ES2324679T3 - PRODUCT CONDITIONING, ESPECIALLY FOOD. - Google Patents

Abstract

In packaging for products, comprising secondary packages, containing the products, within polyhedral primary packaging, the primary packaging has window(s) (111, 121, 131, 141) on its face(s) (11, 12, 13, 14) to allow viewing of at least part of the exterior of the secondary packages, which are located in touching but non-aligned manner to form an organized, stable combination within the primary package.

Description

Product conditioning, especially food

The invention relates to the technical field of product packaging and packaging cases, in Particularly for food products.

More precisely, the invention relates to a conditioning for products according to the preamble of claim 1

By way of preferred application, the invention is refers to the packaging of food products intended to be distributed over large and medium areas or by the quick restoration teachings.

In the field of conditioning, when You want to group several products in the same packing case, it is Classic compartmentalize this case by means of added partitions inside the packaging, or constituted, totally or partially, by the packing case. A conditioning technique this type is known, for example, thanks to the document US-A-1 818 908, which describes a first rectangular parallelepipedic packaging case comprising compartments to receive pastry products, and that has ventilation windows on several of these faces that Let us see these bakery products. A compartmentalization of this type it allows to fix effectively the different products, of so that they do not deteriorate and improve their presentation. It is also frequent to have fixing parts inside a packaging case containing one or more products or a internal structure that defines a fixing socket in order to make the conditioning stable and to provide a effective protection of the conditioned product.

But the volume of material used generally to make compartments and / or alveoli, and / or the fixing parts increase as the shape of the second packagings that wrap the products away from a rectangular cubic or parallelepipedic form, for example, in the case of packaging for round pastry products. It constitutes an inevitable extra cost, charged to the commercialization of product, and has the disadvantage of generating a quantity Important packaging waste.

To this material consumption, the requirements related to parts management additional.

On the other hand, it is often necessary provide for an outer packaging case with noticeably dimensions  superior to the disposition formed by the products themselves and their packaging as a result of the volume occupied by the partitions and the pieces or fixing alveoli, which still increases their cost.

In other words, a technical problem raised by prior art it consists in reducing the amount of material used to condition the batches of products whose shape adapts hardly to that of its case packing or its outer packaging.

In order to answer this problem, a known technique foresees to arrange the products in a horizontal plane  and / or according to a regular grouping of layers, in order to Reduce the amount of packaging. This conditioning technique It is almost always used for batches of products. However, an exception can be pointed out, which is justified by nature of the affected products. Indeed, they can be found usually outer packaging cases of elaborate appearance (for example, when the case is intended to contain different products arranged contiguously, but not aligned) and / or that require complex compartmentalization when they are intended for luxury or high-value products, such as perfumes or the like. Certainly, this does not affect most products.

Another technical problem raised by the technique previous is consequence of the presence of partitions or alveoli, or of the arrangement of products by layers. Indeed, in that case It is difficult to distinguish the contents of an outer packaging, even when there are one or more windows spread over your surface. Thus, for example, in the case of product assortments, the consumer has to get an idea of the variety of products  contained in the outer case or packaging box in sight of only a limited number of products, and often of a Only product, which is not satisfactory.

A conditioning for food products in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 it is known mercy to document US 3,168,952 A1.

In particular, the invention aims at alleviate these disadvantages of the prior art.

More specifically, an object of the invention it consists of offering a general polyhedral conditioning  that allows the consumer to see, totally or partially, at least two products contained in this packaging, through windows provided on the sides of the packaging case.

Thus, an object of the invention consists in offer a conditioning of this class that allows to see a plurality, and in particular four, five or six products identical or different, contained in the same case of packaging.

The object of the invention is also to offer an inexpensive technical implementation solution, and, in particular, that the packaging case does not include any socket of fixation, no partition partition, nor, no fixing parts that increase the material surface used and the complexity of the cuts and operations of bent.

Another object of the invention is to offer a conditioning that can adapt to different products without Modify the packaging model.

The object of the invention is also to offer a conditioning of this type whose interior does not move the Products when handled.

Still another object of the invention consists in offer a conditioning of this kind polyhedrally, and, in particular, cubic or pyramidal, the aspect of which refers, traditionally, to playful objects.

Another object of the invention, too, consists in offering a simple technical solution, which guarantees that the Packaging case can be made in one piece.

Another object of the invention is to offer a conditioning of this class whose outer packaging protects the products and their packaging cases of shocks.

These objects, as well as others that will be put on manifest in the following, they are achieved thanks to a packaging for products according to claim 1 attached.

Thus, the invention proposes a new and creative conditioning technique of a set of products, especially food, and that it proposes, in particular, a range of new and original presentation cases. A mode of presentation of this type was offered so far, conventionally, Only for luxury products.

The invention also provides a solution. effective for distribution and catering professionals, by allow consumers to see all the products of a box, in particular, in the case of the sale of a product assortment

Moreover, a conditioning of this type allows you to limit material costs or inherent costs to the manufacture of packaging cases.

Advantageously, said external part of one of said second packaging is constituted by at least one transparent part faced with said window.

In this way the invention allows a consumer distinguish the different products contained in the conditioning by properly orienting the faces of the constituent polyhedron of the first packaging.

Preferably, said transparent parts are flat.

This feature allows you to position the products next to the inner surface of the outer packaging, what which has the double technical advantage of optimizing the volume of conditioning and facilitate the fixation of the products in the outer packing.

According to another advantageous aspect, said second packaging presents essentially shapes and sizes identical

Indeed, a homogeneity of shape and size of the second packaging allows to use, preferably, a form Regular polyhedral for outer packaging.

According to an advantageous embodiment, said first packaging comprises at least one window in each of their faces.

In this way, the consumer gets access visual to the content of the conditioning, whatever the packing side facing him.

Preferably, the outline of said window It belongs, sensibly, to the group that includes at least:

-

circles,

-

quadrilaterals,

-

stars.

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That way you can adapt the shape and surface of the windows to that of the product packaging, so that they match or overlap.

Advantageously, said window is displaced in relationship with the center of said face of said first packaging that It comprises said window.

This may, consequently, improve the product disposition stability. Indeed, you can prioritize thus a disposition of the product packaging visible by such a window so that it supports against at least one face, and preferably against several faces adjacent to the window.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, said substantially polyhedral outer shape of said first packaging belongs to the group that at least understands:

-

he Cube,

-

he regular triangular base prism,

-

he rectangular parallelepiped,

-

the pyramid.

Thus, the patterns of the packaging cases according to the invention can be assembled once cut by folded thanks to existing automated or semi-automated means and tested (benders, ...), which does not require the development of a particular useful and, therefore, allows to reduce the costs of manufacturing and manufacturing manufacturing times.

According to another preferred aspect, said first packaging comprises said second packaging, except any other object

Consequently, the conditioning of the invention may allow to limit the number of fixing parts necessary for a satisfactory disposal of the products, a provision of this type usually corresponds to Products ordered regularly and stably.

In addition to the advantage that a solution provides technique of this type from the point of view of protecting environment, the technique according to the invention can allow simplifying the conditioning process by suppressing, compared to the prior art solutions at least a stage of the manufacturing cycle of conditioning. This advantage increases when the positioning stage of the object or of the additional fixing part is made by a procedure manual or semi-automated.

Moreover, the provision according to the invention allows the recipient of the products to remove outer packaging a product, not directly accessible, thanks to the lid or any opening means, such as a tongue or detachable tab, without having to remove a fixing piece in excess. In addition, the risk that the consumer deforms the fixing piece during this manipulation, thus preventing reposition the others conveniently and easily Products inside the packing case.

According to yet another feature preferred, said first packaging comprises opening means of the same on at least two faces, preferably facing each other.

That way the consumer can get two products other than the first packaging that are on faces faced without having to take out and reposition others Products of this packaging.

Other features and advantages of the invention they will become clearer after reading of the description that follows in a preferred embodiment, offered by way of simple illustrative example, without character limiting, and of the attached drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flat pattern of the first packaging according to a shape preferred of the invention;

- Figure 2 represents a view in perspective of the first packaging according to figure 1, once folded and glued;

- Figures 3A and 3B show views in perspective, respectively, from the front and from behind, of a arrangement example according to the invention of the cases of packing of six identical products inside the packaging of Figure 2, schematized by broken lines;

- Figure 3C indicates the location of the contact surfaces of the six packing cases of the Figures 3A and 3B on the inner side of the pattern corresponding to the Figure 1;

- Figures 4A and 4B show a second and a third preferred forms of the invention, in perspective.

As described above, a mode Preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a conditioning generally noticeably cubic.

Figure 1 shows a plan view of the outer surface of the outer packing pattern of a conditioning of this class, intended to contain six seconds identical product packaging. A case of this class can be made from a rigid cardboard sheet or, also, from a sheet of appropriate plastic material, not being the material that The case is a characteristic of the invention. It can also be corrugated cardboard or a film (or a set of sheets and / or films) of plastic material.

This conditioning, being designed to an assortment of four differentiated products, such as products of pastry, includes a corresponding number of windows in the Case faces

For this purpose the case comprises a window 11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1} circularly in each of its four lateral faces, namely the lateral face front 11, right side face 12, left side face 13 and the rear side face 14.

In accordance with this embodiment preferred, the four windows 11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1} are displaced, respectively, in relation to the center of faces 11, 12, 13 and 14, according to the representation of Figure 1. Certainly, other forms and appropriate positions of the windows without going beyond the reach of the invention.

The windows according to the invention are covered, although this is not considered essential in accordance with the invention, by a transparent film of plastic material glued on the inside of the case, which makes visible the Products contained in the case and give them value.

It is noted that the upper face 15 and the face Lower 16 have no opening. That way it is arranged, optionally, of locations large enough to include indications regarding the name and brand of products, print decorative motifs and present directions legal, use and composition of conditioned products.

The contour of the faces is delimited by the cut lines, represented by continuous line, and the bending lines, which are shown with dashed lines in the Figure 1.

The manufacture of a case of this kind of a single piece from a sheet of material offers the advantage of minimizing the storage volume of the cases before armed.

The tabs 12_ {11}, 12_ {14}, 12_ {15}, 13_ {11}, 13_ {14}, 13_ {15} and 15_ {11} allow union of one face of the cube with another adjacent face, and communicate greater rigidity to the case. Thus, the sticking tongue 12_ {11} and the corresponding 12_ {3} bending line allow you to adjust the position of faces 12 and 11 and automatically close the edge Between these two faces. These tabs are formed by cuts in bezel in order to facilitate the assembly of the case, and its width It is provided so that the faces can stick effectively. In addition, the tabs 12_ {11} and 13_ {14} include a circular arc cut 12_ {2}, 13_ {2} so that the tabs do not get windows 11_ {1} and 14_ {1} once Cube formed.

A separable tab 17, whose contour is formed by notches represented by mixed strokes, meets the function to facilitate the opening of the packing case Exterior.

An outer packaging case conforming to the invention is obtained from the pattern described in what above, according to a series of assembly operations offered by way of example. These assembly operations can be carried out manually or by means of a mounting machine automated

During a first stage of assembly, it proceeds to the bending of the tabs 12_ {11}, 12_ {14}, 13_ {11} and 13_ {14}, inwards by the marking of the lines bending, and then glue is applied to these tabs. Be understands that any other means can be used (hooks, anchors, ...) to fix a sticking tongue on one side.

During a second stage, the faces are folded 12 and 13 down and at right angles. Next, the face 11, so that its inner side contacts the glue tabs 12_ {11} and 13_ {11}. According to a last stage, face 14 is pressed against the tabs 12_ {14} and 13_ {14}, previously covered with glue.

Figure 2 shows the cubic shaped box 21 obtained at that time, with the lid 15 raised, and which can receive a set of products wrapped in their cases packaging.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conditioned products consist of pastry products positioned in a material packaging plastic 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, whose upper face is flat and that comprises a separable lid made of a plastic film transparent that allows to show the top of the cake. This embodiment is illustrated by two different figures, 3A and 3B, which consist, respectively, of views from the right and from the left of the disposition of product packaging of pastry inside the outer packaging. The volume Inside the outer packing case is marked in these figures by dashed line. So that it can be understood better representation, in each figure only three of the Six packagings Thus, Figure 3A presents the packages 31, 33 and 36, and figure B the packaging 32, 34 and 35.

It should be noted that the packaging that contain the cakes are arranged, each, in a position Default and according to an established order, in order to achieve a stable arrangement in the interior volume of the outer packing.

For clarity yet, the surfaces of contact between packages 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 and the sides internal 11_ {2}, 12_ {2}, 13_ {2}, 14_ {2}, 15_ {2}, 16_ {2} of the respective faces 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are illustrated in the Figure 3C by means of strokes 31_ {1}, 32_ {1}, 33_ {1}, 34_ {1}, 35_ {1} and 36_ {1}, presented in the development of the side Inner outer packing case.

According to the order of filling, the face upper of the packing 36 is positioned horizontally against the face 16_ {2}, in its upper right corner, as indicated by dashed surface 36_ {1} presented in Figure 3C. TO Then, the packages 31 and 33 are positioned vertically of singing, so that they lean against the face 16_ {2}, on the faces lateral 11_ {2} and 13_ {2}, in correspondence with the windows 11_ {1} and 13_ {1}, according to the dashed surfaces 31_ {1} and 33_ {1}. It is noted that, then, the basis of packaging 31 and 33 will be in contact with the contour of the Packing 36, since the total height of the packs 31 and 33 matches the distance between the trunk 36_ {2} of the packaging 36 and face 11_ {2} or, respectively, 13_ {2}.

Next, the packages 32 and 34 are inserted vertically in the outer packaging, so that your upper face faces windows 32_ {1} and 34_ {1}. In this particular geometric position, packaging 32 and 34 they stand against base 36_ {3} of packaging 36. Lastly, it position the packaging 35, horizontally, inside the outer packing, in the lower left corner, according to the orientation of figure 2, so that its base rests against the packages 32 and 34. Once the cover 15 has been folded down (respectively, 15_ {2}), and glued the glue tongue 15_ {11}, which concludes the closure of the case, the upper surface of the packaging 35 in contact with the cover corresponds to the surface of strokes 35_ {1}.

According to a characteristic of the invention, the outer packaging of the packaging can adopt other than a cube. Thus, it can be expected that the packaging exterior according to the invention, also, can adopt the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, a straight parallelepiped, a toric polyhedron or an antiprism, and, more generally, a Prism or a pyramid.

Such variants of the invention are illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B. Advantageously, the packing case exterior according to the invention has the form of a prism regular triangular base (figure 3A) or a regular pyramid of four faces (figure 4B).

According to another variant of the invention, and if the nature of the conditioned product requires it, they can insert an accessory and / or assembly instructions into the internal space of the outer packaging that leave free products. If necessary, the accessory and / or instructions of assembly can constitute a fixing piece between Different product packaging cases.

In accordance with yet another embodiment advantageous of the invention, the outer packing case it comprises opening means in at least two faces facing each other, to facilitate access to products visible through windows of outer packing case.

Certainly the possible and predictable ways of a conditioning of this kind according to the invention They are numerous.

For example, grip handles can be provided integrated in the outer packaging, mercad to the modification of the shape of the upper face 15 or any other face of the packaging.

It is also possible to make a cut on the face 11 to receive the separable tab 17, in order to be able to return to close the conditioning.

In addition, it may be provided to form or add a relief and / or decorative elements on the external surface of the outer packaging case to improve visual appearance and tactile conditioning.

Claims (10)

1. Conditioning for products, especially foodstuffs, comprising a first packaging (21), of substantially polyhedral outer shape, within which a plurality of second packages (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) are provided arranged contiguous, wrapping said products, constituting the set of said second packagings (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) an organized and stable set in the volume of said first packaging (21), and comprising said first packaging (21 ) in at least some of its faces (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), at least one window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}) allowing to see at least an external part of one of said second packages (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35), characterized in that none of said second packages (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) It is aligned with none of the other second packagings (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) adjacent to it. 2. Conditioning according to claim 1, characterized in that said external part of any of said second packages (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) is constituted by at least one transparent part facing said window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}). 3. Conditioning according to claim 2, characterized in that said transparent parts are flat. 4. Conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second packages (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35) have essentially identical shapes and sizes. 5. Conditioning according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said first packaging (21) comprises at least one window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}) on each of their faces (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16). 6. Conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the contour of said window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}) belongs, substantially, to the group which, at least, it includes:

-

circles

-

quadrilaterals;

-

stars.

7. Conditioning according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}) is displaced in relation to the center of said face ( 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16) of said first packaging (21) comprising said window (11_ {1}, 12_ {1}, 13_ {1}, 14_ {1}). 8. Conditioning according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said substantially polyhedral outer shape of said first packaging (21) belongs to the group which, at least, comprises:

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he Cube;

-

he regular triangular base prism;

-

he rectangular parallelepiped;

-

the pyramid.

9. Conditioning according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said first packaging (21) comprises said second packaging (31, 33, 36; 32, 34, 35), except for any other object. 10. Conditioning according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first package (21) comprises opening means (17) of said first package (21) on at least two sides (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16), preferably facing each other.