WO2023203299A1

WO2023203299A1 - Packs of packaging containers, in particular eco-packaging containers for a product, in particular a food product, method for manufacturing said packs of packaging containers and packaging method using same

Info

Publication number: WO2023203299A1
Application number: PCT/FR2023/050557
Authority: WO
Inventors: Pascal BRAGUIER
Original assignee: Eocrep
Priority date: 2022-04-20
Filing date: 2023-04-19
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: FR3134800A1

Abstract

The problem addressed by the invention is that of providing a technical means for the industrial packaging of a product, for example a food product, in sealable containers made of at least partially recyclable and/or biodegradable material that is compatible with existing FFS packaging machines so as to avoid the complete or partial replacement of the fleet of existing FFS machines. To this end, the invention relates to a pack of packaging containers (1), referred to as the pack Pn where n = 1 to ℕ, ℕ being a positive natural integer, characterised in that: (i) a plurality of said packs Pn are stackable, preferably by mounting the containers (1) of a pack Pn, with the exception of the pack Pn at the base of the thus formed stack (12), onto the containers (1) of the subjacent pack Pn-1; (ii) it comprises structural chaining elements for forming a chain (6), the links of which are the packs Pn of containers (1) in succession, wherein the centre-to-centre spacing of the contiguous end containers of the two successive packs Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, along the length of the chain, correspond to the same value Ve1 to within +/- 20%. The invention also relates to the stacks and chains of the packs Pn, a method for manufacturing said packs Pn of containers (1) and a packaging method using same.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Title: Packs of packaging pots, in particular eco-packaging, of products, in particular food, their manufacturing process and packaging process using it

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of packaging, in particular food packaging.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to packaging pots, intended to be filled with the product to be packaged and closed by heat sealing a lid.

[0003] Even more precisely, these are pots made by (thermo)forming/molding from a natural or synthetic polymer material, preferably biodegradable, and, more preferably, compostable at home.

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to a process for manufacturing this packaging deposit.

[0005] The invention also relates to a method of packaging a product, preferably food, by filling and heat-sealing a closure cover, in the packaging pots according to the invention.

Technological background of the invention

[0006] For the industrial rate packaging of products, for example food products, such as dairy products, there are thermoforming/filling/sealing machines

("Form/Fill/Seal-FFS-").

[0007] Figure 1 shows an example of the prior art consisting of a horizontal form-fill-seal machine (Horizontal Form, Fill and Seal, HFFS). This machine includes

- a power station 1A comprising a reel 2A of polymer film, for example polystyrene,

- a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A of the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this polymer film, of cavities intended to form pots,

- a filling station Fi, of these cavities, with measured quantities of a product, for example, food;

- a Se lid sealing station on the openings of the filled cavities;

- a cutting station 5A for packages 6A of filled and sealed pots, f

[0008] In a context of environmental protection, synthetic polymers of the polystyrene type are no longer particularly welcome in the field of packaging. [0009] The substitute materials for these synthetic polymers of fossil origin are in particular cellulosic materials that are more environmentally friendly. Molded cellulose is an example of a recyclable and biodegradable biomaterial, already used in the food, medical, horticultural, veterinary, telephone, lamps, hygiene, electronics packaging sectors, etc. Molded cellulose is made with recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspaper, or even with virgin fibers of wood, straw, sugar cane bagasse or even rice straw. First mixed with water, the fibers are molded then dried. This technique makes it possible to form light and resistant parts and offers endless possibilities for creating shapes.

[0010] Beyond cellulose, alternatives can be lignocellulosic materials, such as sugar cane fibers, natural biopolymers [starches and derivatives] or synthetic [polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB ), polylactic acid (English: polylactic acid, abbreviated as PLA)].

[0011] These eco-compatible biopolymers nevertheless fail, with regard to certain of their mechanical properties and their ability to be put into the form of films. This may result in it being impossible to produce reels of films intended to feed the FFS machines mentioned above and shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, even assuming that these biopolymers can be put into film form and wound, they may not be thermoformable.

[0012] As a result, existing FFS industrial machines are unsuitable for the production of containers or pots type packaging filled with products to be packaged and sealed, from biopolymers and in particular molded cellulose.

[0013] However, the fleet of FFS industrial machines is immense. From which it follows that the investment which weighs on manufacturers to switch to packaging made from recyclable and biodegradable material is a huge obstacle to the development of the sector.

Objectives of the invention

[0014] In this context, the invention aims to satisfy at least one of the following objectives.

[0015] An objective of the invention is to provide a technical means making it possible to industrially package a product, for example food, in sealable pots made of at least partially recyclable and/or biodegradable material, compatible with existing packaging machines of the type FFS, so as to avoid a complete partial renewal of the existing fleet of FFS machines. [0016] An objective of the invention is to provide a technical means making it possible to industrially package a product, for example food, in sealable pots made of at least partially recyclable and/or biodegradable material, the technical means having to be simple to implement and manufacture.

[0017] An objective of the invention is to provide a technical means making it possible to industrially package a product, for example food, in sealable pots made of at least partially recyclable and/or biodegradable material, the technical means having to be economical. .

[0018] An objective of the invention is to provide a technical means making it possible to industrially package a product, for example food, in sealable pots made of at least partially recyclable and/or biodegradable material, the technical means having to be adapted at industrial rates of packaging products such as food products.

[0019] An objective of the invention is to provide a process for packaging products, preferably food products, which is efficient, economical and adapted to high industrial rates.

Brief description of the invention

[0020] The invention satisfies at least one of the above objectives and concerns, according to a first aspect, a package of packaging pots, called package Pn with n identifying a given package of pots, and with n 1 to N, N being a positive natural number, characterized in that:

(i) several of these Pn packets are stackable, preferably by embedding the pots of a Pn packet, with the exception of the Pn packet at the base of the stack thus formed, in the pots of the lower adjacent packet;

(ii) it includes structural chaining elements making it possible to form a chain whose links are the packets Pn of pots one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to -according to an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1

[0021] Each Pn package of pots includes at least 2 pots, for example from 2 to 10 pots, in particular 4, 6 or 8 pots.

The packages or “packs” of packaging pots according to the invention allow an ecological transition without disrupting existing infrastructures, and therefore without requiring heavy investments.

These packs of packaging pots made from ecologically virtuous material advantageously replace the reels of polymer film supplying traditional packaging machines. FFS forming/filling/sealing, or even in traditional filling/sealing machines (“Fill & Seal” FS).

The packages of packaging pots according to the invention conform to those usually known in the field of packaging. These are packages of sealed pots which may have pre-cuts in the plate uniting the pots in the package, so that the latter can be divided, individually or in subgroups of several pots.

[0024] The capacity of these packs of packaging pots to be stackable and to be able to be coupled to form a chain integrating perfectly into a dynamic process of continuous packaging, at industrial rate, of products such as food products, for example dairy products (yogurt, etc.).

[0025] The simplicity of these packs of stackable packaging pots and capable of being coupled to form a chain, is a guarantee of efficiency, performance, quality and economy, in the industrial packaging of products, in particular food.

[0026] In a ^first embodiment, a Pn package of pots (1) comprises coupling elements which are the structural chaining elements making it possible to form a chain whose links are the Pn packages of pots one by one. following the others.

These coupling elements of a package Pn have the function of allowing this package Pn to be attached to at least one other package Pn-1 or n+1 of pots (1), so as to form a chain of packages Pn of pots.

[0027] Preferably, the pack of pots according to this ^1st embodiment is characterized in that Pn comprises at least a ^1st coupling element A _n on one of its edges and at least a ^2nd element d 'coupling A ^c _n on the opposite edge; the ^1st coupling element A _n and the ^2nd coupling element A ^c _n having complementary structures, so that the ^1st coupling element A _n can cooperate with the ^2nd coupling element A ^c _n +i or A ^c _n -i of an adjacent packet of pots, to achieve a reversible assembly of packets of pots to form a chain of packets of pots Pn.

[0028] According to an advantageous variant of this ^1st embodiment, the ^1st coupling element A _n is a male element and the ^2nd coupling element A ^c _n is a female element or vice versa, the male element preferably being a button or hook.

Advantageously, each of the opposite edges of the pack of pots comprises at least 2 coupling elements A _n and/or A ^c _n

[0030] The remarkable arrangements of the packages of packaging pots according to the ^1st embodiment of the invention allow easy coupling of the different packages of pots together, to form a chain of packages of pots which integrates perfectly in a semi-continuous packaging line, of an FFS type machine. The packs of pots stacked and arranged in the feeding station of the packaging machine, can be introduced into the conveyor of the machine, where these packages are guided by means of chains with pins or clips, for example, which ensure that the chain of packages of pots is maintained in the axis of travel of the packaging line.

[0031] In a ^2nd embodiment, the structural chaining elements make it possible to form a chain whose links are the Pn packets of pots one after the other, and in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain correspond to the same value V _ei +/- x%, x being equal to -in an increasing order of preference in %-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; are designed to cooperate with a system for feeding and conveying packages of pots in a machine for packaging a product, preferably food, in these pots. These structural chaining elements can be all or part of at least one body of the pots of the Pn packets. The system for feeding and conveying the packs of pots may include housings capable of receiving the bodies of the pots, to guide the latter during their conveying in the packaging machine, by fixing the distance between each pack Pn of pots of the chain such that the longitudinal center distance V _ei of the pots is respected between the successive Pn packages.

[0032] The ^1st and ^2nd embodiments can be combined.

[0033] To complete the stacking of the packages of pots according to the invention, it is provided according to a remarkable modality of the latter, that the package Pn of pots includes Pn includes at least one wedging element C _n , preferably on the one of its edges, the wedging elements having complementary structures, so that each wedging element C _n of a packet Pn can cooperate with a corresponding wedging element C _n -i or C _n +i of a packet of adjacent pots, lower or higher, in a stack of packets of pots Pn, to stabilize this stack.

Advantageously, each wedging element C _n has a male function and a female function, so as to be able to fit into the wedging element C _n -i, corresponding to the package Pn-1, adjacent, lower, in a stack of packets Pn and so as to receive by nesting the wedging element C _n +i, corresponding to the packet Pn+1, adjacent, higher, in this stack of packets Pn. This C _n wedging element with dual male/female function can for example be a hollow lug.

[0035] According to a remarkable method of the invention, the coupling elements A _n , A ^c _n of each packet Pn of pots, also contribute to a stable stacking of the packets Pn, thanks to the characteristic according to which the elements d coupling A _n , A ^c _n of a packet Pn 1 of a stack of packets Pn, fit, advantageously with precision, in the corresponding coupling elements A ^c _n , A _n of the packet Pn-1 located just below in the pile.

[0036] The Pn packages of packaging pots according to the invention are advantageously eco-compatible and therefore made from a material chosen from the group of materials comprising - ideally composed of: cellulosic materials, lignocellulosic materials, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, industrially compostable materials ["OK compost INDUSTRIAL" according to the requirements of the European packaging directive (94/62/EC)] according to the EN standard 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000, and their mixtures

[0037] Cellulose can, for example, be made with recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspapers, or even with virgin fibers from wood, straw, sugar cane bagasse or even rice straw.

Sugarcane fibers are an example of a lignocellulosic cellulosic material.

May also be mentioned, natural [starches and derivatives] or synthetic biopolymers [polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), polylactic acid (English: polylactic acid, abbreviated as PLA)].

Even if recyclable and/or compostable biodegradable polymers are preferred in the context of the present invention, it cannot be excluded that the packages of packaging pots can be obtained from all (thermo)formable materials, such as synthetic polymers, possibly recycled, such as polyolefins, polyesters (polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene succinate, polystyrene, etc.).

As indicated above, the package of packaging pots according to the invention can be obtained from (thermo)formable materials. It is preferably molded.

[0039] In an even more preferred embodiment, the package Pn of packaging pots is constituted by a plate, preferably rectangular, stamped, comprising a network of pots, the openings of which located in the plane of the upper face of the plate, are each surrounded by a zone intended to be secured with the edges of a closing cover.

[0040] According to the invention, the packets of pots Pn are such that the center distance between two terminal and contiguous pots of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive in a chain of pots, according to the length of the chain, in an online and continuous industrial packaging machine/process, has the same value V _ei +/- x%, x being equal to -in an increasing order of preference in %-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

[0041] Furthermore, the center distance between two successive/contiguous pots of the same package Pn of pots, depending on the length of the package Pn, can have the same value V _e 2 +/- x%, x being equal to - in an increasing order of preference in %-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

[0042] According to a characteristic of the invention, V _ei can be identical to or different from V _e 2.

In the ^1st embodiment, V _ei is different from V _e 2. In the ^2nd embodiment, V _ei is substantially identical to V _e 2. [0043] According to a ^2nd of its aspects, the invention relates to a stack of packages Pn of packaging pots, as defined in the present presentation.

[0044] According to a ^3rd of its aspects, the invention relates to a chain of packets Pn of packaging pots, as defined in the present presentation.

According to a ^4th of its aspects, the invention aims at a method of manufacturing Pn packages of pots according to the invention, which essentially consists of:

- mold a deformable material, preferably chosen from the group of materials comprising - ideally composed of -: cellulosic materials, lignocellulosic materials, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, industrially compostable materials ["OK compost INDUSTRIAL" according to the requirements of the relative European directive packaging (94/62/EC)], according to standard EN 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000, to obtain a Pn package of pots;

- unmold this Pn package of pots;

- stack the Pn packages of pots thus manufactured.

[0045] In a variant of the ^4th aspect of the invention, the process for manufacturing Pn packets of pots essentially consists of:

- implement a machine, preferably an FFS machine, comprising

* a 1 A power station comprising a 2A reel of film;

* possibly, a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A of the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots;

* a filling station Fi, of these cavities, with measured quantities of the product to be packaged;

* a Se lid sealing station on the openings of the filled cavities;

* a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed pots;

- to adapt the power station 1 A by replacing the wire spool 2A, with a stack of packets Pn of pots according to the invention;

- to decommission/remove the thermoforming station Fo, when it is present;

- possibly, to decommission/delete cutting station 5A;

- to supply the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots, from the stack of packets Pn of pots present in the station 1A, and/or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a supply and conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for chaining Pn packets of pots, so as to form a chain whose links are the Pn packets of pots one after the other, in which the center distances between the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to - in an increasing order of preference -: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - to fill the jars of products to be packaged in the Fi filling station;

- to seal the packets Pn of filled pots in the lid sealing station Se;

- to cut, preferably transversely, the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots and/or to uncouple the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots from each other;

- to collect the cut and/or uncoupled Pn packages.

[0046] According to a ^5th of its aspects, the invention relates to a method of packaging a product, preferably food, in the pots of the Pn packages of pots according to the invention, characterized in that it essentially consists of :

- to implement a stack of packets Pn of pots according to the invention;

- to supply the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots, from the stack of packets Pn of pots, by coupling the packets Pn of pots to each other, and/or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a system supply and conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for chaining Pn packages of pots, so as to form a chain whose links are the Pn packages of pots one after the other, in which the center distances terminal and contiguous pots of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to -according to an order ascending preferably: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1;

- to fill the pots with products to be packaged;

- to seal the Pn packages of filled pots;

- to collect the cut and/or uncoupled Pn packages.

The products, preferably food, capable of being packaged in the Pn packages of pots according to the invention, preferably in accordance with the process according to the invention, can be dairy products, desserts, coffee, tea or other herbal tea, etc.

[0048] For the purposes of the invention, the term “pot” designates any container or container, in particular food, of any shape whatsoever. These can be trays or even capsules for foods such as tea, herbal tea or coffee. These sealed capsules can be used in beverage preparation machines.

[0049] All the advantages and variants of this invention will appear more clearly in the light of the description of an exemplary embodiment of the packages of packaging pots that it concerns.

Brief description of the drawings

[0050] This description is made with reference to the appended figures in which:

Fig. 1 [0051] [Fig. 1]

Figure 1 is a schematic view of a machine for forming/filling/sealing lids (FFS Forming/Filling/Sealing in English) of plates or packs of packaging pots, of the prior art.

Fig. 2

[0052] [Fig. 2]

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of a Pn package of packaging pots according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 3

[0053] [Fig. 3]

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a stack of 7 Pn packages of packaging pots from Figure 2.

Fig. 4

[0054] [Fig. 4]

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a chain of 2 Pn packages coupled with packaging pots of Figure 2.

Fig. 5

[0055] [Fig. 5]

Figure 5 includes from top to bottom and left to right:

- a longitudinal sectional view along the section line V-V (shown on the corresponding bottom view) of a chain of 2 Pn packages coupled with packaging pots; a side view of a stack of 7 Pn packets of packaging jars, from which Pn packets constituting the chain originate;

- the top views corresponding to the V-V section views of the chain and the side views of the pile.

Fig. 6

[0056] [Fig. 6]

Figure 6 shows a detailed view of zone 5.1 of Figure 5, before coupling of a package Pn coming from the top (arrow F1) or the bottom (arrow F2) of the stack 12 (drawing at the top right of the Figure 5.

Fig. 7

[0057] [Fig. 7]

Figure 7 shows a variant of execution of the Pn packages of Figure 5 coupled to form a chain of packaging pots and includes from top to bottom and left to right,

- a detailed view from above;

- a partial sectional view parallel to the median longitudinal plane, along line VII-VII of the top view;

- an enlarged and perspective view of the partial sectional view.

Fig. 8

[0058] [Fig. 8]

Figure 8 includes from top to bottom:

- a side view of the Pn packet in Figure 2;

- a top view corresponding to this side view.

Fig. 9

[0059] [Fig. 9]

Figure 9 is a front perspective view of a chain of two Pn packages of packaging pots and one Pn package in suspension before stacking in the right Pn packages of the chain, these Pn packages corresponding to a variant of those shown in Figures 2 to 7.

Fig.10

[0060] [Fig. 10]

Figure 10 is a top view of the chain of two Pn packages of packaging pots of Figure 9.

Fig.11

[0061] [Fig. 11]

Figure 11 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line X-X of Figure 10.

Fig.12

[0062] [Fig. 12]

Figure 12 is a top view of two Pn plates; Pn+1 or n-1, forming a chain according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Fig.13

[0063] [Fig. 13]

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a ^1st step of the kinematics of feeding and conveying the pot plates, towards a machine for packaging a product, of food preference, in these pots, forming a chain. Fig.14

[0064] [Fig. 14]

Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a ^2nd step of the kinematics of feeding and conveying the pot plates, towards a machine for packaging a product, of food preference, in these pots, forming a chain.

Fig.15

[0065] [Fig. 15]

Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view along the line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a ^3rd step of the kinematics of feeding and conveying the pot plates, towards a machine for packaging a product, of food preference, in these pots, forming a chain..

Detailed description of the invention

[0066] Packs of packaging pots

[0067] In a first embodiment of the invention, the packages of packaging pots are designated in Figures 2 to 11 by the reference Pn with n =1 to N, N being a positive natural number. Each Pn package comprises, in this example, a network of six pots 1, which extend from a stamped plate 2, of generally rectangular shape, which joins them. This plate 2 is in a way the common rim of the pots 1 which can be compared to cells. The latter each have an opening 3, opposite a bottom 4, connected by a wall 5. The opening 3 has a general hexagonal shape. The upper part of the wall 5 has a recess in its longitudinal side. The bottom 4 of each pot 1 is substantially rectangular and of smaller surface area than the opening 3, so that the wall 5 converges from the opening 3 (top) towards the bottom 4 (bottom).

[0068] On an industrial scale, it is possible, in a particular embodiment, that each package Pn of packaging pots comprises from 1 to 20 pots, for example from 5 to 15 pots in their width, and, 1 to 100 pots, for example 50 to 70 pots lengthwise.

[0069] In a second embodiment of the invention, the packages of packaging pots are designated, in Figures 12 to 15, by the same references as for the first embodiment. Each Pn, Pn-1 or n+1 package contains 5 pots 1 in width and 6 pots 1 in length, making a total of 30 pots 1.

[0070] By convention, the bottom of the package Pn is given by reference to the bottoms 4 of the pots 1. The top of the package Pn corresponds to the plate 2. The openings 3 are contained in the plane of the upper surface of the plate 2. The latter has two transverse edges 20,21, and two longitudinal edges 22,23.

[0072] In accordance with the ^first embodiment of the invention, the package Pn has on each of its transverse edges 20,21, two coupling elements A _n , A ^c _n or structural chaining elements, making it possible to produce a chain 6 whose links are the Pn packets, as shown in Figures 4 & 5, or two Pn packets as illustrated in Figures 9 to 11.

[0073] In a ^first variant of the ^first embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, the transverse edge 20 comprises two coupling elements A ^c _n or structural chaining elements, constituted by two oblong slots 7.8 ( females), which appear, in particular, in Figures 4, 5 & 6. These lights are each defined by a fringe 9 which extends downwards, in a convergent manner, from the lower surface of the edge 20 of the plate 2. This convergence of the fringe 9 appears in particular in Figure 6.

The transverse edge 21 is provided with two coupling elements A _n or structural chaining elements, of shape complementary to that of the coupling elements A _n of the opposite transverse edge 20. The two coupling elements A _n of each transverse edge 21 are two protuberances 10,11, extending downwards from the lower surface of the transverse edge 21 of the plate 2. These protuberances 10,11 are male elements intended to be embedded, reversibly, in the oblong female lights 7.8 of the transverse edge 20 of the plate 2 of an adjacent Pn-1 or Pn+1 packet (Arrow F3 in Figure 6), in a chain 6 of Pn packets: see Figures 5 & 6, more particularly the detail of Figure 6.

[0074] In a ^2nd variant of the ^1st embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the transverse edge 20 comprises three coupling elements A ^c _n or structural chaining elements, constituted by a circular slot 8' (female ), framed by two circular lights 7'i, 7'2 (female), which appear, in particular, in Figures 8 to 10. These lights are each defined by a fringe 9' which extends downwards, from convergent manner, from the lower surface of the edge 20 of the plate 2. This convergence of the fringe 9 appears in the top drawing of Figure 10.

The transverse edge 21 is provided with three coupling elements A ^c _n or structural chaining elements, of shape complementary to that of the coupling elements A _n of the opposite transverse edge 20. The three coupling elements A ^c _n of each transverse edge 21 are three protrusions 10'i,11', 10'2 extending downwards from the lower surface of the transverse edge 21 of the plate 2. The protrusions 10'i, 10'2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central protuberance 11'. These protuberances 10'i, 11', W2 are male elements intended to be embedded, reversibly, in the female oblong slots 7'i, 8', 7'2 of the transverse edge 20 of the plate 2 of a Pn-pack 1 or adjacent Pn+1, in a chain 6 of Pn packets: see Figures 8 & 10. [0075] As shown in the alternative execution of Figure 7, the female slots (A ^c _n , 7"', 8"'-) with fringes 9"', can be advantageously arranged on a recess 12 of the edges transverse 20 of the plates 2 of the Pn packages. The male protuberances (A _n , 10'", 11"') intended to cooperate with the female lights (A ^c _n , 7'", 8'") for coupling (arrow F4 of the bottom drawing of Figure 7), are provided on a transverse edge 21, and extend downwards from the upper surface of the edge 21 of the plate 2. The thickness of the plate 2 , at the level of its transverse edge 21, corresponds substantially to the height of the recess 12 which forms a slope between the upper surface of the plate 2, in its region extending between the recess 12 of the transverse edge 20 and the opposite transverse edge 21 , and the upper surface of the plate 2, at the level of its transverse edge 20 comprising the female slots (A ^c _n , 7'", 8'"-). In this way, the upper surfaces of the different plates 2 of the Pn packages coupled to form a chain 6, are substantially in the same plane.

[0076] In this ^first embodiment, the center distance V _ei between the terminal and contiguous pots of 2 packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, in a chain is different from the distance V _e 2 between the pots successive/contiguous of a Pn packet, depending on the length of the Pn packet.

[0077] The stability of the stacks 12 of Pn packets can be reinforced by a remarkable method of the invention which consists of providing here four wedging elements C _n , designated by the references 13,14,15,16, each of which C _n has a male function and a female function, so as to be able to fit into the wedging element C _n -i, corresponding to the packet Pn-1, adjacent, lower, in a stack of packets Pn and so as to receive by nesting the wedging element C _n +i, corresponding to the packet Pn+1, adjacent, higher, in this stack of packets Pn.

In the ^1st embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 11, the wedging elements 14,15, 16,17 are hollow lugs whose shape and dimensions are such that they can fit into each other. others in a stack of Pn packets.

In the ^2nd embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 11, the wedging elements Cn are shoulders of the wall 5, which connect the lower part of the wall 5 to the plate 2.

[0078] Advantageously; the shapes and dimensions of the protuberances 10,11, 10'i, 11' 10'2 and the shapes and dimensions of the lights 7.8, 7'i, 8', 7'2 of the Pn packages, are chosen so to allow:

* in a chain 6 of Pn packages, the “protuberance in light” embedding, with a clearance allowing a stable assembly while being reversible;

* in a stack 12 of Pn packets, the nesting "protuberance in protuberance" and "fringe in light". [0079] In the same way, according to a preferred characteristic of the invention, the shape and dimensions of the pots 1 of the Pn packages are chosen so as to allow, in a stack 12 of Pn packages, nesting between them. , pots 1 of different Pn packets stacked.

[0080] According to an interesting characteristic of the invention, the plate 2 of each Pn packet comprises:

- A zone 17 surrounding the opening 3 of each pot 1 and intended to be secured, preferably by heat sealing, with the edges of a closing cover, after filling the pot 1.

- pre-cuts 18, allowing this plate 2 to be breakable and to separate the different pots from each other, individually or in subgroups.

[0081] In the second embodiment of the invention, it is the walls of the packages of packaging pots, which constitute the structural chaining elements making it possible to form a chain 6 whose links are the Pn packages of pots 1, one after the other, in which the center distances between the terminal and contiguous pots of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei .

[0082] In this ^2nd embodiment, the center distance V _ei between the terminal and contiguous pots of 2 packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, in a chain is substantially identical to the distance V _e 2 between the successive/contiguous pots of a packet Pn, according to the length of the packet Pn.

[0083] Process for manufacturing packages of packaging pots

[0084] This Pn package is made, for example, from molded cellulose. Molded cellulose is made with recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspapers. It is also possible to use virgin wood fibers, straw, sugar cane bagasse or even rice straw. First mixed with water to form a paste possibly with additives, the fibers are molded then pressed and dried.

Preferably, the manufacturing process used is a "flat" process, in which: a metal or plastic mold is covered with a fine metal mesh. According to this flat molding technique, the mold is dipped in the liquid paste. Under the effect of a suction device, the water contained in the paste passes through the system while the fibers are stopped by the mesh. They accumulate there to form the desired object. The suction is maintained until the object is transferred to drying in order to allow maximum dehydration of the fibrous mattress. According to another rotary molding technique, a drum is used, on which for example 8 molds are fixed, which rotates in the dough. A vacuum system draws the dough into the molds.

[0085] The KIEFEL company manufactures and markets systems and devices for manufacturing molded cellulose packaging containers: "NATUREFORMER KFT-machine thermoforming of fibers for natural fiber containers, such as bowls, cups, pots, etc. For more details, please refer to the KIEFEL company website.

[0086] According to variants, the material constituting the Pn packages according to the invention can be a recycled polymer of the polyethylene terephthalate PET, polypropylene PP, polystyrene PS, poly-lactic acid PLA, polyethylene PE type. The machine used can be, for example, that manufactured and marketed under the name SPEEDFORMER KTR by the company KIEFEL. For more details, please refer to the KIEFEL company website. Other examples of suitable machines are those manufactured and marketed by the company ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Go. KG. For more details, please refer to the websites of these companies.

[0087] Pn packages are molded objects obtained using the above-mentioned thermoforming techniques and machines. The molds used present the structural characteristics, in negative, of the Pn packages according to the invention. From which it follows that the latter also targets the molds making it possible to obtain the Pn packages according to the invention.

[0088] Once manufactured (molding-unmolding), the Pn packages according to the invention are stored in the form of stacks 12, as shown in Figures 3 and 5;

[0089] Packaging process using these packages of packaging pots

[0090] These 12 Pn packet batteries are intended to serve as starting material in a process for packaging a product, preferably food, in the pots of the Pn packets.

[0091] FFS operating mode

[0092] In such a process, we use, for example, a known Fill, Form & Seal machine, which can be of the type shown in Figure 1 and described above and which comprises:

* a 1 A power station comprising a 2A wire spool;

* a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A of the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots;

* a Se lid sealing station on the openings of the filled cavities;

* a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed pots.

[0093] Another example of an FFS machine is given by the C300 machine for thermoforming, dosing and sealing pots (speed 10,000-35,000 pots/h), manufactured and marketed by the company IMA DAIRY & FOOD HOLDING GMBH. For more details, please refer to this company’s website.

We will also mention the FFS machines from the company SYNERLINK, marketed under the names DINI FF 250, DINI FF 400 DAIRY PACK FF 460, DAIRY PACK FF 570, ARGIL FF 600.

For more details, please refer to the websites of these companies.

In accordance with this process,

- the power station 1A is adapted to replace the wire spool 2A, with a stack 12 of packages Pn of pots 1 according to the invention;

- we decommission/remove the thermoforming station Fo;

- the filling station Fi is supplied with packets Pn of pots 1, from the stack 12 of packets Pn of pots present in the station 1A: by coupling the packets Pn of pots 1 to each other, so as to form a chain of packets Pn of pots 1 according to the invention; and/or by conveying the packages Pn of pots 1 with a conveyor system 40 comprising means (41,42) capable of cooperating with the structural chaining elements, namely the walls 5 of pots 1 of the packages Pn, so as to form a chain 6 whose links are the packets Pn of pots 1 one after the other, in which the centers of the terminal and contiguous pots 1 of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to -according to an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1;

- the pots 1 are filled with product(s) to be packaged in the filling station Fi;

- the packets Pn of pots (1) filled in the lid sealing station Se are sealed;

- the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1) are cut, preferably transversely, and/or the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1) are uncoupled from each other;

- we collect the cut and/or uncoupled Pn packages.

[0094] As appears in the top drawing of Figure 5 for the first embodiment of the invention, the supply of the filling station Fi consists of implementing a tool making it possible to collect the packets Pn from battery 12, from the top (Arrow F1) or from the bottom (Arrow F2). The tool used to do this, perhaps, for example, a mechanical unstacking system or a multi-axis robot equipped with suction cups.

[0095] According to an alternative to cutting, to uncouple the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots from each other, one can operate using a tool which can be, for example, a multi-axis robot equipped with suction cups.

[0096] The cutting station 5A makes it possible to cut the plates 2 of packets Pn of pots 1, in the coupling zones, to uncouple the packets Pn from each other, and/or at other locations in the plates 2 of packets Pn forming a chain 6. In the latter case, new final packets Pz of pots are then formed, different from the initial packet Pn of pots 1 feeding the packaging machine. The cutting station 5A can also be used to produce pre-cut lines 18 to make these plates 2 of Pn packages breakable.

[0097] FS operating mode

[0098] According to a variant, the packaging machine can be a known Fill & Seal (FS) machine, which comprises:

* a power supply station 1 A comprising packages Pn of pots 1 according to the invention;

* a Se lid sealing station on the openings of the filled cavities;

* a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed pots.

[0099] The FFS or FS packaging machines advantageously operate continuously, alternatively, that is to say according to a step or cycle time (a few seconds e.g.) of forming/filling/sealing/cutting in an FFS machine or or filling/sealing/cutting cycle time in an FS machine The Pn packages of pots 1 according to the invention, coupled to form a chain 6 which is conveyed along a packaging line in a machine of the same name, can each correspond to the adjustment step of the machine, that is to say the cycle time.

[0100] The packaging method according to this operating mode FS comprises a step of supplying the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots 1, from a stack 12 of packets Pn of pots 1: by coupling the packets Pn of pots 1 to each other, so as to form a chain 6 of Pn packages of pots; and/or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a conveyor system 40 comprising means 41, 42 capable of cooperating with structural elements for chaining the packets Pn of pots 1, so as to form a chain 6 whose links are the packets Pn of pots 1 one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to the nearest +/- x%, x being equal to -according to an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

[0101] The attached Figures 13 to 15 show the kinematics of this step of supplying the filling station Fi with the packages Pn of pots 1 forming a stack 12, according to the ^2nd embodiment of the invention.

In the latter, a conveying system 40 is implemented comprising a support 41, in which housings 42 ⁿ , 42 ^{n+1 or n'1} ^are provided intended to receive the structural chaining elements, namely, respectively, d 'on the one hand, the walls 5 of the terminal pots 1 of the far right column of the package Pn of pots 1 of Figure 12, in the housings 42 ⁿ , and, on the other hand, the walls 5 of the terminal pots 1 of the far left column of the package Pn+1 or n-1 of pots 1 of FIG. 12, in the housings 42 ^{n+1 or} ^n'1 .

Tools identical to those presented above by way of example for the first embodiment of the invention (Figure 5), are provided to bring two successive packages Pn, Pn+1 or Pn-1 of pots 1, to the plumbness of the housings 42 ⁿ , 42 ^{n+1 or n} ' ¹ of the support 41. Figure 13 attached gives a schematic illustration.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, on the one hand, the walls of the terminal pots 1 of the far right column in Figure 12 of the package Pn are engaged in the housings 42 ⁿ (Figure 14) and, on the other hand On the other hand, the walls of the terminal pots 1 of the far left column in Figure 12 of the package Pn are introduced into the housings 42 ^{n+1 or} ^n'1 of the support 41 (Figure 15).

The 2 successive packages Pn, P ^{n +1} or P ⁿ ' ¹ of pots 1 are thus positioned relative to each other and one after the other. They are then conveyed into the packaging machine to undergo the operations described above of filling, sealing, cutting, etc. the same goes for all the packages Pn of pots 1 of the stack 12 supplying the packaging machine.

The conveying system 40 thus defines a constant center distance V _ei between the terminal pots 1 of the successive packages Pn, P ^{n+1 or n} ' ¹ .

In this ^2nd embodiment, the center distance V _e 2 between the columns of pots of each package Pn, pn+i or ni _es f substantially equal to V _e i.

[0102] This substantially constant center distance V _ei of the packet Pn, P ^{n+1 or} ^n'1 , via

* in the first embodiment, coupling elements:

* and, in the second embodiment, the cooperation between the structural chaining elements constituted by the walls of the terminal pots of the successive packets Pn, P ^{n+1 or n} ' ¹ , on the one hand, and, the system of conveying 40, on the other hand, ensures correct filling and sealing of the pots 1 during packaging

[0103] The packaging of a product, in particular food, in the pots of these Pn packages, thus takes place, efficiently, at high industrial speed, with slight adaptations to existing machines powered with original polymers. fossil, not very respectful of the environment. The Pn packages of pots according to the invention therefore make it possible, without major investments and in a simple manner, to transform the existing machine fleet to switch to eco-compatible packaging materials, in particular cellulosic and lignocellulosic.

Claims

[Claim 1] Package of packaging pots (1), called package Pn with n identifying a given package of pots, and with n = 1 to N, N being a positive natural number; characterized in that:

(i) several of these Pn packages are stackable, preferably by embedding the pots (1) of a Pn package, with the exception of the Pn package at the base of the stack (12) thus formed, in the pots (( 1) of the lower adjacent Pn-1 packet;

(ii) it comprises structural chaining elements making it possible to form a chain (6) whose links are the Pn packages of pots (1) one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two packages Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to - in an increasing order of preference -: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

[Claim 2] Pn package of pots (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that it comprises coupling elements (A _n , 10, 10'i, 10'2, 11, 11', A ^c _n , 7, 7'i, 7'2, 8, 8'), to at least one other packet Pn-1 or n+1 of pots (1), these elements (A _n ,10,10'i,10'2 , 11, 11 ', A ^c _n , 7, 7'i, 7'2, 8, 8') making it possible to form a chain (6) of packets Pn of pots.

[Claim 3] Pn package of pots (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that Pn comprises at least a ^1st coupling element (A _n , 10, 10'i, 10'2, 11, 11' ) on one of its edges (21) and at least a ^2nd coupling element (A ^c _n , 7, 7'i, 7'2, 8, 8') on the opposite edge (20); the ^1st coupling element (A _n ,10, 10'i, 10'2, 11, 11') and the ^2nd coupling element (A ^c _n , 7, 7'i, 7'2, 8 , 8') having complementary structures, so that the ^1st coupling element (A _n , 10, 10'i, 10'2, 11, 11') can cooperate with the ^2nd coupling element (A ^c _n +i or A ^c _n -i 7, T 1, 7'2, 8, 8') of an adjacent packet Pn-1 or Pn+1 of pots (1), to produce a reversible assembly of packets Pn of pots (1) to form a chain (6) of packets Pn of pots (1).

[Claim 4] Pn package of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it is made from a material chosen from the group of materials comprising - ideally composed of: cellulosic materials, lignocellulosic materials, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, industrially compostable materials ["OK compost INDUSTRIAL" according to the requirements of the European Packaging Directive (94/62/EC)], according to standard EN 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000.

[Claim 5] Pn package of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it is constituted by a plate (2), preferably rectangular, stamped, comprising a network of pots (1), including the openings (3) located in the plane of the face upper part of the plate (2) are each surrounded by a zone (17) intended to be secured with the edges of a closing cover.

[Claim 6] Stack (12) of Pn packets of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

[Claim 7] Chain (6) of Pn packets of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5.

[Claim 8] Mold for manufacturing the Pn package of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5.

[Claim 9] Method for manufacturing Pn packages of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it essentially consists of:

- mold a deformable material, preferably chosen from the group of materials comprising - ideally composed of -: cellulosic materials, lignocellulosic materials, recyclable materials, biodegradable materials, industrially compostable materials ["OK compost INDUSTRIAL" according to the requirements of the relative European directive packaging (94/62/EC)], according to standard EN 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000, to obtain a Pn package of pots (1);

- unmold this Pn package of pots (1);

- stack the packages Pn of pots (1) thus manufactured.

[Claim 10] Method for packaging a product, preferably food, in pots (1) of Pn packages of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it essentially consists to: implement a machine, preferably a thermoforming/filling/sealing machine ("Form/Fill/Seal-FFS), comprising

* a 1 A power station comprising a 2A reel of film;

* possibly a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A of the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots;

* a Se lid sealing station on the openings of the filled cavities;

* a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed pots;

- to adapt the power station 1A by replacing the wire spool 2A, with a stack (12) of Pn packages of pots (1) according to claim 5;

- to decommission/remove the thermoforming station Fo, when it is present; - possibly, to decommission/delete cutting station 5A;

- to supply the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots (1), from the stack (12) of packets Pn of pots (1) present in the station 1A, by coupling the packets Pn of pots (1) to each other and/or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a conveyor system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for chaining the packets Pn of pots, so as to form a chain whose links are the packets Pn of pots one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei at +/ - x%, x being equal to -according to an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1;

- to fill the pots (1) with product to be packaged in the filling station Fi;

- to seal the packets Pn of pots (1) filled in the lid sealing station Se;

- to cut, preferably transversely, the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1) and/or to uncouple, from each other, the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1);

- to collect the cut and/or uncoupled Pn packages.

[Claim 11] Process for packaging a product, preferably food, in pots of Pn packages of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it essentially consists of:

- to implement a stack (12) of Pn packets of pots (1) according to claim 7;

- to supply a filling station Fi with Pn packets of pots (1), from the stack (12) of Pn packets of pots (1), by coupling the Pn packets of pots (1) to each other, so as to form a chain (6) of Pn packets of pots and/or by conveying the Pn packets of pots with a conveyor system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for chaining Pn packets of pots (1), so as to to form a chain (6) whose links are the packets Pn of pots (1) one after the other, in which the centers of the terminal and contiguous pots of two packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, successive , depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V _ei to within +/- x%, x being equal to -according to an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1;

- to fill the pots (1) with product to be packaged;

- to seal the Pn packages of filled pots (1);

- to cut, preferably transversely, the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1) and/or to uncouple the Pn packages of filled and sealed pots (1) from each other;

- to collect the cut and/or uncoupled Pn packages.