Package for consumable products and manufacturing method

Abstract

A package (1) for consumable products, in particular bottles, comprising: a consumable product; a box (2) with the shape of a parallelepiped; a tray (5) arranged in the box (2). The tray (5) comprises: a bottom wall (6) having a longitudinal extension (L); two supporting walls (7), which are transverse to the bottom wall (6) and are parallel or transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension (L); the supporting walls (7) being opposite one another and being each provided with at least one housing (9) configured to at least partially accommodate the consumable product; and two end walls (8), which are spaced apart from and opposite one another as well as transverse to the bottom wall (6) and to the supporting walls (7); each end wall (8) being arranged between the two supporting walls (7) and comprising, on respective opposite sides, a locking tab (10).

Description

[0001] PACKAGE FOR CONSUMABLE PRODUCTS AND MANUFACTURING METHOD

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This Patent Application claims priority from Italian Patent Application No. 102024000004588 filed on March 1, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The invention relates to a package for consumable products, in particular bottles, and to a relative manufacturing method.

[0006] The invention advantageously, but not exclusively applies to consumable products of the pharmaceutical industry, such as, for example, bottles, vials, carpules or syringes.

[0007] In addition, the invention advantageously, but not exclusively applies to consumable products of the tobacco industry, such as, for example, cartridges for electronic cigarettes.

[0008] Prior Art

[0009] At present, bottles are stored and sold in packages comprising a box, which contains, on the inside, a tray provided with housings accommodating the bottles.

[0010] An example of this package is disclosed in document EP3562749. Said package comprises a tray made of a paper material, which is obtained starting from a pre-glued blank that must be “opened”, i.e. put in shape, to form the relative trays. In other words, the blank forming the tray of said known packages typically comprises two layers of overlapping and partially glued material, wherein the upper layer has a plurality of flaps partly glued to the lower layer alternating with areas without material so that the flaps are placed in position (i.e. opened, put in shape) and the areas without material define the housings of the bottles.

[0011] However, the production of trays from pre-glued blanks (and, therefore, with a double layer) requires the use of a large amount of paper material. Furthermore, the tray also requires the presence of glue and the making of the tray itself (i.e. the shaping of the blank) is difficult to be performed using automatic machines.

[0012] An alternative insert for a box for storing individual parts to be packaged is described, for example, in DE8910314U1. Description of the Invention

[0013] The object of the invention is to provide a package for consumable products and a relative method for manufacturing said package, which do not suffer from the drawbacks described above, are easy and economic to be manufactured and carried out and, at the same time, allow the eco-sustainability of the package to be implemented.

[0014] According to the invention, there is provided a package for consumable products as claimed in the appended claims.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the invention, there is also provided a method for manufacturing the aforesaid package as claimed in the appended claims.

[0016] The appended claims describe preferred embodiments of the invention and form an integral part of the description.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings showing a non-limiting embodiment thereof, wherein:

[0019] - figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a possible first embodiment of a box in an open configuration of a package according to the invention;

[0020] - figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the box of figure 1 in a closed configuration;

[0021] - figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a possible second embodiment of the box in an open configuration of a package according to the invention;

[0022] - figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the box of figure 3 in a closed configuration;

[0023] - figure 5 is a cross-section view of the package of figures 1-2;

[0024] - figure 6 is a plan view of a first embodiment of a blank for manufacturing of a tray intended to be housed in the box of figures 1-4;

[0025] - figure 7 is a perspective view of the tray obtained from the blank of figure 6;

[0026] - figure 8 is a plan view of a second embodiment of the blank for manufacturing a tray intended to be housed in the box of figures 1-4;

[0027] - figure 9 is a perspective view of the tray obtained from the blank of figure 8;

[0028] - figure 10 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the blank for manufacturing of a tray intended to be housed in the box of figures 1-4;

[0029] - figure 11 is a perspective view of the tray obtained from the blank of figure 10;

[0030] - figure 12 is a side view of the tray of figure 7; and

[0031] - figure 13 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the blank for manufacturing of a tray intended to be housed in the box of figures 1-4.

[0032] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0033] In figure 5, number 1 indicates, as a whole, a package for consumable products, in particular bottles containing a product in the form of powder, granules, liquid, gel or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the consumable products can be other products of the pharmaceutical industry, such as, for example, vials, carpules or syringes, or products of the tobacco industry, such as, for example, cartridges for electronic cigarettes or pouches for loose material. Alternatively, the consumable products contained in the package 1 can also be products of other industries, other than the described pharmaceutical or tobacco industry, such as, for example, the confectionery industry.

[0034] The package 1 is configured to house a plurality of consumable products (not shown). The products are neatly arranged in package 1, each in a respective housing 9 (as described below). According to an embodiment which is not shown herein, the package 1 could be configured to contain one single consumable product. Furthermore, the consumable products housed in the package 1 can all be the same as one another or can differ from one another in shape and / or content and / or type.

[0035] The package 1 comprises a box 2 (figures 1-4). The box 2 has the shape of a parallelepiped and comprises a bottom wall 17, an upper wall 18 opposite (and parallel to) the bottom wall 17, two side walls 3 opposite one another and orthogonal to the bottom wall 17 (and to the upper wall 18) and two end walls 4 opposite one another and orthogonal to the bottom wall 17 (and to the upper wall 18).

[0036] The two end walls 4 are arranged orthogonally to a longitudinal extension E (hereinafter also referred to as “direction” E) of the package 1. The four side walls 3 are arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension E of the package 1 and are parallel to and opposite one another in pairs.

[0037] Between the side walls 3, the bottom wall 17 and the upper wall 18 of the box 2 there are defined four longitudinal edges, whereas between the side walls 3 and each end wall 4 there are defined four transverse edges, respectively.

[0038] Advantageously, but not limited to, the box 2 comprises a product extraction opening 30, which is obtained through at least the upper wall 18 (as shown in figures 1 and 2) or in the area of one of the end walls 4 (as shown in figures 3 and 4). With reference to the embodiment of the box 2 shown in figures 1 and 2, the box 2 comprises a closing flap 31, which is hinged along a hinge 32 located in the area of a longitudinal edge so as to rotate, relative to the box 2, between an open position, in which the closing flap 31 is far from the extraction opening 30, thus allowing a consumable product to be extracted, and a closed position, in which the closing flap 31 covers the extraction opening 30, thus preventing a product from being extracted from the package 1.

[0039] With reference to the embodiment of the box 2 shown in figures 3 and 4, the box 2 comprises a closing flap 31 which is hinged along a hinge 32 located in the area of a transverse edge so as to rotate, relative to the box 2, between an open position, in which the closing flap 31 is far from the extraction opening 30, thus allowing a consumable product to be extracted (by extracting a tray 5, as described more in detail hereinafter), and a closed position, in which the closing flap 31 covers the extraction opening 30, thus preventing a product from being extracted from the package 1.

[0040] The package 1 comprises a tray 5 (not shown in figures 1 and 4), which is arranged in the box 2, which surrounds it (in particular, completely).

[0041] The tray 5 comprises a bottom wall 6, two supporting walls 7 and two end walls 8. The bottom wall 6 has a longitudinal extension L, which preferably is parallel to the longitudinal extension E of the box 2, when the tray 5 is arranged in the box 2. The two supporting walls 7 are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the bottom wall 6. In the embodiments shown in figures 5-12, the two supporting walls 7 are parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6. On the contrary, in the embodiment shown in figure 13, the two supporting walls 7 are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6. The supporting walls 7 are opposite (in particular, parallel to) one another and are each provided with at least one housing 9 configured to at least partially accommodate the consumable product. Each housing 9 has a shape and a size that are substantially complementary to the size and the shape of the product portion to be accommodated. The two end walls 8 are opposite (in particular, parallel to) one another and transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the bottom wall 6 and to the supporting walls 7. In particular, in the embodiments shown in figures 5-12, the two end walls 8 are spaced apart from one another, are arranged at opposite ends of the bottom wall 6 along the longitudinal extension L and are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the bottom wall 6 and to the supporting walls 7. On the other hand, in the embodiment shown in figure 13, the two end walls 8 are spaced apart from one another, are arranged at opposite ends of the bottom wall 6 parallel to the longitudinal extension L and are transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the bottom wall 6 and to the supporting walls 7.

[0042] Each supporting wall 7 is connected to the bottom wall 6 by means of a respective longitudinal folding line 22.

[0043] Each end wall 8 is arranged between the two supporting walls 7. Each end wall 8 comprises, on respective opposite sides thereof (which, in particular, are orthogonal to the longitudinal extension L in figures 5-12 and, in particular, are parallel to the longitudinal extension L in figure 13), a locking tab 10 configured to engage a respective seat 11 obtained in the supporting wall 7, so that the end wall 8 acts as a striker for the supporting walls 7 and holds them in position relative to the bottom wall 6. In other words, as shown in the accompanying figures, each end wall 8 has two tabs 10 (in particular, opposite one another) configured to engage the respective seat 11 obtained in the supporting wall 7. Each seat 11 faces the respective locking tab 10 and is shaped so as to at least partially accommodate a portion of the tab 10 itself, so as to lock the supporting wall 7 to the end wall 8.

[0044] In the embodiments shown in figures 5-13, each seat 11 is spaced apart from the respective folding line 22 at a distance other than zero.

[0045] In the embodiments shown in figures 5-12, each seat 11 is spaced apart from the respective edge 13 of the supporting wall 7 at a distance other than zero. On the other hand, in the embodiment of figure 13, each seat 11 is spaced apart from the respective edge 13 of the supporting wall 7 at a zero distance. In other words, in the latter case, each seat 11 has at least one edge 40 which, in particular, coincides with (namely, overlaps or corresponds to) the respective folding line 21 (aligned with the edge 13), so as to allow the entire bottom wall 6 to be used. To this regard, in order to increase stability, in the latter case, the tray 5 comprises a pair of supporting tabs 41, which project from the two opposite ends (namely, from the respective opposite edges 13) of the supporting wall 7 and are folded with respect to the supporting wall 7 itself, so as to be arranged parallel to the end wall 8 adjacent thereto. According to figure 13, each supporting tab 41 is adjacent to the respective seat 11. Preferably, the supporting tabs 41 of the two supporting walls 7 are both folded in the same direction. According to an alternative variant, the tabs 41 of one of the two supporting walls 7 are folded in an opposite direction with respect to the tabs 41 of the other supporting wall 7, so as to avoid overlaps with the end wall 8. Preferably, in the embodiment of figures 5-12, when the tray 5 is inserted in the box 2, the supporting walls 7 are parallel to two side walls 3 of the box 2 facing them; whereas the two end walls 8 are parallel to the two end walls 4. On the other hand, preferably in the embodiment of figure 13, when the tray 5 is inserted in the box 2, the supporting walls 7 are parallel to two end walls 3 of the box 2 facing them; whereas the two end walls 8 are parallel to the two side walls 3.

[0046] The walls 7 and 8 of the tray 5 are connected to one another solely by an interlocking connection (namely, the tray 5 is devoid of connecting glue areas between the walls 7 and 8). The term “interlocking” means that each tab 10 and each respective seat 11 have a shape and a size that are such as to allow for an (at least partial) mutual engagement. The interlocking connection allows the end walls 8 and the respective supporting wall 7 to be connected in a reversible (namely, non permanent) manner.

[0047] According to the accompanying figures 5-12, the two tabs 10 are aligned with one another (namely, they have the same distance from an edge 12 of the end wall 8). Similarly, according to the accompanying figures, the two seats 11 (one for each supporting wall 7) are aligned with one another (namely, they have the same distance from an edge 13 of the supporting wall 7, measured, in particular, parallel to the extension L) so as to at least partially face the tabs 10 in order to enable the interlocking connection.

[0048] According to a possible alternative embodiment, the two tabs 10 are offset relative to one another (namely, they have two different distances from the edge 12 of the end wall 8). Similarly, the two seats 11 are also offset relative to one another (namely, they have two different distances from the edge 13 of the supporting wall 7, each measured, in particular, parallel to the extension L).

[0049] According to figure 13, on the other hand, the two tabs 10 are aligned with one another (namely, they have the same distance from an edge 12 of the end wall 8). On the other hand, the two seats 11 (one for each supporting wall 7) are aligned with one another (namely, they have the same distance from an edge 13 of the supporting wall 7, measured, in particular, parallel to the extension L and equal to zero, as described above) so as to at least partially face the tabs 10 in order to enable the interlocking connection.

[0050] Advantageously, but not limited to, the end wall 8 has two tabs 10 (one on each side) and each supporting wall 7 has two seats 11 (each arranged at opposite ends along the longitudinal extension of the supporting wall 7). According to a possible alternative, the end wall 8 has, at least on one side, more than one locking tab 10. Similarly, at least one supporting wall 7 has more than two seats 11.

[0051] Preferably, the supporting walls 7 are sized so as to constrain the tray 5 relative to the box 2 along a first direction E, which is parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6 in the embodiment of figures 5-12 or is transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6 in the embodiment of figure 13.

[0052] Advantageously, the package 1 does not require the presence of glue or adhesive to secure the tray 5 to the box so as to prevent the tray 5 from moving relative to the box 2 along the first direction E.

[0053] In particular, the supporting walls 7 are sized so as to strike against (namely, abut on) the end walls 4 of the box 2. Basically, when the tray 5 is arranged in the box 2, the supporting walls 7 of the tray 5 strike against the end walls 4 of the box 2 (at most a couple of mm apart).

[0054] According to the accompanying figures, the tray 5 comprises two upper walls 14, each connected to a supporting wall 7 and transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the respective supporting wall 7 to which it is connected (in particular, by means of a longitudinal folding line 22).

[0055] In particular, in the embodiment of figures 5-12, the upper walls 14 are sized so as to constrain the tray 5 relative to the box 2 along a second direction F, which is orthogonal to the first direction E. On the other hand, in the embodiment of figure 13, the upper walls 14 are sized so as to constrain the tray 5 relative to the box 2 along the first direction E. The second direction F is coplanar to the first direction E. Advantageously, the package 1 does not require the presence of glue or adhesive to secure the tray 5 to the box 2 so as to prevent the tray 5 from moving relative to the box 2 along the direction E or F. In particular, the upper walls 14 are sized so as to strike against (namely, abut on) the side walls 3 of the box 2 (in the embodiment of figures 5-12) or the end walls 4 of the box 2 (in the embodiment of figure 13). Basically, when the tray 5 is arranged in the box 2, the upper walls 14 of the tray 5 strike against the side walls 3 of the box 2 (at most a couple of mm apart) in the embodiment of figures 5-12 or against the end walls 4 (in the embodiment of figure 13) of the box 2 (at most a couple of mm apart).

[0056] Each upper wall 14 is parallel to and spaced apart from the bottom wall 6. In other words, the bottom wall 6, the respective supporting wall 7 and the upper wall 14 are arranged in a “Z” shape (figures 7, 9, 11).

[0057] Each housing 9 also is at least partially recessed in the upper wall 14. In other words, each housing 9 is obtained in the supporting wall 7 and in the upper wall 14.

[0058] Advantageously, but not limited to, the housing 9 comprises a through opening in the respective supporting wall 7 and / or in the upper wall 14. In particular, the portion of the housing 9 in the upper wall 14 (if present) is obtained from the wall 14 itself, by folding (in particular by 90°) a tab 23 with respect to a folding line 24 (as described in more detail below). Preferably, the number of tabs 23 is the same as the number of housings 9. Advantageously, these tabs 23 allow for the correct positioning of the consumable product inside the housing 9. In addition, each tab 23 preferably helps hold the respective consumable product.

[0059] As shown, the housings 9 of the two supporting walls 7 are aligned with one another so as to receive respective parts of the same consumable product. In other words, the housing 9 of one of the two supporting walls 7 faces and is aligned with the housing 9 of the other supporting wall 7.

[0060] In particular, according to figures 6-11 and 13, the two supporting walls 7 each comprise a respective group Gl, G2 of housings 9. In this case, each housing 9 of the group Gl is aligned with the housing 9 of the group G2.

[0061] In particular, according to figures 6-11 and 13, the housings 9 of one supporting wall 7 have a different shape and size with respect to the housings 9 of the other supporting wall 7 facing them. According to an alternative (not shown), the housings 9 of one supporting wall 7 have a shape and / or a size that is substantially the same as the one of the housings 9 of the other supporting wall 7 facing them.

[0062] According to the embodiment of figures 6, 7 and 13, the housings 9 are equally spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6 of the tray 5. According to the embodiment shown in figures 8 and 9, the walls 7 and the housings 9 are not equally spaced from one another along the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6 of the tray 5.

[0063] As shown, the housings 9 of the same supporting wall 7 have a same shape and / or size. According to a possible alternative, which is not shown herein, the housings 9 of a same supporting wall 7 have different shapes and / or sizes, so as to be able to accommodate different products or the same products but with a different orientation with respect to one another.

[0064] According to the accompanying figures, the tray 5 also comprises two stabilization tabs 15, each connected to an upper wall 14 and transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the respective upper wall 14 to which it is connected (in particular, by means of a longitudinal folding line 22). Said stabilization tabs 15 are sized so as to constrain the tray 5 relative to the box 2 along a third direction G orthogonal to the first direction E and to the second direction F (wherein the first direction E and the second direction F are coplanar).

[0065] Advantageously, the package 1 does not require the presence of glue or adhesive to secure the tray 5 to the box 2 so as to prevent the tray 5 from moving relative to the box 2 along the third direction G.

[0066] In particular, said stabilization tabs 15 are sized so as to strike against (namely, abut on) the upper wall 18 of the box 2. Basically, when the tray 5 is arranged in the box 2, the stabilization tabs 15 of the tray 5 strike against the upper wall 18 of the box 2 (at most a couple of mm apart).

[0067] According to the embodiments shown in figures 8-11, the tray 5 comprises a bearing element 16 connecting the two supporting walls 7.

[0068] In particular, said bearing element 16 is arranged between the two supporting walls 7 and is spaced apart from the bottom wall 6 so as to promote the shape stability of the tray 5. The greater the development of the bearing element 16 along the longitudinal extension L, the more the stability of the tray 5 will be promoted. The bearing element 16 acts as a filling element of the tray 5. In addition, the bearing element 16 defines a surface of the tray 5, on which images and / or signs and / or writings and / or numbers can be applied (in particular, printed). Advantageously, but not limited to, the box 2 and the tray 5 are both made of a paper material, in particular a material chosen from: paper or cardboard.

[0069] According to figures 6, 8, 10 and 13, which are mere non-limiting examples, the tray 5 is manufactured by folding a flat blank 20. In the embodiments of figures 6, 8 and 10, the flat blank 20 is made of paperboard or rigid cardboard and has a substantially oblong rectangular shape (namely, it has a main longitudinal extension parallel to the longitudinal extension L of the bottom wall 6 of the tray 5). In particular, the blanks 20 shown in figures 6, 8, 10 and 13 are symmetrical with respect to the line L, which indicates the longitudinal extension L of the panel 6’ intended to define the bottom wall 6 of the tray 5. The blank 20 comprises two (pre-weakened) transverse folding lines 21, which extend transversely, in particular orthogonally, to the extension L, and a plurality of (pre-weakened) longitudinal folding lines 22, which extend parallel to the extension L.

[0070] With reference to figure 6, the blank 20 comprises a central panel 6’ (delimited by two longitudinal folding lines 22 and by two transverse folding lines 21), which constitutes the bottom wall 6 of the tray 5. The blank 20 also comprises: two panels 7’, each constituting a supporting wall 7 and each connected on opposite sides of the panel 6’ along a respective longitudinal folding line 22; two panels 14’, each constituting an upper wall 14 and each connected on opposite sides of the panel 7’ along a respective longitudinal folding line 22; two panels 15’, each constituting a stabilization tab 15 and each connected on opposite sides of the panel 14’ along a respective longitudinal folding line 22; and two panels 8’, each constituting an end wall 8 and each connected on opposite sides of the panel 6’ along a respective transverse folding line 21. Each panel 8’ has, on opposite sides, a respective locking tab 10.

[0071] Each panel 14’ comprises, within it, panels 23’, which each constitute the tab 23 and are each connected to the panel 14’ along a respective longitudinal folding line 24. Furthermore, each panel 23’ is connected to the panel 14’ along a cutting line 25 parallel to the transverse folding lines 21.

[0072] With reference to figures 8 and 10, the same panels are indicated with the same reference numbers as in figure 6 (for this reason, they will not be described again). In addition, the blanks 20 of figures 8 and 10 also comprise (in addition to the blank 20 of figure 6) two transverse cutting lines 26, which extend through the panel 6’ and part of each panel 7’ so as to delimit, between them, panels 16’, 16” intended to form the bearing element 16. The bearing element 16 is obtained by folding the panel 16’ by 90° relative to the supporting wall 7 along the longitudinal folding line 22; whereas the panels 16” are folded by 180° against the panel 7’ along a longitudinal folding line 27. Each longitudinal folding line 27 is parallel to the longitudinal folding lines 22; whereas each cutting line 26 is parallel to the transverse folding lines 21.

[0073] With reference to figure 13, the same panels are indicated with the same reference numbers as in figure 6 (for this reason, they will not be described again). Furthermore, the blank 20 of figure 13 also comprises (in addition to the blank 20 of figure 6) two pairs of panels 41’, each constituting the respective support tab 41. The panels 41’ of each pair of panels 41’ extend on opposite sides of the panel 7’ constituting the respective supporting wall 7 and are folded by 90° (or by 270°, actually overlapping the wall 8) relative to the panel 7’ itself. Each pair of panels 41’ is connected to the respective panel 7’ by means of the transverse folding line 21. Each panel 41’ is separated from a respective panel 8’ adjacent to it by a transverse cutting line 42. Each transverse cutting line 42 is parallel to (and preferably at least partially coincident with) the folding line 22.

[0074] According to an additional aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing the tray 5. The following disclosure includes a detailed description of said method, which entails folding the panels 6’, 7’, 8’ of the blank 20 (the sequence of execution thereof not being defined by the order described below).

[0075] In detail, the method mainly (but not exclusively) comprises the steps of:

[0076] - providing the flat blank 20 of the tray 5 comprising the plurality of panels 6’, 7’ and 8’;

[0077] - folding (in particular, along the transverse folding line 21) each panel 8’, which defines a respective end wall 8, by 90° relative to the panel 6’, which defines the bottom wall 6;

[0078] - folding (in particular, along the respective longitudinal folding line 22) each panel 7’, which defines a respective supporting wall 7, by 90° relative to the panel 6’, which defines the bottom wall 6; and

[0079] - placing each locking tab 10 of the panel 8’ in the respective seat 11 obtained in the panel 7’. Advantageously, but not limited to, the method also comprises the step of folding (in particular, along the respective longitudinal folding line 22) each panel 14’, which defines the respective upper wall 14, by 90° relative to the panel 7’, which defines the supporting wall 7.

[0080] Advantageously, but not limited to, the method also comprises the step of folding (in particular, along the respective longitudinal folding line 22) each panel 15’, which defines a respective stabilization tab 15, by 90° relative to the panel 14’, which defines the upper wall 14.

[0081] Advantageously, but not limited to, the method also comprises the step of folding (in particular, along the respective longitudinal folding line 22) the panel 16’ and the two panels 16”, which define, together, the bearing element 16. The panel 16’ is folded so as to be placed between the two panels 7’ and be spaced apart from the panel 6’.

[0082] Advantageously, but not limited to, the method also comprises the step of folding (in particular, along the respective transverse folding line 21) each panel 41’, which defines the respective supporting tab 41, by 90° (or by 270°, actually overlapping the wall 8) relative to the panel 7’, which defines the supporting wall 7.

[0083] Finally, once the tray 5 is obtained, the method comprises the step of placing the products in the respective housings 9 and inserting the tray 5 into the box 2.

[0084] In particular, the tray 5 can be placed in the box before or after the consumable products have been placed in the relative housings 9.

[0085] In the embodiments shown in the accompanying figures, the longitudinal and transverse edges of the package 1 are right edges; alternatively, the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of the package 1 could be rounded or chamfered.

[0086] The embodiments described herein can be combined with one another, without for this reason going beyond the scope of protection of the invention.

[0087] The manufacturing method and the package 1 described above have numerous advantages.

[0088] First of all, all the walls 6, 7, 8, 14 and 15 of the tray 5 are single-layered and do not comprise pre-glued box-like structures to be formed, namely structures in which each wall consists of several walls parallel to one another and which define a gap between them. In other words, the tray 5 is obtained starting from a blank 20 formed by a single layer of material (properly cut, so that its fold defines the tray 5) and does not need glue and / or adhesive to maintain the shape.

[0089] Therefore, the tray 5 thus obtained requires a limited consumption of material (or, anyway, a smaller consumption of material compared to known trays) and, since it does not require glue or adhesive, it can be easily manufactured by means of an automatic machine.

[0090] Furthermore, the tray 5 disclosed herein is held in position inside the box 2 without requiring the use of glue and / or adhesive. Advantageously, this makes the package 1 further sustainable from an environmental point of view (especially if the tray 5 and the box 2 are made of the same material).

[0091] The fact that there is no glue or adhesive between the tray 5 and the box 2 simplifies the assembly and the filling of the package 1 by means of an automatic machine.

[0092] The interlocking connection also allows the tray 5, once the use of the package 1 has ended, to be disassembled in order to easily reduce its dimensions before it is disposed of.

[0093] Furthermore, since the tray 5 and the box 2 are both preferably made of a paper material, it is possible to dispose of both elements together and then recycle them, with no need for a prior separation.

[0094] Therefore, the package 1 has a smaller environmental impact compared to known packages.

[0095] LIST OF THE REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE FIGURES

[0096] 1 package

[0097] 2 box

[0098] 3 side wall

[0099] 4 end wall

[0100] 5 tray

[0101] 6 bottom wall

[0102] 7 supporting wall

[0103] 8 end wall

[0104] 9 housing

[0105] 10 locking tab

[0106] 11 seat 14 upper wall

[0107] 15 stabilization tab

[0108] 16 bearing element

[0109] 17 bottom wall

[0110] 18 upper wall

[0111] 20 blank

[0112] 21 transverse folding lines

[0113] 22 longitudinal folding lines

[0114] 23 tab

[0115] 24 longitudinal folding line

[0116] 25 transverse cutting line

[0117] 26 transverse cutting line

[0118] 27 longitudinal folding line

[0119] 30 extraction opening

[0120] 31 closing flap

[0121] 32 hinge

[0122] 40 edge

[0123] 41 supporting tab

[0124] 42 transverse cutting line

[0125] 6' panel

[0126] 7' panel

[0127] 8' panel

[0128] 14' panel

[0129] 15' panel

[0130] 16' panel

[0131] 16" panel

[0132] 41’ panel

[0133] E first direction

[0134] F second direction

[0135] G third direction

[0136] L longitudinal extension

[0137] G 1 group of hou sing s

[0138] G2 group of housings

Claims

CLAIMS1. Package (1) for consumable products, particularly in bottles, including: at least one consumable product; a box (2) of a parallelepiped shape comprising a back wall (17), an upper wall (18) opposite to the back wall (17), two side walls (3) opposite to each other and orthogonal to the back wall (17), and two end walls (4) opposite to each other and orthogonal to the back wall (17); and a tray (5) arranged in box (2) comprising: a bottom wall (6) having a longitudinal extension (L); two supporting walls (7) that are transverse, particularly orthogonal, to the bottom wall (6) and run parallel or transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension (L); the supporting walls (7) are opposite to each other, and each is provided with at least one housing (9) configured to at least partially accommodate the consumable; and two end walls (8) that are opposite to each other and transverse, particularly orthogonal, to the bottom wall (6) and the supporting walls (7); each end wall (8) is arranged between the two supporting walls (7) and includes, on respective opposite sides, a locking tab (10) configured to engage a respective seat (11) cut in the supporting wall (7), so that the end wall (8) acts as a stop for the supporting walls (7) and holds them in place relative to the bottom wall (6).

2. The package (1) according to claim 1, wherein the supporting walls (7) and the end walls (8) of the tray (5) are connected to each other solely by an interlocking connection.

3. The package (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the supporting walls (7) are sized to constrain the tray (5) relative to the box (2) along a first direction (E) parallel or transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension (L) of the bottom wall (6); in particular, the supporting walls (7) are sized to strike the end walls (4) of the box (2).

4. The package (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the tray (5) comprisestwo upper walls (14) each connected to a supporting wall (7) and arranged transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the respective supporting wall (7) to which it is connected; the upper walls (14) are sized to constrain the tray (5) with respect to the box (2) along the first direction (E) or along a second direction (F), which is orthogonal to the first direction (E); in particular, the upper walls (14) are sized to meet the side walls (3) of the box (2).

5. The package (1) according to claim 4, wherein each housing (9) is also recessed at least partially in the upper wall (14).

6. The package (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the bottom wall (6), the respective supporting wall (7) and the upper wall (14) are arranged in a "Z" shape.

7. The package (1) according to claim 4 or 5 or 6, wherein the tray (5) further comprises two stabilizing tab (15) each connected to an upper wall (14) and arranged transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the respective upper wall (14) to which it is connected; wherein said stabilizing tab (15) are sized to constrain the tray (5) relative to the box (2) along a third direction (G); specifically, said stabilizing tab (15) being sized to encounter the upper wall (18) of the box (2).

8. The package (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing (9) of the first supporting wall (7) and the housing (9) of the second supporting wall (7) are aligned to receive respective parts of the same consumable product.

9. The package (1) according to claim 8, wherein the first supporting wall (7) comprises a first group (Gl) of housings (9) and the second supporting wall (7) comprises a second group (G2) of housings (9) that are facing and aligned with the housings (9) of the first group (Gl).

10. The package (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising a support member (16) connecting the two supporting walls (7).

11. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box (2) and the tray (5) are both made of a paper material.

12. The package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the seat (11) is spaced apart from a respective edge (13) of the supporting wall (7) at a distance other than zero; or the seat (11) is spaced apart from a respective edge (13) of the supporting wall (7) at a zero distance; and wherein each supporting wall (7) comprises a pair of supporting tabs (41), which project from the two opposite ends of the supporting wall (7) and are folded relative to the supporting wall (7) itself, so as to be arranged parallel to the end wall (8) adjacent thereto.

13. A manufacturing method of a package (1) for consumable products, particularly in bottles, comprising: at least one consumable product; a box (2) of a parallelepiped shape comprising a back wall (17), an upper wall (18) opposite to the back wall (17), two side walls (3) opposite to each other and orthogonal to the back wall (17), and two end walls (4) opposite to each other and orthogonal to the back wall (17); and a tray (5) arranged in box (2) comprising: a bottom wall (6) having a longitudinal extension (L); two supporting walls (7) that are transverse, particularly orthogonal, to the bottom wall (6) and run parallel or transverse, in particular orthogonal, to the longitudinal extension (L); the supporting walls (7) are opposite to each other, and each is provided with at least one housing (9) configured to at least partially accommodate the consumable; and two end walls (8) that are opposite to each other and transverse, particularly orthogonal, to the bottom wall (6) and the supporting walls (7); each end wall (8) is arranged between the two supporting walls (7) and includes, on respective opposite sides, a locking tab (10) configured to engage a respective seat (11) formed in the supporting wall (7), such that the end wall (8) acts as a stop for the supporting walls (7) and holds them in position relative to the bottom wall (6); the method comprises the steps of:- provide a flat blank (20) of the tray (5) comprising a plurality of panels (6', T, 8');- bend each first panel (8'), defining a respective end wall (8), 90° to the second panel (6') defining the bottom wall (6);- Fold each third panel (7'), which defines a respective supporting wall (7), 90° relative to the second panel (6') defining the bottom wall (6); and- arrange each locking tab (10) of the first panel (8') in its respective seat (11) made in the third panel (7');- arrange the tray (5) inside the box (2);- arrange the at least one consumable in its respective housing (9).

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the step of bending each fourth panel (14'), defining a respective upper wall (14), 90° relative to the third panel (7') defining the supporting wall (7).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising the further step of bending each fifth panel (15'), defining a respective stabilizing tab (15), 90° relative to the fourth panel (14') defining the upper wall (14).

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