PACKAGING COMPRISING A TRAY, A SLEEVE AND A TAMPER-PROOF ELEMENT FOR THE PACKAGING

Disclosed is a packaging item including a tray and a sleeve inside which the tray is slidably mounted in a longitudinal direction. The packaging further includes at least one tamper-proof element of the packaging, such tamper-proof element including a first section integral with the tray, and a second section linked by at least one line of weakness to the sleeve. The or each line of weakness opens into a longitudinal end edge of the sleeve.

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Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a packaging of the type comprising a tray and a sleeve inside which the tray is mounted to slide in a longitudinal direction, wherein the packaging further comprises at least one tamper-proof element for the packaging, wherein the tamper-proof element comprises:

    • a first section that integral with the tray, and
    • a second section linked to the sleeve by at least one line of weakness.

The invention also relates to a blank for forming such a packaging.

The invention applies more particularly to the packaging of individual portions of packaged food products, for example and without limitation:

    • portions of dairy products such as cheese without limitation, products including a cheese base and/or dairy base,
    • portions of dairy substitute products,
    • portions of composite products comprising at least one dairy base and at least one other non-dairy base, for example a cereal base,
    • portions of food products based on vegetable matter,
    • portions of confectionery or chocolate products,
    • portions of culinary aid products such as broth cubes or derivatives.

The products contained in packaging formed by a tray that is slidably mounted in a sleeve, are commonly subject to theft, especially from supermarket shelves, since these packaging may be opened and closed simply by sliding the tray out of the sleeve and then sliding it back again into the sleeve.

Description of the Related Art

To remedy this, packaging with a tamper-proof element are known.

Thus, for example, a packaging is known from EP 1 652 781, wherein it comprises a tray and a tubular sleeve provided with a tamper-proof element. The tray is provided with an end closure structure. A detachable part of the sleeve interacts with the end closure structure to prevent access to the tray when the packaging is intact.

However, such packaging requires the design of a complex and expensive tray, as well as the use of a large amount of raw materials. This kind of packaging is also more bulky than a packaging without a tamper-proof element.

EP 1 637 460 and US 2009/0261155 also describe packaging comprising a tray and a tubular sleeve inside which the tray is slides, wherein each packaging comprises a tamper-proof element.

In EP 1 637 460, the tamper-proof element consists of a tear strip formed integrally with the tray and folded over the sleeve. To open the packaging, a user must tear off the strip, then grip the tray and remove it from the sleeve.

In US 2009/0261155, the tamper-proof element is formed by two tongues each formed integrally with the tray and the sleeve, then folded down and glued on the sleeve. To open the packaging, the user must peel the tabs from the sleeve, tear them from the packaging, then grip the tray and remove it from the sleeve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of this invention is to facilitate the opening of the packaging and the removal of the tray from the sleeve. Another objective is to limit the quantity of raw materials used, as well as the cost of packaging.

To this end, the object of the invention is a packaging of the aforementioned type, in which the, or each, line of weakness opens into a longitudinal end edge of the sleeve.

According to particular embodiments of the invention, the packaging also has one or more of the following characteristics, taken alone or according to any technically feasible combination(s):

    • the sleeve comprises a bottom, a top, and two side walls connecting the bottom to the top, wherein the sleeve has at least one notch formed in the top, the bottom, or at least one of the two side walls of the sleeve;
    • the second section of the tamper-proof element is housed in the notch, or one of the notches;
    • the notch includes a first region occupied by the tamper-proof element and a second region that is left free;
    • the tray comprises a front end panel in the longitudinal direction, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element is integral with said front end panel;
    • the first section of the tamper-proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness;
    • the first section of the tamper-proof element has a T shape, a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape;
    • the tamper-proof element is formed integrally with the sleeve and is folded down on the tray;
    • the tamper-proof element is formed integrally with the tray and is folded over the sleeve.

The invention also relates to a blank to form such a packaging.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the description which follows, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are top views of respectively a first part and a second part of a blank presented flat to form a packaging according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, front and bottom, of a packaging formed from the blank of FIGS. 1 and 2, the packaging being closed,

FIG. 4 is a similar view to that of FIG. 3, the packaging being partially open,

FIGS. 5 and 6 are top views of respectively a first part and a second part of a blank presented flat to form a packaging according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, from the front and from above, of a packaging formed with the blank of FIGS. 5 and 6, the packaging being closed, and

FIG. 8 is a view similar to that of FIG. 7, the packaging being partially open,

FIGS. 9 and 10 are top views of respectively a first part and a second part of a blank presented flat to form a packaging according to a third embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 11 is a perspective view, from the front and from above, of a packaging formed with the blank of FIGS. 9 and 10, the packaging being closed, and

FIG. 12 is a view similar to that of FIG. 11, the packaging being partially open.

 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The blank 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended to constitute the packaging 200 of FIGS. 3 and 4. For this purpose, the blank 10 comprises a first part 12, shown in FIG. 1, specially intended to constitute a tray 14 (FIG. 3) of the packaging 200, and a second part 16 shown in FIG. 2, and specially intended for the constitution of a tubular sleeve 18 (FIG. 3) of the packaging 200.

Here, and in what follows, the terms “tube” and “tubular” are to be understood according to all their possible meanings and are not limited to the cylindrical form of revolution. Thus, once formed, the sleeve 18 has a cross-section of any technically feasible shape. Preferably, the sleeve 18 has a cross-section of rectangular shape.

The blank 10′ of FIGS. 5 and 6 is intended to constitute the packaging 200′ of FIGS. 7 and 8. For this purpose, the blank 10′ comprises a first part 12′, shown in FIG. 5, specially intended to constitute a tray 14′ (FIG. 7) of the packaging 200′, and a second part 16′ shown in FIG. 6 specially intended to constitute a tubular sleeve 18′ (FIG. 7) of the packaging 200.

The first parts 12, 12′ of the blanks 10 and 10′ are identical. Thus, the description of the first part 12 of the blank 10, given here with reference to FIG. 1, is also applicable to the first part 12′ of the blank 10′.

The first part 12 is elongated in a first longitudinal direction L1.

Preferably, the first part 12 is mainly composed of cardboard. According to another embodiment, the first part is mainly composed of rigid plastic.

The first part 12 advantageously has a total thickness of between 100 and 2500 microns when it is unfolded, preferably between 200 and 800 microns.

The first part 12 comprises a main region 20 and two end regions 22 arranged on either side of the main region 20 in the longitudinal direction L1.

The main region 20 typically has a generally rectangular shape.

The main region 20 comprises three panels 24, 26, 28 side by side, a central panel 24 and two side panels 26, 28 arranged on either side of the central panel 24 in a first transverse direction T1 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1.

The three panels 24, 26, 28 are interconnected by longitudinal fold lines 30, 32, extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L1.

The central panel 24 is intended to form a base 34 (FIG. 4) of the tray 14, and the two side panels 26, 28 are intended to form two lateral walls 56, 58 (FIG. 4) opposite to the tray 14.

Preferably, the two side panels 26, 28 are of substantially identical shape and size.

The end regions 22 are connected to the main region 20 by transverse fold lines 40, 41 extending in the transverse direction T1.

Preferably, the end regions 22 are, as shown, symmetrical with respect to each other relative to a median transverse plane (not shown) of the first part 12.

Typically, each end region 22 comprises an end closure flap 42 and two longitudinal flaps 44 placed on either side of the end closure flap 42 in the transverse direction T1. The end closure flap 22 is connected to the main region 20 by a first transverse fold line 40, and each of the longitudinal flaps 44 is connected by a second transverse fold line 41 to a respective side panel 26, 28.

The end closure flap 42 comprises two panels 46, 48 side by side in the longitudinal direction L1. Subsequently, the panel 46 connected to the main region 20 is called the proximal panel 46, while the other panel 48 is called the distal panel 48.

The distal panel 48 and the proximal panel 46 are connected by a fold line 50 extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction T1.

The distal panel 48 and the proximal panel 46 have substantially identical dimensions so that they can be folded over one another.

Preferably, the distal panel 48 comprises two locking teeth 52 intended to engage in slots 54 formed in the fold line 40 between the end closure flap 42 and the central panel 24 of the main region 20.

To assemble the tray 14 of FIGS. 3 and 4 or the tray 14′ of FIGS. 7 and 8, the flaps 44 are first raised in an elevation direction (not shown), perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L1 and the transverse direction T1, along fold lines 41.

The side panels 26, 28 of the main region 20 are then raised in the direction of elevation and along the fold lines 30, 32, to form the side walls 56, 58 of the tray 14. In so doing, the flaps 44 tilt into a position where they are oriented transversely.

The end closure flaps 42 are then raised in the direction of elevation following the fold lines 40, so that the proximal panel 46 of each flap 42 comes into contact with the flaps 44.

Finally, the distal panel 48 of each end closure flap 42 is folded over the associated proximal panel 46 at the fold line 50, wherein the locking teeth 52 are engaged in the corresponding slots 54. In so doing, the flaps 44 are trapped between the distal panel 48 and the side panel 46 of each end closure flap 42, which allows the side walls 56, 58 to be locked in the upright position.

The trays 14, 14′ are therefore simple to assemble.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 6, the second parts 16, 16′ of the blanks 10 and 10′ are each elongated in a second longitudinal direction L2.

Preferably, the said second parts 16, 16′ are mainly made of cardboard. According to another embodiment, the second part 16, 16′ is mainly made of rigid plastic.

Each second part 16, 16′ advantageously has a total thickness of between 100 and 2500 microns when it is unfolded, preferably between 200 and 800 microns.

Each second part 16, 16′ comprises a main region 80 and a tongue 82 forming a tamper-proof element connected to the main region 80.

The main region 80 comprises four panels 84, 86, 88, 90 and a terminal connecting strip 92 arranged side by side. The four panels 84, 86, 88, 90 and the terminal connecting strip 92 are interconnected by fold lines 94, 96, 98, 100 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L2.

The four panels 90, 86, 84, 88 are intended to respectively form a bottom 102 (FIGS. 3 and 8), a top 104 (FIGS. 3 and 8) opposite the bottom 102, and two side walls 106, 108 (FIGS. 3 and 8) connecting the bottom 102 to the top 104 of the sleeve 18 18′. As a variant, the panel 86 is intended to form the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, 18′, and the panel 90 is intended to form the top 104.

According to the example shown, the panels 86, 90 intended to form the top 104 and the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, have substantially identical dimensions.

According to the example shown, the panels 84, 88 intended to form the two side walls 106, 108 have substantially identical dimensions.

In the present description, the bottom 102 and the top 104 of the sleeve 18 are defined with respect to the tray 14 when it is inserted into the sleeve 18, the base 34 of the tray 14 facing the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, and the open part of the tray 14 facing the top 104 of the sleeve 18.

The panels 84, 86, 88, 90 are so dimensioned that, once assembled, the tray 14 can be slidably mounted in the sleeve 18.

The main region 80 comprises a first longitudinal end edge 109a said front longitudinal end edge 109a, and a second longitudinal end edge said rear longitudinal end edge 109b, opposite the front longitudinal end edge 109a.

The tongue 82 is attached to the main region 80. Preferably, the tongue 82 is formed integrally with said main region 80.

The tongue 82 comprises a first free section 110 and a second section 112 linked to the main region 80. In particular, the first section 110 and the second section 112 are juxtaposed with one another in a first direction of the tongue 82, and each extend over the entire width of the tongue 82 in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

In the particular case of the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the first section 110 has a T shape. In the particular case of the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the first section 110 has a rectangular shape. As a variant, the first section 110 has another shape, for example a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape.

The second section 112 has a first end 114 linked to the first section 110, and a second free end 116 known as the gripping end 116, opposite the first end 114.

In the particular case of the first embodiment, shown in FIG. 2, the second section 112 of the tongue 82 is linked to the first section 110 by a fold line 118 extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction T2 along the first end 114.

In the particular case of the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the first section 110 is connected to the second section 112 of the tongue 82 by a line of weakness 118′ extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction T2 along the first end 114. Said line of weakness 118′ is typically formed by a pre-cut in the cardboard forming the second part 16′.

The second section 112 is linked to the main region by at least one line of weakness 120. These lines of weakness 120 are typically formed by pre-cuts in the cardboard forming the second part 16, 16′.

According to the invention, the or each line of weakness 120 opens into one of the longitudinal end edges 109a, 109b of the main region 80, typically into the front longitudinal end edge 109a. In particular, the or each line of weakness 120 extends longitudinally from the gripping end 116 of the second section 112 to said longitudinal end edge 109a, 109b into which it opens.

Thus, the exercise of a force on the gripping end 116 of the second section 112 of the tongue 82 with a strength that is great enough to break the or each line of weakness 120, and the direction of which comprises a longitudinal component, causes the rupture of the or each line of weakness 120.

In the particular case of the first embodiment, represented in FIG. 2, the lines of weakness 120 are two in number, each opening into the front longitudinal end edge 109a, and substantially forming the two branches of a V, whose tip is formed by the gripping end 116.

In the particular case of the second embodiment, shown in FIG. 6, the lines of weakness 120 are two in number, each opening into the front longitudinal end edge 109a and being substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L2. The second section 112 of the tongue 82 then has a substantially rectangular shape.

Preferably, the second parts 16, 16′ of the blanks 10 and 10′ have at least one notch 122 formed in one of the panels 84, 86, 88, 90 of the main region 80, said notch 122 opening into one of the longitudinal end edges 109a, 109b of the main region 80, typically into the front longitudinal end edge 109a. In the present description, the term “notch” designates a small nick or a cutout.

The second section 112 of the tongue 82, more particularly the gripping end 116 of this second section 112, is housed in said notch 122 or in one of said notches 122.

Preferably, the notch 122 comprises a first region 124 occupied by the tongue and a second region 126 that is left free.

The second region 126 that is left free thus leaves a fingernail passage allowing a user to easily grip the gripping end 116 of the tongue.

In the particular case of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the notch 122 is formed in the panel 90 that is intended to form the bottom of the sleeve 18, the second section 112 of the tongue being housed in said notch 122.

In the particular case of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the notch 122 is formed in one of the panels 84, 88 that is intended to form one of the side walls 106, 108 of the sleeve 18, the second section 112 of the tongue 82 being housed in said notch 122.

To assemble the sleeve 18 of FIGS. 3 and 4, the four panels 84, 86, 88, 90 of the second part 16 of the blank 10 are folded down along the fold lines 94, 96, 98 to form a tube.

The terminal connecting strip 92 is folded down along the fold line 100 which connects it to the main region 80. It is fixed, for example glued, to the adjacent side wall 106 of the sleeve 18 so as to laterally close the sleeve 18.

Thus, once the sleeve 18 has been assembled, the panel 90 of the second part 16 of the blank 10 constitutes the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, the panel 86 constitutes the top 104, and the panels 84 and 88 constitute the side walls 106 and 108. In addition, the front longitudinal end edge 109a of the second part 16 of the blank 10 constitutes a front longitudinal end edge of the sleeve 18, while the rear longitudinal end edge 109b constitutes a rear longitudinal end edge of the sleeve 18.

As a variant (not shown), the panel 86 constitutes the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, and the panel 90 constitutes the top 104.

The sleeve 18′ of FIGS. 7 and 8 is assembled in the same manner as described above for the blank 18, the second part 16′ of the blank 10′ being simply substituted for the second part 16 of the blank 10.

Thus, the assembly of the sleeves 18, 18′ is very simple and may be easily mechanized.

To form each of the packaging 200, 200′ of FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, 8, the tray, respectively 14, 14′, is first filled with a plurality of articles A (FIG. 8), then inserted into the corresponding sleeve, respectively 18, 18′, so as to place the base 34 of the tray 14, 14′ against the bottom 102 of the sleeve 18, 18′, and cause the longitudinal directions L1 and L2 to coincide, said longitudinal directions L1 and L2 forming a longitudinal direction L of the packaging 200, 200′.

The articles A are, for example, food products, in particular individual portions of packaged food products, for example and without limitation:

    • portions of dairy products such as cheese without limitation, products including a cheese base and/or dairy base,
    • portions of dairy substitute products,
    • portions of composite products comprising at least one dairy base and at least one other non-dairy base, for example a cereal base,
    • portions of food products based on vegetable matter,
    • portions of confectionery or chocolate products,
    • portions of culinary aid products such as broth cubes or derivatives.

The first section 110 of the tongue 82 is then made integral with the tray 14, 14′, in particular at one of the two end panels 60 of said tray 14, 14′, to seal the packaging 200 and form a tamper-proof element. Typically, the first section 110 of the tongue 82 is folded down and then glued to said end panel 60.

This panel 60 is called the front end panel 60 of the tray 14, 14′. It has a central zone 202 and two end zones 204, 206 arranged transversely on either side of the central zone 202.

Thus, in the example shown, when the packaging 200, 200′ is sealed, there is a non-zero and different angle of 180° between the first section 110 and the second section 112 of the tongue 82. Furthermore, the first section 110 belongs to a face of the packaging 200, 200′ that is different from the face of the packaging 200, 200′ to which the second section 112 belongs.

In the first embodiment, the first section 110 of the tongue 82 is made integral with the central zone 202 of the front end panel 60. In the second embodiment, the first section 110 of the tongue 82 is made integral with one of the end zones 204, 206 of the front end panel 60.

The packaging 200, 200′ thus formed have a substantially parallelepiped shape. To unseal these packaging 200, 200′, it suffices to grip the second section 112 of the tongue 82 by the gripping end 116 and to detach it from the sleeve 18, 18′ by breaking the or each line of weakness 120 by exerting a force on the gripping end 116 of the second section 112 of the tongue 82 with a strength that is great enough to break the or each line of weakness 120, and the direction of which comprises a longitudinal component causing the breaking of the or each line of weakness 120, the second section 112 remaining linked to the first section 110, while itself remains bonded to the tray 14, 14′.

The user can then slide the tray 14, 14′ in with a single longitudinal movement by pulling on the second section 112 of the tongue 82, while continuing to exert force on the gripping end 116.

It will be noted on this occasion that the particular T-shape of the first section 110 in the particular case of the first embodiment allows, in particular, better gripping of the tongue 82 on the tray 14 at the time of removal of the tray 14, by pulling on the tongue 82. As for the line of weakness 118′ specific to the second embodiment, it allows the second section 112 to be easily detached from the packaging 200 once the latter has been opened.

The packaging 200, 200′, once opened, may be closed again by sliding the tray, respectively 14, 14′, inside the sleeve, respectively 18, 18′.

For example, the packaging 200, 200′ is closed by exerting a force on the gripping end 116 of the second section 112 of the tongue 82 in the same direction and in a direction opposite to the force exerted during the opening of the packaging 200, 200′.

A blank 10″ according to a third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10.

The blank 10″ of FIGS. 9 and 10 is intended to constitute the packaging 200″ of FIGS. 11 and 12. For this purpose, the blank 10″ comprises a first part 12″, shown in FIG. 9, specially intended for to constitute a tray 14″ (FIG. 11) of the packaging 200″, and a second part 16″ shown in FIG. 10 that is specially intended to constitute a tubular sleeve 18″ (FIG. 11) of the packaging 200″.

The first part 12″ is elongated in a first longitudinal direction L″1.

Preferably, the first part 12″ is mainly composed of cardboard. According to another embodiment, the first part is mainly composed of rigid plastic.

The first part 12″ advantageously has a total thickness of between 100 and 2500 microns when it is unfolded, preferably between 200 and 800 microns.

The first part 12″ comprises a main region 210, two end regions 212, 214 arranged on either side of the main region 210 in the longitudinal direction L″1, and at least one tongue 215 connected to at least one of the two end regions 214.

The main region 210 comprises five panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 side by side, a central panel 216, and four side panels 218, 220, 222, 224 arranged on either side of the central panel 216 in a first transverse direction T″, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L″1.

The five panels 216, 218, 220, 222, 224 are interconnected by longitudinal fold lines 226, 228, 230, 232 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L″1.

The central panel 216 is intended to form the base 234 (FIG. 12) of the tray 14″, while the four side panels 218, 220, 222, 224 are intended to form the two opposite side walls 256, 258 (FIG. 12) of the tray 14″.

Subsequently, the panels 220, 222 connected to the main region 216 are called proximal side panels 220, 222, while the other side panels 218, 224 are called distal panels 218, 224.

Preferably, the proximal side panels 220, 222 are of substantially identical shape and size. Preferably, the distal side panels 218, 224 are also of substantially identical shape and size.

The two end regions 212, 214 are connected to the main region 210 by transverse fold lines 240a, 240b extending in the transverse direction T″1. According to this embodiment, there is a first end region 212 and a second end region 214. The first end region 212 is intended to constitute the rear end panel (not shown) of the tray 14′. The second end region 214 is intended to constitute the front end panel 261 of the tray 14″.

Typically, the first end region 212 is identical to one of the end regions 22 described above with regard to the first parts 12, 12′ of the blank 10, 10′.

Thus, the first end region 212 comprises a first end closure flap 242 and two longitudinal flaps 244 placed on either side of the first end closure flap 242 in the transverse direction T″1. The first end closure flap 242 is connected to the main region 210 by a first part 241 of a first transverse fold line 240a of the transverse fold lines 240a, 240b, and each of the longitudinal flaps 244 is connected by a second part 243 of the first transverse fold line 240a to a respective proximal side panel 220, 222.

The first end closure flap 242 comprises two panels 246, 248 side by side in the longitudinal direction L″1. Thereafter, the panel 246 connected to the main region 210 is called the proximal panel 246, while the other panel 248 is called the distal panel 248.

The distal panel 248 and the proximal panel 246 are connected by a fold line 250 extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction T″1.

The distal panel 248 and the proximal panel 246 have substantially identical dimensions so that they can be folded over one another.

Preferably, the distal panel 248 comprises two locking teeth 252 intended to engage in slots 254 formed in the first part 241 of the first transverse fold line 240a, between the first end closure flap 242 and the central panel 216 of the main region 210.

The second end region 214 comprises a second end closure flap 260, two transverse flaps 262 placed on either side of the second end closure flap 260 in the transverse direction T″1, and two tabs 215 connected to the second end closure flap 260. The second end closure flap 260 is connected to the main region 210 by the second transverse fold line 240b.

The second end closure flap 260 comprises two panels 266, 268 side by side in the longitudinal direction L″1. Subsequently, the panel 266 connected to the main region 210 is called the proximal panel 266, while the other panel 268 is called the distal panel 268.

The distal panel 268 and the proximal panel 266 are connected by a fold line 270 extending substantially parallel to the transverse direction T″1.

The distal panel 268 and the proximal panel 266 have substantially identical dimensions so that they can be folded over one another.

Typically, each of the transverse flaps 262 is connected by a longitudinal fold line 272 to the distal panel 268.

Each tongue 215 is attached to the proximal panel 266. Preferably, each tongue 215 is formed integrally with said proximal panel 266.

In the particular case of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 9, each tongue 215 has a rectangular shape.

Each tongue 215 has a first end 280 linked to the proximal panel 266 and a second free end 282 opposite the first end 280.

Each tongue 215 is linked to the proximal panel 266 by a longitudinal fold line 284. In a variant not shown, each tongue 215 is linked to the proximal panel 266 by a longitudinal line of weakness. This line of weakness is typically formed by pre-cuts in the cardboard forming the first part 12″.

Each tongue 215 comprises a first part 286 intended to remain fixed on the sleeve 18″ after the unsealing of the packaging 200″, and a second part 288 intended to be torn off from the sleeve 18″ to unseal the packaging 200′.

The second part 288 has a first end 290 linked to the proximal panel 266, and a second free end 292 called the gripping end 292 opposite the first end 290.

The first part 286 of each tongue 215 is connected to the respective second part 288 by at least one line of weakness 294. Typically, as shown, the first part 286 of each tongue 215 is connected to the respective second part 288 by two lines of weakness 294. In the example shown, the lines of weakness 294 converge in the direction of the gripping end 292. The first part 286 is typically placed on either side of these lines of weakness 294, so as to frame the second part 288 in the longitudinal direction L″1.

Each line of weakness 294 is typically formed by a pre-cut in the cardboard forming the first part 12″.

To assemble the tray 14″ of FIGS. 11 and 12, the longitudinal flaps 244 are first raised in a direction of elevation (not shown), perpendicular to the longitudinal L″1 and transverse directions T″1, according to the second part 243 of the fold line 240a.

The proximal side panels 220, 222 of the main region 210 are then raised in the direction of elevation and along the fold lines 228, 230 to form the side walls 56, 58 of the tray 14″. In so doing, the longitudinal flaps 244 tilt into a position where they are oriented transversely.

The end closure flaps 242, 260 are then raised in the direction of elevation following the fold lines 240a, 240b so that the proximal panel 246 of the flap 242 comes into contact with the flaps 244.

The distal panel 248, 268 of each end closure flap 242, 260 is folded over the associated proximal panel 246, 266 at the le fold line 250, 270, while the locking teeth 252 are engaged in the corresponding slots 254. In so doing, the longitudinal flaps 244 are trapped between the distal panel 248 and the side panel 246 of the end closure flap 242.

Furthermore, the transverse flaps 262 are folded in the longitudinal direction L″1 by following the fold lines 272.

Each distal side panel 218, 224 is folded over the associated proximal side panel 220, 222 at the fold line 226, 230. In so doing, the transverse flaps 262 are trapped between the distal side panel 218, 224 and the proximal side panel 220, 222, which makes it possible to lock the lateral walls 56, 58 in the upright position.

The tray 14″ is then completed, each tab 215 extending out of the tray 14″ transversely to the front end panel 261 (FIG. 11).

Referring to FIG. 10, the second part 16″ of the blank 10″ is elongated in a second longitudinal direction L″2.

Preferably, said second part 16″ is mainly composed of cardboard. According to another embodiment, the second part 16″ is mainly composed of rigid plastic.

The second part 16″ advantageously has a total thickness of between 100 and 2500 microns when it is unfolded, preferably between 200 and 800 microns.

The second 16″ part includes a main region 380.

The main region 380 comprises four panels 384, 386, 388, 390 and a terminal connecting strip 392 arranged side by side. The four panels 384, 386, 388, 390 and the end connecting strip 392 are connected together by the fold lines 394, 396, 398, 400 extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L″2.

The four panels 390, 386, 384, 388 are respectively intended to form a bottom 402 (FIG. 11), a top 404 (FIG. 12) opposite the bottom 402, and two side walls 406, 408 (FIGS. 11 and 12) connecting the bottom 402 to the top 404 of the sleeve 18″. As a variant, the panel 386 is intended to form the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″, while the panel 390 is intended to form the top 404.

According to the example shown, the panels 386, 390 intended to form the top 404 and the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″ have substantially identical dimensions.

According to the example shown, the panels 384, 388 intended to form the two side walls 406, 408 have substantially identical dimensions.

In the present description, the bottom 402 and the top 404 of the sleeve 18″ are defined relative to the tray 14″ when it is inserted into the sleeve 18″, the base 234 of the tray 14″ facing the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″, and the open part of the tray 14″ facing the top 404 of the sleeve 18″.

The panels 384, 386, 388, 390 are dimensioned so that, once assembled, the tray 14″ may be slidably mounted in the sleeve 18″.

The main region 380 comprises a first longitudinal end edge 409a, said front longitudinal end edge 409a, and a second longitudinal end edge, said rear longitudinal end edge 409b, opposite the front longitudinal end edge 409a.

To assemble the sleeve 18″ of FIGS. 11 and 12, the four panels 384, 386, 388, 390 of the second part 16″ of the blank 10″ are folded down along the fold lines 394, 396, 398 to form a tube.

The end connecting strip 392 is folded down along the fold line 400 which connects it to the main region 380. It is fixed, for example glued, to the adjacent side wall 406 of the sleeve 18″ so as to laterally close the sleeve 18″.

Thus, once the sleeve 18″ is assembled, the panel 390 of the second part 16 of the blank 10″ constitutes the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″, the panel 386 constitutes the top 404″, and the panels 384 and 388 constitute the side walls 406 and 408. In addition, the front longitudinal end edge 409a of the second part 16″ of the blank 10″ constitutes a front longitudinal end edge of the sleeve 18″, while the edge of the rear longitudinal end 409b constitutes a rear longitudinal end edge of the sleeve 18″.

As a variant (not shown), the panel 386 constitutes the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″, while the panel 390 constitutes the top 404.

Thus, the assembly of the sleeve 18″ is very simple and easily mechanizable.

To form the packaging 200″ of FIGS. 11 and 12, the tray 14″ is first filled with a plurality of articles A (FIG. 12), then inserted into the sleeve 18″, so as to place the base 234 of the tray 14″ against the bottom 402 of the sleeve 18″ and make the longitudinal directions L″1 and L″2 coincide, said longitudinal directions L″1 and L″2 forming a longitudinal direction L″ of the packaging 200″.

The articles A are for example food products, in particular individual portions of packaged food products, for example and without limitation:

    • portions of dairy products such as cheese without limitation, products including a cheese base and/or dairy base,
    • portions of dairy substitute products,
    • portions of composite products comprising at least one dairy base and at least one other non-dairy base, for example a cereal base,
    • portions of food products based on vegetable matter,
    • portions of confectionery or chocolate products,
    • portions of culinary aid products such as broth cubes or derivatives.

Each tongue 215 is then made integral with the sleeve 18″, in particular at the side walls 406, 408 of said sleeve 18″, to seal the packaging 200″. Typically, each tongue 215 is folded down, then its first part 286 is glued to said respective end panel 406, 408, the second part 288 preferably remaining free of glue.

Thus, once the tab 215 has been glued, a tamper-proof element 500 of the packaging 200″ is obtained and comprises a first section 502 formed by the proximal panel 266, secured to the tray 14″, and a second section 504 formed by the second part 288 of the tongue 215 linked by the lines of weakness 294 to the sleeve 18″, wherein each line of weakness 294 opens into one of the longitudinal end edges of the sleeve 18″, in particular into the edge d front longitudinal end. In addition, each line of weakness 294 extends longitudinally from the gripping end 292 of the second part 288 to said longitudinal end edge into which it opens.

In particular, the first section 502 and the second section 504 are then juxtaposed to each other in a first direction of the tamper-proof element 500, and each extends over the entire width of the tamper-proof element 500 along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

Furthermore, when the packaging 200″ is sealed, there is then a non-zero angle different from 180° between the first section 502 and the second section 504 of the tongue 215.

In addition, the first section 502 then belongs to one face of the packaging 200″ different from the face of the packaging 200″ to which the second section 504 belongs.

Thus, the exercise of a force on the gripping end 292 of the second part 288 of the tongue 215 with a strength that is great enough to break each line of weakness 294 and the direction of which comprises a longitudinal component, causes each line of weakness 294 to break.

The packaging 200″ thus formed has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

To unseal this packaging 200″, simply grip the second part 288 of each tongue 215 by the gripping end 292, and detach it from the sleeve 18″ by breaking each line of weakness 294 by exerting a force on the gripping end 292 of the second section 504 of the tongue 215 with a strength that is great enough to break each line of weakness 294, and the direction of which comprises a longitudinal component, causing the breaking of the or each line of weakness 294. The second part 288 nevertheless remains integral with the tray 14″.

The user can then slide the tray 14″ in with a single longitudinal movement by pulling on the second part 288 of one or each tongue 215 while continuing to exert force on the gripping end 292.

The packaging 200″, once opened, may be closed by sliding the 14″ tray inside the 18″ sleeve.

For example, the packaging 200″ is closed by exerting a force on the gripping end 292 of the second section 504 of the tongue 215 in the same direction and in a direction opposite to the force exerted during the opening of the packaging 200′.

According to the embodiments described, the tray 14, 14′, 14″ and the sleeve 18, 18′, 18″ each have a substantially parallelepiped shape.

However, other forms are possible. For example, according to variants not described of the invention, the tray 14, 14′, 14″ and the sleeve 18, 18′, 18″ may have a trapezoidal, cylindrical or partially cylindrical shape, or any other technically shape achievable in the context of the invention.

Thanks to the invention, the user therefore succeeds in unsealing the packaging 200, 200′, 200″ and removing the tray 14, 14′, 14″ from the sleeve 18, 18′, 18″ in one and the same movement. In addition, the quantity of raw materials remains limited, as well as the cost of the packaging 200, 200′, 200″. The sleeve 18 18′, 18″ is also easily achievable using machines.

Furthermore, it is not necessary to adapt the tray 14, 14′ to the tamper-proof system of the packaging 200, 200′, which thus allows standard trays to be used for the latter. Likewise, it is not necessary to adapt the sleeve 14″ to the tamper-proof system of the packaging 200″, which makes it possible to use a standard sleeve for the latter.

Claims

1. Packaging comprising a tray and a sleeve inside which the tray may slide in a longitudinal direction,

the packaging comprising at least one tamper-proof element of the packaging, said tamper proof element comprising: a first section integral with the tray, and a second section linked by at least one line of weakness to the sleeve,
wherein the at least one line of weakness opens into a longitudinal end edge of the sleeve.

2. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the sleeve comprises a bottom, a top, and two side walls connecting the bottom to the top, the sleeve having at least one notch formed in either the top, the bottom, and at least one of the two side walls of the sleeve.

3. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein the second section of the tamper-proof element is housed in the at least one notch or one of the at least one notch.

4. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein the at least one notch comprises a first region occupied by the tamper-proof element and a second region that is left free.

5. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tray comprises a front end panel in the longitudinal direction, the first section of the tamper-proof element being integral with said front end panel.

6. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the tamper proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness.

7. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the tamper proof element has a T shape, a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape.

8. The packaging according to claim 1, wherein the tamper-proof element is formed integrally with the sleeve and is folded over the tray.

9. The packaging according to claim 1, in which the tamper-proof element is formed integrally with the tray and is folded over the sleeve.

10. Blank intended to constitute a packaging according to claim 1.

11. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein the tray comprises a front end panel in the longitudinal direction, the first section of the tamper-proof element being integral with said front end panel.

12. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein the tray comprises a front end panel in the longitudinal direction, the first section of the tamper-proof element being integral with said front end panel.

13. The packaging according to claim 4, wherein the tray comprises a front end panel in the longitudinal direction, the first section of the tamper-proof element being integral with said front end panel.

14. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness.

15. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness.

16. The packaging according to claim 4, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness.

17. The packaging according to claim 5, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element is connected to the second section of the tamper-proof element by a line of weakness.

18. The packaging according to claim 2, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element has a T shape, a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape.

19. The packaging according to claim 3, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element has a T shape, a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape.

20. The packaging according to claim 4, wherein the first section of the tamper-proof element has a T shape, a semi-discoid shape, a quadrangular shape, a rounded shape, or an oval shape.

Patent History
Publication number: 20210122518
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 14, 2018
Publication Date: Apr 29, 2021
Inventor: Pierric MOULIN (LAIZY)
Application Number: 16/647,219
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 5/54 (20060101); B65D 5/38 (20060101);