Waterproof paper container, especially for flower bouquets with a water reservoir.

Abstract

A watertight paper container (1) comprising: - a base (2) formed by a first sheet of paper (Pa1) having a peripheral, circular collar (20), - a side wall (3) formed by a second sheet of paper (Pa2), having two opposite edges joined to each other to form a hollow body comprising a tubular portion (TB), said tubular portion being joined to said collar (20) by a third edge (B3) of the second sheet of paper (Pa2), a fourth edge (B4) of the second sheet of paper, opposite the third edge, defining a top opening (OV) of the container at the level of a top edge of the container, and wherein the side wall (3) comprises gussets (SF), formed by fold lines (Lp) in the second sheet of paper (Pa2), which extend along the height of the hollow body from the fourth edge forming said opening. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Watertight paper container, in particular for flower bouquets with water reservoir

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

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

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

[0004] The present disclosure falls within the field of water-reservoir packaging devices for flower bouquets which are classically used to ensure the transport of cut flowers, preserving their lifespan.

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

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

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

[0008] For the creation of a floral arrangement with a water reservoir, as illustrated in [Fig. 4] of document EP 0 881 167 A1, this support element is combined with a waterproof polypropylene sheet that wraps around the support element, grouping the elongated elements towards the central axis of the base against the stems of the floral arrangement, and securing them with a tie that forms the neck of the floral arrangement. The polypropylene sheet typically includes an excess of material above the neck, creating a flared shape that protects the flowers of the arrangement.

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

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

[0011] Such a prior art according to EPO881 167 Al requires two plastic elements, namely the support element, typically injection molded, and the waterproof sheet, typically polypropylene, which must be large enough to wrap around this support element, with a sheet flare above the neck of the bouquet. Since the polypropylene sheet serves as the decorative sheet, a large number of different types are required, with various colors and patterns, to meet market demand.

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

[0013] A packaging device suitable for making a floral arrangement with a water reservoir is also known from document FR2 946 025 Al.

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

[0015] The frame comprises, in its central part, a cylindrical axis and stiffeners articulated via flexible hinges at the central part. A former, made of rigid material, comprises a disc-shaped base with a hole for receiving the axis of the frame. This hole ensures the centering of the former on the frame. The former also includes slats extending beyond the disc.

[0016] The stiffeners of the frame extend substantially flat in the resting position and, when the tie is tightened, come into contact with the slats of the former to give the packaging its shape, as illustrated in drawing no. 3 of this prior art. This prior art thus facilitates the formation of the floral arrangement. However, this device, which comprises several distinct materials bonded to one another (the decorative sheet, the waterproof sheet, and the frame), is not easily recyclable at the end of its life.

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

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

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

[0020] This disclosure improves the situation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0034] This disclosure further relates to a process for recycling a floral arrangement according to this disclosure comprising: - a paper separation between the container and the cut flowers, - a paper recycling consisting of the first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper from the container for the manufacture of a paper article.

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

[0036] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which: Fig. 1

[0037] [Fig.1] illustrates, on the right, a watertight container in a position with the top opening open, a cable tie passing through orifices through bellows, the tie loose, not tightened, and on the left the same container after tightening the cable tie and knotting two ends of the cable tie, in order to obtain the closure of the top opening, at least partially. Fig. the

[0038] [Fig. 1a] illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the closed-section holes for the cable tie are replaced by outward-opening notches, the notches forming a discontinuous groove for receiving the cable tie. Fig. 2

[0039] [Fig.2] illustrates: - a first flat sheet of paper in the form of a disc, intended to form the base of the container of the [Fig.1], - a second flat sheet of paper comprising two opposite edges, namely a first edge and a second edge intended to be joined together to form the lateral wall, as well as a third, concave edge, and a fourth, convex edge, the second sheet of paper being the development of a truncated cone, the first and second edges extending along a generatrix of the truncated cone, the third concave edge intended to form the small base of the truncated cone, intended to be brought into contact with a collar of the base and joined to the latter, the fourth edge intended to form the large base of the truncated cone, the second sheet comprising fold lines, extending regularly along generatrices of the truncated cone, - a tightening link in the form of a paper cord. Fig. 3a

[0040] [Fig.3a] illustrates a first step in which a peripheral edge of the first sheet of paper (in the form of a disc) is raised to form a collar, the second sheet of paper still flat. Fig. 3b

[0041] [Fig.3b] illustrates a second step in which the second sheet of paper is folded along the fold lines to form gussets, with on the right an embodiment provided with openings in the gussets for the placement of the tensioning link, and on the left an embodiment without openings in the gussets, and without tensioning link. Fig. 3c

[0042] [Fig.3c] illustrates a third step in which the second sheet is rolled with the third edge in contact all around the collar and the watertight bonding between the collar and the third edge of the sheet. Fig. 3d

[0043] [Fig.3d] illustrates the watertight joining of the first edge and two opposite edges over the height of the container. Fig. 3e

[0044] [Fig.3e] illustrates the paper container, which is watertight once finalized. Fig. 4

[0045] [Fig.4] is a view of a third pre-cut, flat sheet of paper comprising a middle part, a first wing, and a second wing extending on either side of the middle part, the third sheet intended to be folded to form a package configured for holding a stack of containers, in their open position, the containers inserted one inside the other, the hollow body formed by the side wall flaring from said base to said upper opening, in the open position of the container. Fig. 5

[0046] [Fig.5] illustrates: - on the left, a stack of containers inserted one inside the other, the hollow body of the container flaring out from said base to said upper opening, - in the middle, the insertion of the stack, which is supported by the base of a first container of the stack on the middle part of the packaging, and the folding of the first wing and the second wing along two fold lines so that the first wing and the second wing extend, on either side of the stack, over the entire height of the stack, - on the right, the folding of the terminal ends of the first wing and the second wing, within the internal volume of a last container of the stack and the securing of the terminal ends by adhesive, and last container. Fig. 6

[0047] [Fig.6] is a floral composition, comprising cut flowers whose stems are inserted through the upper opening of the container, and until the stems come into contact with a volume of water internal to the container, the upper opening tightened against the stems of the bouquet, held by a tightening tie, the portion of the side wall bearing the bellows tightened towards the axis of the tubular portion ensuring a centered hold of the bouquet centered towards the axis A, allowing in particular a stable hold of the floral composition supported by the base of the container on a horizontal support surface. Description of the implementation methods

[0048] A watertight container is proposed comprising: - a base 2 formed by a first sheet of Pal paper provided with a peripheral collar 20, preferably circular, - a lateral wall 3 formed by a second sheet of paper Pa2, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge B1 and a second edge B2, joined together to form a hollow body forming a tubular portion TB, said tubular portion joined to said collar 20 by a third edge B3 of the second sheet of paper Pa2, a fourth edge B4 of the second sheet of paper, opposite the third edge defining a top opening OV of the container at the level of a top edge of the container.

[0049] The first sheet of Pal paper can be a disc extending in a plane and includes the collar 20, curved over the periphery of the disc.

[0050] The second sheet of paper Pa2 can be, when laid flat, the developed surface of a truncated cone, the first edge B1 and the second edge B2 joined together to form a generatrix of the truncated cone. The third edge B3, concave, is intended to form a small base of the truncated cone, the fourth edge B4, convex, is intended to form a large base of the truncated cone.

[0051] The first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper can typically be kraft paper, in particular paper with a basis weight between 180 g / m2 and 400 g / m2, more particularly between 220 g / m2 and 350 g / m2, such as for example 260 g / m2 or even 300 g / m2.

[0052] The container comprises an internal volume delimited between the base 2 and the side wall 3 and preferably configured to receive a volume of water in a sealed manner.

[0053] To this end, the first sheet of Pal paper forming said base 2 and the second sheet of Pa2 paper forming the side wall 3 are covered with a plastic coating, internal to the container, ensuring watertightness of the internal volume. The external faces of the base 3 and the side wall 3 may be without such a coating.

[0054] The plastic coating may be a bioplastic, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which may be compostable. It can typically be made from starch, particularly from corn, sugarcane, or potato starch. The plastic coating may also be a heat-sealable varnish, typically bio-based and biodegradable.

[0055] In general, the materials of the container (paper and plastic coating) can be bio-based.

[0056] According to this disclosure, the side wall 3 comprises bellows SF, formed by fold lines Lp, in the second sheet of paper Pal, said fold lines Lp extending along the height of the hollow body, from the fourth edge forming said upper opening, along the height of said portion of tube TB.

[0057] The fold lines are distributed angularly around an axis A of the tubular portion TB, said fold lines Lp alternating in direction, inwards and outwards, along the periphery of the hollow body to form the bellows. The fold lines preferably extend along the directions of the generatrices of the truncated cone.

[0058] Generally, and as shown in the figures, the fold lines LP may, along the periphery of the side wall 3, alternately comprise fold lines of a first length Lpl and fold lines of a second length Lp2. The fold lines of the first length Lpl may be longer than the second length. When folded to form the bellows SF, the fold lines of the first length Lpl form the edges of the bellows and are oriented (protruding) outwards from the container, while the fold lines of the shorter second length Lp2 are oriented (protruding) inwards.

[0059] As seen in [Fig. 3a], and generally speaking, the fold lines, in particular extending along generatrices of the truncated cone over a distance greater than half the generatrice, or even over at least 75% of the generatrices, at least with regard to the fold lines Lpl along the first length. Thus, a lower portion of the tubular portion TB from the third edge can preferably be devoid of fold lines and therefore of bellows, and as seen in particular in [Fig. 6].

[0060] The fold lines Lp can be distributed angularly around the axis A, for example regularly, for example according to an angular offset of between 5° and 25°, for example between 10° and 20°. According to an illustrated example, the second sheet of paper has twenty-four fold lines, distributed according to an angular offset of 15° around the axis A.

[0061] Advantageously, said bellows are configured to move the hollow body from an opening position PO allowing the container to be filled through its upper opening OV to a closing position PF in which the fold lines are brought closer to the axis A of the tubular portion by closing the upper opening OV, at least partially.

[0062] The tubular portion is frustoconical, in said opening position PO the hollow body, the hollow body is a body flaring from said base 2 to said upper opening OV, and in particular due to the geometry of the second sheet of paper which is a frustocone.

[0063] Advantageously, this allows the containers to be stacked, in said open position, one inside the other, with an overlap between two successive containers stacked one on top of the other along the direction of the axis A of the tubular portion 30, the overlap being greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%, and in particular as seen in [Fig.5].

[0064] The portion of the hollow body carrying the bellows SF can extend along the axis A of the tubular portion TB, over a dimension greater than the dimension of the tubular portion, and as seen in [Fig.6].

[0065] In the closed position PF, the portion of the hollow body carrying the bellows can be tightened by compressing the bellows, by closing the upper opening OV, with a change in the geometry of the hollow body, which is no longer diverging along axis A, but converging along the direction of axis A, from the lower part of the tubular portion TB, devoid of the fold lines LP, to the upper opening OV.

[0066] Tightening and holding in the closed position PF can be achieved by a clamping tie LS. The clamping tie LS can be provided on the periphery, inserted into closed-section holes 30 in the first paper piece on the periphery of the hollow body, and as shown in [Fig. 1]. The clamping tie LS is then preferably inserted into the various holes 30 on the periphery of the container. The clamping tie LS can include two free ends on which the operator can pull to tighten the upper opening. The two free ends can be tied together to ensure that the tightening is maintained.This can include a slipknot, which can be incorporated during manufacturing, particularly to facilitate use for the user who only has to pull on one end to close the container.

[0067] In the open position PO, the LS cable tie inserted through the various orifices ensures that the cable tie remains in place, in particular even when the two ends of the cable tie are not knotted.

[0068] According to an alternative, the fold lines Lp forming the outward-facing edges of the bellows may have outward-opening notches. The succession of notches EC, along a peripheral diameter of the hollow body, forms a discontinuous, external, circular groove for receiving the cable tie. Such an embodiment with notches EC allows for faster attachment of the cable tie to the container, but does not ensure reliable retention of the cable tie when it is loose. The tie can thus be inserted into the notches by the user, and in particular not during manufacturing.

[0069] Generally speaking, the LS clamping link can be, like the first sheet of Pal paper, and the second sheet of Pa2 paper, made of paper.

[0070] Generally, the fourth edge B4 of the second sheet of paper Pa2 may include a fold so that the upper edge of the container forming said upper opening OV is formed by a double thickness of the second sheet of paper Pa2, forming a peripheral bead, at the level of an upper edge of the container. According to another possibility the upper edge of the container may be formed by a single thickness.

[0071] This disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing a container according to this disclosure, which includes: - / A / Supply of a first sheet of Pal paper, circular, intended to form a base 2, - / B / Supply of a second sheet of paper Pa2, having two opposite edges consisting of a first edge B1 and a second edge B2, and two further opposite edges consisting of a third concave edge B3 and a fourth convex edge B4, the second sheet of paper Pa2 having fold lines Lp intended to form gussets, extending from the fourth edge B3, in the direction of the third edge B3, in particular, and over a major part of the second sheet of paper, the second sheet of paper being the unfolded of a truncated cone, and as previously described, - / C / Shaping the first sheet of Pal paper to form a peripheral collar 20, - / D / Shaping the second sheet of Pa2 paper along the fold lines to form S-shaped gussets, - / E / Rolling the second sheet of paper Pa2 so as to bring the third edge B3 into contact with the periphery of the collar 20, and securing the collar and the third edge by welding or gluing, - / F / Bringing into contact the first edge B1 and the second edge B2, opposite, and joining the first edge and the second edge by welding or gluing.

[0072] Optionally / D / may be preceded by a prior shaping of the second sheet of paper Pa2, by folding the fourth edge of the second sheet of paper and that the upper edge of the container forming the upper opening is a double thickness of paper.

[0073] According to one embodiment, said second sheet of paper Pa2 may include the holes, the method comprising the placement of a clamping link LS through the holes. Alternatively, the holes 30 may be replaced by notches EC.

[0074] At the end of its life, the container can be recycled, notably through the cardboard recycling stream. The container itself can also be composted.

[0075] The present disclosure further relates to a floral arrangement, comprising cut flowers and a paper container 1 according to this disclosure, filled with a volume of water, with the stems of the cut flowers inserted through the upper opening of the container until the lower ends of the stems are in contact with the water.

[0076] The container is in said closed position PF for which the upper opening of the container is tightened against the stems of the flowers, the container held in said closed position, where appropriate by the clamping link LS.

[0077] The portion of the side wall carrying the bellows that is brought closer to axis A ensures that the flower stems are held in place and centered along or near axis A, directly above the center of gravity of the container. In the closed position of the bellows SF, the side wall 3 with its fold lines PI forming the bellows The side wall is reinforced, and the tightly spaced gussets act as stiffening elements, contributing to the stable support of the cut flowers. Such a self-watering floral arrangement can be placed in a stable position on a horizontal support surface, resting on the base 2 of the container 1.

[0078] The paper container covers the flower stems, except for the flowers themselves (including the calyx and corolla), which are external to the container. In one embodiment, said waterproof paper container may be the sole packaging used for the floral arrangement.

[0079] According to another embodiment (not illustrated), the watertight container 1 can be used in conjunction with a sheet, typically made of decorative paper, which is used to wrap the watertight container 1, forming a collar at the top of the container. The drawstring then simultaneously tightens the collar of the decorative sheet and the watertight container to ensure that the container remains in the closed position PF. The decorative sheet may be a non-watertight sheet.

[0080] This disclosure relates to a process for preparing a floral arrangement according to this disclosure, comprising: - the supply of a watertight container as described in this disclosure, in the open position PO, - a supply of cut flowers including flowers and flower stems, - filling the internal volume of the container with a volume of water, - inserting the cut flowers into the internal volume so as to bring the flower stems into contact with the water, the flowers being held outside the container, - deformation of the side wall with compression of the bellows to said closing position PF for which the upper opening OV is closed on the flower stems at the level of the upper edge of the container, and preferably: - the installation of the LS clamping link in order to maintain the container in the stable PF closing position.

[0081] At the end of its life, the composition can be recycled or composted.

[0082] The present disclosure is further related to a recycling process for a floral arrangement as described in this disclosure, including: - a paper separation between the container and the cut flowers, - recycling of the container's paper for the manufacture of a paper product.

[0083] This disclosure may further relate to a process for composting a floral arrangement according to this disclosure, including composting the floral arrangement, including the cut flowers and the paper container of the arrangement.

[0084] In particular, composting can be advantageously implemented without separating the container and the cut flowers.

[0085] The present disclosure is further related to a use of the watertight container according to the present disclosure as an ice cube container, the internal volume filled with ice cubes, the upper opening OV of the container tightened in said closing position PF over a beverage to be chilled received at least partially in the internal volume, for example an alcoholic bottle.

[0086] This disclosure further relates to a method for preparing an ice cube container according to this disclosure comprising: - the supply of a watertight container as described in this disclosure, in the PO opening position, - the supply of a beverage to be chilled, - filling the internal volume of the ice cube container, - inserting the drink in such a way as to bring the drink into contact with the ice cubes, - a deformation of the side wall with compression of the bellows up to said closed position PF for which the upper opening OV is closed on the beverage, - the installation of the LS clamping link in order to maintain the container in the stable PF closing position.

[0087] The portion of the side wall carrying the gussets that is brought closer to axis A ensures that the beverage is held in place and centered along axis A or close to it, directly above the center of gravity of the container. In the compressed position of the gussets SF, the side wall 3, with its fold lines PI forming the gussets, reinforces the side wall. The compressed gussets act as stiffening elements, contributing to the stable support of the beverage, particularly a bottle. Such an ice cube container can be placed in a stable position on a horizontal support surface, resting on the base 2 of the container 1. The beverage can be a bottle (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), or one or more metal cans...

[0088] Before using the containers, in particular for obtaining a floral arrangement or an ice cube container, they can be stacked one inside the other, and as illustrated in [Fig.5], in a less bulky position.

[0089] The present disclosure further relates to an EP stacking of containers 1 according to the present disclosure, said paper containers, in said open position PO, being stacked one inside the other.

[0090] Preferably, the overlap between two successive containers stacked one on top of the other along the direction of the axis A of the tubular portion 30 is greater than 50%, or even greater than 80%.

[0091] The EP stack can be maintained by an EB packaging which holds the first container and the last container together, preventing them from separating along the direction of the stack.

[0092] The EP packaging can be formed by a third sheet of Pa3 paper, pre-cut which is illustrated flat, in [Fig.4], before its shaping by folding.

[0093] The third sheet of paper, pre-cut, comprises: - a central PM portion intended to form a support surface for the base of the first, lower container in the stack, - a first wing ALI and a second wing AL2 extending the middle part, on either side of the middle part and following a longitudinal direction of the third sheet of paper Pa2.

[0094] A first fold line L1 delimits the middle part PM and the first wing ALI, and extends transversely to the longitudinal direction, and a second fold line L2 delimits the middle part PM and the second wing AL2. The first wing ALI and the second wing AL2, once folded, respectively along the first line L1 and the second line L2, come on either side of the stack, over the entire height of the stack, blocking the stack, and in particular the first container resting on the support surface.

[0095] The first container is thus blocked along a first direction parallel to the support surface, passing through the first wing ALI and the second AL2. The first wing ALI and the second wing AL2 respectively have terminal ends provided with an adhesive, such as a double-sided adhesive at each terminal end ET.

[0096] Optionally, the middle part PM may include a third fold line L3 and a fourth fold line L4 which allows two edges RB to be formed which block the stacking along a second direction parallel to the support surface, transverse to the first direction.

[0097] The present disclosure further relates to a storage assembly comprising a stack EP of paper containers 1, and a package EB formed by a third pre-cut and folded sheet of paper Pa3, said stack EP comprising a first, lower container and a last, upper container, said package comprising: - a middle part PM forming a support surface receiving the base of the first lower container of the stack EP, - a first wing ALI and a second wing AL2 attached to the middle section, respectively by a first fold line L1 and a second fold line L2, said first wing ALI and said second wing AL2 extending from said surface of support, over the entire height of the EP stack, on either side of the stack, the first wing and said second wing comprising terminal ends ET, the ends configured to be folded into the internal volume of the last container of the stack, and glued by adhesive to an internal surface of the hollow body. List of reference signs

[0098] - 1: Paper container, - 2. Base, - 20. Collar, - Pal. First sheet of paper, - 3. Side wall, - LS. Clamping link - 30. Holes (for cable tie), - Pa2. Second sheet of paper, - B1, B2, B3, B4. First, second, third and fourth edge, - TB. Tubular portion, - A. Axis (Tubular portion), - SF. Bellows, - Lp. Fold lines (gussets), - Lpl. Fold lines of a first length (pointing outwards) - LP2. Fold lines of a second length (point inwards), - EB Packaging, - PM. Middle part - Pa2. Third sheet of paper, - ALI, AL2. First wing and second wing, - L1, L2. First fold line and second fold line, - RB. Edges, - L3, L4. Third fold line and fourth fold line.

Claims

Demands

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. A manufacturing method according to claim 11, for obtaining a container according to claim 2, wherein said second sheet comprises the orifices, the method comprising the placement of a clamping link (LS) through the orifices (30).

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

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