EP1125848B1 - Packaging, especially for foodstuffs, and blank for producing such a packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

Packaging suitable for food products has at least one wall which is formed in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard and has at least one edge defining an opening for inserting articles, in particular foods, and at least one first flap articulated to that edge along a folding line. The packaging can be conformed into a service configuration in which the flap uncovers the opening and a first storage configuration in which the flap closes the opening. The wall includes reversible deformation arrangements for conforming the packaging into a second storage configuration in which the first flap clamps the wall in a substantially sealed manner along the folding line and in the area of the edge.

Description

The present invention relates to a package especially for products foodstuffs, and to a cutting plan for forming such a package.

Document EP 0 639 512 discloses a package conforming to the preamble of claim 1 appended hereto.

This type of packaging is intended to pack foodstuffs perishable foods such as cereals (such as "corn petals" intended for to be consumed at breakfast).

This package has the advantage of being easily closed after use, and more particularly, when it is in its second configuration of storage, to prevent its content from coming out regardless of the orientation of packaging.

The document EP 0 639 512 teaches that in order to seal this packaging, it must be placed in its second storage configuration, and jammed bag inside this package between one of the large flaps and the side associated packaging (see in particular Figure 5 of this document).

This operation is complicated to implement, and further indicates that the package itself is not airtight in its second configuration of storage, since it is necessary to provide a bag to achieve this seal.

In other words, if there is no bag or if we want to maintain this open bag, we can not effectively protect the foodstuffs packaging against alterations due to air circulation, in the second storage configuration.

Thus, the organoleptic characteristics of these foods are likely to be altered.

The present invention aims to provide a package of the aforementioned type which, when in its second storage configuration, presents itself, that is to say regardless of the presence or absence of a bag, a seal improved air.

This object of the invention is achieved with a package according to claim 1 annexed.

The presence of means for locking the first flap folded on the third side on the outside of the packaging makes it easy to particularly firm pinching of the four sides and the two small flaps according to the upper edges of the package, in the second storage configuration.

On the contrary, in the second storage configuration of the packaging of the prior art, the first flap is folded inside the package, and is therefore not not maintained in a position where it covers the third upper edge of packaging, which may give rise to an air passage that may alter the contents of this package.

Thus, the packaging according to the invention has in itself a perfect seal to air when in its second storage configuration, allowing to obtain in an easy way an excellent preservation of its contents without being necessary to resort to any means of packet whatsoever.

The present invention also relates to a cutting plane according to claim 12 formed of a semi-rigid material such as cardboard and intended for form a package in accordance with the above.

• les figures 1 et 2 sont des vues en perspective de l'emballage selon l'invention lorsqu'il se trouve respectivement dans une configuration de service et dans une première configuration de stockage,
• la figure 3 est une vue analogue aux précédentes représentant l'emballage dans une configuration intermédiaire préalable à une deuxième configuration de stockage,
• la figure 4 est une vue analogue aux précédentes représentant l'emballage dans sa deuxième configuration de stockage, et
• la figure 5 est une vue du plan de découpe destiné à former l'emballage des figures précédentes.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the description which follows and on examining the appended drawing, in which:

• FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of the package according to the invention when it is respectively in a service configuration and in a first storage configuration,
• FIG. 3 is a view similar to the previous ones showing the package in an intermediate configuration prior to a second storage configuration,
• FIG. 4 is a view similar to the previous ones showing the package in its second storage configuration, and
• Figure 5 is a view of the cutting plane for forming the packaging of the preceding figures.

In these figures, identical references designate organs or assemblies identical or similar organs.

Referring now to Figure 1, which shows that the package E according to the invention comprises a wall 1 defining, when this package is in a service configuration (that is, in a configuration that allows it to be emptied or fill it), a volume for example substantially parallelepipedic.

Such a volume can for example be obtained by folding and gluing a plane of cut 2 of semi-rigid material such as cardboard (see Figure 5).

The wall 1 comprises first 3, second 5, third 7 and fourth 9 sides succeeding in this order and respectively comprising first 11, second 13, third 15 and fourth 17 edges defining an opening 21 by rectangular example.

Of the first 23, second 25, third 27 and fourth 29 flaps are respectively articulated on each of these edges, the first 23 and third 27 flaps being large enough to overlap each other at least in part.

According to an essential characteristic of the invention, first 31 and second 33 groups of deformation folding lines are formed on the second 5 and fourth 9 sides of the wall 1.

These deformation folding lines, preferably formed by creases, dotted line or other type of internal or external marking of the cutting plane, define substantially inverted Y (when the opening 21 is located upwards, that is to say as shown in FIG. 1) whose branches 35, 37 and 39, 41 extend substantially and respectively the middle of the second 13 and fourth 17 edges to the edges 43, 45 and 47, 49 respectively separating the second and fourth 9 sides of the first 3 and third 7 sides, and whose feet 51 and 53 extend into substantially median areas of the second 25 and fourth 29 flaps.

The first flap 23 comprises a tongue 55, and the third flap 27 and the third side 7 respectively include first 57 and second 59 slots adapted to receive the tongue 55.

The bottom of the package E is closed by fifth 61, sixth 63, seventh 65 and eighth 67 flaps for example glued or stapled together.

Referring now to Figure 2, which shows the packaging E in a first storage position.

This position is deduced from the previous by folding the second 25 and fourth 29 flaps inward of the package, then folding the third flap 25 on these last ones, and finally by folding the first flap 23 on the inserting the tongue 55 into the first slot 57.

Referring now to Figure 3, which shows the packaging E in an intermediate position prior to a second storage position.

This position is deduced from the service position represented in FIG. folding in portions of the package portions 69 and 71 of the second and fourth 9 sides respectively between the branches 35, 37 and 39, 41 of the first 31 and second 33 groups of deformation folding lines, and folding the second 25 and fourth 29 flaps in two around the feet 51 and 53 of these first and second groups of deformation folding lines, so as to bring the first 11 and third edges against each other.

Referring now to Figure 4, which shows the packaging E in its second storage position.

This position is deduced from the previous by folding the first 23, second 25, third 27 and fourth 29 flaps on the third side 7, and inserting the tongue 55 in the second slot 59.

Referring now to FIG. 5, which shows the plane of cutout 2 formed in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard, intended to be folded and assembled to form the package E.

As it appears in this figure, this cutting plane 2 comprises first 3, second 5, third 7 and fourth 9 rectangular panels succeeding in this order, connected to each other by first 43, second 45 and third 47 vertical fold lines.

This cutting plane 2 also comprises a gluing tab 72 connected to the fourth panel 9 via a fourth fold line 49.

This cutting plane 2 also includes first 23, second 25, third 27 and fourth 29 flaps respectively connected to said first 3, second 5, third 7 and fourth 9 panels through first 11, second 13, third 15 and fourth 17 horizontal fold lines.

This cutting plane 2 further comprises fifth 61, sixth 63, seventh 65 and eighth 67 flaps respectively connected to the first 3, second 5, third 7 and fourth 9 panels opposite the four flaps mentioned above by intermediate fifth 81, sixth 83, seventh 85 and eighth 87 fold lines horizontal.

This cutting plane 2 also comprises first 31 and second 33 groups of deformation fold lines formed on the second 5 and the fourth 9 panels and on the second 25 and fourth 29 flaps, substantially defining Y inverted whose branches 35, 37 and 39, 41 extend substantially and respectively the middle of the second 13 and fourth 17 fold lines horizontal up to the first 43 and second 45 vertical fold lines of a part, and up to the third 47th and fourth 49 vertical fold lines on the other hand, and whose feet 51 and 53 extend in substantially median zones of second 25 and fourth 29 flaps.

The first flap 23 comprises a tongue 55 and the third flap 27 and the third side 7 respectively include first 57 and second 59 slots adapted to receive this tongue.

The first 31 and second 33 groups of deformation fold lines are preferably formed by creases, dotted lines or other type of internal marking or external of the cutting plane.

The mode of use and the advantages of the packaging according to the invention derive directly from the foregoing description.

To access the first time the contents of the packaging E, we tear or we takes off conventional closure members (not shown) intended to provide a complete airtightness, and we deploy the first 23, second 25, third 27 and fourth 29 flaps to bring this package into its service position shown in Figure 1.

Then, if necessary, we open the flexible bag located inside this packaging.

From its service position, it is possible to close the packaging E of two different ways.

One way to proceed is to bring the packaging E into its first storage position shown in Figure 2, making the folds mentioned above.

Like any breakfast cereal consumer will be able to realize, this classic storage position offers only airtightness mediocre, especially given the trend of the first 23 and third 27 flaps to regain elastically their opening position.

A second way of proceeding is to bring the package E into its second storage position shown in Figure 4, by folding mentioned above.

In this second storage position, the first flap 23 gripper following the fold line 11 the wall 1 substantially sealed.

This pinch is made possible thanks to the first 31 and second 33 groups deformation folding lines.

Thanks to these lines and the relative flexibility of the material forming the wall 1, it can locally deform the latter by passing it from a state in which sides 3 and 7 are parallel throughout their height to a state in which these sides are parallel only in their lower parts (that is, in their parts under the intersection of branches 35, 37 and 39, 41 with edges 43, 45 and 47, 49) and define a roof profile in their upper parts (i.e. their parts situated above said intersections).

In addition, when flipping the first 23, second 25, third 27 and fourth 29 flaps on the third side 7 of the wall 1, we put the four edges 11, 13, 15, 17 in stop against each other, which reinforces the pinch effect and thus to improve the tightness obtained.

It will be noted in particular that the second 25 and fourth 29 flaps allow, in this second storage position, to avoid any air passage at the ends of the first edge 11.

It will also be noted that, in this second storage position, the pinching of the wall 1 allows, when the contents of the package E is placed to the inside of a flexible bag, to maintain this bag for example in a position where its upper part is rolled up on itself, which makes it possible to improve the tightness obtained.

It will also be noted that in this second storage position, packaging E has a vertical footprint slightly less than that of its first storage position, which allows for example to store it on shelves separated from each other by a relatively low height.

It will be noted again that the locking of the opening 21 obtained when the packaging E is in its second storage position is significantly more resistant than the one obtained in its first storage position, which allows for example of arranging this packaging in supine position without its contents being likely to to escape and to spread outside.

It will be noted that the deformation operated to bring the packaging E of its Service position to its second storage position is quite reversible.

Moreover, the return of this packaging to its service position tends to produce spontaneously as soon as you lift the first flap, thanks to the elasticity of the material forming the wall 1.

This spontaneous feedback is very convenient because it allows access to the content of packaging E with the minimum of manipulations.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown, provided by way of illustrative and non-limiting example.

For example, the cutting plan for forming the packaging according to the invention could be formed in a semi-rigid plastic material.

Thus, only that part of the packaging located in the region of its opening could be formed in a semi-rigid material, other parts of this packaging such as its bottom can be formed in rigid materials.

This is also how the wall forming this packaging could comprise that a single edge defining an opening for example circular or elliptical.

Thus also the opening of this packaging could only extend on part of its upper face.

This is so again that the deformation folding lines could be replaced by more flexible packaging portions than the rest of this package, easily foldable.

Claims (14)

1. Packaging (E) comprising:

   a first side (3), a second side (5), a third side (7), and a fourth side (9) in succession in the above order and respectively defining a first edge (11), a second edge (13), a third edge (15), and a fourth edge (17) of an opening (21) for inserting articles, in particular foods, into said packaging,

   a first flap (23) articulated to said first edge (11), and

   a second flap (25) and a fourth flap (29) that remain articulated to said second edge (13) and to said fourth edge (17), respectively, after the first opening of said packaging, and

   reversible deformation means (31, 33) provided on said second side (5) and said fourth side (9),

      whereby said packaging (E) is conformable selectively:

   in a service position in which said first flap (23), said second flap (25), and said fourth flap (29) uncover said opening (21),

   a first storage configuration in which said first flap (23), said second flap (25), and said fourth flap (29) close said opening (21), and

   a second storage configuration in which said first flap (23) clamps said first side (3), said second side (5), said third side (7) and said fourth side (9), said second flap (25) and said fourth flap (29) along said first edge (11), said second edge (13), said third edge (15), and said fourth edge (17),

      characterized in that it comprises locking means (55, 59) adapted to hold said first flap (23) folded over said third side (7) on the exterior of said packaging (E) in said second storage configuration.
2. Packaging (E) according to claim 1, characterized in that, in said second storage configuration, said second flap (25) and said fourth flap (29) are wedged between said first flap (23) and said third side (7).
3. Packaging (E) according to either claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that said locking means (55, 59) comprise a tongue (55) formed in said first flap (23) and a slot (59) formed in said third side (7) adapted to receive said tongue (55).
4. Packaging (E) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said reversible deformation means comprise a first group (31) and a second group (33) of deformation folding lines disposed on said second side (5) and on said fourth side (9), respectively.
5. Packaging (E) according to claim 4, characterized in that said first group (31) and said second group (33) of deformation folding lines define inverted Y-shapes whose branches (35, 37 and 39, 41) extend substantially as far as respective edges (43, 45 and 47, 49) between said second side (5) and said fourth side (9) and said first side (3) and said third side (7), and whose stems (51 and 53) lie in substantially median areas of said second flap (25) and said fourth flap (29).
6. Packaging (E) according to claim 5, characterized in that the portions (69, 71) of said second side (5) and said fourth side (9) respectively situated between the branches (35, 37 and 39, 41) of said first group (31) and said second group (33) of deformation folding lines are folded toward the interior of said packaging (E) when it is in said second storage configuration.
7. Packaging (E) according to either claim 5 or claim 6, characterized in that said second flap (25) and said fourth flap (29) are folded in two about said stems (51 and 53) when said packaging (E) is in said second storage configuration.
8. Packaging (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a third flap (27) articulated to said third edge (15).
9. Packaging (E) according to claim 8, characterized in that said third flap (27) is wedged between said first flap (23) and said third side (7) when said packaging (E) is in said second storage configuration.
10. Packaging (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises second locking means (55, 57) for holding said packaging (E) in said first storage position.
11. Packaging (E) according to claim 10 when dependent on claim 8, characterized in that said second locking means (55, 57) comprise a tongue (55) formed in said first flap (23) and a first slot (57) formed in said third flap (27) adapted to receive said tongue (55).
12. Blank (2) formed in a semi-rigid material such as cardboard and adapted to form a packaging (E) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

    a first rectangular panel (3), a second rectangular panel (5), a third rectangular panel (7), and a fourth rectangular panel (9) in succession in the above order, connected to each other by a first vertical folding line (43), a second vertical folding line (45), and a third vertical folding line (47),

    a gluing lug (72) connected to the fourth panel (9) by a fourth vertical folding line (49),

    a first flap (23), a second flap (25), a third flap (27), and a fourth flap (29) that are independent of each other and respectively connected to said first panel (3), to said second panel (5), to said third panel (7) and to said fourth panel (9) by a first horizontal folding line (11), a second horizontal folding line (13), a third horizontal folding line (15), and a fourth horizontal folding line (17),

    a fifth flap (61), a sixth flap (63), a seventh flap (65), and an eighth flap (67) respectively connected to the first panel (3), to the second panel (5), to the third panel (7), and to the fourth panel (9) opposite said first flap (23), said second flap (25), said third flap (27), and said fourth flap (29) by a fifth horizontal folding line (81), a sixth horizontal folding line (83), a seventh horizontal folding line (85), and an eighth horizontal folding line (87), and

    a first group (31) and a second group (33) of deformation folding lines formed on the second panel (5) and on the fourth panel (9) and on the second flap (25) and on the fourth flap (29), defining substantially inverted Y-shapes whose branches (35, 37 and 39, 41) respectively extend substantially from the middles of the second horizontal folding line (13) and the fourth horizontal folding line (17) as far as the first vertical folding line (43) and the second vertical folding line (45), on the one hand, and the third vertical folding line (47) and the fourth vertical folding line (49), on the other hand, and whose stems (51 and 53) lie in substantially median areas of the second flap (25) and the fourth flap (29),

       characterized in that said first flap (23) comprises a tongue (55) and in that said third panel (7) comprises a first slot (59) adapted to receive said tongue (55).
13. Blank according to claim 12, characterized in that said third flap (27) comprises a second slot (57) adapted to receive said tongue (55).
14. Blank (2) according to either claim 12 or claim 13, characterized in that said first group (31) and said second group (33) of deformation folding lines are formed by scoring, rows of perforation or other type of internal or external marking of said blank (2).

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