Improved device for packaging at least two containers in one batch

Abstract

Provided is a device for packaging at least two containers in one batch, the containers being bottles having a bottom, a body, and a shoulder connecting the body to a neck, or cylindrical cans. The device includes a sheet of semi-rigid or rigid material, provided with at least two openings for receiving the necks of the containers. The can be a multilayer cellulose raw structure obtained by forming from at least a first layer of dry-formed cellulose fibers and a second layer of a structure of cellulose fiber strips by stacking the at least first layer and second layer in contact with one another and placing the stacked layers in a forming mold in which the stacked layers are pressed and heated so as to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional fibrous composite sheet having a single bi-layer configuration.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging containers in batches and relates more specifically to a device for packaging at least two containers in one batch.PRIOR ART

[0002] In the context of the present invention, the container is a bottle or a flask, the container being constituted by a base, a body and a shoulder which connects the body to a neck. Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the agri-food or cosmetic type.

[0003] With regard to their handling, such finished containers are often packaged in batches. In this manner, each batch comprises a plurality of containers which are assembled, for example, in a matrix arrangement, generally of parallelepipedal form overall, often square or rectangular form, in columns and rows. By way of illustration, a conventional batch includes six containers in two rows and three columns.

[0004] After the groups of containers have been produced, it is necessary to carry out a step referred to as shrink-wrapping, which involves wrapping each group of containers with a generally heat-shrink film in order to facilitate the handling of the batch obtained in this manner.

[0005] This step of shrink-wrapping involves a significant energy expenditure. Furthermore, the use of a film made of plastics material is harmful to the environment, close to half of plastics waste found in the sea being single-use plastics objects.

[0006] Currently, numerous plastics are said to be “recyclable” but this approach is generally inadequate and unsatisfactory. This is because the use of shrinkable plastics films has a number of negative impacts on the environment: resulting energy expenditure, single use, low level of recycling, mass export of plastics waste to countries which have recycling infrastructures, etcetera. Furthermore, the composition of the film, which is only partially recyclable, will complicate the process and the waste which is produced will not be reused in the vast majority of cases.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of a plastics film which covers the products makes it impossible to remove one of the containers from the batch without bringing about the complete or partial displacement thereof.

[0008] In this manner, there is a growing need to find an alternative to the use of this material which generates an enormous amount of waste and which is costly in terms of energy, whilst ensuring its solidity and enabling its handling.

[0009] In this regard, a known alternative to the use of a shrinkable plastics film for the formation of a batch involves holding the products together using a strapping or a web made of plastics material which surrounds the containers. This solution is not satisfactory since, in addition to the fact that it requires the use of plastics material, it generally requires other additional means for sealing the batch to be used, such as, for example, adhesives and, if a container is removed or the strap breaks, brings about a complete displacement of the batch of containers.

[0010] In order to overcome these disadvantages, packaging solutions which use cardboard have already been conceived. This is particularly the case with documents US2008 / 0257763 and WO2013 / 185898.

[0011] Document US2008 / 0257763 describes a solution which involves using a cardboard plate which supports the products in the region of the base thereof. More specifically, this document describes a bottle packaging system which has a neck portion. The system comprises a plate which has a base on which a plurality of bottles are placed in a series of rows. The system also comprises a bridge which has a planar central portion and a plurality of arched recesses which extend in a periphery of the planar central portion. Each recess is sized to receive a portion of the neck of one of the bottles. A means of connecting the bottles together is provided, wherein the connection means creates a force which is directed toward the inner side against the bottles. The bridge is opposed to the force directed toward the inner side and thus holds the bottles in a vertical position on the base.

[0012] This solution does not require the use of additional means such as adhesive. Nonetheless, in this configuration, it is not possible to lift the batch, nor to transport it in an easy manner. It is also not possible to easily transport a sub-group of products of the batch.

[0013] In order to be able to lift the batch, another solution, described in document WO2013 / 185898, involves using a rigid plate, made of cardboard or plastics material, which enables the containers to be retained in the region of a constriction of the container in the region of the body thereof. More specifically, this document describes a support element made of cardboard, for example, corrugated cardboard, cardboard or plastics material with increased rigidity which is intended for containers which are assembled in a grouped packaging. The support element comprises a main support which has a zone for containers and which is horizontal in a position for use, with housings for containers (6) which are produced in the form of a U-shaped cut-out which comprises a rounded base and U-shaped branches which act as a retention leg, and a handle zone. An external support may be connected to the zone for containers, the external support, produced in the form of a strip-like element, having a plurality of opposing housings corresponding to the number of housings for containers and being produced in a corresponding manner in the form of a U-shaped cut-out with a rounded base and U-shaped branches acting as an opposing retention leg.

[0014] Nonetheless, although this solution enables the batch to be lifted, it is very limited since it can be applied only to specific types of containers. Furthermore, the solidity of the batch is not ensured, in particular in the case of packaging containers with a large format.

[0015] All these solutions are therefore unsatisfactory either because they are still produced from plastics material or, if they are provided with a gripping means, they do not ensure the integrity of the batch during its handling.STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0016] One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages by providing a device for packaging in one batch at least two containers with a simple and inexpensive design which ensures the integrity of the batch when it is handled and which is advantageously produced from a recyclable material without plastics material.

[0017] To this end and according to the invention, there is proposed a device for packaging in one batch at least two containers, the containers being bottles with a base, a body and a shoulder which connects the body to a neck, or cylindrical canisters, for example, the device comprising at least one sheet made of semi-rigid or rigid material which is provided with at least two holes for receiving the necks of the containers; the device for packaging being characterized in that the sheet is constituted by a rough multilayer cellulose structure which is obtained by forming the rough multilayer cellulose structure from at least a first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state and a second layer of a structure of strips of cellulose fibers, the at least first layer and second layer being superimposed with contact and the superimposed layers being placed in a shaping mold in which the superimposed layers are pressed and heated in order to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional composite fiber sheet which has a single-layer configuration.

[0018] The first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of cellulose fibers between 70 and 100% by weight.

[0019] Preferably, the first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of natural cellulose fibers of 100%.

[0020] Furthermore, the first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state advantageously comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0021] The first layer of cellulose fibers has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0022] The additive(s) of the first layer of cellulose fibers is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0023] Furthermore, the second layer is formed from cellulose fibers formed in the dry state in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers which are woven into the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, or cellulose fibers formed via a wet method in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers.

[0024] Advantageously, the second layer comprises one or more additives which is / are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet. The second layer has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0025] The additive(s) of the second layer is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0026] Preferably, the second layer has a traction resistance greater than that of the first layer.

[0027] According to a first embodiment, the sheet is planar and has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of holes which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers.

[0028] Each hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole.

[0029] The tongues are obtained by forming radial apertures from the inner edge of the holes which have a diameter less than the diameter of the necks of the containers.

[0030] Advantageously, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means of each hole.

[0031] The breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel precut lines which extend radially from the edge of a hole.

[0032] The precut lines of the breakable opening means extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet.

[0033] Furthermore, the sheet comprises in its central portion, between the rows of holes, two holes referred to as gripping holes.

[0034] According to a second embodiment, the sheet has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of cups which are substantially frustoconical or hemispherical or frustopyramidal or of similar form and the inner wall of which is capable of being supported on the shoulder of the containers and the tips of which are provided with a hole which is capable of receiving the neck of a container, respectively.

[0035] The cups are connected in pairs by means of beams which are referred to as longitudinal and transverse beams.

[0036] The beams have a cross section in the form of an inverted U-shape.

[0037] Furthermore, each hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole.

[0038] The tongues are obtained by forming radial apertures from the inner edge of the holes which have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the necks of the containers.

[0039] Advantageously, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means for each hole.

[0040] The breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel precut lines or lines of weakness (with a smaller thickness) which are formed in the cups and which extend radially from the edge of a hole.

[0041] According to one variant, the breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel lines of weakness which have a smaller thickness, the lines of weakness being formed in the cups and extending radially from the edge of a hole.

[0042] The precut lines and / or lines of weakness of the breakable opening means extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet.

[0043] Preferably, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises two rows of three cups, the cups being connected in pairs by means of a central transverse beam, two lateral transverse beams and longitudinal beams.

[0044] Furthermore, the device comprises two walls referred to as central walls which extend between two pairs of transverse beams and longitudinal beams at one side and the other of the central transverse beam.

[0045] Each central wall is inclined from top to bottom from the central transverse beam toward a lateral transverse beam, that is to say toward a transverse edge of the sheet.

[0046] Advantageously, each central wall comprises a hole referred to as a gripping hole.

[0047] Each gripping hole has a circular, oblong or ovoid shape.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other advantages and features will be better appreciated from the following description of several variants, given by way of non-limiting example, of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention,

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention,

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sheet of the second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 2,

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0055] In the remainder of the description of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The various views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 1, there will be described below a device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7. The device 1 for packaging comprises at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material which will be described in greater detail below and which is provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0057] In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 is planar, has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of three holes 9 which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers 2 in order to obtain a batch of six bottles, the batches of bottles generally comprising 6 bottles.

[0058] Each hole 9 which receives the necks 6 of the containers comprises tongues 10 which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole 9. The tongues 10 are obtained by forming radial apertures 11 from the inner edge of the holes 10 which have a diameter which is less than the diameter of the necks 6 of the containers 2. After introducing the necks 6 of the containers 2 into the holes 9, the free ends of the tongues 10 are accommodated below the lower end of the stoppers, extending between the neck 6 and the lower end of the stopper, thus preventing the container 2 from escaping from the hole 9. In order to remove the container 2, it is simply necessary to apply a traction force in a downward direction and / or in rotation toward the outer side by gripping the container 2 by the body 4 thereof so that the tongues 10 turn over or tear off.

[0059] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the removal of the containers 2 from the sheet 8, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means 12 for each hole 9. The breakable opening means 12 are constituted by two parallel precut lines 13 which extend radially from the edge of a hole 9. The precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet 8.

[0060] According to a variant which is not illustrated in the Figures, the precut lines 13 of breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by parallel lines of weakness which are characterized by a smaller thickness of the cups 15 in the region of these lines of weakness.

[0061] Naturally, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by any other equivalent means well known to the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the gripping of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 comprises in the central portion thereof, between the rows of holes 9, two holes 14 referred to as gripping holes. In this manner, it is possible to grip the device for packaging by introducing two fingers, such as the thumb and index finger of the same hand, into the gripping holes.

[0063] Of course, the gripping holes may be replaced by breakable flaps of substantially ovoid form without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] Secondly, the corners of the sheet 8 are rounded in order to avoid any injury when handling the batch of bottles.

[0065] According to an essential feature of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 is constituted by a rough multilayer cellulose structure which is obtained by forming the rough multilayer cellulose structure from at least a first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state and a second layer of a structure of strips of cellulose fibers, by superimposing with contact the at least first layer and second layer and by placing the superimposed layers in a shaping mold in which the superimposed layers are pressed and heated in order to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional composite fiber sheet which has a single-layer configuration.

[0066] The material from which the sheet 8 is produced has the advantage, in addition to being sufficiently rigid to package bottles, of providing improved mechanical and chemical properties for the cellulose sheet 8 which is advantageously recyclable. As a result of the use of the multilayer structure of the cellulose blank, the material properties of the cellulose sheet 8 obtained may be directed and controlled in a more efficient manner than with a single layer. For example, the multilayer structure of the cellulose blank which may enable different properties to be obtained on the surface of the cellulose sheet 8 compared with the properties of the core of the cellulose product. The isostatic forming pressure enables an efficient shaping process of the cellulose sheets 8 in the shaping mold, and the cellulose sheets 8 may, as a result of the isostatic forming, be produced with high quality even if they have complex shapes such as those of the sheet 8 of the device for packaging according to the invention.

[0067] The first layer and / or the second layer of the material of the sheet 8 has a composition of cellulose fibers between 70 and 100% by weight. Preferably, the first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of natural cellulose fibers of 100%.

[0068] Furthermore, the first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state advantageously comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0069] For example, the first layer of cellulose fibers has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0070] The additive(s) of the first layer of cellulose fibers are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0071] Furthermore, the second layer is formed from cellulose fibers formed in the dry state in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers which are woven into the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, or cellulose fibers formed via a wet method in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers.

[0072] Advantageously and in the same manner as the first layer, the second layer comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0073] For example, the second layer has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0074] The additive(s) of the second layer is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Preferably, the second layer has a traction resistance greater than that of the first layer.

[0076] According to a second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, the device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7, comprises in the same manner as above at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material, the material being identical to that described above and being provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0077] In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of cups 15 which are substantially frustoconical or hemispherical or frustopyramidal or of a similar shape and the inner wall of which is capable of being supported on the shoulder 5 of the containers 2 and the tips of which are provided with a hole 9 which is capable of receiving the neck 6 of a container 2, respectively. It should be noted that the tips of the cups 15 extend in the same plane, which is considered to be horizontal in so far as the containers 2 are packaged in a batch in a position which is generally vertical. It will be appreciated that the fact that the shoulders 5 of the containers are supported on the inner wall of the cups 15 ensures a better retention of the containers 2 on the sheet 8 by preventing the rotation of the neck 6 of the containers 2 in the holes 9 and ensures the containers are held against each other preventing them from moving apart during handling, transport, etcetera, of the batch.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the cups 15 will have a shape which conforms to that of the shoulders of the containers without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. This is because the containers 2, in this instance bottles, may comprise shoulders with a substantially hemi-spherical, frustoconical or frustopyramidal shape, in particular the body of the bottles may have a cross section which is circular, ovoid, square, etcetera.

[0079] The cups 15 are connected in pairs by means of so-called longitudinal beams 16 and transverse beams 17. The beams 16, 17 extend in the same horizontal plane, extending below the horizontal plane of the holes 9, and have a cross section which is in the form of an inverted U or V, the concavity of the beams being orientated downward. These beams 16, 17 enable the sheet 8 to be stiffened and thus prevent a displacement of the batch.

[0080] Of course, the beams 16, 17 may have any shape and / or be solid without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] Each hole 9 which receives the necks 6 of the containers comprises tongues 10 which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole 9. The tongues 10 are obtained by forming radial apertures 11 from the inner edge of the holes 10 which have a diameter which is less than the diameter of the necks 6 of the containers 2. After the necks 6 of the containers 2 have been introduced into the holes 9, the free ends of the tongues 10 will be accommodated below the lower end of the stoppers, extending between the neck 6 and the lower end of the stopper, thus preventing the container 2 from escaping from the hole 9. In order to remove the container 2, it is simply necessary to apply a traction force in a downward direction by gripping the container 2 by the body 4 thereof so that the tongues 10 turn over or tear away.

[0082] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the removal of the containers 2 from the sheet 8, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means 12 for each hole 9. The breakable opening means 12 are constituted by two parallel precut lines 13 which extend radially from the edge of a hole 9. The precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet 8.

[0083] In the same manner as above, and according to a variant, which is not illustrated in the Figures, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by parallel lines of weakness which are characterized by a smaller thickness of the cups 15 in the region of these lines of weakness.

[0084] Of course, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 lines may be replaced by any other equivalent means which are well known to the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0085] Furthermore, in this specific exemplary embodiment, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises two rows of three cups 15, the cups 15 being connected in pairs by means of a central transverse beam 17a, two lateral transverse beams 17b and longitudinal beams 16. The device also comprises two so-called central walls 18 which extend between two pairs of transverse beams 17 and longitudinal beams 16, at one side and the other of the central transverse beam 17a. Each central wall 18 is preferably planar and is inclined from top to bottom from the central transverse beam 17a toward a lateral transverse beam 17b, that is to say toward a transverse edge of the sheet 8. Each central wall 18 forms an angle between 5 and 30° with the horizontal plane which contains the holes 9. It should be noted that the central walls 18 may advantageously receive a label which is not illustrated in the Figures.

[0086] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the gripping of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 comprises in the central portion thereof, between the rows of holes 9, two breakable flaps 19 which are capable of forming gripping holes. In this manner, it is possible to grip the device for packaging by introducing two fingers, such as the thumb and index finger of the same hand, into the gripping holes after having lowered the breakable flaps 29. The breakable flaps 19 have a substantially oblong shape; however, the breakable flaps 19 may have any shape, such as a rectangular, circular or ovoid shape, for example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0087] Of course, the breakable flaps 19 may be replaced by gripping holes without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0088] Finally, it is evident that the examples given are only specific illustrations which are by no means limiting with regard to the areas of application of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0055]In the remainder of the description of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The various views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056]With reference to FIG. 1, there will be described below a device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7. The device 1 for packaging comprises at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material which will be described in greater detail below and which is provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0057]In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 is planar, has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of three holes 9 which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers 2 in o...

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of packaging containers in batches and relates more specifically to a device for packaging at least two containers in one batch.PRIOR ART

[0002] In the context of the present invention, the container is a bottle or a flask, the container being constituted by a base, a body and a shoulder which connects the body to a neck. Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the agri-food or cosmetic type.

[0003] With regard to their handling, such finished containers are often packaged in batches. In this manner, each batch comprises a plurality of containers which are assembled, for example, in a matrix arrangement, generally of parallelepipedal form overall, often square or rectangular form, in columns and rows. By way of illustration, a conventional batch includes six containers in two rows and three columns.

[0004] After the groups of containers have been produced, it is necessary to carry out a step referred to as shrink-wrapping, which involves wrapping each group of containers with a generally heat-shrink film in order to facilitate the handling of the batch obtained in this manner.

[0005] This step of shrink-wrapping involves a significant energy expenditure. Furthermore, the use of a film made of plastics material is harmful to the environment, close to half of plastics waste found in the sea being single-use plastics objects.

[0006] Currently, numerous plastics are said to be “recyclable” but this approach is generally inadequate and unsatisfactory. This is because the use of shrinkable plastics films has a number of negative impacts on the environment: resulting energy expenditure, single use, low level of recycling, mass export of plastics waste to countries which have recycling infrastructures, etcetera. Furthermore, the composition of the film, which is only partially recyclable, will complicate the process and the waste which is produced will not be reused in the vast majority of cases.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of a plastics film which covers the products makes it impossible to remove one of the containers from the batch without bringing about the complete or partial displacement thereof.

[0008] In this manner, there is a growing need to find an alternative to the use of this material which generates an enormous amount of waste and which is costly in terms of energy, whilst ensuring its solidity and enabling its handling.

[0009] In this regard, a known alternative to the use of a shrinkable plastics film for the formation of a batch involves holding the products together using a strapping or a web made of plastics material which surrounds the containers. This solution is not satisfactory since, in addition to the fact that it requires the use of plastics material, it generally requires other additional means for sealing the batch to be used, such as, for example, adhesives and, if a container is removed or the strap breaks, brings about a complete displacement of the batch of containers.

[0010] In order to overcome these disadvantages, packaging solutions which use cardboard have already been conceived. This is particularly the case with documents US2008 / 0257763 and WO2013 / 185898.

[0011] Document US2008 / 0257763 describes a solution which involves using a cardboard plate which supports the products in the region of the base thereof. More specifically, this document describes a bottle packaging system which has a neck portion. The system comprises a plate which has a base on which a plurality of bottles are placed in a series of rows. The system also comprises a bridge which has a planar central portion and a plurality of arched recesses which extend in a periphery of the planar central portion. Each recess is sized to receive a portion of the neck of one of the bottles. A means of connecting the bottles together is provided, wherein the connection means creates a force which is directed toward the inner side against the bottles. The bridge is opposed to the force directed toward the inner side and thus holds the bottles in a vertical position on the base.

[0012] This solution does not require the use of additional means such as adhesive. Nonetheless, in this configuration, it is not possible to lift the batch, nor to transport it in an easy manner. It is also not possible to easily transport a sub-group of products of the batch.

[0013] In order to be able to lift the batch, another solution, described in document WO2013 / 185898, involves using a rigid plate, made of cardboard or plastics material, which enables the containers to be retained in the region of a constriction of the container in the region of the body thereof. More specifically, this document describes a support element made of cardboard, for example, corrugated cardboard, cardboard or plastics material with increased rigidity which is intended for containers which are assembled in a grouped packaging. The support element comprises a main support which has a zone for containers and which is horizontal in a position for use, with housings for containers (6) which are produced in the form of a U-shaped cut-out which comprises a rounded base and U-shaped branches which act as a retention leg, and a handle zone. An external support may be connected to the zone for containers, the external support, produced in the form of a strip-like element, having a plurality of opposing housings corresponding to the number of housings for containers and being produced in a corresponding manner in the form of a U-shaped cut-out with a rounded base and U-shaped branches acting as an opposing retention leg.

[0014] Nonetheless, although this solution enables the batch to be lifted, it is very limited since it can be applied only to specific types of containers. Furthermore, the solidity of the batch is not ensured, in particular in the case of packaging containers with a large format.

[0015] All these solutions are therefore unsatisfactory either because they are still produced from plastics material or, if they are provided with a gripping means, they do not ensure the integrity of the batch during its handling.STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0016] One of the objectives of the invention is therefore to overcome these disadvantages by providing a device for packaging in one batch at least two containers with a simple and inexpensive design which ensures the integrity of the batch when it is handled and which is advantageously produced from a recyclable material without plastics material.

[0017] To this end and according to the invention, there is proposed a device for packaging in one batch at least two containers, the containers being bottles with a base, a body and a shoulder which connects the body to a neck, or cylindrical canisters, for example, the device comprising at least one sheet made of semi-rigid or rigid material which is provided with at least two holes for receiving the necks of the containers; the device for packaging being characterized in that the sheet is constituted by a rough multilayer cellulose structure which is obtained by forming the rough multilayer cellulose structure from at least a first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state and a second layer of a structure of strips of cellulose fibers, the at least first layer and second layer being superimposed with contact and the superimposed layers being placed in a shaping mold in which the superimposed layers are pressed and heated in order to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional composite fiber sheet which has a single-layer configuration.

[0018] The first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of cellulose fibers between 70 and 100% by weight.

[0019] Preferably, the first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of natural cellulose fibers of 100%.

[0020] Furthermore, the first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state advantageously comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0021] The first layer of cellulose fibers has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0022] The additive(s) of the first layer of cellulose fibers is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0023] Furthermore, the second layer is formed from cellulose fibers formed in the dry state in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers which are woven into the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, or cellulose fibers formed via a wet method in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers.

[0024] Advantageously, the second layer comprises one or more additives which is / are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet. The second layer has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0025] The additive(s) of the second layer is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0026] Preferably, the second layer has a traction resistance greater than that of the first layer.

[0027] According to a first embodiment, the sheet is planar and has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of holes which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers.

[0028] Each hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole.

[0029] The tongues are obtained by forming radial apertures from the inner edge of the holes which have a diameter less than the diameter of the necks of the containers.

[0030] Advantageously, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means of each hole.

[0031] The breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel precut lines which extend radially from the edge of a hole.

[0032] The precut lines of the breakable opening means extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet.

[0033] Furthermore, the sheet comprises in its central portion, between the rows of holes, two holes referred to as gripping holes.

[0034] According to a second embodiment, the sheet has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of cups which are substantially frustoconical or hemispherical or frustopyramidal or of similar form and the inner wall of which is capable of being supported on the shoulder of the containers and the tips of which are provided with a hole which is capable of receiving the neck of a container, respectively.

[0035] The cups are connected in pairs by means of beams which are referred to as longitudinal and transverse beams.

[0036] The beams have a cross section in the form of an inverted U-shape.

[0037] Furthermore, each hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole.

[0038] The tongues are obtained by forming radial apertures from the inner edge of the holes which have a smaller diameter than the diameter of the necks of the containers.

[0039] Advantageously, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means for each hole.

[0040] The breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel precut lines or lines of weakness (with a smaller thickness) which are formed in the cups and which extend radially from the edge of a hole.

[0041] According to one variant, the breakable opening means are constituted by two parallel lines of weakness which have a smaller thickness, the lines of weakness being formed in the cups and extending radially from the edge of a hole.

[0042] The precut lines and / or lines of weakness of the breakable opening means extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet.

[0043] Preferably, the device for packaging according to the invention comprises two rows of three cups, the cups being connected in pairs by means of a central transverse beam, two lateral transverse beams and longitudinal beams.

[0044] Furthermore, the device comprises two walls referred to as central walls which extend between two pairs of transverse beams and longitudinal beams at one side and the other of the central transverse beam.

[0045] Each central wall is inclined from top to bottom from the central transverse beam toward a lateral transverse beam, that is to say toward a transverse edge of the sheet.

[0046] Advantageously, each central wall comprises a hole referred to as a gripping hole.

[0047] Each gripping hole has a circular, oblong or ovoid shape.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] Other advantages and features will be better appreciated from the following description of several variants, given by way of non-limiting example, of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention,

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention,

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the sheet of the second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 2,

[0052] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,

[0054] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the sheet of the device for packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0055] In the remainder of the description of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The various views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 1, there will be described below a device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7. The device 1 for packaging comprises at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material which will be described in greater detail below and which is provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0057] In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 is planar, has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of three holes 9 which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers 2 in order to obtain a batch of six bottles, the batches of bottles generally comprising 6 bottles.

[0058] Each hole 9 which receives the necks 6 of the containers comprises tongues 10 which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole 9. The tongues 10 are obtained by forming radial apertures 11 from the inner edge of the holes 10 which have a diameter which is less than the diameter of the necks 6 of the containers 2. After introducing the necks 6 of the containers 2 into the holes 9, the free ends of the tongues 10 are accommodated below the lower end of the stoppers, extending between the neck 6 and the lower end of the stopper, thus preventing the container 2 from escaping from the hole 9. In order to remove the container 2, it is simply necessary to apply a traction force in a downward direction and / or in rotation toward the outer side by gripping the container 2 by the body 4 thereof so that the tongues 10 turn over or tear off.

[0059] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the removal of the containers 2 from the sheet 8, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means 12 for each hole 9. The breakable opening means 12 are constituted by two parallel precut lines 13 which extend radially from the edge of a hole 9. The precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet 8.

[0060] According to a variant which is not illustrated in the Figures, the precut lines 13 of breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by parallel lines of weakness which are characterized by a smaller thickness of the cups 15 in the region of these lines of weakness.

[0061] Naturally, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by any other equivalent means well known to the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0062] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the gripping of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 comprises in the central portion thereof, between the rows of holes 9, two holes 14 referred to as gripping holes. In this manner, it is possible to grip the device for packaging by introducing two fingers, such as the thumb and index finger of the same hand, into the gripping holes.

[0063] Of course, the gripping holes may be replaced by breakable flaps of substantially ovoid form without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0064] Secondly, the corners of the sheet 8 are rounded in order to avoid any injury when handling the batch of bottles.

[0065] According to an essential feature of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 is constituted by a rough multilayer cellulose structure which is obtained by forming the rough multilayer cellulose structure from at least a first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state and a second layer of a structure of strips of cellulose fibers, by superimposing with contact the at least first layer and second layer and by placing the superimposed layers in a shaping mold in which the superimposed layers are pressed and heated in order to obtain a two-dimensional or three-dimensional composite fiber sheet which has a single-layer configuration.

[0066] The material from which the sheet 8 is produced has the advantage, in addition to being sufficiently rigid to package bottles, of providing improved mechanical and chemical properties for the cellulose sheet 8 which is advantageously recyclable. As a result of the use of the multilayer structure of the cellulose blank, the material properties of the cellulose sheet 8 obtained may be directed and controlled in a more efficient manner than with a single layer. For example, the multilayer structure of the cellulose blank which may enable different properties to be obtained on the surface of the cellulose sheet 8 compared with the properties of the core of the cellulose product. The isostatic forming pressure enables an efficient shaping process of the cellulose sheets 8 in the shaping mold, and the cellulose sheets 8 may, as a result of the isostatic forming, be produced with high quality even if they have complex shapes such as those of the sheet 8 of the device for packaging according to the invention.

[0067] The first layer and / or the second layer of the material of the sheet 8 has a composition of cellulose fibers between 70 and 100% by weight. Preferably, the first layer and / or the second layer has a composition of natural cellulose fibers of 100%.

[0068] Furthermore, the first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state advantageously comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0069] For example, the first layer of cellulose fibers has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0070] The additive(s) of the first layer of cellulose fibers are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0071] Furthermore, the second layer is formed from cellulose fibers formed in the dry state in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, cellulose fibers which are woven into the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, or cellulose fibers formed via a wet method in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers.

[0072] Advantageously and in the same manner as the first layer, the second layer comprises one or more additives which are capable of modifying the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

[0073] For example, the second layer has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

[0074] The additive(s) of the second layer is / are starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof.

[0075] Preferably, the second layer has a traction resistance greater than that of the first layer.

[0076] According to a second embodiment of the device for packaging according to the invention, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, the device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7, comprises in the same manner as above at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material, the material being identical to that described above and being provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0077] In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of cups 15 which are substantially frustoconical or hemispherical or frustopyramidal or of a similar shape and the inner wall of which is capable of being supported on the shoulder 5 of the containers 2 and the tips of which are provided with a hole 9 which is capable of receiving the neck 6 of a container 2, respectively. It should be noted that the tips of the cups 15 extend in the same plane, which is considered to be horizontal in so far as the containers 2 are packaged in a batch in a position which is generally vertical. It will be appreciated that the fact that the shoulders 5 of the containers are supported on the inner wall of the cups 15 ensures a better retention of the containers 2 on the sheet 8 by preventing the rotation of the neck 6 of the containers 2 in the holes 9 and ensures the containers are held against each other preventing them from moving apart during handling, transport, etcetera, of the batch.

[0078] It will be appreciated that the cups 15 will have a shape which conforms to that of the shoulders of the containers without thereby departing from the scope of the invention. This is because the containers 2, in this instance bottles, may comprise shoulders with a substantially hemi-spherical, frustoconical or frustopyramidal shape, in particular the body of the bottles may have a cross section which is circular, ovoid, square, etcetera.

[0079] The cups 15 are connected in pairs by means of so-called longitudinal beams 16 and transverse beams 17. The beams 16, 17 extend in the same horizontal plane, extending below the horizontal plane of the holes 9, and have a cross section which is in the form of an inverted U or V, the concavity of the beams being orientated downward. These beams 16, 17 enable the sheet 8 to be stiffened and thus prevent a displacement of the batch.

[0080] Of course, the beams 16, 17 may have any shape and / or be solid without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0081] Each hole 9 which receives the necks 6 of the containers comprises tongues 10 which extend in a corolla-like manner toward the inner side of each hole 9. The tongues 10 are obtained by forming radial apertures 11 from the inner edge of the holes 10 which have a diameter which is less than the diameter of the necks 6 of the containers 2. After the necks 6 of the containers 2 have been introduced into the holes 9, the free ends of the tongues 10 will be accommodated below the lower end of the stoppers, extending between the neck 6 and the lower end of the stopper, thus preventing the container 2 from escaping from the hole 9. In order to remove the container 2, it is simply necessary to apply a traction force in a downward direction by gripping the container 2 by the body 4 thereof so that the tongues 10 turn over or tear away.

[0082] Advantageously, in order to facilitate the removal of the containers 2 from the sheet 8, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises breakable opening means 12 for each hole 9. The breakable opening means 12 are constituted by two parallel precut lines 13 which extend radially from the edge of a hole 9. The precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal edge of the sheet 8.

[0083] In the same manner as above, and according to a variant, which is not illustrated in the Figures, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 may be replaced by parallel lines of weakness which are characterized by a smaller thickness of the cups 15 in the region of these lines of weakness.

[0084] Of course, the precut lines 13 of the breakable opening means 12 lines may be replaced by any other equivalent means which are well known to the person skilled in the art without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0085] Furthermore, in this specific exemplary embodiment, the device 1 for packaging according to the invention comprises two rows of three cups 15, the cups 15 being connected in pairs by means of a central transverse beam 17a, two lateral transverse beams 17b and longitudinal beams 16. The device also comprises two so-called central walls 18 which extend between two pairs of transverse beams 17 and longitudinal beams 16, at one side and the other of the central transverse beam 17a. Each central wall 18 is preferably planar and is inclined from top to bottom from the central transverse beam 17a toward a lateral transverse beam 17b, that is to say toward a transverse edge of the sheet 8. Each central wall 18 forms an angle between 5 and 30° with the horizontal plane which contains the holes 9. It should be noted that the central walls 18 may advantageously receive a label which is not illustrated in the Figures.

[0086] Furthermore, in order to facilitate the gripping of the device for packaging according to the invention, the sheet 8 comprises in the central portion thereof, between the rows of holes 9, two breakable flaps 19 which are capable of forming gripping holes. In this manner, it is possible to grip the device for packaging by introducing two fingers, such as the thumb and index finger of the same hand, into the gripping holes after having lowered the breakable flaps 29. The breakable flaps 19 have a substantially oblong shape; however, the breakable flaps 19 may have any shape, such as a rectangular, circular or ovoid shape, for example, without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0087] Of course, the breakable flaps 19 may be replaced by gripping holes without thereby departing from the scope of the invention.

[0088] Finally, it is evident that the examples given are only specific illustrations which are by no means limiting with regard to the areas of application of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0055]In the remainder of the description of the device for packaging containers according to the invention, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The various views are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0056]With reference to FIG. 1, there will be described below a device 1 according to the invention for packaging at least two containers 2 in one batch, the containers 2 being bottles with a base 3, a substantially cylindrical body 4 and a shoulder 5 which connects the body 4 to a neck 6, the neck receiving a stopper 7. The device 1 for packaging comprises at least one sheet 8 made of semi-rigid or rigid material which will be described in greater detail below and which is provided with at least two holes 9 for receiving the necks 6 of the containers 2.

[0057]In this specific embodiment, the sheet 8 is planar, has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of three holes 9 which are capable of receiving the necks of the containers 2 in o...

Claims

1. A device for packaging at least two containers in one batch, the device comprising at least one sheet made of semi-rigid or rigid material which is provided with at least two holes for receiving necks of the containers, wherein the sheet comprises a rough multilayer cellulose structure comprising at least a first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state and a second layer comprising a structure of strips of cellulose fibers, the at least first layer and second layer being superimposed with contact, wherein the superimposed layers are pressed and heated together in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional composite fiber sheet which has a single-layer configuration.

2. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or both of the first layer and the second layer comprises cellulose fibers between 70 and 100% by weight.

3. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or both of the first layer and the second layer comprises 100% natural cellulose fibers.

4. The device for packaging as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first layer of cellulose fibers formed in the dry state comprises one or more additives selected from starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer, an alkenyl succinic anhydride, wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof, wherein the additives modify mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

5. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first layer of cellulose fibers has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s).

6. (canceled)7. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second layer is formed from cellulose fibers formed in the dry state in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, wherein the cellulose fibers are woven into the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers, or cellulose fibers formed via a wet method in the structure of a strip of cellulose fibers.

8. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second layer comprises one or more additives selected from starch compounds, rosin compounds, butane tetracarboxylic acid compounds, gelatin compounds, an alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), an alkenyl succinic anhydride (ASA), wax compounds, silicon compounds, calcium compounds, fluorocarbons, or a combination thereof, wherein the additives modify the mechanical, hydrophobic and / or oil-repellent properties of the sheet.

9. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second layer has a material composition of from 70 to 99.9% by dry weight of cellulose fibers and from 0.1 to 30% by dry weight of the additive(s), and wherein the second layer has a traction resistance greater than that of the first layer.10-11. (canceled)12. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet is planar and has a substantially rectangular shape and wherein the holes comprise at least two parallel rows of holes configured to receive the necks of the containers.

13. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein each hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward an inner edge of each hole, wherein the tongues are formed by radial apertures from the inner edge of the holes, wherein the inner edge of the holes have a diameter less than the diameter of the necks of the containers.

14. (canceled)15. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 12, wherein 0 each hole comprises breakable opening means, wherein the breakable opening means comprise two parallel precut lines which extend radially from the inner edge of the hole, two parallel lines of weakness and which extend from the inner edge of the hole. or a combination thereof.16-17. (canceled)18. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 15, wherein the precut lines and / or lines of weakness of the breakable opening means extend perpendicularly to a longitudinal edge of the sheet.

19. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sheet comprises in the central portion thereof, between the rows of holes, two gripping holes.

20. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet has a substantially rectangular shape and comprises at least two parallel rows of cups which are substantially frustoconical, hemispherical; or frustopyramidal, or and wherein an inner wall of each cup is configured to be supported on a shoulder of the containers, and wherein an apex of the cup comprises an apex hole configured to receive the neck of a container.

21. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 20, wherein the cups are connected in pairs by one or more beams.

22. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 21, wherein the beams have an inverted U or V-shape cross section.

23. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 20, wherein each apex hole comprises tongues which extend in a corolla-like manner toward an inner edge of each apex hole, wherein the tongues are formed by radial apertures from the inner edge of the apex holes, each inner edge having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the necks of the containers.

24. (canceled)25. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 21, wherein each apex hole comprises breakable opening means, the breakable opening means comprising two parallel precut lines which are formed in the cups and which extend radially from the inner edge of the apex hole.26-28. (canceled)29. The device for packaging as claimed in claim 21, wherein the beams comprise a central transverse beam, two lateral transverse beams, and longitudinal beams such that two rows of three cups are connected in pairs, the device further comprising a central wall on each side of the central transverse beam, each wall extending between a pair of transverse beams and one of the longitudinal beams.30-32. (canceled)33. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the containers are bottles comprising a base, a body, and a shoulder which connects the body to the neck, or wherein the containers are cylindrical canisters comprising the neck.

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