EP3141495B1

EP3141495B1 - Filling and/or support module for a packaging, filling and/or support element constructed therefrom, packaging equipped therewith and method for packaging a product therewith

Info

Publication number: EP3141495B1
Application number: EP15185127.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robertus H.J.M. te Focht; Egbert Janssens
Original assignee: Eggink DW; Eggink Verpakkingen Holding BV
Current assignee: Eggink DW; Eggink Verpakkingen Holding BV
Priority date: 2015-09-14
Filing date: 2015-09-14
Publication date: 2019-11-06
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-14
Also published as: EP3141495A1

Description

The present invention relates to packagings, and more particularly to the support of products in packagings and the filling of empty spaces in packagings around packaged products.
Due to the emergence of e-commerce individual products are increasingly being sent from a manufacturer or web shop to an end user or consumer. These products must be packed in a transport packaging, wherein care must be taken that the product is packed such that it will not be damaged during transport. Because speed is of great importance during transport, packages are in practice not handled very carefully and packages are exposed to great loads. There is therefore the risk of the transport packaging being damaged and of the product packaged therein thereby becoming exposed. Another risk is that under the influence of the loads the product shifts inside the packaging and thereby makes direct contact with a wall of the packaging. Loads acting on this wall are in that case transmitted directly to the product, which can thereby also be damaged.
In order to reduce these risks transport packagings are usually filled with material which holds the product for shipping clear of the walls of the packaging and which moreover ensures that the packaging is wholly filled, whereby the walls of the packaging are also supported. Three types of filling material are being used in practice at this moment. Known are the plastic filling elements in different embodiments. In addition, use is often made of air-filled bags or compartments connected into a strip. Finally, use is still regularly made of paper or cardboard, either in the form of wads or shreds, strips and so on.
The known filling means have different drawbacks. A recipient of a shipment cannot for instance dispose of and process the plastic filling bodies or the plastic air-filled bags simultaneously with the rest of the packaging, which will generally be of cardboard. In addition, the loose plastic filling bodies are not easy to handle, either during the filling of the packaging or during emptying thereof. The same drawback also applies for shredded paper and paper strips. Wads of paper have the drawback that forming paper into wads requires a relatively large number of operations and, compared to the product for packaging, the wads are moreover often relatively large, whereby the product cannot be fixed properly. The same problem also applies for air-filled bags or chambers, which are also relatively large. Document US 3 853 221 discloses a filling and/or support module for a packaging according to the preamble of claim 1.
The invention now has for its object to provide a filling material wherein these drawbacks do not occur, or at least do so to lesser extent.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a filling and/or support module for a packaging having the features of claim 1 is provided. This module comprises a tapering base segment and a tapering top segment connected thereto by at least one transition zone, wherein the at least one transition zone connects a relatively narrow end of the base segment to a relatively wide end of the top segment, and wherein the module has a longitudinal axis running through the base segment and top segment and is relatively easily compressible in the direction of the longitudinal axis but is relatively stiff in a direction transversely of the longitudinal axis. By making use of a module which can be compressed relatively easily in one direction while being relatively stiff in a direction transversely thereof a product can be clamped and confined between a number of such modules in a packaging. Owing to the construction of the module from different parts the deformation thereof can be properly controlled here.
The base segment and the top segment are relatively stiff in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the at least one transition zone is relatively easily deformable. When the module is loaded the transition zone will thus deform while the base segment and the top segment remain intact, whereby the behaviour of the module is readily predictable.
The dimensions of the base segment and the top segment substantially correspond in the direction of the longitudinal axis, so that the top segment can disappear substantially completely into the base segment when the module is compressed.
In order to guarantee a uniform and predictable deformation it is recommended that one or more of the base segment, the plurality of transition zones and the top segment are substantially rotation-symmetrical round the longitudinal axis. The module thus acquires in fact an - optionally stepped - truncated cone form.
The module preferably takes a thin-walled form. The stiffness of the module is on the one hand limited, whereby the loads exerted on the product also remain limited, while on the other the weight of the module is hereby limited.
In order to enable disposal and processing of the modules after use together with the rest of the packaging, which will generally be manufactured from cardboard, it is recommended that the module is manufactured from a material on cellulose basis, in particular moulded pulp/fibre.
When a peripheral wall of the tapering base segment encloses a first angle with a plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis and a peripheral wall of the top segment encloses a second angle with the plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis, and the first and second angle substantially correspond to each other, the base segment and the top segment can display similar behaviour under load.
It is recommended in this case that the relatively narrow end of the base segment is wider than the relatively wide end of the top segment, and the transition zones extend at least partially transversely of the longitudinal axis of the module. The transition zones thus form a clear discontinuity between the base segment and the top segment which allows the deformation to proceed in controlled manner.
In order to make the module suitable for use in packagings of different dimensions and to clamp and fix products of varying dimensions, a plurality of transition zones and a plurality of tapering intermediate segments are arranged between the base segment and the top segment. The module can hereby be compressed in different steps. The different transition zones are shaped and dimensioned here such that they deform in a predetermined sequence and the module can thus be pressed into each other in precisely controlled manner.
It is also possible to envisage that a peripheral wall of the base segment encloses a first angle with a plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis and a peripheral wall of the top segment encloses a second angle with the plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis, the size of the second angle is less than half the size of the first angle and the transition zones are substantially clear of a part extending transversely of the longitudinal axis. Owing to the large difference in angles of inclination there is a corresponding difference in pressure resistance between the top segment and the base segment, whereby there is no, or less necessity for recessed transition zones, and the design of the module can thus be simplified.
When the base segment is configured for connection to an adjacent module, a number of modules can be combined to form a filling and/or support element. By forming the connection at the position of the base segments the deformation behaviour of the modules, which is determined mainly by the top segment and the transition zones, is hereby not affected.
The top segment is preferably closed at its relatively narrow end by an end wall. This prevents the top segment tearing away under load, whereby controlled deformation would no longer be possible.
According to another aspect of the invention, a filling and/or support element for a packaging is provided which comprises a number of filling and/or support modules of the above described type.
The modules are preferably connected to each other here in a regular pattern. The filling and/or support element hereby has relatively uniform properties over its whole area, whereby a product for packaging is supported in similar manner at each position of the element. A filling and/or support element can in this way also be divided into a number of smaller elements which can for instance be used in smaller packagings and which will all display similar properties.
For use in rectangular packagings it is recommended that the longitudinal axes of the modules have a substantially parallel orientation. A highly regularly shaped filling and/or support element is thus obtained.
At least some of the modules are preferably identical. It is even possible to envisage all modules being identical, although it is also possible to combine modules of differing dimensions and with a different number of transition zones and/or segments with each other in a single filling and/or support element.
According to yet another aspect, the invention provides a packaging which comprises an outer packaging as well as two filling and/or support elements as discussed above received therein with the top segments of the modules directed toward each other. The outer packaging could be a cardboard box here, for instance a so-called American folding box, which is available in different sizes.
The sum of the heights of the filling and/or support elements is here preferably smaller than or equal to the internal height of the outer packaging. This avoids unnecessary pressure being exerted on the packaging when the two elements are placed with their modules on each other.
When the packaging is provided with a product received therein and clamped between the filling and/or support elements, the sum of a maximum thickness of the product and the dimensions of the modules of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements in longitudinal direction can be greater than the internal height of the outer packaging. This guarantees that the product is clamped by deformation of the filling and/or support modules and the outer packaging is filled over its full height by the elements and the packaged product so that no further space remains for any movement.
The sum of the maximum thickness of the product and the dimensions of the base segments of the modules of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements in longitudinal direction is here preferably smaller than or equal to the internal height of the outer packaging. This prevents the base segments being deformed, since such a deformation would no longer take place in controlled manner.
In order to confine the packaged product in all directions, the maximum dimensions of the product transversely of the thickness direction are preferably so much smaller than those of the filling and/or support elements that at least one undeformed module lies between the periphery of the product and each side wall of the outer packaging.
When the dimensions of each side wall of the outer packaging amount to a whole multiple of the dimensions of a module transversely of its longitudinal axis, a filling and/or support element can be easily cut to size from a larger whole, wherein the packaging can be filled with whole modules.
Finally, the invention further provides a method for packaging the product. Such a method comprises the steps according to the invention of:

selecting a filling and/or support element as described above, the dimensions of which are so much greater than the maximum dimensions of the product transversely of its thickness direction that between the periphery of the product and each side edge of the element at least one module can remain clear of the product,
selecting an outer packaging with side walls, the dimensions of which correspond to those of the side edges of the selected filling and/or support element,
placing the filling and/or support element in the outer packaging such that the modules thereof are directed toward an open side of the outer packaging,
placing the product on the filling and/or support element such that between the periphery of the product and each side edge of the element at least one module remains clear,
placing on the product a second filling and/or support element, of which the top segments of the modules are directed toward the top segments of the modules of the first element, and
closing the outer packaging, wherein the filling and/or support elements are moved toward each other prior to or during the closing such that modules which make contact with the product are compressed.

Preferably applied variants of the method are described in the dependent claim 15.
The invention will now be elucidated on the basis of a number of embodiments, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which corresponding components are designated with the same reference numerals, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a filling and/or support element according to a first embodiment of the invention,
Fig. 2 shows a longitudinal section of the module of Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a filling and/or support element formed by connecting a number of modules as according to Fig. 1,
Fig. 4 is a perspective side view of two filling and/or support elements as according to Fig. 3 with their modules facing toward each other with a product for packaging clamped therebetween,
Fig. 5-7 show schematically different stages of the deforming of a filling and/or support module according to a second embodiment,
Fig. 8 shows schematically two segments and a transition zone formed therebetween, wherein the angles of inclination of the peripheral walls of the two segments are equal or do not differ too greatly from each other,
Fig. 9 is a schematic view corresponding to Fig. 8 of a transition between two segments having greatly differing angles of inclination,
Fig. 10 is a schematic view of possible orientations of the transition zone between two segments,
Fig. 11 shows schematically the quantities which play a part in achieving a desired deformation behaviour of the transition zone,
Fig. 12A-12D show schematically different finishes of the transition zone,
Fig. 13A and 13B show schematically the direction of force transmission for different configurations of the transition zone,
Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a filling and/or support module according to a third embodiment,
Fig. 15 shows a longitudinal section of the module of Fig. 14,
Fig. 16A-16D show schematically different stages of the deformation of the filling and/or support module according to Fig. 14 and 15,
Fig. 17 shows how the module according to Fig. 14-16 (and so also a filling and/or support element formed therewith) is stackable or nestable,
Fig. 18A-18H show top views of different sizes of a filling and/or support element according to the invention with varying numbers of modules of constant dimensions, and
Fig. 19A-19C are perspective views of outer packagings of differing dimensions in which the filling and/or support elements according to the invention can be applied.

A filling and/or support module 1 for a packaging 2 comprises a tapering base segment 3 and a tapering top segment 4. Base segment 3 and top segment 4 are connected to each other by, in the shown example, no fewer than six transition zones 5A-5F (Fig. 1). These transition zones 5A-F connect the narrow end 6 of base segment 3 to the wide end 7 of top segment 4. In addition to the six transition zones 5A-F, a further four intermediate segments 8A-8D are also formed between base segment 3 and top segment 4. These intermediate segments 8A-D are bounded by transition zones 5B-5F. Transition zones 5A and 5B are directly adjacent to each other without a segment therebetween. This plurality of transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D make it possible to fix products P of varying thicknesses in packaging 2, as will be elucidated below.
Module 1 has a longitudinal axis L running through base segment 3 and top segment 4. In the direction of longitudinal axis L the module 1 is relatively easily compressible, but in a direction transversely of longitudinal axis L the module 1 is relatively stiff. This is achieved in the shown embodiment in that base segment 3 and top segment 4 are relatively stiff in the direction of longitudinal axis L and transition zones 5A-F are relatively easily deformable.
Base segment 3 has a wide end 9 which is remote from transition zones 5A-F and which is open. Wide end 9 has a diameter D (Fig.2). Formed along the outer periphery of this wide end 9 is a flange 10 which can form part of a connection between module 1 and one or more adjacent modules. Top segment 4 has a narrow end 11 with a diameter d remote from transition zones 5A-F. Narrow end 11 is closed by an end wall 12. Module 1, which in the shown embodiment can be manufactured from moulded pulp (or moulded fibre), has a substantially constant wall thickness t.
Base segment 3 has a peripheral wall 13 and top segment 4 has a peripheral wall 14. Both peripheral walls 13, 14 each enclose an angle α1, α2 with a plane transversely of longitudinal axis L, for instance the plane of flange 10 or the plane of end wall 12. In the shown embodiment angles α1, α2 are substantially equal, but can also differ greatly from each other as will be elucidated below. Intermediate segments 8A-D also have a peripheral walls 15A-D which each enclose an angle αi with the plane transversely of longitudinal axis L, and these angles αi can also be substantially equal to the angles α1, α2. Angles α1, α2 and αi must in any case be acute angles in order to guarantee that module 1 can be released from a mould in which it is formed. For the desired controlled deformation of module 1 it is also important that angles α1, α2 and αi are less than 90°. The greater the angles, the stiffer the associated segments will be and the smaller the angles, the more easily the associated segments will deform under pressure.
Module 1 has a height h as measured in the direction of longitudinal axis L which is made up of the height h1 of base segment 3, the height h2 of top segment 4 and the sum of the heights of transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D. The height h1 of base segment 3 and the height h2 of top segment 4 substantially correspond here, as will be elucidated below. The heights of intermediate segments 8A-D are not the same, but increase from base segment 3 in the direction of top segment 4. The purpose of this variation in segment heights is that transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D deform in a controlled manner and in a predetermined sequence or collapse when module 1 is subjected to a pressure force.
In the shown embodiment base segment 3, top segment 4 and all transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D formed therebetween are rotation-symmetrical relative to longitudinal axis L. Base segment 3, top segment 4 and intermediate segments 8A-D thus form truncated cones, just as module 1 as a whole.
A number of modules 1 can be connected to each other to form a filling and/or support element 16 (Fig. 3). Flanges 10 can here be connected to each other or can be connected to a plate 17. In the shown embodiment modules 1 are received in regular rows and columns in filling and/or support element 16, in this example with four modules 1 per row R and three modules 1 per column C. Instead of being placed adjacency of each other, modules 1 can also be offset in adjacent rows or columns, whereby zigzag rows or columns are formed. Modules 1 are all identical in the shown embodiment, although it is also possible to envisage modules 1 of different shapes or dimensions being combined in a single filling and/or support element 16. Depending on the shape and dimensions of products P for packaging, different zones with relatively shorter and relatively longer modules can be present in a single filling and/or support element 16 which support and fix different parts of the products.
Element 16 has side edges 18, 19 defining a length l_E and a width b_E. This length and width fit a determined size of outer packaging 22, as will be elucidated below. Element 16 has a whole number of modules 1 in each row R and column C. This is important because the operation of module 1 deteriorates sharply when it no longer has a closed cross-section.
Individual modules 1 are in practice not connected to each other, but modules 1 of filling and/or support element 16 are formed integrally from pulp of paper or cardboard. Use can be made for this purpose of rotation machines, translation machines, or the pulp can be processed by thermoforming. A very large number of modules 1 can be formed here in a single operation, whereby a profiled tray 20 is created from which a plurality of filling and/or support elements 16 can be cut. Because popular outer packagings 22, such as for instance the American folding boxes, are available in diverse sizes (see Fig. 19A-C), it is also worthwhile making filling and/or support elements 16 available in corresponding sizes. Use can for instance be made for this purpose of a tray 20 with dimensions corresponding to those of a so-called pallet box, i.e. 1170 x 780 mm. When for instance 48 rows and 32 columns with modules 1 are then formed in such a tray 20, tray 20 can be repeatedly halved in the manner as known from A-sizes in the case of paper (32 rows by 24 columns, 24 rows by 16 columns and so on). This is shown in Fig. 18A-H, wherein the above discussed filling and/or support element 16 with four rows and three columns is shown as smallest size. Other ratios and divisions of filling and/or support elements 16 can of course also be envisaged.
When a product P has to be accommodated in a packaging 2 and fixed therein and protected against loads by filling and/or support elements 16 as discussed above, it is important that elements 16 and modules 1 are chosen which are large enough to fulfil the desired functions. Modules 1 must therefore be so high that the sum of the heights h of the two elements 16 placed opposite each other and the thickness d_p of product P is greater than the internal height H_i of packaging 2. It is after all only thus that modules 1 are pressed in on either side of product P when the mutually opposite elements 16 are placed with product P placed therebetween in packaging 2 and packaging 2 is closed (Fig. 4). Making use of similar filling and/or support elements 16 with similar modules 1 on either side of product P guarantees that the deformation will indeed also be distributed over both sides of the product. The modules 1 on either side will after all display a similar deformation under pressure.
On the other hand the sum of the thickness d_p of product P and the heights h1 of basic segments 3 of modules 1 must be smaller than the internal height H_i of packaging 2. This ensures that base segments 3 are not deformed when packaging 2 is closed, since such a deformation would take place in uncontrolled manner. The only circumstance in which basic segments 3 may deform is when packaging 2 is subjected to a high load such that it is dented locally. In that case base segments 3 may absorb the load, whereby the packaged product P remains intact.
Both these requirements are combined in the shown embodiment in that between base segment 3 and top segment 4 a plurality of transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D are provided which, even at a relatively small height h1 of base segment 3, nevertheless provide for a relatively great overall height h of module 1. Base segment 3 and top segment 4 here each form about a third of the overall height h of module 1, while the remaining third part is taken up by transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D.
It is finally recommended that the sum of the heights h of two elements 16 placed opposite each other is smaller than the internal height H_i of packaging 2 so that the modules 1 which play no part in clamping product P do not contact each other either and so do not exert any unnecessary pressure on packaging 2.
Of further importance is that the length l_E and a width b_E of element 16 are so much greater than the length l_p and width b_p (as measured transversely of the thickness direction T) of the product P for packaging that under all circumstances the product P is surrounded over its whole periphery by a row with a width of at least one module 1. These surrounding, undeformed modules 1 thus hold product P in place transversely of its thickness direction T, while product P is fixed in thickness direction T by the (elastic and possibly plastic) deformation of (a part of) filling and/or support modules 1.
The form and dimensions of transition zones 5A-F and intermediate segments 8A-D are chosen such that module 1 deforms in controlled manner under the influence of a pressure load, such as the pressure load exerted by the product P for packaging when the packaging is closed. In the shown embodiment this deformation proceeds in precisely determined steps from the narrow side 6 of base segment 3 in the direction of the wide end 7 of top segment 4. In other words, the transition zone 5A adjacent to base segment 3 deforms first, followed as pressure increases by transition zone 5B. When the pressure load increases further, third transition zone 5C also deforms, with first intermediate segment 8A also being deformed.
The controlled pressing-in of a module 1 is shown schematically in Fig. 5-7 on the basis of an alternative embodiment which has two transition zones 5A, 5B and a single intermediate segment 8. Shown here is how, when a small pressure force F is exerted, for instance by a product P for packaging, module 1 will in the first instance deform elastically. The height of the module decreases here from h_initial to h_elastic. The material from which module 1 is manufactured will however allow only a small measure of elastic deformation, and when the pressure force F increases further the first transition zone 5A will deform plastically, whereby the height of module 1 decreases to the value h_{plastic_1} (Fig. 5). When further force is exerted on module 1, it will be further pressed in in controlled manner by plastic deformation of second transition zone 5B, intermediate segment 8 also being deformed. Top segment 4 hereby descends as it were into the wider ring formed by base segment 3 (Fig. 6). It is recommended here that the height h2 of top segment 4 is slightly greater than the height h1 of the base segment so that top segment 4 continues to protrude and continues to support product P.
Only in extreme cases, for instance when packaging 2 is exposed to a local load whereby it is dented plastically or otherwise collapses, is it possible to envisage top segment 4 being deformed (Fig. 7). Top segment 4 can then for instance be pressed in to a minimal height h_minimal, wherein it lies within base segment 3, but is preferably configured to nevertheless then spring back to a height h_{after spring-back} at which the narrow end 11 again protrudes above base segment 3 and further supports product P. The deformation of top segment 4 does not proceed in controlled manner here, and this collapsed form is therefore undesirable in principle, but does however protect product P from damage.
As stated, the angle α1 of base segment 3, the angle α2 of top segment 4 and optionally the angle(s) αi of intermediate segment(s) 8 can all be substantially equal as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5. Depending on the desired height of the module, the desired number of modules per unit of area and the desired resistance of the module, these angles α1, α2 and αi can amount to about 60-90°, preferably about 75-89°, more preferably about 80-89°. When these angles all correspond, it is desirable for a good deformability of transition zone 5 that it has a radial part 21 of at least 1 mm, i.e. the diameter of the narrow end 6 of base segment 3 must be at least 2 mm larger than the diameter of the wide end 7 of top segment 4 (Fig. 8). At lower values of the difference in diameter module 1 with substantially parallel peripheral walls will, in the case of the relevant type of material and wall thickness, behave under load as if no transition zone 5 is present, and the deformation will proceed in uncontrolled manner.
When on the other hand the angle α2 of the top segment differs greatly from the angle α1 of base segment 3, particularly when the angle α2 << α1, top segment 5 is always less stiff than base segment 3, and an extra difference in diameter is not necessary at the position of transition zone 5 to achieve the desired controlled deformation behaviour. This is particularly the case when the angle of top segment 4 amounts to less than half the angle of base segment 3 as shown in Fig. 9: α2 < 0.5·α1.
Said differences in diameter are otherwise not absolute values and they must be seen in the light of the wall thickness t of the different segments 3, 4, 8 and transition zone(s) 5, as well as the other dimensions of module 1. Depending on the chosen production process, the wall thickness t of the module will be in the order of 0.5 - 1.0 mm. Smaller thicknesses are difficult to realize and a greater thickness results in too great a resistance to deformation, whereby the products P for packaging may be loaded too heavily. The diameter d of the narrow end 11 of top segment 4 will amount in practice to at least 10 mm in order to prevent too thick an end wall 12 occurring due to material accumulation which is too strong and can result in damage to products P. The diameter D of the wide end 9 of base segment 3 will be in the order of 20-50 mm depending on the chosen angles and the desired number of modules 1 in a packaging 2. The height h of module 1 depends as stated on the internal height H_i of the packaging 2 used and on the thickness d_p of the product P for packaging. For many used combinations of packagings 2 and products P this height can vary between 40-70 mm.
Shown once again in Fig. 11 are the parameters which influence the deformation behaviour of transition zone(s) 5, and thereby of module 1 as a whole. In the case of segments which run substantially parallel the most important parameters are the difference in diameter between the two segments 3, 4 connected by transition zone 5, the angle at which transition zone 5 runs, the height of transition zone 5 and the rounded edges at the position of the connection of transition zone 5 to the relevant segment 3, 4.
Fig. 10 further shows that transition zone 5 need not necessarily function as a logical continuation of the peripheral walls of segments 3, 4, but can also be recessed.
Fig. 12A-D show different details of the connection between base or top segment 3, 4 on the one hand and transition zone 5 on the other. In addition to a sharp transition between the different components (Fig. 12B), optionally identical rounded edges can also be envisaged (Fig. 12C, 12D). The combination of a sharp transition and a rounded edge can also be envisaged (Fig. 12A). The extent of rounding determines the manner in which the pressure force F acting on module 1 is transmitted to transition zone 5 so as to there initiate the controlled deformation. The effect of different rounded edges can be seen by comparing Fig. 13A to Fig. 13B.
In an alternative embodiment of module 1, which is not recommended at this moment, top segment 4 is rotation-symmetrical while base segment 3 has a cross-section which transposes from substantially round to substantially square (Fig. 14). Just as top segment 4, transition zone 5 is here rotation-symmetrical. Base segment 3 also has corner details 23 here, while top segment 4 is provided with a convex end wall 12. It is thought that these design details have a favourable effect on the deformation behaviour of module 1.
The progression of the deformation is shown in Fig. 16. After the convex end wall 12 has first been pressed in (Fig. 16B), top segment 4 is gradually pressed further downward, wherein transition zone 5 and the part of base segment 3 adjacent thereto deform plastically (Fig. 16C). It is also the case here that top segment 4 is in principle not intended to deform, but can indeed do so under extreme conditions in order to protect a product P received in packaging 2 (Fig. 16D). As further shown in Fig. 17, modules 1 according to this embodiment are readily stackable, as is a tray formed therefrom. This is otherwise also the case for the above discussed embodiments.
In order to make the deformation behaviour of transition zone(s) 5 and the resistance to deformation of segments 3, 4 more readily predictable, other measures can also be taken. Transition zone 5 can thus be provided with perforations (not shown here) or, conversely, with reinforcements (not shown here). Peripheral walls 13, 14 of base segment 3 and top segment 4 can further take a differing form, for instance convex, concave or straight.
The invention thus makes it possible using means which are simple and can be manufactured at low cost to fix products in packagings and protect them from the often rough treatment during transport of the packaging to its end user. This using materials which originate from recycling and which in turn can be easily refashioned for another use.
Although the invention has been elucidated above on the basis of different embodiments, it will be apparent that it is not limited thereto but can be varied in many ways within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

Filling and/or support module (1) for a packaging (2), comprising:
a tapering base segment (3) and a tapering top segment (4) connected thereto by at least one transition zone (5A-F);

wherein the at least one transition zone (5A-F) connects a relatively narrow end (6) of the base segment (3) to a relatively wide end (7) of the top segment (4);

wherein the module (1) has a longitudinal axis (L) running through the base segment (3) and top segment (4) and is relatively easily compressible in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) but is relatively stiff in a direction transversely of the longitudinal axis (L), the base segment (3) and the top segment (4) being relatively stiff in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), and the at least one transition zone (5A-F) being relatively easily deformable; and

wherein the dimensions (h₁, h₂) of the base segment (3) and the top segment (4) substantially correspond in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L);
wherein

a plurality of transition zones (5A-F) and a plurality of tapering intermediate segments (8A-D) are arranged between the base segment (3) and the top segment (4), characterized in that the dimensions of the intermediate segments (8A-D) in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L) increase from the base segment (3) in the direction of the top segment (4).
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that one or more of the base segment (3), the plurality of transition zones (5A-F) and the top segment (4) are substantially rotation-symmetrical round the longitudinal axis (L).
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the module (1) takes a thin-walled form and/or the module (1) is manufactured from a material on cellulose basis, in particular moulded pulp/fibre.
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a peripheral wall (13) of the tapering base segment (3) encloses a first angle (α₁) with a plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis (L) and a peripheral wall (14) of the top segment (4) encloses a second angle (α₂) with the plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis (L), and the first and second angle (α₁, α₂) substantially correspond to each other.
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the relatively narrow end (6) of the base segment (3) is wider than the relatively wide end (7) of the top segment (4), and the transition zones (5A-F) extend at least partially transversely of the longitudinal axis (L) of the module (1).
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in any of the claims 1-3 characterized in that a peripheral wall (13) of the base segment (3) encloses a first angle (α₁) with a plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis (L) and a peripheral wall (14) of the top segment (4) encloses a second angle (α₂) with the plane running transversely of the longitudinal axis (L), the size of the second angle (α₂) is less than half the size of the first angle (α₁) and the transition zones (5A-F) are substantially clear of a part extending transversely of the longitudinal axis (L).
Filling and/or support module (1) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, characterized in that:
the base segment (3) is configured for connection to an adjacent module (1); and/or

the top segment (4) is closed at its relatively narrow end (11) by an end wall (12).
Filling and/or support element (16) for a packaging (2), comprising a number of filling and/or support modules (1) as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the modules (1) are optionally connected to each other in a regular pattern.
Filling and/or support element (16) as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that:
the longitudinal axes (L) of the modules (1) have a substantially parallel orientation; and/or

at least some of the modules (1) are substantially identical.
Packaging (2), comprising an outer packaging (22) and two filling and/or support elements (16) as claimed in claim 8 or 9 received therein with the top segments (4) of the modules (1) directed toward each other, wherein the sum of the heights (2h) of the filling and/or support elements (16) is optionally smaller than or equal to the internal height (H) of the outer packaging (22).
Packaging (2) as claimed in claim 10, characterized by a product (P) received therein and clamped between the filling and/or support elements (16), wherein the sum of a maximum thickness (d_p) of the product (P) and the dimensions (h) of the modules (1) of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements (16) in longitudinal direction is greater than the internal height (H) of the outer packaging (22).
Packaging (2) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that:
the sum of the maximum thickness (d_p) of the product (P) and the dimensions of the base segments (3) of the modules (1) of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements (16) in longitudinal direction is smaller than or equal to the internal height (H) of the outer packaging (22); and/or

the maximum dimensions of the product (P) transversely of the thickness direction are so much smaller than those (l_E, b_E) of the filling and/or support elements (16) that at least one undeformed module (1) lies between the periphery of the product (P) and each side wall of the outer packaging (22).
Packaging (2) as claimed in any of the claims 10-12, characterized in that the dimensions of each side wall of the outer packaging (22) amount to a whole multiple of the dimensions of a module (1) transversely of its longitudinal axis (L).
Method for packaging a product (P), comprising the steps of:
- selecting a filling and/or support element (16) as claimed in claim 8 or 9, the dimensions (l_E, b_E) of which are so much greater than the maximum dimensions of the product (P) transversely of its thickness direction that between the periphery of the product (P) and each side edge of the element at least one module (1) can remain clear of the product (P),

- selecting an outer packaging (22) with side walls, the dimensions of which correspond to those of the side edges of the selected filling and/or support element (16),

- placing the filling and/or support element (16) in the outer packaging (22) such that the modules (1) thereof are directed toward an open side of the outer packaging (22),

- placing the product (P) on the filling and/or support element (16) such that between the periphery of the product (P) and each side edge of the element (16) at least one module (1) remains clear,

- placing on the product (P) a second filling and/or support element (16), of which the top segments (4) of the modules (1) are directed toward the top segments (4) of the modules (1) of the first element (16), and

- closing the outer packaging (22), wherein the filling and/or support elements (16) are moved toward each other prior to or during the closing such that modules (1) which make contact with the product (P) are compressed.
Method as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that:
an outer packaging (22) is selected, the internal height (H) of which is smaller than the sum of a maximum thickness (d_p) of the product (P) and the dimensions (h) of the modules (1) of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements (16) in longitudinal direction; and/or

an outer packaging (22) is selected, the internal height (H) of which is greater than or equal to the sum of a maximum thickness (d_p) of the product (P) and the dimensions of the base segments (3) of the modules (1) of the mutually opposite filling and/or support elements (16) in longitudinal direction; and/or

an outer packaging (22) is selected, the internal height (H) of which is greater than or equal to the sum of the heights (2h) of the filling and/or support elements (16).