FR3101331A1 - Compact bundle of bundled products - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a compact batch (100) of at least two grouped products (1), comprising at least one member (2) for holding together said at least two products (1), said member (2) being in the form a closed band surrounding the products (1) of said batch (100); the member (2) also being provided with an internal face (20) coming into contact with the batch (100) at the level of contact zones; characterized in that said internal face (20) comprises an adhesive at least at the level of said contact zones; and said at least one organ (2) is based on plant fibers. The invention also relates to a method of packaging such a batch (100), as well as the use of said member (2) for producing said batch (100). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 3

Description

Compact batch of bundled products

The present invention falls within the field of packaging products in batches.

Within the meaning of the present invention, the term “product” encompasses an individual object. Such a product is preferably a container, such as a bottle or a flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can. A product can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic, metal or even glass. A product can be rigid or semi-rigid.
Such a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type.
In addition, a product can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.

In known manner, within an industrial line, the products can receive several different successive treatments, such as the manufacture of the container, for example by a plastic injection or stretch-blow molding operation, their filling, the closing by a cap and labeling. At the end of these treatments, the products are said to be "finished".

With a view to their handling, such products then undergo packaging in batches.

In addition, each batch comprises several products, grouped together in a matrix arrangement, generally of generally square or rectangular parallelepiped shape. In a complementary way, each group of products can be maintained below by means of a support forming a bottom, for example a cardboard tray.
Once the groups of products have been produced, each group can be coated, in particular covered with a film in order to hold the products together and to facilitate the handling of such a batch thus obtained.
Such encapsulation by being carried out through a step of filming or preferably wrapping.

In particular, wrapping a group of products consists of wrapping it with a sheet of plastic film made of heat-shrinkable material. A coated group then undergoes a heating step so that the sheet conforms to the overall external shape of the products. In short, the sheet of film shrinks under the effect of heat to form a constriction ensuring the maintenance of the grouped products.
The grouping of the products, the coating and the heating are carried out by means of a dedicated installation of the bundler type, through several successive stations.
Further, the heating of a coated group is carried out by crossing a heating station; like an oven, tunnel oven type. Each group of products is transported on the upper face of one or more conveyors, from the entrance to the exit of said oven.
On the one hand, hot air is sent to the conveyor from below and allows to heat the underside and the lower edges of the groups transported on the conveyor, essentially aiming at the part of the film sheet located under each group of products. , in particular with a view to welding the ends of the coating sheet which, at the time of the prior coating, are superimposed and pressed against each other under the weight of the products of the group.
On the other hand, hot air is sent to the interior volume of the enclosure and makes it possible to heat the coated group, with a view to effecting a rise in temperature of the sheet of film so that a shrinkage comes apply in contact with the products, by deforming the sheet so that it conforms to part of the contours of said products.

Already, it is easy to see the substantial energy expenditure necessary for heating during the bundling operation. Such an expense is costly, but also detrimental from an environmental point of view.
In addition, the heating installations, especially in the form of a tunnel kiln, represent a substantial footprint on the ground within an industrial production site.

Furthermore, the coating is carried out using a film of plastic material, essentially obtained from the petrochemical sector. Currently many plastics can be composed of material improving their biodegradable character. In addition, the recycling and recovery of plastic waste is constantly evolving. However, there is a growing need to find an alternative to the use of this material, which generates a lot of waste and is energy costly.

In this context, the present invention aims at an alternative to the formation of a batch by coating in plastic material of group of products, by considering a packaging from a material having an increased biodegradable character and a reduced environmental impact compared to the use of plastic material.
In short, the invention provides for the use of a material devoid of plastic in order to carry out the coating of the products.
To do this, the invention provides for packaging products in batches, using a material based on plant fibers, preferably using paper.

Thus, the object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by proposing a compact batch of at least two grouped products, comprising
- at least one member for holding said at least two products together,
said member being in the form of a closed band surrounding the products of said batch;
the member still being provided with an internal face coming into contact with the batch at the contact zones.
Such a batch is characterized by the fact that
- said inner face comprises an adhesive at least at said contact zones; And
- Said at least one member is based on plant fibers.

According to additional, non-limiting features, said at least one member may be paper-based.

Preferably, said member can be made of paper.

Said products can be containers, in particular cans, bottles or flasks.

Said adhesive may be water-activatable.

Said adhesive may comprise a plant-based material.

Said batch may comprise at least one handle attached to said member, in particular by gluing.

Said member may comprise a printable outer face.

The invention also relates to a process for packaging such a batch of products, comprising at least the following steps:

- at least two products are combined;
- Said at least two products are coated by means of at least one member in the form of a strip of material based on plant fibers, preferably paper.
Said method is characterized in that said at least two products are surrounded by unrolling said member at least until overlap between two parts of said member.

According to additional, non-limiting characteristics of such a method, an adhesive present on the internal face of said member can be activated by spraying liquid before, during or after the step in which said products are surrounded.

The invention also relates to the use of an organ based on plant fibers, preferably paper, in the form of a strip with an adhesive on the inside, to form a batch according to the invention.

According to additional, non-limiting characteristics of this use, said adhesive can be activated with water.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge from the detailed description which will follow of the non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

schematically represents a perspective view of a first example of a batch of four products, of the can type, showing in particular a member horizontally surrounding the group of said four products;

schematically represents a view similar to Figure 1, showing in particular a handle connected to said member according to a configuration:

schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 1, showing in particular a handle connected to said member according to another configuration;

schematically represents a perspective view of a second example of a batch of four products, showing in particular a member vertically surrounding the products;

schematically represents a view similar to FIG. 4, showing in particular a handle connected to said member according to one configuration;

schematically represents a view according to a cross section of an example of a batch of six products, showing in particular a peripheral winding of said member around the products;

schematically shows a view similar to Figure 6, showing in particular a winding of said member around said products, with one end disposed between some of said products;

schematically shows a view similar to Figure 7, showing in particular an arrangement of said products still connected by the cut member after undoing the batch;

schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a batch of six products, of the bottle type, showing in particular two organs surrounding the group of six products;

schematically represents a perspective view of an example of a batch of two products, of the bottle type, showing in particular a member surrounding said batch.

The present invention relates to the packaging of products 1 in batches 100.

A product 1 encompasses an individual object. Such a product 1 is preferably a container, such as a bottle or a flask, or a cardboard brick, or even a can. In short, said products 1 can be containers, in particular cans, bottles or flasks.
A product 1 can be made of any type of material, in particular plastic material, metal or even glass. A product 1 can be rigid or semi-rigid. In addition, a product 1 can have any type of shape, symmetrical or not, regular or irregular.
A product 1 forming a container is intended to contain, in a non-exhaustive manner, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food-processing or cosmetic type. By way of example, FIGS. 1 to 5 show products 1 in the form of cans, while FIG. 9 shows products 1 in the form of bottles, while FIG. 10 shows products 1 in the form of flasks.
Within an industrial line, the products 1 can receive several different successive treatments, such as the manufacture of the container, for example by a plastic injection or stretch-blow molding operation, their filling, the closing by a stopper and their labeling. At the end of these treatments, the products 1 are said to be "finished".

With a view to their handling, such products 1 then undergo packaging in batches 100.

A lot 100 is made up of a group of at least two products 1, often more, attached to each other. Generally, a batch 100 comprises a group of an even number of products 1. The products 1 can then be grouped together according to a regular arrangement in columns and rows, in a matrix, of globally parallelepipedic square or rectangle shape. In the case of an odd number, the products 1 are staggered and the layout is then specific, irregular with staggered rows, in particular triangular for three products 1, or even globally polygonal, in particular hexagonal.
Moreover, generally, the products 1 are grouped with each other according to the same orientation. For example, the products 1 of a group can be positioned "upright", substantially vertically, either right side up resting on their bottom, or upside down then resting on their stopper or cap as is sometimes the case for vials.
Each group of products 1 can be maintained below by means of a support forming a bottom, for example a cardboard tray.

The gathering of the products 1 to form a group can be done through a dedicated processing module. Once the products 1 have been grouped, each group 1 can be coated, in order to keep the products 1 together in the form of a batch 100 and to facilitate the handling of such a batch 100 thus obtained.
Alternatively, the grouping together of the products 1 can be carried out during the coating operation.

As such, a batch 100 of grouped products 1 is compact. In other words, the products 1 are brought together and positioned side by side, joined to each other during their grouping according to one of the aforementioned configurations. Once the grouped products 1 are coated, they are then integral with each other, forming a batch 100 in their entirety. The products 1 of such a batch 100 are then inseparable.

It will then be noted that a batch 100 can also comprise a collection of several sub-batches of products 1, packaged together.

Advantageously, in order to form the compact batch 100 of at least two products 1, said batch 100 comprises at least one member 2 for holding said at least two products 1 together. In short, each member 2 ensures the cohesion of the products 1 of a batch 100, so that they remain integral with each other within said batch 100. Thus, the products 1 alone form a group and it is this group which becomes a compact batch 100 once said at least one organ 2 holds together said products 1.

To do this, the invention provides for coating the products 1 of a batch 100. In other words, the member 2 surrounds the products 1. The member 2 is therefore positioned globally around the batch 100, coming to apply a holding force at the level of the periphery of said lot 100, namely against the walls of the products 1 located on the periphery of lot 100.

Thus, said member 2 is in the form of a closed strip surrounding the products 1 of said batch 100. In other words, the member 2 forms a loop or a circuit, once it surrounds the products 1. By elsewhere, initially, the member 2 forms a ribbon which is wound around the products 1, until it connects one end to another part of the said ribbon, to form an endless band then surrounding the said products 1.
In particular, the strip of a member 2 can be formed from a single strip or else from several successive strips connected together.
In addition, the products 1 can be grouped beforehand or else during the deployment of the member 2, namely during the operation of unwinding the strip around the products 1 to be grouped together which will form the batch 100 once coated.

It will be noted that a strip of a member 2 essentially has two dimensions, a length along which said strip is unrolled to coat the products 1 and a width or height extending transversely to said length. A strip of a member 2 has a minimal thickness compared to the other dimensions.

As mentioned previously, the member 2 surrounds and holds the products 1 grouped together to form a batch 100. To do this, the member 2 is provided with an internal face 20 that comes into contact with the products 1 at contact zones . In short, the band coming to surround and enclose the products 1, the contact zones are located at the level of the bearing portions of the member 2 against the outer walls of the products 1. The contact zones therefore depend on the shape of the products 1, their number, as well as the configuration of their grouping within batch 100. The contact zones can also depend on the way in which the strip of a member 2 is unrolled during the coating of the products 1.
Figures 1, 2, 3 and 10 show in particular an example of the winding of the strip of a single member 2 around a bundle 100. Such winding takes place horizontally or substantially horizontally. In particular, the winding takes place transversely with respect to the largest dimension of the products 1, namely their height when the products 1 are placed upright, resting on their base and when they then extend along a vertical axis.

FIG. 9 shows an example of the winding of two members 2 around products 1. Such winding takes place horizontally or substantially horizontally, the members 2 being parallel or substantially parallel to each other. In particular, the winding takes place transversely with respect to the largest dimension of the products 1, namely their height.

Figures 4 and 5 show an example of rolling up a member 2, which is wider. Such winding takes place vertically or substantially vertically. In particular, the winding takes place, on the one hand, following the largest dimension of the products 1, namely their height, and, on the other hand, following the bottom and covering the top of the products 1, know according to a width of the products 1.

Figures 6 and 7 show in particular different zones of contact of the member 2 with the products 1, with two different courses of the strip of the member 2.
In Figure 6, one end of the strip is affixed against a product 1 located in a corner of the group of products 1 to be coated, then the strip is unrolled until the opposite end overlaps said end: end and the opposite end are then contiguous, ensuring the continuity of the member 2 around the group of products 1.
In Figure 7, one end of the strip is placed inside the group of products 1, affixed to a product 1 located in the center, then it is unrolled outwards to come into contact with the other products 1, until it comes to cover a portion of tape already affixed to the periphery of the group of products 1. Such unwinding of the tape can be carried out from a single-wire supply of the products 1, which are then grouped by the operation of unwinding the tape.
The previous configuration of the band is particularly visible in Figure 8, showing a batch 100 whose coating has been undone, in particular by cutting the member 2. The batch 100 can then be opened by deploying the products 1, which remain maintained together by organ 2.

As such, advantageously, said internal face 20 comprises an adhesive at least at the level of said contact zones. In other words, the member 2 may comprise an adhesive placed over portions of its length, which will come into contact against the walls of the products 1 located on the periphery of the batch 100.

Preferably, the member 2 is provided over its entire length with an adhesive. In short, the member 2 has a sticky side, like an adhesive tape.

It will be noted that the adhesive can be of any kind, adapted according to the material of the products 1, in particular according to the roughness of the external walls of the said products 1.
Preferably, said adhesive comprises a plant-based material. The adhesive then consists of components giving said adhesive a high biodegradable character, namely improved compared to an adhesive with non-degradable components or the decomposition of which generates residual or harmful compounds for the environment.
Remember that a substance is said to be “biodegradable” if, under the action of living organisms outside its composition, it can break down into various elements “without any harmful effect on the natural environment”. Moreover, a material is said to be biodegradable if it has very strong biodegradability characteristics. Essentially, a material is biodegradable if it can be converted into carbon dioxide or methane, water, and biomass by microorganisms that use the material as a nutrient. Composting allows the biodegradation of organic matter.

Said adhesive can be repositionable, namely that it has an adhesion suitable for being detached from the products 1, by limiting the risk of tearing of the member 2 or even of the tearing of the possible coating of the products 1, in particular of a possible label affixed to the outer wall of said products 1.

Said adhesive can be permanent, namely that it has a high adherent nature, at all times, and that it is difficult to peel off without damaging the member 2.

Said adhesive can be affixed to the internal face 20 of the member 2 during its manufacture, or else subsequently, in particular by gluing the said contact zones carried out before the coating of the products 1.

Preferably, said adhesive can be activated with water. In other words, just before unrolling the member 2, during the winding around the group of products 1, or after its entire unrolling, the adhering nature of the member 2 can be obtained by spraying a liquid, such as water. This is then referred to as activation or reactivation of the adhesive by humidification, in particular by moistening.
In addition, in order to facilitate the spraying of water to activate the adhesive present on the member 2, in particular from the outside when the strip is already positioned in winding around the lot 100, the material of said member 2 can be provided porous or perforated, in particular micro-perforated.

As such, the invention provides for replacing the plastic coating of batch 100 with a material having a higher or improved biodegradable nature, generating less waste.

Advantageously, said at least one member 2 is based on plant fibers. In particular, the main or majority material of the member 2 is devoid of a compound other than vegetable, such as plastic, especially obtained from the petrochemical sector.

Preferably, said at least one member 2 is paper-based. In short, the member 2 comprises a main or majority component in the form of paper.

According to the preferred embodiment, said member 2 is made of paper. In other words, all of the material(s) constituting the member 2 is made of paper.

As such, the term "paper" falls within the specific area of product packaging 1 and is limited to wrapping paper. Further, the term "paper" excludes cardboard, as well as corrugated papers, used in the manufacture of corrugated cardboard, and folding cartons.

In addition, such paper is based on plant cellulosic fibers.

Preferably, the paper of member 2 has increased strength, due to its composition or one or more of its characteristics, such as thickness, weight or strength, hand, rigidity, length of rupture, or cohesion.
The resistance of the paper used for the member 2 can be improved by a weft or specific fibres, in particular natural or natural based, preferably vegetable or vegetable based, introduced into the material constituting said paper. In particular, fibers can be arranged longitudinally or transversely, in order to improve the resistance to stretching before rupture in this direction.
In all cases, the resistance of the paper is determined according to the total mass of the group of products 1 to be coated and maintained, depending on the products 1, their material, their size and what they contain.

By way of example, the paper can be kraft paper or a derivative of kraft paper.
Remember that kraft paper is obtained by processes that separate the lignin to promote hydrogen bonds between the remaining cellulose in the fibers, giving increased resistance to traction and tearing of the paper thus obtained. Also, kraft paper can be made from any type of wood and other plants, such as hemp and bamboo.

According to one embodiment, said member 2 comprises a printable outer face 21 . In other words, the outer face 21 can make it possible to print or affix a print on the outside of the strip, before, during or after the winding of the products 1 by the member 2.
In addition, the member 2 can also comprise its printable inner face 20 .

According to one embodiment, in order to facilitate the handling of batch 100, it may comprise at least one handle 3 attached to said member 2.

In particular, the handle 3 can be attached to said member 2 in particular by gluing. Such gluing can occur at the ends of the handle 3 and along a portion coming into adhesion with the outer face of the member 2.
Such a handle 3 can be arranged in different configurations, as seen in the non-limiting examples of Figures 2, 3 and 5.
Preferably, the handle 3 is attached to the member 2 on either side of the batch 100, namely on one side and on the opposite side.

In addition, the handle 3 can also be partially glued against the walls of the products 1.

The invention also relates to the use of a member 2 based on plant fibers, preferably made of paper, in the form of a strip with an adhesive on the inside face 20, to form a batch 100.

The use according to the invention is dedicated to the manufacture of a batch 100 as previously described.

According to one embodiment, the use of a member 2 based on plant fibers envisages that the adhesive can be activated with water.

In short, the invention specifically provides for the use of a material based on plant fibers, replacing other less ecological materials, such as plastic.

The invention also relates to a process for packaging batch 100 of products 1.
Preferably, such a packaging method allows batch 100 to be produced as previously described.

Said packaging method comprises at least the following steps.

At least two products 1 are brought together. This grouping can be carried out through a dedicated station, ensuring the reconciliation until the products 1 are positioned side by side, according to a determined configuration. This grouping can also be carried out at the time of enrobage. Said at least two products 1 are coated by means of at least one member 2 in the form of a strip of material based on plant fibers, preferably paper.

Advantageously, said at least two products 1 are surrounded by unrolling said member 2 at least until overlap between two parts of said member 2.

In particular, the member 2 can be unrolled from one end to the other, until they are joined, forming an endless band extending around the lot 100.
In addition, the zone of covering of the member 2 can be more or less large, being able to represent only a part of the perimeter of the lot 100 thus surrounded, the entire perimeter, even a covering representing several towers, in particular in view improve the strength of lot 100.

Further, according to a first embodiment, the at least two products 1 are first grouped together, then the group is coated by unrolling said member 2 until it completely surrounds the group of said products 1.
According to another embodiment, it is the unwinding of said member 2 which ensures the grouping of the products 1, until the said group thus created is coated by surrounding the products 1. It is therefore the unwinding of the member 2 which brings together the at least two products 1, almost simultaneously forming the group and the lot 100.
By way of non-limiting example, products 1 can be fed in a single-wire fashion, one after the other, until they come into contact with the strip unwound from the member 2. The latter is then wound around a certain number of said products 1, inducing a movement bringing them together, until they are grouped and encircled when the band comes to cover another part of the member 2.

According to one embodiment, an adhesive present on the internal face of said member 2 is activated by spraying liquid before, during or after the step in which said grouped products 1 are surrounded to form batch 100.
In particular, in the case of grouping carried out by the member 2, the adhesive is preferentially already active, which makes it possible to retain the products 1 when they come into contact with the inner face 20 of the strip of the member. 2. The displacement of said products 1 thus glued, during a specific movement applied to said member 2 during its unwinding is then achieved without difficulty due to sufficient cohesion between the member 2 and the products 1 already in contact with said organ 2.

Thus, batch 100 of products 1 according to the invention has a coating in the form of at least one member 2 made of a natural material, which is easier to recycle, generating less harmful waste for the environment.
In particular, the use of paper makes it easier to undo the batch 100, by easily cutting the member 2, in particular manually or without having to use a tool.

Claims (12)

Compact lot (100) of at least two grouped products (1), comprising
- at least one member (2) for holding said at least two products (1) together,
said member (2) being in the form of a closed band surrounding the products (1) of said batch (100);
the member (2) being further provided with an internal face (20) coming into contact with the batch (100) at the contact zones;
characterized by the fact that
- said internal face (20) comprises an adhesive at least at said contact zones; And
- Said at least one member (2) is based on plant fibers. Batch (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
said at least one member (2) is paper-based. Lot (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the said member (2) is made of paper. Batch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said products (1) are containers, in particular cans, bottles or flasks. Batch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said adhesive is water-activatable. Batch (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
said adhesive comprises a plant-based material. Batch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises
at least one handle (3) attached to said member (2), in particular by gluing. Batch (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
said member (2) comprises a printable outer face (23). Batch packaging method (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least the following steps:
- at least two products (1) are brought together;
- the said at least two products (1) are coated by means of at least one member (2) in the form of a strip of material based on plant fibers, preferably paper;
characterized in that
- Said at least two products (1) are surrounded by unrolling said member (2) at least until overlap between two parts of said member (2). Packaging process according to the preceding claim, characterized in that
- an adhesive present on the internal face (20) of said member (2) is activated by spraying liquid before, during or after the step in which said products (1) are surrounded. Use of an organ (2) based on plant fibers, preferably made of paper, in the form of a strip with an adhesive on the internal face (20), to form a batch (100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8. Use according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the said adhesive can be activated with water.