EP1077886B1 - Packaging method, based on burst grains and method for obtaining same - Google Patents

Packaging method, based on burst grains and method for obtaining same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1077886B1
EP1077886B1 EP99919326A EP99919326A EP1077886B1 EP 1077886 B1 EP1077886 B1 EP 1077886B1 EP 99919326 A EP99919326 A EP 99919326A EP 99919326 A EP99919326 A EP 99919326A EP 1077886 B1 EP1077886 B1 EP 1077886B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
seeds
ties
product according
packaging product
links
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP99919326A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1077886A1 (en
Inventor
Luc De Moustier
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POP NAT
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POP NAT
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Publication date
Priority claimed from FR9806193A external-priority patent/FR2778645B1/en
Priority claimed from FR9811953A external-priority patent/FR2783807B1/en
Application filed by POP NAT filed Critical POP NAT
Publication of EP1077886A1 publication Critical patent/EP1077886A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1077886B1 publication Critical patent/EP1077886B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/02—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents specially adapted to protect contents from mechanical damage
    • B65D81/03—Wrappers or envelopes with shock-absorbing properties, e.g. bubble films

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a packaging product for articles, which can in particular be used for wedging these items.
  • packaging products in the form of leaves such as plastic with air bubbles incorporated and thick packaging products, of the type expanded polystyrene, the shape of which is chosen for that they can follow the contours of the product to protect.
  • This material can consist of split seeds in the free state, placed in envelopes biodegradable or molded with a binder biodegradable to form a relatively structure rigid.
  • This packaging product thus reduces considerably the share of its cost linked to its transport and the quantity of polluting waste, after use.
  • the bulk material is relatively compact and therefore heavy.
  • loose material does not not effectively hold an object which tends to sinking under the effect of vibrations occurring during transport and even through the material loose under the effect of a shock. It is therefore necessary to provide a large outer packaging, may contain a large amount of material in bulk.
  • Envelopes filled with loose material must be relatively thick to be effective, i.e. protect a product against impact during transport.
  • the invention therefore relates to a packaging product for articles, consisting of a plurality of seeds exploded and a network of links to maintain said seeds.
  • the links of said network are distributed in at least one layer of links and fixed on said seeds forming at least one seed layer, at least part of said links being crisscrossed and, the links of said network are distributed in at least two layers of links spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the average diameter of said seeds.
  • the links of the same sheet extend in the same direction, the directions of links in said two layers forming between them a non-zero angle, in particular 90 °.
  • said network of links forms a plurality of cells for said seeds split.
  • the packaging product comprises at least two layers of exploded seeds, said layers being superimposed and linked together by links, said links being fixed on said seeds and at less partly crisscrossed.
  • This packaging product may in particular include minus three layers of split seeds, with at least a layer of links between each layer of seeds, the direction of at least part of the links of a sheet of links located between two layers of seeds forming a non-zero angle, especially around 90 °, with the direction of at least part of the links of a sheet of links located between one of said two layers of seeds and another layer of seeds adjacent to it.
  • each leaf being consisting of a sheet of split seeds and two sheets of ties fixed on said seeds, said seed layer being held between the two layers of links and at least part of the links from one of the two layers of links being crisscrossed with part of the links of the other layer of links, said sheets being superimposed and fixed together via said layers of links.
  • the sheets seeds and links of the packaging product according to the invention are compacted.
  • said links are made at least in part from an adhesive material, thermoplastic, biodegradable and / or thermoformable or still partly in material ribbons, in particular biodegradable, supporting an adhesive material, especially thermoplastic, biodegradable and / or thermoformable.
  • the product packaging according to the invention comprises at least one zone free from seeds and links, the dimensions and the shape correspond to the outer shape of a article to be wedged or to be wrapped or a part thereof article.
  • the invention also relates to a stack of such packaging products, including areas free of seeds are superimposed to form a shape in hollow able to receive an article to be wedged.
  • the packaging product according to the invention comprises split seeds which are free of any protuberance and / or showing a substantially identical diameter.
  • the packaging product according to the invention comprises between approximately 1000 and 3000 corn seeds per m 2 , for a layer of seeds.
  • the invention also relates to a product intermediate for obtaining, after heating, a packaging product conforming to the second form of achievement mentioned above, this product intermediate consisting of a net forming a plurality of cells, at least some of them receiving a seed, in the unexploded state.
  • the seeds used are corn, rice, wheat or sorghum seeds.
  • the method according to the invention consists in dividing said links into a first and a second tablecloths, at least part of the links of the first layer of links forming a non-zero angle with at minus part of the links of the second layer of links, said process then consisting in arranging the links of said first layer on a first surface substantially flat, to distribute and fix said seeds exploded on said links of said first layer, then to deposit said links of said second layer on said seeds, on the side opposite to the links of said first layer and to fix them on said seeds.
  • the method still consists in distributing seeds on the links of the second layer of ties to form a second seed sheet and fix the seeds on these links, and to repeat the previous operations in all or part until the desired thickness is obtained for the packaging product.
  • all the links of the same tablecloth extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to that in which extend all the links of a tablecloth adjacent.
  • the method according to the invention involves an additional step of eliminating the protuberances present on said seeds after their bursting, this before depositing them on said connections.
  • Seeds liable to be exploded, used in the process according to the invention are advantageously corn, rice, wheat or sorghum seeds.
  • Figure 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the packaging product according to the invention, in the form of leaf.
  • This comprises a plurality of seeds 1 which have been exploded beforehand.
  • These seeds can in particular be seeds of corn, wheat, rice, sorghum or a mixture of these seeds.
  • corn seeds In the rest of the description, we will mainly refer to corn seeds without this limiting the invention.
  • Corn seeds come in all varieties, from popcorn type corn, especially Butterfly or Mushroom. These seeds are exploded by conventional methods, which generally involve training the corn grains in a current of hot air whose temperature is about 220 ° C for the time necessary for their cooking, generally between 60 and 90 seconds.
  • the seeds of but exploded have substantially the same diameter.
  • the packaging product according to the invention comprises also two sets of links 2 and 3, each together forming a sheet of links 20, 30.
  • these two layers of links 20 and 30 are separated from each other by distance corresponding substantially to the average diameter of said seeds 1.
  • the links 3 of the sheet 30, called upper all extend in a second direction, which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction of links 2.
  • the links 2 and 3 are fixed on the seeds 1, especially by gluing, and the packaging product according to the invention is in the form of a sheet 40.
  • the links are not necessarily distributed in two layers. So the popcorn seeds can be attached to a single layer of wire at least partially intertwined. However, the distribution of links in two layers provides a more resistant packaging product.
  • the angle that form between them the threads of the two layers is not necessarily equal to 90 °. It is enough that this angle is not bad.
  • the links can be made of assembled or woven fibers.
  • the links of two adjacent layers can also be partially fixed together.
  • the seed density is chosen appropriately, depending on the items to be packaged. It can in particular be between 1000 and 3000 seeds per m 2 .
  • the packaging product according to the invention can easily be manufactured on the very premises of his use.
  • the corn seeds can be transported, before bursting, on the spot packaging and processed on site.
  • the product packaging according to the invention can then be obtained by creating networks of links to maintain these seeds split on leaves.
  • the cost of transporting the packaging product according to the invention is therefore considerably reduced, by compared to conventional packaging products, the volume corn seeds to be processed being less than 25 30 times that of popcorn seeds.
  • corn seeds are completely biodegradable. They can also be destroyed by combustion, without emission of toxic gas.
  • the packaging product according to the invention does not may constitute only a reduced amount of waste pollutants, these can only result from links used to hold the corn seeds together.
  • the packaging product according to the invention is of a easier handling than cushioning materials bulk. It is, moreover, more resistant than popcorn seeds loose and will therefore generate less of dust.
  • this packaging product allows to wrap bulky and / or stackable objects using a reduced amount of material.
  • this product can even avoid the use of an outer packaging, such as a cardboard packaging.
  • this comprises a network of links in the form of a net comprising a plurality of cells, at least part of them containing a popcorn seed.
  • this product intermediate is an intermediate product which will be transported to the packing place, this product intermediate consisting of a net comprising a plurality of cells, at least some of them receiving a corn seed, but in an unexploded state.
  • the product links packaging according to the invention can be made in a thermoformable material.
  • the packaging product according to the invention is in the form of a leaf, that its structure is similar to that illustrated in figure 1 or that it is that a net fitted with cells for seeds.
  • This product can then be heated, for example to a temperature of around 70 °, temperature at which the material constituting the links softens.
  • the packaging product is then conformed to a article of particular shape which it must pack.
  • the packaging product according to the invention is perfectly suited to the form of the item to be packaged.
  • the links can be formed in any natural or synthetic material, sticking of seeds on these links being obtained during heating by the natural transformation of starch at a temperature appropriate.
  • They can also be sons whose properties are subject to change by a simple physical, thermal or chemical operation.
  • bands or ribbons of preferably biodegradable materials such as than raffia or kraft paper, previously glued.
  • the bonding of the seeds on these strips is then obtained by moistening these strips on the glued side, before putting them in contact with the corn seeds, then dry them after this contacting.
  • This moistening strips of kraft paper can be achieved by depositing a drop of water with a piezoelectric process of the type already used in inkjet printers. This process has the advantage of not spreading glue outside the kraft paper strip, and do not wet it too much which avoids weakening it.
  • links can also be formed entirely by adhesive material, preferably biodegradable, thermoplastic and / or thermoformable or again by a thread of natural or synthetic material, coated with an adhesive material, preferably biodegradable thermoplastic, and / or thermoformable.
  • Mention may in particular be made of fibers synthetic or natural coated with hot-melts, such as EVA, polypropylene or polyamide, which have a melting point of about 110 ° C.
  • thermoplastic adhesive links With thermoplastic adhesive links, the fixation between these links and the seeds of maize is obtained by heating the links and applying the corn seeds on them, or by contact the links and seeds and then heating them and finally, by exerting pressure on the whole.
  • the links can still be formed by a wire of natural or synthetic material which is coated, discontinuously, with glue, for example thermoplastic. So, the glue is only present on the locations provided for corn seeds. This type of wire reduces the amount of glue and also the quantity of polluting waste generated by the packaging product according to the invention.
  • FIGs 2 and 3 illustrate a particular embodiment of the product packaging according to the invention which is intended in particular the setting of manufactured products such as porcelain or electronic devices. It's about of a thick product, that is to say a material of which the average thickness is greater than the average diameter of split seeds used.
  • the product packaging according to the invention comprises seeds of but exploded which are distributed appreciably uniform over the entire surface of the product.
  • So Figure 2 partially shows a stack of three packaging products according to the invention which forms three layers 11, 12 and 13.
  • layer 11 is made up of split seeds or balls 1 which are distributed according to two perpendicular directions and by links 21 and 31 also distributed in two directions substantially perpendicular to each other.
  • the balls 1 are fixed on links 21 and 31 by any appropriate means.
  • Layer 11 has a zone 110 which does not have neither ball nor link.
  • four balls 1 are omitted in the layer 11. This saves space for an item to be propped up.
  • the layer 12 has a structure similar to that of layer 11 with balls 1 and links 22 and 32 distributed in two substantially perpendicular directions to each other and a zone 120, free of balls and links, which is more important than area 110. In the example illustrated, it corresponds to the surface occupied by six balls.
  • layer 13 which corresponds to layer top of the stack has a structure similar to layers 11 and 12 of the stack with balls 1 and links 23 and 33 distributed in two directions substantially perpendicular to each other. She has an area 130 free of beads and wires, the surface is greater than the area 120. In practice, it corresponds to the space occupied by twenty balls.
  • the links for each layer could be in the form of a fabric.
  • the stacking is carried out by making the zones 110, 120 and 130 so as to form a shape in hollow which is suitable for receiving article 4.
  • layers 11, 12 and 13 of products packaging according to the invention can be constituted to form several hollow shapes capable of receiving items, such as manufactured goods.
  • the stack of layers is conventionally placed in a case, a crate or a box for example.
  • Each of these layers can be obtained directly by appropriate programming of a machine taking into account the shape of the articles to be wedge, which provides great flexibility.
  • Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of material thick packaging according to the invention.
  • This material comprises a plurality of seeds of but 1 which have been previously exploded and processed so that the seeds 1 have substantially all of the same diameter.
  • the packaging material shown in Figure 4 has five overlapping layers of corn seeds exploded 1, these layers bearing the references 14 to 18.
  • seeds 1 respectively links 240 to 270 are spaced from each other.
  • the links 240 or 260 of the plies 24 or 26 extend in the same direction which is substantially perpendicular to that of the links 250 and 270 of layers 25 and 27.
  • links 240 and 260 will be called “chain links”, tablecloths 24 and 26 "tablecloths of chain ", links 250 and 270" weft links “and layers 25 and 27, “weft layers”.
  • the links 240 to 270 of the different layers are attached to the seeds 1, in particular by gluing. So, the layer of links 24 provides the connection between the layers of seeds 14 and 15, the web of links 25 ensures the connection between the seed layers 15 and 16 and so after.
  • the links 240 to 270 of the layers 24 to 27 comprise an adhesive material. All examples of links given previously can in particular be used.
  • Attaching the wires and seeds to each other can be obtained after stacking, by heating and then applying pressure.
  • the number of seed coats can be any.
  • the links located in two layers of links are not necessarily distributed according to two substantially perpendicular directions.
  • the packaging material is made by superimposing 40 seed-based leaves but exploded. Such a sheet is particularly illustrated in figure 1.
  • Each sheet 40 comprises a sheet 41 of seeds split corn 1, fixed between two layers of links 45 and 46.
  • the links 5 of layer 45 all extend in the same direction which is substantially perpendicular to that of the links 6 of the link layer 46.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates a material packaging according to the invention consisting of a stack sheets 40, such as that illustrated in the figure 1.
  • Figure 6 illustrates also a packaging material according to the invention made from 40 sheets, such as that illustrated in figure 1.
  • the position of the sheets 40 is alternately reversed in the stack. So between two layers of seeds 41 are arranged, i.e. two type 45 link plies, i.e. two link plies of the type 46.
  • links 5 and 6 provide the connection between the layers of seeds, thanks to a heating and pressing.
  • the packaging material which has been described in reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 has the advantage of being relatively flexible and therefore able to adapt to the shape of the product to be packaged or wedged.
  • the tablecloths of links can take the form of tissue.
  • materials can be made thick packaging according to the invention, ready for the use and having a particular form, for example the shape of a box.
  • Figure 7 schematically represents a device making it possible to implement the process for obtaining a product packaging according to the invention.
  • Reference 9 designates a seed distributor but exploded 1.
  • these seeds have a diameter substantially identical and have been previously stripped of their fragile protuberances.
  • the device illustrated in Figure 7 includes also a support 50 in the form of a strip which is rotated by two cylinders, one of which, cylinder 51, is shown in FIG. 7.
  • the method consists in depositing on the support 50 links 2. As in the example illustrated in Figure 1, all these links 2 are substantially parallel to each other and all extend in a first direction. For simplify, links 2 will be called "links weft ”.
  • an action specific is carried out to ensure the bonding of seeds 1 on the weft links 2.
  • the frame links 2 are constituted by a wire coated with thermoplastic adhesive, we heat the weft links 2 slightly to ensure sticking the seeds 1.
  • Reference 52 designates means allowing apply pressure to seeds 1 to ensure an appropriate bonding of the seeds 1 on the links 2.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates two seeds 1a which have not been pasted on the frame links 2 and which fall from the support 50 during the rotation thereof.
  • Means may be provided to ensure the cooling or drying the weft links 2, depending on the types of links used. We can at this regard refer to the previous description of examples of links.
  • links 3 are substantially parallel to each other and extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first. To simplify, these links 3 will be called "chain links”.
  • Attaching chain links 3 to the seeds 1, is preferably carried out by gluing, by acting on the chain links according to their nature. We will refer to the previous description concerning the links of frame 2.
  • the links can be deposited only in a single tablecloth, not two tablecloths spaced one distance corresponding to the diameter of the seeds. Through elsewhere the links may be only partially intersecting and further, at an angle different from 90 °.
  • This device therefore makes it possible to obtain a sheet 40 as illustrated in Figure 1, the leaves being then superimposed, as in the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, to obtain a packaging material thick according to the invention.
  • This device can also be part of a more complete device, allowing to obtain the packaging material shown in Figure 4 and thanks to which are successively applied seeds and links, to get such material.
  • All thick packaging materials according to the invention can have at least one area free of seeds and adhesive material, the dimensions and shape of this zone corresponding to the external shape of a product to pack, or wedge, or a part of such a product.
  • thermoformable By the way, using an adhesive material thermoformable, we can easily give the material thick packaging according to the invention a desired shape, corresponding in particular to the article to be packaged.
  • packaging material according to the invention can be easily manufactured on the premises of his use, from seeds of but not exploded.
  • the cost of transporting the packaging material according to the invention is therefore considerably reduced, by compared to conventional packaging materials, of the type elements in cellular plastic or polystyrene expanded which require prior design and manufacture of a specific mold, or of the type shims in folded or molded cardboard.
  • corn seeds are completely biodegradable. They can also be destroyed by combustion, without emission of toxic gases or explosives, unlike polystyrene.
  • the packaging material can also be composted.
  • the only polluting waste that can generate packaging material according to the invention consist by the adhesive material or the links used to keep the corn seeds together.
  • these bonding materials can also be biodegradable.
  • the packaging material according to the invention is of a easier handling than cushioning materials loose and is notably more resistant than seeds popcorn in bulk.
  • This thick packaging material also allows advantageously replace plastic materials expanded polystyrene type. It even appears that the thick packaging material according to the invention ensures higher impact protection than that provided by the expanded polystyrene, when the material according to the invention comprises links, which cushion the side impacts.
  • the packaging material according to the invention is naturally partially antistatic and not abrasive. It is also partially flame retardant and constitutes an indelible marker in water since the material is definitely degraded by contact with water, which ensures the conditions of storage and transport.
  • Figure 8 describes schematically a device for eliminating fragile protuberances of the exploded corn seeds.
  • Reference 8 designates corn seeds exploded, in the rough. These seeds contain protrusions 81 which are fragile.
  • These seeds 8 are distributed by means 80 on a cylinder 7 which is rotated by appropriate means.
  • the device also includes a grid 71 which is concentric with cylinder 7 and which is fixed by compared to this one. It can also be offset for get an inlet diameter and an outlet diameter different.
  • the cylinder 7 is designed to drive the seeds 8 of but exploded in the space between the cylinder 7 and grid 71.
  • the grid 71 has holes 72, the dimension is less than the final diameter desired for seeds 1.
  • the cylinder 7 is pierced with orifices 70 for the passage of a stream of pressurized air.
  • the fragile protuberances 81 of the seeds 8 are eliminated by friction on the grid 71 and escape through the holes 72 made in the grid, under the effect pressurized air passing through the ports 70.
  • the protrusions 81 can be used to make protective envelopes, being glued on envelope paper.
  • the network of links present in a product according to the invention can be organized in one or several continuous layers, taking for example the shape of a fabric, a plastic film, especially polypropylene, or a sheet of cellophane.
  • the packaging product can then be directly obtained by sticking popped seeds on a tablecloth continuous or between two continuous layers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Supplying Of Containers To The Packaging Station (AREA)
  • Cereal-Derived Products (AREA)
  • General Preparation And Processing Of Foods (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a sheet packaging product and a method for obtaining said packaging product. The invention is characterised in that said packaging product consists of a plurality of burst corn grains (1, 5) and a network of links (20, 30) for maintaining said grains. The invention is useful for packing and cushioning articles.

Description

L'invention concerne un produit d'emballage pour articles, pouvant en particulier servir au calage de ces articles.The invention relates to a packaging product for articles, which can in particular be used for wedging these items.

On connaít déjà un produit de calage en vrac qui se présente sous la forme d'une pluralité d'éléments indépendants, en matière plastique alvéolée.We already know a bulk dunnage which is present as a plurality of elements independent, in cellular plastic.

On connaít également des produits d'emballage se présentant sous forme de feuilles, comme des feuilles de matière plastique comportant des bulles d'air incorporées et des produits d'emballage épais, du type polystyrène expansé, dont la forme est choisie pour qu'ils puissent épouser les contours du produit à protéger.We also know packaging products in the form of leaves, such as plastic with air bubbles incorporated and thick packaging products, of the type expanded polystyrene, the shape of which is chosen for that they can follow the contours of the product to protect.

Les produits d'emballage ou de calage connus présentent l'inconvénient d'être relativement encombrants. Leur transport sur les lieux d'emballage, notamment les usines de fabrication d'articles, est donc d'un coût élevé.Known packaging or cushioning products have the disadvantage of being relatively bulky. Their transport to the packing places, particularly factories for manufacturing articles, is therefore of a high cost.

Par ailleurs, ces produits sont réalisés en matière plastique et ils constituent donc, après utilisation, des déchets polluants dont le traitement pose des problèmes d'environnement importants. De plus, ces matériaux ne sont pas toujours antistatiques.In addition, these products are made in terms of plastic and therefore constitute, after use, polluting waste whose treatment poses significant environmental issues. In addition, these materials are not always anti-static.

Ainsi, le document US 3,546,055 décrit un matériau d'emballage réalisé à partir de petites pièces en une matière absorbant les chocs, du type plastique expansé comme de la mousse de polystyrène. Thus, document US 3,546,055 describes a material packaging made from small parts in one shock absorbing material, of expanded plastic type like polystyrene foam.

Ces pièces sont reliées entre elles par des fils flexibles qui passent au moins en partie à travers elles ou encore fixées de part et d'autre d'une feuille de matériau flexible.These parts are connected together by wires flexible which pass at least partly through them or fixed on either side of a sheet of flexible material.

C'est pourquoi on a déjà cherché à développer un produit d'emballage qui peut être facilement réalisé sur les lieux mêmes de son utilisation et qui est en grande partie biodégradable et naturellement antistatique.This is why we have already sought to develop a packaging product which can be easily produced on the very places of its use and which is largely biodegradable and naturally anti-static.

Le document WO-92/04 253 décrit un matériau de calage ou d'emballage réalisé à base de grains éclatés, comme des grains de mais, de blé ou de riz.Document WO-92/04 253 describes a material for wedging or packaging made from split grains, like corn, wheat or rice.

Ce matériau peut être constitué de graines éclatées à l'état libre, placées dans des enveloppes biodégradables ou encore moulées avec un liant biodégradable pour former une structure relativement rigide.This material can consist of split seeds in the free state, placed in envelopes biodegradable or molded with a binder biodegradable to form a relatively structure rigid.

Ce produit d'emballage permet ainsi de réduire considérablement la part de son coût liée à son transport et la quantité de déchets polluants, après utilisation.This packaging product thus reduces considerably the share of its cost linked to its transport and the quantity of polluting waste, after use.

Il présente cependant des inconvénients.However, it has drawbacks.

En effet, le matériau en vrac est relativement compact et donc lourd. De plus, un matériau en vrac ne retient pas efficacement un objet qui a tendance à s'enfoncer sous l'effet des vibrations se produisant lors du transport et même à traverser le matériau en vrac sous l'effet d'un choc. Il est donc nécessaire de prévoir un emballage extérieur de taille importante, pouvant contenir une grande quantité de matériau en vrac. Indeed, the bulk material is relatively compact and therefore heavy. In addition, loose material does not not effectively hold an object which tends to sinking under the effect of vibrations occurring during transport and even through the material loose under the effect of a shock. It is therefore necessary to provide a large outer packaging, may contain a large amount of material in bulk.

Les enveloppes remplies de matériau en vrac doivent être relativement épaisses pour être efficaces, c'est-à-dire protéger un produit contre les chocs lors de son transport.Envelopes filled with loose material must be relatively thick to be effective, i.e. protect a product against impact during transport.

Elles occupent donc nécessairement un volume relativement important, ce qui demande de prévoir un emballage extérieur de taille importante, et sont relativement lourdes.They therefore necessarily occupy a volume relatively large, which requires planning a large outer packaging, and are relatively heavy.

Enfin, un matériau compact à base de graines éclatées nécessite un moule spécifique pour chaque produit à emballer. Il ne comporte pratiquement pas de vides et il est donc relativement lourd.Finally, a compact seed-based material exploded requires a specific mold for each product to be packaged. It has practically no empty and therefore relatively heavy.

L'invention concerne donc un produit d'emballage pour articles, constitué d'une pluralité de graines éclatées et d'un réseau de liens pour maintenir lesdites graines.The invention therefore relates to a packaging product for articles, consisting of a plurality of seeds exploded and a network of links to maintain said seeds.

Dans une première forme de réalisation, les liens dudit réseau sont répartis en au moins une nappe de liens et fixés sur lesdites graines formant au moins une nappe de graines, au moins une partie desdits liens étant entrecroisée et, les liens dudit réseau sont répartis en au moins deux nappes de liens écartées l'une de l'autre d'une distance correspondant au diamètre moyen desdites graines.In a first embodiment, the links of said network are distributed in at least one layer of links and fixed on said seeds forming at least one seed layer, at least part of said links being crisscrossed and, the links of said network are distributed in at least two layers of links spaced apart from each other by a distance corresponding to the average diameter of said seeds.

De façon avantageuse, les liens d'une même nappe s'étendent dans une même direction, les directions des liens dans lesdites deux nappes formant entre elles un angle non nul, notamment de 90°. Advantageously, the links of the same sheet extend in the same direction, the directions of links in said two layers forming between them a non-zero angle, in particular 90 °.

Dans une deuxième forme de réalisation, ledit réseau de liens forme une pluralité d'alvéoles pour lesdites graines éclatées.In a second embodiment, said network of links forms a plurality of cells for said seeds split.

Dans une variante de la première forme de réalisation, le produit d'emballage comprend au moins deux nappes de graines éclatées, lesdites nappes étant superposées et reliées entre elles par des liens, lesdits liens étant fixés sur lesdites graines et au moins en partie entrecroisés.In a variant of the first form of realization, the packaging product comprises at least two layers of exploded seeds, said layers being superimposed and linked together by links, said links being fixed on said seeds and at less partly crisscrossed.

Ce produit d'emballage peut notamment comprendre au moins trois nappes de graines éclatées, avec au moins une nappe de liens entre chaque nappe de graines, la direction d'au moins une partie des liens d'une nappe de liens située entre deux nappes de graines formant un angle non nul, notamment d'environ 90°, avec la direction d'au moins une partie des liens d'une nappe de liens située entre une desdites deux nappes de graines et une autre nappe de graines qui lui est adjacente.This packaging product may in particular include minus three layers of split seeds, with at least a layer of links between each layer of seeds, the direction of at least part of the links of a sheet of links located between two layers of seeds forming a non-zero angle, especially around 90 °, with the direction of at least part of the links of a sheet of links located between one of said two layers of seeds and another layer of seeds adjacent to it.

Il peut aussi comprendre une pluralité de feuilles à base de graines éclatées, chaque feuille étant constituée d'une nappe de graines éclatées et de deux nappes de liens fixées sur lesdites graines, ladite nappe de graines étant maintenue entre les deux nappes de liens et au moins une partie des liens d'une des deux nappes de liens étant entrecroisés avec une partie des liens de l'autre nappe de liens, lesdites feuilles étant superposées et fixées entre elles par l'intermédiaire desdites nappes de liens.It can also include a plurality of sheets made from split seeds, each leaf being consisting of a sheet of split seeds and two sheets of ties fixed on said seeds, said seed layer being held between the two layers of links and at least part of the links from one of the two layers of links being crisscrossed with part of the links of the other layer of links, said sheets being superimposed and fixed together via said layers of links.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, les nappes de graines et de liens du produit d'emballage selon l'invention sont compactées. In a particular embodiment, the sheets seeds and links of the packaging product according to the invention are compacted.

Dans une forme de réalisation, lesdits liens sont réalisés au moins en partie en une matière adhésive, thermoplastique, biodégradable et/ou thermoformable ou encore en partie en des rubans de matériaux, notamment biodégradables, supportant une matière adhésive, notamment thermoplastique, biodégradable et/ou thermoformable.In one embodiment, said links are made at least in part from an adhesive material, thermoplastic, biodegradable and / or thermoformable or still partly in material ribbons, in particular biodegradable, supporting an adhesive material, especially thermoplastic, biodegradable and / or thermoformable.

Dans un mode particulier de réalisation, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention comporte au moins une zone exempte de graines et de liens, dont les dimensions et la forme correspondent à la forme extérieure d'un article à caler ou à emballer ou d'une partie d'un tel article.In a particular embodiment, the product packaging according to the invention comprises at least one zone free from seeds and links, the dimensions and the shape correspond to the outer shape of a article to be wedged or to be wrapped or a part thereof article.

L'invention concerne également un empilement de tels produits d'emballage, dont les zones exemptes de graines sont superposées pour constituer une forme en creux apte à recevoir un article à caler.The invention also relates to a stack of such packaging products, including areas free of seeds are superimposed to form a shape in hollow able to receive an article to be wedged.

De façon préférée, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention comporte des graines éclatées qui sont débarrassées de toute protubérance et/ou qui présentent un diamètre sensiblement identique.Preferably, the packaging product according to the invention comprises split seeds which are free of any protuberance and / or showing a substantially identical diameter.

De façon avantageuse, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention comporte entre environ 1000 et 3000 graines de mais par m2, pour une nappe de graines.Advantageously, the packaging product according to the invention comprises between approximately 1000 and 3000 corn seeds per m 2 , for a layer of seeds.

L'invention concerne également un produit intermédiaire pour l'obtention, après chauffage, d'un produit d'emballage conforme à la deuxième forme de réalisation mentionnée ci-dessus, ce produit intermédiaire étant constitué d'un filet formant une pluralité d'alvéoles, au moins une partie d'entre elles recevant une graine, à l'état non éclatée. The invention also relates to a product intermediate for obtaining, after heating, a packaging product conforming to the second form of achievement mentioned above, this product intermediate consisting of a net forming a plurality of cells, at least some of them receiving a seed, in the unexploded state.

De préférence, les graines utilisées sont des graines de mais, de riz, de blé ou de sorgho.Preferably, the seeds used are corn, rice, wheat or sorghum seeds.

L'invention concerne également un procédé d'obtention d'un produit d'emballage selon l'invention, à partir de graines susceptibles d'éclater, ledit procédé consistant à :

  • chauffer des graines jusqu'à éclatement desdites graines,
  • déposer sur au moins une surface sensiblement plane, des liens au moins partiellement entrecroisés et susceptibles d'être collés sur lesdites graines éclatées,
  • répartir des graines sur lesdits liens et
  • fixer lesdites graines sur lesdits liens.
The invention also relates to a process for obtaining a packaging product according to the invention, from seeds liable to burst, said process consisting in:
  • heating seeds until the seeds burst,
  • deposit on at least one substantially flat surface, links at least partially intertwined and capable of being bonded to said exploded seeds,
  • distribute seeds on said links and
  • fix said seeds on said links.

De façon avantageuse, le procédé selon l'invention consiste à répartir lesdits liens en une première et une deuxième nappes, au moins une partie des liens de la première nappe de liens formant un angle non nul avec au moins une partie des liens de la deuxième nappe de liens, ledit procédé consistant alors à disposer les liens de ladite première nappe sur une première surface sensiblement plane, à répartir et fixer lesdites graines éclatées sur lesdits liens de ladite première nappe, puis à déposer lesdits liens de ladite deuxième nappe sur lesdites graines, du côté opposé aux liens de ladite première nappe et à les fixer sur lesdites graines.Advantageously, the method according to the invention consists in dividing said links into a first and a second tablecloths, at least part of the links of the first layer of links forming a non-zero angle with at minus part of the links of the second layer of links, said process then consisting in arranging the links of said first layer on a first surface substantially flat, to distribute and fix said seeds exploded on said links of said first layer, then to deposit said links of said second layer on said seeds, on the side opposite to the links of said first layer and to fix them on said seeds.

Dans une variante de mise en oeuvre, le procédé consiste encore à répartir des graines sur les liens de la deuxième nappe de liens pour former une deuxième nappe de graines et à fixer les graines sur ces liens, et à répéter les opérations précédentes en tout ou partie jusqu'à l'obtention de l'épaisseur souhaitée pour le produit d'emballage.In an implementation variant, the method still consists in distributing seeds on the links of the second layer of ties to form a second seed sheet and fix the seeds on these links, and to repeat the previous operations in all or part until the desired thickness is obtained for the packaging product.

Dans une forme particulière de mise en oeuvre du procédé, tous les liens d'une même nappe s'étendent dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à celle dans laquelle s'étendent tous les liens d'une nappe adjacente.In a particular form of implementation of the process, all the links of the same tablecloth extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to that in which extend all the links of a tablecloth adjacent.

De façon avantageuse, le procédé selon l'invention comporte une étape supplémentaire consistant à éliminer les protubérances présentes sur lesdites graines après leur éclatement, ceci avant de les déposer sur lesdits liens.Advantageously, the method according to the invention involves an additional step of eliminating the protuberances present on said seeds after their bursting, this before depositing them on said connections.

Les graines susceptibles d'être éclatées, utilisées dans le procédé selon l'invention, sont avantageusement des graines de mais, de riz, de blé ou de sorgho.Seeds liable to be exploded, used in the process according to the invention, are advantageously corn, rice, wheat or sorghum seeds.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres buts, avantages et caractéristiques de celle-ci apparaítront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante qui est faite en relation avec les dessins annexés, sur lesquels :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'un exemple de produit d'emballage selon l'invention, sous forme d'une feuille,
  • La figure 2 est une vue en coupe d'un empilement de produits d'emballage selon l'invention, destiné au calage d'articles,
  • la figure 3 représente en vue de dessus les trois couches de l'empilement illustré à la figure 2,
  • la figure 4 est une vue en coupe d'un premier exemple de matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention,
  • la figure 5 est une vue en coupe d'une variante de réalisation du matériau d'emballage de la figure 4,
  • la figure 6 est une vue en coupe d'une autre variante de réalisation du matériau d'emballage de la figure 4, réalisé à partir de feuilles telles qu'illustrées à la figure 1.
  • la figure 7 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre d'un procédé d'obtention d'un produit d'emballage selon l'invention, et
  • la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif pour l'élimination des protubérances sur les graines de mais éclatées.
The invention will be better understood and other objects, advantages and characteristics thereof will appear more clearly on reading the following description which is made in relation to the appended drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of packaging product according to the invention, in the form of a sheet,
  • FIG. 2 is a sectional view of a stack of packaging products according to the invention, intended for wedging articles,
  • FIG. 3 represents a top view of the three layers of the stack illustrated in FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view of a first example of thick packaging material according to the invention,
  • FIG. 5 is a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the packaging material of FIG. 4,
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the packaging material of FIG. 4, produced from sheets as illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of a device for implementing a process for obtaining a packaging product according to the invention, and
  • Figure 8 is a schematic sectional view of a device for removing protrusions on the popcorn seeds.

Les éléments communs aux différentes figures seront désignés par les mêmes repères.The elements common to the different figures will be designated by the same references.

On se réfère tout d'abord à la figure 1 qui illustre schématiquement un exemple de réalisation du produit d'emballage selon l'invention, sous forme de feuille.We first refer to Figure 1 which schematically illustrates an embodiment of the packaging product according to the invention, in the form of leaf.

Celui-ci comporte une pluralité de graines 1 qui ont été au préalable éclatées. Ces graines peuvent notamment être des graines de mais, de blé, de riz, de sorgho ou un mélange de ces graines. Dans la suite de la description, on se référera essentiellement à des graines de maïs sans que cela ne limite l'invention.This comprises a plurality of seeds 1 which have been exploded beforehand. These seeds can in particular be seeds of corn, wheat, rice, sorghum or a mixture of these seeds. In the rest of the description, we will mainly refer to corn seeds without this limiting the invention.

Les graines de maïs sont de toutes variétés, du type maïs à pop-corn, notamment Butterfly ou Mushroom. Ces graines sont éclatées par des procédés classiques, qui consistent en général à entraíner les grains de mais dans un courant d'air chaud dont la température est d'environ 220°C pendant le temps nécessaire à leur cuisson, généralement compris entre 60 et 90 secondes.Corn seeds come in all varieties, from popcorn type corn, especially Butterfly or Mushroom. These seeds are exploded by conventional methods, which generally involve training the corn grains in a current of hot air whose temperature is about 220 ° C for the time necessary for their cooking, generally between 60 and 90 seconds.

On peut notamment se référer au document FR-2 617 377 qui décrit un tel procédé de cuisson de grains de mais.We can in particular refer to document FR-2 617 377 which describes such a grain cooking process of corn.

Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 1, les graines de mais éclatées présentent sensiblement le même diamètre.In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the seeds of but exploded have substantially the same diameter.

En pratique, après leur éclatement, les graines de mais comportent des protubérances qui sont réparties différemment d'une graine à l'autre. Par ailleurs, ces protubérances sont fragiles et sont donc susceptibles de se détacher de la graine proprement dite.In practice, after they have burst, the seeds of but have protuberances which are distributed differently from seed to seed. Furthermore, these protrusions are fragile and are therefore likely to detach from the seed itself.

C'est pourquoi, comme cela sera expliqué plus en détail en référence à la figure 8, il est préférable de traiter les graines après leur éclatement pour détacher ces protubérances et obtenir des graines d'un diamètre sensiblement identique, comme celles illustrées sur la figure 1. Cependant, de légères différences de diamètre peuvent subsister entre les graines de maïs, lesquelles n'apparaissent pas sur la représentation schématique de la figure 1.This is why, as will be explained more in detail with reference to Figure 8, it is best to treat the seeds after they have burst to loosen these protrusions and get seeds with a diameter substantially identical, like those illustrated on the figure 1. However, slight differences in diameter may remain between the corn seeds, which do not appear on the schematic representation of Figure 1.

Le produit d'emballage selon l'invention comporte également deux ensembles de liens 2 et 3, chaque ensemble formant une nappe de liens 20, 30.The packaging product according to the invention comprises also two sets of links 2 and 3, each together forming a sheet of links 20, 30.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, ces deux nappes de liens 20 et 30 sont écartées l'une de l'autre d'une distance correspondant sensiblement au diamètre moyen desdites graines 1.In this embodiment, these two layers of links 20 and 30 are separated from each other by distance corresponding substantially to the average diameter of said seeds 1.

Les liens 2 de la nappe 20, dite nappe inférieure, s'étendent tous selon une première direction. The links 2 of the ply 20, called the lower ply, all extend in a first direction.

De même, les liens 3 de la nappe 30, dite supérieure, s'étendent tous selon une deuxième direction, qui est sensiblement orthogonale à la première direction des liens 2.Similarly, the links 3 of the sheet 30, called upper, all extend in a second direction, which is substantially orthogonal to the first direction of links 2.

Les liens 2 et 3 sont fixés sur les graines 1, notamment par collage, et le produit d'emballage selon l'invention se présente sous la forme d'une feuille 40.The links 2 and 3 are fixed on the seeds 1, especially by gluing, and the packaging product according to the invention is in the form of a sheet 40.

L'invention n'est bien sûr pas limitée au mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 1.The invention is of course not limited to the mode of realization illustrated in figure 1.

En particulier, les liens ne sont pas nécessairement répartis selon deux nappes. Ainsi, les graines de mais éclatées peuvent être fixées sur une seule nappe de fils au moins en partie entrecroisés. Cependant, la répartition des liens en deux nappes permet d'obtenir un produit d'emballage plus résistant.In particular, the links are not necessarily distributed in two layers. So the popcorn seeds can be attached to a single layer of wire at least partially intertwined. However, the distribution of links in two layers provides a more resistant packaging product.

Par ailleurs, lorsque les liens sont répartis en deux nappes, comme montré sur la figure 1, l'angle que forment entre eux les fils des deux nappes n'est pas nécessairement égal à 90°. Il suffit que cet angle soit non nul.Furthermore, when the links are divided into two layers, as shown in figure 1, the angle that form between them the threads of the two layers is not necessarily equal to 90 °. It is enough that this angle is not bad.

Dans chaque nappe, les liens peuvent être constitués de fibres assemblées ou encore tissées.In each tablecloth, the links can be made of assembled or woven fibers.

De plus, les liens de deux nappes adjacentes peuvent également être partiellement fixés entre eux.In addition, the links of two adjacent layers can also be partially fixed together.

La densité des graines est choisie de façon appropriée, en fonction des articles à emballer. Elle peut notamment être comprise entre 1000 et 3000 graines par m2.The seed density is chosen appropriately, depending on the items to be packaged. It can in particular be between 1000 and 3000 seeds per m 2 .

Le produit d'emballage selon l'invention peut facilement être fabriqué sur les lieux mêmes de son utilisation. The packaging product according to the invention can easily be manufactured on the very premises of his use.

Ainsi, les graines de maïs peuvent être transportées, avant éclatement, sur les lieux d'emballage et transformées sur place. Le produit d'emballage selon l'invention peut ensuite être obtenu en réalisant des réseaux de liens pour maintenir ces graines éclatées selon des feuilles.So the corn seeds can be transported, before bursting, on the spot packaging and processed on site. The product packaging according to the invention can then be obtained by creating networks of links to maintain these seeds split on leaves.

Le coût de transport du produit d'emballage selon l'invention est donc considérablement réduit, par rapport aux produits d'emballage classiques, le volume des graines de mais à transformer étant inférieur de 25 à 30 fois à celui des graines de mais éclatées.The cost of transporting the packaging product according to the invention is therefore considerably reduced, by compared to conventional packaging products, the volume corn seeds to be processed being less than 25 30 times that of popcorn seeds.

Par ailleurs, les graines de mais sont totalement biodégradables. Elles peuvent également être détruites par combustion, sans émission de gaz toxique.In addition, corn seeds are completely biodegradable. They can also be destroyed by combustion, without emission of toxic gas.

Ainsi, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention ne peut constituer qu'une quantité réduite de déchets polluants, ceux-ci ne pouvant résulter que des liens utilisés pour maintenir les graines de mais entre elles.Thus, the packaging product according to the invention does not may constitute only a reduced amount of waste pollutants, these can only result from links used to hold the corn seeds together.

Le produit d'emballage selon l'invention est d'une manipulation plus aisée que des matériaux de calage en vrac. Il est, par ailleurs, plus résistant que des graines de mais éclatées en vrac et générera donc moins de poussière.The packaging product according to the invention is of a easier handling than cushioning materials bulk. It is, moreover, more resistant than popcorn seeds loose and will therefore generate less of dust.

De plus, ce produit d'emballage permet d'envelopper des objets encombrants et/ou empilables en utilisant une quantité réduite de matière.In addition, this packaging product allows to wrap bulky and / or stackable objects using a reduced amount of material.

Dans certains cas, ce produit peut même éviter l'utilisation d'un emballage extérieur, tel qu'un emballage en carton.In some cases, this product can even avoid the use of an outer packaging, such as a cardboard packaging.

Dans une autre forme de réalisation du produit d'emballage selon l'invention, celui-ci comporte un réseau de liens qui se présente sous la forme d'un filet comportant une pluralité d'alvéoles, au moins une partie d'entre elles renfermant une graine de maïs éclatée.In another embodiment of the product packaging according to the invention, this comprises a network of links in the form of a net comprising a plurality of cells, at least part of them containing a popcorn seed.

Ce mode de réalisation n'est pas illustré sur les figures.This embodiment is not illustrated on the FIGS.

De préférence, c'est un produit intermédiaire qui sera transporté sur les lieux d'emballage, ce produit intermédiaire étant constitué d'un filet comportant une pluralité d'alvéoles, au moins une partie d'entre elles recevant une graine de mais, mais à l'état non éclatée.Preferably, it is an intermediate product which will be transported to the packing place, this product intermediate consisting of a net comprising a plurality of cells, at least some of them receiving a corn seed, but in an unexploded state.

C'est sur le lieu d'emballage même que les graines de mais contenues dans le filet seront éclatées. Ainsi, ce produit intermédiaire présentera un volume inférieur au produit d'emballage final et son coût de transport sera donc réduit.It is at the place of packaging that the seeds of but contained in the net will be split. So, this intermediate product will have a lower volume to the final packaging product and its transport cost will therefore be reduced.

De manière avantageuse, les liens du produit d'emballage selon l'invention peuvent être réalisés en une matière thermoformable.Advantageously, the product links packaging according to the invention can be made in a thermoformable material.

Ainsi, après sa fabrication, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention se présente sous la forme d'une feuille, que sa structure soit similaire à celle illustrée à la figure 1 ou encore qu'elle soit celle d'un filet muni d'alvéoles pour les graines.Thus, after its manufacture, the packaging product according to the invention is in the form of a leaf, that its structure is similar to that illustrated in figure 1 or that it is that a net fitted with cells for seeds.

Ce produit peut ensuite être chauffé, par exemple à une température d'environ 70°, température à laquelle la matière constituant les liens s'assouplit.This product can then be heated, for example to a temperature of around 70 °, temperature at which the material constituting the links softens.

On conforme alors le produit d'emballage à un article de forme particulière qu'il doit emballer.The packaging product is then conformed to a article of particular shape which it must pack.

On laisse ensuite refroidir à température ambiante le produit d'emballage selon l'invention ainsi conformé, ce dernier conservant la forme qui lui a été donnée. Then allowed to cool to room temperature the packaging product according to the invention thus shaped, the latter retaining the form given to it.

De cette façon, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention est parfaitement adapté à la forme de l'article à emballer.In this way, the packaging product according to the invention is perfectly suited to the form of the item to be packaged.

Une fois que l'article à emballer et le produit d'emballage conformé sont placés dans une caisse, par exemple en carton, on peut envisager de remplir les espaces libres avec des graines de mais en vrac.Once the item to be packaged and the product of conforming packaging are placed in a box, by example in cardboard, we can consider filling the free spaces with loose corn seeds.

De façon générale, il est avantageux de réaliser le produit d'emballage selon l'invention avec des liens qui permettent de coller directement des graines de maïs sur eux, sans apport d'un matériau additionnel.In general, it is advantageous to carry out the packaging product according to the invention with links which allow corn seeds to be stuck directly onto them, without adding additional material.

Ainsi, les liens peuvent être constitués en toute matière naturelle ou synthétique, le collage des graines sur ces liens étant obtenu lors du chauffage par la transformation naturelle de l'amidon à une température appropriée.Thus, the links can be formed in any natural or synthetic material, sticking of seeds on these links being obtained during heating by the natural transformation of starch at a temperature appropriate.

Il peut également s'agir de fils dont les propriétés sont susceptibles d'être modifiées par une opération physique, thermique ou chimique simple.They can also be sons whose properties are subject to change by a simple physical, thermal or chemical operation.

A titre d'exemple, on peut citer des bandes ou des rubans de matériaux de préférence biodégradables, tels que du raphia ou du papier kraft, préalablement encollés. Le collage des graines sur ces bandes est alors obtenu en humidifiant ces bandes du côté encollé, avant de les mettre en contact avec les graines de mais, puis de les sécher après cette mise en contact.By way of example, mention may be made of bands or ribbons of preferably biodegradable materials, such as than raffia or kraft paper, previously glued. The bonding of the seeds on these strips is then obtained by moistening these strips on the glued side, before putting them in contact with the corn seeds, then dry them after this contacting.

Cette humidification des bandes de papier kraft peut être réalisée en déposant une goutte d'eau par un procédé piézo-électrique du type de celui déjà utilisé dans les imprimantes à jet d'encre. Ce procédé a l'avantage de ne pas répandre de colle en dehors de la bande de papier kraft, et de ne pas trop la mouiller ce qui évite de l'affaiblir.This moistening strips of kraft paper can be achieved by depositing a drop of water with a piezoelectric process of the type already used in inkjet printers. This process has the advantage of not spreading glue outside the kraft paper strip, and do not wet it too much which avoids weakening it.

Ces liens peuvent également être constitués entièrement par une matière adhésive, de préférence biodégradable, thermoplastique et/ou thermoformable ou encore par un fil en matière naturelle ou synthétique, enrobé d'une matière adhésive, de préférence biodégradable thermoplastique, et/ou thermoformable.These links can also be formed entirely by adhesive material, preferably biodegradable, thermoplastic and / or thermoformable or again by a thread of natural or synthetic material, coated with an adhesive material, preferably biodegradable thermoplastic, and / or thermoformable.

On peut notamment citer des fibres en matière synthétique ou naturelle enrobées de hot-melts, tels que de l'EVA, du polypropylène ou polyamide, qui ont un point de fusion d'environ 110°C.Mention may in particular be made of fibers synthetic or natural coated with hot-melts, such as EVA, polypropylene or polyamide, which have a melting point of about 110 ° C.

Avec des liens en matière adhésive thermoplastique, la fixation entre ces liens et les graines de mais est obtenue en chauffant les liens et en appliquant les graines de mais sur ceux-ci, ou encore en mettant en contact les liens et les graines, puis en les chauffant et enfin, en exerçant une pression sur l'ensemble.With thermoplastic adhesive links, the fixation between these links and the seeds of maize is obtained by heating the links and applying the corn seeds on them, or by contact the links and seeds and then heating them and finally, by exerting pressure on the whole.

De préférence, on peut prévoir de ne pas chauffer le lien dans son ensemble, mais seulement aux endroits prévus pour les graines de mais. Ce chauffage localisé permet de ne pas fragiliser les liens du produit d'emballage selon l'invention.Preferably, one can plan not to heat the link as a whole, but only in places intended for corn seeds. This localized heating does not weaken the product links packaging according to the invention.

Les liens peuvent encore être constitués par un fil en matière naturelle ou synthétique qui est enrobé, de façon discontinue, par de la colle, par exemple thermoplastique. Ainsi, la colle n'est présente que sur les emplacements prévus pour les graines de mais. Ce type de fil permet de réduire la quantité de colle et également la quantité de déchets polluants générés par le produit d'emballage selon l'invention. The links can still be formed by a wire of natural or synthetic material which is coated, discontinuously, with glue, for example thermoplastic. So, the glue is only present on the locations provided for corn seeds. This type of wire reduces the amount of glue and also the quantity of polluting waste generated by the packaging product according to the invention.

On se réfère maintenant aux figures 2 et 3 qui illustrent un mode particulier de réalisation du produit d'emballage selon l'invention qui est notamment destiné au calage de produits manufacturés comme de la porcelaine ou des appareils électroniques. Il s'agit d'un produit épais, c'est-à-dire un matériau dont l'épaisseur moyenne est supérieure au diamètre moyen des graines éclatées utilisées.We now refer to Figures 2 and 3 which illustrate a particular embodiment of the product packaging according to the invention which is intended in particular the setting of manufactured products such as porcelain or electronic devices. It's about of a thick product, that is to say a material of which the average thickness is greater than the average diameter of split seeds used.

Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 1, le produit d'emballage selon l'invention comporte des graines de mais éclatées qui sont réparties de façon sensiblement uniforme sur toute la surface du produit.In the example illustrated in Figure 1, the product packaging according to the invention comprises seeds of but exploded which are distributed appreciably uniform over the entire surface of the product.

Cependant, il peut s'avérer nécessaire de moduler la répartition des graines de mais, en particulier en prévoyant des zones qui ne comportent ni graines, ni liens.However, it may be necessary to adjust the distribution of maize seeds, especially providing areas that do not contain seeds or connections.

Ainsi, la figure 2 montre partiellement un empilement de trois produits d'emballage selon l'invention qui forme trois couches 11, 12 et 13.So Figure 2 partially shows a stack of three packaging products according to the invention which forms three layers 11, 12 and 13.

Ces trois couches sont représentées également sur la figure 3.These three layers are also represented on Figure 3.

Par exemple, la couche 11 est constituée par des graines éclatées ou billes 1 qui sont réparties selon deux directions perpendiculaires et par des liens 21 et 31 également répartis selon deux directions sensiblement perpendiculaires l'une à l'autre. Les billes 1 sont fixées sur les liens 21 et 31 par tout moyen approprié.For example, layer 11 is made up of split seeds or balls 1 which are distributed according to two perpendicular directions and by links 21 and 31 also distributed in two directions substantially perpendicular to each other. The balls 1 are fixed on links 21 and 31 by any appropriate means.

La couche 11 comporte une zone 110 qui ne comporte ni bille, ni lien. Dans cet exemple, et par rapport à un produit d'emballage présentant une distribution uniforme de billes, quatre billes 1 sont omises dans la couche 11. Ceci ménage un espace pour un article à caler.Layer 11 has a zone 110 which does not have neither ball nor link. In this example, and compared to a packaging product with uniform distribution of balls, four balls 1 are omitted in the layer 11. This saves space for an item to be propped up.

Dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 2, l'article 4 à caler est de dimension relativement importante.In the example illustrated in Figure 2, item 4 to wedge is relatively large.

C'est pourquoi, on utilise un empilement de produits d'emballage selon l'invention pour assurer son calage. Pour pouvoir bien entourer l'article 4, la couche 12 a une structure similaire à celle de la couche 11 avec des billes 1 et des liens 22 et 32 répartis selon deux directions sensiblement perpendiculaires l'une à l'autre et une zone 120, exempte de billes et de liens, qui est plus importante que la zone 110. Dans l'exemple illustré, elle correspond à la surface occupée par six billes.This is why, we use a stack of packaging products according to the invention to ensure its rigging. In order to be able to properly surround Article 4, the layer 12 has a structure similar to that of layer 11 with balls 1 and links 22 and 32 distributed in two substantially perpendicular directions to each other and a zone 120, free of balls and links, which is more important than area 110. In the example illustrated, it corresponds to the surface occupied by six balls.

De même, la couche 13 qui correspond à la couche supérieure de l'empilement a une structure similaire aux couches 11 et 12 de l'empilement avec des billes 1 et des liens 23 et 33 répartis selon deux directions sensiblement perpendiculaires l'une à l'autre. Elle comporte une zone 130 exempte de billes et de fils dont la surface est supérieure à la zone 120. En pratique, elle correspond à l'espace occupé par vingt billes.Likewise, layer 13 which corresponds to layer top of the stack has a structure similar to layers 11 and 12 of the stack with balls 1 and links 23 and 33 distributed in two directions substantially perpendicular to each other. She has an area 130 free of beads and wires, the surface is greater than the area 120. In practice, it corresponds to the space occupied by twenty balls.

Comme indiqué précédemment, les liens de chaque couche pourraient se présenter sous la forme d'un tissu.As noted earlier, the links for each layer could be in the form of a fabric.

L'empilement est réalisé en faisant coincider les zones 110, 120 et 130 de façon à former une forme en creux qui est apte à recevoir l'article 4.The stacking is carried out by making the zones 110, 120 and 130 so as to form a shape in hollow which is suitable for receiving article 4.

Bien entendu, les couches 11, 12 et 13 de produits d'emballage selon l'invention peuvent être constituées pour former plusieurs formes en creux aptes à recevoir des articles, tels que des produits manufacturés. Dans ce cas, l'empilement de couches est classiquement placé dans une caisse, un cageot ou un carton par exemple.Of course, layers 11, 12 and 13 of products packaging according to the invention can be constituted to form several hollow shapes capable of receiving items, such as manufactured goods. In in this case, the stack of layers is conventionally placed in a case, a crate or a box for example.

Chacune de ces couches peut être obtenue directement par programmation appropriée d'une machine de fabrication tenant compte de la forme des articles à caler, ce qui apporte une très grande souplesse.Each of these layers can be obtained directly by appropriate programming of a machine taking into account the shape of the articles to be wedge, which provides great flexibility.

D'autres exemples de réalisation d'un produit d'emballage épais selon l'invention seront décrits en référence aux figures 4 à 6.Other examples of how a product is made thick packaging according to the invention will be described in reference to Figures 4 to 6.

On se réfère tout d'abord à la figure 4 qui illustre schématiquement un exemple de matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention.We first refer to Figure 4 which schematically illustrates an example of material thick packaging according to the invention.

Ce matériau comporte une pluralité de graines de mais 1 qui ont été au préalable éclatées et traitées pour que les graines 1 présentent sensiblement toutes le même diamètre.This material comprises a plurality of seeds of but 1 which have been previously exploded and processed so that the seeds 1 have substantially all of the same diameter.

Le matériau d'emballage illustré à la figure 4 comporte cinq nappes superposées de graines de mais éclatées 1, ces nappes portant les références 14 à 18.The packaging material shown in Figure 4 has five overlapping layers of corn seeds exploded 1, these layers bearing the references 14 to 18.

Entre chacune de ces nappes, est prévue une nappe de liens qui porte les références 24 à 27.Between each of these layers, a layer is provided of links which bear the references 24 to 27.

Dans chacune des nappes de graines, respectivement de liens, les graines 1, respectivement les liens 240 à 270 sont espacés les uns des autres.In each of the seed layers, respectively of links, seeds 1, respectively links 240 to 270 are spaced from each other.

Par ailleurs, les liens 240 ou 260 des nappes 24 ou 26 s'étendent dans une même direction qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à celle des liens 250 et 270 des nappes 25 et 27.Furthermore, the links 240 or 260 of the plies 24 or 26 extend in the same direction which is substantially perpendicular to that of the links 250 and 270 of layers 25 and 27.

Pour plus de commodité, les liens 240 et 260 seront dénommés "liens de chaíne", les nappes 24 et 26 "nappes de chaíne", les liens 250 et 270 "liens de trame" et les nappes 25 et 27, "nappes de trame".For convenience, links 240 and 260 will be called "chain links", tablecloths 24 and 26 "tablecloths of chain ", links 250 and 270" weft links "and layers 25 and 27, "weft layers".

Les liens 240 à 270 des différentes nappes sont fixés sur les graines 1, notamment par collage. Ainsi, la nappe de liens 24 assure la liaison entre les nappes de graines 14 et 15, la nappe de liens 25 assure la liaison entre les nappes de graines 15 et 16 et ainsi de suite.The links 240 to 270 of the different layers are attached to the seeds 1, in particular by gluing. So, the layer of links 24 provides the connection between the layers of seeds 14 and 15, the web of links 25 ensures the connection between the seed layers 15 and 16 and so after.

Les liens 240 à 270 des nappes 24 à 27 comportent une matière adhésive. Tous les exemples de liens donnés précédemment peuvent notamment être utilisés.The links 240 to 270 of the layers 24 to 27 comprise an adhesive material. All examples of links given previously can in particular be used.

La fixation des fils et des graines entre eux peut être obtenue une fois l'empilement réalisé, en le chauffant puis en appliquant une pression.Attaching the wires and seeds to each other can be obtained after stacking, by heating and then applying pressure.

L'invention n'est bien sûr pas limitée à l'exemple de réalisation illustré à la figure 4.The invention is of course not limited to the example shown in Figure 4.

Tout d'abord, le nombre de nappes de graines peut être quelconque.First, the number of seed coats can be any.

Par ailleurs, tous les liens d'une même nappe ne sont pas nécessairement répartis selon une même direction.In addition, all the links of the same tablecloth do not are not necessarily distributed according to the same direction.

De plus, les liens situés dans deux nappes de liens successives ne sont pas nécessairement répartis selon deux directions sensiblement perpendiculaires.In addition, the links located in two layers of links are not necessarily distributed according to two substantially perpendicular directions.

Ainsi, pour assurer le maintien des graines de maïs éclatées 1 dans le matériau d'emballage selon l'invention, il suffit qu'au moins une partie des liens d'une nappe, par exemple une partie des liens 240 de la nappe 24 forme un angle non nul avec au moins une partie des liens de la nappe de liens adjacente, par exemple au moins une partie des liens 250 de la nappe 25. So to ensure the maintenance of the corn seeds exploded 1 in the packaging material according to the invention, it suffices that at least some of the links of a tablecloth, for example part of the links 240 of the ply 24 forms a non-zero angle with at least part links from the adjacent link sheet, for example at minus part of the links 250 of the sheet 25.

D'autres exemples de réalisation du matériau d'emballage selon l'invention, sous forme de matériau épais, sont illustrés aux figures 5 et 6.Other examples of the material packaging according to the invention, in the form of material thick, are illustrated in Figures 5 and 6.

Dans ces deux exemples, le matériau d'emballage est réalisé en superposant des feuilles 40 à base de graines de mais éclatées. Une telle feuille est notamment illustrée à la figure 1.In these two examples, the packaging material is made by superimposing 40 seed-based leaves but exploded. Such a sheet is particularly illustrated in figure 1.

Chaque feuille 40 comprend une nappe 41 de graines de mais éclatées 1, fixée entre deux nappes de liens 45 et 46.Each sheet 40 comprises a sheet 41 of seeds split corn 1, fixed between two layers of links 45 and 46.

Les liens 5 de la couche 45 s'étendent tous dans la même direction qui est sensiblement perpendiculaire à celle des liens 6 de la couche de liens 46.The links 5 of layer 45 all extend in the same direction which is substantially perpendicular to that of the links 6 of the link layer 46.

Cependant, comme expliqué en référence à la figure 4, il suffit qu'une partie des liens 5 de la nappe 45 s'étendent dans une direction faisant un angle non nul avec une partie des liens 6 de la couche 46.However, as explained with reference to the figure 4, only a part of the links 5 of the sheet 45 extend in a direction making a non-zero angle with part of the links 6 of layer 46.

On revient à la figure 5 qui illustre un matériau d'emballage selon l'invention constitué d'un empilement de feuilles 40, telles que celle illustrée à la figure 1.We return to Figure 5 which illustrates a material packaging according to the invention consisting of a stack sheets 40, such as that illustrated in the figure 1.

Ces feuilles 40 sont superposées dans le même sens, de telle sorte qu'entre deux nappes 41 de graines 1, sont placées une nappe de liens 46 et une nappe de liens 45.These sheets 40 are superimposed in the same direction, so that between two layers 41 of seeds 1, are placed a layer of links 46 and a layer of links 45.

On se réfère maintenant à la figure 6 qui illustre également un matériau d'emballage selon l'invention réalisé à partir de feuilles 40, telles que celle illustrée à la figure 1.We now refer to Figure 6 which illustrates also a packaging material according to the invention made from 40 sheets, such as that illustrated in figure 1.

Dans ce cas, la position des feuilles 40 est alternativement inversée dans l'empilement. Ainsi, entre deux nappes de graines 41, sont disposées, soit deux nappes de liens du type 45, soit deux nappes de liens du type 46.In this case, the position of the sheets 40 is alternately reversed in the stack. So between two layers of seeds 41 are arranged, i.e. two type 45 link plies, i.e. two link plies of the type 46.

Bien sûr, comme dans l'exemple de matériau d'emballage selon l'invention illustré à la figure 4, les liens 5 et 6 assurent la liaison entre les nappes de graines, grâce à une opération de chauffage et de pressage.Of course, as in the example of material packaging according to the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, links 5 and 6 provide the connection between the layers of seeds, thanks to a heating and pressing.

D'autres variantes de réalisation du matériau d'emballage pourraient bien sûr être envisagées, notamment en disposant les feuilles 40 selon des motifs différents et en modifiant le nombre de feuilles.Other variants of the material packaging could of course be considered, in particular by arranging the sheets 40 according to patterns and changing the number of sheets.

Le matériau d'emballage qui a été décrit en référence aux figures 4 à 6 présente l'avantage d'être relativement souple et donc de pouvoir s'adapter à la forme du produit à emballer ou à caler.The packaging material which has been described in reference to FIGS. 4 to 6 has the advantage of being relatively flexible and therefore able to adapt to the shape of the product to be packaged or wedged.

Comme expliqué plus haut, les nappes de liens peuvent prendre la forme de tissus.As explained above, the tablecloths of links can take the form of tissue.

On peut également prévoir de compacter le matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention et tel qu'illustré aux figures 4 à 6. Dans ce cas, le matériau est bien sûr moins souple.We can also plan to compact the material thick packaging according to the invention and as illustrated in Figures 4 to 6. In this case, the material is of course less flexible.

Par ailleurs, on peut réaliser des matériaux d'emballage épais selon l'invention, prêts à l'utilisation et présentant une forme particulière, par exemple la forme d'une boite.In addition, materials can be made thick packaging according to the invention, ready for the use and having a particular form, for example the shape of a box.

Un procédé de réalisation d'un produit d'emballage selon l'invention comportant des zones exemptes de graines et de liens sera décrit dans la suite de la description. A process for producing a packaging product according to the invention comprising areas free of seeds and links will be described later in the description.

On se réfère maintenant à la figure 7 qui représente schématiquement un dispositif permettant de mettre en oeuvre le procédé d'obtention d'un produit d'emballage selon l'invention.We now refer to Figure 7 which schematically represents a device making it possible to implement the process for obtaining a product packaging according to the invention.

Le produit obtenu par le procédé décrit en référence à la figure 7 est du type illustré à la figure 1.The product obtained by the process described in reference to Figure 7 is of the type illustrated in Figure 1.

La référence 9 désigne un distributeur de graines de mais éclatées 1.Reference 9 designates a seed distributor but exploded 1.

De préférence, ces graines présentent un diamètre sensiblement identique et ont été au préalable débarrassées de leurs protubérances fragiles.Preferably, these seeds have a diameter substantially identical and have been previously stripped of their fragile protuberances.

Le dispositif illustré à la figure 7 comporte également un support 50 sous forme de bande qui est entraíné en rotation par deux cylindres dont l'un, le cylindre 51, est représenté à la figure 7.The device illustrated in Figure 7 includes also a support 50 in the form of a strip which is rotated by two cylinders, one of which, cylinder 51, is shown in FIG. 7.

Le procédé consiste à déposer sur le support 50 des liens 2. Comme dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 1, tous ces liens 2 sont sensiblement parallèles entre eux et s'étendent tous dans une première direction. Pour simplifier, les liens 2 seront dénommés « liens de trame ».The method consists in depositing on the support 50 links 2. As in the example illustrated in Figure 1, all these links 2 are substantially parallel to each other and all extend in a first direction. For simplify, links 2 will be called "links weft ”.

Du fait de la rotation du support 50, les liens de trame 2 se déplacent selon la flèche F. Des graines éclatées sont ainsi déposées, par le distributeur 9, sur les liens de trame 2 au fur et à mesure de leur défilement sous le distributeur 9.Due to the rotation of the support 50, the links of weft 2 move according to arrow F. Seeds exploded are thus deposited, by the distributor 9, on frame links 2 as they go scrolling under the dispenser 9.

Suivant la nature des liens utilisés, une action spécifique est effectuée pour assurer le collage des graines 1 sur les liens de trame 2. Depending on the nature of the links used, an action specific is carried out to ensure the bonding of seeds 1 on the weft links 2.

Par exemple, si les liens de trame 2 sont constitués par un fil enrobé de colle thermoplastique, on chauffe légèrement les liens de trame 2 pour assurer le collage des graines 1.For example, if the frame links 2 are constituted by a wire coated with thermoplastic adhesive, we heat the weft links 2 slightly to ensure sticking the seeds 1.

La référence 52 désigne des moyens permettant d'appliquer une pression sur les graines 1 pour assurer un collage approprié des graines 1 sur les liens 2.Reference 52 designates means allowing apply pressure to seeds 1 to ensure an appropriate bonding of the seeds 1 on the links 2.

En variante, et pour réaliser des produits d'emballage selon l'invention comportant au moins une zone exempte de billes, comme ceux illustrés aux figures 2 et 3, on peut prévoir de ne pas assurer le collage des graines sur certains emplacements des liens de trame.Alternatively, and to make products packaging according to the invention comprising at least one ball-free area, like those illustrated in the figures 2 and 3, provision may be made not to ensure the bonding of seeds on some locations of the frame links.

Dans l'exemple précédent de fils enrobés de colle thermoplastique, il suffit de ne pas chauffer les fils dans les zones qui doivent rester exemptes de billes.In the previous example of wires coated with glue thermoplastic, just do not heat the wires in areas that must remain free of logs.

Ainsi, la figure 7 illustre deux graines la qui n'ont pas été collées sur les liens de trame 2 et qui tombent du support 50 au cours de la rotation de celui-ci.Thus, FIG. 7 illustrates two seeds 1a which have not been pasted on the frame links 2 and which fall from the support 50 during the rotation thereof.

Des moyens peuvent être prévus pour assurer le refroidissement ou le séchage des liens de trame 2, suivant les types de liens utilisés. On pourra à cet égard se reporter à la description précédente d'exemples de liens.Means may be provided to ensure the cooling or drying the weft links 2, depending on the types of links used. We can at this regard refer to the previous description of examples of links.

L'ensemble constitué par les liens de trame 2 et les graines 1 se trouve alors dans la position illustrée à la partie inférieure de la figure 7.The set constituted by the frame links 2 and seeds 1 is then in the position illustrated at the bottom of Figure 7.

Il convient ensuite d'appliquer des liens 3 sur les graines 1. Comme dans l'exemple illustré à la figure 1, ces liens 3 sont sensiblement parallèles entre eux et s'étendent dans une deuxième direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la première. Pour simplifier, ces liens 3 seront dénommés « liens de chaíne ».It is then necessary to apply links 3 to the seeds 1. As in the example illustrated in Figure 1, these links 3 are substantially parallel to each other and extend in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first. To simplify, these links 3 will be called "chain links".

La fixation des liens de chaíne 3 sur les graines 1, s'effectue de préférence par collage, en agissant sur les liens de chaíne suivant leur nature. On se reportera à la description précédente concernant les liens de trame 2.Attaching chain links 3 to the seeds 1, is preferably carried out by gluing, by acting on the chain links according to their nature. We will refer to the previous description concerning the links of frame 2.

L'invention n'est bien sûr pas limitée à l'exemple de procédé d'obtention qui vient d'être décrit. En particulier, les liens peuvent n'être déposés que dans une seule nappe, et non deux nappes écartées d'une distance correspondant au diamètre des graines. Par ailleurs, les liens peuvent être seulement en partie entrecroisés et de plus, selon un angle différent de 90°.The invention is of course not limited to the example process for obtaining which has just been described. In particular, the links can be deposited only in a single tablecloth, not two tablecloths spaced one distance corresponding to the diameter of the seeds. Through elsewhere the links may be only partially intersecting and further, at an angle different from 90 °.

Ce dispositif permet donc d'obtenir une feuille 40 telle qu'illustrée à la figure 1, les feuilles étant ensuite superposées, comme dans les exemples illustrés aux figures 5 et 6, pour obtenir un matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention.This device therefore makes it possible to obtain a sheet 40 as illustrated in Figure 1, the leaves being then superimposed, as in the examples illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, to obtain a packaging material thick according to the invention.

Ce dispositif peut également faire partie d'un dispositif plus complet, permettant d'obtenir le matériau d'emballage illustré à la figure 4 et grâce auquel on applique successivement des graines et des liens, pour obtenir un tel matériau.This device can also be part of a more complete device, allowing to obtain the packaging material shown in Figure 4 and thanks to which are successively applied seeds and links, to get such material.

Tous les matériaux d'emballage épais selon l'invention, tels qu'illustrés aux figures 4 à 6 peuvent comporter au moins une zone exempte de graines et de matière adhésive, les dimensions et la forme de cette zone correspondant à la forme extérieure d'un produit à emballer, ou caler, ou d'une partie d'un tel produit. All thick packaging materials according to the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, can have at least one area free of seeds and adhesive material, the dimensions and shape of this zone corresponding to the external shape of a product to pack, or wedge, or a part of such a product.

Par ailleurs, en utilisant une matière adhésive thermoformable, on peut facilement donner au matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention une forme souhaitée, correspondant notamment à l'article à emballer.By the way, using an adhesive material thermoformable, we can easily give the material thick packaging according to the invention a desired shape, corresponding in particular to the article to be packaged.

Egalement dans tous les cas, on comprend que le matériau d'emballage selon l'invention peut être facilement fabriqué sur les lieux mêmes de son utilisation, à partir de graines de mais non éclatées.Also in all cases, we understand that the packaging material according to the invention can be easily manufactured on the premises of his use, from seeds of but not exploded.

Le coût du transport du matériau d'emballage selon l'invention est donc considérablement réduit, par rapport aux matériaux d'emballage classiques, du type éléments en matière plastique alvéolée ou polystyrène expansé qui nécessitent au préalable la conception et la fabrication d'un moule spécifique, ou du type cales en carton plié ou moulé.The cost of transporting the packaging material according to the invention is therefore considerably reduced, by compared to conventional packaging materials, of the type elements in cellular plastic or polystyrene expanded which require prior design and manufacture of a specific mold, or of the type shims in folded or molded cardboard.

Par ailleurs, les graines de mais sont totalement biodégradables. Elles peuvent également être détruites par combustion, sans émission de gaz toxiques ou explosifs, contrairement au polystyrène.In addition, corn seeds are completely biodegradable. They can also be destroyed by combustion, without emission of toxic gases or explosives, unlike polystyrene.

Le matériau d'emballage peut aussi être composté.The packaging material can also be composted.

On peut également séparer les liens des graines par trempage dans l'eau. La boue d'amidon obtenue pourrait être utilisée pour l'alimentation du bétail.We can also separate the links of seeds by soaking in water. The starch sludge obtained could be used for animal feed.

Les seuls déchets polluants que peut générer le matériau d'emballage selon l'invention sont constitués par la matière adhésive ou les liens utilisés pour maintenir les graines de mais entre elles. Cependant, ces matières de liaison peuvent également être biodégradables.The only polluting waste that can generate packaging material according to the invention consist by the adhesive material or the links used to keep the corn seeds together. However, these bonding materials can also be biodegradable.

Le matériau d'emballage selon l'invention est d'une manipulation plus aisée que des matériaux de calage en vrac et il est notamment plus résistant que des graines de maïs éclatées en vrac.The packaging material according to the invention is of a easier handling than cushioning materials loose and is notably more resistant than seeds popcorn in bulk.

Ce matériau d'emballage épais permet également de remplacer avantageusement des matériaux plastiques du type polystyrène expansé. Il apparaít même que le matériau d'emballage épais selon l'invention assure une protection aux chocs supérieure à celle assurée par le polystyrène expansé, lorsque le matériau selon l'invention comporte des liens, lesquels amortissent les chocs latéraux.This thick packaging material also allows advantageously replace plastic materials expanded polystyrene type. It even appears that the thick packaging material according to the invention ensures higher impact protection than that provided by the expanded polystyrene, when the material according to the invention comprises links, which cushion the side impacts.

Enfin, le matériau d'emballage selon l'invention est naturellement partiellement antistatique et non abrasif. Il est aussi partiellement ignifuge et constitue un marqueur indélébile à l'eau puisque le matériau est définitivement dégradé par un contact avec de l'eau, ce qui permet de s'assurer des conditions de stockage et de transport.Finally, the packaging material according to the invention is naturally partially antistatic and not abrasive. It is also partially flame retardant and constitutes an indelible marker in water since the material is definitely degraded by contact with water, which ensures the conditions of storage and transport.

On se reporte maintenant à la figure 8 qui décrit schématiquement un dispositif pour éliminer les protubérances fragiles des graines de mais éclatées.We now refer to Figure 8 which describes schematically a device for eliminating fragile protuberances of the exploded corn seeds.

La référence 8 désigne des graines de maïs éclatées, à l'état brut. Ces graines comportent des protubérances 81 qui sont fragiles.Reference 8 designates corn seeds exploded, in the rough. These seeds contain protrusions 81 which are fragile.

Ces graines 8 sont distribuées par des moyens 80 sur un cylindre 7 qui est entraíné en rotation par des moyens appropriés.These seeds 8 are distributed by means 80 on a cylinder 7 which is rotated by appropriate means.

Le dispositif comporte également une grille 71 qui est concentrique au cylindre 7 et qui est fixe par rapport à celui-ci. Elle peut être aussi excentrée pour obtenir un diamètre d'entrée et un diamètre de sortie différents. The device also includes a grid 71 which is concentric with cylinder 7 and which is fixed by compared to this one. It can also be offset for get an inlet diameter and an outlet diameter different.

Le cylindre 7 est conçu pour entraíner les graines 8 de mais éclatées dans l'espace ménagé entre le cylindre 7 et la grille 71.The cylinder 7 is designed to drive the seeds 8 of but exploded in the space between the cylinder 7 and grid 71.

La grille 71 comporte des trous 72 dont la dimension est inférieure au diamètre final souhaité pour les graines 1.The grid 71 has holes 72, the dimension is less than the final diameter desired for seeds 1.

Par ailleurs, le cylindre 7 est percé d'orifices 70 pour le passage d'un courant d'air sous pression.Furthermore, the cylinder 7 is pierced with orifices 70 for the passage of a stream of pressurized air.

Les protubérances fragiles 81 des graines 8 sont éliminées par friction sur la grille 71 et s'échappent par les trous 72 pratiqués dans la grille, sous l'effet de l'air sous pression passant à travers les orifices 70.The fragile protuberances 81 of the seeds 8 are eliminated by friction on the grid 71 and escape through the holes 72 made in the grid, under the effect pressurized air passing through the ports 70.

Les protubérances 81 peuvent être utilisées pour fabriquer des enveloppes protectrices, en étant collées sur du papier à enveloppe.The protrusions 81 can be used to make protective envelopes, being glued on envelope paper.

Après élimination des protubérances fragiles 81, on obtient des graines 1, telles que celles utilisées sur le produit d'emballage représenté à la figure 1, qui présentent sensiblement un diamètre identique.After elimination of the fragile protuberances 81, we obtains seeds 1, such as those used on the packaging product shown in Figure 1, which have substantially the same diameter.

L'invention n'est bien sûr pas limité aux modes de réalisation qui ont été décrits précédemment. En particulier, le réseau de liens présent dans un produit d'emballage selon l'invention peut être organisé en une ou plusieurs nappes continues, prenant par exemple la forme d'un tissu, d'un film en matière plastique, notamment en polypropylène, ou encore d'une feuille de cellophane.The invention is of course not limited to the modes of which have been described previously. In particular, the network of links present in a product according to the invention can be organized in one or several continuous layers, taking for example the shape of a fabric, a plastic film, especially polypropylene, or a sheet of cellophane.

Le produit d'emballage peut alors être directement obtenu en collant des graines éclatées sur une nappe continue ou encore entre deux nappes continues. The packaging product can then be directly obtained by sticking popped seeds on a tablecloth continuous or between two continuous layers.

Les signes de référence insérés après les caractéristiques techniques figurant dans les revendications ont pour seul but de faciliter la compréhension de ces dernières et ne sauraient en réduire la portée.The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics appearing in the claims are intended only to facilitate the understanding of these and cannot reduce the range.

Claims (24)

  1. Packaging product composed of a layer of split seeds (10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 41) held in place by a network of ties (2, 3, 21, 31, 22, 32) characterised in that the said network is composed of two layers of ties at a spacing from each other equal to a distance corresponding to the diameter of the said seeds.
  2. Packaging product according to claim 1, characterised in that the network of ties forms a plurality of compartments for the said seeds.
  3. Packaging product according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises at least two layers of split seeds, the said layers being superposed and connected to each other.
  4. Packaging product according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises at least three layers of split seeds, with at least one layer of ties between each layer of seeds.
  5. Packaging product according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of sheets based on split seeds, each sheet being composed of one layer of split seeds and two layers of ties fixed on the said seeds.
  6. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ties are composed of assembled fibres.
  7. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ties are composed of woven fibres.
  8. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ties are composed of strips or tapes of a biodegradable material.
  9. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ties in two adjacent layers are partially fixed to each other.
  10. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the seeds are glued onto the tie layers.
  11. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises between 1 000 and 3 000 seeds per m2.
  12. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that at least some of the ties are interlaced.
  13. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the ties (2, 3, 21, 31, 22, 32, 23, 22, 240, 250, 260, 270) in one layer (20, 30, 24, 25, 26, 27) extend in the same direction, the direction of the ties between the two layers being at a non-zero angle (particularly equal to 90°).
  14. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that at least some of the ties are continuous.
  15. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the layers of seeds and ties are compacted.
  16. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises at least one sheet with at least one area (110, 120, 130) in which there are no seeds or ties, the dimensions and the shape of each area corresponding to the outside shape of a product to be packed or packaged or part of such a product.
  17. Packaging product according to claim 16, characterised in that it comprises a plurality of sheets each with areas without any seeds and in that the areas (110, 120, 130) free of seeds are superposed to form a cross shape into which an article to be packed can be fitted.
  18. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the diameters of the different split seeds (8) are all approximately the same.
  19. Packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that the seeds (8) are corn seeds.
  20. Intermediate product used to make a packaging product according to any one of the previous claims, characterised in that it comprises a layer of seeds (10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 41) that are not split and are held in place by a network of ties (2, 3, 21, 31, 22, 32), in which the said network is composed of two layers of ties spaced from each other by a distance corresponding to the average diameter of the said seeds.
  21. Process for obtaining a packaging product according to any one of claims 1 to 19 that consists of depositing seeds on an approximately plane surface of the ties forming at least one layer of ties and that can be glued onto the seeds, fixing the seeds on the said ties and covering the seeds with a second layer of ties.
  22. Process for obtaining a packaging product according to claim 21, characterised in that it also consists of depositing a second layer of seeds (1), the second layer of ties and repeating the previous operations until the required thickness of the packaging product is obtained.
  23. Process for obtaining a packaging product according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the seeds are heated until they burst before being used in the packaging.
  24. Process for obtaining a packaging product according to claim 21 or 22, characterised in that the seeds are heated until they burst after being used in the packaging.
EP99919326A 1998-05-15 1999-05-12 Packaging method, based on burst grains and method for obtaining same Expired - Lifetime EP1077886B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9806193 1998-05-15
FR9806193A FR2778645B1 (en) 1998-05-15 1998-05-15 SHEET PACKAGING PRODUCT COMPRISING BROKEN CORN SEEDS AND PROCESS FOR OBTAINING SAME
FR9811953 1998-09-24
FR9811953A FR2783807B1 (en) 1998-09-24 1998-09-24 THICK PACKAGING MATERIAL COMPRISING BROKEN CORN SEEDS AND PROCESS FOR OBTAINING SAME
PCT/FR1999/001144 WO1999059894A1 (en) 1998-05-15 1999-05-12 Packaging method, based on burst grains and method for obtaining same

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1077886A1 EP1077886A1 (en) 2001-02-28
EP1077886B1 true EP1077886B1 (en) 2004-03-17

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99919326A Expired - Lifetime EP1077886B1 (en) 1998-05-15 1999-05-12 Packaging method, based on burst grains and method for obtaining same

Country Status (10)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1077886B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2002515385A (en)
CN (1) CN1109636C (en)
AT (1) ATE261873T1 (en)
AU (1) AU3714299A (en)
BR (1) BR9910436A (en)
CA (1) CA2332435A1 (en)
DE (1) DE69915609T2 (en)
HK (1) HK1038543A1 (en)
WO (1) WO1999059894A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CA2670217A1 (en) * 2009-06-22 2010-12-22 Carlo Fascio Biodegradable bubble-shaped wrap and void fill braces

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3546055A (en) * 1968-12-13 1970-12-08 Maurice Spertus Packaging material
WO1992004253A1 (en) 1990-09-05 1992-03-19 Sommer Steven R Grain-based biodegradable dunnage material
US5494734A (en) * 1994-01-18 1996-02-27 Widders; Cat A. Technique for beaded decorative article

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1077886A1 (en) 2001-02-28
AU3714299A (en) 1999-12-06
ATE261873T1 (en) 2004-04-15
WO1999059894A1 (en) 1999-11-25
WO1999059894B1 (en) 2000-02-10
JP2002515385A (en) 2002-05-28
BR9910436A (en) 2002-05-21
CN1109636C (en) 2003-05-28
DE69915609D1 (en) 2004-04-22
CN1305425A (en) 2001-07-25
DE69915609T2 (en) 2005-03-24
CA2332435A1 (en) 1999-11-25
HK1038543A1 (en) 2002-03-22

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