EP2874900A1

EP2874900A1 - Shrink packaging

Info

Publication number: EP2874900A1
Application number: EP13741706.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Frédéric Henry SCHLOESSER; Mireille Paula FLUZIN
Original assignee: Diopass SPRL
Current assignee: DIOPASS SPRL
Priority date: 2012-07-20
Filing date: 2013-07-19
Publication date: 2015-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2033-07-19
Also published as: US10144567B2; RU2657214C2; PL2874900T3; HRP20191845T1; EP2874899B1; ES2758476T3; ES2714502T3; RU2015103887A; HRP20190413T1; RU2655291C2; US9776780B2; US20150225154A1; EP2874900B1; WO2014013049A1; RU2015103857A; PL2874899T3; PT2874900T; US20150197384A1; EP2874899A1; BE1020797A3

Abstract

The invention relates to shrink packaging (1) for packing a series of containers (2). The packaging is characterised in that at least one incision line is provided in a first zone (3), said incision line including a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to allow the extraction of at least one container (2) in a direction extending substantially from the lower part of the container (2) to the upper part thereof, said partially detachable packaging section (4) being larger than the cross-section of the at least one container (2) to be extracted. Moreover, the partially detachable section (4) is located on the periphery of the first zone (3).

Description

"RETRACTABLE PACKAGING"

The present invention relates to the field of retractable packaging intended to coat a series of containers comprising an upper part provided with an opening and a lower part corresponding to a bottom, opposite said upper part, said containers being arranged in parallel rows, one by relative to the others, comprising at least a first overlap zone of an upper portion of said containers, in particular at their opening and a second zone covering the underside of said containers at the bottom of said containers, said first covering zone of said upper portion of said containers having a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone.

This type of packaging is not practical for the consumer who wants to buy for example, a single container. In this case, the consumer is obliged to break part of the retractable packaging in order to extract the desired container. The amount of plastic material that is generally used is intended to protect and handle said container package. However, the package is not intended to extract a certain amount of containers from said package. Therefore, when the consumer breaks part of the package, it is more difficult to move on the shelves of the store as well by the consumer as the storekeeper. In addition, when the consumer breaks the packaging, it may happen that the rest of the package no longer protects or contains more adequately other containers that are no longer sufficiently held inside the package. The usefulness of this type of packaging is severely restricted at present. In addition, often pieces of packaging are torn and detached and land on the ground and thus strewn with pieces of plastic undesirable. US 201 10215016 discloses a package and a cover member positioned on the top of the cans. The package encases the containers on which the cover member is positioned which includes a series of incisions. The covering element comprises a first zone provided with a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone. The incisions may be present on the central zone or on the periphery of said first zone of the covering element.

The disclosed package allows the cans to be placed in, for example, a refrigerator. The packaging is positioned so that the opening of the cans is accessible to the consumer who can gradually remove the cans. The principle is to first tear the package and then break the incisions on the cover element to finally have access to a can. When a can was removed from the package, the cover member maintains the package structure at the openings of the cans to facilitate the eventual release of other cans.

Unfortunately, this type of packaging can not be moved once one of the incisions has been broken because the packaging no longer holds enough remaining cans. This film package is difficult to handle during transport. Therefore, such a package is not practical when it is shelves since the user wanting to buy a single can is forced to break at least one incision which inevitably leads to obtaining a package that does not is more able to support enough the rest of the cans.

Also, the fact that the covering element is also wrapped by the film can also lead to the removal of it by some consumers wanting to have easier access to other cans. Packaging and covers are often left on the shelves. In a store, a consumer often breaks part of the package to buy one or two cans. In this case, it is then necessary that the packaging can continue to support the rest of the cans that can be purchased by other consumers who wish to easily and quickly transport said film package without risking an instantaneous break of said packaging during his manipulation. Known packaging presents a risk of instant tearing difficult to control by the consumer or the storekeeper.

The disorder is typically unattractive to the consumer who is no longer tempted by these cans and will therefore often prefer to tear new packaging to take the row or rows he needs. This effect, well known in supermarkets, requires the continued presence of handlers to store the rays and pick up torn packaging parts unattractive when they lay on the ground. In addition the risk of falling containers positioned in height on pallets on the feet of the consumer or their children is yet another reason to make this type of packaging and the product contained therein unattractive to the consumer.

In addition, this type of packaging which requires a film and a covering element and which is provided so that the consumer can extract a can is not practical when it is put on the shelf or put in a refrigerator because once the packaging has been broken, it is no longer possible to move the packaging without risking a loss of maintenance of the other cans.

This is the reason why there is a real need to provide improved packaging in terms of maintenance, transport and ease of use. The invention aims to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art by providing a package that keeps the containers before and after breaking incisions. Said packaging to facilitate the extraction of a container from the package while maintaining enough the rest of the containers during transport.

To solve this problem, it is provided according to the invention, a retractable packaging as indicated at the beginning characterized in that it comprises on said first zone at least one incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one section partially detachable arranged to extract in a direction substantially oriented from the lower part of the container to the upper part at least one container, said partially detachable packaging section having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container to be extracted, said at least partially detachable section being located at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone.

The presence of at least one incision line on the periphery of said central zone of said first zone makes it possible to provide a package that guarantees lateral support around the containers before and after breaking said incision lines.

In the context of the present invention, said incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section situated at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone makes it possible, on the one hand, to provide a package which protects and maintains the containers on the other hand, facilitates the extraction of a container out of the package in a direction substantially oriented from the lower part of the container to the upper part by virtue of the presence of said lines of incisions situated on the periphery of said zone Central. In addition, the location of at least one partially detachable section on the periphery of said central zone of said first zone reduces the embrittlement of the remainder of the package and also makes it possible to preserve the strength of the package even after tearing said lines of incisions thanks to a lateral support kept around the containers. Indeed, when said incision is broken, the peripheral zone surrounding said central zone is maintained thus allowing to maintain a shape similar to that of departure (before rupture). The lateral support makes it easy to move the containers that are sufficiently held by the package that resists any deformations that may occur during its movement. Therefore, the handling of said package is facilitated through the retention of the holding thereof even after breaking of said incision through the lateral maintenance of the containers. In addition, in the present invention, when a handle is present on the heat-shrinkable packaging, it bears on the lateral sides not provided with lines of incisions which makes it easy to transport the package comprising all the containers or a part of these. In this way, the package can be broken at the incision lines to extract a container.

The packaging of the present invention is therefore based on the use of a shrink film which has several advantages whether to extract a container or to transport all the containers easily.

Advantageously, said partially detachable packaging section is completely detachable. This further facilitates the extraction of the container present in the package.

Preferably, said peripheral zone of said first zone (3) covers at least one row of containers on either side of said central zone.

In a particular embodiment, said incision line at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone comprises a primer portion arranged to facilitate the initiation of said partially detachable packaging section, for example a denser incision, an opening or a tongue. A boot party prevents the user from using his own means to break the incision line. The presence of a tongue for example, facilitates the opening of said packaging at the incision line provided for this purpose.

Preferably, said incision line has a circular, oval, linear, circular arc, square with rounded corners, rectangle with rounded corners, hexagon with rounded corners or a finite curve of irregular shape , allowing extraction of said container from said partially detachable packaging section.

Preferably, the containers according to the present invention are chosen from the group consisting of cans, canned goods, glass jars, cardboard boxes such as cartons or Tetrapack®. Indeed, overall any type of shape can be provided as partial detachment allows the extraction of at least one container from a package containing a series of containers.

Other embodiments of the package are mentioned in the appended claims.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a retractable package for a series of containers, comprising at least a first zone (3) for covering an upper part of said series of containers (2), in particular with respect to level of their opening, said first overlap zone (3) of said upper part of said containers (2) having a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone, said method comprising the steps of:

unwinding of a shrink film on a conveyor belt,

a positioning of said containers on said conveyor belt, in parallel rows with respect to each other,

wrapping of said containers with the aid of said shrink film thus forming a shrink film coating around said containers, and a heat shrinkage of said shrink film in order to keep said containers tight against each other.

The method according to the invention is characterized in that it further comprises an incision step along a path corresponding to an incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section arranged to extract in a substantially direction. oriented from the lower part of the container to the upper part at least one container, said partially detachable packaging section having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container to be extracted, said at least partially detachable section being located at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention is characterized in that said incising step is performed before said unfolding of the shrink film.

In a variant within the meaning of the present invention, said incision is made during or after the unwinding of the film, for example before or after said retraction of said shrink film.

More preferably, the method according to the invention is characterized in that said incision is made by means of a boss wheel articulated on a manipulable arm to trace said path, by means of a punch, or by laser.

Preferably, the method according to the invention further comprises printing a pattern on said film before said unwinding of said shrink film.

Other embodiments of the process according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims.

The invention also relates to a retractable packaging blank intended to coat a series of containers, said first covering zone (3) of said upper part of said containers (2) having a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone, characterized in that it comprises on said first zone at least one incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section arranged to extract in a substantially oriented direction from the lower part of the container to the upper part at least one container, said partially detachable packaging section having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container to be extracted, said at least partially detachable section being located on the periphery of said central zone of said first zone.

Advantageously, said partially detachable packaging section is completely detachable.

Preferably, said incision line at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone comprises a primer portion arranged to facilitate the initiation of said partially detachable packaging section, for example a denser incision, an opening or a tongue.

In another embodiment, said incision line has a circular, oval, linear, circular arc, square with rounded corners, rectangle with rounded corners, hexagon with rounded corners or a curved line finished in irregular shape, allowing extraction of said container from said partially detachable packaging section.

Advantageously, said containers are chosen from the group consisting of cans, cans, glass jars, cardboard boxes such as cartons or tetrapack ®. Indeed, overall any type of shape can be provided as the partial detachment allows the extraction of at least one container from a series of containers

Other embodiments of the retractable packaging blank according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims and figures. The present invention also relates to an assembly comprising a retractable packaging according to the invention and a series of containers arranged in parallel rows with respect to each other.

Other embodiments of the assembly according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims.

Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description given below, without limitation and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a top view of a retractable package comprising 12 cans.

Figure 2 is a top view of a retractable package comprising 24 cans.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic top view illustrating a packaging blank comprising an incision line at the periphery of said central zone.

In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references.

Figure 1 illustrates a retractable package 1 comprising twelve cans 2 and a first zone 3 located at the opening of said cans. Said first zone has a central zone and a peripheral zone located around said central zone. The retractable package 1 comprises at the periphery of said central base of said first zone 3 an incision line containing a series of perforations which form a partially detachable packaging section 4.

For the purposes of the present invention, the incision line comprises, as mentioned above, a series of perforations of similar or different shape. The incisions can be round, oval, ... or rectangular, in the form of bars or any combination of one with the others. In addition, said incision line may be a slot to further facilitate the extraction of a container. The perforation of a partially detachable packaging section 4 makes it possible to access the cans 2 easily. Then, the remainder of the package 1 retains its rigidity because a small amount of plastic material has been broken at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone 3 of said package 1 making it possible to carefully preserve the rest of the cans 2 thanks to lateral support.

The placement of the incision line at the periphery of said central zone of said package 1 makes it possible to reduce the risk of rupture at the level of said incisions that may occur during handling (hook, nails present in the shelf, shelving, palletizing, conveying,. ..).

Figure 2 illustrates the same elements as those described in Figure 1 except that the package 1 contains 24 cans.

After breaking the incision line containing a series of perforations defining a partially detachable packing section 4, the peripheral area remains around said broken central area. The preservation of said peripheral zone gives the package sufficient rigidity to handle the rest of the containers with ease thanks to a lateral support of the cans 2.

FIG. 3 represents a packaging blank according to the invention comprising an incision line comprising a series of perforations forming a partially detachable section 4 located at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone 3.

The manufacture of the packaging blank comprises unfolding a shrink film on a conveyor belt. The shrink film is previously partially incised, using a boss wheel, by means of a punch, or laser, to delimit a partially detachable packaging section 4 which is located on the periphery of said central zone on the first zone 3. Said partially detachable section has a dimension greater than or equal to the section of a container 2. Then, the containers 2 are positioned in parallel rows relative to each other on the conveyor belt in order to proceed with their coating. The coating of said container may be carried out using a shrinkwrapper which allows to wind up said previously perforated shrink film (an incision according to FIG. 3) thereby forming a retractable film section 4 around said containers on the first zone 3 Finally, the assembly comprising the packaging and the containers passes through a heating zone, for example an oven, in order to retract said film around the containers.

It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A retractable package (1) for coating a series of containers (2) comprising an upper portion having an opening and a lower portion corresponding to a bottom opposite said upper portion, said containers being arranged in parallel rows with respect to each other; to others, comprising at least a first zone (3) for covering an upper part of said containers (2), in particular at their opening, said first zone (3) for covering said upper part of said containers (2) having a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone, characterized in that it comprises on said first zone (3) at least one incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to extract in a direction substantially oriented from the lower portion of the container (2) to the upper portion at least one container (2), said section of e partially detachable packaging (4) having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container (2) to be extracted, said at least partially detachable section (4) being located at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone (3) .

2. Packaging (1) according to claim 1, wherein said partially detachable packaging section (4) is completely detachable.

3. Packaging (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said peripheral zone of said first zone (3) covers at least one row of containers on either side of said central zone.

4. Packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said incision line at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone (3) comprises a primer portion arranged to facilitate the initiation of said section. packing partially detachable (4), for example a denser incision, an opening or a tongue.

5. Package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said incision line has a circular shape, oval, linear, arc of a circle, square with rounded corners, rectangle with rounded tops , hexagon with rounded corners or a finite curve shaped irregular line, for extracting said container (2) from said partially detachable packaging section (4).

6. Packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said containers (2) are selected from the group consisting of cans, cans, glass jars, cartons type cartons or tetrapack ®.

7. Packaging (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a row of containers (2) contains, for example two, three or four containers.

A method of manufacturing a retractable package (1) for a series of containers (2), comprising at least a first zone (3) for covering an upper part of said series of containers (2), in particular at level of their opening, said first overlap zone (3) of said upper part of said containers (2) having a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone, said method comprising the steps of:

unwinding of a shrink film on a conveyor belt,

a positioning of said containers (2) on said conveyor belt, in parallel rows with respect to each other,

- wrapping said containers (2) with said shrink film thus forming a shrink film coating around said containers (2), and a heat shrinkage of said shrink film in order to hold said containers tight against each other,

characterized in that said method comprises a step of incising along a path corresponding to an incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to extract in a substantially oriented direction from the lower portion of the container (2) towards the upper part at least one container (2), said partially detachable packaging section (4) having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container (2) to be extracted, said at least section partially detachable (4) being located on the periphery of said central zone of said first zone (3).

The method of claim 8, wherein said incising step is performed before said unwinding of the shrink film.

10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein said incision is made using a boss wheel articulated on a manipulable arm to trace said path, by means of a punch, or by laser.

1 1. Process according to any one of claims 8 to

10, further comprising printing a pattern on said film before said unwinding of said shrink film.

A retractable packaging blank designed to coat a series of containers (2), comprising an upper part provided with an opening and a lower part corresponding to a bottom, opposite said upper part, arranged in parallel rows with respect to each other. the others, comprising at least a first zone (3) for covering an upper part of said containers (2), in particular at their opening, said first zone (3) for covering said upper portion of said containers (2) presenting a central zone surrounded by a peripheral zone, characterized in that comprises on said first zone (3) at least one incision line comprising a series of perforations forming at least one partially detachable section (4) arranged to extract in a substantially oriented direction from the lower part of the container (2) towards the part at least one container (2), said partially detachable packaging section (4) having a dimension greater than or equal to the section of said at least one container (2) to be extracted, said at least partially detachable section (4) being located at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone (3).

The packaging blank of claim 12, wherein said partially detachable packaging section (4) is fully detachable.

14. Packaging blank according to claim 12 or 13, wherein said incision line at the periphery of said central zone of said first zone (3) comprises a primer portion arranged to facilitate the initiation of the film, for example a denser incision, an opening or a tongue.

Packaging blank according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein said incision line has a circular, oval, linear, circular arc, square with rounded corners, rounded rectangle rectangle , hexagon with rounded tops or a finite curved line of irregular shape, for extracting said container from said partially detachable packaging section (4).

16. The packaging blank according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein said containers (2) are selected from the group consisting of cans, cans, glass jars, cardboard boxes type berlingots or Tetrapack ®.

Packaging blank according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein a row of containers (2) contains at least two containers, for example two, three or four containers.

18. An assembly comprising a package (1) retractable according to claims 1 to 7 and a series of containers (2) arranged in parallel rows with respect to each other.