EP4219326A1 - Method for packaging cylindrical packages and package assembly packaged according to said method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for packaging cylindrical packaging and a set of packaging thus packaged. The method comprises the following steps: 2N packages (64) are provided, each of the packages having an upper end (68) comprising two inclined sides (78, 80) and a closure member (86) projecting from one of said sides (78); two rows (92, 94) of N packages are joined together so that the closure members (86) extend respectively opposite each other; two cardboard sheets (96, 98) are provided with two flaps (12, 14) folded away from each other; said two cardboard sheets are carried between said two rows by applying said two flaps (12, 14) against the sides (78) of the packages; and, a cardboard skirt (100) is provided to cover said two rows (92, 94) so as to hold said 2N packages together.

Description

[The present invention relates to a process for packaging cylindrical containers with a rectangular base and to a set of packages packaged in accordance with said method.

A field of application envisaged is in particular, but not exclusively, that of the packaging of food packaging commonly referred to as "bricks".

Known methods for packaging cylindrical containers with a rectangular base, for example for packaging cartons of milk or fruit juice, usually make use of plastic films.

Cylindrical packages with a rectangular base, substantially square for example, have a flat bottom, two first and two second faces respectively opposite each other and an upper end. The upper end comprises two first faces inclined towards each other extending respectively in the extension of the first two opposite faces, and they are joined by their upper edge. The two upper edges are indeed welded together.

In addition, the upper end comprises a plugging member that can usually be unscrewed, and extending projecting from one of said sides.

For certain foodstuffs, for example milk, the packages are packed in sixes. Thus, we combine two rows of three packages, face to face, and surround them with a plastic film to form a single pack.

In addition, a plastic tape is glued loosely across the pack to form a handle, which makes it easy to hang and carry.

Such packaging uses synthetic materials with a high carbon footprint and the costs of which are gradually increasing.

Also, a problem which arises and which the present invention aims to solve is to provide a process for packaging packaging, with a lower carbon footprint and which is more economical.

For this purpose, and according to a first object, there is proposed a process for packaging cylindrical packaging with a rectangular base, comprising the following steps: 2N packaging is provided, N being greater than 1, each of the packaging having an upper end and, two first and two second faces respectively opposite each other, said upper end comprising two faces inclined towards each other extending respectively in the extension of said first two opposite faces, and a stopper member extending projecting one of said sections; two rows of N packages are joined together, second face against second face and first face against first face respectively so that the plugging members of the N packages of one of said rows respectively extend opposite the plugging members of the N packages of the other of said rows; two sheets of cardboard leaning against each other and having two flaps folded away from each other respectively along two contiguous parallel fold lines are provided, each of said flaps having N free edge portions spaced apart from each other along their fold line; said two sheets of cardboard are carried between said two rows by applying said two flaps respectively against the sides of the packages of the two rows, while the 2N free edge portions are respectively applied tangentially against the 2N closure members; and, a cardboard skirt is provided to cover said two joined rows so as to hold said 2N packages together, while said two back-to-back cardboard sheets extend through said skirt to be able to form a handle.

Thus, one characteristic of the invention resides in the use of a cardboard material to condition the packaging of the aforementioned type. This material is made with cellulose fibers from plants. It therefore calls on inexhaustible resources and its carbon footprint is less than that of conventional synthetic materials, such as plastic.

It is understood that the two flaps respectively form an angle of less than 90° with the adjoining cardboard sheets, while the portions of free edge of the flaps are applied respectively against the plugging members. Also, thanks to the cardboard skirt, the packages are held together against each other and when the assembly is suspended by the two adjoining sheets of cardboard, the stopper members come to bear against the free edges of the flaps. In this way, the packages are held in suspension all together.

In other words, advantage is taken of the plugging members projecting from the inclined side of the upper end of the package to bring the free edge portions of the flaps precisely under the plugging members.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, each of said flaps has N orifices spaced apart from each other along their fold line, to form said free edge portions. In other words, the plugging members come to extend through the orifices, while the flaps are applied against the inclined faces. In this way, the inner edge portion of the orifices located in the vicinity of the fold line constitutes the free edge portion, as will be explained in more detail in the following description.

Preferably, a substantially rectangular first blank having two opposite edges is cut out, and said first blank is folded in two along a median fold line equidistant from said edges, while said edges are folded away from each other , to provide said two cardboard sheets. Said opposite folded edges thus form the flaps of the cardboard sheets.

The first blank is advantageously cut from a sheet of corrugated cardboard.

Thus, the first blank, in one piece, is folded in a W to form the two sheets of cardboard and this, before being inserted between said two rows.

Advantageously, said two opposite edges each comprise a row of N recesses. Thus, the N recesses of each of the two flaps form the N orifices.

Preferably, said recesses are circular and of a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of said closure members. In this way, the free edge portions have a circular shape which matches the circular shape of the wall of the closure members. We thus obtain a better support of the closure members against the free edge portions. Also, the closure members are blocked in translation inside the circular recesses of the flaps. In this way, a better rigidity of the assembly is obtained, as will be explained below.

In addition, said recesses are advantageously spaced from each other by a distance substantially equal to the distance extending between two second faces of a package. In this way, the packaging is perfectly adjusted, first face against first face on the one hand and second face against second face on the other hand, while the flaps are applied flat against the inclined sides of the packaging and that the 2N closure members extend through the 2N recesses. In this way, the assembly or the pack then formed by the 2N packages is compact and relatively rigid.

In addition, two openings symmetrical to each other with respect to said median fold line are advantageously provided in said first blank to form said handle. Thus, when said first blank is folded in two along the median fold line, the two openings come face to face. They extend transversely and their width allows the passage of the hand to be able to grasp the two sheets of cardboard together.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, N is between 3 and 5. N is for example equal to 3, so as to package six packages together.

In addition, a second blank is provided advantageously comprising: a substantially rectangular central panel having, on the one hand two opposite first sides and two opposite second sides and on the other hand a central slot extending from one of said second sides to the 'other ; two first flaps articulated respectively on said first sides and each having two opposite connecting tabs; two second flaps articulated respectively on said second sides. And said first flaps and said second flaps are erected with respect to said rectangular panel to connect them together by means of said opposite connecting tabs so as to provide said cardboard skirt.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cardboard skirt is shaped directly on the two rows of N packages joined together by ways to be able to hold them more tightly against each other. In this way, the two cardboard sheets leaning against each other are locked between the two rows of N packages.

According to another object, there is proposed a set of packages packaged in accordance with the above packaging method.

• [Fig. 1] est une vue schématique de dessus d'un premier élément nécessaire à la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 2] est une vue schématique de dessus d'un second élément pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 3] est une vue schématique en perspective de trois quarts d'un troisième élément nécessaire à la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 4] est une vue schématique en perspective illustrant une étape de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 5] est une vue schématique en perspective illustrant une autre étape de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 6] est une vue schématique en perspective montrant encore une autre étape de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ;
• [Fig. 7] est une vue schématique en perspective montrant une ultime étape de mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'invention ; et,
• [Fig. 8] est une vue schématique en coupe droite selon le plan VIII - VIII illustré sur la [Fig. 7].

Other particularities and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description given below of particular embodiments of the invention, given by way of indication but not limitation, with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig. 1 ] is a schematic top view of a first element necessary for implementing the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 2 ] is a schematic top view of a second element for implementing the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 3 ] is a schematic three-quarter perspective view of a third element necessary for implementing the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 4 ] is a schematic perspective view illustrating an implementation step of the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 5 ] is a schematic perspective view illustrating another step in implementing the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 6 ] is a schematic perspective view showing yet another step in implementing the method according to the invention;
• [ Fig. 7 ] is a schematic perspective view showing a final step in implementing the method according to the invention; And,
• [ Fig. 8 ] is a schematic view in cross section according to plan VIII - VIII illustrated in [ Fig. 7 ].

There [ Fig. 1 ] shows a first blank 10 cut from a sheet or strip of corrugated cardboard. Corrugated cardboard is for example double-sided, ie a corrugated sheet engaged between two smooth sheets.

The first blank 10 is substantially rectangular and it has a length L extending between two opposite first edges 11, 13. It also has a width I extending between two opposite second edges 15, 17. The length L is for example comprised between 240 mm and 260 mm, while width l is between 210 mm and 230 mm.

The first blank 10 has, along the direction of its width, two opposite edges 12, 14 delimited respectively by two first fold lines 16, 18. Also, it has a median fold line 20 extending parallel and equidistant from the two first fold lines 16, 18.

In addition, the first blank 10 has, on the one hand three first recesses 22, 24, 26 formed in one 12 of the two opposite edges 12, 14 equidistant from each other and from one 16 of the first two lines folding 16, 18, and on the other hand, three second recesses 28, 30, 32 formed in the other 14 of the two opposite edges 12, 14 equidistant from each other and from the other 18 of the first two lines of folding 16, 18. These recesses 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 are circular in shape. They have a diameter of between 30 mm and 40 mm for example.

It will be observed that recesses 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 respectively define a free edge portion 25, in the form of an arc, along their corresponding folding line 16, 18. The role of these portions of free edge 25 in the following description.

They are for example spaced from each other, from center to center, by a distance of between 70 mm and 80 mm, and are spaced respectively from the first fold lines 16, 18 by a distance of, for example, between 5 mm and 10mm.

In addition, the first blank 10 has two oblong slots 34, 36 extending along the width l of the first blank 10 substantially equidistant from the two opposite second edges 15, 17 and substantially symmetrically to each other with respect to the middle fold line 20.

The dimensions of the first blank 10 and of these various elements are linked to its conditions of use. And they could be adapted accordingly.

We will now refer to the [ Fig. 2 ] showing a second cardboard blank 38 also allowing the implementation of the method according to the invention. The second blank 38 is advantageously made of double-sided corrugated cardboard as well.

The second blank 38 comprises a central rectangular panel 40 having two long sides opposite each other 42, 44, and two short sides opposite each other 46, 48.

Also, the central rectangular panel 40 has a longitudinal recess 50 extending from one of the short sides 46 to the other short side 48. The longitudinal recess 50 has a width substantially close, for example, to half the width of the central rectangular panel 40. On the other hand, it is located equidistant from the two opposite long sides 42, 44.

The central rectangular panel 40 has, for example, a width close to 150 mm and a length close to 220 mm.

In addition, the second blank 38 comprises two longitudinal flaps 52, 54 hinged respectively on the two opposite long sides 42, 44 and two transverse flaps 56, 58 respectively hinged on the two opposite short sides 46, 48 of the central rectangular panel 40.

And moreover, the two longitudinal flaps 52, 54 each have two opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 articulated respectively at their two opposite ends. The opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 are articulated along fold lines extending in the extension of the two short sides 46, 48 respectively.

We will now refer to the [ Fig. 3 ] illustrating in 3/4 perspective a cylindrical unit package 64 of the type that can be packaged according to the method according to the invention.

The cylindrical package 64 has a rectangular guide curve, substantially square, and it is made from a cardboard tube. Thus, it has a flat bottom 66 and an opposite upper end 68. It also has two first faces opposite each other 70, 72 and two second faces opposite each other 74, 76.

Its upper end 68 has two sides inclined towards each other, a first inclined side 78 and a second inclined side 80 extending respectively in the extension of the first two opposite faces 70, 72. The two sides inclined one towards the other 78, 80 are extended, at the top of the packaging 64, by two edges welded together 82, 84.

For example, the two inclined faces 78, 20 are inclined at an angle close to 135° with respect to the first two opposite faces 70, 72 which they extend respectively.

The two first opposite faces 70, 72 and two second opposite faces 74, 76 of the packaging 64 have a width close to 70 mm and a height close to 200 mm. In this way, the packaging defines a volume substantially equal to 1 I.

It will be observed that the dimensions of the packaging 64 condition the dimensions of the first 10 and second blanks 38. And the dimensions of the elements of the latter are therefore adapted according to the dimensions of the packaging 64.

Also, the first inclined face 78 has a screw closure member 86. The latter has a threaded neck 88 crimped through the first inclined face 78, and opening inside the packaging 64. It also has a stopper 90 screwed onto the neck 88 to seal the packaging 64.

We will now refer to [ Fig. 4 ], [ Fig. 5 ], [ Fig. 6 ], [ Fig. 7], and [Fig. 8 ] in order to describe the method of packaging a plurality of cylindrical packages of the type shown in [ Fig. 3 ].

Thus, six unit packages of the same type as the package shown in [ Fig. 3 ].

Then, according to a positioning step, the six packages are joined together on a flat surface 91, in two rows 92, 94 of three packages. The packaging of the two rows 92, 94 are applied against each other and respectively, second face 74 against second face 76 in a first direction X, while each of the packaging of one of the two rows 92 is applied against a packaging of the other row 94, first face 70 against first face 70, and in a direction Y perpendicular to direction X. The other first faces 72 are thus free and extend outwards.

And in addition, the six packages are oriented so that the first inclined faces 78 of the packages of one of the rows 92 come to form a dihedral angle with the first inclined faces 78 of the packages of the other row 94 and also, that the closure devices 86 of the packaging of one of the rows 92 extend opposite the closure members 86 of the packages of the other row 94.

Concomitantly with this positioning step, or even before this step, one proceeds to a step of conforming the first blank 10 illustrated in ( Fig. 1 ].

Thus, it is folded in two half-parts 96, 98 along its median folding line 20, then the edges 12, 14 are folded away from each other respectively along their first folding line 16, 18 so as to form flaps extending substantially at 45° with respect to the two half-parts 96, 98. As will be explained in more detail below, the edges 12, 14 forming flaps allow the attachment of the packaging 64.

The two half-parts 96, 98 are kept joined together, and the first blank 10 thus folded is then, according to a first adjustment step, engaged between the upper ends 68 of the two rows of packaging, so as to apply the edges 12, 14 forming shutters respectively against the two times three first inclined sides 78 of the packaging and to carry the closure members 86 through the recesses, or orifices, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 of the two edges 12, 14.

We thus find on the [ Fig. 5 ] the two rows 92, 94 of three packages 64 joined to each other and the first folded blank 10 engaged between the upper ends 68.

Then, one proceeds to a step of shaping the second blank 38, and advantageously, it is shaped directly on the upper ends 68 of the packaging 64.

Thus, the second blank 38 is worn above the two rows 92, 94 of three packages 64 so that the two half-parts 96, 98 come to extend through the longitudinal recess 50 of the central rectangular panel 40 , while the latter is applied to the welded edges 82, 84 of the top of the packages 64.

Then the two longitudinal flaps 52, 54 are first folded against the free faces 72 of the two rows 92, 94 of packaging 64, and then the two times two opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 against the two times two second opposite faces 74, 76.

Then, the free surface of the two times two opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 is glued, and the two transverse flaps 56, 58 are folded respectively against the two times two opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 glued.

The two transverse flaps 56, 58 and the two times two opposite connecting tabs 60, 62 are thus joined together by forming a skirt 100 as illustrated in [ Fig. 7 ].

We thus find on the [ Fig. 7 ] the two rows 92, 94 of three packages 64 surrounded by the skirt 100 and the two half-parts 96, 98 pass through. The two half-parts 96, 98 are joined to one another and the two oblong slots 34, 36 are opposite each other and open into each other so as to form a handle 102. has thus formed a set of packages 104 packaged according to the method according to the invention.

We will now refer to the [ Fig. 8 ] showing in section according to plan VIII - VIII of the [ Fig. 7 ] the set of packages 104. The cutting plane VIII - VIII extends transversely relative to the two rows 92, 94, in order to highlight the forces present when the set of packages 104 is suspended by its handle 102.

We thus find the two half-parts 96, 98 of the first blank 10 joined to one another and extending through the longitudinal recess 50 of the central panel 40 of the second blank 38.

Also, there are the two edges 12, 14 forming flaps inclined substantially at 45° relative to the two half-parts 96, 98 respectively and applied against the first inclined faces 78 of the upper ends 68 of the packages 64. Hence, there are the plugging members 86, which extend through the edges 12, 14 forming flaps through the orifices, not marked here for the clarity of the drawing. The closure members 86 70 substantially perpendicular to the edges 12, 14 forming flaps.

Thus, the free edge portions 25 of the orifices of the first blank 10 come respectively to bear tangentially against the plugging members 86. In this way, the circular wall of the plugging members 86 bears against the free edge portions 25 and thus tend, through the weight of the packages 64, to drive the edges 12, 14 in pivoting to separate them respectively of the two half-parts 96, 98. The cardboard material of the edges 12, 14 is compressed along directions comprised in the planes that they define and they resist this compression.

These forces then tend to cause the separation of the two rows 92, 94 from each other. However, these efforts are taken up by the skirt 100, which then prohibits this separation.

In this way, the two edges 12, 14 forming flaps, remain inclined with respect to the two corresponding half-parts 96, 98, and then form a hook via the free edge portions 25 to retain the packaging 64 of the assembly. 104.

The example shown here depicts two rows of three packages. It will be observed that the number of packages per row may be greater, for example the number of five. Consequently, the dimension of the first and second blanks is adapted.

Claims (10)

Process for packaging cylindrical packaging with a rectangular base (64), characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - 2N packages (64) are provided, N being greater than 1, each of the packages having an upper end (68) and two first (70, 72) and two second (74, 76) faces respectively opposite each other, said upper end comprising two faces inclined (78, 80) towards each other extending respectively in the extension of said two first opposite faces (70, 72), and a closure member (86) extending projecting one of said sections (78); - two rows (92, 94) of N packages are joined together, second face against second face and first face against first face respectively so that the closure members (86) of the N packages of one of said rows (92) come respectively extend opposite the closure members (86) of the N packages of the other of said rows (94); - two sheets of cardboard (96, 98) leaning against each other and having two flaps (12, 14) folded away from each other respectively along two contiguous parallel fold lines ( 16, 18), each of said flaps having N free edge portions (25) spaced from each other along their fold line; - said two sheets of cardboard are carried between said two rows by applying said two flaps (12, 14) respectively against the sides (78) of the packaging of the two rows, while the 2N free edge portions are respectively applied tangentially against the 2N closure members; And, - a cardboard skirt (100) is provided to cover said two rows (92, 94) joined together so as to hold said 2N packages together, while said two back-to-back cardboard sheets (96, 98) extend through said skirt to be able to form a handle (102). Packaging method according to Claim 1, characterized in that each of the said flaps (12, 14) has N orifices (22, 24, 26; 28, 30, 32) spaced from each other along their fold line (16; 18), to form said free edge portions (25). Packaging method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a substantially rectangular first blank (10) is cut having two opposite edges forming the flaps (12, 14), and in that the said first blank is folded in two along a median fold line (20) equidistant from said edges, while said edges are folded away from each other, to provide said two cardboard sheets. Packaging method according to Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the said two opposite edges forming the flaps (12, 14) each comprise a row of N recesses forming the N orifices. Packaging method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said recesses (22, 24, 26; 28, 30, 32) are circular and of a diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the said closure members (86). Packaging method according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the said recesses (22, 24, 26; 28, 30, 32) are spaced from each other by a distance substantially equal to the distance extending between two seconds sides of a package (64). Packaging method according to any one of Claims 3 to 6, characterized in that two slots (34, 36) symmetrical to one another with respect to said fold line are provided in the said first blank (10). middle (20) to form said handle (102). Packaging method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that N is between 3 and 5. Packaging method according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a second blank (38) is provided comprising: - A substantially rectangular central panel (40) having, on the one hand, two opposite first sides and two opposite second sides and, on the other hand, a central slot (50) extending from one of said second sides to the other; - two first flaps (52, 54) articulated respectively on said first sides and each having two opposite connecting tongues (60, 62); - two second flaps (56, 58) articulated respectively on said second sides; and in that said first flaps (52, 54) and said second flaps (56, 58) are erected with respect to said rectangular panel to be connected together by means of said opposed connecting tabs (60, 62) so as to provide said cardboard skirt (100). Set of packages (104) packaged according to the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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