EP1714893B1 - Wrapping for the packaging of an object - Google Patents

Abstract

The bag has an envelope (2), with a deformable wall, containing an object, and a frame disposed inside the envelope, where the frame is obtained from an assembly of two structures that are obtained from a cut of a flat support. Each structure comprises two opposite edges (13, 14, 16, 17) such that the edges (13, 14) of the one of the structures have fixing units cooperating with complementary fixing units of the edges (16, 17) of the other structure, where the edges are elastically deformed when the frame is disposed in the envelope. An independent claim is also included for an assembly comprising a package and an object inside the package.

Description

The present invention relates to a package according to the preamble of claim 1 for packaging an object, this package comprising at least one flexible-walled envelope around said object. In particular, the object disposed in this package may be a device for packaging a cosmetic product.

"Cosmetic product" means a product as defined in Council Directive 93/35 / EEC of 14 June 1993.

Soft-sided packaging has the advantage of being inexpensive to make and put in place. But they have the disadvantage of being without their own form with an imprecise outer circumference. For this purpose, there are known packages comprising a flexible-wall envelope inside which is disposed a frame for shaping it.

In particular, document is known GB-651.638 a paper bag inside which a cardboard counterfoil is inserted so as to impose a shape comprising at least two opposite side walls and erected vertically relative to a rigid bottom of this counterfoil. These opposite side walls are kept parallel to each other by the contents of the bag. The contents of the bag is not protected against shocks that may occur on the sides of the bag without counterfoil. In addition, when the bag is only half full, the side walls then tend to sag on one another, the bag then losing its shape and appeal.

Documents GB-2,296,233 and FR-1425556 Packaging is known which retains its shape whatever their level of filling, and whatever the tension exerted by the objects contained on the walls of these packages. They generally then comprise a rigid frame on which the flexible wall is stretched, the edges of the package being in particular conferred by the presence of this frame.

We also know of the document FR-2645505 a package comprising a frame housed in a bag.

Document is also known GB-202.857 a metal frame foldable on itself, and adapted to be inserted into such soft-walled envelopes.

Packaging being part of the commercial appeal of an item for sale, there is a need to provide alternative solutions to ensure that all items marketed within such packaging will have the same attractive potential.

In addition, there is a need to protect the objects arranged in such packaging knocks and shocks that may occur during storage, shelving and / or handling.

• une enveloppe à paroi déformable apte à contenir un objet, et
• une armature logée à l'intérieur de cette enveloppe pour lui conférer une forme propre, l'armature étant obtenue de l'assemblage d'une première et d'une seconde structure,
  tel que chaque structure comporte deux bordures opposées, les bordures opposées de la première structure présentant des moyens de fixation aptes à coopérer avec des moyens de fixation complémentaires présentés par les bordures opposées de la seconde structure, ces bordures opposées étant élastiquement déformées lorsque l'armature est disposée dans ladite enveloppe.

The object of the invention is to solve at least in part one of the problems mentioned above by proposing a package comprising

• an envelope with a deformable wall capable of containing an object, and
• an armature housed inside this envelope to give it a clean shape, the armature being obtained from the assembly of a first and a second structure,
  such that each structure has two opposite edges, the opposite edges of the first structure having fastening means adapted to cooperate with complementary fastening means presented by the opposite edges of the second structure, these opposite edges being elastically deformed when the reinforcement is disposed in said envelope.

Each structure may comprise a recess delimited at least in part by the opposite edges so that an object can be housed inside the envelope between these opposite joined edges.

In the assembled position, when the armature is inside the envelope, the opposite edges may extend respectively in non-planar surfaces.

The opposite edges of a structure are connected to each other by lateral edges of said structure, the opposite edges and the lateral edges then delimiting the recess of the structure. For example, in the assembled position, the armature being arranged inside the envelope, these borders side can form two adjacent edges of the package. The lateral borders may be parallel to each other.

The opposite edges of the same structure may be parallel to each other.

Each opposite edge of the first structure may be respectively connected at two distinct points to an opposite border of the second structure.

In the assembled position, the armature being disposed inside the envelope, each structure forms respectively two adjacent edges of the package.

The cooperation between the fixing means can be obtained by elastic deformation of at least part of the armature.

The fastening means can cooperate with the complementary securing means by snap-fastening.

At least one of the opposite edges may have, in the assembled position, means configured to form a seat adapted to receive said object. The opposite edges can define in the assembled position two opposing housings opposite one another and configured to maintain said object in fixed axial position in the frame. Thus the object can be kept inside the envelope, away from the walls of the envelope.

For example, the envelope is made of a material comprising at least one thermoplastic face capable of being heat-sealed on itself to close the package.

The invention also relates to an assembly comprising a package according to the invention and an object disposed within this package. In particular, the object is a packaging device comprising at least one container containing a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and a closing said container. In particular the object may be a device for packaging and dispensing a perfume.

• Figure 1 : une vue d'extérieur d'un emballage selon l'invention ;
• Figure 2 : une vue de dessus de deux structures aptes à former une armature selon l'invention ;
• Figure 3 : une en perspective de deux structures assemblées de manière à former une armature selon l'invention ;
• Figure 4 : une vue longitudinale de profil d'un objet disposé dans une armature selon l'invention ;
• Figure 5 : une vue éclatée d'une armature selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows and on examining the figures which accompany it. These are presented only as an indication and in no way limitative of the invention. The figures show:

• Figure 1 : an outside view of a package according to the invention;
• Figure 2 : a top view of two structures adapted to form a reinforcement according to the invention;
• Figure 3 a perspective view of two structures assembled so as to form a reinforcement according to the invention;
• Figure 4 : a longitudinal profile view of an object disposed in an armature according to the invention;
• Figure 5 an exploded view of an armature according to a second embodiment of the invention.

The figure 1 shows a package 1 according to the invention. This package 1 comprises a shell 2 with flexible and deformable walls. In particular, the envelope 2 is obtained from a film of a preferably thermoplastic material, optionally forming a multilayer complex, comprising at least one face made of a heat-sealable material, in particular heat-sealable on itself. In particular, the envelope 2 is called "flowpack" type. It forms a waterproof bag inside which an object can be conditioned.

The package 1 has a longitudinal axis X. In the example shown Figure 1 , the envelope 2 is sealed on the one hand longitudinally and transversely on the other hand at the two opposite longitudinal ends, respectively 3 and 4 of the package 1.

Figure 1 , the package 1 comprises substantially a parallelepiped shape. It has in particular four edges respectively 5 to 8, the envelope 2 being stretched between these edges. Preferably, these edges 5 to 8 are parallel to the longitudinal axis X, so that at the ends longitudinal 3 and 4, the edges of the package 1 are not clearly marked. But it is not beyond the scope of the present invention when these edges 5 to 8 are not parallel to said longitudinal axis.

To give this shape to the package 1, an armature 9 is disposed inside the casing 2. This armature 9 is elastically deformed so as to tension said casing against borders of this armature.

According to a first embodiment presented Figure 2 , the armature 9 according to the invention is obtained from the assembly of two structures respectively 10 and 11 with each other. The structures 10 and 11 can be obtained by cutting a plane support. This support may have a thickness of between 0.01 and 10 mm, and preferably between 0.1 and 2 mm. It may be made of a thermoplastic material and for example be made in whole or in part from an acrylic, cellulose, polycarbonate, polyamide, styrene, polyolefinic or vinyl polymer, or a mixture of these polymers in variable proportion, or from thermoplastic resins or metal layers, or metalloplastic complexes.

A first structure 10 comprises a recess 12, and two opposite edges 13 and 14 on either side of this recess 12. Likewise, the second structure 11 has a recess 15, and two opposite edges 16 and 17 of both sides. Other of this recess 15. In particular, the first and second structures are planar when they are not stressed.

They each define a frame around their respective recess. The opposite edges 13 and 14 of the first structure 10 are then respectively connected to each other by two lateral edges 18 and 19, and the opposite edges 16 and 17 of the second structure 11 are also respectively connected to each other. the other by two lateral edges 20 and 21.

According to the invention, the opposite edges 13 and 14 have fastening means respectively 22 and 23 adapted to cooperate with complementary fastening means respectively 24 and 25 provided on the borders opposite 16 and 17 of the second structure 11. The cooperation between the fastening means allows the assembly of the structures 10 and 11 with each other.

Preferably, the reinforcement 9 is introduced into the envelope so that the lateral edges 18 to 21 respectively impose the shape of the edges 5 to 8 of the package 1.

According to the embodiment presented Figures 2 and 3 , the first and second structures have an identical outer periphery and substantially rectangular shape, such that the lateral edges are parallel to each other and the opposite edges are also parallel to each other.

According to the embodiment presented Figures 2 and 3 , respectively the recesses 12 and 15 are substantially rectangular in shape, delimiting a homothetic periphery of the outer periphery of these structures 10 and 11.

It is not beyond the scope of the present invention, when the structures respectively 10 and 11 each have a different outer periphery, likewise when the recesses each have a different inner periphery.

To allow the assembly of the first structure with the second, at least one of the two structures is elastically deformed during assembly, or during the entire period when they are assembled.

For example, according to a particular embodiment of the fastening means 22 to 25, the opposite edges 13 and 14 of the first structure each have at least one notch respectively 22a and 23a opening on the outer periphery of this first structure 10, the structure then to be deformed to respectively engage each of these notches 22a and 23a in complementary notches 24a and 25a respectively presented by the opposite edges 20 and 21 of the second structure 11, these complementary notches 24a and 25a opening into the interior of the recess 15.

In this case, each notch 22a and 23a of the first structure 10 is engaged at a point with a complementary notch respectively 24a or 25a of the second structure 11. The two engagement points, respectively corresponding to the cooperation between the notch 22a with the complementary notch 24a and the cooperation between the notch 23a and the complementary notch 25a, define an axis of rotation of the first structure 10 relative to the second 11.

For example, this axis of rotation is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structures, and in particular parallel to the side edges 18 to 21 where appropriate.

In the example shown Figures 2 and 3 each opposite edge respectively 13 and 14 is engaged at two points with one of the opposite edges respectively 16 or 17 of the second structure 11.

For this purpose, in the illustrated embodiment Figures 2 and 3 each opposite edge has two distinct notches. The first opposite edge 13 of the first structure 10 then has a pair of notches 22a and 22b spaced apart from each other. For example, the pairs of slots respectively 23a and 23b, 24a and 24b, and 25a and 25b of the other opposite edges, respectively opposite edges 14, 16 and 17, are also spaced apart from each other. Thus, when the two structures are assembled, two axes of rotation X1 and X2 are defined, ie two hinges, such that each lateral edge can be rotated relative to the axis of rotation which is closest to it. These spacings may be identical, the axes X1 and X2 then being parallel to each other.

When the structures 10 and 11 are thus assembled and together they are introduced into an envelope such as 2, the envelope 2 is configured so that it has, for example, folds intended to receive preferentially the lateral edges of the reinforcement. 9, the armature 9 being elastically deformed, each lateral edge extends in one of the folds and respectively separates the folds from each other so as to volume the envelope 2, and thus give its own shape to the package 1.

When the armature 9 is elastically deformed, the deformation is in particular presented at at least one of the opposite edges 13, 14, 16 and or 17.

In the embodiment presented Figure 3 , all the opposite edges are deformed so that they each extend in non-planar surfaces, and in particular curved. The structures 10 and 11 are arranged such that in the assembled position, the lateral edges of the same structure extend on the same side of a plane passing through the axes X1 and X2. Thus the side edges 18 and 19 of the first structure 10 allow the formation of two adjacent edges of the package which contains such a frame 9. Similarly, the side edges 20 and 21 respectively of the second structure 11 allow the formation of two other adjacent edges of said package.

For example, the maintenance of this deformation of the opposite edges, and de facto of the frame 9, can be obtained by the presence of an object 26 cooperating with the frame 9. For this purpose, the frame 9 comprises means 27 adapted to form a seat configured to cooperate with the outer periphery of the object 26.

For example, as shown Figures 2 to 4 each structure 10 and 11 comprises at each of its opposite edges, two lugs such that 27 protruding inwards respective recesses of these structures, to cooperate with the outer periphery of the object 26 when the latter is disposed inside the volume defined by this frame 9.

Thus when the armature 9 is deformed to volume envelope 2, these lugs 27 can then be arranged in the quadrature of a circle so that they can come into contact with an outer periphery, for example cylindrical of the object 26 at four equidistant points, as shown Figure 4 . The pins such as 27 are arranged to form at least one seat adapted to cooperate with the object 26, and preferably at least two opposite seats for cooperate with two axial ends of said object. In this case, the opposite edges 13 and 16 on the one hand, and 14 and 17 on the other hand, respectively form a seat.

Figure 4 , the object 26 shown is a packaging and dispensing device comprising a cylindrical container surmounted by an actuating member and dispensing a product contained in the container. The container may be surmounted by a closure member, for example cylindrical, and preferably of the same diameter as the container. The object 26 may have any other shape than cylindrical, the lugs such as 27 being then arranged accordingly. Pins such as 27 may even be provided to project lateral edges such as 18 to 21, towards the interior of the respective recesses of the structures 10 and 11, to cooperate with this outer periphery of the object 26.

Plus as this is particularly presented Figure 4 , the size of the recesses 12 and 15 is chosen so that when the object 26 is disposed within the armature 9, the axial play of this object relative to a longitudinal axis of the armature is limited. In particular, in the case where a longitudinal axis of the armature is perpendicular to the opposite edges, the distance between these opposite edges is determined to be substantially equal to the height of said object along this longitudinal axis.

The structures 10 and 11 intended to form the reinforcement 9 according to the invention, elastically deformed when it is arranged in the envelope 2 to form the package 1 according to the invention, may have different shapes from that of this first embodiment.

According to a second embodiment, for which the elements identical to the first embodiment are numbered with the prefix of the hundred, the structures 110 and 111 are respectively obtained by injection of thermoplastic material into a mold. They are preferably identical and intended to be assembled to one another in the so-called "head to tail" position. In particular the fastening means respectively 122 and 123 and the fastening means complementary members 124 and 125 are configured to snap cooperate, the opposite rim 113 being identically configured to the opposite rim 117, and vice versa the opposite rim 114 being identically configured to the opposite rim 116.

The opposite edges 113, 114 each comprise two zones of lesser thickness disposed on either side of a half-bottom 150 and respectively 151. On either side of the semi-bottom 150 of the opposite edge 113, two zones of smaller thickness 152 and 153 extend parallel to each other. Respectively, two zones of lesser thickness 154 and 155 extend parallel to one another on either side of the second half-bottom 151. Thinner areas 152 to 155 tolerate elastic deformation of these opposite edges. In this embodiment also, the elastic deformation imposed on these opposite edges leads to the presentation of the side edges 118 and 119 on the same side of a plane passing through the hinge axes of these areas of lesser thickness.

According to this embodiment for stiffening the reinforcement, the lateral edges 118 to 121 each have an L-shaped cross section. Thus, even though the reinforcement tolerates an elastic deformation of its opposite edges, the reinforcement allows the formation rigid edges for packaging 101.

The half-bottoms 150 and 151 have said snap fastening means and are configured to delimit at least partially a housing adapted to form a seat to receive, and optionally retain, an object to be arranged in such a frame, when the two structures 110 and 111 are related to each other.

Throughout the description, the phrase "having one" should be considered synonymous with "having at least one", unless the opposite is specified.

Claims (16)

1. Wrapping (1) comprising

   - a jacket (2) having a deformable wall and able to contain an object (26), and

   - a frame (9) housed inside this jacket in order to give it a shape of its own, the frame being obtained by assembling a first structure (10) and a second structure (11),

   characterized in that each structure comprises two opposite borders (13, 14, 16, 17), such that the opposite borders (13, 14) of the first structure have fastening means (22, 23) able to engage with complementary fastening means (24, 25) on the opposite borders (16, 17) of the second structure, these opposite borders being elastically deformed when the frame is located in said jacket.
2. Wrapping according to Claim 1, characterized in that each structure comprises a void (12, 15) delimited at least in part by the opposite borders such that an object (26) is housed inside the jacket between these opposite borders when they are assembled.
3. Wrapping according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the assembled position, inside the jacket, the opposite borders each lie in non-planar surfaces.
4. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposite borders of a structure are connected to one another by lateral borders (18, 19, 20, 21) of said structure, the opposite borders and the lateral borders delimiting a void (12, 15) in the structure.
5. Wrapping according to Claim 4, characterized in that in the assembled position, with the frame located inside the jacket, these lateral borders form two adjacent edges (5, 6, 7, 8) of the wrapping.
6. Wrapping according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the lateral borders are parallel to one another.
7. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opposite borders of a given structure are parallel to one another.
8. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each opposite border of the first structure is in each case connected at two separate points (22a-b, 23a-b, 24a-b, 25a-b) to an opposite border of the second structure.
9. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the assembled position, inside the jacket, each structure forms two adjacent edges (5, 6, 7, 8) of the wrapping.
10. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means engage with one another by elastic deformation of at least part of the frame.
11. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening means are able to engage with the complementary fastening means by snap-fastening.
12. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the opposite borders has, in the assembled position, means configured to form a seat (27, 150, 151) for receiving said object.
13. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the assembled position the opposite borders define two opposite housings facing one another and configured to hold said object in a fixed axial position in the frame.
14. Wrapping according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the jacket is heat-sealed together to close up the wrapping.
15. Assembly comprising a wrapping (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and an object (26) inside this wrapping.
16. Assembly according to Claim 15, characterized in that the object is a packaging device comprising at least one container holding a product, in particular a cosmetic product, and a member for closing said container.

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