operations of the blank. In particular, these features allow the first side panel and the second side panel to be lifted so that both are substantially perpendicular to the lower panel without particular efforts being exerted during the folding operations.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement system comprises a front closure panel which is connected to the front panel by means of a fifteenth intended folding line which is positioned so that the front panel is positioned between the lower panel and the front closure panel, said front closure panel being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line so that the front edges are positioned between the respective front reinforcement panels and the front closure panel.

[0081] In this way, the front closure panel can abut on both front edges, pushing them and holding them in place towards the respective front reinforcement panels, which are themselves attached to the front panel. This contributes to making the container particularly stable and rigid.

[0082] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the front closure panel comprises respective protrusions, configured to fit into respective holes in the lower panel. This makes it possible to hold the front closure panel in place particularly easily, so that it can abut on both front edges, pushing them towards the respective front reinforcement panels.

[0083] Preferably, when the front closure panel is folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line, the protrusions are inserted into the respective holes of the lower panel.

[0084] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement system comprises side reinforcement panels, and the front closure panel is connected to said side reinforcement panels by means of respective seventeenth intended folding lines positioned so that the front closure panel is positioned between said side reinforcement panels.

[0085] In this way, it is possible to create a thickening of the front closure panel which, once folded and adhered to the front panel, makes it possible to obtain a container with a particularly rigid front wall.

[0086] Preferably, each side reinforcement panel can adhere to the front closure panel by means of adhesive bonding. This provides a particularly effective adhesion and improves the stability and strength of the container.

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment, the reinforcement system comprises a rear closure panel connected to the rear reinforcement panel via a sixteenth intended folding line, this rear closure panel being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line, so that the rear edge is positioned between the rear closure panel and the rear reinforcement panel.

[0088] This helps hold the rear edge in place and makes the container particularly rigid. Preferably, the transverse dimension of the rear reinforcement panel is approximately equal to the sum of the transverse dimension of the corresponding rear closure panel and the transverse dimension of the corresponding upper reinforcement fin.

[0089] Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of the rear closure panel is approximately equal to that of the corresponding rear reinforcement panel.

[0090] In an embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement system comprises two rear closure panels. Preferably, the rear closure panels are connected to the respective rear reinforcement panels by means of a respective sixteenth intended folding line, each rear closure panel being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line, so that the respective rear edge is positioned between the respective rear closure panel and the respective rear reinforcement panel.

[0091] In this way, each rear closure panel can abut on the respective rear edge, pushing it towards the respective rear reinforcement panel and holding it in place. This helps hold these edges in place particularly precisely and further increases the rigidity of the container.

[0092] In an alternative embodiment, the reinforcement system comprises a single rear closure panel connected to a rear reinforcement panel, said single rear closure panel being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line and being configured so as to abut on both rear edges, pushing them towards the respective rear reinforcement panels and holding them in place.

[0093] This simplified embodiment of the blank allows achieving an excellent balance between the container's robustness and material saving.

[0094] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, each rear closure panel includes a protrusion configured to be inserted into a respective hole in the lower panel.

[0095] This makes it possible to hold the rear closure panels in place particularly easily, so that they can abut on both rear edges, pushing them towards the respective rear reinforcement panels.

[0096] Preferably, when each rear closure panel is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line, the protrusions are inserted into the respective holes in the lower panel.

[0097] According to a preferred embodiment, the rear closure panel is connected to an auxiliary panel by means of an eighteenth intended folding line. Preferably, said auxiliary panel comprises a support panel intended to be in contact with the lower panel.

[0098] The auxiliary panel allows to further increase the rigidity of the container. In particular, the support panel allows for a thickening of the base of the container, which enables the weight transportable by the container itself to be increased. Preferably, the eighteenth intended folding line and the sixteenth intended folding line are parallel and mutually opposite.

[0099] Preferably, the rear closure panel is positioned between the auxiliary panel and the rear reinforcement panel.

[0100] It is preferable for the auxiliary panel to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation passing through the eighteenth intended folding line, which is located in the region of the second intended folding line when the rear closure panel is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line, so as to come into contact with the lower panel.

[0101] In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the auxiliary panel comprises a raisable panel connected to the support panel by means of a nineteenth intended folding line, the raisable panel being movable between a first position, in which it is in contact with the lower panel, and a second position, in which it is raised with respect to the lower panel.

[0102] Preferably, the raisable panel is movable between the first position and the second position by rotating about an axis of rotation passing through the nineteenth intended folding line.

[0103] The support panel and the raisable panel in the first position both allow for a thickening of the container base, which allows to increase the transportable weight of the container itself, making the container even more rigid. The raisable panel makes it possible to obtain a container that is particularly suitable for holding objects that can be inserted into its housing, e.g. bottles, in the intended position. In fact, by placing the raisable panel in the second position, it can function as a separator of objects in the container housing. Said separator can hold one or more objects in place in the container housing, safeguarding their integrity. The auxiliary panel comprising both the support panel and the raisable panel therefore has the dual function of increasing the container's rigidity and making the container suitable for holding in place any objects in its housing, depending on its positioning. Preferably, when the raisable panel is in the second position, the raisable panel and the lower panel are substantially perpendicular to each other. This results in optimal separation of the objects contained in the container and optimisation of the space in its housing.

[0104] Preferably, the nineteenth intended folding line and the eighteenth intended folding line are parallel and mutually opposite.

[0105] Preferably, the support panel is positioned between the raisable panel and the rear closure panel.

[0106] The positioning of the nineteenth intended folding line on the auxiliary panel may advantageously depend on the longitudinal dimension of said auxiliary panel. For example, in the embodiment of the blank to obtain the container for two bottles, the nineteenth intended folding line may be in the region of a median line of the auxiliary panel.

[0107] According to a preferred embodiment, the blank comprises two auxiliary panels, each auxiliary panel being connected to the respective rear closure panel by means of a respective eighteenth intended folding line.

[0108] Depending on the configuration of the auxiliary panels, different types of containers can thus be obtained, making the blank according to the invention particularly versatile. For example, it is possible to obtain a container with an additional thickening of the base if both auxiliary panels are placed on the base of the container. If at least one of said auxiliary panels comprises a raisable panel, it is possible, for example, to achieve a partial subdivision of the container housing by partially separating the objects within it.

[0109] In a second aspect thereof, the invention concerns to a foldable container formed by folding the blank according to the invention.

[0110] Preferably, according to the embodiment of the blank, it is possible to obtain a container suitable for holding bottles, or objects and / or confectionery products for the confectionery industry, or objects and / or confectionery products for the party favours industry.

[0111] The container obtained from a first embodiment of the blank may be suitable for holding one bottle, two bottles, three bottles, or more than three bottles, depending on the size of the blank and its panels, as will be further described in the detailed description.

[0112] The features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment shown, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the blank according to the invention in an extended configuration prior to folding; Figures 2-5 show successive folding sequences of the blank in Figure 1 to define the container; Figure 6 shows the container obtained from the blank in Figure 1, in which the raisable panel is in the first position; Figure 7 shows the container obtained from the blank in Figure 1, in which the raisable panel is in the second position; Figure 8 shows the container in Figures 6 and 7 in which the cover is moved from the open position to the closed position; Figure 9 shows the container in Figures 6 and 7 in which the cover is held in the closed position by the fixing panel; Figure 10 shows an embodiment of the container for a single bottle; Figure 11 shows an embodiment of the container for three bottles, in which the raisable panel is in the first position; Figure 12 shows an embodiment of the container for three bottles, in which the raisable panel is in the second position; Figure 13 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the blank according to the invention in an extended configuration prior to folding; Figure 14 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the blank according to the invention in an extended configuration prior to folding.

[0113] In the examples in Figures 1, 13 and 14, three different embodiments of a blank 10 according to the invention are shown, respectively, in an extended configuration prior to folding.

[0114] A Cartesian reference system XYZ can be associated with the blank 10 and this system defines a transverse direction X, a longitudinal direction Y and a thickness direction Z. In an extended configuration such as that shown in the examples in Figures 1, 13 and 14, the blank 10 lies advantageously on a plane defined by the transverse X and longitudinal Y directions.

[0115] In the present description, the feature of two parts to "adhere" means that they abut on each other when the blank is folded to form the container and, preferably, an adhesive material is provided between them, which causes their joining to ensure that the shape of the container is maintained when the blank is folded to form it.

[0116] The blank 10 is preferably made from a sheet material such as cardboard or plastic material which is processed in special processing machines to construct the blank 10. Advantageously, the blank 10 is made of cardboard or another flexible material, e.g. suitable plastic.

[0117] The first embodiment of the blank shown in the example in Figure 1 allows to obtain a container 100 particularly suitable for holding bottles. In the examples of Figures 1-9, the blank 10 is configured to obtain a container 100 suitable for two bottles. The second embodiment of the blank 10 shown in the example of Figure 13 allows to obtain a container suitable for holding objects and / or confectionery products for the confectionery industry, e.g. for the Easter period.

[0118] The third embodiment of the blank 10 shown in the example in Figure 14 allows to obtain a container suitable for holding objects and / or confectionery products for the party favours industry.

[0119] The blank 10 is provided with a plurality of intended folding lines defining on the blank 10 a plurality of panels suitable to be folded according to a sequence of successive folds, as further explained below, so as to obtain a relative container 100, such as that visible in the examples of Figures 6-9. The considerations relating to said blank 10 and the related container 100 for two bottles are also applicable to the versions of the blank for obtaining a container for one bottle, an example of which can be seen in Figure 10, for three bottles, examples of which can be seen in Figures 11 and 12, and for the second embodiment and the third embodiment of the blank 10, shown respectively in the examples of Figures 13 and 14, mutatis mutandis. Preferably, the blank 10 may comprise cutting lines along which the blank 10 is intended to be cut.

[0120] In the examples of Figures 1, 13 and 14, the intended folding lines are shown as dotted lines and the cutting lines are shown as solid lines, for the sake of visual clarity.

[0121] The plurality of panels comprises: a lower panel 3, intended to form a base 103 of the container 100, a first side panel 1 and a second side panel 2 mutually opposite, a front panel 5 and a rear panel 4 connected to said lower panel 3 by a first intended folding line 51 and a second intended folding line 52, respectively, an upper panel 6 connected to the rear panel 4 by a third intended folding line 53 positioned so that the rear panel 4 is positioned between the upper panel 6 and the lower panel 3.

[0122] The blank 10 comprises a reinforcement system that preferably includes: a first lower reinforcement fin 11 and a second lower reinforcement fin 12, a first front reinforcement panel 21 and a second front reinforcement panel 22, a first rear reinforcement panel 31 and a second rear reinforcement panel 32, and a first upper reinforcement fin 13 and a second upper reinforcement fin 14.

[0123] The first lower reinforcement fin 11 and the second lower reinforcement fin 12 are connected to the lower panel 3 by means of a fourth intended folding line 54 and a twenty-third intended folding line 73, respectively, and to the respective side panel 1, 2 by means of respective fifth intended folding lines 55, so as to be positioned between the lower panel 3 and the respective side panel 1, 2.

[0124] The first front reinforcement panel 21 and the second front reinforcement panel 22 are connected to the front panel 5 by means of a sixth intended folding line 56 and a twenty-fourth intended folding line 74, respectively, so that the front panel 5 is positioned between said front reinforcement panels 21, 22.

[0125] Each front reinforcement panel 21, 22 is connected to the respective side panel 1, 2 by means of a respective front edge 24.

[0126] The first rear reinforcement panel 31 and the second rear reinforcement panel 32 are connected to the rear panel 4 by means of an eighth intended folding line 58 and a twenty-fifth intended folding line 75, respectively, in such a manner that the rear panel 4 is positioned between the rear reinforcement panels 31, 32.

[0127] Each rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 is connected to the respective side panel 1, 2 by means of a respective rear edge 25.

[0128] Preferably, each front edge 24 is delimited by an eleventh intended folding line 61, a thirteenth intended folding line 63 and a first cutting line T1. Preferably, each front edge 24 is connected to the respective side panel 1, 2, by means of the eleventh intended folding line 61, is connected to the respective front reinforcement panel 21, 22, by means of the thirteenth intended folding line 63 and is separated from the respective front reinforcement panel 21, 22 by means of the first cutting line T1. Preferably, each rear edge 25 is delimited by a twelfth intended folding line 62, a fourteenth intended folding line 64 and a second cutting line T2. Preferably, each rear edge 25 is connected to the respective side panel 1, 2 by means of the twelfth intended folding line 62, is connected to the respective rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 by means of the fourteenth intended folding line 64 and is separated from the respective rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 by means of the second cutting line T2. As shown in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the first lower reinforcement fin 11 and the second lower reinforcement fin 12 are folded on the lower panel 3 with a downstream fold on the fourth intended folding line 54 and the twenty-third intended folding line 73, respectively, so that said first lower reinforcement fins 11, 12 adhere to the lower panel 3, the first front reinforcement panel 21 and the second front reinforcement panel 22 are folded on the front panel 5 with a downstream fold on the sixth intended folding line 56 and the twenty-fourth intended folding line 74, respectively, so that said front reinforcement panels 21, 22 adhere to the front panel 5, the first rear reinforcement panel 31 and the second rear reinforcement panel 32 are folded on the rear panel 4 with a downstream fold on the eighth intended folding line 58 and the twenty-fifth intended folding line 75, respectively, so that said rear reinforcement panels 31, 32 adhere to the rear panel 4 and the first upper reinforcement fin 13 and the second upper reinforcement fin 14 are folded on the upper panel 6 with a downstream fold on the tenth intended folding line 60 and the twenty-sixth intended folding line 76, respectively, so that said upper reinforcement fins 13, 14 adhere to the upper panel 6 when the blank is folded to form the container.

[0129] In this way, a first external rim E1 can be formed in the region of the fourth intended folding line 54, the sixth intended folding line 56, the eighth intended folding line 58 and the tenth intended folding line 60, and a second external rim E2 can be formed in the region of the twenty-third intended folding line 73, the twenty-fourth intended folding line 74, the twenty-fifth intended folding line 75 and the twenty-sixth intended folding line 76.

[0130] As shown in the examples in Figures 4 and 5, the front panel 5 is folded with a downstream fold on the first intended folding line 51 and the rear panel 4 is folded with a downstream fold on the second intended folding line 52, so that the front panel 5 forms a front wall 105 of the container 100 and the rear panel 4 forms a rear wall 104 of said container 100. Preferably, the front panel 5 and lower panel 3 are substantially perpendicular to each other and the rear panel 4 and lower panel 3 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0131] The side panels 1, 2 are folded with a downstream fold on the respective fifth intended folding lines 55 by means of the respective front edge 24 and rear edge 25.

[0132] Preferably, each front edge 24 is folded with a downstream fold on the respective thirteenth intended folding line 63, each rear edge 25 is folded with a downstream fold on the respective fourteenth intended folding line 64, and the side panels 1, 2 are folded with an upstream fold on the respective eleventh intended folding line 61 and twelfth intended folding lines 62.

[0133] In this way, the side panels 1, 2 form a first side wall 101 and a second side wall 102 of said container 100, respectively. The first side wall 101 is spaced apart from the first external rim E1 and the second side wall 102 is spaced apart from the second external rim E2.

[0134] When the lower reinforcement fins 11, 12 are folded on the respective fourth intended folding line 54, the side panel 1, 2 connected to the lower reinforcement fin 11, 12 by means of the respective fifth intended folding line 52 is also intended to be folded in the same direction as said fin. Each side panel 1, 2 is intended to be raised with respect to the lower panel 3.

[0135] In the above folding operations, the edges 24, 25 are also moved as they are connected to the respective side panels 1, 2 and the respective front reinforcement panels 21, 22 and rear reinforcement panels 31, 32.

[0136] The first external rim E1 is protruding from the first side wall 101 of the container 100 and the second external rim E2 is protruding from the second side wall 102 of the container 100.

[0137] The container 100 comprises a housing 110 delimited by the base 103, the front wall 105, the rear wall 104 and the side walls 101, 102 of the container 100. Preferably, the first external rim E1 and the second external rim E2 are external with respect to the housing 110.

[0138] Preferably, each first reinforcement fin 11, 13, has the same transverse dimension K1.

[0139] Preferably, each second reinforcement fin 12, 14, has the same transverse dimension K2.

[0140] Preferably, the front panel 5, lower panel 3, rear panel 4 and upper panel 6 each have a parallelepiped shape and have the same dimension W along the transverse direction X.

[0141] Preferably, the lower panel 3 and upper panel 6 have the same longitudinal dimension M.

[0142] Preferably, the front panel 5 and rear panel 4 have the same longitudinal dimension N.

[0143] Preferably, each lower reinforcement fin 11, 12 and each side panel 1, 2 has the same longitudinal dimension M as the lower panel 3.

[0144] Preferably, each upper reinforcement fin 13, 14 has the same longitudinal dimension M as the upper panel 6.

[0145] Preferably, each front reinforcement panel 21, 22 has the same longitudinal dimension N as the front panel 5.

[0146] Preferably, each rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 has the same longitudinal dimension N as the rear panel 4.

[0147] Preferably, the transverse dimension of each front edge 24 is less than half the transverse dimension W of the front panel 5. Preferably, the front edges 24 have substantially equal transverse dimensions.

[0148] Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of each front edge 24 is less than half the longitudinal dimension N of the front panel 5. Preferably, the front edges 24 have substantially equal longitudinal dimensions.

[0149] Preferably, the transverse dimension of each rear edge 25 is less than half the transverse dimension W of the rear panel 4. Preferably, the rear edges 25 have substantially equal transverse dimensions.

[0150] Preferably, the longitudinal dimension of each rear edge 25 is less than half the longitudinal dimension N of the rear panel 4. Preferably, the rear edges 25 have substantially equal longitudinal dimensions.

[0151] In the third embodiment of the blank 10 shown in the example in Figure 14, the second upper reinforcement panel 32 has a tapered shape. Preferably, this panel 32 has a maximum longitudinal dimension N in the region of the fifteenth intended folding line 75 and a minimum longitudinal dimension in the region of one end thereof opposite said fifteenth intended folding line 75.

[0152] Preferably, in the first embodiment of the blank 10 best seen in the examples of Figures 1-3, the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 is approximately equal to the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32. Preferably, the sum of the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 and the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32 is substantially equal to the transverse dimension W of the rear panel 4. In this way, when said panels 31, 32 are folded on the rear panel 4, they will be completely lying on the rear panel 4, increasing its rigidity and without diminishing the space in the housing 110 of the container 100. Similar considerations can be made for the transverse dimensions PRA1, PRA2 of the front reinforcement panels 21, 22 which are folded towards the front panel 5.

[0153] Preferably, in the second embodiment of the blank 10 visible in the example in Figure 13, the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 is approximately equal to the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32. Preferably, the sum of the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 and the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32 is greater than the transverse dimension W of the rear panel 4. In this case, the rear reinforcement panel that is folded initially may adhere by direct contact to the rear panel 4, and the rear reinforcement panel that is folded subsequently may adhere by partial direct contact to the rear panel 4 as it will be partially overlapping the initially folded rear reinforcement panel. Similar considerations can be made for the transverse dimensions PRA1, PRA2 of the front reinforcement panels 21, 22 which are folded towards the front panel 5. Preferably, in the third embodiment of the blank 10 visible in the example of Figure 14, the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 is smaller than the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32. In this case, by initially folding the first rear reinforcement panel 31 it adheres by direct contact to the rear panel 4, and by subsequently folding the second rear reinforcement panel 32 it adheres to the rear panel 4 by partially direct contact, since it will adhere to the rear panel 4 partly directly and partly indirectly due to the presence of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 already adhered to the rear panel 4. In the example in Figure 14, the transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32 is approximately equal to the transverse dimension W of the rear panel 4, and the transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 is less than approximately half the transverse dimension W of the rear panel 4. Preferably, in the third embodiment of the blank 10 visible in the example of Figure 14, the transverse dimension PRA1 of the first front reinforcement panel 21 is approximately equal to the transverse dimension PRA2 of the second front reinforcement panel 22.

[0154] Preferably, the blank 10 comprises a first auxiliary fin 91 and a second auxiliary fin 92, said auxiliary fins 91, 92 being connected to the side panels 1, 2 by means of respective twenty-first intended folding lines 71. Desirably, each twenty-first intended folding line 71 is adjacent to both the eleventh intended folding line 61 and the twelfth 62 intended folding line. These auxiliary fins 91, 92 can be used as reinforcement for the side walls 101, 102 of the container 100.

[0155] Preferably, the first lower reinforcement fin 11 and the second lower reinforcement fin 12 adhere to the lower panel 3 by means of adhesive bonding, and the first upper reinforcement fin 13 and the second upper reinforcement fin 14 adhere to the upper panel 6 by means of adhesive bonding. It is advantageous that each fin adheres for its entire extension to the respective panel.

[0156] Preferably, each front reinforcement panel 21, 22 adheres to the front panel 5, by means of adhesive bonding, and each rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 adheres to the rear panel 4, by means of adhesive bonding. It is preferable that each front reinforcement panel 21, 22 and each rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 adhere for its entire extension to the respective panel 5, 4.

[0157] Preferably, the front edges 24 are not connected by adhesive to the front panel 5 and the rear edges 25 are not connected by adhesive to the rear panel 4.

[0158] As can be seen in the examples of Figures 5-12, once the container 100 is obtained, the first side wall 101 is substantially parallel to and equidistant from a plane containing the first external rim E1 and the second side wall 102 is parallel to and equidistant from a plane containing the second external rim E2.

[0159] The distance separating the first side wall 101 and the plane containing the first external rim E1 is equal to the transverse dimension K1 of the first lower reinforcement fin 11.

[0160] The distance separating the second side wall 102 and the plane containing the second external rim E2 is equal to the transverse dimension K2 of the second lower reinforcement fin 12.

[0161] The thirteenth intended folding line 63 is inclined by a first angle A1 with respect to the eleventh intended folding line 61 and the fourteenth intended folding line 64 is inclined by a second angle A2 with respect to the twelfth intended folding line 62. The first angle A1 and the second angle A2 both preferably have a value of approximately 45°.

[0162] Preferably, the thirteenth intended folding line 63 is substantially straight and extends between a first point and a second point, wherein the first point is in common between the fifth intended folding line 55 and the eleventh intended folding line 61.

[0163] Preferably, the front reinforcement panel 21, 22 comprises a first rim B1 facing the rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 opposite it. Preferably, the first rim B1 extends parallel from the transverse direction X.

[0164] Preferably, the fourteenth intended folding line 64 is substantially straight and extends between a third point and a fourth point, where the third point is in common between the fifth intended folding line 55 and the twelfth intended folding line 62. Preferably, the rear reinforcement panel 31, 32 comprises a second rim B2 facing the front reinforcement panel 21, 22 opposite it. Preferably, the second rim B2 extends parallel from the transverse direction X.

[0165] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the first cutting line T1 comprises a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion. Preferably, said first cutting line T1 extends to the corner between said second point and the first rim B1. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the second cutting line T2 comprises a longitudinal portion and a transverse portion. Preferably, said second cutting line T2 extends to the corner between said fourth point and the second rim B2.

[0166] In the third embodiment, the first cutting line T1 comprises a transverse portion. Preferably, said first cutting line T1 extends straight along the transverse direction X from said second point.

[0167] In the third embodiment, the second cutting line T2 comprises a transverse portion. Preferably, said second cutting line T2 extends straight along the transverse direction X from said fourth point.

[0168] The reinforcement system comprises a front closure panel 40 connected to the front panel 5 by means of a fifteenth intended folding line 65 positioned so that the front panel 5 is positioned between the lower panel 3 and the front closure panel 40.

[0169] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the blank 10, shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 13 respectively, the reinforcement system comprises side reinforcement panels 41, 42. The front closure panel 40 is connected to said side reinforcement panels 41, 42 by respective seventeenth intended folding lines 67 positioned so that the front closure panel 40 is positioned between said side reinforcement panels 41, 42.

[0170] In the examples shown in Figures 1-3 and 13, the sum of the transverse dimensions of the side reinforcement panels 41, 42 is greater than the transverse dimension of the front closure panel 40. Therefore, if the second side reinforcement panel 42 is initially folded, it adheres, preferably by means of adhesive bonding, to the front closure panel 40 and the first side reinforcement panel 41, if subsequently folded, adheres partly to the front closure panel 40 and partly to the second side reinforcement panel 42, preferably by means of adhesive bonding, as best shown in Figure 3.

[0171] In the third embodiment of the blank, shown in the example in Figure 14, the reinforcement system does not comprise the side reinforcement panels 41, 42, so the front closure panel 40 is not connected to these side reinforcement panels 41, 42.

[0172] The front closure panel 40, to which the first side reinforcement panel 41 and the second side reinforcement panel 42, if any, adhere, is folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line 65, so that the front edges 24 are positioned between the respective front reinforcement panels 21, 22 and the front closure panel 40.

[0173] Preferably, there may be two fifteenth intended folding lines 65 parallel to each other. This may serve to compensate for the thickness of the front panel 5, in particular if the first side reinforcement panel 41 and the second side reinforcement panel 42 adhere to it, and some front reinforcement panels 21, 22 when folding the front closure panel 40.

[0174] The longitudinal dimension of the front closure panel 40 is preferably approximately equal to that of the front panel 5. Likewise, the longitudinal dimension of each side reinforcement panel 41, 42 is preferably approximately equal to that of the front panel 5.

[0175] In the first and second embodiments of the blank, shown in the examples of Figures 1 and 13, respectively, the front closure panel 40 comprises respective protrusions 43, configured to be inserted into respective holes 44 in the lower panel 3. When the front closure panel 40 is folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line 55, the protrusions 43 are inserted into the respective holes 44 in the lower panel 3.

[0176] Preferably, the protrusions 43 are placed in the region of a free rim BL of the front closure panel 40, said free rim BL being opposite the fifteenth intended folding line 65 and adjacent to the seventeenth intended folding lines 67. Preferably, said respective holes 44 are made on the lower panel 3 in the region of the first intended folding line 51.

[0177] In the third embodiment of the blank, shown in the example of Figure 14, the front closure panel 40 is connected to a support portion 49 by means of a twenty-seventh intended folding line 77, so that the front closure panel 40 is positioned between the front panel 5 and the support portion 49.

[0178] When the front closure panel 40 is folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line 65, said support portion can advantageously abut the lower panel 3.

[0179] Preferably, the support portion 49 extends along the entire length of the twenty-seventh intended folding line 77.

[0180] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the blank 10, the reinforcement system comprises two rear closure panels 81, 82 connected to the respective rear reinforcement panels 31, 32 by means of a respective sixteenth intended folding line 66. Each rear closure panel 81, 82 is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line 66, so that the respective rear edge 25 is positioned between the respective rear closure panel 81, 82 and the respective rear reinforcement panel 31, 32.

[0181] The transverse dimension PRR1 of the first rear reinforcement panel 31 is approximately equal to the sum of the transverse dimension PC1 of the first rear closure panel 81 and the transverse dimension K1 of the first upper reinforcement fin 13.

[0182] The transverse dimension PRR2 of the second rear reinforcement panel 32 is approximately equal to the sum of the transverse dimension PC2 of the second rear closure panel 82 and the transverse dimension K2 of the second upper reinforcement fin 14.

[0183] Preferably, each rear closure panel 81, 82 has a longitudinal dimension approximately equal to the longitudinal dimension N of the corresponding rear reinforcement panel 31, 32.

[0184] In the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the blank 10, each rear closure panel 81, 82 preferably comprises a protrusion 45 configured to be insertable into a respective hole 46 of the lower panel 3. When each rear closure panels 81, 82 is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line 66, the protrusions 45 are inserted into the respective holes 46 of the lower panel 3.

[0185] Preferably, the protrusions 45 are placed in the region of a respective eighteenth intended folding line 68. The eighteenth intended folding line 68 and the sixteenth intended folding line 66 are mutually opposite. Preferably, each protrusion 45 of the rear closure panel 81, 82 can be obtained by respective cutting lines. Preferably, said respective holes 46 are drilled in the region of the second intended folding line 52. Preferably, the rear closure panel 81, 82 is connected to an auxiliary panel 84 by means of an eighteenth intended folding line 68.

[0186] It is preferable for the auxiliary panel 84 to be able to rotate about an axis of rotation passing through the eighteenth intended folding line 68, which is located in the region of the second intended folding line 52 when the rear closure panel 81, 82 is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line 66, so as to make contact with the lower panel 3.

[0187] In the first embodiment shown in the examples of Figures 1 to 12, each rear closure panel 81, 82 is connected to a respective auxiliary panel 84 by means of the respective eighteenth intended folding line 68. Each auxiliary panel 84 comprises a support panel 85 and a raisable panel 86. The support panel 85 is intended to be in contact with the lower panel 3 and the raisable panel 86 is movable between a first position in which it is in contact with the lower panel 3 and a second position in which it is raised with respect to the lower panel 3.

[0188] Preferably, when the raisable panel 86 is in the second position, the raisable panel 86 and the lower panel 3 are substantially perpendicular to each other, as can be seen in the examples of Figures 7 and 12.

[0189] Preferably, the eighteenth intended folding line 68 and the sixteenth intended folding line 66 are mutually opposite.

[0190] Preferably, the auxiliary panel 84 has a transverse dimension equal to that of the respective closure panel 81, 82.

[0191] Preferably, the support panel 85 and the raisable panel 86 are separated by a nineteenth intended folding line 69. Preferably, the nineteenth intended folding line 69 is parallel to the eighteenth intended folding line.

[0192] Preferably, the raisable panel 86 is movable between the first position and the second position by rotating about an axis of rotation passing through the nineteenth intended folding line 69.

[0193] In the embodiment of the blank 10 suitable for obtaining the container 100 for two bottles, shown in the examples of Figures 1-9, the auxiliary panel 84 may preferably have a longitudinal dimension smaller than, and even more preferably equal to, the longitudinal dimension M of the lower panel 3. Preferably, the support panel 85 and the raisable panel 86 have the same longitudinal dimension Y and this dimension is approximately half the longitudinal dimension M of the lower panel 3. In this case, the nineteenth intended folding line 69 may be in the region of a median line of the auxiliary panel 84.

[0194] In the embodiment of the blank 10 suitable for obtaining the container 100 for three bottles, shown in the examples of Figures 11 and 12, the auxiliary panel 84 may preferably have a longitudinal dimension equal to two-thirds of that of the lower panel 3. In the case illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the support panel 85 and the raisable panel 86 have the same longitudinal dimension, each being approximately one third of the longitudinal dimension M of the lower panel 3. In this case, the nineteenth intended folding line 69 may be in the region of a median line of the auxiliary panel 84.

[0195] Alternative embodiments of the blank 10 may be provided in order to obtain the container for three bottles, wherein the auxiliary panel 84 may have a longitudinal dimension equal to that of the lower panel 3, and wherein the raisable panel 86 has a longitudinal dimension equal to approximately one-third of that of the lower panel 3, and wherein the support panel 85 has a longitudinal dimension equal to approximately two-thirds of that of the lower panel 3. In this case, the nineteenth intended folding line 69 is placed on the auxiliary panel 84 so that the longitudinal dimension Y of the support panel 85 is approximately twice that of the raisable panel 86.

[0196] In the embodiment of the blank 10 suitable for obtaining the container 100 for a bottle shown in the example of Figure 10, the auxiliary panel 84 is absent.

[0197] In the second embodiment of the blank 10 shown in Figure 13, auxiliary panels 84 are not provided. In this embodiment, the two rear closure panels 81, 82 are preferably connected to respective support portions 48 by respective eighteenth intended folding lines 68. These support portions 48 are intended to abut on the lower panel 3 after the rear closure panels 81, 82 are folded with a downstream fold on the respective sixteenth intended folding lines 66. This increases the stability of the container once formed.

[0198] In the third embodiment of the blank 10 shown in Figure 14, only one auxiliary panel 84 is provided. In this embodiment, the second rear closure panel 82 is connected to the auxiliary panel 84 by means of the eighteenth intended folding line 68. Preferably, this auxiliary panel 84 comprises the support panel 85. This support panel 85 is intended to abut on the lower panel 3 after the second rear closure panel 82 is folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line 66.

[0199] It is advantageous that such support panel 85 has a longitudinal dimension substantially equal to the longitudinal dimension M of the lower panel 3 and a transverse dimension substantially equal to the transverse dimension W of the lower panel 3. In this way, it is possible to superimpose the support panel 85 on the lower panel 3 for its entire extension, increasing the rigidity of the container, particularly the base, in a particularly effective manner.

[0200] Preferably, the support portion 49 connected to the front closure panel 40 can be positioned between the support panel 85 and the lower panel 3.

[0201] As shown in the example of Figure 8, the upper panel 6 is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the third intended folding line 53, so that the upper panel 6 forms a cover 106 of said container 100. The upper panel 6 is rotatable with respect to the rear panel 4 about an axis of rotation passing through the third intended folding line 53.

[0202] The cover 106 is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the cover 106 is positioned so that the housing 110 of the container 100 is accessible, as shown in the examples of Figures 6 and 7. In the closed position, the cover 106 is positioned so that the housing 110 of the container 100 is not accessible, as shown in the example of Figure 9. When the cover 106 is in the closed position, a substantially closed conformation of both the first external rim E1 and the second external rim E2 can be achieved. In the example of Figure 9, the first external rim E1 and the second external rim E2 both have a substantially rectangular shape. In this position, the upper panel 6 and the rear panel 4 are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0203] The container 100 comprises a first cavity 151 and a second cavity 152. The first cavity 151 is delimited by the first external rim E1 and the first side wall 101 and the second cavity 152 is delimited by the second external rim E2 and the second side wall 102.

[0204] Preferably, the first auxiliary fin 91 and a second auxiliary fin 92 can be used to abut the upper panel 6. This further improves the stability of the container 100 by increasing the support surface of the upper panel 6 when the cover 106 is in the closed position.

[0205] As shown in the embodiment examples of the figures, the blank 10 comprises a fixing panel 87 connected to the upper panel 6 by means of a twentieth intended folding line 70, said fixing panel 87 being shaped to hold the cover 106 in the closed position.

[0206] The fixing panel 87 includes a tab 88 that can be inserted into an opening 89 of the front panel 5. Advantageously, the tab 88 and the opening 89 have substantially the same transverse dimension.

[0207] Preferably, the fixing panel 87 comprises two side rims BC, adjacent to the twentieth intended folding line 70, and a front rim BF, adjacent to said two side rims BC. The twentieth intended folding line 70 and the front rim BF are mutually opposite. Desirably, the front rim BC has a tapered shape towards the side rims BC Preferably, the opening 89 of the front panel 5 is delimited by a twenty-second intended folding line 72 and a third cutting line T3. Desirably, the third cutting line T3 includes two straight lines, adjacent to the twenty-second intended folding line 72 and a curved line joining the two straight lines.

[0208] Preferably, the blank 10 can include further cutting lines TX. In the examples of Figures 1, 13 and 14, these further cutting lines are between the first intended folding line 51 and the eleventh intended folding line 61, and between the second intended folding line 52 and the twelfth intended folding line 62. These further cutting lines TX can be useful for facilitating the folding of the external rims E1, E2 and for facilitating the lifting of the side panels 1, 2 with respect to the lower panel 3.

Claims

1. A blank (10) for constructing a foldable container (100), comprising a plurality of intended folding lines which define on said blank (10) a plurality of panels which are suitable for being folded in accordance with a sequence of successive folds in order to define said container (100), said plurality of panels comprising: a lower panel (3) which is intended to form a base (103) of said container (100), a first side panel (1) and a second side panel (2) which are opposite each other, a front panel (5) and a rear panel (4) which are connected to said lower panel (3) by means of a first intended folding line (51) and a second intended folding line (52), respectively; said blank (10) comprising a reinforcement system which includes: a first lower reinforcement fin (11) and a second lower reinforcement fin (12) which are connected to the lower panel (3) by means of a fourth intended folding line (54) and a twenty-third intended folding line (73), respectively, and to the respective side panel (1, 2) by means of respective fifth intended folding lines (55) so as to be positioned between the lower panel (3) and the respective side panel (1, 2) when the blank is folded to form the container, a first front reinforcement panel (21) and a second front reinforcement panel (22) connected to the front panel (5) by means of a sixth intended folding line (56) and a twenty-fourth intended folding line (74), respectively, so that the front panel (5) is positioned between said front reinforcement panels (21, 22) when the blank is folded to form the container, each front reinforcement panel (21, 22) being connected to the respective side panel (1, 2) by means of a respective front edge (24), a first rear reinforcement panel (31) and a second rear reinforcement panel (32) which are connected to the rear panel (4) by means of an eighth intended folding line (58) and a twenty-fifth intended folding line (75), respectively, in such a manner that the rear panel (4) is positioned between said rear reinforcement panels (31, 32), each rear reinforcement panel (31, 32) being connected to the respective side panel (1, 2) by means of a respective rear edge (25) when the blank is folded to form the container, wherein the first lower reinforcement fin (11) and the second lower reinforcement fin (12) are intended to be folded on the lower panel (3) with a downstream fold on the fourth intended folding line (54) and on the twenty-third intended folding line (73), respectively, in such a manner that said first lower reinforcement fins (11, 12) adhere to the lower panel (3) when the blank is folded to form the container, wherein the first front reinforcement panel (21) and the second front reinforcement panel (22) are intended to be folded on the front panel (5) with a downstream fold on the sixth intended folding line (56) and on the twenty-fourth intended folding line (74), respectively, in such a manner that said front reinforcement panels (21, 22) adhere to the front panel (5) when the blank is folded to form the container, wherein the first rear reinforcement panel (31) and the second rear reinforcement panel (32) are intended to be folded on the rear panel (4) with a downstream fold on the eighth intended folding line (58) and on the twenty-fifth intended folding line (75), respectively, in such a manner that said rear reinforcement panels (31, 32) adhere to the rear panel (4) when the blank is folded to form the container, so as to form a first external rim (E1) in the region of the fourth intended folding line (54), the sixth intended folding line (56) and the eighth intended folding line (58) and a second external rim (E2) in the region of the twenty-third intended folding line (73), the twenty-fourth intended folding line (74) and the twenty-fifth intended folding line (75), wherein the front panel (5) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the first intended folding line (51) and the rear panel (4) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the second intended folding line (52), so that the front panel (5) forms a front wall (105) of the container (100) and the rear panel (4) forms a rear wall (104) of said container (100) when the blank is folded to form the container, wherein the side panels (1, 2) are intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective fifth intended folding lines (55) by means of the respective front edge (24) and rear edge (25) in such a manner that the side panels (1, 2) form a first side wall (101) and second side wall (102) of said container (100), respectively, and the first side wall (101) is spaced apart from the first external rim (E1) and the second side wall (102) is spaced apart from the second external rim (E2) when the blank is folded to form the container.

2. A blank (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising an upper panel (6) which is connected to the rear panel (4) by means of a third intended folding line (53) which is positioned so that the rear panel (4) is positioned between the upper panel (6) and the lower panel (3), wherein the reinforcement system comprises a first upper reinforcement fin (13) and a second upper reinforcement fin (14) which are connected to the upper panel (6) by means of a tenth intended folding line (60) and a twenty-sixth intended folding line (76), respectively, in such a manner that the upper panel (6) is positioned between said tenth intended folding line (60) and said twenty-sixth intended folding line (76), the first upper reinforcement fin (13) and the second upper reinforcement fin (14) being intended to be folded on the upper panel (6) with a downstream fold on the tenth intended folding line (60) and on the twenty-sixth intended folding line (76), respectively, in such a manner that said upper reinforcement fins (13, 14) adhere to the upper panel (6) when the blank is folded to form the container, wherein the upper panel (6) is intended to be folded on the third intended folding line (53) so that the upper panel (6) forms a cover (106) of said container (100) when the blank is folded to form the container.

3. A blank (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising a fixing panel (87) which is connected to the upper panel (6) by means of a twentieth intended folding line (70), said fixing panel (87) being formed so as to maintain the cover (106) in a closed position.

4. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each reinforcement fin adheres to the respective panel by means of adhesive bonding when the blank is folded to form the container.

5. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each front reinforcement panel (21, 22) adheres to the front panel (5) by means of adhesive bonding and each rear reinforcement panel (31, 32) adheres to the rear panel (4) by means of adhesive bonding when the blank is folded to form the container.

6. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first side panel (1) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifth intended folding line (55) thereof so as to be substantially perpendicular to the lower panel (3) and the second side panel (2) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifth intended folding line (55) thereof so as to be substantially perpendicular to the lower panel (3) so that, when the container (100) is formed, the first side wall (101) is substantially parallel with and equidistant to a plane which contains the first external rim (E1) and the second side wall (102) is substantially parallel with and equidistant to a plane which contains the second external rim (E2).

7. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each front edge (24) is connected to the respective side panel (1, 2), by means of an eleventh intended folding line (61), is connected to the respective front reinforcement panel (21, 22), by means of a thirteenth intended folding line (63), and is separated from the respective front reinforcement panel (21, 22), by means of a first cutting line (T1), wherein each rear edge (25) is connected to the respective side panel (1, 2), by means of a twelfth intended folding line (62), is connected to the respective rear reinforcement panel (31, 32), by means of a fourteenth intended folding line (64), and is separated from the respective rear reinforcement panel (31, 32), by means of a second cutting line (T2), wherein each front edge (24) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective thirteenth intended folding line (63) and each rear edge (25) is intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the respective fourteenth intended folding line (64), and wherein the side panels (1, 2) are intended to be folded with an upstream fold on the respective eleventh intended folding line (61) and twelfth intended folding line (62).

8. A blank (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the thirteenth intended folding line (63) is inclined by a first angle (A1) with respect to the eleventh intended folding line (61), and wherein the fourteenth intended folding line (64) is inclined by a second angle (A2) with respect to the twelfth intended folding line (62), said first angle (A1) and second angle (A2) having a value between approximately 30° and 60°, preferably of approximately 45°.

9. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement system comprises a front closure panel (40) which is connected to the front panel (5) by means of a fifteenth intended folding line (65) which is positioned so that the front panel (5) is positioned between the lower panel (3) and the front closure panel (40), said front closure panel (40) being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the fifteenth intended folding line (65) so that the front edges (24) are positioned between the respective front reinforcement panels (21, 22) and the front closure panel (40).

10. A blank (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the reinforcement system comprises side reinforcement panels (41, 42), wherein the front closure panel (40) is connected to said side reinforcement panels (41, 42) by means of respective seventeenth intended folding lines (67) which are positioned so that the front closure panel (40) is positioned between said side reinforcement panels (41, 42).

11. A blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reinforcement system comprises a rear closure panel (81, 82) which is connected to the rear reinforcement panel (31, 32) by means of a sixteenth intended folding line (66), this rear closure panel (81, 82) being intended to be folded with a downstream fold on the sixteenth intended folding line (66) so that the rear edge (25) is positioned between the rear closure panel (81, 82) and the rear reinforcement panel (31, 32).

12. A blank (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the rear closure panel (81, 82) is connected to an auxiliary panel (84) by means of an eighteenth intended folding line (68), said auxiliary panel (84) comprising a support panel (85) which is intended to be in contact with the lower panel (3).

13. A blank (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the auxiliary panel (84) comprises a raisable panel (86) which is connected to the support panel (85) by means of a nineteenth intended folding line (69), the raisable panel (86) being movable between a first position, in which it is in contact with the lower panel (3), and a second position, in which it is raised with respect to the lower panel (3).

14. A blank (10) according to claim 12 or 13, comprising two auxiliary panels (84), each auxiliary panel (84) being connected to the respective rear closure panel (81, 82) by means of a respective eighteenth intended folding line (68).

15. A foldable container (100) which is formed by folding the blank (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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