DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING CONTAINERS

Abstract

Described is a device for packaging at least two containers in a batch and methods for packaging containers using the device. The containers can be bottles with a neck. The device includes at least one sheet of semi-rigid or rigid material. The sheet has at least two parts, a first support part with at least two orifices for receiving the necks of the containers, and a second reinforcing part with at least one opening. The sheet has at least one fold line separating the first part and the second part, and the opening is able to cover at least one of the orifices of the support part in a covering folding position of the reinforcing part.

Claims

1. A device (1) for packaging a batch (100) of at least two containers (2), said containers (2) being bottles with a neck (20), the device comprising: at least one sheet (3) of rigid or semi-rigid material, said packaging device (1) being characterized in that: said at least one sheet (3) comprises at least two parts, a first part, termed the support part (30), provided with at least two orifices (4) to receive the necks (20) of said containers (2) and a second part, termed the reinforcing part (31), provided with at least one opening (6), said sheet (3) comprising at least one fold line (7) separating the first part (30) and the second part (31), and in that: said at least one opening (6) is adapted to cap at least one of the orifices (4) in said support part (30) in a folded position covering said reinforcing part (31).

2. The packaging device (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the center (60) of the opening (6) is aligned with the center (40) of one of said orifices (4) so that the second part (31) can be folded over the first part (30), said opening (6) then capping the neck (20) of the container (2) supported by said orifice (4).

3. The packaging device (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second part (31) of the at least one sheet (3) comprises a holding means (5).

4. The packaging device (1) as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the holding means (5) is a holding opening (50) that extends along a distal edge of the second part (31) on the side opposite the first part (30).

5. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orifices (4) in the first part (30) and the openings (6) in the second part (31) of a sheet (3) are the same shape and have the same dimensions.

6. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least the orifices (4) in the first part (30) of the sheet (3) have an oblong or oval shape.

7. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least two parts (30, 31) of the sheet (3) have a rectangular shape.

8. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the orifices (4) in the first part (30) of the sheet (3) are longitudinally aligned in such a manner as to form a row.

9. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the proximal portion (310) of the second part (31) of the sheet (3) is connected to the first part (30) of said sheet (3) by two cut edges (8) extending on respective opposite sides of said second part (31), said proximal portion (310) thus having a trapezoidal shape.

10. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (30) of the sheet (3) comprises a cutting line (9) of curvilinear shape tracing out a circular arc behind the orifices (4), on the side of the second part (31).

11. The packaging device (1) as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the center (90) of each cutting line (9) coincides with the center (40) of each orifice (4).

12. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first part (30) of the sheet (3) comprises a main line of weakness (10) extending along the fold line (7).

13. The packaging device (1) as claimed in the preceding claim, characterized in that said first part (30) of the sheet (3) comprises secondary lines of weakness (11) extending transversely between the orifices (4) from the first main line of weakness (10) to the borders of the distal edge of said first part (30).

14. The packaging device (1) as claimed in claim 13, characterized in that the first part (30) of the sheet (3) comprises apertures (12) at the intersections of the first main line of weakness (10) and the transverse secondary lines of weakness (11).

15. The packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sheet (3) comprises a third part or flap (32), said flap (32) being situated on the side opposite the second part (31), in line with the first part (30) of said sheet (3).

16. A batch (100) of at least four containers (2), said containers being bottles each having a neck (20), said batch (100) comprising at least one packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims comprising at least two sheets (3), characterized in that a first sheet (3) of said packaging device (1) cooperates with at least one second sheet (3) of said packaging device (1), each sheet (3) forming a sub-batch (101) consisting of at least two containers (2).

17. A method of packaging a batch (100) of at least two containers (2) by means of a packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, said containers (2) being bottles each having a neck (20), in which, at least: at least two containers (2) are grouped together, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: the neck (20) of each of the containers (2) is introduced into an orifice (4) in the first part (30) of the at least one sheet (3) of the packaging device (1), the second part (31) of said at least one sheet (3) is folded into a folding position covering the first part (30) until the neck (20) of one of the containers (2) is housed in the at least one opening (6) in said second part (31).

18. A method of cutting from a strip (300) of rigid or semi-rigid material, notably paper or cardboard, at least one packaging device (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the sheets (3) of said packaging device (1) are generally T-shaped and are disposed head-to-tail and adjacent to one another.

19. An installation for packaging at least two containers (2) in the form of a batch (100) employing the method as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, said installation thus producing batches (100) as claimed in claim 16, said installation comprising: at least one grouping station (14), at least one affixing station (15) of a packaging device (1) as claimed in claims 1 to 15.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] The invention will be better understood thanks to the description hereinafter that is based on possible embodiments explained by way of non-limiting illustration with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0046] FIG. 1 schematically represents a perspective view of one embodiment of a batch of six containers in the form of bottles held together by a packaging device comprising two sheets;

[0047] FIG. 2 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 1 showing in particular the second reinforcing parts in a deployed position;

[0048] FIG. 3 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 2 in which said batch is separated into two sub-batches each held by one of the two sheets of a packaging device;

[0049] FIG. 4 schematically represents a simplified view from above of a flattened out embodiment of a sheet of a packaging device;

[0050] FIG. 5 schematically represents a simplified view from above of another flattened out embodiment of a sheet of a packaging device;

[0051] FIG. 6 schematically represents a simplified view of plurality of packaging devices produced by cutting a strip; and

[0052] FIG. 7 schematically represents the packaging installation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] In the remainder of the description elements having an identical structure or analogous functions are designated by the same reference number.

[0054] The invention therefore has firstly for object a device 1 for packaging a batch 100 that comprises at least two containers 2 and at least one rigid or semi-rigid material sheet 3 including at least two orifices 4 to receive the necks 20 of the containers 2.

[0055] In the context of the invention, the container 2 is a bottle. It can be made of any material, notably a plastic material or glass. The container is preferably made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The container 2 can therefore be rigid or semi-rigid. It is intended to contain a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, notably of food or cosmetic type. The container 2 can be any shape, symmetrical or otherwise. It can have a rounded section, of circular or oval overall shape, or a polygonal section, notably rectangular or square. Said containers 2 preferably have a rounded, notably globally circular, section.

[0056] In known manner, on an industrial line, the containers can be subjected to a plurality of successive different processes, such as production of the container, for example during an operation of injection molding or stretch blow molding a plastic in the case of a plastic bottle, followed by filling and then by closing with a stopper and labelling. Following these treatments the containers are referred to as finished.

[0057] The containers 2 have a body and a bottom. In a normal orientation the container 2 rests on its bottom. The bottom may be flat or petal-shaped. The container 1 also comprises a neck 20.

[0058] The container 2 may carry a label 13. Said label 13 may be applied to the body of the container 2 or attached at the level of the neck of said container 2 in the form of a tag. The label 13 can also take the form of a heat-shrink sleeve that espouses the shape of said container 2. When present, the label 13 has the function of providing information on the content of the container 2 or an advertising message, a logo, a bar code.

[0059] For handling them, such finished containers are packaged in a batch 100.

[0060] Each batch 100 therefore comprises a plurality of containers 2, gathered in a matrix arrangement for example, generally of globally parallelepipedal shape, often square or rectangular, in columns and rows.

[0061] A batch 100 in accordance with the invention comprises at least two containers 2, preferably at least four containers 2, more preferably at least six containers 2.

[0062] When packaging them, the containers 2 may be arranged in a quincunx. The quincunx batch can have various advantages. The quincunx arrangement notably offers more points of contact between the grouped containers.

[0063] Furthermore, the additional friction between the containers increases the strength of the batch. The quincunx arrangement also makes it possible to optimize the space between the containers and therefore represents an increase in storage capacity. It is then possible to stack more batches 100 on a pallet.

[0064] Furthermore, the term compact corresponds to a batch 100 in which containers 2 are close together and positioned side by side, in contact with one another, when grouping them in one of the configurations described. The containers 2 are held together by at least one packaging device 1. Once the containers 2 have been grouped and packaged, that is to say wrapped, they are then fastened together, integrally forming a batch 100. The containers 2 of such a batch 100 then cannot be separated without intentionally dismantling said batch 100 to extract therefrom one or more containers 2.

[0065] In some embodiments the batch 100 comprises: [0066] at least four containers 2, [0067] at least one sub-batch 101 comprising at least two of said containers 2, [0068] at least one packaging device 1.

[0069] In some embodiments the batch 100 can be subdivided into at least one sub-batch 101. In accordance with additional features, each sub-batch 101 can group at most four containers 2 or at most three containers 2. Each sub-batch 101 can extend transversely, that is to say along the columns of the batch 100, or longitudinally, that is to say along the rows of said batch. The sub-batch or sub-batches 101 is or are advantageously oriented as a function of the number of containers 2 forming the batch 100 in order to optimize its strength.

[0070] In accordance with the invention, the packaging device 1 comprises at least one sheet 3 made of a rigid or semi-rigid material. The rigid or semi-rigid material is for example a sheet of cardboard or a sheet comprising stacked layers of paper.

[0071] The sheet 3 preferably consists mainly or for the most part of cellulose fibers. Of course, without this departing from the scope of the invention, the rigid or semi-rigid material may be any material well known to the person skilled in the art.

[0072] The sheet 3 comprises at least two parts 30, 31.

[0073] The first part 30 is termed the support part. It includes a least two orifices 4. The orifices 4 are orifices to receive the next 20 of the containers 2. In other words, the necks 20 of the containers 2 are intended to be introduced into the orifices 4 during the step of packaging them in a batch 100.

[0074] The second part 31 is termed the reinforcing part. In accordance with one possible variant, the second part 31 comprises holding means 5 for moving, lifting and using the batch 100. It also comprises at least one opening 6. The opening 6 is adapted to cap at least one of the orifices 4 of the first part, i.e. the supporting part 30. In other words, the opening 6 comes to line up with one of the orifices 4 in the support part 30. The opening 6 in the second part 31 therefore comes to be at least partially located over one of the orifices 4 in the first part, i.e. the supporting part 30.

[0075] The sheet 3 also comprises at least one fold line 7 that separates the first part 30 from the second part 31. In other words, the fold line 7 creates a line of demarcation between the first part 30 and the second part 31. Thus, when the second part 31 is folded at the level of the fold line 7 in such a manner as to cover at least in part the first part 30 of said sheet 3 for example, the opening 6 in the second part 31 comes to be at least partially aligned with an orifice 4.

[0076] In accordance with one possible additional feature, the center 60 of the opening 6 is aligned with the center 40 of one of the orifices 4, with the result that the second part, i.e. the reinforcing part 31, can be folded at least in part on top of the first part 30, said opening 6 then capping the neck 20 of the container 2 supported by said orifice 4.

[0077] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a batch 100 of six containers 2 in the form of bottles held together in the form of two sub-batches 101 by two sheets 3 of a packaging device 1, notably showing the second part, i.e. the holding part 31 in a folded position partially covering one of the first parts 30 of one of said two sheets 3 of the packaging device 1.

[0078] In this configuration, the second part 31 of the first sheet 3 is folded over the first part 30 of the first sheet 3 and the second part 31 of the second sheet 3 is folded over the first part 30 of the first sheet.

[0079] In some embodiments, the part 31 of a first sheet 3 can therefore be folded at the level of the fold line 7 either over the part 30 joined to said first sheet 3 or over a part 30 of a second sheet 3 of a device 1. This advantageously makes it possible to strengthen the batch 100, the two sheets 3 then being connected by capping the same neck 20 through the opening 6 of the parts 31 of said sheets 2. In other words, when the packaging device 1 comprises at least two sheets 3, said sheets 3 hold the containers 2 grouped together.

[0080] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, each of the sheets 3 comprise three orifices 4 each receiving a neck 20 of a container 2.

[0081] In accordance with one possible additional feature seen in FIG. 1 the sheet 3 comprises a third part or flap 32. This third part, i.e. the flap 32, is situated on the side opposite the second part 31, in line with the first part 30. The flap 32 can notably serve as a support for printed information specific to the batch 100, of the advertising or commercial type, or for example a bar code. The third part, i.e. the flap 32, may then have a coating on its exterior face for esthetic and/or information reasons.

[0082] FIG. 2 schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 1, notably showing the second parts, i.e. the holding parts 31 in a deployed position. In this configuration, the user can then manipulate the batch 100. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the user can equally choose to dismantle the batch 100 and take hold of only one of the sub-batches 101.

[0083] In accordance with one possible additional feature notably visible in FIG. 1 the at least one sheet 3 of the packaging device 1 comprises a holding means 5.

[0084] The hold means 5 is preferably situated on the second part 31 of the sheet 3.

[0085] In accordance with one possible technical feature, the holding means 5 is an opening 50 that extends along a distal edge of said second part 31, on the side opposite the first part 30 of the sheet 3. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because it facilitates taking hold of a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101, being sufficiently long to allow the insertion of the fingers of the user for handling said batch 100 or said sub-batch 101.

[0086] In the context of the invention, the orifices 4 in the first part 30 and the at least one opening 6 in the second part can be any shape and any size. In particular, the orifices 4 and the openings 6 can be of circular, oblong or oval, rectangular, square, etc. shape. The shape of the orifices 4 can be different from the shape of the openings 6.

[0087] In accordance with one possible feature, the orifices 4 and the openings 6 are of circular shape in order to have a shape complementary to the shape of the necks 20 of the containers 2.

[0088] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, at least the orifices 4 in the first part 30 of a sheet 3 have an oblong or oval shape. This shape is particularly advantageous because it facilitates insertion of the necks 20 of the containers in said orifices 4.

[0089] In accordance with one possible embodiment, the orifices 4 and the openings 6 have dimensions equivalent to or slightly greater than the dimensions of a neck 20 of a container 2. To strengthen the packaging device 1 the orifices 4 and the openings 6 preferably have dimensions slightly less than the dimensions of a neck 20 of a container 2.

[0090] In an accessory way, said orifices 4 and/or said openings 6 comprise radial slits in order to match the dimensions of said orifices 4 and/or said openings 6 to the dimensions of the necks 20 of the containers 2.

[0091] In accordance with one possible feature, when the orifices 4 and the openings 6 are of circular shape, their diameter is equal to or greater than or preferably less than the diameter of a neck 20 of a container 2. The diameter of the orifices 4 is advantageously slightly less than the diameter of a neck 20 of a container 2. In fact, the container 2 must be held during transportation of a batch 100. However, the diameter of the orifices 4 must be sufficient for the orifice 4 not to be torn when introducing the container 2 into the packaging device 1. Thus, in some embodiments, the diameter of the orifices 4 is approximately one to two millimeters less than the diameter of a neck 20 of a container 2.

[0092] However, the dimensions of the orifices 4 can be different from the dimensions of the openings 6. Thus the openings 6 can have a greater dimension in order to facilitate the deployment of the second part 31 and therefore to facilitate the handling of a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101.

[0093] In accordance with one possible additional feature, the orifices 4 have the same dimensions as the openings 6.

[0094] Thus in some embodiments the orifices 4 of the first part 30 of a sheet 3 and the at least one opening 6 of the second part 31 have different shapes and/or dimensions.

[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the orifices 4 and the openings 6 are the same shape and/or have the same dimensions.

[0096] In accordance with one possible additional feature, the orifices 4 include a plurality of tongues 41. The tongues 41 make it possible to facilitate the passage of the neck 20 of a container 2 during its insertion into a sheet 3 by said tongues 41 folding and function as a locking abutment in the opposite direction.

[0097] As previously mentioned, during the production of a batch 100 the containers 2 are preferably grouped, generally in the form of a matrix. The orifices 4 of the part 30 of a sheet 3 are preferably aligned longitudinally in such a manner as to form a row. Positioning a sheet 3 above a group of containers 2 is therefore facilitated, the orifices 4 coming to cap the necks 20 of said containers 2.

[0098] It is clear that the orifices 4 in the first part 30 of the sheet 3 can be organized as a function of the arrangement of the containers 20 in a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101. The orifices 4 can therefore also be disposed in such a manner as to facilitate the packaging of a batch in the shape of a quincunx.

[0099] In accordance with an embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the first part 30 of a sheet 3 has a rectangular shape. The proximal part 310 of the second part 31 of the same sheet 3 is connected to the second part 30 by two cut edges 8 extending on either side of said second part 31. As can be seen in FIG. 4, the proximal portion 310 therefore has a trapezoidal shape. The packaging device 1 is generally T-shaped overall.

[0100] In accordance with one possible additional feature, the parts 30 and 31 of a sheet 3 have a rectangular or globally rectangular shape. The edges of said parts 30 and 31 are not necessarily straight. In other words, the edges of the first part 30 and/or the second part 31 can be straight, rounded or beveled.

[0101] In accordance with one possible variant, depicted in FIG. 4, the first part 30 of the sheet 3 includes a cutting line 9 or a precut line of curvilinear shape tracing out a circular arc behind the orifices 4, on the side of the second part 31.

[0102] The cutting line 9 preferably has a shape tracing out a circular arc of 180 degrees.

[0103] This cutting line 9 is particularly advantageous because, when the batch is lifted, it also makes it possible to direct the forces toward the rear of the sheet 3 and not toward the front edge. In fact, in the absence of a cutting line 9, when lifting a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101 a clearance appears between the orifices 4 and the neck 20 on the side of the second part 31 and there therefore exists a risk of a container 2 escaping. In the presence of a cutting line 9, when lifting a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101 the orifice 4 will tighten around the neck 20 of the container 2, which will be held firmly. The strength of the packaging device 1 is therefore further improved.

[0104] In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the center 90 of each cutting line 9 coincides with, that is to say is aligned with, the center 40 of each orifice 4.

[0105] This enables further increase in the strength of a packaging device 1 when lifting it or moving it, in summary when handling a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101.

[0106] As described above, for optimum packaging of a group of containers 2 in the form of a batch 100 or a sub-batch 101 it is necessary to guarantee the strength and the reliability of such a batch 100 or sub-batch 101.

[0107] Another constraint is to be able easily to remove one of the containers 2 without having to dismantle the whole batch 100, that is to say without having to tear or destroy the packaging device 1.

[0108] In some embodiments the first part 30 advantageously comprises a main line of weakness 10 extending along the fold line 7.

[0109] In accordance with one possible additional feature depicted in FIG. 5, the first part 30 comprises a main line of weakness 10 as well as secondary lines of weakness 11 extending transversely between the orifices 4 from the main line of weakness 10 to the edge portion of the distal edge of said first part 30. In other words, in this possible embodiment the first part 30 comprises a main line of weakness 10 and secondary lines of weakness 11.

[0110] The main line of weakness 10 and/or the secondary lines of weakness 11 can be produced in various ways. In particular, this can be by lines of perforations or a localized reduction of the thickness of the packaging device 1. It is entirely feasible to envisage having a main line of weakness 10 produced differently from the secondary lines of weakness 11.

[0111] In embodiments in which the sheet 3 comprises a main line of weakness 10 it is possible to separate the first part 30 of the sheet 3 and therefore to take hold of the containers 2 supported thereby without difficulty. When the sheet 3 also comprises secondary lines of weakness 11, it is then advantageously extremely simple to remove a single container 2 from the batch 100 or sub-batch 101.

[0112] In accordance with another possible feature, when the sheet 3 comprises a third part that takes the form of a flap 32, the secondary lines of weakness 11 extend as far as the distal edge of said flap 32.

[0113] The flap 32 can equally have the same function as the label 13. It is then possible to take hold of a container 2 provided with a label 13 on the part of the flap 32 still attached to the neck 20 of said container 2. This embodiment can notably be seen in FIG. 5.

[0114] In accordance with one possible additional feature, the first part 30 comprises apertures 12 at the intersections of the main line of weakness 10 and the transverse secondary lines of weakness 11. The apertures 12 may be any shape, for example triangular or oval. They may for example be produced in the form of perforations.

[0115] This makes it possible to facilitate further the removal of one container 2 without reducing the strength of the whole of the packaging device 1.

[0116] The invention further concerns a batch 100 of at least four containers 2, said containers 2 being bottles each having a neck 20, said batch including a packaging device 1 comprising at least two sheets 3. In this embodiment, a first sheet 3 of the packaging device 1 cooperates with at least two sheets 3, each sheet 3 then forming a sub-batch 101 of at least two containers 2.

[0117] In other words, the at least two sheets 3 of the device cooperate with one another in such a manner as to form a batch 100, said batch 100 then comprising at least two sub-batches 101.

[0118] The invention further concerns a method of packaging a batch 100 consisting of at least two containers 2, said containers 2 being bottles each having a neck 20, by means of a packaging device 1 as described above.

[0119] The packaging method comprises at least the following steps: [0120] at least two containers 2 are grouped together, [0121] the neck 20 of each of the containers 2 is introduced into an orifice 4 in the first part 30 of the packaging device 1, [0122] the second part 31 is folded into a position covering the first part 30 until the neck 20 of one of the containers 2 is housed in the at least one opening 6 in said second part 31.

[0123] In some embodiments, the device 1 comprises at least two sheets 3. The method then comprises an additional step of folding the second part 31 of the second sheet 3 over the first part 30 of the first sheet 3.

[0124] In some embodiments, the packaging method comprises in particular at least the following steps: [0125] a first sub-group consisting of at least two containers 2 is grouped together, [0126] the neck 20 of each of the containers 2 of the first sub-group is introduced into an orifice 4 in the first part 30 of a first sheet 3 of the packaging device 1, [0127] the second part 31 is folded into a position covering the first part 30 until the neck 20 of one of the containers 2 is housed in at least one opening 6 in said second part 31, this step corresponding to the formation of a first sub-batch 101, [0128] a second sub-group of at least two containers 2 is grouped together, [0129] the neck 20 of each container 2 of the second sub-group is introduced into an orifice 4 in the first part 30 of a second sheet 3 of the packaging device 1, [0130] the second part 31 of the second sheet 3 is folded over the first part 30 of the first sheet 3 until the neck 20 of one of the containers is housed in at least one opening 6 in said second part 31 of the second sheet, this step corresponding to the formation of a second sub-batch 101 and to fastening two sub-batches 101 together to form a batch 100.

[0131] In accordance with one possible variant, only one step of grouping of at least four containers 2 is effected and a first sheet 3 and then a second sheet 3 of a packaging device are then affixed successively. In other words, the containers 2 are grouped in a single step after which at least two sub-batches 101 of a batch 100 are prepared by affixing at least two sheets 3 of a packaging device 1.

[0132] Clearly the method comprises as many additional steps of folding the second part 31 over a first part 30 as may be necessary, depending on the number of sheets 3 of the packaging device 1.

[0133] The invention further concerns a method of cutting out from a strip 300 of rigid or semi-rigid material at least one packaging device 1 in accordance with the invention, the sheets 3 of the device 1 being generally T-shaped and disposed head-to-tail and adjacent to one another.

[0134] As can be seen in FIG. 6, the general shape of the sheets 3 and their disposition on a strip of rigid or semi-rigid material enables reduction of the waste linked to cutting out said sheets 3. This further reduces the environmental impact of the invention.

[0135] As mentioned above, the rigid or semi-rigid material can for example be a cardboard material or paper made up of at least one layer, preferably at least two layers, of cellulose.

[0136] The invention finally concerns an installation for packaging at least two containers 2 in the form of a batch 100 using the method of the invention, said installation therefore producing the various possible variants of the batches 100 as described here. Said installation therefore employs the packaging device 1 of the invention.

[0137] To this end, as can be seen in FIG. 7, the installation comprises at least one grouping station 14 for making up groups or sub-groups of containers 2.

[0138] In some embodiments, and as depicted in FIG. 7, the grouping of the containers 2 is effected in a single step.

[0139] The installation also comprises at least one station 15 for affixing a packaging device 1 according to the invention. This affixing station enables insertion of the necks 20 of the previously grouped containers 2 in the orifices 4 in the first part 30 of a sheet 3.

[0140] In some possible embodiments the installation comprises a first grouping station 14 for producing sub-groups of containers 2 and a first station 15 for affixing a sheet 3 of a packaging device 1. The installation then also comprises a second grouping station 14 for grouping two sub-batches 101 together and folding the second part 31 of the sheets 3.

[0141] It is therefore clear that it is possible to have two distinct stations: an affixing station 15 for affixing a sheet 3 and a folding station for folding a sheet 3.

[0142] Of course, as depicted in FIG. 7 it is possible to effect the two actions of affixing and folding a sheet 3 at one and the same station.

[0143] In FIG. 7, a cutting station 16 cuts sheets 3 and then supplies them to an affixing station 15. The affixing station 15 therefore affixes a first sheet 3 to a first sub-group of three containers 2, and folds the second part 31 of the first sheet 3 over the first part 30. The same affixing station 15 then affixes a second sheet 3 to a second sub-group of three containers 2 and finally folds the second part 31 of the second sheet 3 over the first part 30 of the first sheet 3.

[0144] Thus the invention is directed to a packaging device 1 that enables production of batches 100 of at least two containers 2, said device 1 being particularly reliable, strong and ecological.

[0145] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the packaging device 1 enables easy separation of a sub-group of containers forming a sub-batch 101 of a batch 100; the sub-batch 101 can also be handled.

[0146] The packaging device 1 has a low environmental impact and makes it possible to limit the quantity of waste generated, as much through its material, its weight, or its shape, which enables the cutting processes to be optimized.

[0147] Although the description hereinabove is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting on the scope of the invention and modifications can be made, notably by substitution of technical equivalents or by different combinations of some or all of the features explained hereinabove.