EP0078290B1 - Package for matches, method and installation for manufacturing such package - Google Patents

Abstract

Method and installation for the separate conditioning of matches (1) in a package subdivided in oblong compartments (4) wherein a match (1) is arranged in each of them, said compartments (4) being closed at one end and open at the opposite end so that the head (11) of a match is located at the closed end and the opposite portion of the match goes beyond the open end of said compartments (4) to allow for the removal of the match from its compartment. The matches (1) are first arranged in a relatively flat prismatic core (2) comprising oblong housings (4) for the matches, those housings being arranged one after the other and separate in their longitudinal direction by partitioning walls (3), the housings (4) being almost completely open along at least one of their longitudinal open sides (5), said sides (5) being then covered by means of a closure element (6) so that oblong compartments (4) are formed wherein the matches (1) are removably squeezed.

Description

The invention relates to a match package, of the “instant igniter case” type, which has distinct advantages over known packages of the same type. Furthermore, it relates to a process for manufacturing this packaging and an installation for carrying out this process.

Packages of the “instant igniter case” type have been known for a long time and have several embodiments. Thus, as described in patent FR-A-1 266 104, they comprise a flat cardboard box, the interior of which is provided with corrugated paper. The matches are housed in the grooves of the corrugated paper (a match in each groove) with their heads resting against a stopper and their free ends projecting outside the case on one of its sides. In addition, a scraper strip is provided in the interior of the case, near said side where the ends of the matches protrude. The result is such that the matches are perfectly tightened in the case, while allowing their individual extraction, and that the matches ignite immediately when they are extracted from the case.

A more modern embodiment is shown in US Pat. No. 2,097,839. The packaging described in this document comprises a relatively flat prismatic core, made of cardboard, in which a series of oblong housings for matches is made. , one after the other. Each of these oblong housings has a longitudinal wall, two side walls and a closed end, so that there remains an open longitudinal side and an open end. The housings are located such that the open longitudinal sides of the successive housings are located alternately on either side of the prismatic core. Each of the housings contains a match, the head of which is near the closed end of the housing and the stick of which projects beyond the open end towards the outside of the core, friction strips being provided on the bottoms of the housings near the open ends. . In addition, the match core is enclosed between two cardboard sheets, which cover the open sides of the housings and thus serve as closing elements. Consequently, the matches are tightened in the housings of the core, while allowing their individual extraction, and the matches will ignite immediately when they are extracted from the package, thanks to the friction strips.

This last embodiment has the advantage of being more solid than the previous one. However, its manufacture causes several difficulties and the matches are not sufficiently protected against the variable conditions of humidity in the environment.

The present invention now aims to eliminate these problems and to present a packaging which guarantees better protection of the matches and which can be manufactured industrially and continuously, in a very efficient manner. It also aims to present a process and an installation for the manufacture of this packaging.

The invention presents a packaging of the general type described in patent US-A-2,097,839, therefore with a prismatic core of rigid material, containing matches in its housings, and with at least one closing element. This package is characterized by the fact that the core is made of plastic, that a recess has been made in the longitudinal wall of each of the housings in the core, this recess creating a space for receiving the head of a match, and the remaining part of the longitudinal wall forming a bearing surface for the match stick, and that the friction strips for the matches are provided on the inner side of the closure element and in particular on elevations on this inner side located opposite the remaining parts of the longitudinal wall of each of the housings in the core.

The presence of the recesses in the longitudinal walls has the advantage that the total thickness of the packaging and the quantity of material can be reduced, the matches being nevertheless tightened in their housings in a very solid manner.

The special arrangement of the contact strips allows the matches to be inserted without risk of ignition, thanks to the fact that the contact strip has not been provided on the walls of the core. However, after the closure element has been placed, the elevations on this element in combination with the remaining parts of the walls in the core, form bearing surfaces for the matches so that these matches are well retained in their housings, and have a restriction of the passage which has the effect that the matches, if they are extracted from their housings, can only come out of these housings by igniting.

The invention further presents a method of manufacturing the aforementioned package, which method is characterized in that a relatively flat prismatic core is provided, of a configuration as defined above, that a match is introduced into each of the housings of this core, with the head directed towards the closed end, the stick projecting beyond the open end of this housing towards the outside, and then the core is wrapped in a closing element, thus closing the open longitudinal sides of the housings in the core.

This process can be carried out, in a special embodiment, by an installation which comprises means for forming a continuous strip of matches, a device for moving the core relatively towards the continuous strip of matches and thus for sliding some of the matches in the core housings, and a device for wrapping the core containing the matches in a closure member, thereby closing the open longitudinal sides of the housings in the core. This means that the packaging can be manufactured continuously, thanks to the material and the configuration of the core used.

Of course, an apparatus for manufacturing a match package, comprising means for forming a continuous strip of matches and devices for arranging other elements next to this continuous strip, is already described in patent FR-A-809,220. However, this device does not use a core of a configuration as defined in the present invention or in patent US-A-2,097,839.

Other features of the invention will appear on reading the following description, based on the accompanying drawings. These drawings show some specific embodiments of the packaging, as well as a specific form of the installation, and are given only as examples.

FIG. 1 represents a perspective view, with partial section, of a match packaging according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a section along line II-II of Figure 1.

Figures 3 and 4 are sections similar to that of Figure 2, showing a match being extracted from the package.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation, in perspective, of a particular embodiment of the method and the installation for manufacturing the packaging of the invention.

The match package shown in Figures 1 to 4 consists essentially of three elements: a prismatic core 2, a closure element 6 and a number of matches 1.

The prismatic core 2, made of plastic, is relatively flat, so that its thickness is slightly less than the corresponding thickness of the match heads.

This core comprises a series of successive oblong housings 4 separated from each other by partitions 3 and completely open at one of their longitudinal sides 5.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, a core 2 is used in which the open sides 5 of the housings 3 are located alternately on either side of the core, so that the core can keep its rigidity. The housings 4, which are all identical, have a rectangular cross section formed by a longitudinal wall 7 and two partitions or walls, lateral 3. Thus, the cross section of the core has, roughly, the appearance of a slot.

The core 2 further comprises a wall 9 for closing the housings 4 at one of their ends and for allowing the matches to remain in the housings with their heads 11 in a space 10 near this wall 9, ie . near the closed end.

The opposite end 13 of the housings 4 is open so that at this location the matches can project outwards from the core.

The closure element 6 is formed by one or two strips preferably made of cardboard, which coat the core, so that the housings 4 are closed along their longitudinal sides and form compartments 12 in which the matches are perfectly tight.

At the location of the end walls 3 'of the core 2, the closure element 6 has a fold-down or reverse 6' which covers the outside of this wall 3 '.

Returning to the core 2, we see recesses 14 provided in the longitudinal walls 7 of the housings 4. Each of the recesses 14 extends from the wall 9 beyond the space 10 for the head of the match 11 in the direction from the open end 13 of the housing, in such a way that this recess 14 occupies approximately 2/3 of the surface of the wall 7. Thanks to these recesses 14, the thickness of the packaging can be reduced , while providing spaces 10 large enough to receive the match heads.

The remaining part 15 of the longitudinal wall 7 forms a bearing surface for the match stick and is provided with two chamfers 16 and 17 to facilitate the introduction and the extraction of the match.

With respect to each bearing surface 15 there is an elevation 19 on the inner side of the closure element 6, i.e. on the side facing the matches. This elevation rests elastically on the match and carries a friction strip 18.

Thus, when a match 1 is extracted from its housing 4 in the direction of arrow 20, one can distinguish two distinct stages or movements (see fig. 3 and 4).

In a first stage or movement, the match is moved virtually without friction resistance to the position shown in Figure 3, that is to say until the head 11 reaches the chamfer 17. This chamfer is located relative to the friction strip 18, so that in this position the head 11 does not yet reach the latter.

In a second stage or movement, the head 11 slides on the chamfer 17 and presses against the closing element 6 which faces it and which deforms somewhat (fig. 4). As a result, a relatively high resistance is created and a greater pulling force must be exerted on the match to remove it from the compartment. This has the consequence that the head 11, as soon as it has overcome the resistance, projects rapidly between the bearing surface 15 and the elevation 19 and that the inflammation does not occur until the match is already out of the compartment. Combustion can therefore never take place inside the compartment, which therefore excludes any risk of ignition of the packaging.

Elevation 19 fulfills a double function: on the one hand it ensures that the matches are always retained in the same relative position vis-à-vis the others in their housings 4 and, on the other hand, the contact surface between the head 11 and the friction strip 18 is increased, as is clearly seen in FIGS. 3 and 4.

The packaging described so far can be produced in a very simple manner in two successive stages. In the first step, we introduce a match in each of the housings of the core 2 with its head directed towards the closed end and its opposite part projecting beyond the open end of this housing and in the second step the core is covered with the closing element 6.

The introduction of the matches into their housings can be carried out without risk of tightening or breakage, thanks to the fact that the housings are open along their longitudinal side.

However, when the housings are closed below by the installation of the closing element, the matches are tightened in their housings in a removable manner.

The closure element can be put in place by gluing. For this purpose, glue 8 can be provided on the longitudinal walls 7 of the housings of the core, and also on the outside of the end wall 3 'of the core 2.

The manufacturing process can be continuous or discontinuous. A continuous process is achievable when the matches are made so as to form a continuous strip; then, the core is moved relatively towards the strip of matches to slide the matches into the housings of the core, and then the core of the closing element 6 is covered.

The matches have a rectangular cross section whose long side extends parallel to the closure element 6, so that the free ends of the matches, which emerge from the core, form an approximately continuous surface on which it is possible to optionally carry advertising.

In addition, the long side of the cross section of the matches is larger than the corresponding thickness of the head 11, so that the latter cannot tighten when it is slid into the housings of the core.

The packaging according to the invention can be completed by a jacket 21 which can be formed from five successive flaps 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26, in which case the flap 22 is glued against the outside of one of the closing elements 6 and the other flaps can be folded around the core 2, so that the flap 26 comes to be placed against the outside of the other closing element.

In order to allow the closing of the jacket 21 around the core 2, a button 27 is fixed between the shutter 22 and the closing element 6, on which the shutter 22 is glued, and in such a way that this button comes out through an orifice corresponding 28 which is provided in the shutter 22. In addition, the shutter 26 has an orifice 29 whose edges are placed around the button 27 when the jacket 21 is closed around the core 2.

Optionally, the flap 22 can be glued directly to the core, in this case simultaneously forming a closing element 6. The flap 22 itself is then provided with a friction strip 18.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4 may have the advantage that the jacket 21 does not necessarily have to be placed when packaging the matches in the core.

We could therefore store the semi-finished packaging comprising the core and the matches introduced between two cover elements 6. After that, the shirts 21 provided with any advertising, could be added according to demand.

Anyway, the matches are always tightened in the core 2 by the closing elements 6 and one thus obtains a set easy to handle.

Furthermore, according to the invention, this assembly can be used as a finished product which can be placed, for example, in a replaceable manner, in a support, for example in a motor car, in combination with an ashtray, etc.

Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a particular embodiment of the method and the installation according to the invention.

This installation mainly comprises a conveyor device, more precisely a table 30, on which a thin strip of wood 31 can be moved in its longitudinal direction, indicated by the arrow 32, a cutting device 33 for the creation of a toothing 34 aux two longitudinal edges of this strip 31, baths and means 35 known per se for the treatment of wood and for the impregnation of wood and toothing in these baths, a dividing device 36, preferably a chainsaw, for dividing of the strip 31 into small sticks 37 which are narrow and parallel so that a head is provided at each end of these sticks, a tightening device 38 capable of retaining these sticks relative to each other, a device for bonding 39 for applying the adhesive 8 to the outer sides of the cores, a loading device not shown for sliding the cores 2 over the two ends of the sticks 37 so that one of them penetrates re in each of the housings of these cores, a covering device (not shown) for gluing the closing element 6 and possibly the jacket 22 on the outside of the cores and, finally, a sawing device 40 which makes it possible to saw the sticks 37 in the middle to form matches 1 having the appropriate length.

During this sawing, the rods 37 are preferably retained by the clamping device 38 and, for this purpose, the latter comprises a slot 38 'in which the saw 40 can penetrate during the advancement of this clamping device.

If a chainsaw is used, it may be necessary to have it followed by a distribution device, not shown, which brings the sticks at a distance from each other which roughly corresponds to the wall thickness of partitions 3 of cores 2.

The tightening device 38 can also, preferably, form a member for stopping the cores during the sliding of the latter on the sticks, in the direction of the arrows 41. It is thus ensured that the matches always take the same place relative in the nuclei.

The bonding device 39 may for example comprise two rollers 39 and 39b mounted one above the other and one of which is driven, an empty core that can be gripped between them.

The cylindrical surfaces of these rollers are continuously coated with adhesive. This bonding device therefore makes it possible, in addition to applying the adhesive 8 to the cores, to move them at the same time in the direction of the arrows 41 towards the clamping device.

The thickness of the strip of wood 31 corresponds to the smallest thickness of the matches. This strip may be continuous or consist of separate pieces the length of which is, for example, a multiple of the length of a core. In the latter case, the conveyor device can consist, for example, of a conveyor belt which advances discontinuously in the direction of arrow 32.

The cores can be slid into the charger device on the rods either separately on both sides of the conveyor device, as shown schematically in Figure 3, or in groups of five, ten or more cores, joined to each other along the conveyor device, which are slid together on an appropriate number of sticks.

The placing of the elevation 19 on the inner side of the closure element 6 is preferably carried out after the bonding of this closure element on the core 2.

The friction strip 18 is preferably continuous on the inside of the closure element 6.

A strip of wood 31 can optionally be used, the width of which corresponds approximately to the length of a single match. In this case, only one of the longitudinal edges is provided with a toothing 34 and the loading device for sliding the cores on the sticks is located along one side of the strip.

The baths and the means 35 for the treatment of wood and for the application of a flammable substance to the toothing 34 may consist of those which are currently applied in the traditional methods of manufacturing matches. This treatment can therefore include the following operations: impregnating the strip or sticks cut into a phosphate bath to prevent spraying of the ashes, impregnating them in paraffin to allow the flame to progress evenly, drying the strip or impregnated sticks, etc.

As the description shows, the process for manufacturing matches and placing them in the packaging according to the invention can be carried out continuously. In addition, wood waste is limited to the strict minimum.

The invention is naturally not limited to the embodiments described above and one can imagine, in the context of the invention, many variants, among others with regard to the various devices used. In addition, the shape of the nuclei can undergo many changes. Thus for example, the recess 14 may be rectangular and may be limited for example to the space 10 for the head of the match, after which the bearing surface 15 becomes longer. In addition, it is still possible to use less valuable wood or kinds of wood which leave less waste, or possibly another material, such as for example a plastic material, for the manufacture of matches, since these do not are subjected to a tensile force along their longitudinal axis during friction. The matches can therefore be less solid than those which must be struck on the friction strip at a determined angle.

Claims (3)

1. A package for matches, comprising a relatively flat prismatic core (2), made from a rigid material, in which is formed a series of oblong cavities (4) for the matches (1) arranged one after the other,

each of these cavities (4) having a longitudinal wall (7), two lateral walls (3) and a closed end (9) so that a longitudinal side (5) and an end (13) are open,

each of these cavities (4) contains only a single match (1) whose head (11) is close to the closed end (9) of the cavity (4) and the matchstick of the match (1) extends outwardly beyond the open end (13) of its cavity,

the cavities (4) being so formed that the open longitudinal sides (5) of said cavities (4) are located alternately on one and the other side of the prismatic core (2),

a closing element (6) covers the core (2) and thus closes the open longitudinal sides (5) of the cavities (4) in this core (2),

rubbing strips (18) serving to cause an automatic ignition of the matches (1) by friction when they are extracted from their cavities (4),

characterised in that:

the core (2) is of plastics material,

a hollow (14) is formed in the longitudinal wall (7) of each of the cavities (4) in the core (2), this hollow creating a space (10) for receiving the head (11) of a match (1) and a remaining part (18) of the longitudinal wall (7) thus forming a support surface for the matchstick of the match (1),

and the rubbing strips (18) for the matches (1) are provided on the inner side of the closing element (6) and in particular on projections (19) of this inner side in confronting relation to said remaining parts (15) of the longitudinal wall (7) of each of the cavities (4) in the core (2).

2. A process for manufacturing a package for matches as set forth in claim 1, characterised in that there is provided a relatively flat prismatic core of rigid plastics material of a configuration such as that defined in claim 1, a match (1) is introduced in each of the cavities (4) of the core (2), with the head (11) directed toward the closed end (9) of the cavity (4), the matchstick extending outwardly beyond the open end (13) of this cavity (4), and then the core (2) is covered in a closing element (6) thereby closing the open longitudinal sides (5) of the cavities (4) in the core (2).

3. An installation for carrying out the process according to claim 2, characterised in that it comprises:

means (33-38) for forming a continuous band of matches (31), a device for effecting a relative displacement of a relatively flat prismatic core of rigid plastics material of a configuration such as that defined in claim 1, toward the continuous band of matches (31) and thereby sliding some of the matches in the cavities (4) of this core (2), and a device for covering the core containing these matches in a closing element (6) thereby closing the open longitudinal sides (5) of the cavities (4) in the core.

Images