EP1346925B1 - Method for suspended packaging of various products and packages thus obtained - Google Patents

Method for suspended packaging of various products and packages thus obtained Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1346925B1
EP1346925B1 EP03356044A EP03356044A EP1346925B1 EP 1346925 B1 EP1346925 B1 EP 1346925B1 EP 03356044 A EP03356044 A EP 03356044A EP 03356044 A EP03356044 A EP 03356044A EP 1346925 B1 EP1346925 B1 EP 1346925B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
film
product
products
support frame
stretch
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Expired - Lifetime
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EP03356044A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1346925A1 (en
Inventor
Olivier Braconnot
Pierre Brun
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Velfor Plast
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Velfor Plast
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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
    • B65D81/05—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 maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents
    • B65D81/07—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 maintaining contents at spaced relation from package walls, or from other contents using resilient suspension means

Definitions

  • the invention relates to the technical sector of the packaging of various products and in particular very fragile products for their transport.
  • the invention relates to the technical sector of packaging using means for suspending one or more packaged products without said products being in contact with the bottom of the package or with any of the walls of the packaging. this.
  • French Patent No. 2,707,608 also discloses a concept of the same type for the same application.
  • Two half-shells are thus made with each a film and one or more cells, and are superimposed and joined together by their peripheral edge.
  • the products are therefore arranged in the shaped cells from the stretchable films in a sandwich configuration.
  • shoe trees which comply with the profile and characteristics of the part or product to be packaged, requires a multiplicity of this type of tooling. Indeed, according to the varied nature of the products to be packaged, depending on the size thereof, it is necessary to provide shoe trees of different characteristics.
  • the tooling comprises several tree branches. It is therefore necessary that the products have the same size or substantially the same.
  • the products are held in symmetrical cells formed on each of the half-shells of the package. This can result in a floating packaging of said products in the cells if the size of the products is poorly adapted to the internal volume defined by each cell made from the two half parts of stretch film previously embossed and shaped by the shoe trees.
  • a first object, according to the invention, was to design a new process which allows the packaging of a product in suspension by ensuring a firm, stable hold, and adapted closely to the shapes of the product to be packaged.
  • Another object was to design a package for the suspension of various products with applications as diverse as medical prostheses, mechanical parts, food products, etc.
  • the method of packaging a product or products in suspension in a thermo-shaped shell characterized in that it consists in producing an autonomous subassembly including a support frame open in its center and receiver of a stretch film, said film allowing the suspension of one or more products, and a cover positioned on said support frame and ensuring, by its lower surface, a point support on the product or products centered on said film, and in that said subassembly is positioned on a thermoformed tray receiving, on its upper side, a seal in the form of a film for sealing purposes.
  • the package according to the invention is defined mainly by claim 3.
  • the term "product" to be packaged and packaged will be taken in its generic sense. It is referenced as a whole by (1). In an example of advantageous application, this or these products may be spherical prostheses. In general, the products to be packaged, according to the method of the invention, are fragile and must have no contact with the bottom of the package or its walls.
  • the packaging (E), taken as a whole, can be arranged with one or more thermoformed trays that can be integrated into each other. other.
  • this package is referenced as a whole by (E). It comprises a first shell-shaped tray (2), made of plastic material, heat-formed, having, on its upper part, an inner peripheral flange (2.a), flat and horizontal, constituting a bearing zone of another shaped tray shell (4) profiled thermo-shaped and having successively two support zones (4.a and 4.b) horizontal and staged.
  • This second tray located internally to the previous one, in the example of application to prostheses for medical use, is capable of receiving a subset (SE) autonomous comprising a support frame (5), a stretch film (6) allowing suspending the product or products and a cover (3) for protecting said product or products.
  • SE subset
  • said subassembly is supported on the lower tiered portion (4.a) of the tray (4).
  • the stretch film (6) is made of polyurethane, polyethylene or other materials offering qualities and specificities of stretching and retraction.
  • the stretch film is ultrasonically welded, glued or otherwise by its end (6.a) to the top (5.a) horizontal border of the support frame.
  • the cover (3) is arranged to receive, on its inner face (3), directly or in a manner reported, at least one pellet (3b) or lining may come into contact, without damage, with the upper part of the product or products (1).
  • the packaging allows, by said subset (SE) autonomous, a suspension of the product or products, a support and firm maintenance thereof or thereof avoiding harmful floating to his or their integrity.
  • the packaging can thus comprise one or two trays interlocking one into the other by allowing the positioning of the subassembly (SE). constituted by the support frame, the stretch film, the product or products and the lid (3).
  • SE subassembly
  • the flat upper face (3.c) of the lid is advantageously located in a plane lower than the plane formed by the outer peripheral edge (4.b) or (2.b) of the tray so as to allow the complementary sealing of the lid. or trays by a film (10) and (11) providing a better seal.
  • the packaging manufacturing process for suspending one or more products is as follows.
  • thermoformed frame (5) open at its center (5.c) having a flat and horizontal top edge (5.a) is used to form a support zone.
  • This thermoformed support frame may, depending on the application, present internally one or more stepped zones (5.b) constituting support zones.
  • This frame can be of rectangular or square configuration or other.
  • this frame is sealed by positioning the latter on a matrix (7), engaging around and within the peripheral edge (5.a).
  • the stretch film (6) for example polyurethane or polyethylene, is reported above said frame ( Figure 4) and, using a cutting and melting means (7.a), it is sealed on said upper border of the support frame.
  • the frame thus produced with its film is placed on another matrix (8) having a certain depth to allow the deformation down of the stretch film.
  • This matrix receives, in its upper part by support, said support frame (5).
  • This matrix has one or more openings (8.a) of small section to perform, using a suitable means, vacuum suction. This is followed by evacuation, which causes the film (6) to be downward with stretch deformation.
  • the product (1) is positioned in the center of the stretch film.
  • a tool or pressure means (9) arranged in a vertical plane bears on the product while completing its maintenance.
  • the next phase represents the suppression or loosening of the vacuum effect thus produced in the matrix (8), while maintaining a support and an appropriate pressure on the product by the tool (9).
  • the stretch film goes beyond, in its contact with the product, the half-part thereby ensuring a restraining effect and partial imprisonment of the product under consideration.
  • the film surrounds the product and encloses it beyond its widest part.
  • the next step is to proceed to the total suppression of the vertical pressure on the product, which, therefore, goes up a little more then to the upper part of the support frame by increasing the clamping effect.
  • the product is thus suspended from the support frame (5).
  • the next step is to position the cover (3) on the support frame.
  • the lid according to the invention, is arranged on its underside, directly or in a reported manner, with a projecting zone (3.c) capable of making contact and support with the upper plane of the product. More specifically, the cover has an inner flange receiving a support pad (3.b), foam or other material, may not scratch or damage in any way the product.
  • the next step is to position the subset (SE) thus equipped on the tray forming a thermoformed shell of the package ( Figure 8).
  • the lidding film (10) is then placed on the upper face of the tray.
  • each trays receives a lidding film (10 -11) and seal.
  • the aforementioned method and the product obtained make it possible to obtain a better hold and grip of the products to be packaged, whatever their shape, volume and dimensions, without requiring any particular tool, as is the case according to the prior art, and whatever the applications.
  • the outer packaging may have one or two shells interlocking internally with one another, as shown in FIG. shell, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.
  • the packaging or packages of the aforementioned type can allow the simultaneous packaging of one or more products.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Buffer Packaging (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)

Abstract

The package consists of a thermoformed base (2) with an optional inner liner (4), and a separate sub-assembly made from a supporting frame (5) and layer of stretch film (6) for suspending products (1). The sub-assembly is closed by a lid (3) with an inner pad (3b) held against the packaged product without damaging it. Once the subassembly has been fitted to the base it is covered by a film seal (10, 11). An Independent claim is also included for packaging for products suspended in the stretch film.

Description

L'invention se rattache au secteur technique de l'emballage de produits divers et en particulier de produits très fragiles en vue de leur transport.The invention relates to the technical sector of the packaging of various products and in particular very fragile products for their transport.

Plus particulièrement, l'invention se rattache au secteur technique des emballages mettant en oeuvre des moyens de suspension d'un ou des produits conditionnés sans que lesdits produits soient en contact avec le fond de l'emballage ou avec une quelconque des parois de celui-ci.More particularly, the invention relates to the technical sector of packaging using means for suspending one or more packaged products without said products being in contact with the bottom of the package or with any of the walls of the packaging. this.

Selon l'art antérieur, la mise en suspension de produits dans un emballage a été décrite dans le brevet GB n° 640.283. Dans ce cas particulier, il s'agit d'un conditionnement de produits alimentaires du type « tomates, abricots», les produits étant disposés entre deux films étirables en matière plastique et deux demi-coques susceptibles, par leur pourtour périphérique, de former un ensemble monobloc.According to the prior art, the suspension of products in a package has been described in GB Patent No. 640,283. In this particular case, it is a packaging of food products of the "tomato, apricot" type, the products being arranged between two plastic stretch films and two half-shells which, by their peripheral periphery, can form a monobloc assembly.

On connaît aussi, par le brevet Français n° 2.707.608, un concept du même type pour la même application.French Patent No. 2,707,608 also discloses a concept of the same type for the same application.

Une autre technique a été proposée dans le brevet Français n° 2.775.253 dans l'application de la présentation et conservation de produits alimentaires. Selon ce document, on réalise un espace de confinement en recouvrant la partie ouverte de la coque à l'aide d'un film étirable préalablement tendu, on le déforme ensuite physiquement par l'action d'embauchoirs, mobiles, ayant la forme du ou des produits à emballer. On procède, au cours de l'opération de moulage, à un vide partiel dans le volume fermé de la coque pour maintenir, en dépression, le film conformé en position. On met en place le ou les produits. On procède ensuite à la découpe de la bordure périphérique du film à l'extérieur de la zone d'adhérence du film sur le bord de la coque.Another technique has been proposed in French Patent No. 2,775,253 in the application of the presentation and preservation of food products. According to this document, a confinement space is produced by covering the open part of the shell with a stretched stretched film, and then physically deformed by the action of movable, shaped tree branches. products to be packaged. During the molding operation, a partial vacuum is applied in the closed volume of the shell to maintain, in depression, the film shaped in position. We set up the product or products. The peripheral edge of the film is then cut outside the film adhesion zone on the edge of the shell.

Deux demi coques sont ainsi réalisées avec chacune un film et une ou des alvéoles, puis sont superposées et accolées mutuellement par leur bordure périphérique. Les produits sont donc disposés dans les alvéoles conformées à partir des films étirables dans une configuration en sandwich.Two half-shells are thus made with each a film and one or more cells, and are superimposed and joined together by their peripheral edge. The products are therefore arranged in the shaped cells from the stretchable films in a sandwich configuration.

Selon le procédé précité, la mise en oeuvre d'embauchoirs, qui sont conformes au profil et aux caractéristiques de la pièce ou du produit à emballer, exige une multiplicité de ce type d'outillage. En effet, selon la nature variée des produits à emballer, selon la dimension de ceux-ci, il faut prévoir des embauchoirs de caractéristiques différentes.According to the aforementioned method, the implementation of shoe trees, which comply with the profile and characteristics of the part or product to be packaged, requires a multiplicity of this type of tooling. Indeed, according to the varied nature of the products to be packaged, depending on the size thereof, it is necessary to provide shoe trees of different characteristics.

Dans le cas de conditionnement simultané de plusieurs produits, dans un même emballage, l'outillage comprend plusieurs embauchoirs. Il faut donc que les produits aient un même calibre ou sensiblement le même. Les produits sont maintenus dans des alvéoles symétriques formées sur chacune des demi-coques de l'emballage. Il peut en résulter un conditionnement flottant desdits produits dans les alvéoles si le calibre des produits est mal adapté au volume intérieur défini par chaque alvéole réalisée à partir des deux demi parties de film étirable préalablement embossées et mises en forme par les embauchoirs.In the case of simultaneous packaging of several products, in the same packaging, the tooling comprises several tree branches. It is therefore necessary that the products have the same size or substantially the same. The products are held in symmetrical cells formed on each of the half-shells of the package. This can result in a floating packaging of said products in the cells if the size of the products is poorly adapted to the internal volume defined by each cell made from the two half parts of stretch film previously embossed and shaped by the shoe trees.

A partir de cet art antérieur, la déposante a recherché une nouvelle conception d'un procédé d'emballage qui s'affranchisse des contraintes précitées et inconvénients.From this prior art, the applicant has sought a new design of a packaging process that overcomes the aforementioned constraints and disadvantages.

Un premier but, selon l'invention, était de concevoir un nouveau procédé qui permette d'emballer un produit en suspension en assurant un maintien ferme, stable, et adapté étroitement aux formes du produit à emballer.A first object, according to the invention, was to design a new process which allows the packaging of a product in suspension by ensuring a firm, stable hold, and adapted closely to the shapes of the product to be packaged.

Un autre but recherché était de s'affranchir des outillages de mise en forme des cavités réceptrices de produits.Another aim sought was to overcome the tools for shaping receptor cavities products.

Un autre but était de concevoir un emballage permettant la suspension de produits divers avec des applications aussi diverses que des prothèses médicales, que des pièces mécaniques, que des produits alimentaires, etc.Another object was to design a package for the suspension of various products with applications as diverse as medical prostheses, mechanical parts, food products, etc.

Ces buts et d'autres encore ressortiront bien de la suite de la description.These and other goals will be apparent from the rest of the description.

Selon une première caractéristique de l'invention, le procédé d'emballage d'un ou de produits en suspension dans une coque thermo-formée caractérisé en ce qu'il consiste à réaliser un sous-ensemble autonome incluant un cadre-support ouvert en son centre et récepteur d'un film étirable, ledit film autorisant la mise en suspension d'un ou de plusieurs produits, et un couvercle positionné sur ledit cadre-support et assurant, par sa surface inférieure, un appui ponctuel sur le ou les produits centrés sur ledit film, et en ce que ledit sous-ensemble est positionné sur une barquette thermo-formée recevant, sur sa face supérieure, un operculage sous forme de film à des fins d'étanchéité.According to a first feature of the invention, the method of packaging a product or products in suspension in a thermo-shaped shell characterized in that it consists in producing an autonomous subassembly including a support frame open in its center and receiver of a stretch film, said film allowing the suspension of one or more products, and a cover positioned on said support frame and ensuring, by its lower surface, a point support on the product or products centered on said film, and in that said subassembly is positioned on a thermoformed tray receiving, on its upper side, a seal in the form of a film for sealing purposes.

Selon une autre caractéristique de l'invention, le procédé d'emballage d'un ou de produits en suspension dans une barquette en forme de coque thermo-formée caractérisé en ce qu'il met en oeuvre les phases suivantes :

  • on utilise un cadre support thermo-formé ouvert en son centre pour positionner un film en matière plastique étirable, le film prenant appui sur la bordure périphérique supérieure du cadre, et en étant fixé à celui-ci,
  • on positionne ledit cadre support sur une matrice ayant une profondeur pour permettre la déformation vers le bas du film, et ce grâce à l'actionnement d'une source de mise sous vide,
  • on procède à la mise sous vide entraînant le film vers le bas avec une déformation par étirage,
  • on positionne le ou les produits à conditionner sur le film étirable et on exerce un effet d'appui et de pression verticale par un moyen venant en contact avec le ou les produits,
  • on supprime tout ou partie de l'opération de vide permettant la remontée partielle du film étirable tout en maintenant un appui et une pression sur le ou les produits, permettant une rétraction partielle du film étirable pour assurer le recouvrement dudit ou desdits produits par le film au-delà de sa ou leur partie la plus large,
  • on supprime la force de pression verticale permettant une remontée du film étirable et du ou des produits et un recouvrement complémentaire de ce ou ces derniers, le ou les produits étant mis en suspension,
  • on positionne le couvercle sur le cadre support en exerçant un appui sur le plan supérieur du ou des produits,
  • on transfert le cadre support avec le film et le ou les produits constituant le sous-ensemble sur une barquette formant une coque thermo-formée de l'emballage et on procède au dépôt d'un film d'operculage sur la face supérieure de la barquette.
According to another characteristic of the invention, the method of packaging a product or products in suspension in a shaped thermo-shaped shell shaped tray characterized in that it implements the following phases:
  • a thermoformed support frame open at its center is used to position a film of stretchable plastic material, the film being supported on the upper peripheral edge of the frame, and being fixed thereto,
  • positioning said support frame on a matrix having a depth to allow deformation down the film, and this through the actuation of a vacuum source,
  • it is proceeded to evacuation driving the film downward with a deformation by stretching,
  • positioning the product or products to be packaged on the stretch film and exerting a support and vertical pressure effect by a means that comes into contact with the product or products,
  • removing all or part of the vacuum operation allowing the partial rise of the stretchable film while maintaining support and pressure on the product or products, allowing partial shrinkage of the stretchable film to ensure the recovery of said product or products by the film beyond his or her widest part,
  • it suppresses the vertical pressure force allowing a rise of the stretch film and the product or products and a complementary recovery of the latter or these, the product or products being suspended,
  • the lid is positioned on the support frame by exerting a bearing on the upper plane of the product or products,
  • the support frame is transferred with the film and the product or products constituting the subassembly on a tray forming a thermoformed shell of the package and is deposited a lidding film on the upper face of the container .

L'emballage selon l'invention est défini principalement par la revendication 3.The package according to the invention is defined mainly by claim 3.

Ces caractéristiques et d'autres encore ressortiront bien de la suite de la description.These and other characteristics will be apparent from the rest of the description.

Pour fixer l'objet de l'invention illustrée de manière non limitative aux figures des dessins où :

  • La figure 1 est une vue en coupe transversale d'un emballage supportant un produit mis en suspension, selon l'invention, l'emballage étant réalisé dans une application particulière pour des prothèses sphériques.
  • La figure 2 est une vue d'un cadre support nécessaire à la mise en suspension du produit à emballer,
  • La figure 3 est une vue de dessus, selon la figure 2,
  • La figure 4 est une vue illustrant la mise en position du cadre support sur une matrice avec positionnement à l'horizontal d'un film étirable,
  • La figure 5 est une vue suivant la figure 4, selon laquelle le film étirable a été préalablement aspiré vers le bas de la matrice, puis après positionnement du produit à emballer et mise en pression sur ce dernier,
  • La figure 6 est une vue suivant la figure 5 illustrant le relâchement du film étirable par suite de la cessation d'effet d'aspiration sous vide,
  • La figure 7 est une vue en perspective illustrant le cadre support, après enlèvement de la matrice,
  • La figure 8 est une vue, selon la figure 7, après positionnement du cadre support sur le cadre support,
  • La figure 9 est une vue, selon la figure 8, illustrant l'apposition d'un couvercle sur la coque thertmo-formée de l'emballage, et pelliculage ensuite.
For fixing the object of the invention illustrated in a nonlimiting manner to the figures of the drawings where:
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a package supporting a product suspended, according to the invention, the package being made in a particular application for spherical prostheses.
  • FIG. 2 is a view of a support frame necessary for suspending the product to be packaged,
  • FIG. 3 is a view from above, according to FIG. 2,
  • FIG. 4 is a view illustrating the positioning of the support frame on a matrix with horizontal positioning of a stretch film,
  • FIG. 5 is a view according to FIG. 4, according to which the stretchable film has been previously sucked down from the die, then after positioning the product to be packaged and pressurized thereon,
  • FIG. 6 is a view according to FIG. 5 illustrating the relaxation of the stretch film as a result of the cessation of vacuum suction effect,
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating the support frame, after removal of the matrix,
  • FIG. 8 is a view, according to FIG. 7, after positioning of the support frame on the support frame,
  • FIG. 9 is a view, according to FIG. 8, illustrating the affixing of a lid on the thermoformed shell of the package, and then laminating.

Afin de rendre plus concret l'objet de l'invention, on le décrit maintenant d'une manière non limitative illustrée aux figures des dessins.In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in a nonlimiting manner illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

Dans la suite de la description, le terme «produit» à emballer et à conditionner sera pris dans son sens générique. Il est référencé dans son ensemble par (1). Dans un exemple d'application avantageuse, ce ou ces produits peuvent être des prothèses sphériques. Dune manière générale, les produits à emballer, selon le procédé de l'invention, sont fragiles et doivent n'avoir aucun contact avec le fond de l'emballage ou ses parois.In the rest of the description, the term "product" to be packaged and packaged will be taken in its generic sense. It is referenced as a whole by (1). In an example of advantageous application, this or these products may be spherical prostheses. In general, the products to be packaged, according to the method of the invention, are fragile and must have no contact with the bottom of the package or its walls.

Il convient, dans un premier temps, de procéder à la description de l'emballage obtenu selon l'invention.It is first necessary to proceed to the description of the package obtained according to the invention.

Selon les applications, les exigences de protection et de sécurité, et également d'étanchéité, l'emballage (E), pris dans son ensemble, peut être agencé avec une ou plusieurs barquettes thermo-formées susceptibles de s'intégrer les unes dans les autres.Depending on the applications, the protection and safety requirements, and also the sealing requirements, the packaging (E), taken as a whole, can be arranged with one or more thermoformed trays that can be integrated into each other. other.

En se référant à la figure 1, cet emballage est référencé dans son ensemble par (E). Il comprend une première barquette en forme de coque (2), en matière plastique, thermo-formée, présentant, sur sa partie supérieure, une collerette périphérique intérieure (2.a), plane et horizontale, constituant une zone d'appui d'une autre barquette formant coque (4) profilée thermo-formée et présentant successivement deux zones d'appui (4.a et 4.b) horizontales et étagées.Referring to Figure 1, this package is referenced as a whole by (E). It comprises a first shell-shaped tray (2), made of plastic material, heat-formed, having, on its upper part, an inner peripheral flange (2.a), flat and horizontal, constituting a bearing zone of another shaped tray shell (4) profiled thermo-shaped and having successively two support zones (4.a and 4.b) horizontal and staged.

Cette seconde barquette située intérieurement à la précédente, dans l'exemple d'application à des prothèses à usage médical, est susceptible de recevoir un sous-ensemble (SE) autonome comprenant un cadre support (5), un film étirable (6) permettant la mise en suspension du ou des produits et un couvercle (3) de protection dudit ou des dits produits. A cet effet, ledit sous-ensemble prend appui sur la partie étagée inférieure (4.a) de la barquette (4). Le film étirable (6) est en polyuréthane, polyéthylène ou autres matières offrant des qualités et spécificités d'étirement et de rétraction.This second tray located internally to the previous one, in the example of application to prostheses for medical use, is capable of receiving a subset (SE) autonomous comprising a support frame (5), a stretch film (6) allowing suspending the product or products and a cover (3) for protecting said product or products. For this purpose, said subassembly is supported on the lower tiered portion (4.a) of the tray (4). The stretch film (6) is made of polyurethane, polyethylene or other materials offering qualities and specificities of stretching and retraction.

Le film étirable est soudé par ultra-sons, collé ou autrement par son extrémité (6.a) sur la bordure supérieure (5.a) horizontale du cadre support. Le couvercle (3) est agencé pour recevoir, sur sa face interne (3.a), directement ou d'une manière rapportée, au moins une pastille (3.b) ou garniture susceptible de venir en contact, sans dommage, avec la partie supérieure du ou des produits (1).The stretch film is ultrasonically welded, glued or otherwise by its end (6.a) to the top (5.a) horizontal border of the support frame. The cover (3) is arranged to receive, on its inner face (3), directly or in a manner reported, at least one pellet (3b) or lining may come into contact, without damage, with the upper part of the product or products (1).

Ainsi, l'emballage, selon l'invention, permet, par ledit sous-ensemble (SE) autonome, une mise en suspension du ou des produits, un appui et maintien ferme de celui-ci ou de ceux-ci évitant tout flottement nuisible à son ou à leur intégrité.Thus, the packaging, according to the invention, allows, by said subset (SE) autonomous, a suspension of the product or products, a support and firm maintenance thereof or thereof avoiding harmful floating to his or their integrity.

L'emballage peut ainsi comprendre une ou deux barquettes s'emboîtant l'une dans l'autre en autorisant la mise en position du sous-ensemble (SE) constitué par le cadre support, le film étirable, le ou les produits et le couvercle (3). La face supérieure (3.c) plane du couvercle se situe avantageusement dans un plan inférieur au plan constitué par la bordure périphérique extérieure (4.b) ou (2.b) de la barquette de sorte à permettre l'operculage complémentaire de la ou des barquettes par un film (10) et (11) offrant une meilleure étanchéité.The packaging can thus comprise one or two trays interlocking one into the other by allowing the positioning of the subassembly (SE). constituted by the support frame, the stretch film, the product or products and the lid (3). The flat upper face (3.c) of the lid is advantageously located in a plane lower than the plane formed by the outer peripheral edge (4.b) or (2.b) of the tray so as to allow the complementary sealing of the lid. or trays by a film (10) and (11) providing a better seal.

Le procédé de fabrication d'emballage permettant la mise en suspension d'un ou de plusieurs produits est le suivant.The packaging manufacturing process for suspending one or more products is as follows.

On utilise un cadre thermo-formé (5) ouvert en son centre (5.c) présentant une bordure supérieure (5.a), plane et horizontale, pour former zone d'appui. Ce cadre support thermo-formé peut, selon les applications, présenter intérieurement une ou plusieurs zones étagées (5.b) constituant des zones d'appui. Ce cadre peut être de configuration rectangulaire ou carré ou autre.A thermoformed frame (5) open at its center (5.c) having a flat and horizontal top edge (5.a) is used to form a support zone. This thermoformed support frame may, depending on the application, present internally one or more stepped zones (5.b) constituting support zones. This frame can be of rectangular or square configuration or other.

Dans une première phase du procédé, on procède à l'operculage de ce cadre en positionnant ce dernier sur une matrice (7), s'engageant autour de la bordure périphérique (5.a) et à l'intérieur de celle-ci. Le film étirable (6), par exemple en polyuréthane ou en polyéthylène, est rapporté au-dessus dudit cadre (figure 4) et, à l'aide d'un moyen coupant et de fusion (7.a), il est scellé sur ladite bordure supérieure du cadre support. Le cadre ainsi réalisé avec son film est mis en place sur une autre matrice (8) ayant une certaine profondeur pour permettre la déformation vers le bas du film étirable. Cette matrice reçoit, dans sa partie supérieure par appui, ledit cadre support (5). Cette matrice présente une ou plusieurs ouvertures (8.a) de petite section permettant d'effectuer, à l'aide d'un moyen approprié, une aspiration sous vide. On procède alors à la mise sous vide, ce qui entraîne le film (6) vers le bas avec une déformation par étirage.In a first phase of the process, this frame is sealed by positioning the latter on a matrix (7), engaging around and within the peripheral edge (5.a). The stretch film (6), for example polyurethane or polyethylene, is reported above said frame (Figure 4) and, using a cutting and melting means (7.a), it is sealed on said upper border of the support frame. The frame thus produced with its film is placed on another matrix (8) having a certain depth to allow the deformation down of the stretch film. This matrix receives, in its upper part by support, said support frame (5). This matrix has one or more openings (8.a) of small section to perform, using a suitable means, vacuum suction. This is followed by evacuation, which causes the film (6) to be downward with stretch deformation.

Puis, selon la figure 5, le produit (1) est positionné au centre du film étirable. Un outil ou moyen de pression (9) disposé dans un plan vertical vient en appui sur le produit en complétant son maintien.Then, according to Figure 5, the product (1) is positioned in the center of the stretch film. A tool or pressure means (9) arranged in a vertical plane bears on the product while completing its maintenance.

La phase suivante, représentée figure 6, représente la suppression ou relâchement de l'effet de vide ainsi réalisé dans la matrice (8), tout en maintenant un appui et une pression appropriée sur le produit par l'outil (9). Il se produit alors un phénomène de remontée du produit (1) par l'effet de rétraction partiel du film étirable. Celui-ci vient entouré partiellement le produit au-delà de sa demi partie. Dans le cadre d'une sphère, comme représentée figure 6, le film étirable va au-delà, dans son contact avec le produit, de la demi partie correspondante en assurant ainsi un effet de retenue et d'emprisonnement partiel du produit considéré. En d'autres termes, le film entoure le produit et l'enserre au-delà de sa partie la plus large.The next phase, represented in FIG. 6, represents the suppression or loosening of the vacuum effect thus produced in the matrix (8), while maintaining a support and an appropriate pressure on the product by the tool (9). There is then a phenomenon of recovery of the product (1) by the effect of partial retraction of the stretch film. It comes partially surrounded the product beyond half a part. In the context of a sphere, as represented in FIG. 6, the stretch film goes beyond, in its contact with the product, the half-part thereby ensuring a restraining effect and partial imprisonment of the product under consideration. In other words, the film surrounds the product and encloses it beyond its widest part.

La phase suivante consiste à procéder à la suppression totale de la pression verticale sur le produit, qui, de ce fait, remonte un peu plus alors vers la partie supérieure du cadre-support en augmentant l'effet d'enserrage. Le produit est ainsi en suspension à partir du cadre support (5).The next step is to proceed to the total suppression of the vertical pressure on the product, which, therefore, goes up a little more then to the upper part of the support frame by increasing the clamping effect. The product is thus suspended from the support frame (5).

La phase suivante consiste à positionner le couvercle (3) sur le cadre-support. Le couvercle, selon l'invention, est aménagé sur sa face inférieure, directement ou d'une manière rapportée, avec une zone en saillie (3.c) susceptible de prendre contact et appui avec le plan supérieur du produit. Plus spécifiquement, le couvercle présente une collerette intérieure recevant une garniture d'appui (3.b), en mousse ou autre matériau, susceptible de ne pas rayer ou détériorer d'une manière quelconque le produit.The next step is to position the cover (3) on the support frame. The lid, according to the invention, is arranged on its underside, directly or in a reported manner, with a projecting zone (3.c) capable of making contact and support with the upper plane of the product. More specifically, the cover has an inner flange receiving a support pad (3.b), foam or other material, may not scratch or damage in any way the product.

La phase suivante consiste à positionner le sous-ensemble (SE) ainsi équipé sur la barquette formant une coque thermo-formée de l'emballage (figure 8).The next step is to position the subset (SE) thus equipped on the tray forming a thermoformed shell of the package (Figure 8).

On crée ainsi un sous-ensemble autonome (SE), cadre-support, film, produit, couvercle (figure 7).This creates an autonomous subassembly (SE), support frame, film, product, cover (Figure 7).

On procède ensuite au positionnement du film (10) d'operculage sur la face supérieure de la barquette.The lidding film (10) is then placed on the upper face of the tray.

Si, en fonction de l'application, il y a deux barquettes s'intégrant l'une dans l'autre pour renforcer la protection et la sécurité des produits, chaque barquette reçoit un film d'operculage (10 -11) et d'étanchéité.If, depending on the application, there are two trays integrating into each other to reinforce the protection and the safety of the products, each trays receives a lidding film (10 -11) and seal.

Ainsi, selon l'invention, le procédé précité et le produit obtenu permettent d'obtenir un meilleur maintien et enserrage des produits à conditionner, et ce quels que soient leur forme, volume et dimensions, en ne nécessitant aucun outil particulier, comme cela est le cas selon l'art antérieur, et quelles que soient les applications.Thus, according to the invention, the aforementioned method and the product obtained make it possible to obtain a better hold and grip of the products to be packaged, whatever their shape, volume and dimensions, without requiring any particular tool, as is the case according to the prior art, and whatever the applications.

En fonction du type de produits à emballer, et de ses critères de fragilité, l'emballage extérieur peut présenter une ou deux coques s'emboîtant intérieurement l'une dans l'autre, comme représenté figure 1, ou une seule coque, comme représenté figures 8 et 9.Depending on the type of products to be packaged, and its fragility criteria, the outer packaging may have one or two shells interlocking internally with one another, as shown in FIG. shell, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Le ou les emballages du type précité peuvent permettre le conditionnement simultané de un ou de plusieurs produits.The packaging or packages of the aforementioned type can allow the simultaneous packaging of one or more products.

Les avantages ressortent bien de l'invention. On souligne le nouveau concept du procédé qui est applicable quelle que soit la forme du ou des produits à emballer.The advantages are apparent from the invention. It emphasizes the new concept of the process that is applicable regardless of the shape of the product or products to be packaged.

Claims (7)

  1. Method for packing one or more products in suspension in a thermoformed shell, characterized in that it consists in preparing a self-contained subassembly (SE) comprising a support frame (5) open at its centre and receiving a stretch film (6), the said film allowing the placing of one or more products (1) in suspension, and a lid (3) positioned on the said support frame and providing, by its underside, a local pressure on the product(s) centred on the said film,
    and in that the said subassembly is positioned on a thermoformed receptacle receiving, on its upper side, a covering in the form of a film for sealing purposes.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, for packing one or more products in suspension in a receptacle in the form of a thermoformed shell, characterized in that it implements the following phases:
    - use is made of a thermoformed support frame (5) open at its centre (5.a) to position a stretch plastic film (6), the film bearing on the upper peripheral edge (5.a) of the frame, and being fixed thereto,
    - the said support frame is positioned on a die (8) having a suitable depth for the downward deformation of the film, thanks to the activation of a vacuum source,
    - vacuum is applied, drawing the film downwards with deformation by stretching,
    - the product(s) (1) to be packaged is/are positioned on the stretch film (6) and a vertical support and pressure action is applied by means (9) coming into contact with the product(s),
    - all or part of the vacuum operation is inhibited, to permit the partial rise of the stretch film, while maintaining a support and a pressure on the product(s), permitting a partial shrinkage of the stretch film for covering the said product(s) by the film beyond the widest part thereof,
    - the vertical pressure force is removed to permit a rise of the stretch film and of the product(s) and a supplementary covering thereof, the product(s) being placed in suspension,
    - the lid (3) is positioned on the support frame by applying a pressure on the upper plane of the product(s),
    - the support frame with the film and the product(s) constituting the subassembly (SE) is transferred to a receptacle forming a thermoformed shell of the packing, and a covering film is deposited on the upper side of the receptacle.
  3. Packing for products placed in suspension on a stretch film, the said film being joined to the peripheral edge of the shell shaped receptacle of the packing, characterized in that it comprises at least one receptacle in the form of a thermoformed shell (2) having a peripheral inside collar (2.a), plane and horizontal, internally permitting the positioning of a self-contained subassembly (SE) comprising a profiled support frame (5) open at its centre (5.c) on which a stretch and shrinkable film (6) is positioned, fixed to the said support frame and allowing the placing in suspension of at least one product (1), the said stretch and shrinkable film surrounding the product(s) beyond its/their widest zone, the said subassembly comprising a lid (3) arranged on its lower side to receive a liner (3.b) capable of pressing, without damage, on the upper part of the product(s) (1).
  4. Packing according to Claim 3, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of shell shaped receptacles (2-4) conformed to adapt to the said staged support zones and to be positioned into one another according to the degree of fragility of the product(s) contained therein,
    and in that the lower receptacle receives the subassembly (SE) for placing the product(s) in suspension.
  5. Packing according to either of Claims 3 and 4, characterized in that the upper side of the receptacle(s) receive(s) a covering and sealing film (10-11),
    and in that the upper side of the lid is in a plane lower than the upper plane of the said receptacles.
  6. Packing according to any one of the preceding claims, obtained by the method of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the stretch film (6) is made from polyurethane, polyethylene or similar material.
  7. Packing according to any one of the preceding claims, obtained by the method of either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in its application to the packaging of medical prostheses.
EP03356044A 2002-03-11 2003-03-11 Method for suspended packaging of various products and packages thus obtained Expired - Lifetime EP1346925B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0203137 2002-03-11
FR0203137A FR2836900B1 (en) 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 PROCESS FOR PACKAGING SUSPENSION OF VARIOUS PRODUCTS AND PACKAGING OBTAINED
CA002434465A CA2434465A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-07-04 Packaging process for various products in suspension and packaging obtained
US10/614,407 US6880706B2 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-07-07 Method of packaging various products in suspension and the packages obtained

Publications (2)

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EP1346925A1 EP1346925A1 (en) 2003-09-24
EP1346925B1 true EP1346925B1 (en) 2007-05-09

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EP03356044A Expired - Lifetime EP1346925B1 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-03-11 Method for suspended packaging of various products and packages thus obtained

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US (1) US6880706B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1346925B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE361882T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2434465A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60313690T2 (en)
ES (1) ES2287433T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2836900B1 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
ATE361882T1 (en) 2007-06-15
US20050006269A1 (en) 2005-01-13
ES2287433T3 (en) 2007-12-16
FR2836900B1 (en) 2005-01-07
FR2836900A1 (en) 2003-09-12
EP1346925A1 (en) 2003-09-24
DE60313690D1 (en) 2007-06-21
US6880706B2 (en) 2005-04-19
DE60313690T2 (en) 2008-01-17
CA2434465A1 (en) 2005-01-04

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