EP1299292B1 - Packaging particularly designed for fragile products and method for making same - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a package (1) particularly designed for fragile products such as fruits (10), comprising two walls (11, 12) assembled on their periphery and adapted to define an inner space for receiving the products. The invention is characterised in that each wall (11, 12) comprises two superimposed sheets continuously welded on their periphery to define each a closed volume filled with a gas. The invention also concerns a method and an installation for making such a package.

Description

The present invention relates to a package according to the preamble of claim 1, particularly for fragile products such as fruit.

It also relates to a method of manufacturing a package according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

The invention will particularly find application in the field of packaging made of plastic material from thin sheets.

It is more particularly intended for the packaging of fragile products and in particular fruits such as peaches.

In the field of packaging, document is known FR-A-2415043 a dual-use article forming a packaging mat between layers of articles and a bag for transporting such articles.

This article consists of a plastic sheet with air bubbles or cells folded on itself and sealed along its edges by reserving an open side in the vicinity of which are formed two cutouts.

The advantage of such packaging is to take advantage of air bubbles or alveoli to best protect the fruits contained.

However, it has the disadvantage of not presenting an individual envelope for each product to be packaged.

Therefore, poor maintenance is found which may damage the product especially when it comes to fragile fruits.

What is more, the constituent walls of this package comprise a multitude of cells filled with air.

The manufacture of such walls is therefore expensive and inefficient for product protection given that the cells are too small.

Document is known EP-A-0306207 a package formed of the combination of an outer bag and an inner bag separated by an inflatable chamber. This packaging is intended to be inflated a posteriori, which is difficult in terms of manufacturing. Moreover, no aeration of the contained product is allowed which is harmful when it comes to fresh products such as fruit. Another disadvantage of this package is that the inflatable chamber is unique for both sides. If it were to be pierced in one place, the entire projection would become inoperative.

Document is known WO-A-89 03789 a package according to the preamble of claim 1, with rigid walls joined on their periphery and able to delimit a product housing interior space. Each of the walls of the prior art considered comprises two sheets superimposed and welded to define a closed volume. According to this prior art, the assembly is then completely closed by a continuous weld along the joined walls. This packaging ensures a character impervious to the storage volume but does not allow any ventilation.

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of known packages so far.

One of his first goals is to protect the products to be packaged including fruit.

The invention has the advantage of maintaining individually by air cushions, each product to be packaged.

Although this maintenance is individual, we can position and pack a plurality of fragile products in the same package.

The number of products packaged in the package according to the invention is thus not limited.

The invention is also advantageous in that it provides aeration of the product contained and without jeopardizing its protection. This prevents the formation of fog and problems of alteration of fresh products.

Another object of the invention is to reduce the cost of manufacturing such particular packages capable of containing fragile products.

In this regard, the packaging proposed here has the advantage of requiring only a few manufacturing steps.

It is also feasible in any plastic material that does not necessarily have to be particularly flexible.

It is thus possible to reduce the cost of raw materials by the use of a transparent plastic material of conventional quality.

Another object of the invention is to preserve visual access to the product while protecting it from touch.

According to the invention, the product will be visible from all parts of the package without the consumer being able to physically access it.

Other aims and advantages will become apparent during the description which follows, which is however given for information only and which is not intended to limit it.

The present invention relates to a package according to claim 1 attached.

• les deux feuilles sont soudées ponctuellement à un ou plusieurs emplacements de leur surface pour former des logements pour les produits.
• deux feuilles appartenant chacune à une paroi différente sont constituées d'une seule pièce de fond et les deux autres feuilles sont des couvertures soudées sur le fond.
• le fond présente une zone charnière entre les deux parois.
• les feuilles sont en matière plastique.

This packaging may be in the embodiments set out below:

• the two sheets are spot welded at one or more locations on their surfaces to form dwellings for the products.
• two leaves each belonging to a different wall consist of a single bottom piece and the other two sheets are welded blankets on the bottom.
• the bottom has a hinge zone between the two walls.
• the leaves are plastic.

The invention also relates to a manufacturing method according to the appended claim 7.

• on utilise un fond et des couvertures rectangulaires,
• après appui d'une paroi sur l'autre, on pince leur quatre coins et on exerce une traction orientée vers l'extérieur de l'emballage suivant les directions diagonales des couvertures, pour tendre la périphérie des parois avant soudage.

The manufacturing process may include the following steps:

• we use a background and rectangular covers,
• after pressing one wall on the other, we pinch their four corners and exerts an outwardly directed traction of the package along the diagonal directions of the covers, to stretch the periphery of the walls before welding.

The accompanying drawings are given as indicative and non-limiting examples. They represent a preferred embodiment according to the invention. They will make it easy to understand the invention.

The figure 1 illustrates a preliminary step of manufacturing the package according to the invention in a particular embodiment.

The figure 2 is a top view of the package here presented in a preferred embodiment.

The figure 3 is a sectional view of the package in the embodiment of the figure 2 .

The figure 4 still shows in section a package according to the invention in closed position.

The figure 5 is an overview of the usable production line.

The Figures 6 to 11 illustrate steps of the manufacture of the package according to the invention.

According to the invention, the package 1 comprises two walls illustrated in figure 3 under marks 11 and 12.

The walls 11, 12 are joined on a part of their periphery.

In this way, as illustrated in figure 4 the walls 11, 12 delimit an interior space where products such as fruits 10 can be accommodated and held as shown in FIG. figure 4 .

At least one of the walls 11, 12 comprises two sheets superimposed and welded on their periphery as shown at 5 in the form of a peripheral junction to define a closed volume.

Thus, the two walls 11, 12 may be filled with a gas, for example air.

The figure 3 shows in section the formation of this interior reservation in each wall 11, 12 which forms air cushions.

Moreover, the wall or walls 11, 12 thus formed may have spot welds 6 between the two sheets that compose it.

These spot welds 6 are made at several locations on the surface of the wall 11 to form as many dwellings for the products as needed.

The spot welds 6 are for example visible in figure 2 in top view.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated in this figure and seen laterally in section at the figure 3 , the two walls 11, 12 are formed identically and symmetrically around the axis 13.

In this context, the spot welds 6 are made symmetrically also along the axis 13.

Preferably, the constituent elements of the packaging 1 are made of plastic.

In this way, it will be particularly easy to use conventional welding processes to carry out the assembly steps described here. It may be cellophane ®.

Referring to the figure 1 it is seen that one of the sheets constituting each wall 11, 12 can be made from a single constituent part of a bottom 2.

To finalize the production of the walls 11, 12, two cover sheets 3, 4 are superimposed on the single bottom 2.

It is possible to make the covers 3, 4 separately and separately for each wall 11, 12, or else to use a single sheet, for example a plastic sheet, to make the covers 3, 4 as one piece, as is apparent from FIG. figure 1 .

In the preferred embodiment where a single bottom 2 is present for the two walls 11, 12, this bottom 2 comprises a hinge zone 7 between the two walls 11, 12.

This hinge zone 7 is represented in figure 2 and 3 when the package is in the unfolded position.

It also appears in figure 4 in the folded position to close the package.

A preferred embodiment of the method of manufacturing the packaging, the structure of which has just been described, is described below.

In a first step, the two walls 11, 12 are composed.

To do this, solder by their periphery, two covers 3, 4 on a bottom 2.

This step is apparent from figure 1 in the embodiment where the covers 3, 4 are constituted by a single sheet.

As represented in figure 2 this step of manufacturing the two walls 11, 12 is performed while preserving a hinge zone 7 between the walls 11, 12.

This hinge zone 7 is located near one of the lateral edges of the walls 11, 12 and makes it possible to articulate them around an axis of symmetry 13.

Simultaneously, or subsequent to the formation of the walls 11, 12, each wall of gas is filled, for example with air.

Preferably, air is blown inside each wall 11, 12 and then closed permanently.

In the case of figure 2 the air can be introduced through one of the lateral edges located near the hinge zone 7.

Then, once the air is introduced, the two constituent sheets of the walls 11, 12 will be permanently welded to this lateral edge.

It is thus possible to produce two walls 11, 12 constituting an air cushion and of a substantially similar shape articulated around the hinge 7.

It is advantageous to provide housing able to receive and hold in position the fragile products to be packaged.

To achieve this, welding spots 6 are formed on the surface of the walls 11, 12 in order to adhere the bottom 2 and the covers 3, 4.

These weld points 6 are symmetrically formed with respect to the axis 13 so that, when the walls 11, 12 are folded, the weld points of each wall 11, 12 coincide substantially superimposed.

We have shown in figure 4 , a closed position of the packaging thus constituted where it clearly appears that the soldering points 6 of each wall 11, 12 are substantially at the same level to receive the products to be packaged such as fruits 10.

Once the walls 11, 12 and folded around the hinge zone 7, we can finalize their assembly by a peripheral weld their edge.

Thus, the side edges 8, 9 can be welded as the longitudinal edges of the walls 11, 12.

To completely close the inner volume of the package 1, it will be advantageous to carry out this peripheral welding on the entire periphery of the walls 11, 12.

However, according to the invention, a discontinuous sounding is carried out to preserve one or more air passages to the inner housing.

The realization of the packaging chain according to the invention is advantageous in terms of cost reduction but raises manufacturing problems particularly in the peripheral junction step of the two walls 11, 12.

The following describes more precisely the method according to the invention and the installation for the implementation of such a junction conveniently and in the chain.

According to the method, once formed a group of walls 11, 12 connected by a hinge zone 7, is folded one of the walls 11 on the other 12 and then exerts a support of the wall 11 on the other 12.

It is thus possible to bring strongly together their longitudinal edges 21, 22 and lateral 8, 9.

The figure 8 shows the flap face of the wall 11 while the figure 9 illustrates the application of a support on this wall 11.

Finally, the position of the figure 10 is obtained and allows the junction of the periphery of the walls 11, 12.

This junction is made by welding, preferentially heat-sealing in the case of use of plastics, on the periphery of the walls 11, 12.

This batch welding preserves several air passages to the inner housing.

The figure 11 shows discontinuous solder formation 14 which preserves intermediate passages.

In the example of the figure 11 , the side edge 8 is not welded but, to strengthen the junction of the two walls 11, 12, it is possible to add a weld at this level.

Prior to the discontinuous welding step, traction is preferably exerted at the four corners of the walls 11, 12 to improve the flatness and the straightness of the lateral edges 8, 9 and longitudinal 21, 22.

Hereinafter described more precisely a manufacturing facility that can implement the method described above. This installation is not part of the invention.

With reference to the figure 5 an example of such a production line has been illustrated.

According to this installation, groups of walls 11, 12 are formed according to the method described above at the level of a bagger 23.

This is able to create groups of bags joined by a hinge 7 adapted to form the sets of walls 11, 12.

A conveyor belt 15 receives the groups of walls 11, 12 placed one behind the other in the direction of movement.

In accordance with the figure 7 the product such as a fruit 10 is positioned on the wall 12 during the conveyance.

In the case illustrated in figure 8 , abutment means are formed in the form of two ramps 16 each positioned on either side of the belt 15 to each bear on a longitudinal edge 21, 22 of the wall 11.

Realizing this stop while the carpet 15 is in action, it tends to fold down the wall 11 on the wall 12.

It is possible to replace the ramps 16 illustrated by simple lateral fingers capable of bearing on the longitudinal edges 21, 22.

A bearing surface 17 is formed to finalize the application of the wall 11 to the wall 12.

This surface 17 is substantially horizontal and positioned at a height adapted to the final thickness of the entire package.

Furthermore, the bearing surface 17 advantageously comprises a rim 18 projecting substantially upwardly to initiate the support of the wall 11 on the surface 17.

The Figures 10 and 11 describe an exemplary embodiment of traction means on the four corners of the walls 11, 12 before performing the preferentially discontinuous peripheral welding.

According to the illustrated example, a clip 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d is present at the four corners of the walls 11, 12 which are preferably rectangular.

When the package arrives at level 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d, these are actuated to apprehend a corner of the package.

Then, pulling means of the clamps 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d are provided to stretch the package.

Cylinders 20, for example pneumatic, positioned at the rear of the clamps may be used as traction means.

We can then perform the peripheral welding.

This is advantageously formed by means of substantially rectilinear strips and provided with crenellations, the strips being heated to achieve heat-sealing by application to the lateral edges 8, 9 and / or longitudinal 21, 22 of the walls 11, 12.

It is possible to form pairs of strips facing each other for each of the edges to be assembled.

The residual slots in the middle of the strips ensure the discontinuity of the welds.

A ruler or pair of ruler is formed for each edge.

Moreover, to ensure a good application and a good adjustment of the support force of the strips on the edge to be assembled, the strips are advantageously mounted on a support by means of spring means providing damping during the support .

The slide support is also movable between a rest position and a welding position resting on the edge of the package.

Of course, the conveyor belt 15 is stopped during the gripping step by the clamps 19a, 19b, 19c, 19d and welding.

It is also possible to split the carpet 15 along its length so as not to disturb the advance of the other groups of walls 11, 12 during the peripheral assembly step.

REFERENCES

• 1. Packaging
• 2. Background
• 3.4. blankets
• 5. Peripheral junction
• 6. Spot welding
• 7. Hinge zone
• 8.9. Side edges
• 10. Fruit
• 11.12. walls
• 13. Axis
• 14. Staple welds
• 15. Conveyor belt
• 16. Folding ramp
• 17. Support surface
• 18. Border
• 19a, 19b, 19c. tongs
• 20. Cylinder
• 21, 22. Longitudinal edges
• 23. Base

Claims (9)

1. Packaging (1) particularly designed for fragile products such as fruit (10), comprising two walls (11, 12) joined on their periphery and capable of defining an inner space for housing the products, in which
   each wall (11, 12) comprises two sheets superimposed and continuously welded at their periphery so as to each one define a closed volume filled with a gas, and two walls (11, 12) formed symmetrically and joined on their periphery by welds, characterised in that
   it comprises on each longitudinal edge (21, 22) of walls (11, 12), discontinuous welds to ensure several air passages within the inner space of the housing.
2. Packaging according to claim 1 comprising discontinuous welds on at least one other edge (8, 9) of walls (11, 12).
3. Packaging according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that
   two sheets belonging each one to a different wall consist of only one bottom part (2) and that the two other sheets are covers (3, 4) welded onto the bottom.
4. Packaging according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that
   the two sheets are spot welded at one or several positions on their surface to form housings for the products.
5. Packaging (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4 characterised in that
   bottom (2) has a hinge zone (7) between the two walls (11, 12).
6. Packaging (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that
   the sheets are made of plastic.
7. Method of manufacture of packaging according to any of claims 1 to 6 in which two walls (11, 12) are joined on their periphery in order to define an inner space for housing the products to be packed, in which

   o two covers (3, 4) are continuously welded by their periphery onto a bottom (2), on both sides of a hinge zone (7) in order to form two walls (11, 12) hinged on one of their side edges,

   o each wall (11, 12) is filled with gas simultaneously or subsequent to the formation of walls (11, 12),

   o a wall (11) is folded back on the other (12) by folding hinge zone (7),

   o one wall (11) is brought to bear on the other (12),

   o the periphery of walls (11, 12) is welded in order to close the packaging,

   characterised in that
   on each longitudinal edge (21, 22) of the walls (11, 12) are formed discontinuous welds to preserve several passage of air inside the housing.
8. Method according to claim 7 in which the discontinuous welds are formed on at least another edge (8, 9) of walls (11, 12).
9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that

   o rectangular covers (3,4) and a bottom (2) are used,

   o after one wall (11) bears on the other (12), their four corners are squeezed and traction is applied towards the outside of the packaging in the diagonal directions of covers (3, 4),

   to tighten the periphery of walls (11, 12) before welding.

Images