WO2016042477A1

WO2016042477A1 - Package for bottles

Info

Publication number: WO2016042477A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/057086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cristiano Roberto MOLTENI
Original assignee: Molteni Cristiano Roberto
Priority date: 2014-09-17
Filing date: 2015-09-15
Publication date: 2016-03-24

Abstract

A package for bottles, suitable for containing at least one bottle, comprising a body (3) comprising in turn two side elements (4) and at least one transversal element (5), the transversal element (5) being suitable for supporting an end of at least one bottle (2); and connection means (6) for connecting the transversal element (5) to the two side elements (4). The transversal element (5) is spaced away from the lower or upper edge of the side elements (4) so as to form end portions (7) that project from the transversal element (5) outwardly from the package (1); and the transversal element (5) is suitable for operating as an accommodation and support seat for the end of the bottle (2), the seat being suitable for supporting in use the bottle (2) at a distance from the side elements (4) and from the edges of the transversal element (5).

Description

PACKAGE FOR BOTTLES

The present invention refers to a package for bottles according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1.

More specifically, said invention refers to a package capable of protecting bottles during their transportation, as well as a die-cut blank for its implementation.

At present bottles, in particular wine bottles, are shipped with protective packages made of polystyrene or by inserting inside the boxes containing them a natural filling material (for instance, straw or chips) or a polystyrene-scrap-based material, so as to protect bottles from any shocks during their transportation.

These types of package feature a number of drawbacks: in particular they need several manual operations in order to be prepared for being shipped to customers.

Another problem affecting the known packages for bottles consist in their considerable space occupation as necessary to create a space internally thereto for containing the filling material.

Also, the packing material is in most cases of a non- recyclable type, hence potentially polluting, with the consequent difficulties for users in disposing it.

Packages for bottles of a traditional type are also known, not suitable for transporting and shipping bottles, which are implemented by means of a properly folded and glued cardboard box. However, in this case the small thickness of the cardboard walls of the package does not allow a safe transportation thereof: as a matter of fact, this package consists of a cardboard box in which bottles are simply inserted, spaced from each other by appropriate honeycomb-like structures, also made of cardboard.

Therefore, bottles are not effectively protected from possible shocks, because these kinds of packages are usually used for industrial shippings only by means of dedicated vehicles; such packages are not conceived to protect bottles from shocks, and specifically from those shocks which take place during transportation, for instance by courier or by mail. As a matter of fact a shock received by such type of package almost unavoidably leads to a breakage of the bottles themselves which are separated from the external environment by a thin cardboard wall only.

A purpose of the present invention is therefore to provide a package for bottles that is capable of providing a protection to bottles from shocks or falls during a transportation obtained by any way, or during a storage.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a package for bottles that warranties their protection without the help of any filling material.

A further purpose of the invention is to provide a package for bottles that is easy to manufacture and dispose .

These purposes and others are achieved by implementing a package for bottles manufactured according to the technical teachings of the attached claims.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the package for bottles, illustrated for explanatory hence not limitative purposes in the attached drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a package for bottles according to the present invention;

figure 2 is a top view of a die-cut blank to implement the package according to figure 1, in a laid-out condition; figures 3-6 are perspective views of the die-cut blank of figure 2 represented in subsequent assembling steps.

With reference to the mentioned figures, they show a package 1 capable of containing at least one bottle 2. The package 1 features a body 3 which comprises in turn at least one longitudinal element 4, 9 and at least one element 5 transversal to the longitudinal element 4, 9. Note that the preferred embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the figures, comprises two transversal elements 5, but one transversal element 5 is sufficient to implement the present invention. Such transversal element 5 is suitable for supporting an end of at least one bottle 2.

Connections means 6, 56 are also provided to connect the transversal element 5 to the side element 4, 9.

Let's point out that the package according to the invention is obtained from one single foldable body 3, as it will be better described below.

According to the invention, the transversal element 5 is suitable for operating as an accommodation and support seat for the end of the bottle 2, the seat being suitable for supporting, in use, the bottle 2 at a distance from the longitudinal element 4, 9 and from the edges of the transversal element 5.

Still according to the invention, the transversal element comprises a first panel 51 facing, in use, outwardly from the body 3 and featuring a support surface for a respective end of the bottle 2, an intermediate panel 52 connected to the first panel 51, and a third panel 53 facing, in use, towards an internal space 8 of the package 1, wherein the internal space 8 is formed by the longitudinal element 4, 9 and by the transversal element 5. The third panel 53 includes a through opening 54 having such shape and dimension as to accommodate a respective end of the bottle 2 in a stable manner.

Let's point out that conveniently is the first panel 51 solid, i.e. it is not provided with any through-opening to make it possible for an end of the bottle 2 to pass through .

Still according to the invention, the first panel 51 and the third panel 53 are arranged substantially parallel to each other and spaced away from each other by the intermediate panel 52. In this way, the thickness of the terminal element 5 is determined by the intermediate panel 52, or more exactly by its dimension taken between the first panel 51 and the third panel 53.

The package 1 also comprises end members 7, 58 which project from the transversal element 5 outwardly from the internal space 8 so as to create a spacing space at the end of the package 1, externally to the transversal element 5, i.e. outside the first panel 51.

More specifically, the end members 7, 58 project from the first panel 51 in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, and the spacing space is delimited by the first panel 51 and by the end members 7, 58.

Let's point out that the end members 7, 58 protect the bottle 2 from the shocks that take place parallel to the axis of the bottle 2, whereas the positioning of the bottle 2 at a distance from the side edges of the transversal elements 5 makes it possible to protect the bottle 2 from shocks radial to their own axis.

A preferred embodiment of the package 1 is shown for explanatory purposes in figure 1 in a condition of use and containing a bottle 2. In the example here illustrated the bottle 2 shown is a glass wine bottle, but it is possible to provide the package 1 for other types of bottles 2 indeed, even made from other materials (for instance plastic) and featuring any shapes and dimensions.

It is also to be noted that the package 1 illustrated in figure 1 encloses one single bottle 2, but it is possible to provide a package 1 enclosing two or more bottles 2, according to the actual requirements.

In the example here illustrated the body 3 includes two transversal elements 5 as well as two side elements 4 as longitudinal elements, and one central element 9 arranged in use between the side elements 4 and the transversal elements 5. The side longitudinal elements 4, the central longitudinal element 9, and the transversal elements 5 concur to form the internal space 8 holding the bottle 2 within the body 3.

As shown in figure 1, the transversal elements 5 are spaced away from the lower or upper edge of the side elements 4 so as to form end portions 7 that project from the transversal element 5 outwardly from the package 1. In the preferred embodiment, both side elements 5 are spaced away from the upper and lower edges of the side elements 4, so as to form four end portions 7. However, it is sufficient, in order to protect a bottle from shocks, that at least one of the transversal elements 5 be spaced away from the lower or upper edge of the side elements 4.

In this event, it is preferable that it is the lower transversal element 5, i.e. the transversal element 5 receiving the usual bottom or lower end of the bottle 2, that is spaced away from the lower edge of the side elements 4, whereas the upper transversal element 5, i.e. the transversal element 5 receiving the neck of the bottle 2, can be flush with the upper edges of the side elements 4. As a matter of fact in the standard position, shown in figure 1, the bottom of the bottle 2 leans on the lower transversal element 5 (more specifically on the first panel 51 of the lower transversal element 5), hence it is more exposed to shocks than the neck of the bottle 2.

Such end portions 7 are comprised in the end elements 7, 58 indeed, which define, together with the first panel 51, the spacing spaces.

The package 1 is obtained from a foldable material (for instance cardboard) and from one die-cut blank or foldable body. It is particularly advantageous that the body 3 comprise at least the central element 9 arranged in use between the side elements 4 and the transversal elements 5, so as to close a third side of the internal space 8 (figure 1) . As already said, the central element 9, the side elements 4, and the transversal element 5 form one body .

The package being in a position of use, the opening 54 is far away from the first panel 51 (which is solid and not perforated) . In this event it is obvious that after being inserted into the opening 54, the end of the bottle 2, or better its bottom, leans on the first panel 51. The opening 54 is preferably provided with a set of foldable fins 55 which make interference with the (lower or upper) end of the bottle 2 inserted therein, thus imparting a greater stability to the bottle 2 itself.

Preferably are these openings 54 centered in the third panel 53.

Advantageously are the openings 54 coaxial, so as to hold the axis of the bottle 2 substantially parallel to the side elements 4, to the advantage of a greater stability.

It is particularly advantageous to have the first panel 51 connected to a respective end of the central element 9 and the third panel 53 connected to an intermediate zone of the same central element 9 as better described below. Such intermediate zone is more or less spaced away from the end that the first panel 51 is connected to, depending on the dimensions of the intermediate panel 52.

In the example here illustrated, the connection means 6, to connect each of the transversal elements 5 to the two side elements 4 upon assembling the package 1, comprise flaps 6 which are connected to the transversal elements 5 via an intermediate connection element 60 and are inserted into corresponding seats 61 cut in the side elements 4, in order for them to be subsequently folded so as to engage the side elements 4.

However it is possible to provide other types of connection means 6, for instance glue or staples, provided they are suitable for implementing a stable connection of the transversal element 5 to the two side elements 4.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as already said, the package 1 is obtained from one single die-cut blank 10, as illustrated in figures 2 thru 6. Such die-cut blank 10 is made from one single material indeed.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the die-cut blank 10 is made from a recyclable material, for instance cardboard. However, it is possible to use a different material provided it is suitable for warranting an acceptable stiffness to the package 1, even if not recyclable (for instance plastic) .

As shown in figure 2, which illustrates the die-cut blank 10 in a laid-out configuration, it features a central element 9 which the side elements 4 are connected to via their respective side creasings 11, and the transversal elements 5 are connected via their respective end creasings 12.

As already mentioned before, each transversal element 5 is connected to the central element 9 through its first panel 51. The intermediate panel 52 is connected to the first panel 51 through a first intermediate creasing 13 and to the third panel 53 through a second intermediate creasing 14.

The third panel 53 is provided with a connection member 56 to connect to the central element 9. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, such connection member 56 consists of a tang. It goes without saying that the connection member 56 can be of any type suitable for implementing a stable connection of the third panel 53 to the central element 9.

Such connection member or tang 56 is foldably connected to an edge of the third panel 53, for instance via an appropriate creasing 15. The tang 56 is suitable for being connected to an intermediate zone of the central element 9 preferably by gluing, but possibly even by other connection modes, for instance using mechanical bonding members like staples. Gluing is preferred because it allows to get a package 1 made of only one material.

The third panel 53 might also be provided with side tangs 57 suitable for being folded in such a way as to be arranged in use between the first panel 51 and the third panel 53. For this purpose, the width of the side tangs 57 shall not exceed the width of the second panel 52 indeed. Such side tangs 57 are connected to the third panel 53 through their respective side creasings 16.

Advantageously can the first panel 51 of the transversal element 5 spaced away from the lower or upper edge of the side elements 4 be provided with end side tangs 58, connected thereto via their respective side creasings 17. Such end side tangs 58 are suitable for being folded outwardly from the internal space 8 of the package 1, so as to lean against the end portions 7 of the side elements 4 (see in particular figures 4, 5, and 6) . Therefore the width of the end side tangs 58 is conveniently substantially equal to the width of the end portions 7.

Similarly to what said about the end portions 7, also the end side tangs 58 are included in the end elements 7, 58 which concur to delimit, together with the first panel 51 of the transversal elements 5, the spacing spaces.

In the examples here illustrated, the connection means 6 are connected, via their respective intermediate connection elements 60, to the intermediate panel 52 via their respective creasings 18.

The flaps 6 here illustrated include a central portion 6a and two side portions 6b foldably connected to the central portion 6a, which is in turn foldably connected to a free end of the intermediate connection elements 60. The central portion 6a, the side portions 6b being folded, is suitable for being inserted into a through opening 61a of its corresponding seat 61, cut in a respective side element 4. After inserting the flaps 6 through their respective through openings 61a, the side portions 6b are preferably made free to assume a position whatsoever, provided they abut the inner surface of the side element 4. In the example illustrated in figure 1 the side elements 6b are oriented perpendicularly to the central portion 6a, but it is obviously possible to have an orientation whatsoever wherein the side portions 6b abut the side element 4.

The seats 61 feature such a shape as to make it possible the passage of the central portion 6a and of the folded side portions 6b substantially perpendicularly to the central portion 6a. In the example here illustrated the seats 61 feature a substantially squared shape, and include a foldable closing element 61b to make it possible the passage of the central portion 6a of the connection means 6, the side portions 6b being folded.

Note that the closing element 61b is preferably foldably connected to that side of the seat 61 which is parallel to the transversal element 5 and oriented towards the internal space 8. Also note that the closing element 61b features a length less than that of the seat 61 so as to leave a part of the seat 61 free for accommodating, in use, a portion of the intermediate connection element 60, as shown in figure 1.

The seats 61 can have any shape indeed, provided they allow the passage of the connection means 6, and the closing element 61b can be omitted.

Preferably are the intermediate connection elements 60 folded at their creasings 18, in order for them to lean against the outer surface (with respect to the space 8) of the side elements 4, as shown in figures 1 and 6. In this case the flaps 6 are inserted towards the internal space 8, to the advantage of a greater compactness of the package 1.

For this purpose it is appropriate to cut recesses 62 along the free edge of the side elements 4 so as to accommodate in use the side ends of the intermediate panel 52 (see figures 1 and 5) thus facilitating the folding of the intermediate connection elements 60.

Alternatively, the intermediate connection elements 60 can be folded in such a way as to lean against the inner surface (with respect to the space 8) of the side elements 4. In this event the recesses 62 are unnecessary.

Finally in the example here illustrated, the end portions 7 of the side elements 4 include a plurality of indentations 70 featuring a substantially triangular shape, aiming at imparting a greater stiffness to the end portions 7 themselves. Obviously, these indentations 70 can have any appropriate shapes, or can even be omitted.

The operation of the invention is apparent for one skilled in this sector from what described here above and is specifically the following.

First of all, a laid-out die-cut blank 10 is provided and is then folded to get the package 1.

More specifically, in a first operating step the first creasings 13 between the first panel 51 and the intermediate panel 52 of each terminal element 5 are folded, as shown in figure 3. At this point the connection members 56, i.e. the tangs, are connected to the central element 9, preferably by gluing.

Let's point out that the die-cut blank 10, even though thus partially folded and glued, is particularly suitable for being sold, i.e. it can be sent to the point of sales of the bottles where its assembling will subsequently be completed .

Then the transversal elements 5 are lifted, simultaneously folding the end creasings 12, between the central element 9 and the first panels 51, the first and second intermediate creasings 13, 14 of the intermediate panel 52 and the creasings 15 between the third panels 53 and the connection members 56. Subsequently the side tangs 57 of the third panels 53, if any, are folded towards the first panels 51, and the end side tangs 58, if any, are folded outwardly from the package 1, as shown in figure 4.

Then the side elements 4 are folded in such a way as to form the internal space (figure 5) . If recesses 62 are provided, then the side edges of the intermediate panels 52 are accommodated therein.

Finally, the intermediate connection elements 60 are folded and the flaps 6, each with its own central portion 6a folded with respect to its respective intermediate connection element 60 and the side portions 6b folded with respect to the central portion 6a, are made pass through their respective seats 61 cut in the side elements 4 (figure 6), and set to conditions of use, i.e. with the side portions 6b that abut the inner surface of the side elements 4.

Let's point out that for the invention's requirements, it is sufficient that the body 3 of the package 1 comprise the central element 9 only as a longitudinal element 4, 9. In this event the third panel 53 of the at least one transversal element 5 is connected to the central longitudinal element 9 via the tang 56 so as to hold the transversal element 5 in a position of use whereby the first panel 51 and the third panel 53 are parallel to each other. In this embodiment, the end elements 7, 58 are defined by the end side tangs 58 of the transversal element 5. This embodiment provided with two transversal element 5 is particularly advantageous.

Alternatively it is also possible to have the body 3 of the package 1 provided with the side longitudinal elements 4 only. In this event, the connection members of the transversal element 5 comprise the previously described flaps 6. In this embodiment it is possible not to have the end tangs 58 of the transversal elements present at all. The end elements would be defined by the end portions 7 of the side longitudinal elements 4.

The scope of the invention also comprises a die-cut blank of a type comprising a central element 9; two side elements 4 connected to the central element 9; a transversal element 5 connected to the central element 9 and suitable for forming a support seat for accommodating and supporting an end of the bottle 2; connection means 6 suitable for connecting the transversal element 5 to the two side elements 4; wherein the side elements 4 feature an extension greater than the central element 9 so as to form end portions 7 that project with respect to the central element 9; and wherein the transversal element 5 is suitable for supporting the at least one bottle 2 at a distance from the side elements 4 and from the edges of the transversal element 5 itself, in particular of the previously described type.

The scope of the invention also comprises a die-cut blank of said type, wherein the transversal element 5 comprises a first panel 51 connected to the central element 9 via an end creasing 12; an intermediate panel 52 connected to the first panel 51 via a first intermediate creasing 13; a third panel 53 connected to the intermediate panel 52 via a second intermediate creasing 14, and provided with a connection member 56 to connect to the central element 9; wherein only the first intermediate creasing 13 is folded and the connection member 56 of the transversal element 5 is connected to the central element 9.

A variety of embodiments of the invention have been described. However, others can be obtained by one skilled in the sector in the light of the previous description so as to fall into the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A package for bottles, suitable for containing at least one bottle, comprising:

a body (3) comprising in turn at least one longitudinal element (4, 9) and at least one transversal element (5), said transversal element (5) being suitable for supporting an end of said at least one bottle (2) ;

connection means (6, 56) for connecting said transversal element (5) to said longitudinal element (4, 9) ;

said package being obtained from a single foldable body (3) ;

characterized in that said transversal element (5) is suitable for operating as an accommodation and support seat for said end of the bottle 2, said seat being suitable for supporting in use said bottle (2) at a distance from said longitudinal element (4, 9) and from the edges of said transversal element (5); and

in that said transversal element (5) comprises a first panel (51) facing in use outwardly from said body (3) and featuring a support surface for a respective end of said bottle (2), an intermediate panel (52) connected to said first panel (51) , and a third panel (53) facing in use towards an internal space (8) of said package (1), said internal space (8) being formed by said longitudinal element (4, 9) and by said transversal element (5), said third panel (53) being provided with a through opening (54) having such shape and dimension as to accommodate a respective end of said bottle (2) in a stable manner; wherein said first panel (51) and said third panel (53) are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and spaced away from each other by said intermediate panel (52); and wherein said package (1) comprises end members (7, 58) that project from said transversal element (5) outwardly from said internal space (8) so as to create a spacing space at the end of said package, externally to said transversal element (5) .

2. A package according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a second transversal element (5) suitable for operating as a seat for a further portion of said bottle (2) .

3. A package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said through opening (54) is centered in the third panel (53) .

4. A package according to any of claims 1 thru 3, characterized in that it comprises two side longitudinal elements (4), wherein the transversal element (5) is spaced away from the lower or upper edge of said side longitudinal elements (4) so as to form end portions (7) that project from said transversal element (5) outwardly from the package (1), the end members comprising said end portions (7) .

5. A package according to claim 4, characterized in that it also comprises a central longitudinal element (9) arranged between the side elements (4) and the transversal element (5) .

6. A package according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said connection means (6) comprise a flap, an intermediate connection element (60) which connects said flap (6) to a respective transversal element (5), and a seat (61) for inserting a corresponding flat (6) respectively, said seat being cut in a respective side element (4) .

7. A package according to claim 6, characterized in that said flap (6) includes a central portion (6a) suitable for being inserted into a through opening (61a) of its corresponding seat (61), and two side portions (6b) foldably connected to said central portion (6a) .

8. A package according to any of claims 1 thru 3, characterized in that it comprises a central longitudinal element (9), wherein the first panel (51) of the transversal element (5) is provided with end side tangs

(58) suitable for being folded outwardly from the internal space (8), the end members including said end side tangs

(58) .

9. A package according to claim 8, characterized in that said first panel (51) is connected to an end of the central longitudinal element (9), and said third panel (53) is connected to an intermediate zone of said central element (9) .

10. A package according to claim 9, characterized in that the connection means (56) comprise a connection member (56) foldably connected to an edge of the third panel (53), and connected in use to said intermediate zone of said central element (9) by gluing.

11. A package according to any of claims 1 thru 3, characterized in that it comprises two side longitudinal elements (4) and a central longitudinal element (9) arranged between said side elements (4) and the transversal element (5), wherein the transversal element (5) is spaced away from the lower or upper edge of said side longitudinal elements (4) so as to form end portions (7) that project from said transversal element (5) outwardly from the package (1), the end members comprising said end portions (7) .

12. A package according to claim 11, characterized in that the first panel (51) is connected to an end of said central element (9), and said third panel (53) is connected to an intermediate zone of said central longitudinal element (9) .

13. A package according to claim 12, characterized in that said third panel (53) is provided with a connection member (56) connected in use to said intermediate zone of said central longitudinal element (9) by gluing.