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

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: Packaging containers, particularly eco-packaging, for products, especially food products, their manufacturing process and packaging process using Scope of the invention

[0001] The invention falls within the field of packaging, particularly 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 with a lid.

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

[0004] In particular, the invention relates to a method 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 lid, in the packaging pots according to the invention. Technological background of the invention

[0006] For industrial-scale 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 (HFFS) machine. This machine includes - a 1A power supply station comprising a 2A reel of polymer film, for example polystyrene, - a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a 3A heating station for the polymer film and a 4A forming station, in this polymer film, of cavities intended to form pots, - a filling station Fi, for these cavities, with metered quantities of a product, for example, food; - a sealing station for lids Se on the openings of the filled cavities; - a 5A cutting station for 6A packs of filled and sealed jars, f

[0008] In the context of environmental protection, synthetic polymers such as polystyrene are no longer particularly welcome in the field of packaging.

[0009] Alternative materials to these fossil-based synthetic polymers include more environmentally friendly cellulosic materials. Molded cellulose is an example of a recyclable and biodegradable biomaterial already used in the food, medical, horticultural, veterinary, telephone, lamp, hygiene, and electronics packaging sectors. Molded cellulose is made from recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspapers, or from virgin fibers of wood, straw, sugarcane bagasse, or rice straw. First mixed with water, the fibers are molded and then dried. This technique makes it possible to create lightweight and strong 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 biopolymers [polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), polylactic acid (English: polylactic acid, abbreviated as PLA)].

[0011] These eco-friendly biopolymers, however, have drawbacks regarding some of their mechanical properties and their ability to be filmed. This can make it impossible to produce film reels for the FFS machines mentioned above and shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, even assuming these biopolymers can be filmed and wound onto reels, they may not be thermoformable.

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

[0013] However, the FFS industrial machinery fleet is immense. Consequently, the investment required from manufacturers to switch to recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials is a major obstacle to the sector's development. 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 for industrially packaging a product, for example food, in liddable pots made of material that is at least partially recyclable and / or biodegradable, compatible with existing FFS type packaging machines, so as to avoid a complete or partial renewal of the existing fleet of FFS machines.

[0016] An objective of the invention is to provide a technical means for industrially packaging a product, for example food, in liddable jars made of material that is at least partially recyclable and / or biodegradable, the technical means being simple to implement and manufacture.

[0017] One objective of the invention is to provide a technical means for industrially packaging a product, for example food, in liddable jars made of material that is at least partially recyclable and / or biodegradable, the technical means having to be economical.

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

[0019] One objective of the invention is to provide a product packaging process, preferably for food products, which is efficient, economical and suitable for high industrial production rates. Brief description of the invention

[0020] The invention satisfies at least one of the above objectives and relates, according to a first aspect, to a package of packaging pots, called package Pn with n identifying a given package of pots, and with n from 1 to N, N being a positive natural number, characterized in that: (i) several of these packages Pn are stackable, preferably by nesting the pots of a package Pn, with the exception of the package Pn at the base of the stack thus formed, in the pots of the adjacent lower package; (ii) it includes structural linking elements enabling the formation of a chain whose links are the bundles Pn of pots one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei within + / - x%, where x is equal to - in ascending order of preference -: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1

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

[0022] 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 packages of packaging pots made from environmentally friendly material are a superior replacement for the polymer film rolls used in traditional machines. FFS forming / filling / sealing, or even in traditional filling / sealing machines ("Fill & Seal" FS).

[0023] The packaging jar packs according to the invention conform to those commonly known in the field of packaging. They are sealed jar packs, possibly with pre-cuts in the plate holding the jars together, so that the jars can be broken off individually or in subgroups of several jars.

[0024] The ability of these packages of packaging pots to be stackable and to be coupled together to form a chain that integrates perfectly into a dynamic continuous, industrial-scale packaging process of products such as food products, for example dairy products (yogurts, etc.).

[0025] The simplicity of these stackable packaging jar packs, which can be linked together to form a chain, guarantees efficiency, performance, quality and economy in the industrial packaging of products, particularly food products.

[0026] In a 1 er In this embodiment, a pack Pn of pots (1) includes coupling elements which are the structural elements of the chaining allowing the formation of a chain whose links are the packs Pn of pots one after the other. 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 package of pots according to this 1 er this embodiment is characterized in that Pn comprises at least one er coupling element A n on one of its edges and at least one 2 e coupling element A c n on the opposite edge; the 1 er coupling element A n and the 2 e coupling element A c n having complementary structures, so that the 1 er coupling element An can cooperate with the 2 e coupling element A c n +i or A c n -i of an adjacent packet of pots, to perform a reversible assembly of packets of pots to form a chain of packets of pots Pn.

[0028] According to an advantageous variant of this 1 er method of implementation, the 1 er coupling element A n is a male element and the 2 e coupling element A c n is a female element or vice versa, the male element preferably being a button or a hook.

[0029] Advantageously, each of the opposite edges of the pot pack includes at least 2 coupling elements A n and / or A c n

[0030] The remarkable arrangements of the packaging jar bundles according to 1 erThe embodiment of the invention allows for easy coupling of the different bundles of pots together, to form a chain of bundles that integrates perfectly into a semi-continuous packaging line of an FFS-type machine. The bundles of pots, stacked and arranged in the feeding station of the packaging machine, can be introduced into the machine conveyor, where these packages are guided by means of spiked or clipped chains, for example, which ensure that the chain of jar packages remains in line with the direction of travel of the packaging line.

[0031] In a 2 èmeIn this embodiment, the structural elements of the chain allow the formation of a chain whose links are the bundles Pn of pots one after the other, and in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei+ / - x % to the nearest, x being equal to - in ascending order of preference in % - : 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; are designed to cooperate with a feeding and conveying system for the bundles of jars in a packaging machine for a product, preferably a food product, in these jars. These structural chaining elements may be all or part of at least one body of the jars in the bundles Pn. The feeding and conveying system for the bundles of jars may include housings suitable for receiving the jar bodies, to guide them during their conveyance in the packaging machine, fixing the distance between each bundle Pn of jars in the chain such that the center-to-center distance V ei longitudinal spacing of the pots must be respected between successive packages Pn.

[0032] The 1 er and the 2 ème implementation methods can be combined.

[0033] To perfect the stacking of the jar bundles according to the invention, it is provided, according to a notable embodiment thereof, that the bundle Pn of jars comprises at least one cushioning element C n , preferably on one of its edges, the shoring elements having complementary structures, so that each shoring element C n of a package Pn can cooperate with a corresponding shimming element C n -i or C n +i of an adjacent, lower or higher pot packet in a stack of pot packets Pn, to stabilize this stack.

[0034] Advantageously, each C shimming element n has a male and a female function, so that it can fit into the shim C n -i, corresponding to packet Pn-1, adjacent, lower, in a stack of packets Pn and so as to receive by nesting the shim element C n+i, corresponding to packet Pn+1, adjacent, higher, in this stack of packets Pn. This shimming element C n dual male / female function, could be for example a hollow spur.

[0035] According to a remarkable embodiment of the invention, the coupling elements A n , HAS c n of each pack Pn of pots, also contribute to a stable stacking of the packs Pn, thanks to the characteristic according to which the coupling elements A n , HAS c n from a package Pn 1 of a stack of packages Pn, fit together, advantageously and precisely, in the coupling elements A c n , HAS n corresponding to packet Pn-1 located just below in the stack.

[0036] The Pn packages of packaging pots according to the invention are advantageously eco-friendly and therefore made from a material selected 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, and mixtures thereof

[0037] Cellulose can, for example, be made with recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspapers, or with virgin fibers from wood, straw, sugarcane bagasse or rice straw. Sugarcane fibers are an example of lignocellulosic cellulosic material. Also worth mentioning are natural biopolymers [starches and derivatives] or synthetic biopolymers [polyhydroxyalkanoates or PHA, poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), polylactic acid (English: polylactic acid, abbreviated as PLA)]. Although biodegradable, recyclable and / or compostable polymers are preferred in the context of the present invention, it is not excluded that the packaging pots could be obtained from any (thermo)formable materials, such as synthetic polymers, possibly recycled, such as polyolefins, polyesters (polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene succinate, polystyrene...).

[0038] As stated above, the packaging jar package according to the invention can be obtained from (thermo)formable materials. It is preferably molded.

[0039] In an even more preferred embodiment, the Pn package of packaging pots consists of 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 an area intended to be secured with the edges of a closing lid.

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

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

[0042] According to one feature of the invention, V ei may be the same as or different from V e 2. In the 1 er embodiment, V ei is different from V e 2. In the 2 ème embodiment, V ei is essentially identical to V e 2.

[0043] According to a 2 e In its aspects, the invention relates to a stack of Pn packages of packaging pots, as defined in this disclosure.

[0044] According to a 3 e In its aspects, the invention relates to a chain of packages Pn of packaging pots, as defined in this presentation. According to a 4 e In its aspects, the invention relates to a method for manufacturing packages Pn 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 European directive on packaging (94 / 62 / EC)], according to standard EN 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000, to obtain a pack Pn of pots; - unmold this Pn pack of pots; - stack the packages Pn of pots thus produced.

[0045] In a variant of 4 e As an aspect of the invention, the manufacturing process for Pn packages of pots essentially consists of: - to implement a machine, preferably an FFS machine, comprising * a 1 A power supply station comprising a 2 A film reel; * possibly, a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A for the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots; * a filling station Fi, for these cavities, with metered quantities of the product to be packaged; * a sealing station for lids Se on the openings of the filled cavities; * a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed jars; - to adapt the 1 A power supply station by replacing the 2A wire reel with a stack of Pn packets of pots according to the invention; - to take out of service / remove the Fo thermoforming station, when present; - possibly, to take out of service / remove the 5A cutting station; - to supply the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots, from the stack of packets Pn of pots present in station 1A, and / or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a feeding and conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for linking 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 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 within + / - x %, where x is equal to - in ascending order of preference -: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - to fill the jars of products to be packaged in the filling station Fi; - to seal the Pn packages of filled jars 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 Pn packages that have been cut and / or unhitched.

[0046] According to a 5 e In its aspects, the invention relates to a method of packaging a product, preferably a food product, in the pots of the Pn packs of pots according to the invention, characterized in that it essentially consists of: - to implement a stack of Pn packages of pots according to the invention; - to supply the filling station Fi with bundles Pn of pots, from the stack of bundles Pn of pots, by linking the bundles Pn of pots together, and / or by conveying the bundles Pn of pots with a feeding and conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for linking bundles Pn of pots, so as to form a chain whose links are the bundles Pn of pots one after the other, in which the center-to-center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei within + / - x%, x being equal to -in ascending order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - to fill the jars of products to be packaged; - to seal the Pn packages of filled jars; - 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 Pn packages that have been cut and / or unhitched.

[0047] The products, preferably food products, which can be 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 this invention, the term "pot" refers to any container or receptacle, particularly for food, of any shape whatsoever. This could include trays or capsules for products such as tea, herbal tea, or coffee. These sealed capsules can be used in beverage preparation machines.

[0049] All the advantages and variations of this invention will become clearer in the light of the description of an example embodiment of the packaging jar packages to which it relates. Brief description of the drawings

[0050] This description is made with reference to the attached figures in which: Fig. 1

[0051] [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a prior art forming / filling / sealing (FFS) machine for plates or packages of packaging jars. Fig. 2

[0052] [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of % before, of a package Pn 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 packs Pn of packaging pots from Figure 2. Fig. 4

[0054] [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a chain of 2 coupled packages Pn of packaging pots from Figure 2. Fig. 5

[0055] [Fig. 5] Figure 5 includes, from top to bottom and left to right: - a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the cutting line VV (shown on the corresponding bottom view) of a chain of 2 coupled bundles Pn of packaging pots; a side view of a stack of 7 bundles Pn of packaging pots, from which bundles Pn constituting the chain originate; - the top views corresponding to the VV cross-section views of the chain and side view of the stack. Fig. 6

[0056] [Fig. 6] Figure 6 shows a detailed view of area 5.1 of Figure 5, before coupling of a package Pn from the top (arrow F1) or bottom (arrow F2) of stack 12 (drawing at top right of Figure 5). Fig. 7

[0057] [Fig. 7] Figure 7 shows a variant execution of the Pn packages from 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 cross-sectional view parallel to the median longitudinal plane, along line VII-VII of the top view; - an enlarged and perspective view of the partial cross-section view. Fig. 8

[0058] [Fig. 8] Figure 8 includes, from top to bottom: - a side view of package Pn in figure 2; - a top view corresponding to this side view. Fig. 9

[0059] [Fig. 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of % before, a chain of two Pn packages of packaging pots and a suspended Pn package before stacking into the rightmost Pn package of the chain, these Pn packages corresponding to a variant embodiment 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 from Figure 9. Fig. 11

[0061] [Fig. 11] Figure 11 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line XX of Figure 10. Fig. 12

[0062] [Fig. 12] Figure 12 is a top view of two plates Pn; 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 line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a 1 èrestep of the kinematics of feeding and conveying the plates of pots, towards a machine for packaging a product, preferably food, in these pots, forming a chain. Fig. 14

[0064] [Fig. 14] Figure 14 is a longitudinal sectional view along line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a 2 ème step of the kinematics of feeding and conveying the plates of pots, towards a machine for packaging a product, preferably food, in these pots, forming a chain. Fig. 15

[0065] [Fig. 15] Figure 15 is a longitudinal sectional view along line XII-XII of Figure 12, in a 3 ème step in the kinematics of feeding and conveying the plates of pots, towards a packaging machine for a product, preferably food, in these pots, forming a chain. Detailed description of the invention

[0066] Packaging jar packs

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

[0068] On an industrial scale, it is conceivable, 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 from 1 to 100 pots, for example from 50 to 70 pots in their length.

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

[0071] 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 1 er In this embodiment of the invention, the package Pn has, on each of its transverse edges 20, 21, two coupling elements A n , HAS c n or structural chaining elements, allowing the creation of a chain 6 whose links are the packages Pn, as shown in figures 4 & 5, or of two packages Pn as illustrated in figures 9 to 11.

[0073] In a 1 ère variant of 1 er In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, the transverse edge 20 comprises two coupling elements A c n or structural chaining elements, consisting of two oblong (female) lights 7,8, 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 equipped with two coupling elements A n or structural chaining elements, with a shape complementary to that of the coupling elements A n from the opposite transverse edge 20. The two coupling elements A n From each transverse edge 21 are two protrusions 10,11, extending downwards from the lower surface of the transverse edge 21 of the plate 2. These protrusions 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 bundle (Arrow F3 in Figure 6), in a chain 6 of Pn bundles: see Figures 5 & 6, more particularly the detail of Figure 6.

[0074] In a 2 ème variant of 1 er In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 11, the transverse edge 20 comprises three coupling elements A c nor structural chaining elements, consisting of a circular light 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, in a convergent manner, from the lower surface of the edge 20 of the plate 2. This convergence of the fringe 9 appears on the drawing at the top of figure 10. The transverse edge 21 is equipped with three coupling elements A c n or structural chaining elements, with a shape complementary to that of the coupling elements A n from the opposite transverse edge 20. The three coupling elements A c nFrom 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 protrusion 11'. These protrusions 10'i, 11', W2 are male elements intended to be embedded, reversibly, in the oblong female slots 7'i, 8', 7'2 of the transverse edge 20 of the plate 2 of an adjacent Pn-1 or Pn+1 package, in a chain 6 of Pn packages: see Figures 8 & 10.

[0075] As shown in the variant execution of Figure 7, the female lights (A c n , 7"', 8"'-) with 9"' fringes, can be advantageously arranged on a notch 12 of the transverse edges 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 nThe 7'', 8''' for the coupling (arrow F4 in the lower drawing of Figure 7) are provided on a transverse edge 21 and extend downwards from the upper surface of the edge 21 of plate 2. The thickness of plate 2, at its transverse edge 21, corresponds approximately to the height of the notch 12 which forms a slope between the upper surface of plate 2, in the region extending between the notch 12 of the transverse edge 20 and the opposite transverse edge 21, and the upper surface of plate 2, at its transverse edge 20 having the female slots (A c n , 7'", 8'"-). In this way, the upper surfaces of the different plates 2 of the bundles Pn coupled to form a chain 6, are substantially in the same plane.

[0076] In this 1 er embodiment method, center distance V eibetween terminal and contiguous pots of 2 packages Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, in a chain is different from the center-to-center spacing V e 2 between successive / contiguous pots of a package Pn, according to the length of the package Pn.

[0077] The stability of the stacks of 12 Pn packets can be enhanced by a remarkable feature of the invention which consists of providing four stabilizing elements C n , designated by references 13, 14, 15, 16, each of which C n has a male and a female function, so that it can fit into the shim C n -i, corresponding to packet Pn-1, adjacent, lower, in a stack of packets Pn and so as to receive by nesting the shim element C n +i, corresponding packet Pn+1, adjacent, superior, in this stack of packets Pn. In the 1 erIn the embodiment shown in figures 2 to 11, the shims 14, 15, 16, 17 are hollow lugs whose shape and dimensions are such that they can fit together in a stack of packages Pn. In the 2 ème In the embodiment shown in figures 2 to 11, the shimming 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 lumens 7, 8, 7'i, 8', 7'2 of the Pn packets, are chosen so as to permit: * in a chain of 6 Pn packs, the "protrusion in light" embedding, with a gap allowing a stable assembly while being reversible; * in a stack of 12 Pn packets, the nesting "protuberance in protuberance" and "fringe in light".

[0079] Similarly, according to a preferred feature of the invention, the shape and dimensions of the pots 1 of the packages Pn are chosen so as to allow, in a stack 12 of packages Pn, the nesting of the pots 1 of the different stacked packages Pn together.

[0080] According to an interesting feature of the invention, plate 2 of each package Pn comprises: - A zone 17 surrounding the opening 3 of each pot 1 and intended to be joined, preferably by heat sealing, with the edges of a closing lid, after filling the pot 1. - 18 pre-cuts, allowing this plate 2 to be cut and to separate the different pots from each other, individually or in subgroups.

[0081] In the second embodiment of the invention, the walls of the packaging jar bundles constitute the structural elements of the chaining, forming a chain 6 whose links are the bundles Pn of jars 1, one after the other, in which the center distances between the terminal and contiguous jars of two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei .

[0082] In this 2 ème embodiment method, center distance V ei between the terminal and contiguous pots of 2 packages Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, in a chain is substantially identical to the center-to-center spacing V e 2 between successive / contiguous pots of a package Pn, according to the length of the package Pn.

[0083] Process for manufacturing packaging jar bundles

[0084] This Pn pack is made from molded cellulose. Molded cellulose is manufactured using recycled fibers extracted from old cardboard or newspapers. It is also possible to use virgin fibers from wood, straw, sugarcane bagasse, or rice straw. First mixed with water to form a paste, possibly with added ingredients, the fibers are then molded, pressed, and dried. Preferably, the manufacturing process used is a "flat molding" process, in which a metal or plastic mold is covered with a fine wire mesh. According to this flat molding technique, the mold is dipped into the liquid clay. Under the effect of a suction device, the water contained in the clay passes through the system while the fibers are trapped by the mesh. They accumulate there to form the desired object. The suction is maintained until the object is transferred to the drying area to allow maximum dehydration of the fibrous mat. According to another rotary molding technique, a drum, to which, for example, eight molds are attached, rotates within the clay. A suction system draws the clay into the molds.

[0085] KIEFEL 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... For more details, please refer to the KIEFEL company website.

[0086] Depending on the specific configuration, the material used for the Pn packages according to the invention can be a recycled polymer such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA), or polyethylene (PE). The machine used can be, for example, the one manufactured and marketed under the name SPEEDFORMER KTR by KIEFEL. For further details, please refer to the KIEFEL website. Other examples of suitable machines are those manufactured and marketed by ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Go. KG. For further details, please refer to the websites of these companies.

[0087] The Pn packages are molded objects obtained using the aforementioned thermoforming techniques and machines. The molds used exhibit the structural characteristics, in negative, of the Pn packages according to the invention. It follows that the invention also covers molds for obtaining the Pn packages according to the invention.

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

[0089] Packaging method using these packages of packaging pots

[0090] These 12-pack Pn stacks are intended to serve as starting material in a process of packaging a product, preferably food, in the pots of the Pn packs.

[0091] FFS operating mode

[0092] In such a process, one uses, for example, a known Fill, Form & Seal machine, which may be of the type shown in Figure 1 and described above, and which includes: * a 1 A power supply station including a 2 A wire reel; * a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a heating station 3A for the polymer film and a forming station 4A, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots; * a filling station Fi, for these cavities, with metered quantities of the product to be packaged; * a sealing station for lids Se on the openings of the filled cavities; * a 5A cutting station for 6A packs of filled and sealed jars.

[0093] Another example of an FFS machine is the C300 thermoforming, dosing, and sealing machine for pots (speed 10,000-35,000 pots / hour), manufactured and marketed by IMA DAIRY & FOOD HOLDING GMBH. For more details, please refer to the company's website. We should 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 1A power supply station is adapted to replace the 2A wire spool with a stack of 12 packs of Pn pots according to the invention; - we take out of service / we remove the Fo thermoforming station; - The filling station Fi is supplied with packets Pn of pots 1, from the stack 12 of packets Pn of pots present in station 1A: by linking the packets Pn of pots 1 together, so as to form a chain of packets Pn of pots 1 according to the invention; and / or by conveying the packets Pn of pots 1 with a conveying system 40 comprising means (41, 42) adapted to cooperate with the structural linking elements, namely the walls 5 of pots 1 of the packets Pn, 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 1 of two successive packets Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei within + / - x%, x being equal to -in ascending order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - we fill the pots 1 with product(s) to be packaged in the filling station Fi; - the packages Pn of pots (1 ) filled in the lid-sealing station Se; - we cut, preferably transversely, the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1), and / or we uncouple, from each other, the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1); - we collect the Pn packages that have been cut and / or unhitched.

[0094] As shown in the upper drawing of Figure 5 for the first embodiment of the invention, feeding the filling station Fi involves using a tool to pick up the packets Pn from the stack 12, either from the top (Arrow F1) or from the bottom (Arrow F2). The tool used for this purpose could be, for example, a mechanical destacking system or a multi-axis robot equipped with suction cups.

[0095] As 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 allows the cutting of the plates 2 of packs Pn of pots 1 to be implemented in the coupling areas, to uncouple the packs Pn from each other, and / or at other places in the plates 2 of packs Pn forming a chain 6. In the latter case, new final packs Pz of pots are then formed, different from the initial packs Pn of pots 1 feeding the packaging machine. The 5A cutting station can also be used to make 18 pre-cut lines to make these 2-pack Pn plates breakable.

[0097] FS operating mode

[0098] According to one variant, the packaging machine can be a known Fill & Seal (FS) machine, which includes: * a 1 A power supply station comprising Pn packs of pots 1 according to the invention; * a filling station Fi, for these cavities, with metered quantities of the product to be packaged; * a sealing station for lids Se on the openings of the filled cavities; * a 5A cutting station for 6A packs of filled and sealed jars.

[0099] The FFS or FS packaging machines advantageously operate continuously, alternately, i.e. according to a step or cycle time (a few seconds e.g.) of forming / filling / sealing / cutting in an FFS machine or or cycle time of filling / sealing / cutting in an FS machine. The packages Pn 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 setting step of the machine, i.e. to the cycle time.

[0100] The packaging process according to this operating mode FS includes a step of feeding the filling station Fi with packs Pn of pots 1, from a stack 12 of packs Pn of pots 1: by linking the packs Pn of pots 1 together, so as to form a chain 6 of packs Pn of pots; and / or by conveying the packs Pn of pots with a conveying system 40 comprising means 41, 42 adapted to cooperate with structural elements for linking packs Pn of pots 1, so as to form a chain 6 whose links are the packs Pn of pots 1 one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive packs Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei within + / - x %, x being equal to -in an increasing order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

[0101] Figures 13 to 15 in the appendix show the kinematics of this step of feeding the filling station Fi with the bundles Pn of pots 1 forming a stack 12, according to the 2 e method of embodiment of the invention. In the latter, a conveying system 40 is implemented, comprising a support 41, in which housings 42 are provided n 42 n+1 ou n ' 1 intended to receive the structural chaining elements, namely, respectively, on the one hand, the walls 5 of the terminal pots 1 of the extreme right column of the Pn bundle 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 packet Pn+1 or n-1 of pots 1 in Figure 12, in the housings 42 n+1 ou n ' 1 . Tools identical to those shown above as an example for the first embodiment of the invention (Figure 5) are provided to bring two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or Pn-1 of pots 1, directly above the housings 42 n 42 n+1 ou n ' 1 of support 41. Figure 13 attached provides 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 Pn package are engaged in the housings 42 n (Figure 14) and, on the other hand, the walls of the terminal pots 1 of the far left column in Figure 12 of the Pn package are inserted into the housings 42 n+1 ou n ' 1 of support 41 (Figure 15). The two successive packets Pn, P n +1 or P n ' 1The pots 1 are thus positioned relative to and one after the other. They are then conveyed into the packaging machine to undergo the operations described above: filling, capping, cutting... the same applies to all the packs Pn of pots 1 from the stack 12 feeding the packaging machine. The conveyor system 40 thus defines a constant center distance V ei between the terminal pots 1 of successive packets Pn, P n+1 ou n ' 1 . In this 2 e embodiment method, center distance V e 2 between the columns of pots of each package Pn, pn+i or ni es f approximately equal to V e i.

[0102] This center distance V ei approximately constant packets Pn, P n+1 ou n ' 1 , through * In the first embodiment, coupling elements: * and, in the second embodiment, of the cooperation between the structural linking elements constituted by the walls of the terminal pots of the successive packages Pn, P n+1 ou n ' 1 On the one hand, and the conveyor system 40, on the other hand, ensures correct filling and sealing of the jars 1 during packaging

[0103] Packaging a product, particularly food, in the jars of these Pn packages is thus carried out efficiently and at high industrial speeds, with only minor modifications to existing machines powered by environmentally unfriendly fossil-based polymers. The Pn jar packages according to the invention therefore make it possible, without major investments and in a simple manner, to transform existing machinery to use eco-friendly packaging materials, particularly cellulosic and lignocellulosic materials.

Claims

Demands

1. Packet of packaging jars (1), denoted pack Pn with n identifying a given pack of jars, and with n = 1 to N, N being a positive natural number; characterized in that: (i) several of these packages Pn are stackable, preferably by nesting the pots (1 ) of a package Pn, with the exception of the package Pn at the base of the stack (12) thus formed, in the pots ((1 ) of the adjacent lower package Pn-1; (ii) it comprises structural linking elements enabling the formation of a chain (6) whose links are the bundles Pn of pots (1) one after the other, in which the center distances of the terminal and contiguous pots of two successive bundles Pn, Pn+1 or n-1, depending on the length of the chain, correspond to the same value V ei within + / - x %, x being equal to - in ascending order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1.

2. Package Pn 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 Pn-1 or n+1 package of pots (1 ), these elements (A n ,10,10'i,10'2, 11 , 11 ', A c n , 7, 7'i, 7'2, 8, 8') allowing to form a chain (6) of packets Pn of pots.

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

4. Pack Pn of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims characterized in that it is made from a material selected 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.

5. Pack Pn of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a plate (2), preferably rectangular, stamped, comprising an array of pots (1), the openings (3) of which are 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 cap.

6. Stack (12) of packs Pn of pots (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims.

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

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

9. A method for manufacturing packages Pn 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 European directive on packaging (94 / 62 / EC)], according to standard EN 13432:2000; home compostable materials according to the same standard EN 13432:2000, to obtain a pack Pn of pots (1); - unmold this package Pn of pots (1); - stack the packages Pn of pots (1 ) thus produced.

10. A method for packaging a product, preferably a food product, in the pots (1) of the packs Pn of pots (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it essentially consists of: using a machine, preferably a thermoforming / filling / sealing ("Form / Fill / Seal-FFS") machine, comprising * a 1 A power supply station comprising a 2 A film reel; * possibly a thermoforming station Fo, comprising a 3A heating station for the polymer film and a 4A forming station, in this film, of cavities intended to form pots; * a filling station Fi, for these cavities, with metered quantities of the product to be packaged; * a sealing station for lids Se on the openings of the filled cavities; * a 5A cutting station for 6A packages of filled and sealed jars; - to adapt the 1A power supply station by replacing the 2A wire spool with a stack (12) of Pn packs of pots (1) according to claim 5; - to take out of service / remove the Fo thermoforming station, when present; - possibly, to take out of service / remove the 5A cutting station; - to supply the filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots (1), from the stack (12) of packets Pn of pots (1) present in station 1A, by linking the packets Pn of pots (1) to each other and / or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for linking 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 within + / - x%, x being equal to -in ascending order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - to fill the jars (1) of product to be packaged in the filling station Fi; - to seal the packages Pn of jars (1) filled in the lid-sealing station Se; - to cut, preferably transversely, the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1) and / or to uncouple, from each other, the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1); - to collect the Pn packages that have been cut and / or unhitched.

11. A method for packaging a product, preferably a food product, in the pots of the Pn packs 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 packets Pn of pots (1) according to claim 7; - to supply a filling station Fi with packets Pn of pots (1), from the stack (12) of packets Pn of pots (1), by linking the packets Pn of pots (1) to each other, so as to form a chain (6) of packets Pn of pots and / or by conveying the packets Pn of pots with a conveying system comprising means capable of cooperating with structural elements for linking 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 within + / - x%, x being equal to -in ascending order of preference-: 20; 15; 10; 5; 4; 3; 2; 1; - to fill the jars (1) with product to be packaged; - to seal the Pn packages of filled jars (1); - to cut, preferably transversely, the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1) and / or to uncouple the packages Pn of filled and sealed pots (1) from each other; - to collect the Pn packages that have been cut and / or unhitched.

Images