U.S. patent application number 16/565976 was filed with the patent office on 2020-03-12 for separator element and pack of cups comprising a separator element.
The applicant listed for this patent is SYNERLINK. Invention is credited to Fabien JEGO.
Application Number | 20200079563 16/565976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65201348 |
Filed Date | 2020-03-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200079563 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JEGO; Fabien |
March 12, 2020 |
SEPARATOR ELEMENT AND PACK OF CUPS COMPRISING A SEPARATOR
ELEMENT
Abstract
Disclosed is a flat cardboard separator element intended to hold
cups in a pack, where the pack includes bottom cups from a lower
layer and top cups from an upper layer and where the separator
element includes at least one first side-panel, one central-panel
and one second side-panel. The central-panel includes first
openings, where each first opening is suited and intended to
surround one top cup. The first and second side-panels include
second openings, where each second opening is suited and intended
to come to stop against a bottom cup. The second openings are
arranged at a distance from the central-panel along a longitudinal
direction.
Inventors: |
JEGO; Fabien; (POISSY,
FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SYNERLINK |
Puiseux Pontoise |
|
FR |
|
|
Family ID: |
65201348 |
Appl. No.: |
16/565976 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2571/00716
20130101; B65D 2571/00808 20130101; B65D 2571/00277 20130101; B65D
2571/0032 20130101; B65D 2571/00141 20130101; B65D 71/20 20130101;
B65D 71/16 20130101; B65D 2571/0066 20130101; B65D 71/38
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 71/20 20060101
B65D071/20; B65D 71/38 20060101 B65D071/38 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 10, 2018 |
FR |
18 58104 |
Claims
1. A flat cardboard separator element (1) intended to hold cups
(2a, 2b) in a pack (20), where the pack (20) comprises bottom cups
(2a) from a lower layer and top cups (2b) from an upper layer and
where the separator element (1) comprises at least one first
side-panel (8), one central-panel (9) and one second side-panel
(10), wherein: The central-panel (9) comprises first openings (13),
where each first opening (13) is suited and intended to surround
one top cup (2b); The first and second side-panels (8, 10) comprise
second openings (14), where each second opening (14) is suited and
intended to come to stop against a bottom cup (2a); and The second
openings (14) are arranged at a distance (D) from the central-panel
(9) along a longitudinal direction (L).
2. The separator element (1) according to claim 1, wherein each
second opening (14) is delimited by at least one first cut-line
(15) and one second cut-line (16), where the first cut-line (15) is
suited and intended to come to stop against a bottom cup (2a).
3. The separator element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) are identical to each
other.
4. The separator element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
first side-panel (8), the central-panel (9) and the second
side-panel (10) are arranged one after the other along the
longitudinal direction (L).
5. The separator element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) can thus swing about the
central-panel (9) respectively along the fold lines (11, 12)
extending along the transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (L).
6. A pack (20) comprising: A lower layer comprising bottom cups
(2a) and an upper layer comprising top cups (2b), where the top
cups (2b) are arranged on the bottom cups (2a) and where each cup
(2a, 2b) comprises a bottom wall (3a) and a lateral wall (3b); and
A package (40) comprising at least one separator element (1)
according to claim 1.
7. The pack (20) according to claim 6, wherein the central-panel
(9) of the separator element (1) is raised for a separation (H)
relative to the lower cups (2a).
8. The pack (20) according to claim 6, wherein each first opening
(13) of the separator element (1) completely surrounds the lateral
wall (3b) of one top cup (2b).
9. The pack (20) according to claim 6, wherein each first opening
(13) of the separator element (1) is suited and intended to stop
one top cup (2b) on the lateral wall (3b) thereof, near the bottom
wall (3a) thereof.
10. The pack (20) according to claim 6, wherein the package (40)
also comprises an expanded blank (30) for surrounding the bottom
cups (2a) and the top cups (2b).
11. The pack (20) according to claim 10, wherein the separator
element (1) is shaped by folding the first and second side-panels
(8, 10) about the central-panel (9), where the blank (30) holds the
shaped separator element (1).
12. A method for forming a pack (20), wherein: A separator element
(1) according to claim 1, a blank (30), bottom cups (2a) and top
cups (2b) intended to be part of the pack (20) are provided, where
each cup (2a, 2b) comprises a bottom wall (3a) and a lateral wall
(3b); Successively or simultaneously, the bottom cups (2a) are
arranged in a lower layer on the blank (30); The separator element
(1) is arranged on the layer of bottom cups (2a); Successively or
simultaneously, the top cups (2b) are arranged in an upper layer on
the bottom cups (2a); and The blank (30) is expanded around the
bottom cups (2a) and top cups (2b) so as to hold the separator
element (1) in shape.
13. The separator element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) are identical to each
other.
14. The separator element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the
first side-panel (8), the central-panel (9) and the second
side-panel (10) are arranged one after the other along the
longitudinal direction (L).
15. The separator element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the
first side-panel (8), the central-panel (9) and the second
side-panel (10) are arranged one after the other along the
longitudinal direction (L).
16. The separator element (1) according to claim 2, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) can thus swing about the
central-panel (9) respectively along the fold lines (11, 12)
extending along the transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (L).
17. The separator element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) can thus swing about the
central-panel (9) respectively along the fold lines (11, 12)
extending along the transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (L).
18. The separator element (1) according to claim 4, wherein the
first and second side-panels (8, 10) can thus swing about the
central-panel (9) respectively along the fold lines (11, 12)
extending along the transverse direction (T) perpendicular to the
longitudinal direction (L).
19. A pack (20) comprising: A lower layer comprising bottom cups
(2a) and an upper layer comprising top cups (2b), where the top
cups (2b) are arranged on the bottom cups (2a) and where each cup
(2a, 2b) comprises a bottom wall (3a) and a lateral wall (3b); and
A package (40) comprising at least one separator element (1)
according to claim 2.
20. A pack (20) comprising: A lower layer comprising bottom cups
(2a) and an upper layer comprising top cups (2b), where the top
cups (2b) are arranged on the bottom cups (2a) and where each cup
(2a, 2b) comprises a bottom wall (3a) and a lateral wall (3b); and
A package (40) comprising at least one separator element (1)
according to claim 3.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0001] The invention relates to the field of packaging of packs
comprising cups grouped one on top of the other using cardboard
package.
[0002] More specifically the object of the invention is a separator
element for a package for a pack.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Packs comprising a cardboard blank forming a package for at
least two layers of cups are known. The top cups from the upper
layer rest by the bottom walls thereof on the closures of the
bottom cups from the lower layer. The upper layer is therefore
supported by the lower layer.
[0004] However such packs are not entirely satisfactory.
[0005] In particular, in such packs, the top cups are not
sufficiently well held in case of abrupt movement in the package.
The consequence of this is a poor hold which could lead to a
movement of the top cups relative to the bottom cups, and possibly
a separation of the pack.
[0006] For this purpose, separator elements are known. Such
separators comprise holding elements respectively arranged
partially around lateral walls of the top cups near the bottom
walls thereof. The top cups are thus spaced and braced between each
other, and less likely to move relative to the bottom cups. The
document FR 2,684,078 describes an example of such a separator
element.
[0007] However the separator elements are not entirely
satisfactory.
[0008] In particular the separator elements are not robust enough
such that a too sudden movement of the pack is likely to break down
the holding elements of the intermediate element and then make it
inoperable. Further, the cups are not sufficiently, and in
particular equivalently, held in all directions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The invention thus targets getting a separator element and,
more generally, a package for a pack, wherein the top cups are held
satisfactorily relative to the bottom cups.
[0010] Thus, the invention relates to a flat cardboard separator
element intended to hold cups in a pack, where the pack comprises
bottom cups from a lower layer and top cups from an upper layer and
where the separator element comprises at least one first
side-panel, one central-panel and one second side-panel. Further:
[0011] The central-panel comprises first openings, where each first
opening is suited and intended to surround one top cup; [0012] The
first and second side-panels comprise second openings, where each
second opening is suited and intended to come to stop against a
bottom cup; and [0013] The second openings are arranged at a
distance from the central-panel along a longitudinal direction.
[0014] Because of these arrangements, the top cups are held
satisfactorily. In particular, the fact of having second openings
away from the central-panel allows the first openings to surround
the lateral walls of the top cups with a separation relative to the
bottom walls thereof, once the separator element is shaped. Thus
the top cups are held particularly well.
[0015] According to an embodiment, each second opening is delimited
by at least one first cut-line and one second cut-line, where the
first cut-line is suited and intended to come to stop against a
bottom cup.
[0016] According to another implementation, the first and second
side-panels are identical to each other.
[0017] According to another implementation, the first side-panel,
the central-panel and the second side-panel are arranged one after
the other along the longitudinal direction.
[0018] According to another implementation, the first and second
side-panels can thus swing about the central-panel respectively
along the fold lines extending along the transverse direction
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.
[0019] The invention also relates to a pack comprising: [0020] A
lower layer comprising bottom cups and an upper layer comprising
top cups, where the top cups are arranged on the bottom cups and
where each cup comprises a bottom wall and a lateral wall; and
[0021] A package comprising at least one separator element
according to the invention.
[0022] According to an implementation, the central-panel of the
separator element is raised for a separation relative to the lower
cups.
[0023] According to another implementation, each first opening of
the separator element completely surrounds the lateral wall of one
top cup.
[0024] Thus, the cups are held whatever the direction of movement
of the pack.
[0025] According to another implementation, each first opening of
the separator element is suited and intended to stop one top cup on
the lateral wall thereof, near the bottom wall thereof.
[0026] According to another implementation, the package also
comprises an expanded blank for surrounding the bottom cups and the
top cups.
[0027] According to another embodiment, the separator element is
shaped by folding the first and second side-panels about the
central-panel; the blank holds the shaped separator element.
[0028] Thus, the separator element is held in shape by the blank,
in this way it can be avoided that the separator element cannot be
moved once the pack is formed.
[0029] Finally, the invention relates to a method for forming a
pack, wherein: [0030] A separator element according to the
invention, a blank, bottom cups and top cups intended to be part of
the pack are provided, where each cup comprises a bottom and a
lateral wall; [0031] Successively or simultaneously, the bottom
cups are arranged in a lower layer on the blank; [0032] The
separator element is arranged on the layer of bottom cups; [0033]
Successively or simultaneously, the top cups are arranged in an
upper layer on the bottom cups; and [0034] The blank is expanded
around the bottom cups and top cups so as to hold the separator
element in shape.
[0035] The various implementations of the invention which were just
described may be implemented independently of each other or in
combination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] Now the figures of drawings are going to be described
briefly.
[0037] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a separator element
according to the invention, shown flat, intended for implementation
of a package of a pack formed of at least two layers of cups,
specifically a lower layer and an upper layer.
[0038] FIG. 1B is a top view of the separator element from FIG.
1A.
[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a flat, cardboard blank
intended for the implementation of a package, with the separator
element from FIGS. 1A and 1B, of a pack having at least two layers
of cups.
[0040] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the pack in which only
the bottom cups of the lower layer are arranged on the blank from
FIG. 2 with the separator element from FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0041] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the pack from FIG. 3, in
which the top cups of the upper layer are also arranged on the
bottom cups of the lower layer.
[0042] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the pack from FIG. 4
once the blank is closed on itself.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0043] The invention relates to a flat, cardboard separator element
1 intended to hold the cups 2 of a pack 20, such as shown in FIGS.
1A and 1B.
[0044] "Separator" is understood to mean that the element 1 is
suited and intended to be arranged at or near the junction of the
two layers of cups 2 of the pack 20.
[0045] "Cardboard" must be understood to be a material in a layer
such as commonly used or suited for the indicated purpose. Such
cardboard cannot be either too rigid or too flexible. It must be
able to be folded in the area of fold lines, or score-lines and/or
cut-lines, provided for that purpose.
[0046] By "flat," it must be understood that the blank 1 is
deployed so as to be at least substantially in one single plane
P.
[0047] The term "pack" must be understood as meaning a lot formed
of several cups 2 presented grouped in superposed layers in
longitudinal rows and/or transverse rows, in a package, in order to
form a unitary assembly, intended to be stored, handled, moved,
displayed for sale and sold as such.
[0048] A cup 2 comprises a bottom wall 3a, a lateral wall closed on
itself 3b and an opening opposite the bottom wall 3a with top
closure 4.
[0049] In an implementation, a cup 2 has the shape of a cylinder or
conic frustum and comprises a transverse collar 5 near the upper
opening thereof, and the top closure 4 is a flat lid securely
joined to and on the collar 5. In other embodiments, the generatrix
of the lateral wall 3b is a line different than a straight line,
having a more or less complex shape, and the directing shape is
other than a circle, for example being a rectilinear square with
rounded corners. Such a cup 2 can remain upright by resting on the
base-forming bottom wall 3a thereof.
[0050] Depending on the case, the cups 2 are individualized or else
they are connected to each other, for example by the collars 5
thereof, so as to form a plate of cups 2. In the context of the
invention, the cups 2 are similar and more specifically identical,
and they are filled with some content, identical or not for the
various cups 2, and closed.
[0051] In an embodiment, a cup 2 is made of thermoformed plastic
and it has a certain resistance allowing it to be self-supporting,
but the cup can be made in other materials and by other means.
[0052] A cup 2 is typically intended to contain a content which is
homogeneous or not, and which has a more or less fluid overall
state, without however excluding the presence of more or less solid
pieces. Such a content is a dairy product or a dessert, for
example; however this list is not limiting.
[0053] In an implementation, the cup 2 is intended to receive a
quantity of such a content for individual and unit use, for example
of order 100 g and, in that case, it can have a height of order a
few centimeters and fall laterally within a cylinder whose diameter
is also of order of a few centimeters. In other implementations,
the cup 2, intended to receive a mini-quantity, is smaller or, in
contrast, intended for a larger quantity, is larger.
[0054] In the plane P, relative to the flat separator element 1, a
longitudinal direction L and a transverse direction T, mutually
perpendicular, can be defined as can a direction Z perpendicular or
substantially perpendicular to the plane P.
[0055] The separator element 1 has a generally rectangular shape
and it is delimited by two free edges 6 in the longitudinal
direction and by two free edges 7 in the transverse direction T.
The longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T cross
perpendicularly to each other at a point 0 in the center of the
separator element 1.
[0056] The separator element 1 comprises, arranged one after the
other in the longitudinal direction, and between the two free edges
6, a first side-panel 8, a central-panel 9 and a second side-panel
10.
[0057] "Panel" must be understood to mean a layer-shaped flat part,
of cardboard in this case, delimited by a border comprising fold
lines, such as score-lines and/or cut-lines.
[0058] The separator element 1 is preferably such that the two
side-panels 8, 10 are identical to each other.
[0059] The separator element 1 also comprises fold lines, such as
score-lines in transverse direction T. Score-lines are well known
in the field of packaging and cardboard and allow relative folding
of two adjacent panels at a predefined location. Such score-lines
are formed by use of a scoring tool. It is understood that the
expression "score-line" must be the most broadly understood as
meaning that the line is suited and intended for relative folding
of two adjacent panels.
[0060] More specifically, the separator element 1 comprises two
fold-lines 11, 12 respectively between the central-panel 9 and the
two side-panels 8, 10.
[0061] Advantageously, the two fold-lines 11, 12 are dashed
cut-lines. "Dashed cut-line" must be understood to mean that on the
line, the cardboard is regularly and alternately cut all the way
through and then not cut, and so on, so as to create a mixed
line.
[0062] The two side-panels 8, 10 can thus swing about the
central-panel 9 along the fold lines 11, 12, which are
advantageously parallel to each other. These two fold-lines 11, 12
are thus suited and intended for relative folding of the
side-panels 8, 10 about the central-panel 9 for shaping the
separator element 1. Once the separator element is shaped, the two
side-panels 8, 10 form an angle .alpha. with the central-panel 9,
with the angle is in particular obtuse, for example of order
120.degree., as shown in FIG. 5.
[0063] The central-panel 9 comprises first openings 13, that
advantageously pass through.
[0064] Each first opening 13 is suited and intended to come
surround the lateral wall 3b of a cup 2, in particular near the
bottom wall 3a thereof once the pack 20 is formed.
[0065] Each first opening 13 advantageously has a circular shape,
or more generally a shape corresponding to the section shape of a
lateral wall 3b of the cup 2. Each first opening 13 is however
slightly larger than the lateral wall 3b of a cup 2, in particular
near the bottom wall 3a thereof, such that one cup can be arranged
in a first opening 13, while leaving a space E between the
separator element 1 and the lateral wall 3b of the cup 2 arranged
in the first opening 13, shown in FIG. 5.
[0066] The side-panels 8, 10 also comprise second openings 14,
advantageously passing through.
[0067] Each second opening 14 is suited and intended to come into
contact, for example by butting, with the top closure 4 of a cup 2,
in particular near the collar 5 thereof once the pack 20 is
formed.
[0068] For this purpose, each second opening 14 of the side-panel
8, 10 is spaced from the central-panel 9 by a distance D along the
longitudinal direction L. More specifically, each second opening 14
of the side-panel 8, 10 is spaced a distance D from the fold line
11, 12 allowing the respective swinging of the side-panel 8, 10
relative to the central-panel 9.
[0069] Each second opening 14 can be delimited by a first cut-line
15 and a second cut-line 16.
[0070] The first cut-line 15 is straight or substantially straight.
The first cut-line 15 is more specifically suited for coming into
contact, advantageously over substantially the entire length
thereof, with the closure 4 of a cup 2. The second cut-line 16 is a
circular arc. Alternatively, the second cut-line 16 can take other
shapes.
[0071] The separator element 1 is symmetric or substantially
symmetric by axial rotation around the Z direction.
[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the
separator element 1 comprises four first openings 13 and four
second openings 14.
[0073] The four first openings 13 are arranged side-by-side and
facing, on the central-panel 9. The second openings 14 are arranged
on the side-panels 8, 10. More specifically, two second openings 14
are arranged, advantageously side-by-side along the transverse
direction T on the side-panel 8, and two other second openings 14
are arranged, advantageously side-by-side along the transverse
direction T on the other side-panel 10.
[0074] The separator element 1 is suited and intended to make, with
one blank 30, a package 40 for a pack of cups 20, where the pack 20
comprises the cups 2 and the package 40.
[0075] A flat cardboard blank 30 (the terms "cardboard" and "flat"
being understood as before) is intended for implementation of the
package 40.
[0076] The package 40 made in particular by the blank 30 is a
tubular envelope type and is made by expanding the blank 30 and
closing it on itself in order to match the cups 2 of the pack 20
which are thus held grouped.
[0077] By "tubular envelope", it must be understood that the
package 40 has six total surfaces and has a general parallelepiped
shape, comprising four adjacent surfaces closed on themselves and
two facing open surfaces.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 2, the flat blank 30 has a general
rectangular shape. The blank 30 comprises, arranged one after the
others, a first top-panel 31a, a first lateral-panel 32A, a
bottom-panel 33, a second lateral-panel 32b and a second top-panel
31b (the term "panel" needing to be understood as before).
[0079] The blank 30 is such that the two lateral-panels 32a and 32b
have the same dimensions.
[0080] The first top-panel 31a is relatively wide, intended to form
the entirety of the surface of one top wall 34, whereas the second
top-panel 31b is relatively narrower, like a flap, able to come to
the back of the first top-panel 31a. Such an implementation can
comprise a means for securing between the first top-panel 31a and
the second top-panel 31b, such as tabs, notches or an adhesive for
securing.
[0081] The blank 30 also comprises fold-lines, such as score-lines.
These lines are suited and intended for relative folding of the
panels 31a, 32a, 33, 32b for expanding the blank 30, implementation
of the package 40 and forming the pack 20.
[0082] More specifically, the blank 30 comprises two bottom
score-lines 35a, 35b between the bottom-panel 33 and the two
lateral-panels 32a, 32b, and two top score-lines 36a, 36b between
the two top-panels 31a, 31b and the two lateral-panels 32a,
32b.
[0083] The package 40 for the pack 20 is formed by expanding the
blank 30 and shaping the separator element 1.
[0084] The pack 20 comprises at least two layers of cups, one upper
layer comprising the top cups 2b and the lower layer comprising the
bottom cups 2a. The qualification "bottom cup 2a" thus seeks to
distinguish one such cup from another cup in the pack 20,
specifically a "top cup 2b" from the upper layer. The bottom cups
2a from the lower layer and the top cups 2b from the upper layer
are advantageously identical to each other.
[0085] Just the same, more generally, the invention also targets
any pack 20 comprising at least two layers of cups, or more. The
pack 20 may comprise three or an even larger number of layers of
cups (not shown), having several upper layers of cups and one or
several separator elements 1, in particular for each of the upper
layers of the pack 20.
[0086] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the lower
and upper layers of the pack 20 each comprise four cups arranged
side-by-side and facing.
[0087] Just the same, more generally, the invention also targets a
pack 20 in which the layers of cups comprise a more-or-less larger
number of cups 2, and also a variable arrangement of cups in an
upper or lower layer.
[0088] The invention also relates to a method for implementation of
the package 40 and forming the pack 20.
[0089] For this method, a flat separator element 1, a flat blank,
bottom cups 2a and top cups 2b intended to be part of the pack 20
are available.
[0090] Successively or simultaneously, the bottom cups 2a are
arranged on the bottom-panel 33 of the blank 30. The separator
element 1 is arranged on the lower layer of bottom cups 2a, as
shown in FIG. 3, and the top cups 2b are placed, successively or
simultaneously, in one upper layer on top of the lower layer as
shown in FIG. 4.
[0091] Each top cup 2b is advantageously arranged plumb with the
bottom cup 2a. More precisely, each top cup 2b is centered on a
bottom cup 2a.
[0092] Each top cup 2b is also arranged in a first opening 13 of
the separator element 1.
[0093] The separator element 1 is formed by folding of the two
side-panels 8, 10 along two score-lines 11, 12, about the
central-panel 9.
[0094] Then the blank 30 is expanded around the cups 2 of the pack
20 by folding of the lateral-panels 32a, 32b, along two bottom
score-lines 35a, 35b.
[0095] Alternatively, the shaping of the separator element 1 can be
done during expanding the blank 30, where the lateral-panels 32a,
32b then come to exert a force on the side-panels 8, 10 of the
separator element 1 in order to drive the folding of the
side-panels 8, 10 about the central-panel 9.
[0096] During shaping of the separator element 1, the second
openings 14 come respectively to stop against the openings 4 of the
bottom cup 2a, in particular near the collars 5 thereof. More
specifically, a part of the collar 5 of the bottom cups 2a is
inserted into the second openings 14 and the second cut-line 15
then comes into contact with the closure 4 of the bottom cups
2a.
[0097] Expanding the blank 30 around the cups 2 of the pack 20 is
also finished by folding both lateral-panels 32a, 32b along the two
top score-lines 36a, 36b.
[0098] Both top-panels 31a and 31b are arranged so as to be
coplanar, for example one on the other, and secured to each other
so as to close the blank 1 on itself, to form the top wall 34, by
using the securing means, and to make the package 40 surrounding
the cups 2 of the pack 20.
[0099] In the pack 20 thus formed and the package 40 thus made, the
blank 30 is then arranged around the cups 2. More specifically, the
two lateral-panels 32aa, 32bb are raised, upward, relative to the
plane of the bottom-panel 33 and form an angle therewith that is in
particular obtuse. The lateral-panels 32a, 32b, extend up to the
top wall 34. The top wall 34 is arranged above and plumb with the
bottom-panel 33.
[0100] The blank 30 serves to hold the shaped spacer element 1, in
particular because of the lateral-panels 32a, 32b which come to
exert a force on the side-panels 8, 10 of the spacer element 1.
[0101] In such a pack 20, the spacer element 1 is arranged between,
and advantageously parallel to, the bottom-panel 33 and the top
wall 34.
[0102] Such a pack 20 and such a package 40 are illustrated by FIG.
5. The detailed shape of the package 40 is adapted to the detailed
shape of the cups 2. The description of the package 40 which was
just given is therefore not exclusive of other shapes, in the case
of cups 2 of various shapes.
[0103] In the case of a pack 20 having more than two layers of
cups, the package 40 is, overall, similar to that of a pack 20 with
two layers of cups, except, first, that the dimension thereof is
larger so as to be suited to the number of layers.
[0104] The separator element 1 is adapted so that each first
opening 13 is arranged around a top cup 2b of the upper layer.
Further, the separator element 1 is adapted such that each second
opening 14 is in contact with, advantageously against, a bottom cup
2a of the lower layer.
[0105] The top cups 2b are respectively arranged in the first
openings 13 of the separator element 1, so as to provide spacing
and bracing of these top cups 2b near the bottom walls 3a thereof.
The first openings 13 are thus intended to stop the top cups 2b on
the lateral walls 3b thereof near the bottom walls 3a thereof.
[0106] "Stop the top cups 2b on the lateral walls 3b thereof" must
be understood to mean that in the pack 20, the top cups 2b are
prevented, at least to some extent, from moving (unexpectedly)
relative to the package 40 and/or to the bottom cups 2a, or from
bumping each other, because the movement of the lateral wall 3b of
each top cup 2b is adjacent to a first opening 13, in particular
spaced by a limited space E. The top cups 2b are thus held in all
directions, in particular in the longitudinal direction L and the
transverse direction T of the separator element 1.
[0107] Stop the top cups 2b on the lateral walls 3b thereof "near
the bottom wall 3a thereof" must be understood to mean that the
separator element 1, and in particular the first openings 13, are
separated from the bottom wall 3a of the top cups 2b by a
separation H.
[0108] More specifically, because in particular of the distance D
separating the second openings 14 of the central-panel 9, the
separator element 1 is suited and intended to allow the separation
H between the central-panel 10 and the bottom wall 3a of the top
cups 2b or the closure 4 of the bottom cups 2a (because the top
cups 2b rest on the bottom walls 3a thereof on the closures 4 of
the bottom cups 2a).
[0109] Because of the separation H, it is possible to
satisfactorily keep the top cups in the pack 20. In fact, without
separation, the top cups 2b could otherwise easily leave the first
openings 13 during a sudden movement of the pack 20.
[0110] The separation H is relatively small compared to the
distance between the bottom walls 3a and the top closure 5 of a cup
2. The separation H is more than 0.5 cm, or even more than 1 cm or
even more than 2 cm. Since this implementation however is not
limiting, the separation H can be smaller or larger.
[0111] Since the first openings 13 are specific to stopping the top
cups 2b, as was just disclosed, they participate in that, in the
pack 20, the top cups 2b may not, or may only slightly, move
unexpectedly or bump into each other.
[0112] The pack 20 can further comprise slits or cuts 21, 22 to
allow the collar 5 of the top cups 2b or even the bottom walls 3a
of the bottom cups 2a to extend outward from the pack 20.
[0113] Obviously, the invention is not limited to the embodiments
previously described and provided solely as examples. It
encompasses various modifications, alternate shapes and other
variance which the person skilled in the art may consider in the
context of the present invention and in particular all combinations
of the various modes of operation previously described can be taken
separately or in combination.
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