Assembly and method for packaging fruit and vegetable products

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly for packaging fruit and vegetable products (A). The assembly (1) comprises at least: - a platform (2) comprising at least one first flat surface (2a) and provided with at least one through opening (3), - at least one tubular body (4) provided with an internal through channel (5) and respective mutually opposite ports (5a, 5b) for access to said channel, - means (6) of direct or indirect detachable coupling between the body (4) and the platform (2); the means (6) can be activated for the reversible transition from a first configuration, in which the body (4) is uncoupled from the platform (2), to a second configuration, in which the body (4) is coupled directly or indirectly to the platform (2) and a first port (5a) thereof faces the opening (3).

Description

[0001] ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR PACKAGING FRUIT AND

[0002] VEGETABLE PRODUCTS

[0003] The present invention relates to an assembly and a method for packaging fruit and vegetable products.

[0004] It is known that some fruit and vegetable products (cherries or walnuts, for example) are offered to the end consumer in packages constituted by sacks (or bags, or packets) made (typically) of polymeric material, inside which more or less defined quantities of products, sometimes corresponding to a predefined weight, are accommodated.

[0005] In order to optimize the logistical activities of transporting the bags, from wholesalers' warehouses and distribution centers to shops or in any case to the end sales points, the bags are transported (sometimes while they are still open) inside larger primary containers, typically constituted by spacious boxes or cases made of cardboard or other suitably strong material.

[0006] Therefore for some time the need has been felt to speed up and optimize the activities of preparing the primary containers and the bags (secondary containers) inside them, obviously with the goal of reducing the costs of the logistics associated with preparation and packaging of the products.

[0007] In that regard, some tools are known which make it possible to arrange the bags inside the case in an orderly fashion, while keeping them open, so that a worker or an automatic apparatus can drop the products of interest into the bags, which, once filled, are already correctly arranged in the primary container: it is then sufficient to remove the tool and the end result is a case full of bags (with the products inside them), ready to be sent to the end sales point.

[0008] However, these are solutions that only partially meet the requirements just mentioned, in that the preliminary activity of preparation, which entails in particular fitting each bag onto respective shaped funnels of the tool, is done manually by workers, with times and costs that are now unacceptable for the needs of the target markets.

[0009] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, by providing an assembly that ensures rapid and easy methods of packaging fruit and vegetable products.

[0010] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a method that makes it possible to package fruit and vegetable products in a rapid and easy manner.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and a method that make it possible to obtain a specific packaging of fruit and vegetable products, in which a plurality of secondary containers, filled with fruit and vegetable products, are accommodated in an orderly fashion inside a primary container.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and a method that ensure high reliability of operation.

[0013] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly that adopts an alternative technical and structural architecture to those of conventional sets.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and to provide a method that are easily implemented starting from elements and materials that are readily available on the market.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide an assembly and a method that are of low cost and are safely and simply applied.

[0016] This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by an assembly according to claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10.

[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the assembly and of the method according to the invention, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the assembly in the first configuration;

[0018] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the transition of the assembly of Figure 1 from the first configuration to the second configuration;

[0019] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views of the assembly of Figure 1 in the second configuration, during its use to execute the method according to the invention;

[0020] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along a longitudinal plane of some tubular bodies of the assembly of Figure 1;

[0021] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the method according to the invention.

[0022] With reference to the figures, the reference numerals 1 and 100 generally designate, respectively, an assembly and a method for packaging fruit and vegetable products A.

[0023] In particular, as will be illustrated below, the invention makes it possible to facilitate the preparation of packages in which the fruit and vegetable products A are contained in secondary containers B that are deformable (i.e. made of deformable material, which do not maintain or ensure a predefined shape per se) and these secondary containers, in turn, are arranged in an orderly fashion next to each other according to a desired arrangement inside a box- shaped primary container C.

[0024] The deformable secondary containers B are typically bags or sacks made of polymeric material, while the primary container C is a box made of cardboard (or of another material).

[0025] Often the preparation of this type of packages becomes necessary because this is how fruit and vegetable products A, for example cherries or walnuts, are sent to the shops or sales points and offered to the public, with each consumer then able to choose to buy a single bag filled with products A, typically according to a predefined quantity or weight.

[0026] According to the invention, the assembly 1 comprises at least, first of all, a platform 2 which comprises at least one first flat surface 2a and has at least one through opening 3 (preferably a plurality of through openings 3), provided along the first flat surface 2a. The platform 2 is typically plate-like in shape and therefore has two main dimensions, which identify the first flat surface 2a and also a second flat surface 2b, which is opposite to the first one (the opening or openings 3 are therefore also present on the second flat surface 2b).

[0027] Furthermore, according to the invention the assembly 1 comprises at least one tubular body 4 (rigid), and preferably a plurality of bodies 4; each body 4 has an internal through channel 5 and respective mutually opposite ports 5a, 5b for accessing said channel 5.

[0028] In particular, each tubular body 4 has a frustum or truncated pyramid shape, or, more generally, it has an extension which is axially symmetrical with respect to a longitudinal axis D; furthermore, each of these has, preferably, a transverse cross- section (transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis D) that decreases progressively from the first port 5a to the second port 5b that is arranged opposite to the first one.

[0029] Furthermore, according to the invention, the assembly 1 comprises at least means 6 of direct or indirect detachable coupling between the body 4 and the platform 2; “direct or indirect” coupling means that the coupling can be obtained respectively with or without the interposition of one or more intermediate components.

[0030] The means 6 can be activated to pass from a first configuration (Figure 1 for example), in which the body 4 is uncoupled from the platform 2, to a second configuration (Figure 3 for example), in which the body 4 is coupled directly or indirectly to the platform 2 and a first port 5a thereof is facing the opening 3 (with the longitudinal axis D perpendicular to the first flat surface 2a). In this manner, when the assembly 1 is in the second configuration, products A introduced into the opening 3 through the second flat surface 2b (Figure 4), or in any case from the side opposite to that of the first flat surface 2a, end up directly inside the channel 5. In the preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, in order to ensure an optimal coupling in the second configuration, the first port 5a and the opening 3 have substantially the same shape and the same dimensions.

[0031] In particular, with further reference to the preferred (but not exclusive) embodiment, the assembly 1 comprises a plurality of bodies 4 which have respective channels 5 and corresponding ports 5a, 5b; in the second configuration, the first port 5a of each channel 5 faces a respective opening 3 provided on the platform 2 (the number of openings 3 is equal to the number of bodies 4). In the present discussion, where reference has been made or will be made to bodies 4 and / or to openings 3 and / or to other components for which there can be a number of from one to “n” and to which reference has been made or will be made in the singular or in the plural, the concepts expressed are to be understood as applying to a number at will (from one to “n”) of bodies 4 and / or openings 3. Furthermore, every use of the term “each” (associated with the body 4, with the openings 3 or with other components) is to be understood as referring to “the only” component envisaged or to “each one of the many” components envisaged.

[0032] Advantageously, the possibility exists (preferred but not exclusive) for the means 6 to be configured to be activated automatically as a consequence of placing the bodies 4, with the respective first ports 5a, on the first surface 2a (and the axes D at right angles to said first surface). In other words, the possibility exists that it is sufficient to place the bodies 4 on the platform 2 (optionally, with the interposition of the component that will be introduced in the next paragraph) in order to cause the activation of the means 6 and therefore obtain the stable (but detachable) coupling between the bodies 4 and the platform 2.

[0033] Advantageously, the second flat surface 2b of the platform 2, which is opposite to the first flat surface 2a, is surrounded by containment sides 7. The sides 7 can be at right angles to the second flat surface 2b (as in the accompanying figures) or inclined, so as to constitute a guide for the fruit and vegetable products A (as will become better apparent below).

[0034] Usefully, the assembly 1 can comprise at least one supporting frame 8 for at least one subgroup of the plurality of tubular bodies 4 (stably or detachably) coupled to the frame 8 (and to each other) at the respective first port 5a.

[0035] For example, the accompanying figures show how the assembly 1 is provided with twelve bodies 4 overall, which are divided into four subassemblies, each one of which comprises three bodies 4 and is supported by a respective frame 8. The scope of protection claimed herein extends to any number of bodies 4 (as previously noted), to any “matrix” distribution of the bodies 4 and to any logic of dividing these bodies into subassemblies (inclusive of any number of bodies 4).

[0036] The choice to divide the bodies 4 into subassemblies, each one of which is supported by a respective frame 8, can simplify their handling and movement, whether it is performed manually or, especially, if it is decided to automate it (as will also be emphasized below).

[0037] Each frame 8 can be made in a single block with the respective bodies 4 or it can be a separate element (a form of perforated plate for example), detachably or stably coupled to the bodies 4 (in various ways), at their first ports 5a.

[0038] In the second configuration, each channel 5 of the bodies 4 that belong to each one of these subassemblies is therefore placed in communication with an opening 3 via a respective hole 8a in the frame 8. The holes 8a allow the products A, introduced into the openings 3 from the second flat surface 2b, to reach the channels 5. Preferably (not necessarily) the holes 8a are given the same shape and the same dimensions as the first ports 5a (and as the openings 3).

[0039] In any case other methods can be used of coupling the bodies 4 to each other, if it is desired to group them in subassemblies.

[0040] In a first practical implementation, also illustrated in the accompanying figures (Figure 5 in particular) for the purposes of nonlimiting example of the invention, in the second configuration each body 4 is directly or indirectly detachably coupled to the platform 2 by magnetic attraction.

[0041] The magnetic attraction can be obtained in any manner, chosen freely by the person skilled in the art from the many options that are available in the known art.

[0042] More specifically, the means of coupling 6 comprise at least one magnet 9a, which is mounted on each body 4 and / or on each frame 8 and which is configured to magnetically attract at least one portion of the platform 2, or vice versa (i.e., at least one magnet 9a can be arranged on the platform 2 and magnetically attract portions of the bodies 4 and / or of the frames 8). By way of example, the accompanying figures show magnets 9a embedded in the thickness of the frames 8, but any placement of these magnets is possible, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0043] In particular, in the accompanying figures the magnetic attraction is obtained by placing blocks 9b of ferromagnetic material along the platform 2, which are then attracted by the magnets 9a embedded in the thickness of the frames 8.

[0044] In this option therefore, the mutual coupling is obtained, effectively automatically, simply by placing the bodies 4 (or the frame 8) on the platform 2, by virtue of the magnetic attraction that is generated as a consequence of the mutual approach of the magnet(s) 9a and the blocks 9b.

[0045] As an alternative to the blocks 9b, ferromagnetic material can be used to provide all the edges of the openings 3 (or a surface or inner layer of the edges), or ferromagnetic material can be used to provide the entire first flat surface 2a or the whole platform 2, while remaining within the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0046] As anticipated, the possibility is not ruled out of inverting the positions of the magnets 9a (which are therefore arranged on the platform 2) and the blocks 9b or other ferromagnetic portions (on the bodies 4 and / or frames 8).

[0047] The possibility is likewise envisaged of having magnetic attraction between one or more magnets 9a arranged on the bodies 4 (and / or on the frames 8) and one or more other magnets 9a arranged on the platform 2.

[0048] In a second practical implementation, which does not exhaust the options covered in the scope of application of the invention, in the second configuration, each body 4 is directly or indirectly detachably coupled to the platform 2 by shape mating, by interlocking. The interlocking can also be obtained with any practical method.

[0049] So if interlocking is used, a male element can be provided along each body 4 and / or each frame 8 for example, and when the bodies 4 are placed above the first flat surface 2a, this male element automatically couples, by interlocking, with a female element of the latter (or vice versa).

[0050] Any method of coupling (in addition to magnetic attraction and interlocking) is therefore to be understood as falling within the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0051] To ensure an optimal alignment between the bodies 4 and the platform 2, and therefore facilitate the action of coupling (especially when it requires a very precise relative placing of the bodies 4 with respect to the platform 2, as in the case of magnetic coupling), the assembly 1 can comprise raised portions 10, associated with each body 4 or (as in the accompanying figures) with each frame 8, and respective centering seats 11, provided along the first flat surface 2a of the platform 2. In the second configuration, each raised portion 10 is inserted into a respective seat 11 (by virtue of its suitably chosen position).

[0052] Thus, in order to ascertain that the desired coupling is obtained, it is sufficient to place the bodies 4 (optionally with the frames 8) onto the first flat surface 2a, taking care to align the raised portions 10 with the seats 11. Their alignment guides the step of coupling between the bodies 4 and the platform 2, thus ensuring that they are progressively brought closer together and finally coupled, in the correct mutual arrangement.

[0053] It is also possible for the raised portions 10 to be provided along the first flat surface 2a, and the seats 11 on the bodies 4 or the frames 8.

[0054] As mentioned above, in addition to the assembly 1 according to the invention, the present invention also relates to a method 100 for packaging fruit and vegetable products A, which can be performed by means of an assembly 1 according to what is described above for the purpose of obtaining the specific packaging described in the foregoing pages.

[0055] The method 100 according to the invention therefore entails, in a step a. to be executed with the assembly 1 in the first configuration, externally fitting a deformable secondary container B onto at least one tubular body 4, thus closing the channel 5 at the second port 5b, which is opposite to the first port 5a. At the latter port therefore, the channel 5 is kept accessible from outside at the end of step a.. As already seen, the assembly 1 preferably comprises a plurality of bodies 4 and therefore, in such case, step a. entails fitting secondary container B onto each one of them.

[0056] Subsequently, the method 100 according to the invention entails, in a step b., reversibly coupling at least each body 4, onto which a secondary container B has been fitted, to the platform 2, thus bringing the assembly 1 to the second configuration (as in Figure 3). Step b. therefore entails using the means 6 (operating so that they are activated, in a manner more or less automatic).

[0057] With reference to Figure 4, the method 100 then entails, in a step c., introducing the fruit and vegetable products A into at least one respective through opening 3 in the platform 2 (typically, on the side of the second flat surface 2b). On passing through the openings 3, the products A are collected inside the channels 5 (which are closed by the secondary containers B). Step e. is continued until a predefined number or weight of products A is obtained in each channel 5 (and as will shortly become obvious, preferably this will correspond to the number or weight in the secondary containers B).

[0058] During step c., the presence of the sides 7 can facilitate an optimal conveyance of the products A toward the openings 3, in particular if step c. is performed using an automatic filling machine.

[0059] Preferably (but not necessarily) the method 100 also entails, in a step d. subsequent to step b. and prior to step c., inserting the assembly 1 (with the secondary containers B fitted onto the bodies 4) into an open, boxshaped primary container C, keeping the platform 2 directed toward the outside of the primary container C (with the second flat surface 2b in particular) and keeping each second port 5b directed toward the bottom of the primary container C. At the end of step d., the desired final arrangement is thus obtained, shown in Figure 4, in which the secondary containers B are arranged next to each other inside the primary container C, as they will be in the final packaging that, as seen in the foregoing pages, it is desired to obtain.

[0060] The method 100 can further entail, in a step e. subsequent to step c., extracting the assembly 1 from the primary container C, taking care to slide (simultaneously) each tubular body 4 out from the respective secondary container B.

[0061] Thus, with step e. completed, the secondary containers B will be as they were at the end of step c. in the desired arrangement inside the primary container C, but now with the products A inside them (since they have accumulated in the secondary containers B by gravity). In this way the desired final package is obtained.

[0062] Usefully, the method 100 can also entail, in a step f. subsequent to step c. or subsequent to step e. if any, uncoupling (preferably reversibly) the body 4 (or each body 4) from the platform 2, so as to bring the assembly 1 (back) to the first configuration. If step e. is not present, step f. can likewise entail sliding each tubular body 4 out from the secondary containers B. This makes it possible to return to the initial situation and allows the (cyclic) repetition of the method 100.

[0063] In particular, in the preferred embodiment at least one of the steps a., b. and c. (and optionally d., e. and f.) described above is performed by means of an automated apparatus; in this regard, the automated apparatus can be any contrivance, manipulator, robot, or station that is capable of substituting humans in one of the described steps a., b. and c. (and optionally d., e. and f.) and for example therefore (step a.) in the operation of fitting the secondary containers B onto the tubular bodies 4, which until that point are kept separate from the platform 2.

[0064] It must be reiterated that other steps (in addition to or as an alternative to step a.) of the method 100 can also be performed in an automated manner (for example step c.).

[0065] The use of the assembly according to the invention is illustrated effectively by the method according to the invention and it is therefore not necessary to discuss it further.

[0066] In brief, it should be noted however that the assembly 1 represents a valid aid in the preparation of packages in which open or closed bags (the secondary containers B) are to be placed filled with products A in suitably rigid boxes or cases (the primary containers C). In this context in fact, with the assembly 1 preferably in the first configuration, the secondary containers B can be first fitted onto the bodies 4 and then, once it is brought to the second configuration, the assembly 1 is placed in the primary container C, with the platform 2 directed outward. Then all that is required is to introduce cherries, walnuts or other products A of interest into the openings 3 in order to obtain the filling of the channels 5 and then, after removing the assembly 1, taking care to slide out the secondary containers B simultaneously, these containers will be already filled with products A (originating from the channels 5).

[0067] The choice (preferred but not exclusive) to give the same shape and the same dimensions to the openings 3 and to the first ports 5a (and to the holes 8a, if any) is an assurance of optimal filling of the channels 5, while guarding against the danger of impacts or spills.

[0068] In such context, it should be noted that the fitting-on operation is considerably simplified by the choice to provide the assembly 1 with a method of detachable coupling between the bodies 4 and the platform 2. In fact, while it is evidently preferable that the assembly 1 behaves like a single unit, when it needs to be first placed in and then extracted from the primary container C (this is done by placing it in the second configuration), it is much simpler to fit the secondary containers B on when the bodies 4 are spaced apart from each other (as happens when they are kept separate from the platform 2, in the first configuration).

[0069] By virtue of the invention, and by virtue of the means of coupling 6 which make it possible to pass reversibly from one configuration to the other, rapid and easy methods for packaging fruit and vegetable products A are therefore obtained.

[0070] In particular, such packaging is even easier still if the coupling between the bodies 4 and the platform 2 occurs automatically, simply by bringing the first adjacent to the second in the right arrangement, as is illustrated in the foregoing pages.

[0071] Even more specifically, it should be noted that by keeping the bodies 4 apart from each other during the fitting- on of the secondary containers B, not only are the activities to prepare the package (step a. of the method 100) made simpler for an operator, they are also, and especially, made simpler for an automatic apparatus. This is true because it is not necessary to handle the entire assembly 1 (and therefore also the platform 2), but only the individual bodies 4 and / or the individual subassemblies, which have simpler geometries.

[0072] The assembly 1 and the method 100 according to the invention therefore make it possible to obtain, in a practical and easy manner, also by using automated systems, a specific packaging of fruit and vegetable products A, in which a plurality of secondary containers B, filled with fruit and vegetable products A, are accommodated in an orderly fashion inside a primary container C.

[0073] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0074] In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be substituted with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0075] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0076] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102022000026016 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An assembly for packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), characterized in that it comprises at least:- a platform (2) comprising at least one first flat surface (2a) and provided with at least one through opening (3),- at least one tubular body (4) provided with an internal through channel (5) and respective mutually opposite ports (5a, 5b) for access to said through channel (5),- means (6) of direct or indirect detachable coupling between said at least one body (4) and said platform (2), which can be activated for the reversible transition from a first configuration, in which said at least one body (4) is uncoupled from said platform (2), to a second configuration, in which said at least one body (4) is coupled directly or indirectly to said platform (2) and a first said port (5a) of said at least one channel (5) faces said at least one opening (3).

2. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of said bodies (4) which are provided with respective said channels (5) and corresponding said ports (5a, 5b), in said second configuration said first said port (5a) of each of said channels (5) facing a respective said opening (3) provided on said platform (2).

3. The assembly according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means (6) are configured for automatic activation following the placement of each of said bodies (4), with the respective said first port (5a), on said first flat surface (2a).

4. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second flat surface (2b) of said platform (2), opposite to said first flat surface (2a), is surrounded by containment sides (7).

5. The assembly according to one or more of claims 2-4, characterized in that it comprises at least one supporting frame (8) for at least one subgroup of said tubular bodies (4), which are coupled to said frame (8) atthe respective said first port (5a), in said second configuration each of said channels (5) of said bodies (4) of said at least one subgroup being placed in communication with a said opening (3) through a respective hole (8a) in said frame (8).

6. The assembly according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that in said second configuration each of said bodies (4) is directly or indirectly coupled detachably to said platform (2) by magnetic attraction.

7. The assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that said means of coupling (6) comprise at least one magnet (9a) mounted on each of said bodies (4) and / or on each of said frames (8), said at least one magnet (9a) being configured for the magnetic attraction of at least one portion of said platform (2), or vice versa.

8. The assembly according to one or more of claims 1-5, characterized in that in said second configuration each of said bodies (4) is directly or indirectly coupled detachably to said platform (2) by shape mating, by interlocking.

9. The assembly according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises raised portions (10), associated with each of said bodies (4) and / or with each of said frames (8), and respective centering seats (11), which are provided along said first flat surface (2a) of said platform (2), in said second configuration each of said raised portions (10) being inserted in a respective seat (11).

10. A method for packaging fruit and vegetable products (A), which can be performed by means of an assembly (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims and which entails the following steps: a. with the assembly (1) in the first configuration, externally fitting a deformable secondary container (B) onto at least one tubular body (4), thus closing the channel (5) at the second port (5b), which is opposite to the first port (5a), b. reversibly coupling at least each body (4), onto which a secondarycontainer (B) has been fited, to the platform (2), thus bringing the assembly (1) to the second configuration, c. introducing the fruit and vegetable products (A) into at least one respective through opening (3) in the platform (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it entails:- in a step d. subsequent to said step b. and prior to said step c., inserting the assembly (1) into an open, box-shaped primary container (C), keeping the platform (2) directed toward the outside of the primary container (C) and each second port (5b) directed toward the bottom of the primary container (C),- in a step e. subsequent to said step c., extracting the assembly (1) from the primary container (C), taking care to slide each tubular body (4) out from the secondary containers (B).

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it entails, in a step f. subsequent to said step c., or subsequent to said step e. if any, uncoupling each body (4) from the platform (2), thus bringing the assembly (1) to the first configuration.

13. The method according to one or more of claims 10-12, characterized in that at least one of said steps a., b., c. and optionally said steps d., e. and f. is performed by means of an automated apparatus.

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