Set of cardboard packaging for bottles and implementation method

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging assembly comprising a box (98) having a bottom wall (100) and a rectangular blank (10) having on the one hand two opposite longitudinal edges (12, 14) and two opposite faces, and on the other hand two wings (28, 30; 32, 34) delimited by two L-shaped cutouts each along an inclined fold line, the two fold lines extending between a first and a second end, the first two ends defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cutouts having a curved part joining said second end and a longitudinal part crossing said transverse line to a cut end, between said first end and the longitudinal part there are further two fold lines, so as to be able to apply the folded blank against said bottom wall (100), while said wings (28, 30; 32, 34) are upright.The two fold lines extend in opposite directions with respect to the transverse line so as to automatically raise the wings (28, 30; 32, 34) when the portion of the blank is folded along the transverse line. Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 3.

Description

Title of the invention: Set of cardboard packaging for bottles and method of implementation

[0001] The present invention relates to a cardboard packaging assembly for bottles and to a method of implementing the packaging assembly.

[0002] One envisaged field of application is, in particular, the packaging of wine bottles for transport.

[0003] Known packaging assemblies comprise a parallelepiped-shaped box having a bottom wall and four sides arranged in pairs opposite each other with respect to said bottom wall. They are equipped with a rectangular blank having, on the one hand, two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposing faces, and on the other hand, two wings delimited by two L-shaped cutouts made at a distance from each other, each along a fold line inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges. Furthermore, the two fold lines extend respectively between a first and a second end, the first two ends defining a transverse line. Each of the two L-shaped cutouts has a curved portion joining the second end and a longitudinal portion crossing the transverse line to a cutout end located at a distance from the first end.

[0004] Between the first end of the folding lines and the longitudinal part of the L-shaped cutouts, there are further two fold lines, so as to be able to stand up a portion of the blank along the transverse line and the blank along the folding and crease lines so that the wings are upright and inclined with respect to the upright walls of the box when the folded blank is applied against the bottom wall.

[0005] In this way, the bottles can be placed resting on the folded side inside the crate and they are held in an inclined position thanks to the wings and the walls of the crate so that they extend along the same plane, in the free volume of the crate, with the least amount of wasted space possible.

[0006] Reference may be made to document FR 3 104 145 Al, which describes such a packaging assembly, where the blank has two pairs of L-shaped cutouts opposite each other to allow bottles to be stored upside down and tilted inside the box.

[0007] However, shaping the pre-cut blank is complex and requires manual operation. Consequently, the implementation costs of such a packaging assembly are relatively high.

[0008] Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a packaging assembly which is simpler and therefore less expensive to implement.

[0009] In order to solve this problem, and according to a first object, a set of cardboard packaging for bottles is proposed, comprising:

[0010] - a parallelepiped-shaped box having a bottom wall and four upright walls two by two facing each other with respect to said back wall;

[0011] - a rectangular blank having on one side two opposing longitudinal edges and two opposite faces, and on the other hand two wings delimited by two L-shaped cutouts made at a distance from each other, each along a fold line inclined relative to said longitudinal edges, the two fold lines extending respectively between a first and a second end, the first two ends defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cutouts having a curved part joining said second end and a longitudinal part crossing said transverse line to a cut end located at a distance from said first end, between said first end and the longitudinal part extend two further fold lines, so as to be able to fold at least a portion of said blank along said transverse line and said blank along said fold and crease lines, and to be able to apply the folded blank against said bottom wall of said box,while said wings are erect and inclined relative to said erected walls.

[0012] Said two fold lines extend opposite each other with respect to said transverse line so as to be able to automatically raise said wings along their inclined fold line when said portion of said blank is folded along said transverse line against one of said two opposite faces.

[0013] The transverse line is substantially perpendicular to the two opposite longitudinal edges of the rectangular side.

[0014] As will be explained in more detail later in the description, the two fold lines of the wings are parallel so that the wings can be positioned parallel to each other. In this way, the cylindrical part of the bottle body fits snugly between the two wings.

[0015] Furthermore, when the portion of the flan is folded along the transverse line, the wing also folds along the two fold lines as will be explained in more detail later in the description.

[0016] The fold lines are, for example, inclined to the longitudinal edges at an angle greater than 5°. Advantageously, said angle is greater than 10°.

[0017] Thus, a feature of the invention lies in the creation of a blank that allows the wings to automatically rise on their own when only the portion of the blank along the transverse line is folded 180°. In this way, the shaping of the blank can be mechanized and, consequently, implemented at a more advantageous cost.

[0018] It will be observed that, according to the prior art, the folded blank needs to be held in this way and installed inside the box so that the wings are kept upright.

[0019] According to the invention, and this is one of the advantages, the mere folding of said portion of flan to 180° causes the wings to stand upright.

[0020] Advantageously, one of said two fold lines extends from said first end to said cutting end.

[0021] In addition, said one of said two fold lines forms with said transverse line a first angle less than a second angle formed between the other of said two fold lines and said transverse line.

[0022] Preferably, one of the two fold lines forms an angle between 5° and 30° with the transverse line. Furthermore, the two fold lines form a third angle between 45° and 90°; advantageously, close to 60°. As will be explained later in the description, when the blank portion is folded 180°, the wings stand at an angle substantially greater than 45° with respect to the mean plane defined by the initial blank. The mean plane of the initial blank is defined before any folding.

[0023] Moreover, one of the said two fold lines forms, preferably, with said fold line, an angle substantially greater than 90°.

[0024] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, said flan further has two other L-shaped cutouts opposite said two L-shaped cutouts with respect to a transverse median strip. The two other cutouts between the L-shaped cutouts are antisymmetric with respect to said two L-shaped cutouts with respect to the transverse median strip. And they are substantially offset transversely to allow the bottles to be stored upside down, as will be explained below.

[0025] According to a first embodiment, the blank has two opposing edges perpendicular to the two longitudinal edges, and at least one of these two edges is the portion of the blank. In other words, the edge can be easily folded back 180° along the transverse line to allow the wings to be erected. Such an operation is easily mechanizable.

[0026] Furthermore, according to this first embodiment of the invention, preferably, said blank also has another fold line symmetrical to one of said two fold lines with respect to the other binding line, defining another wing with one of said two longitudinal edges. In other words, three parallel wings are simultaneously formed when the edge is folded back 180°.

[0027] According to a second embodiment, said blank has two foldable flaps cut into said transverse median strip respectively along said transverse line of said two L-shaped cutouts and along another transverse line of said two other L-shaped cutouts to form said portion of said foldable blank and another portion of said folding blank. In other words, in this case the two folding flaps are folded in opposite directions and folded 180° along the two transverse lines so that the two L-shaped cutouts and the two other L-shaped cutouts can be drawn simultaneously.

[0028] According to a second object, in accordance with the invention, a rectangular blank is proposed having on the one hand two opposite longitudinal edges and two opposite faces, and on the other hand two wings delimited by two L-shaped cuts made at a distance from each other along each one a fold line inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges, the two fold lines extending respectively between a first and a second end, the first two ends defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cuts having a curved part joining said second end and a longitudinal part crossing said transverse line to a cut end located at a distance from said first end, between the first end and the longitudinal part there are further two fold lines, and said two fold lines extend opposite each other with respect to said transverse line.

[0029] Such a flan is suitable for implementation in the aforementioned packaging assembly with all the related advantages.

[0030] According to a third object in accordance with the invention, a method for packaging bottles is proposed comprising the following steps:

[0031] - a parallelepiped-shaped cardboard box is provided, having a bottom wall and four walls erected two by two opposite each other in relation to the said back wall;

[0032] - a rectangular cardboard blank is provided, having on one side two edges two opposite longitudinals and two opposite faces, and on the other hand two wings delimited by two L-shaped cutouts made at a distance from each other along each one a fold line inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges, the two fold lines extending respectively between a first and a second end, the first two ends defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cutouts having a curved part joining said second end and a longitudinal part crossing said transverse line to a cut end located at a distance from said first end, between the first end and the longitudinal part extend in addition two fold lines;

[0033] - at least a portion of said flan is folded along said transverse line and according the said folding and crease lines, and the folded blank is applied against the said bottom wall of the said box, while the said wings are erected and inclined in relation to the said erected walls.

[0034] Said two fold lines extend opposite each other with respect to said transverse line; and said portion of said blank is folded along said transverse line against one of the two said opposite faces in order to be able to automatically raise said wings.

[0035] Such a packaging process makes it possible to mechanize the packaging of the bottles as will be explained below, and consequently, makes it possible to reduce costs.

[0036] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of example but not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0037] [Fig-1] is a schematic top view of an element of the packaging assembly conforming to the invention according to an embodiment variant;

[0038] [Fig.2] is a schematic perspective top view showing the element illustrated in [Fig.1] in a first implementation stage;

[0039] [Fig.3] is a schematic perspective top view showing the packaging assembly including the object of [Fig.2] in an implementation step;

[0040] [Fig.4] is a schematic top view showing the packaging assembly including the object of [Fig.2] in another implementation step;

[0041] [Fig. 5] is a schematic top view of an element of the packaging assembly according to the invention in another embodiment; and,

[0042] [Fig.6] is a schematic perspective top view showing the element illustrated in [Fig.5] in a first implementation stage.

[0043] Figure 1 shows a first rectangular blank cut from corrugated cardboard. The corrugated cardboard used is double-sided, with a fluted paper sandwiched between two sheets of flat paper. The fluted paper is between 1 mm and 2 mm thick. Of course, corrugated cardboard of a different shape and dimensions can be used as needed.

[0044] The first blank 10 has two first longitudinal edges 12, 14 opposite and parallel, and it will be observed that the flutes of the corrugated paper extend parallel to the first longitudinal edges 12, 14.

[0045] The first blank 10 further has two first parallel transverse edges 16, 18, opposite to each other and perpendicular to the first longitudinal edges 12, 14. It also has two first opposite faces, a front face 20 and a rear face 22.

[0046] The first blank 10 has predefined cutouts and lines inside for making folds. It is also divided into two first parts, a left part 24 and a right part 26 illustrated in [Fig. 1], the predefined cutouts and lines of the left part 24 being antisymmetric to the predefined cutouts and lines of the right part 26 with respect to a first median line M as will be described below.

[0047] Thus, the left part 24 of the first side 10 has two parallel left wings 28, 30, and opposite, with respect to the first median line M, two right wings 32, 34. These wings are respectively delimited by two left L-shaped cutouts 36, 38 and by two right L-shaped cutouts 40, 42. Also, the two right wings 32, 34 and the two left wings 28, 30 are respectively located at a distance from each other.

[0048] Furthermore, the first two left wings 28, 30 run along two first left fold lines 44, 46 respectively, while the first two right wings 32, 34 run along two first right fold lines 48, 50 respectively.

[0049] It will be observed that these folding lines 44, 46, 48, 50 are inclined with respect to the longitudinal edges 12, 14 at the same angle. In other words, they are parallel to each other.

[0050] The angle of inclination of the fold lines 44, 46, 48, 50 with the longitudinal edges 12, 14 is greater than 5°. Advantageously, this angle is greater than 10° in certain embodiments as will be explained below. However, it is preferably less than 30°.

[0051] Also, the first two left-hand fold lines 44, 46 extend respectively between a first left-hand proximal end 52 and a first left-hand distal end 54, while the first two right-hand fold lines 48, 50 extend between a first right-hand proximal end 56 and a first right-hand distal end 58. And the first two left-hand proximal ends 52 define a first left-hand transverse line Tgl, while the first two right-hand proximal ends 56 define a first right-hand transverse line Tdl. These first transverse lines Tgl, Tdl are perpendicular to the two longitudinal edges 12, 14 and they extend equidistant from the first midline M. They also define a first midline band 55 centered on the first midline M.

[0052] In addition, each of the first two left L-shaped cutouts 36, 38 respectively has a first left curved part 60 which extends to the first left distal end 54 and a first left longitudinal part 62 which extends to a first left cutout end 64 by crossing the first left transverse line Tgl.

[0053] Opposite with respect to the first median line M, each of the first two straight L-shaped cuts 40, 42 respectively has a first straight curved part 66 which extends to the first straight distal end 58 and a first straight longitudinal part 68 which extends to a first straight cut end 70 by crossing the first straight transverse line Tdl.

[0054] Moreover, for each of the first two left wings 28, 30, a first proximal left fold line 72 extends from the first left proximal end 52 to the first left cut-out end 64, and a first distal left fold line 74 extends from the first left proximal end 52 to the first left longitudinal part 62, opposite the first left cut-out end 64 with respect to the first left transverse line Tgl.

[0055] The fold lines 72, 74 are formed from perforation lines made in the blank 10.

[0056] Also, the first proximal left fold line 72 forms an angle with the first left transverse line Tgl of, for example, between 5° and 15°, while the first distal left fold line 74 forms an angle with the first left transverse line Tgl at least twice greater.

[0057] It will be observed that the first distal left fold line 74 is substantially the bisector of the angle formed by the first proximal left fold line 72 and the left fold lines 44, 46. Moreover, the proximal left fold lines 72 form an angle with the left fold lines 44, 46 that is substantially greater than 90°. This angle is, for example, 100°.

[0058] On the opposite side, with respect to the first median M, for each of the first two right wings 32, 34, a first proximal right fold line 76 extends from the first right proximal end 56 to the first right cut end 70, and a first distal right fold line 78 extends from the first right proximal end 56 to the first right longitudinal part 68, opposite the first right cut end 70 with respect to the first right transverse line Tdl.

[0059] The fold lines 76, 78 are formed from perforation lines made in the blank 10.

[0060] Also, the first proximal right fold line 76 forms an angle with the first straight transverse line Tdl of, for example, between 5° and 15°, while the first distal right fold line 78 forms an angle with the first straight transverse line Tdl at least twice greater.

[0061] It will be observed that the first distal straight fold line 78 is substantially the bisector of the angle formed by the first proximal straight fold line 76 and the straight fold lines 48, 50. Moreover, the proximal straight fold lines 76 form an angle with the straight fold lines 48, 50 that is substantially greater than 90°. This angle is, for example, 100°.

[0062] According to the embodiment shown above, the blank 10 comprises a left-hand folding flap 80 cut into the median strip 55 between the first left transverse line Tgl and the first median line M, and a right-hand folding flap 82 cut out in the median band 55 between the first median line M and the first straight transverse line Tdl.

[0063] The left folding flap 80 extends transversely beyond the first two left wings 28, 30, to the level of a first left point 84 located on the first left transverse line Tgl between the first left longitudinal part 62 of one of the left wings 28 and one of the longitudinal edges 12, and on the opposite side to the level of a second left point 86 located on the first left transverse line Tgl, between the other longitudinal edge 14 and the first left proximal end 52 of the other of the left wings 30.

[0064] Opposite to the first median line M, the right folding flap 82 extends transversely beyond the first two right wings 32, 34, to the level of a first straight point 88 located on the first right transverse line Tdl between the first right longitudinal part 68 of one of the right wings 32 and said other of the longitudinal edges 14, and opposite to the level of a second straight point 90 located on the first right transverse line Tdl between said one longitudinal edge 12 and the first right proximal end 56 of the other of the left wings 34.

[0065] Also, the left folding flap 80 is cut halfway along the left transverse line Tgl, from the first left point 84 to the first left longitudinal part 62 of said one of the left wings 28, then between the first two left wings 28, 30, from the first left proximal end 52 to the first left longitudinal part 62 of the other first left wing 30, and finally, from the first left proximal end 52 of the other first left wing 30, to the second left point 86.

[0066] The expression "cut halfway through" here means that the flan is cut on its front face 20, to a depth substantially equal to half the thickness.

[0067] And on the opposite side, the right folding flap 82 is also cut in half along the straight transverse line Tdl, from the first straight point 88 to the first right longitudinal part 62 of said one of the right wings 32, then between the first two right wings 32, 34, from the first right proximal end 56 to the first right longitudinal part 68 of the other first left wing 34, and finally, from the first right proximal end 56 of the other first right wing 34, to the second straight point 90.

[0068] Furthermore, it will be observed that the side 10 has a central recess 92 that is essentially rectangular, allowing a first left shoulder 94 to be formed in the left flap 80 and a first right shoulder 96 in the right flap 82, the purpose of which will be explained later in the description. It will be observed that the first left shoulder 94 and the first right shoulder 96 extend respectively to the first right longitudinal sections 62 and 68.

[0069] Thus, in accordance with the bottle packaging process according to the invention, the first blank 10 is implemented as described above with reference to [Fig. 1]. The two flaps 80, 82 are first folded respectively along the left transverse line Tgl and along the right transverse line Tdl towards the rear face 22. This folding is facilitated by cutting the flaps 80, 82 halfway along the transverse lines Tgl and Tdl respectively.

[0070] In so doing, the first two left wings 28, 30 fold themselves respectively along the left fold lines 72, 74 and along their first two left fold lines 44, 46, so that the first two left wings 28, 30 rise simultaneously from the side 10 on the side of its front face 20. In the same way, the first two right wings 32, 34 fold themselves respectively along the straight fold lines 76, 78 and along their first two straight fold lines 48, 50, so that the first two right wings 32, 34 rise simultaneously from the side 10 on the side of its front face 20.

[0071] When the two flaps 80, 82 are folded back 180° against the rear face 22 of the side 10, as illustrated in [Fig.2], their left shoulders 94 and right shoulders 96 are respectively engaged in the inner edge of the first longitudinal parts left 62 and right 68 of the first two L-shaped cutouts left 38, and right 42. In this way, the two flaps 80, 82 are held in a fixed position against the rear face 22.

[0072] The first two right wings 32, 34 and the first two left wings 32, 34 are then respectively erected with respect to the average plane defined by the first side 10. They form an angle with said average plane substantially greater than 60°.

[0073] The left wing sections 28, 30 located between the first proximal left fold lines 72 and the first distal left fold lines 74 form an angle with said mean plane, substantially greater than 60°. The same is true for the right wing sections 32, 34 located between the first proximal right fold lines 76 and the first distal right fold lines 78. These left wing sections 28, 30 and these right wing sections 32, 34, when erect, will form an axial support as will be explained below.

[0074] Still in accordance with the bottle packaging method according to the invention, a parallelepiped box 98 is provided, as shown in [Fig.3]. It has a bottom wall 100, and on one side two longitudinal walls 102, 104 erected opposite each other with respect to the bottom wall 100, and on the other side, two transverse walls 106, 108 erected opposite each other.

[0075] Thus, the folded blank as shown in [Fig. 2] is applied to the bottom 100 of the parallelepiped box 98. The first blank 10 has dimensions substantially equal to those of the bottom wall 100, so that the first two longitudinal edges 12, 14 run along the two longitudinal walls 102, respectively. 104, while the first two parallel opposite transverse edges 16, 18 run along the said two transverse walls 108, 106 respectively.

[0076] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig. 3], a bottle 110 having a cylindrical body 112, ending in a base 116 and extended by a neck 114, is installed between the two upright left wings 28, 30, and is thus held inclined relative to the two longitudinal walls 102, 104. The base 116 of the cylindrical body 112 of the bottle 110 rests against one of the two transverse walls 108 while the neck 114, on the opposite side, rests axially against the part of the right wing 32 located between the first proximal right fold line 76 and the first distal right fold line 78. In this way, the bottle 110 is blocked axially in translation.

[0077] It will be observed that the bottle 110 has an axis of symmetry A inclined with respect to the first two longitudinal edges 12, 14, and with respect to the two longitudinal walls 102, 104, at an angle close to 10°.

[0078] Next, two other bottles are installed on either side of the central bottle 110, one 118, between one 28 of the two left wings and one 102 of the longitudinal walls, the other 120 between the other 30 of the two wings and the other 104 of the longitudinal walls, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. The bottom of the body of the two other bottles is also supported against one 108 of the two transverse walls.

[0079] Then three second bottles are installed head-to-tail opposite the first three 110, 118, 100. One 122 is installed in the center between the two right wings 32, 34, another second 124 is installed between the first second 122 and one 102 of the longitudinal walls and the third second 126 is installed between the first second 122 and the other 104 of the longitudinal walls.

[0080] The second bottles 122, 124, 126 are then inclined with respect to the two longitudinal walls 102, 104 at the same angle as the first bottles 110, 118, 120, close to 10°.

[0081] Thus, the necks of the three second bottles 122, 124, 126 come to be engaged between the necks of the first three bottles 110, 118, 120, while the bottom of the body of the three second bottles 122, 124, 126 comes to rest against the other transverse wall 106.

[0082] Thus, as illustrated in [Fig.4], the dimensions of the parallelepiped box 98 are optimized to hold six bottles flat, with the least amount of free space possible.

[0083] The implementation of such conditioning is easily automated thanks to the simplicity of implementation of the blank 10. It is in fact implemented by the mere folding of the flaps 80, 82 at 180° against the rear face 22 of the blank.

[0084] Another embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to [Fig.5] and [Fig.6].

[0085] Also, all analogous elements having the same function shall bear the same reference number with a prime sign: « '

[0086] Thus, [Fig.5] shows a second rectangular blank cut 10' out of corrugated cardboard. It has two opposing and parallel longitudinal edges 12', 14', and two opposing parallel transverse edges 16', 18', which are perpendicular to the longitudinal edges 12', 14'. The second blank 10' also has two opposing front faces, a front face 20' and a rear face 22'.

[0087] The second blank 10' is divided into two second parts, a left part 24' and a right part 26', and the cuts and predefined lines of the second left part 24' are antisymmetric to the cuts and predefined lines of the second right part 26' with respect to a second median line M'.

[0088] It will be observed that the second median line M' defines a second median band 55' of which it is also the median.

[0089] Thus, the second left part 24' has two parallel second left wings 28', 30', and a third second left wing 31' parallel to the two second left wings. Conversely, with respect to the second median line M', the second right part 26' has two parallel second right wings 32', 34' and a third second right wing 35' parallel to the two second right wings.

[0090] The two second parallel left wings 28', 30' are respectively delimited by two second left L-shaped cutouts 36', 38', while the third second left wing 31' is delimited by a portion of one of the longitudinal edges 14' and a left V-shaped notch 33.

[0091] The two second parallel right wings 32', 34' are respectively delimited by two second straight L-shaped cutouts 40', 42', while the third second right wing 35' is delimited by a portion of the other of the longitudinal edges 12' and a straight V-shaped notch 37.

[0092] Also, the three second right wings 32', 34' and 35', and the three second left wings 28', 30' and 31' are respectively parallel and located at a distance from each other.

[0093] Furthermore, the three second left wings 28', 30', 31' run along three second left folding lines 44', 46' and 47' respectively, while the three second right wings 32', 34', 35' run along three second right folding lines 48', 50' and 51' respectively.

[0094] It will be observed that these folding lines 44', 46', 47' on one side, 48', 50', 51' on the other, are inclined with respect to the longitudinal edges 12', 14' at the same angle. In other words, they are parallel to each other.

[0095] The angle of inclination of the fold lines 44', 46', 47'; 48', 50', 51' with the longitudinal edges 12', 14' is greater than 5°. Advantageously, this angle is greater than 10° in certain implementation methods. However, it is preferably less than 30°.

[0096] Also, the three second left-hand fold lines 44', 46', 47' extend respectively between a second left-hand proximal end 52' and a second left-hand distal end 54', while the two second right-hand fold lines 48', 50', 51' extend between a second right-hand proximal end 56' and a second right-hand distal end 58'. And the three second left-hand proximal ends 52' define a second left-hand transverse line Tg2, while the three second right-hand proximal ends 56' define a second right-hand transverse line Td2. These second transverse lines Tg2, Td2 are perpendicular to the two longitudinal edges 12', 14' and extend respectively at equidistant points from the two second transverse edges 16', 18'. They thus define two opposite edges 80', 82'.

[0097] In addition, each of the two second left L-shaped cuts 36', 38' respectively has a second left curved part 60' which extends to the second left distal end 54' and a second left longitudinal part 62' which extends to a second left cut end 64' by crossing the second left transverse line Tg2.

[0098] In addition, said portion of one of the longitudinal edges 14' and the left V-notch 33 also define a second left curved part 60' which extends to the second left distal end 54' and a second left longitudinal part 62' which extends to a second left cut end 64' by crossing the second left transverse line Tg2 and which will be defined more precisely below.

[0099] Opposite with respect to the second median line M', each of the two second straight L-shaped cuts 40', 42' presents respectively a second straight curved part 66' which extends to the second straight distal end 58' and a second straight longitudinal part 68' which extends to a second straight cut end 70' by crossing the second straight transverse line Td2.

[0100] In addition, said portion of one of the longitudinal edges 12' and the right V-notch 37, also define a second straight curved part 66' which extends to the second right distal end 58' and a second straight longitudinal part 68' which extends to a second straight cut-out end 70' by crossing the second straight transverse line Td2.

[0101] In addition, for each of the three second left wings 28', 30', 31', a second proximal left fold line 72' extends from the second left proximal end 52' to the second left cut-out end 64', and a second distal left fold line 74' extends from the second left proximal end 52' to the second part left longitudinal 62', opposite the second left cutting end 64' relative to the second left transverse line Tg2.

[0102] The second fold lines 72', 74' are formed from perforation lines made in the blank 10'.

[0103] Also, the second proximal left fold line 72' forms an angle with the second left transverse line Tg2 of, for example, between 5° and 15°, while the second distal left fold line 74' forms an angle with the second left transverse line Tg2 at least twice greater.

[0104] It will be observed that the second distal left fold line 74' is substantially the bisector of the angle formed by the second proximal left fold line 72' and the left fold lines 44', 46', 47'. Furthermore, the proximal left fold lines 72' form an angle with the left fold lines 44', 46', 47' that is substantially greater than 90°. This angle is, for example, 100°.

[0105] Opposite, with respect to the second median M', for each of the three second right wings 32', 34', 35', a second proximal right fold line 76' extends from the second right proximal end 56' to the second right cut end 70', and a second distal right fold line 78' extends from the second right proximal end 56' to the second right longitudinal part 68', opposite the second right cut end 70' with respect to the second right transverse line Td2.

[0106] The second fold lines 76', 78' are formed from perforation lines made in the blank 10'.

[0107] Also, the second proximal right fold line 76' forms an angle with the second right transverse line Td2 of, for example, between 5° and 15°, while the second distal right fold line 78' forms an angle with the second right transverse line Td2 at least twice greater.

[0108] It will be observed that the second distal straight fold line 78' is substantially the bisector of the angle formed by the second proximal straight fold line 76' and the straight fold lines 48', 50', 51'. Furthermore, the proximal straight fold lines 76' form an angle with the straight fold lines 48', 50', 51' that is substantially greater than 90°. This angle is, for example, 100°.

[0109] According to the embodiment shown above, the two opposite edges, the left edge 80' and the right edge 82' of the second blank 10', are foldable portions in the sense of the invention and correspond respectively, in their functions, to the left foldable flaps 80 and right foldable flaps 82 of the first embodiment.

[0110] Also, the left foldable edge 80' is cut in half along the second left transverse line Tg2, between the three left wings 28', 30', 31', more precisely from the second left proximal ends 52' to the second left longitudinal parts 62', and also between one of the longitudinal edges 12' and the left wing 28', from the second proximal end 52' to the longitudinal edge 12'.

[0111] And on the opposite side, the right foldable border 82' is also cut halfway along the second straight transverse line Td2, between the three right wings 32', 34', 35', from the second right proximal ends 56' to the second right longitudinal parts 68', and also between the other of the longitudinal edges 14' and the right wing 32', from the second right proximal end 56' to the longitudinal edge 14'.

[0112] In addition, the second blank 10' has a left notch 92' cut into the left edge 80' and opposite it a right notch 93' cut into the right edge 82'. The notches 92', 93', make it possible to form in the left edge 80' a second left shoulder 94' and in the right edge 82', a second right shoulder 96'.

[0113] In accordance with the bottle packaging process according to the invention, the second blank 10' is implemented as described above with regard to [Fig.5].

[0114] To do this, the two edges 80', 82' are first folded respectively along the second left transverse line Tg2 and along the second right transverse line Td2 towards the rear face 22. This folding is facilitated by cutting halfway through the edges 80', 82' respectively along the transverse lines Tg2 and Td2.

[0115] In so doing, the three second left wings 28', 30', 31' fold respectively along the second left fold lines 72', 74' and along their three second left fold lines 44', 46', 47', so that the three second left wings 28', 30', 31' rise simultaneously from the second side 10' on the side of its front face 20'. In the same way, the three second right wings 32', 34', 35' fold respectively along the second right fold lines 76', 78' and along their three second right fold lines 48', 50', 51', so that the three second right wings 32', 34', 35' rise simultaneously from the second side 10' on the side of its front face 20'.

[0116] When the two edges 80', 82' are folded back 180° against the rear face 22' of the second blank 10', as illustrated in [Fig. 6], their left shoulder 94' and right shoulder 96', of which only the left one is visible, are respectively engaged in the inner edge of the first left longitudinal part 62' and right longitudinal part 68' of the two second left L-shaped cuts 36' and right L-shaped cuts 40'. In this way, the two edges 80', 82' are held in a fixed position against the rear face 22'.

[0117] The three second right wings 32', 34', 35' and the first two left wings 28', 30', 31' are then respectively erected with respect to the mean plane defined by the second flank 10'. They form an angle with said mean plane substantially greater than 60°.

[0118] The left wing sections 28', 30', 31' located between the first proximal left fold lines 72' and the first distal left fold lines 74' form an angle with said mean plane, substantially greater than 60°. And they ensure the left wings 28', 30', 31' remain inclined.

[0119] The same applies to the right wing parts 32', 34', 35' included between the first proximal right fold lines 76', which are masked on the [Fig.6] and the first distal right fold lines 78'.

[0120] Still in accordance with the bottle packaging process according to the invention, a parallelepiped box of the type shown in [Fig.3] is provided for inserting the second blank 10'. The box is then filled with six bottles in the same way to achieve the object of [Fig.4].

[0121] It will be noted that, according to this alternative embodiment of the invention, the axial positioning of the bottles at the neck is no longer achieved against the upright left wing sections 28', 30', located between the first proximal left fold lines 72' and the first distal left fold lines 74', on the one hand, and the upright right wing sections 32', 34' located between the first proximal right fold lines 76' and the first distal right fold lines 78', on the other hand. The necks, in fact, rest axially on the opposite side, against the edges of the ends of the upright left wings 28', 30' and right wings 32', 34', respectively.

Claims

1.

2.

3. Demands Cardboard packaging assembly for bottles comprising: - a parallelepiped box (98) having a bottom wall (100) and four walls erected two by two opposite each other (102, 104, 106, 108) with respect to said bottom wall; - a rectangular blank (10) having on the one hand two opposing longitudinal edges (12, 14) and two opposing faces (20, 22), and on the other hand two wings (28, 30; 32, 34) delimited by two L-shaped cuts (36, 38; 40, 42) made at a distance from each other along each of a fold line (44, 46; 48, 50) inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges, the two fold lines (44, 46; 48, 50) extending respectively between a first (52; 56) and a second (54; 58) endpoints, the first two endpoints (52; 56) defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cuts (36, 38; 40, 42) having a curved part (60; 66) joining said second end (54; 58) and a longitudinal part (62; 68) crossing said transverse line to a cut end (64; 70) located at a distance from said first end (52; 56), between said first end and the longitudinal part (62;68) further extend two fold lines (72, 74; 76, 78), so as to be able to fold at least a portion (80; 82) of said blank along said transverse line and said blank along said fold lines (44, 46; 48, 50) and fold lines (72, 74; 76, 78), and to be able to apply the folded blank against said bottom wall (100) of said box (98), while said wings (28, 30; 32, 34) are erected and inclined in relation to said erected walls; characterized in that said two fold lines (72, 74; 76, 78) extend in opposite directions with respect to said transverse line so as to automatically raise said wings (28, 30; 32, 34) when said portion of said blank is folded along said transverse line against one of said two opposite faces (22). Packaging assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that one (72; 76) of said two fold lines extends from said first end (52; 56) to said cut end (64; 70). Packaging assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that said one (72, 76) of said two fold lines forms with said transverse line a first angle less than a second angle formed between the other (74; 78) of the said two fold lines and the said transverse line.

4. Packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one (72; 76) of said two fold lines forms with said fold line (44, 46; 48, 50), an angle substantially greater than 90°.

5. Packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said blank (10) further has two other (40, 42) L-shaped cutouts opposite said two L-shaped cutouts (36, 38) with respect to a transverse median strip (55).

6. Packaging assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said blank has two opposite edges (80', 82') perpendicular to said two longitudinal edges (12', 14'), and in that at least one of said two edges is said portion of said blank.

7. Packaging assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said blank further has another fold line (47'; 51') symmetrical to one (44'; 50') of said two fold lines with respect to the other (46'; 48') binding line by defining another wing (31'; 35') with one of said two longitudinal edges.

8. Packaging assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that said blank (10) has two foldable flaps (80, 82) cut in said transverse median strip (55) respectively along said transverse line of said two L-shaped cutouts (36, 38) and along another transverse line of said two other L-shaped cutouts (40, 42) to form said portion (80) of said foldable blank and another portion (82) of said foldable blank.

9. Rectangular blank having, on the one hand, two opposing longitudinal edges (12, 14) and two opposing faces (20, 22), and on the other hand, two wings (28, 30; 32, 34) delimited by two L-shaped cuts (36, 38; 40, 42) made at a distance from each other, each along a fold line (44, 46; 48, 50) inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges, the two fold lines extending respectively between a first (52; 56) and a second end (54; 58), the first two end(52, 56) defining a transverse line, each of said two L-shaped cuts having a curved portion (60; 66) joining said second end(54; 58) and a longitudinal portion (62; 68) crossing said transverse line up to

10. a cutting end (64; 70) located at a distance from said first end (52; 56), between the first end and the longitudinal part (62; 68) further extend two fold lines (72, 74; 76, 78), and in that said two fold lines extend opposite each other with respect to said transverse line. Bottle packaging method comprising the following steps: - a parallelepiped cardboard box (98) is provided having a bottom wall (100) and four walls erected two by two opposite each other (102, 104, 106, 108) with respect to said bottom wall; - A rectangular cardboard blank (10) is provided, having on one side two opposing longitudinal edges (12, 14) and two opposing faces (20, 22), and on the other side two wings (28, 30; 32, 34) delimited by two L-shaped cuts (36, 38; 40, 42) made at a distance from each other, each along a fold line (44, 46; 48, 50) inclined with respect to said longitudinal edges. The two fold lines (44, 46; 48, 50) extend respectively between a first (52; 56) and a second (54; 58) endpoint, the first two endpoints defining a transverse line. Each of said two L-shaped cuts has a curved portion (60; 66) joining said second endpoint (54; 58) and a portion longitudinal (62; 68) crossing said transverse line to a cut end (64; 70) located at a distance from said first end, between the first end and the longitudinal part extend further two fold lines (72, 74; 76, 78); - at least a portion of said blank (10) is folded along said transverse line and along said folding lines (44, 46; 48, 50) and crease lines (72, 74; 76, 78), and the folded blank is applied against said bottom wall (100) of said box (98), while said wings (28, 30; 32, 34) are upright and inclined with respect to said upright walls; characterized in that said two crease lines (72, 74; 76, 78) extend opposite each other with respect to said transverse line; and in that the said portion of the said flan (10) is folded along the said transverse line against one (22) of the said two opposite faces in order to be able to automatically raise the said wings (28, 30; 32, 34).

Images