WO2005082716A1 - Procede d'emballage de dosettes a usage unique pour boissons, appareil associe et emballage ainsi obtenu - Google Patents

Procede d'emballage de dosettes a usage unique pour boissons, appareil associe et emballage ainsi obtenu Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2005082716A1
WO2005082716A1 PCT/IB2005/000410 IB2005000410W WO2005082716A1 WO 2005082716 A1 WO2005082716 A1 WO 2005082716A1 IB 2005000410 W IB2005000410 W IB 2005000410W WO 2005082716 A1 WO2005082716 A1 WO 2005082716A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tubular body
pods
work area
means comprise
pod
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2005/000410
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Marc Robert Costa
Original Assignee
Marc Robert Costa
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from ITMO20040037 external-priority patent/ITMO20040037A1/it
Priority claimed from ITMO20040124 external-priority patent/ITMO20040124A1/it
Application filed by Marc Robert Costa filed Critical Marc Robert Costa
Publication of WO2005082716A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005082716A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D51/18—Arrangements of closures with protective outer cap-like covers or of two or more co-operating closures
    • B65D51/20—Caps, lids, or covers co-operating with an inner closure arranged to be opened by piercing, cutting, or tearing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/106—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by pushers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
    • B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
    • B65D43/0214—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity
    • B65D43/0218—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured only by friction or gravity on both the inside and the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D55/00—Accessories for container closures not otherwise provided for
    • B65D55/02—Locking devices; Means for discouraging or indicating unauthorised opening or removal of closure
    • B65D55/06—Deformable or tearable wires, strings, or strips; Use of seals, e.g. destructible locking pins
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes, or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52—Details
    • B65D75/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D75/66—Inserted or applied tearing-strings or like flexible elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00018—Overall construction of the lid
    • B65D2543/00064—Shape of the outer periphery
    • B65D2543/00074—Shape of the outer periphery curved
    • B65D2543/00092—Shape of the outer periphery curved circular
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/0049—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the inside, or a part turned to the inside of the mouth of the container
    • B65D2543/00509—Cup
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
    • B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
    • B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
    • B65D2543/00555—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on both the inside and the outside

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for packaging single-use pod portions for beverages, particularly coffee, tea, barley, mixtures for infusions, tisanes and the like, to the apparatus therefor and to the package thus obtainable.
  • pods for preparing beverages such as coffee, tea, barley, tisanes and infusions in general has been spreading in the field of public catering in recent years.
  • Such pods are substantially constituted by two discs made of filter paper, which are superimposed and mutually sealed along their perimeter, so as to form a perimetric flap, between which an amount of preparation that corresponds to one or more doses is enclosed.
  • the use of pods is replacing the use of loose preparations, which have to be dosed and fed to the automatic machines commonly used in bars, restaurants, and public places in general.
  • the pod that contains the preparation for the chosen beverage can be accommodated in the filter holder of the automatic machine being used and used as a normal dose of powder.
  • Units or dispensers are also known for dispensing pods in filter holders of conventional coffee machines for bars or for home use, which are fed with packages of pods constituted by cardboard tubes which are closed at their ends and inside which a stack that contains a specific number of portions is accommodated. In use, the user has to open one of the ends of the package and tip it into the appropriately provided receptacle provided in the dispenser.
  • the tubes normally used have an inside diameter that is larger than the outside diameter of the pods, which are accordingly accommodated with play inside them.
  • the pods can slide along the tube by gravity toward either of the two ends.
  • these packages are not free from drawbacks, including the fact that the play between the internal wall of the tube and the portions can cause a breakup in the stack of pods, which tend to lose their alignment and assume a haphazard orientation, and can also cause damage to said pods, which by impacting against the internal wall of the tube during movement may undergo such a deformation that they can no longer be used in the dispensers, or may sometimes break.
  • a pod jams inside the tube it can prevent the sliding of the other pods toward the open end of said tube and require replacement of the tube being used in the dispenser, with a considerable waste of pods.
  • the aim of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks noted above of known packages, by providing a method for packaging single-use pod portions for beverages, the apparatus therefor and the package thus obtainable, which allow to ensure optimum preservation of the pods, avoiding their damage and degradation.
  • an object of the present invention is to ensure perfect functionality of the resulting packages when used inside dispensers and to improve the level of service offered to customers.
  • Another object of the present invention is to obtain packages that do not require particular precautions in handling and use on the part of end users.
  • Another object of the present invention is to reduce the waste of pods.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure that is simple, relatively easy to provide in practice, safe in use, effective in operation, and has a relatively low cost.
  • This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by the present method for packaging single-use pod portions for beverages, of the type that comprises a perimetric flap made of substantially flexible material, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: feeding at least one substantially tubular body, which is provided with a first end and a second end that are mutually opposite and substantially open and has an internal transverse cross-section that is substantially comprised between the internal area and the external area formed by the perimetric flaps of the pods to be packaged; closing the first end of said tubular body; filling said tubular body, which is arranged so that the second open end lies below the first closed end, with a plurality of pods inserted therein through the second end so as to at least partially occupy its length, the pods being arranged inside the tub
  • the present apparatus for packaging single-use pod portions for beverages of the type that comprises a perimetric flap made of substantially flexible material, characterized in that it comprises: first means for feeding, along a first advancement direction toward at least one work area, at least one tubular body, which has a first end and a second end that are mutually opposite, the second end being open and arranged below the first end; second means for feeding, along a second advancement direction toward said work area, a plurality of single-use pod portions arranged along at least one row; at least one unit for inserting from below said pods into said tubular body through said second end so as to substantially occupy its entire length, which is arranged at said work area; and at least one unit for removing said filled tubular body from said work area, the tubular body having an internal transverse cross-section that is substantially comprised between the internal area and the external area formed by the perimetric flaps of the pods contained inside it, said pods being arranged so that their flaps are folded toward the second end of the tubular
  • the present package of single-use pod portions of the type comprising a perimetric flap made of substantially flexible material, characterized in that it comprises a substantially tubular body, which has a first end and a second end that are substantially open, are mutually opposite and are associated with respective first and second closure means, at least the first of said means being removable, and a plurality of pods stacked inside said tubular body so as to occupy at least partially its length, said tubular body having an internal transverse cross-section that is substantially comprised between the internal area and the external area formed by the perimetric flaps of the pods contained inside it, said pods being arranged so that their corresponding flaps are folded toward the second end of the tubular body.
  • Figures 1, 2 and 3 are three schematic axonometric views of successive stages of the first closure step of the method according to the invention;
  • Figures 4, 5 and 6 are three schematic front views of the filling step of the method according to the invention;
  • Figures 7 is a schematic front view of the step for inserting the means for absorbing residual humidity of the method according to the invention;
  • Figure 8 is a schematic front view of the second closure step of the method according to the invention;
  • Figure 9 is an enlarged-scale view of a detail of Figure 8;
  • Figure 10 is a schematic axonometric view of the package according to the invention during use;
  • Figure 11 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus according to the invention;
  • Figure 12 is a front view of the work area of the apparatus according to the invention
  • the reference numeral 1 generally designates a package of single-use portions of preparations for beverages in pods C, such as coffee, barley, tea, tisanes, infusions and the like.
  • the pods C are of a known type and are constituted by two discs of filter paper or other porous material, which are superimposed and mutually sealed along the perimeter so as to form a perimetric flap F made of flexible material, between which an amount of preparation that corresponds to one or more doses is enclosed.
  • the package 1 comprises a tubular body 2 provided with a first end
  • the tubular body 2 has preferably cylindrical internal and external walls and is generally made of cardboard or the like.
  • a plurality of pods C are arranged inside the tubular body 2 and are stacked so as to substantially occupy the entire length of said body.
  • the tubular body 2 has an internal transverse cross-section that is comprised between the internal and external areas formed by the flaps F of the pods C contained inside it; said pods are thus arranged along the tubular body 2 so that the corresponding flaps F are folded toward the second end 2b.
  • the first closure means 3 are of the removable type, since the first end 2a can be opened during use in order to allow the exit of the pods C.
  • the second closure means 4 are instead of the permanent type and can be constituted by a bottom 5, which is rigidly coupled to the second end 2b, for example by seaming.
  • the first closure means 3 are constituted by a cap 6 or the like, which is fitted on the first end 2a; as an alternative, it is possible to provide a film or the like.
  • the retention means 7 comprise a band 8, which is provided with two end portions 8a and 8b, which are associable on opposite sides with the external wall of the tubular body 2 proximate to the first end 2a, and with an intermediate portion 8c, which is inte ⁇ osed between said portions and is arranged transversely to the body at the first end 2a; the cap 6 is fitted over the band 8.
  • the first end portion 8a is longer than the second end portion 8b and has a free end that is shaped like a tab 8d for grip by a user for separation from the tubular body 2.
  • the band 8 is partially associated with an adhesive layer for adhesion to the tubular body 2.
  • the parts that are adjacent to the tab 8d and to the first end 2a are associated with the tubular body 2 by interposing such layer, while the intermediate portion adheres to, but is not associated with, the tubular body 2.
  • the second end portion 8b is completely associated with the tubular body 2 by interposing the adhesive layer, while the central portion 8c has no adhesive, so as to not stick to the pods C.
  • Figure 1 illustrates by means of dots the regions of the band 8 that are associated with the adhesive layer.
  • removable sealing means 9 which are constituted by an adhesive tape 10, which surrounds the tubular body 2 circumferentially proximate to the first end 2a and is partially superimposed on the rim of the cap 6.
  • means for absorbing the residual humidity inside the package 1 which are constituted by a sachet 11 of absorbent salts or the like.
  • the package 1 can be used advantageously to load a dispenser of pods C ( Figure 10) of a known type; the user, after removing the tape 10 and the cap 6, arranges the package 1 so that its first end 2 a is directed downward, partially separates the first portion 8 a, folds it onto the intermediate portion 8c, and inserts said package in the receptacle 12 usually provided in the known type of dispenser, so that the tab 8d protrudes from the front slot. At this point, by pulling the tab 8d, complete separation of the band 8 occurs, and said band is extracted through the interspace formed between the tubular body 2 and the receptacle 12, so that the pods C can be transferred into the underlying filter holder, which is not shown.
  • the sachet 11 is associated with the face of the bottom 5 that is directed toward the inside of the tubular body 2 by means of a double-adhesive tape or by means of a layer of adhesive material that is compatible with food products, not shown in the figures, so as to not fall into the filter holder together with the last pod C contained in the package 1.
  • the retention means 7 might be constituted for example by a pierceable film, preferably made of filter paper or other porous material, which is associated with the first end 2a.
  • the receptacle 12 provided in the dispenser must be provided internally with a sharp circular profile for cutting the film from the tubular body 2; the cut film thus falls, together with the first pod C, inside the filter holder of the automatic machine being used, but in view of its porous nature it does not alter the quality of the resulting coffee.
  • the method for packaging pods C comprises: a step for feeding the tubular body 2 so that its ends are open and it is preferably arranged vertically with the first end 2a above the second end 2b; a first step for closing the first end 2a; a step for filling the tubular body 2, which is arranged vertically so that the open second end 2b lies below the closed first end 2a, so as to occupy substantially the entire length of said body; and a second step for closing the second end 2b.
  • the pods C are arranged so that their corresponding flaps F are folded toward the second end 2b owing to the limited passage section of the tubular body 2.
  • the package 1 When, during use, the package 1 has its first end 2a open and directed downward, the direction in which the flaps F are folded allows the orderly sliding of the pods C along the tubular body 2 toward the first end; vice versa, during filling, when the tubular body 2 is arranged so that its second end 2b is open and directed downward, the folding direction of the flaps F allows the upward sliding of the pods C toward the first end 2a but hinders the fall of the pods through the second end 2b.
  • the first closure step consists in applying to the tubular body 2, at the first end 2a, the band 8, the cap 6 and the tape 10, in this order.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the stage for the application of the band 8, which is shown in dashed lines while still flat before application and in solid lines after application.
  • Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the stages for applying respectively the cap 6 and the tape 10.
  • the filling step shown in three successive stages in Figures 4 to 6, consists in inserting one or more pods C at a time through the second end 2b; the insertion of each pod C after the first one causes the sliding, along the tubular body, upward and toward the first end 2a, of the previously inserted pod or pods C, until substantially the entire length of the body is occupied ( Figure 6).
  • a step for positioning the tubular body 2 so that it is vertical and its open second end 2b lies above the closed first end 2a, in which said body is substantially turned through 180° with respect to the previous configuration.
  • This insertion step preferably consists in applying the sachet 11 to the face of the bottom 5 that is directed toward the inside of the tubular body 2 by means of a double-adhesive tape or of a layer of adhesive material that is compatible with food products, and in positioning said bottom at the second end 2b so that the sachet 11 protrudes inside said tubular body.
  • the second closure step consists in seaming the bottom 5 to the second end 2b;
  • Figure 8 illustrates the bottom 5 before fixing to the tubular body 2
  • Figure 9 illustrates a detail of said bottom, deformed as a consequence of seaming.
  • the tubular body 2 is filled from the second end 2b, while during use the pods C exit through the first end 2a, the positions assumed by the body during filling and during use being in fact mutually reversed through 180°.
  • Figures 11 to 15 illustrate an apparatus for packaging single-use pod portions of preparations for beverages, particularly coffee, tea, barley, mixtures for infusions, tisanes and the like, generally designated by the reference numeral 13.
  • the apparatus 13 allows to perform the method according to the invention and to obtain packages 1 of the type described above.
  • the apparatus 13 comprises first means 14 for feeding along a first advancement direction Ai toward at least one work area 15 of at least one tubular body 2 of the type described above, in which the second end 2b is open and arranged below the first end 2a.
  • the tubular body 2 is arranged vertically and so that the second end 2b rests on the first feeder means 14.
  • the tubular body 2 is preferably supplied while its first end 2a is closed by means of the first removable closure means 3.
  • the apparatus 13 further comprises second means 16 for feeding, along a second advancement direction A 2 toward the work area 15, a plurality of single-use portions in pods C arranged on at least one row 17.
  • the pods C are of the type described above and are provided with the perimetric flap F made of substantially flexible material.
  • the pods C are distributed along the row 17 with a constant spacing.
  • the feeding directions Ai and A 2 are mutually transverse, more specifically at right angles to each other, and converge in the work area 15, but alternative configurations of the apparatus 13 are not excluded.
  • the apparatus 13 comprises at least one unit 18 for inserting the pods C from below into the tubular body 2, through its second end 2b, so as to occupy substantially its entire length, which is arranged at the work area 15, and at least one unit 19 for removing the filled tubular body 2 from said work area.
  • the first feeder means 14 are suitable to feed a plurality of tubular bodies 2 arranged along at least one line 20, individual separation means 21 being inte ⁇ osed between said first feeder means and the work area 15.
  • the first feeder means 14 and the second feeder means 16 respectively comprise a first advancement surface and a second advancement surface, respectively for solvedthe tubular bodies 2 that rest on the corresponding second ends 2b and of the pods C; the first surface is arranged above the second surface, and the difference in level between such surfaces is at least equal to the thickness of the pods C.
  • the first surface is formed by the active portion of at least one first continuous belt conveyor or the like 22, which is arranged so that its corresponding unloading side lies proximate to the work area 15.
  • the second surface is partially formed by the active part of a second continuous belt conveyor or the like 23, which is arranged so that its corresponding unloading side lies proximate to the work area 15.
  • the second surface is formed by the active part of two flexible elements 24, which are closed in a loop, are arranged parallel to each other at a distance that is shorter than the transverse dimensions of the pods C, and are wrapped around a plurality of wheels 25, at least one of which is a driving wheel.
  • the pods C which initially rest on the second conveyor 23, are transferred onto the flexible elements 24, which guide them up to the work area 15.
  • Means 26 for stopping the advancement of the pods C are provided and are arranged at the unloading ends of the flexible elements 24.
  • the individual separation means 21 comprise two retention elements 27, which are arranged at the unloading side of the first conveyor 22 and on opposite sides thereof, and can move alternately toward and away from each other between a closer configuration, in which they prevent the exit of the first tubular body 2 of the line 20 that is available, and a spaced configuration, in which they instead allow its passage toward the work area 15.
  • the first feeder means 14 have at least one pair of shoulders 28 for containing the line 20, which are arranged on opposite sides of the tubular bodies 2 above the first conveyor 22.
  • the insertion unit 18 further comprises means 29 for temporarily retaining the tubular body 2' during filling; said body is kept with its second end 2b above the flexible elements 24 and at a distance from said elements that is at least equal to the thickness of the pods C.
  • the retention means 29 comprise at least one caliper 30 that is actuated automatically.
  • the insertion unit 18 further comprises means 31 for transferring at least one individual tubular body 2 at a time, such means being movable alternately between a configuration for pick-up from the unloading side of the first conveyor 22 and a configuration for release at the removal unit 19, passing through a retained configuration for positioning at the work area 15.
  • the transfer means 31 comprise an automatically actuated clamp 32, which is contoured so as to form at least one seat 33 for accommodating a corresponding tubular body 2 being processed and means 34 for the alternating translational actuation of said clamp between said pick-up and release configurations.
  • the actuation means 34 can be constituted for example by a conventional electric actuator of the fluid-operated or other type.
  • the clamp 32 is shaped so as to form two seats 33, which are aligned with respect to the first advancement direction Ai: a first seat 33a for accommodating the tubular body 2' and for transferring the body between the positioning and release configurations at the end of the filling process, and a second seat 33b for accommodating the tubular body 2" that follows immediately thereafter, and for the transfer of the body from the pick-up configuration to the positioning configuration when the filling of the tubular body 2' ends.
  • the first seat 33a assumes the positioning and release configurations when the second seat 33b assumes respectively the pick-up and positioning configurations.
  • the insertion unit 18 comprises pusher means 35 for inserting from below at least one individual pod C at a time inside the tubular body 2 1 through its second end 2b.
  • the pusher means 35 are arranged at the work area 15 and are suitable to penetrate between the flexible elements 24 in order to lift the pod C that rests on said elements.
  • the pusher means 35 comprise a stem 36, which can move alternately in a vertical direction and has a transverse cross-section that is smaller than the cross-section of the tubular bodies 2, so as to be able to enter them partially, and its transverse dimension is smaller than the distance between the flexible elements 24.
  • the insertion unit 18 further comprises means 37 for temporarily supporting the pods C inserted within the tubular body 2', which are arranged at the work area 15 and can move alternately between an active configuration, in which they are arranged so as to close at least partially the second end 2b of the tubular body 2', and an inactive configuration, in which they are spaced from the second end so as to allow the insertion of a new pod C.
  • the supporting means 37 comprise at least one diaphragm 38, which is associated with means for alternating movement between the active and inactive configurations; more preferably, the supporting means 37 comprise two diaphragms 38, which can move alternately toward and away from each other and are arranged on opposite sides of the first feed direction Ai.
  • the removal unit 19 comprises a unit 39 for tipping the previously filled tubular body 2'" and at least one surface 40 for transfer along a removal direction D, on which said body rests on the first end 2a, which was closed earlier.
  • the transfer surface 40 is formed by the active part of a continuous belt conveyor or the like.
  • the removal unit 19 comprises at least two shoulders 41 for containing the spaced tubular bodies 2, said shoulders being arranged above the transfer surface 40 and q ⁇ opposite sides of said bodies.
  • the removal direction D and the first feed direction Ai are mutually parallel, but alternative embodiments of the apparatus 13 are not excluded.
  • the tipping unit 39 is arranged on the opposite side of the first feeder means 14 with respect to the work area 15.
  • the tipping unit 39 comprises a beam 42, which is usually arranged horizontally and is associated with means 43 for actuating its oscillation through an angle of 180°, at least one arm 44, which protrudes from the beam 42 toward the work area 15, and means 45 for gripping the tubular body 2"' from the clamp 32 in the release configuration, which are associated with the arm 44 at their end. Moreover, the grip means 45 avoids the fall of the pods C by gravity during the tipping of the tubular body 2'".
  • the tipping unit 39 is shown in solid lines and in dashed lines respectively during engagement and during release of the tubular bodies 2" * .
  • a connecting surface 46 is provided between the release position of the tipping unit 39 and the transfer surface 40.
  • the first feeder means 14 are suitable to feed a plurality of tubular bodies 2, which are arranged on at least one first line 20a and one second line 20b respectively toward a first work area 15a and a second work area 15b
  • the second feeder means 16 are suitable to feed a plurality of pods C arranged on at least one first row 17a and one second row 17b respectively toward said first and second work areas.
  • An insertion unit 18 of the type described above is provided at each work area 15a and 15b.
  • the first feeder means 14 comprise two first continuous conveyors 22, which are provided with corresponding shoulders 28 and are arranged side-by-side and parallel to each other, each conveyor being provided for the advancement of a corresponding line 20 of tubular bodies 2.
  • the work areas 15a and 15b are mutually staggered along the first feed direction A t .
  • the tipping unit 39 has two arms 44, which are provided with corresponding grip means 45, each of which is directed toward a corresponding work area 15a or 15b.
  • the second feeder means 16 comprise redirection means 47 for selective distribution of the pods C, fed along a single line 48, on the rows 17a and 17b.
  • the redirection means 47 comprise a flap 49, which is associated with means 50 for actuation with an alternating translational motion at right angles to the second feed direction A 2 .
  • the flap 49 can move alternately between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which it is respectively closer to the first row 17a and to the second row 17b.
  • the flap 49 drags the first pod C, which is arranged at the top of the line 48, arranging it along the second row 17b; in the stroke from the second configuration to the first configuration, instead, the flap 49 pushes the pod C that is available so as to align it along the first row 17a.
  • the first feeder means 14 comprise a movable surface 51 for connecting the unloading side of the first conveyor 22 for feeding the second line 20b toward the corresponding second work area 15b.
  • the operating cycle of the invention is as follows: the retainers 27 are arranged in the closer configuration, the clamp 32 is closed onto the tubular bodies 2' and 2", and the caliper 30 is closed onto the tubular body 2'.
  • the second feeder means 16 feed at a uniform rate the pods C toward the work area 15.
  • the diaphragms 38 previously in the active configuration, assume release configurations. Any pods C that are already present inside the tubular body 2' descend by a very short extent until they rest on the pod C arranged on the flexible elements 24 at the work area 15.
  • the stem 36 By moving upward, the stem 36 pushes into the tubular body 2' the pod C together with any pods C that are already present; after placing the pod C just above the second end 2b, the stem 36 moves downward while the diaphragms 38 return into the active configuration. After inserting a number of pods C that is sufficient to fill the length of the tubular body 2', the caliper 30 opens and the clamp 32 moves so as to place said body in the release configuration. Simultaneously, the tubular body 2" is transferred at the work area 15 in order to be subsequently filled, and the caliper 30 closes onto it.
  • the grip means 45 grip the tubular body 2' and the clamp 32 opens; the tipping unit 39 then entrains rotationally such body until it turns over, and then releases it onto the connecting surface 46 for removal from the work area 15.
  • the clamp 32 then returns toward the pick-up configuration and the retainers 27 assume a spaced configuration, so as to feed the first tubular body 2 that is available at the top of the line 20 toward the seat 33b.
  • the clamp 32 then closes onto the tubular body 2 that has just been fed and onto the body that is being filled.
  • the described invention achieves the intended aim and objects, particularly the object of obtaining packages that allow good preservation of the pods and remain functional over time for use in dispensers.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à un procédé d'emballage de dosettes à usage unique (C) pour boissons, du type de celles qui possèdent un rabat périphérique (F) d'une matière sensiblement souple. Le procédé selon l'invention comprend les étapes consistant: à fournir au moins un corps sensiblement tubulaire (2), qui est doté d'une première extrémité (2a) et d'une seconde extrémité (2b), lesquelles sont opposées et sensiblement ouvertes, et possède une section transversale interne qui est sensiblement comprise entre la zone interne et la zone externe formées par les rabats périphériques des dosettes (C) destinées à être emballées ; à fermer la première extrémité (2a) du corps tubulaire ; à remplir le corps tubulaire (2), qui est disposé de façon que la seconde extrémité ouverte (2b) se trouve en dessous de la première extrémité ouverte, une pluralité de dosettes (C) étant introduites à l'intérieur à travers la seconde extrémité (2b) de façon qu'elles en occupent au moins partiellement la longueur, et les dosettes (C) étant disposées à l'intérieur du corps tubulaire (2) de manière que leurs rabats correspondants (F) soient pliés vers la seconde extrémité (2b) ; et à fermer la seconde extrémité (2b) du corps tubulaire (2).
PCT/IB2005/000410 2004-02-20 2005-02-18 Procede d'emballage de dosettes a usage unique pour boissons, appareil associe et emballage ainsi obtenu WO2005082716A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITMO2004A000037 2004-02-20
ITMO20040037 ITMO20040037A1 (it) 2004-02-20 2004-02-20 Metodo per il confezionamento di porzioni monouso in cialde di preparati per bevande e relativa confezione
ITMO20040124 ITMO20040124A1 (it) 2004-05-21 2004-05-21 Macchina per il confezionamento di porzioni monouso in cialde di preparati per bevande
ITMO2004A000124 2004-05-21

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005082716A1 true WO2005082716A1 (fr) 2005-09-09

Family

ID=34913716

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2005/000410 WO2005082716A1 (fr) 2004-02-20 2005-02-18 Procede d'emballage de dosettes a usage unique pour boissons, appareil associe et emballage ainsi obtenu

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2005082716A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2165203A (en) * 1937-09-25 1939-07-11 Milo H Albers Panel board
US3854270A (en) * 1973-08-20 1974-12-17 Cloud Machine Corp Apparatus for automatically erecting and loading cartons
DE4017692A1 (de) * 1990-06-01 1991-12-05 Wellpower Gmbh Verpackungsmasc Vorrichtung zum stapeln und verpacken von packungen
DE4022120A1 (de) * 1990-07-11 1992-01-16 Focke & Co Vorrichtung zum fuellen von grosspackungen mit folienbeuteln
DE19950480A1 (de) * 1999-10-20 2001-04-26 Rovema Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Einbringen einer Gesamtheit von Gegenständen in eine Verpackung
EP1334678A2 (fr) * 2002-02-01 2003-08-13 Marc Robert Costa Distributeur de portions à usage unique de préparations pour boissons, notamment café ou similaires

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2165203A (en) * 1937-09-25 1939-07-11 Milo H Albers Panel board
US3854270A (en) * 1973-08-20 1974-12-17 Cloud Machine Corp Apparatus for automatically erecting and loading cartons
DE4017692A1 (de) * 1990-06-01 1991-12-05 Wellpower Gmbh Verpackungsmasc Vorrichtung zum stapeln und verpacken von packungen
DE4022120A1 (de) * 1990-07-11 1992-01-16 Focke & Co Vorrichtung zum fuellen von grosspackungen mit folienbeuteln
DE19950480A1 (de) * 1999-10-20 2001-04-26 Rovema Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Einbringen einer Gesamtheit von Gegenständen in eine Verpackung
EP1334678A2 (fr) * 2002-02-01 2003-08-13 Marc Robert Costa Distributeur de portions à usage unique de préparations pour boissons, notamment café ou similaires

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5024042A (en) Bag filling and closing apparatus
US6971546B2 (en) Dispenser of single-use portions of preparations for beverages, particularly coffee or the like
GB2340808A (en) Stacking and packing of goods
JPH07108697B2 (ja) たばこの包装装置
EP2483160B1 (fr) Machine de conditionnement de produits à infuser dans des capsules, comportant une unité de scellement
JP2008162696A (ja) 浸出パッケージの製造装置および製造方法
US9776752B2 (en) Apparatus and method for feeding empty capsules to a packaging machine
JP4787265B2 (ja) 浸出製品を含む物品をパックするユニット
EP2812250A1 (fr) Dispositif de compactage et de transfert de groupes de sacs filtrants contenant des substances d'infusion
EP4037977B1 (fr) Machine à emballer pour réaliser des sacs filtrants comprenant des produits de perfusion
US10822124B2 (en) Unit and method for placing objects in boxes
KR101867992B1 (ko) 컵용기 포장장치
WO2005082716A1 (fr) Procede d'emballage de dosettes a usage unique pour boissons, appareil associe et emballage ainsi obtenu
WO1999037540A2 (fr) Procede et appareil de conditionnement de sachets a infusion
WO2007020401A1 (fr) Procédé d’emballage et contenants ainsi obtenus
US20230182935A1 (en) Packaging process, packaging apparatus and related control system
WO1999016670A9 (fr) Procede et appareil de mise en sacs
CN211468910U (zh) 湿巾包装装盒生产线
US4941755A (en) Device for manufacturing a container of flexible synthetic material
WO1999037542A1 (fr) Procede de fabrication et de conditionnement d'emballages pour infusion et appareil afferent
KR101867993B1 (ko) 컵용기 포장용 받침대 형성장치
CN110979815A (zh) 湿巾包装装盒生产线
US20240327139A1 (en) Method and device for forming stacks of packages
CN114867662A (zh) 封装
CA3182953A1 (fr) Dispositif et procede d'emballage pour articles a emballer

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SM SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ NA SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LT LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Country of ref document: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase