EP0885150B1 - Grouping element for assembling packages containing pots arranged in layers - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cardboard element used to group several packages, each package containing several jars, for example of yogurt, which are joined in plates by a flange formed at the part top of each pot.

It is known to package at least two plates superimposed of this type in cardboard packaging of parallelepiped shape that envelops them on one side upper, on a lower face and on two faces vertical opposite, the other two opposite faces of the packaging remains open. To be able to transport several of these packages at the same time it was until now necessary to arrange them in trays cardboard grouping comprising a bottom and walls side.

Such trays require for their manufacture the use of a large amount of cardboard and are therefore expensive.

In addition, once the packaging has been removed from the tray and placed on the shelves of a sales area, the shelf becomes unusable and bulky. To allow her storage in a small volume before disposal, must detach the side walls to lay them flat, which results in a large amount of waste.

By patent EP-0 614 821 we know a structure of holding and gripping at least two plates superimposed pots having a recess at the junction flanges from each group of four adjacent pots. Said structure includes an upper central flap rectangular which covers the upper surface of the top plate of pots, two identical main flaps comprising substantially T-shaped central parts linked on both sides to the central section and specific to be folded down by folding along the side faces said plates and two identical secondary flaps, substantially rectangular, extending from the leg center of T perpendicular to the plane of the latter. Said secondary flaps are housed between two parallel rows of the bottom plate of pots and they are provided, on an upper edge, with legs in hook shape which snaps into said recesses formed at the junction between the pots.

This holding structure thus makes it possible to assemble the at least two overlapping plates of pots in a unitary block, cohesion being ensured by the secondary flaps which come and kiss the stack of plates from below.

It is clear that such a support structure is unusable for packing a stack of wrapped plates in a parallelepipedic packaging of the type defined above.

The present invention aims to remedy these disadvantages by proposing a cardboard element allowing to group several packages each containing at least two superimposed plates of pots for transport, which uses a much less amount of cardboard than that used in the production of the tray according to the technique earlier and therefore more economical.

The invention also relates to an element of cardboard grouping which can be dismantled without being necessary tear it up and can therefore be reused.

The invention also relates to a grouping element of this type which allows the stacking of packages, while avoiding the sliding of a grouping element in relation to the one under him.

The invention finally relates to a grouping element which is fully mechanizable.

All these objects and advantages are obtained with the element grouping according to claim 1.

The grouping element according to the invention uses a lot less cardboard than the prior art tray since it has only one back wall and two walls side, the other two side walls being reduced to the studs.

It also has the advantage over the patent EP 0 614 821 to be able to group two or more than two packaging and not just a single stack of plates of pots. Indeed, all the packaging forms a whole unitary whose weight is exerted on the bottom wall of the grouping element. As a result, when you lift the grouping element, all packaging, including middle packages, are raised.

According to a particular embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall and the two side flaps are made at from a single cardboard blank and the two flaps lateral are articulated on two opposite sides of the wall background. The posts have an upper edge which, in service position, is horizontal and is placed against the flange of pot plates.

The assembly of this grouping element is carried out in folding the tenons perpendicular to the side flaps, then rotating these to bring them into a position perpendicular to the bottom wall. For allow the studs to freely enter the said vertical passages without their risk of coming up against against the edge of the rim of the pots, we must lift slightly the pot plates inside their enough packaging for the top edge of the studs can pass until they reach their final position. When the plates return to their low position, their flange comes to rest on said edge top of the studs, thereby blocking the side flaps and preventing them from opening spontaneously.

To dismantle the grouping element, simply rotate side flaps in the opposite direction by forcing slightly until the studs clear from under the flanges.

The grouping element may be provided with means which avoid lifting the pot plates to insert the studs. Embodiments of these means are the subject of claims 6 to 9.

In the case where the side flaps are articulated on the bottom wall, the grouping element may include also means to reinforce the blocking of side flaps in closed position so they don't risk no opening, even under the action of a tensile force exerted on them.

Various modes of realizing these means are described. in claims 13 to 31.

la figure 1 représente un élément de groupage selon un premier mode de réalisation, pour l'assemblage d'emballages comprenant deux couches de plaques de pots ;

la figure 2 est une vue en perspective montrant l'élément de groupage dans une phase intermédiaire de montage autour de trois emballages de pots de yaourt ;

la figure 3 est une vue de perspective de l'élément de groupage à l'état monté ;

la figure 4 est une vue en coupe suivant la ligne IV-IV de la figure 3 et montrant, en traits mixtes, une position intermédiaire du volet latéral et des tenons, et, en traits pleins, la position définitive de ces derniers ;

la figure 5 représente un élément de groupage selon un second mode de réalisation, formé de trois parties distinctes ;

la figure 6 est une vue en perspective partielle représentant l'un des volets latéraux indépendants de la figure 5, en position d'insertion entre les pots ;

la figure 7 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de groupage de la figure 5 à l'état monté ;

la figure 8 montre un élément de groupage selon un troisième mode de réalisation, en deux pièces ;

la figure 9 montre un élément de groupage pour emballages comportant une seule couche de plaques de pots ;

la figure 10 est une variante de réalisation de l'élément de groupage, avec un couvercle ;

la figure 11 montre un flan étalé à plat et pourvu de moyens de blocage des parois latérales selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention ;

la figure 12 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de groupage de la figure 11 en cours de montage ;

la figure 13 montre un deuxième mode de réalisation des moyens de blocage ;

la figure 14 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de groupage de la figure 13 en cours de montage ;

la figure 15 montre un troisième mode de réalisation des moyens de blocage ;

la figure 16 représente une vue en perspective de l'élément de groupage de la figure 15 ;

la figure 17 montre un quatrième mode de réalisation des moyens de blocage ;

la figure 18 représente l'élément de groupage de la figure 17 en cours de montage ;

la figure 19 montre un cinquième mode de réalisation des moyens de blocage ;

la figure 20 représente l'élément de groupage de la figure 19 en cours de montage ;

la figure 21 montre un sixième mode de réalisation des moyens de blocage ;

la figure 22 est une vue en perspective de l'élément de groupage de la figure 21 en cours de montage ; et

la figure 23 est une vue en coupe à plus grande échelle, suivant la ligne XXIII-XXIII de la figure 22.

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 represents a grouping element according to a first embodiment, for assembling packages comprising two layers of pot plates;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the grouping element in an intermediate assembly phase around three packages of yogurt pots;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the grouping element in the assembled state;

Figure 4 is a sectional view along line IV-IV of Figure 3 and showing, in phantom, an intermediate position of the side flap and the pins, and, in solid lines, the final position of the latter;

FIG. 5 represents a grouping element according to a second embodiment, formed of three distinct parts;

Figure 6 is a partial perspective view showing one of the independent side flaps of Figure 5, in the insertion position between the pots;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the grouping member of Figure 5 in the assembled state;

FIG. 8 shows a grouping element according to a third embodiment, in two parts;

FIG. 9 shows a grouping element for packaging comprising a single layer of pot plates;

Figure 10 is an alternative embodiment of the grouping element, with a cover;

FIG. 11 shows a blank spread out flat and provided with means for blocking the side walls according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the grouping member of Figure 11 during assembly;

Figure 13 shows a second embodiment of the locking means;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the grouping member of Figure 13 during assembly;

FIG. 15 shows a third embodiment of the locking means;

Figure 16 shows a perspective view of the grouping element of Figure 15;

Figure 17 shows a fourth embodiment of the locking means;

FIG. 18 represents the grouping element of FIG. 17 during assembly;

Figure 19 shows a fifth embodiment of the locking means;

FIG. 20 represents the grouping element of FIG. 19 during assembly;

FIG. 21 shows a sixth embodiment of the locking means;

Figure 22 is a perspective view of the grouping member of Figure 21 during assembly; and

FIG. 23 is a sectional view on a larger scale, along the line XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22.

The grouping element 10 represented in FIGS. 1 and 2 is intended to group three packages 12, 14, 16 each containing two layers of plates, each plate comprising six pots 18, for example of yogurt, arranged in two rows of three pots. In a manner known per se, pots of the same plate are joined together by their upper peripheral flange 20.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to this alone example, but that it also applies to the grouping of minus two packages and that these packages may contain one, two, three or more layers of plates, each plate which can include any even number of pots. The pots can also be independent of each other others and arranged in one or more layers.

As shown in Figure 3, each package is formed a cardboard envelope, substantially parallelepiped, open at two opposite ends.

The grouping element of FIG. 1 is constituted by a single blank of substantially rectangular cardboard on which are marked with two parallel fold lines 22, 24 extending in the transverse direction of the blank at distances equal transverse edges of it. These lines of folding define a rectangular central portion or bottom wall 26 and two rectangular side flaps 28, 30, these three surfaces extending in the transverse direction blank.

The bottom wall 26 has a width equal to the length of each package and a length at most equal to triple the width of a package.

The three packages 12, 14, 16 are placed side by side on the back wall in the longitudinal direction of the blank and they rest by their entire base on the bottom wall. However, the length of the bottom wall can be more short and be chosen in such a way that the packaging extremes 12, 16 rest only by part of their base surface. This saves money on the quantity of cardboard used to manufacture the element grouping.

Each of the side flaps is provided at its ends substantially rectangular studs 32, 34 and 36, 38 respectively, articulated on the side flap along a fold line 40. The dimension of the tenons in the direction longitudinal of the blank 10 is equal to the height of a plate pots.

The outer longitudinal edge 42 of the outer studs 32, 36 is straight, while the edge 44 of the studs 34, 38 which is contiguous to the tenons 32, 36 is rounded and is extended by a notch 46 located at a distance from the fold line 22 equal to the height of a plate.

The bottom wall 26 has slots 52, 54 adjoining the fold lines 22, 24 of the side flaps on the back wall. The side flaps are fitted on their longitudinal edge free of lugs 48, 50. These lugs are likely to fit into the slots when several grouping elements are superimposed.

The side flaps 28, 30 are pierced with holes 56 allowing free air circulation as well as the introduction of fingers to lift the packaging groups.

We will now describe the method of assembling the packages 12, 14, 16 opposite Figures 2 to 4. This process, which is fully automatic, consists of all first take a grouping element 10 from a store, not shown, and place it on a plan of work of a grouping machine. The packaging 12, 14, 16, conveyed by a conveyor belt, are arranged side by side on the bottom wall 26 with their faces open facing the side flaps.

The pins 32, 34, 36 and 38 are then erected perpendicular to the side flaps by folding around the fold lines 40. This position is illustrated in FIG. 2. The length l of the side flaps is chosen so that the pins are then in the same plane as the vertical passages 57, 58 defined between the rows of pots of the end packages 12 and 16.

The machine then pivots the side flaps 28, 30 around the fold lines 22, 24 upwards on the figure 2. At the beginning of this movement, the lower tenons 34, 38 can pass freely under the flanges of the lower plates thanks to the rounded shape of their edge. To allow the upper posts 32, 36 to be inserted also in passages 57, 58 without coming up against the flanges 20 of the upper plates, pushers 60 are designed to lift the two plates as a whole in the extreme packages 12 and 16, from their position normal shown in solid lines in Figure 4 at their raised position shown in phantom. The pushers act through holes 61 drilled in the back wall 26. This movement is possible due to the ability of packages to deform.

In the raised position of the plates, the tenons upper 32, 36 can be freely inserted under the flange of the upper plates or under the wall upper packaging 12, 16 and the collar of lower plates comes into the notches 46. The side flaps are then in the vertical position shown in Figure 4. When the pushers 60 are retract, the plates descend. The collars of upper plates then come to rest on the edge upper 42 of the upper tenons 32, 36, while the edge of the lower plate flanges fits into the notches 46. The side flaps are then in the position shown in figure 3. They cannot be released spontaneously from this position due to the jamming of upper tenons 32, 36 under the upper flange. For open the grouping element, exercise on the shutters lateral traction sufficient for the tenons manage to free themselves from under the upper flange. This movement is done without damage to the grouping element, so it can be reused.

We will now describe the grouping element according to the mode embodiment of FIG. 5. This grouping element is formed of three distinct parts constituting the wall of bottom 26 and the two side flaps 28, 30. The bottom wall is provided on its longitudinal edges with legs 64.66 foldable along fold lines 22, 24 and used to glue the side flaps.

Grouping of packaging is easier than previously. After the packages 12, 14, 16 have been placed on the bottom wall 26, the two side flaps 28, 30, whose tenons 32,34,36,38 were previously folded, are approached from the packaging in the direction of arrow in figure 6. The pins fit exactly between the rows of pots in the extreme packaging 12 and 16 without the need to lift the pot plates. Once the side flaps in place, glue the tabs 64, 66 on them. Nor is it necessary here that the edge of the lower studs 34, 38 is rounded.

Figure 7 shows the assembly obtained. To open the grouping element, we proceed as in the previous achievement.

Another advantage of this grouping element is that the bottom wall 26 and the side flaps 28, 30 can be made in different cartons which are most suitable to their respective function. So the bottom wall can be in a cardboard not very resistant since it does not support effort, while the side flaps can be in one strong cardboard to be able to withstand the efforts of vertical compression.

These same advantages can be obtained with the element of grouping of Figure 8 which is formed in two parts at place of three, namely a bottom wall 26 integral with a side flap 28 and a second separate side flap 30. In this embodiment, we start by engaging the tenons 32, 34, 36, 38 of the side flap 26 between the rows of pots by approaching them laterally as in the mode of realization of FIG. 6. The bottom wall is then folded 26 to bring it into a horizontal position under the packaging and finally we put in place the side flap 30 as in the embodiment of FIG. 6.

The grouping element in Figure 9 is used to assemble packaging containing a single plate of pots. This grouping element is of the same type as that of the figure 1 and is distinguished only by the fact that the flaps side 28, 30 have at their ends only one tenon 32, 36.

It goes without saying that this grouping element can be formed in two or three parts as in the embodiments Figures 5 and 8.

As shown in Figure 10, the grouping element according to the invention can be supplemented by the addition of a cover 70 consisting of a cardboard plate provided with four slots 72 in which fit the lugs 48, 50 of the grouping element. The cover has two foldable tabs 74 intended to be glued to the shutters side 28, 30. This gives a unit of three grouped packaging suitable for promotional sales to consumers.

We will now refer to Figures 11 and 12.

On each side flap are cut tabs 80, 82 elongated in the height direction of the flap and foldable along fold lines 84, 86 located in the extension of the upper edge 88 of the flap, inside stacking portions 48, 50 projecting on said edge. The distance between the two tabs is substantially equal to twice the width of a package. The stacking portions are intended to fit into holes 52 drilled in the bottom 26 when packages are stacked.

Each tab is provided at its end opposite to the fold line, of a hooking portion 90 in the form double hook.

The grouping process is done entirely automatic. Figure 12 illustrates this process in the case of grouping of three packages 12, 14, 16.

When the side flap is in the vertical position, its tabs 80, 82 are located at the face upper packaging, straddling the edges adjacent top of neighboring packages respectively. Their hooking portion 90 is then pressed through adjacent openings 92, 94 formed on said edges and is snapped under a notch 96 usually provided on the edge of the collar 20, the junction between two pots.

The other side flap 30 is shaped in the same so that the flap 28.

It goes without saying that each component can be fitted with a single tab identical to tabs 80, 82 and which is located in the middle of the length of the flap. In this case hooking portion of this tab is pressed in through an opening formed in the middle of the upper face 93 of central packaging 14 and snaps into a hole formed between four neighboring pots.

Each side flap can also be provided with as much tabs that there are packaging in the grouping.

We will now refer to the illustrated embodiment by Figures 13 and 14. This embodiment does not differ from the previous only by the fact that the tabs 95, 97 are are on the outside of the side flaps 28, 30 and are hinged on the upper edge 88 of these along of fold lines 98, 100. The tabs have a length slightly less than the width of a package.

Grouping is carried out as in Figure 12, at difference except that the tabs are inserted here between the upper wall 93 of the central packaging 14 and the flange 20 of the upper plate contained in said packaging.

The side flaps are therefore kept in position closed by the combined action of the tenon wedging 32, 36 under the upper flange and the friction force exerted by the tabs 95, 97 on the collar and on the upper wall of the packaging.

Of course, each flap can be provided with two or three legs that can be inserted, like the legs 95, 97, in two or three packages.

The grouping element in Figure 11 or Figure 13 is made from a single cardboard blank, but it can be formed from three separate blanks constituting the wall bottom and the two side flaps.

We will now refer to Figures 15 and 16.

On the upper edge 88 of the side flaps are hinged bonding legs. In the mode of embodiment of Figure 1, there are provided three legs collage 101, 102, 104 alternated with two portions protruding stacking 48, 50. These are intended for fit into holes 51 drilled in the wall of bottom, when packages are stacked.

The grouping process is done entirely automatic. Figure 15 illustrates this process in the case of grouping of three packages 12, 14, 16. The tenons 32, 34, 36 and 38 as well as the legs 101, 102, 104 are then standing perpendicular to the side flap 28.

The legs 101, 102, 104 are then glued to the upper wall 93 of the three packages 12, 14, 16, at using conventional glue. To prevent a trace of glue on the upper walls of the packaging after the legs take off, they are glued on precut areas 106, for example in the form of a semicircle. When opening the side flaps, said zones are cut according to their precut line.

The legs can also be glued using a peelable adhesive that leaves no marks on the walls packaging.

It goes without saying that the side flaps can be fitted only one central leg, for example the leg 102.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18, the side flaps 28, 30 are provided on their upper edge a single leg 112 which extends over the entire length said edge. On the leg are cut two U-shaped incisions internally defining stacking portions 48, 50. The tab is foldable along a fold line 114 and it is bonded to the upper surface 93 of at least one of the packaging.

The grouping element of FIGS. 19 and 20 comprises on each side flap two vertical bonding tabs 116, cut by making a 118-shaped incision and folding the legs thus formed inwards along lines vertical folding 120. The latter are positioned so that when the pins 32 to 38 are engaged between the jars of the extreme packages 12, 14, the legs 116 are are in the plane of the vertical walls 122, 124 of the central packaging 14. The legs 116 can then be glued to said walls, preferably on portions in the shape of a semicircle 118 precut on the last ones.

Of course, the side flaps can be provided with both horizontal legs 101, 102, 104 on their edge upper and vertical legs 116.

We will now refer to Figures 21 to 23 which show another embodiment of the means of blocking of the side flaps in the closed position.

We take advantage of the presence on the collar 20 of recesses 19 at the junctions between each group of four adjacent pots and there is provided on the straight edge 42 of each upper lug a lug 43.

When the side flap 28 has been brought in, as described previously, in its vertical position, the pins 43 are are located opposite the recesses 19 of the flange superior. As soon as the pushers are retracted, the pot plates return to their low position. The pins 43 then enter the recesses 19 and the flanges upper 20 come to rest on the edges 39 of upper tenons 32, 36. The side flaps are thus blocked by the locking of the pins in the recesses and cannot be opened by pivoting.

Due to the presence of the pins 43, bosses 45 form on the upper wall 47 of the packages extremes 12, 16. If several groups of packages similar to that of Figure 22 are stacked, these bosses are absorbed by the holes 61 of the packaging group found above the grouping considered.

It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the example illustrated by the figures, but that it applies also the grouping of at least two packages that can contain one, two, three or more layers of plates, each plate may include a number any pair of pots. The pots can also be independent of each other and be arranged in one or several layers.

On the other hand, the grouping element can be realized in the form of three independent pieces. Shutters side can then be approached laterally so to engage the pins between the yogurt pots.

Claims (31)

1. Grouping element intended for grouping into a single unit at least two independent packages (12, 14, 16), each containing at least one layer of at least two rows of pots (18) provided with flanges (20), which pots are connected by their flanges to form a block, said packages being made from cardboard with a parallelepiped configuration which encloses the upper face, the lower face and two opposite lateral faces of the block or blocks, the other two opposite faces being open, the packages for grouping being disposed side by side in a single row so that their open faces are turned in the same direction, said grouping element comprising a rectangular base wall and two lateral flaps, characterised in that

   the base wall (26) supports the assembly of packages,

   the two lateral flaps (28, 30) are applied against the open faces of the assembly of packages and have a length, measured in the horizontal direction, equal to the distance between the vertical gaps (57, 58) defined respectively between the rows of pots situated in the two most remote packages (12, 16) of said row of packages,

   said lateral flaps (28, 30) are provided, on their vertical edges, with tabs (32, 34, 36, 38), which are foldable perpendicularly to the plane of the lateral flaps and are capable of being fitted, through the open lateral faces of the packages, respectively into said gaps and of being automatically wedged under the common flange (20) of the pots of said layer or layers.
2. Grouping element according to claim 1, for grouping a plurality of packages (12, 14, 16) each containing a single block of pots, characterised in that the lateral flaps (28, 30) are provided, at each of their ends, with a single tab (32, 36), said tab being provided with a horizontal edge (42) intended to be wedged under the common flange (20) of the block of pots.
3. Grouping element according to claim 1, for grouping packages (12, 14, 16) each containing at least two layers of blocks of pots, characterised in that the lateral flaps (28, 30) are provided, on each of their vertical edges, with as many tabs (32, 34, 36, 38) as there are layers of blocks in the packages, said tabs respectively penetrating into said gaps formed in said layers.
4. Grouping element according to claim 3, characterised in that the base wall (26), the lateral flaps (28, 30) and the tabs (32, 34, 36, 38) are made from a single substantially rectangular cardboard blank, the upper tabs (32, 36) being provided with a horizontal edge (42) intended to be inserted under the flange (20) of the upper block, while the lower tabs (34, 38) have a rounded edge (44) which permits them to be inserted under the flanges (20) of the lower blocks, during the course of pivoting the lateral flaps towards their vertical position, without interfering with the edge of said lower flanges.
5. Grouping element according to claim 4, characterised in that said rounded edge (44) is extended by a notch (46) formed between an upper tab (32, 36) and a lower tab (34, 38), said notch overlapping the edge of the lower flange.
6. Grouping element according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the base wall (26) has holes (61) through which push-buttons (60) are capable of acting to raise en bloc the assembly of blocks which are contained in the two most remote packages (12, 16), until the upper tabs (32, 36) with the horizontal edge (42) have been inserted under the flange of the upper block.
7. Grouping element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the base wall (26) is made separately from a rectangular cardboard blank provided, on two opposite sides, with foldable gluing lugs (64, 66), and in that the lateral flaps (28, 30) are made separately from two other distinct cardboard blanks which are secured to the base wall by being glued onto said lugs, after their tabs have been positioned in said gaps (57, 58).
8. Grouping element according to claim 7, characterised in that the lateral flaps (28, 30) are made from cardboard which is resistant to vertical compression, and the base wall (26) is made from less resistant cardboard.
9. Grouping element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the base wall (26) and one of the lateral flaps (28) are made from the same cardboard blank, and in that the other lateral flap (30) is made separately from another cardboard blank and is attached to the base wall by being glued onto a foldable lug (66) provided on the edge of the base wall, which edge is situated opposite the first lateral flap (28).
10. Grouping element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the base wall (26) has slots (52, 54) adjacent to the fold lines (22, 24) of the lateral flaps on the base wall, and the lateral flaps are provided, on their free longitudinal edge, with lugs (48, 50), the lugs of one grouping element being capable of being fitted into the slots of a grouping element placed thereabove.
11. Grouping element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the lateral flaps are pierced with holes (56) for fingers to pass through, and to permit air to circulate between the pots.
12. Grouping element according to claim 10, characterised in that it comprises, moreover, a lid (70) formed by a sheet of cardboard provided with slots (72), into which the lugs (48, 50) fit, said lid being provided with foldable lugs (74) intended to be glued to the lateral flaps (28, 30).
13. Grouping element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said lateral flaps (28, 30) are each provided with at least one tongue (80, 82; 95, 97), which may be folded along a fold line (84, 86; 98, 100) to be level with the upper face (93) of the packages, said tongue being provided with a hook portion (90) capable of engaging with retaining means (92, 94, 96) formed on the flange (20) situated under said upper face.
14. Grouping element according to claim 13, characterised in that the tongue (80, 82) has a shape which extends in the direction of the height of the corresponding lateral flap (28, 30), and said tongue is cut-out from the surface of the lateral flap and folded along a horizontal fold line (84, 86) situated in alignment with the upper edge (88) of the lateral flap, said tongue being positioned above the upper wall (93) of at least one of the packages of the grouping, and its hook portion (90) being engaged, through an opening (92) formed in said upper wall of the package, in a cut-out portion (96) formed in the flange of the upper block contained in said package.
15. Grouping element according to claim 14, characterised in that the fold lines (84, 86) of the tongues (80, 82) are situated on raised portions (48, 50), which project relative to said upper edge (88) of the lateral flap.
16. Grouping element according to claim 14, characterised in that each lateral flap (28, 30) is provided with at least one tongue (80, 82) which, in the position of use, overlaps the adjacent upper ridges appertaining to two respectively adjacent packages (12, 14 and 14, 16), the hook portion of this tongue engaging, through contiguous openings (92, 94) formed in the region of these ridges, in a cut-out portion (96) provided on the external edge of the flange.
17. Grouping element according to claim 14, characterised in that each lateral flap (28, 30) is provided with at least one tongue, the hook portion of which is inserted, through an opening formed in the middle of one of the packages, preferably of the central package (14), and engages with a cut-out portion formed in the middle of the flange.
18. Grouping element according to claim 13, characterised in that the tongues (95, 97) are external to the lateral flaps (28, 30) and are hinged along the upper edges (88) of the lateral flaps, said tongues being inserted between the upper wall of one of the packages of the grouping and the flange (20) of the upper block contained in said package.
19. Grouping element according to claim 18, characterised in that each lateral flap is provided with a plurality of tongues capable of being inserted into each of the packages of the grouping, between the upper wall of these packages and the upper flange.
20. Grouping element according to one of claims 18 and 19, characterised in that the length of the tongues (95, 97) is slightly less than the width of a package.
21. Grouping element according to one of claims 1-3 and 7-20, characterised in that it is made from three distinct cardboard blanks which form the base wall (26) and the two lateral flaps (28, 30), the latter being connected to the base wall, after the tabs and the tongues have been positioned, by being glued onto foldable lugs formed on the longitudinal edges of the base wall.
22. Grouping element according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that each of the lateral flaps (28, 30) is provided with at least one foldable lug (101, 102, 104; 112; 116) intended to be glued to at least one of the walls (93; 122, 124) of at least one of the packages.
23. Grouping element according to claim 22, characterised in that the lug or lugs (101, 102, 104; 112) is or are hinged on the upper edge (88) of the lateral flaps and glued onto the upper wall (93) of at least one of the packages.
24. Grouping element according to claim 23, characterised in that, in the case where the lateral flap only comprises a single lug, this lug is formed in the middle of the length of the upper edge (88) of the lateral flap and is glued to the upper wall of the package (14) situated in the centre of the grouping of packages.
25. Grouping element according to claim 22, characterised in that the lugs are equal in number to the number of the grouped packages (12, 14, 16) and are glued respectively to the upper walls of the packages.
26. Grouping element according to claim 22, characterised in that each lateral flap is provided, on its upper edge (88), with a single lug (112) equal in length to the total width of all of the packages of the grouping, said lug being glued onto the upper walls of all of the packages.
27. Grouping element according to claim 22, characterised in that the lugs to be glued (116) are cut out of the surface of the lateral flaps and are hinged on fold lines (120) disposed so that, when the tabs (32, 34, 36, 38) are engaged between the pots, the lugs (116) are in the plane of the vertical walls (122, 124) of one of the packages.
28. Grouping element according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the glue used is of the type which does not leave any trace on the wall of the package when the lug is detached.
29. Grouping element according to one of claims 22 to 27, characterised in that the glue used may also be a conventional glue, the lug being glued, in this case, onto a pre-cut zone (106) of the wall of the package, for example in the form of a semi-circle, which zone is removed at the same time as the lug is detached.
30. Grouping element according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the upper tabs (32, 36) are provided, on their upper edge, with lugs (43) capable of being locked into slots (19) formed on the flange (20) at the junctions between each group of four pots.
31. Grouping element according to claim 30, characterised in that the base wall (26) has four holes (61) intended to absorb the bosses (45) which appear on the upper wall (47) of the most remote packages (12, 16), and which are due to the presence of the lugs (43).

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