Container transport and display package

Abstract

Packaging (101) intended to contain a container, and intended to evolve between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the packaging (100) comprising a central flap (1), two peripheral flaps (2) articulated to the central flap (1) by central fold lines (4), the peripheral flaps (2) being further connected to each other by a gusseted panel (3), the gusseted panel (3) being articulated to the central flap (1) by an edge fold line (5), the gusseted panel (3) comprising gusseted folds (12, 14) allowing the accordion folding of the gusseted panel (3) when the peripheral flaps (2) are folded towards the central flap (1), a fastening means (17, 18) configured to secure the peripheral flaps (2) in the closed configuration, the packaging taking the form of a hollow prism with a triangular base.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of packaging for fragile containers, for example glass.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to packaging for the transport, storage, and presentation of bottles, particularly bottles of alcoholic beverages, for example, bottles of wine or spirits. Throughout this description, the focus is on packaging for wine bottles, but the principles stated apply to a bottle containing another alcoholic beverage (for example, an aperitif, a spirit, a digestif, a liqueur, beer, cider, brandy, or cocktails), or a non-alcoholic beverage that one wishes to highlight (for example, spring water, fruit or vegetable juice).

[0003] In the field of wine bottle packaging, current solutions primarily aim to protect the product during transport. This packaging is generally made from materials such as corrugated cardboard, kraft paper, or plastics. The structure of such packaging is designed to reduce the risk of breakage in case of impact, for example, with reinforced walls or internal cushioning systems.

[0004] Most wine bottle packaging consists of sealed boxes intended for disposal once the bottle is opened. These boxes are often assembled with adhesives or fasteners, limiting their reusability and making recycling more difficult. Furthermore, the use of adhesives makes these boxes difficult to disassemble, rendering them impractical for folding and reusing.

[0005] There are also cases and boxes designed for aesthetic purposes, intended to showcase the product, particularly in retail stores or for promotional sales. Such displays add visual appeal but often require additional components, such as fasteners, supports, or trays, to hold the bottle in place. However, such cases or boxes increase production costs and assembly complexity. Furthermore, the quantity and nature of the materials used (e.g., thermoplastics or wood) have a greater environmental impact. Consequently, such presentation solutions are generally intended for single use and cannot be reused.

[0006] Some recent solutions offer foldable and self-supporting packaging with integrated structural elements for stability and aesthetic appeal. However, these solutions remain limited and do not allow for easy transition from transport to display without modifications or additional accessories.

[0007] In short, current wine bottle packaging falls into two main categories: those that are functional but aesthetically unappealing, designed solely for protection, and those that offer attractive presentation but are expensive, difficult to assemble, and have a significant environmental footprint. None of these earlier packaging solutions truly manages to combine protection, ease of assembly, attractive presentation, and environmental responsibility.

[0008] There is therefore a need for packaging that can offer a complete solution, both as robust protection during transport and as an aesthetic and stable display, while also being reusable, easy to assemble, and environmentally friendly.

[0009] The invention aims to address the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0010] A first objective is to propose a single-piece packaging for a container, making it possible to combine a function of transport, protection, and presentation of the container.

[0011] A second objective is to propose such packaging which can support the mass of a full container, for example a full bottle of wine.

[0012] A third objective is to propose such packaging which can be made simply, using a minimum of material, and with a reduced number of operations.

[0013] A fourth objective is to offer such packaging that can be made from a recyclable material.

[0014] A one-piece package is proposed for containing a container, the package being designed to evolve between an open configuration allowing the container to be exposed, and a closed configuration, the package comprising a central flap, two peripheral flaps articulated to the central flap by central fold lines, the peripheral flaps being further connected to each other by a gusseted panel, the gusseted panel being articulated to the central flap by an edge fold line, the gusseted panel comprising gusseted folds allowing the gusseted panel to fold accordion-style when the peripheral flaps are folded towards the central flap so as to put the package in the closed configuration, a fastening means configured to secure the peripheral flaps in the closed configuration, the package taking the form of a hollow prism with a triangular base.

[0015] The following characteristics are considered alone or in combination: The gusseted panel incorporates a central part situated between two peripheral parts, the peripheral parts being connected to each other by median folds, the peripheral parts each comprising a reinforcement division and a connecting division, the reinforcement division being glued onto the peripheral flap, the connecting division being connected to the reinforcement division by means of a peripheral gusseted fold, the peripheral gusseted fold extending between a transverse edge of the panel and a point of concurrency, the point of concurrency corresponding to the intersection between the central fold line, and the edge fold line, the central part comprises central gusseted folds, each of the central gusseted folds extending obliquely from the transverse edge to respectively a point of concurrency;The central gusset folds, peripheral gusset folds, and median folds cooperate to allow symmetrical folding of the peripheral flaps towards the central flap when the package changes from an open to a closed configuration; the peripheral portion has a recess incorporating a triangular contour, one vertex of said contour being the point of intersection, from the vertex extending a first side coinciding with a portion of the edge fold line, a second side coinciding with a portion of the peripheral gusset fold, and a third side connecting the first side to the second side; the gusset panel includes a weakened alignment line having a semi-circular curvature, the curvature facing the edge line; the fastening means include a tab configured to fit into a slot so as to secure the two peripheral flaps in the closed position;The tongue is formed on a fin connected to a peripheral flap by means of a fin fold, and the slot is formed within another fin connected to the other peripheral flap by means of another fin fold; the peripheral flaps each comprise handles, each handle comprising a cutout and a flap, the flap being hinged to a hinge edge of the cutout by a handle fold, the flap having a dimension such that it can pivot along the handle fold and pass inside the cutout; the transverse edge of the reinforcing division comprises a first fraction and a second fraction, the first fraction adjoining a cutout edge of the cutout, the cutout edge extending principally in a direction perpendicular to that of the handle fold, the second fraction adjoining the handle fold.

[0016] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer and more concrete upon reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a blank used for packaging. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of packaging in its presentation configuration; Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 schematically illustrates a top view of the packaging in its presentation configuration; Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 schematically illustrates a bottom view of the packaging in its presentation configuration; Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the packaging in its transport configuration; Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 schematically illustrates a front view of a flan according to one embodiment variant.

[0017] We refer to figures 2 à 5 representing an example of a 101 package designed to contain a container. In the following description, the container is described as a bottle of alcohol (for example, a bottle of wine, whiskey, beer or liqueur), providing both protection and presentation of the product.

[0018] However, the 101 packaging can also accommodate other types of soft drink bottles, such as water, juice, or soda bottles. Furthermore, the 101 packaging can be used for containers of various sizes and liquids, such as oil, vinegar, or various cooking preparations, for example, soup. The 101 packaging has the advantage of being suitable for a wide range of products in the beverage and cooking liquid market.

[0019] As can be seen, packaging 101 is obtained from a blank 100, visible on the figure 1 Preferably in one piece, pre-cut from a sheet of cardboard. Packaging 101 is given its volume by folding and gluing operations, described later.

[0020] Advantageously, the cardboard used for the blank 100, and therefore for the packaging 101, is solid board, also called flat board, as opposed to corrugated board. A sheet of solid board thus has a front face and a back face, and, in its thickness between the front and back faces, this material has a substantially constant density, unlike corrugated board which has empty spaces between its front and back faces.

[0021] The use of solid board allows for a wide variety of finishing and / or printing techniques on the packaging box, particularly on its outer surface. This includes techniques requiring significant pressure along the thickness of the material. For example, solid board makes it possible to apply offset printing, UV varnishing, hot foil stamping, or screen printing directly onto the board, without needing a separate decorative sheet applied after printing. Similarly, solid board allows for embossing, debossing, and / or embossing, which are practically impossible, or at least not economically feasible, with corrugated board.

[0022] As can be seen, the package 101 comprises a central flap 1 and two peripheral flaps, each hinged to the central flap by parallel central fold lines 4. In this way, the flaps 2 can be moved relative to the central flap 1.

[0023] As can be seen, the packaging 101 includes a bellows panel 3, preferably two bellows panels 3, arranged between the flaps 1, 2. Such bellows panels 3 incorporate bellows folds 12, 14 allowing the formation of substantially triangular shaped elements, as explained later, permitting accordion folding of the bellows panels 3 when the peripheral flaps 2 are folded towards the central flap 1.

[0024] As can be seen, the flaps 1, 2 combined with the bellows panels 3 make it possible to delimit a closed volume, or internal space E. Such an internal space is configured to receive and display, protect and transport a container, while allowing easy handling thanks to its foldable and ergonomic structure.

[0025] More specifically, and as can be seen in the figures, the 101 package is designed to evolve between two configurations.

[0026] In its open configuration, the packaging 101 takes on a generally fan-like shape, allowing the container to be presented aesthetically and neatly. In this configuration, the container is held within the internal space E, even when the container and packaging 101 are positioned vertically on a flat surface. In this situation, the container remains firmly held within the internal space E, with the flaps 1 and 2 remaining stationary, thus providing stability to the assembly. In this way, the container can be displayed while ensuring an elegant and secure presentation, with packaging 101 acting as a display stand.

[0027] In a closed configuration, the flaps 2 are folded so as to come into contact with each other on their sides, and held together in this position. In such a configuration, the package 101 has a general three-dimensional prism shape.

[0028] By referring to the figure 1 Representing the flan 100, one can observe the central flap 1, forming the main and central part of the packaging 101 once assembled, and two peripheral flaps 2 framing the central flap 1. As can be seen, flaps 1 and 2 each have a rectangular shape with approximately identical dimensions. Thus, there is symmetry between each peripheral flap 2 with respect to the central flap 1.

[0029] The peripheral flaps 2 are connected to the central flap 1 by central folding lines 4. These central folding lines 4 allow the peripheral flaps 2 to be articulated, and therefore moved closer to each other, or further away from each other, depending on the desired configuration.

[0030] As can be seen, the blank 100 comprises two bellows panels 3, advantageously identical, arranged on either side of the flaps 1, 2. The flaps 1, 2 and the bellows panels 3 are also visible on the figures 2 à 4 .

[0031] We will then describe in more detail an example of a bellows panel 3.

[0032] In the embodiment shown, a gusseted panel 3 advantageously comprises a central part 7 situated between two peripheral parts 8, the peripheral parts 8 each being connected to the central part by a median fold 6. On the side 100, the median folds extend respectively in continuation of each central fold line 4.

[0033] Advantageously, the peripheral parts 8 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the central part 7. This allows for a structural balance of the forces experienced by the bellows panel 3, in particular when the packaging 101 is placed in a vertical position, thus providing stability to the whole.

[0034] Advantageously, a peripheral part 8 incorporates a reinforcement division 10, and a link division 11.

[0035] As seen on the figure 1 , the reinforcement divisions 10 are intended to be each fitted with glue on gluing locations C, provided for this purpose, and then folded down onto the adjacent peripheral flap 2.

[0036] In order to allow the folding of the reinforcement divisions 10, it is planned to equip the side 100 with an edge folding line 5, perpendicular to the central folding line 4.

[0037] The reinforcing divisions 10, when folded over the peripheral flap 2, allow each peripheral flap 2 to be doubled, thus giving the package 101 the capacity to support the weight of a container filled with liquid. In this way, the package 101 is suitable for transporting heavy containers, for example, a bottle.

[0038] As can be seen, a reinforcing division 10 is connected to the linking division 11 via a peripheral bellows fold 12.

[0039] Advantageously, the peripheral bellows fold 12 extends between a first extreme edge 13, free, of the peripheral part 8, and a point of concurrency P. As can be noted, the point of concurrency P corresponds to the intersection between the central fold line 4, and the edge fold line 5.

[0040] As can be seen, the connecting division 11 has a substantially triangular shape, giving the bellows panel 3 a neat aesthetic, and facilitates its retraction or extension.

[0041] As can be observed, the central part 7 includes central bellows folds 14, each of the central bellows folds 14 extending obliquely from a second extreme edge 32, free of the central part 8 to the point of concurrency P.

[0042] Advantageously, the central folds 14, a portion of the second extreme edge 32 and the edge fold line 5 allow the formation of a base 29. Such a base 29 has a general triangular shape, or more precisely a shape of a truncated triangle at its apex, said apex being formed by the portion of the second extreme edge 32. Such a shape for the base 29 is also called a triangular trapezoid.

[0043] Advantageously, the central part 7 comprises two connecting sections 34, each connecting section 34 is delimited by the median fold 6, the central bellows fold 14, and the portion of the second extreme edge 32 (delimited by the median fold 6 and the central bellows fold 14).

[0044] The base 29 provides the packaging 101 with a closure of the internal space E when the packaging is in a closed configuration. Furthermore, the base 29 prevents the pivoting of the peripheral flaps 2, giving the packaging 101 a prismatic shape with a triangular base, which allows the packaging 101 to be placed stably horizontally on a flat surface, with the container held in this position horizontally.

[0045] The oblique direction of the gusset folds 12, 14 makes it easier to accordion fold the packaging 101 when the peripheral flaps 2 are folded towards the central flap 1.

[0046] Advantageously, the central gusset folds 14, the peripheral gusset folds 12, and the median folds 6 cooperate to allow symmetrical folding of the peripheral flaps 2 towards the central flap 1 when the package 101 evolves from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

[0047] Advantageously, a peripheral part 8 has a recess 15 incorporating a triangular contour, a vertex 16 of said contour being the point of intersection P. From the vertex 16 extends a first side 26 coinciding with a portion of the edge fold line 5, a second side 27 coinciding with a portion of the peripheral bellows fold 12, a third side 28 connecting the first side 26 to the second side 27.

[0048] Such a recess 15 prevents the reinforcement section 10 from extending to the point of convergence P, thus avoiding a concentration of stress at a single location. The durability of the packaging is therefore increased.

[0049] Advantageously, the central portion 7 includes a tapered support line 16 incorporating, for example, a semicircular curve. As can be seen, the curve faces the edge fold line 5. This tapered line allows for positioning the neck of a bottle. This arrangement can also make it possible to highlight the neck of a container more prominently when the packaging 101 is elongated.

[0050] Advantageously, the 100 blank includes a hooking means allowing the peripheral flaps 2 to be held in position in a closed configuration.

[0051] The fastening means includes, for example, a tab 17 configured to fit into a slot 18. This combination allows the package 101 to be locked in the closed position without the need for glue or adhesive. Use is simplified, allowing the package to be opened and resealed multiple times without risk of damaging the structure. The reusability of the packaging is thus ensured, meeting the objective of sustainable and economical use.

[0052] Advantageously the blank 100 is provided with fins 19, juxtaposed to the peripheral flaps 2 by means of a fin fold 20 provided on a lateral edge 33 of each peripheral flap 2. The lateral folds 33 allow to form an articulation between a fin 19 and a peripheral flap 2.

[0053] Advantageously, the tongue 17 is provided on a fin 19, and the slot 18 is arranged within another fin 19.

[0054] Advantageously, the flan 100 includes handles 21, integrated into each of the peripheral flaps 2. Such handles 21 allow easy handling of the package 101, once it is in the closed configuration.

[0055] More specifically, a handle 21 incorporates a cutout 22 and a flap 23, articulated to a contour 24 of the cutout 22 by a handle fold 25, the flap 23 having a dimension such that it can pivot along the handle fold 25 and pass inside the cutout 22.

[0056] When the blank 100 is formed into the package 101, the handles provide ease of handling. When the package 101 is closed, the handles 21 allow for ergonomic and secure transport. The handles 21 are integrated directly into the flaps, so they do not add any extra complexity during manufacturing. These handles 21 allow the user to easily handle the package without having to hold it directly by the flaps 1, 2, which improves the overall ergonomics of the package and slows its deterioration. This arrangement also facilitates the transport of the package 101.

[0057] In one embodiment shown on the figure 6 , it can be seen on the side 100, the first extreme edge 13 of the reinforcement division 10 comprises a first fraction 36 and a second fraction 37. Also, when the package 101 is formed, the first fraction 36 adjoins a cut edge 39 provided on the cut, the cut edge 39 having a direction substantially perpendicular to the handle fold 22, the second fraction 37 partially adjoins the handle fold 25. The first fraction 36 and the second fraction 37 have perpendicular principal extension directions.

[0058] The volume formation of packaging 101 from blank 100 is described.

[0059] From the blank 100, glue is applied along the gluing locations C on each of the reinforcement parts 10. Then, each of the reinforcement parts 10 is folded along the edge fold line 5, which has the effect of giving volume to the central part 7 and each of the connecting divisions 11, using the gusset folds 12, 14, allowing the obtaining of the final three-dimensional packaging 101.

[0060] The 100 blank as described above simplifies the manufacture of the 101 packaging. Indeed, the fact that it is made in one piece makes it possible to considerably reduce the manufacturing steps, the only added material being glue, the use of which is minimized.

[0061] We now refer to packaging 101 formed from flan 100.

[0062] The 3-panel gusseted panels, as illustrated in the figure 2 These panels allow for the absorption of the transported container's movements while offering a degree of flexibility. The gusseted panels 3 incorporate connecting divisions 11, joining divisions 34, and a triangular base 29, forming a triangular element assembly. This triangular element assembly is delimited by oblique folds 12, 14 which, combined with the median folds 6, facilitate the accordion-like folding of the connecting sections 11 and the joining sections 34 when the packaging 101 transitions from the open to the closed configuration.

[0063] In the figure 3 In the packaging 101 shown in its open configuration, the central flap 1 can be clearly seen in the center of the packaging 101 and extends along its entire length. Around this central flap 1 are the peripheral flaps 2, which are hinged to the central flap 1 via the central fold lines 4.

[0064] The three unfolding accordion panels are also visible on the figure 3 These features, in particular, allow the packaging 1 to remain in its open position, thus ensuring a stable and protective structure for the container. The oblique folds 12, 14 of the gusseted panels 3 allow the packaging 101 to be easily folded and unfolded, contributing to ease of use and simplicity of manufacture.

[0065] On the figure 4 The packaging 101 is shown from the back, highlighting the presentation faces 35 of each flap 1, 2. These presentation faces 35 are flat and have no visible creases. Such faces are intended to accommodate designs or illustrations of an aesthetic and / or informational nature. The reinforcing dividers 10 bonded to the peripheral flaps are not visible on the presentation faces 35. The packaging 101 offers sufficient robustness to support a full container without compromising its external aesthetic appearance.

[0066] The handles 21, integrated into the peripheral flaps 2, allow for easy handling of the packaging. This ergonomic design enables simple and secure transport of the packaging, particularly when closed. The handles 21 offer a balance between strength and simplicity, as they are integrated directly into the peripheral flaps 2.

[0067] There figure 5 Figure 101 shows the package in its closed configuration, where it takes the form of a triangular prism. In this configuration, the peripheral flaps 2 are folded towards the central flap 1, thus forming the presentation faces 35. The triangular shape of the package provides increased stability, particularly during transport and storage. This closure configuration also ensures optimal protection of the container during transport, as the tightly folded gusseted panels 3 act as shock absorbers at the corners of the package.

Claims

1. One-piece packaging (101) for containing a container, the packaging being designed to move between an open configuration allowing the container to be exposed and a closed configuration, the packaging (101) comprising: - a central flap (1) - two peripheral flaps (2) hinged to the central flap (1) by central fold lines (4), the peripheral flaps (2) being further connected to each other by a gusseted panel (3), - the gusseted panel (3) being hinged to the central flap (1) by an edge fold line (5), the gusseted panel (3) comprising gusseted folds (12, 14) allowing the gusseted panel (3) to fold accordion-style when the peripheral flaps (2) are folded towards the central flap (1) so as to put the packaging (101) in the closed configuration, - a fastening means (17, 18) configured to secure the peripheral flaps (2) in the configuration of closure,the packaging (101) taking the form of a hollow prism with a triangular base.

2. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in thatThe gusseted panel (3) incorporates: - a central part (7) situated between two peripheral parts (8), the peripheral parts (8) being connected to each other by median folds (6) - the peripheral parts (8) each comprising a reinforcement division (10) and a connecting division (11), the reinforcement division (10) being glued onto the peripheral flap (2), the connecting division (11) being connected to the reinforcement division (10) by means of a peripheral gusseted fold (12), the peripheral gusseted fold (12) extending between a first extreme edge (13) of the panel and a point of intersection (P), the point of intersection (P) corresponding to the intersection between the central fold line (4), and the edge fold line (5), - the central part (7) comprises central gusseted folds (14), each of the central gusseted folds (14) extending obliquely from the first extreme edge (13) up to respectively one point of competition (P).

3. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The central gusset folds (14), peripheral gusset folds (12) and median folds (6) cooperate to allow symmetrical folding of the peripheral flaps (2) towards the central flap (1) when the package (101) changes from an open configuration to a closed configuration.

4. Packaging (101) according to claim 2 or 3 characterized in that the peripheral part (8) has a recess (15) incorporating a triangular contour, one vertex (16) of said contour being the point of intersection (P), from the vertex (16) extends a first side (26) coinciding with a portion of the edge fold line (5), a second side (27) coinciding with a portion of the peripheral bellows fold (12), a third side (28) connecting the first side (26) to the second side (27).

5. Packaging (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe bellows panel (3) includes a weakened shim line (16) having a semi-circular curvature, the curvature being turned towards the edge line (5).

6. Packaging (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means (17, 18) include a tab (17) configured to fit into a slot (18) so as to secure the two peripheral flaps (2) in the closed position.

7. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tongue (17) is provided on a fin (19) connected to a peripheral flap (2) by means of a fin fold (20), and the slot (18) is provided within another fin (19) connected to the other peripheral flap (2) by means of another fin fold (20).

8. Packaging (101) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe peripheral flaps (2) each include handles (21), each handle (21) including a cutout (22) and a flap (23), the flap (23) being hinged to a hinge edge (24) of the cutout (22) by a handle fold (25), the flap (23) having a dimension such that it can pivot along the handle fold (25) and pass inside the cutout (22).

9. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first extreme edge (13) of the reinforcement division (10) comprises a first fraction (36) and a second fraction (37), the first fraction (36) adjoining a cut edge (39) of the cut (22), the cut edge (39) extending mainly in a direction perpendicular to that of the handle fold (25), the second fraction (37) adjoining the handle fold (25).

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