Container transport and presentation packaging

Abstract

Container transport and presentation packaging. Packaging (101) intended to contain a container and designed to transition between an open and a closed configuration, the packaging (100) 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), 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. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Container transport and presentation packaging

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

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to packaging for the transport, storage, and presentation of bottles, in particular bottles of alcoholic beverages, for example, bottles of wine or spirits. Throughout the remainder of this document

[0003] Throughout the rest of the description, the focus is on packaging intended 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).

[0004] In the field of wine bottle packaging, current solutions primarily aim to ensure product protection 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.

[0005] The majority of wine bottle packaging consists of closed boxes intended to be discarded once the bottle has been opened. These boxes are often assembled with adhesives or fasteners, limiting their reusability and increasing the difficulty of recycling. Furthermore, due to the use of adhesives, this packaging is not suitable for easy disassembly, making folding and reuse impractical.

[0006] There are also cases and boxes designed for a more aesthetic purpose, intended to showcase the product, particularly in retail stores or for promotional sales. Such displays add visual value but often require additional elements, 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.

[0007] Some recent solutions offer foldable and self-supporting packaging with integrated structural elements that provide stability and a certain aesthetic appeal. However, these solutions remain limited and do not allow for easy conversion from transport to display without requiring modifications or additional accessories.

[0008] In short, current packaging for wine bottles falls into two main categories: those that are functional but not very aesthetically pleasing, designed solely for protection, and those that offer an attractive presentation but are expensive, difficult to assemble, and have a large environmental footprint. None of these prior art packaging solutions truly manages to combine protection, ease of assembly, attractive presentation, and respect for the environment.

[0009] 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 being reusable, easy to assemble, and environmentally friendly.

[0010] The invention aims to address the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0011] A first objective is to propose a single-body packaging for a container, making it possible to reconcile a function of transport, protection, and presentation of the container.

[0012] A second object is to propose such packaging which can support the mass of a full container, for example a full bottle of wine.

[0013] A third object is to propose such packaging which can be made in a simple way, using a minimum of material, and with a reduced number of operations.

[0014] A fourth objective is to propose such packaging which can be made from a recyclable material.

[0015] 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 be folded 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.

[0016] The following features are considered alone or in combination:

[0017] - the bellows panel incorporates a central part located between two parts peripheral parts, the peripheral parts being connected to each other by folds medians, the peripheral parts each comprising a reinforcement division and a connecting division, the reinforcement division being glued to the peripheral flap, the connecting division being connected to the reinforcement division by means of a peripheral bellows fold, the peripheral bellows 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 bellows folds, each of the central bellows folds extending obliquely from the transverse edge to respectively a point of concurrency;

[0018] - the central bellows folds, the peripheral bellows folds and the folds medians cooperate to allow a symmetrical folding of the peripheral flaps towards the central flap when the packaging changes from an open configuration to a closed configuration;

[0019] - the peripheral part has a recess incorporating a triangular contour, a vertex of said contour being the point of intersection, from the vertex extends a first side coinciding with a portion of the edge fold line, a second side coinciding with a portion of the peripheral bellows fold, a third side connecting the first side to the second side;

[0020] - the bellows panel includes a weakened shim line having a semi-circular curvature, with the curvature facing towards the edge line;

[0021] - the attachment means include a tab configured to insert into a slot to secure the two peripheral flaps in the closed position;

[0022] - the tab is formed on a fin connected to a peripheral flap by means of of a fin fold, and the slot is provided within another fin connected to the other peripheral flap by means of another fin fold;

[0023] - the peripheral flaps each include 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;

[0024] - the transverse edge of the reinforcement division comprises a first fraction and a second fraction, the first fraction adjoining a cutting edge of the cut, the cutting edge extending mainly in a direction perpendicular to that of the handle fold, the second fraction adjoining the handle fold.

[0025] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent and concrete upon reading the following description of embodiments, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0026] [Fig-1] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a side enabling the packaging to be made.

[0027] [Fig.2] Fig.2 schematically illustrates a perspective view packaging in presentation configuration;

[0028] [Fig.3] Fig.3 schematically illustrates a top view of the packaging in presentation configuration;

[0029] [Fig.4] Fig.4 schematically illustrates a view from below the packaging in presentation configuration;

[0030] [Fig. 5] Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a perspective view of packaging in transport configuration;

[0031] [Fig.6] Fig.6 schematically illustrates a front view of a blank according to an alternative implementation.

[0032] Reference is made to Figures 2 to 5, which show an example of an embodiment of packaging 101 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.

[0033] However, packaging 101 can also accommodate other types of soft drink bottles, such as water, juice, or soda bottles. Furthermore, packaging 101 can be used for containers of various sizes and liquids, such as oil, vinegar, or various cooking preparations, for example, soup. Packaging 101 has the advantage of being suitable for a wide range of products in the beverage and cooking liquid market.

[0034] As can be seen, the packaging 101 is obtained from a blank 100, visible in [Fig. 1], preferably in one piece, pre-cut from a sheet of cardboard. The packaging 101 is given its three-dimensional form by folding and gluing operations, described below.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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, including finishing and / or printing techniques requiring the application of significant pressure along the thickness of the substrate. For example, the use of solid board makes it possible to implement offset printing techniques, UV varnishing, and hot foil stamping. or screen printing, directly onto the solid board, without needing a decorative sheet applied after printing. Similarly, the use of solid board opens up the possibility of implementing finishing techniques such as embossing, stamping, debossing, and / or debossing, which, in practice, cannot be implemented, at least not economically, with corrugated board.

[0037] As can be seen, the packaging 101 comprises a central flap 1 and two peripheral flaps, each of which is 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.

[0038] 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, allowing an accordion-like folding of the bellows panels 3 when the peripheral flaps 2 are folded towards the central flap 1.

[0039] 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.

[0040] More specifically, and as can be seen in the figures, the packaging 101 is intended to evolve between two configurations.

[0041] In an open configuration, the packaging 101 takes on a generally fan-like shape, allowing the container to be presented aesthetically and neatly. In such a configuration, the container is held within the internal space E, even when the container and the 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, it is possible to display the container while ensuring an elegant and secure presentation, with the packaging 101 acting as a display stand.

[0042] In a closed configuration, the flaps 2 are folded so as to come into contact with each other on their side, and held together in this position. In such a configuration, the package 101 has a general three-dimensional prism shape.

[0043] Referring to [Fig. 1], representing the blank 100, one can observe the central flap 1, forming the main and central part of the packaging 101 once it is in three dimensions, and two peripheral flaps 2 framing the central flap 1. As can be seen, the flaps 1 and 2 each have a rectangular shape with dimensions substantially identical. In this way, there is symmetry between each peripheral flap 2 with respect to the central flap 1.

[0044] 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 by approaching each other, or moving away from each other, depending on the desired configuration.

[0045] 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 in figures 2 to 4.

[0046] A more specific example of a bellows panel 3 is described later.

[0047] 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 as a continuation of each central fold line 4.

[0048] Advantageously, the peripheral parts 8 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the central part 7. This makes it possible to obtain 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 giving stability to the whole.

[0049] Advantageously, a peripheral part 8 incorporates a reinforcement division 10, and a linking division 11.

[0050] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the reinforcement divisions 10 are intended to be each provided with glue on the glue locations C, provided for this purpose, and then folded down onto the adjacent peripheral flap 2.

[0051] In order to allow the folding of the reinforcement divisions 10, it is planned to provide the side 100 with an edge folding line 5, perpendicular to the central folding line 4.

[0052] The reinforcing divisions 10, when folded down onto the peripheral flap 2, allow each peripheral flap 2 to be doubled, thus giving the packaging 101 the capacity to support the weight of a container filled with liquid. In this way, the packaging 101 is suitable for transporting heavy containers, for example, a bottle.

[0053] As can be seen, a reinforcement division 10 is connected to the linking division 11 via a peripheral bellows fold 12.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 from the central part 8 to the point of concurrency P.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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).

[0059] The base 29 provides the packaging 101 with a closure of the internal space E when the packaging is in a closed configuration. In addition, 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 support, the container being held in such a horizontal position.

[0060] The oblique direction of the gusset folds 12, 14 makes it easier to fold the packaging 101 into an accordion when the peripheral flaps 2 are folded towards the central flap 1.

[0061] Advantageously, the central bellows folds 14, the peripheral bellows folds 12, and the median folds 6 cooperate to allow a 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.

[0062] Advantageously, a peripheral part 8 is provided with 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.

[0063] Such a recess 15 makes it possible to avoid having the reinforcement section 10 extending to the point of convergence P, thus preventing a concentration of stress at a single location. The durability of the packaging is therefore increased.

[0064] Advantageously, the central portion 7 includes a tapered support line 16 incorporating, for example, a semicircular curve. As can be seen, the curve is oriented towards the edge fold line 5. Such a tapered line allows for positioning the neck of a bottle. This arrangement can make it possible to highlight the neck of a container more prominently when the packaging 101 is elongated.

[0065] Advantageously, the side 100 includes a hooking means allowing the peripheral flaps 2 to be held in position in a closed configuration.

[0066] The fastening means includes, for example, a tab 17 configured to fit into a slot 18. Such a combination makes it possible to lock the package 101 in the closed position without the need for glue or adhesive. Use is simplified, allowing the package to be opened and resealed several times without risk of damaging the structure. The reusability of the package is thus ensured, meeting the objective of sustainable and economical use.

[0067] 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.

[0068] Advantageously, the tongue 17 is provided on a fin 19, and the slot 18 is arranged within another fin 19.

[0069] Advantageously, the blank 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.

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 it to be carried ergonomically and securely. The handles 21 are integrated directly into the flaps, so they do not add any additional complexity during manufacturing. Such 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.

[0072] In one embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], it can be seen on the side 100 that 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 is adjacent to 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 adjacent to the handle fold 25. The first fraction 36 and the second fraction 37 have perpendicular principal extension directions.

[0073] The volume formation of the packaging 101 from the blank 100 is described.

[0074] Starting 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 final three-dimensional packaging 101 to be obtained.

[0075] The flan 100 as described above simplifies the manufacture of the packaging 101. 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.

[0076] Reference is now made to the packaging 101 formed from the blank 100.

[0077] The bellows panels 3, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], allow for the absorption The movements of the transported container are accommodated 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 set of elements. This set of triangular elements 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.

[0078] In [Fig. 3], the package 101 shown in its open configuration, it can be seen that the central flap 1 is clearly visible in the center of the package 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.

[0079] The unfolded gusseted panels 3 are also visible in [Fig. 3] and, in particular, help to maintain the packaging 1 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, which contributes to ease of use and simplicity of manufacture.

[0080] In [Fig. 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 informative nature. The reinforcing divisions 10 glued 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.

[0081] The handles 21 formed on the peripheral flaps 2 allow for easy handling of the packaging. This ergonomic design makes it possible to transport the packaging simply and securely, particularly when closed. The handles 21 offer a compromise between strength and simplicity, since they are formed directly into the peripheral flaps 2.

[0082] Figure 5 shows the package 101 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 or storage. This closed 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.

2. Demands One-piece packaging (101) intended to contain a container, the packaging being designed to evolve between an open configuration allowing the container to be exposed, and a closed configuration, the packaging (100) comprising: - a central flap (1) - two peripheral flaps (2) articulated to the central flap (1) by central folding lines (4), the peripheral flaps (2) being further connected to each other by a bellows panel (3), - the gusseted panel (3) being articulated to the central flap (1) by an edge folding 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) so as to put the packaging (101) in closed configuration, - a fastening means (17, 18) configured to secure the peripheral flaps (2) in the closed configuration, the packaging (101) taking the form of a hollow prism with a triangular base. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the 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 bellows fold (12), the peripheral bellows fold (12) extending between a first extreme edge (13) of the panel and a point of convergence (P), the point of convergence (P) corresponding to the intersection between the central fold line (4), and the edge fold line (5), - the central part (7) includes central bellows folds (14), each of the central bellows folds (14) extending obliquely from the first extreme edge (13) to respectively a point of concurrency (P).

3. Packaging (101) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the central gusset folds (14), the peripheral gusset folds (12) and the median folds (6) cooperate to allow a symmetrical folding of the peripheral flaps (2) towards the central flap (1) when the packaging (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) is provided with 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 gusset 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 that the gusseted panel (3) comprises 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) comprise 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 tab (17) is formed on a fin (19) connected to a peripheral flap (2) by means of a fin fold (20), and the slot (18) is formed 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 that the peripheral flaps (2) each comprise handles (21), each handle (21) comprising 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).