Methods and arrangements for providing two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item

Abstract

A method for providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item, which mail item comprises a single printed document, e.g. a magazine, or a stack of printed documents, e.g. a stack of magazines, the method comprising: - transporting the mail item in a transport direction along a transport plane, the mail item having a leading edge and a trailing edge; - at a first wrapping section, wrapping a first sleeve around the mail item; and - at a second wrapping section downstream of the first wrapping section, wrapping a second sleeve around the mail item, wherein the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

Description

[0001] Title: Methods and arrangements for providing two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The aspects and the embodiments thereof relate to the field of methods and arrangements for providing sleeves of packaging material around a mail item.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] For some mail items, it is preferred that a sleeve of packaging material is provided around the mail item. This for example prevents individual elements of the mail item from becoming separated from each other. Because manually wrapping a sleeve around mail items is time consuming and expensive, it has been proposed to automate the process of providing a sleeve of packaging material around a mail item.

[0006] EP4173977 discloses a wrapping module and a method for providing a sleeve around a mail item.

[0007] JPH10149475A discloses a wrapping device, in which bundles of paper are wrapped in a heat-shrinkable film.

[0008] US2013067864A1 discloses a system for packaging a product bundle in shrink wrap. The system comprises a first conveyor packaging line that applies a first shrink wrap in one direction around the product bundle. The system further comprises a second conveyor packaging line that applies a second shrink wrap around the product in a second direction.

[0009] DE 102020101934 discloses a device for packaging beverage containers, wherein at least two beverage containers are wrapped in a flat packaging material. SUMMARY

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide for methods and devices for providing two sleeves of packaging material around a single mail item, preferably in a fully automated manner. Although the wrapping module and method of EP4173977 provide an advantageous manner of providing a single sleeve of packaging material around a mail item, it does not allow for two sleeves of packaging material to be provided around a single mail item.

[0011] When two sleeves of packaging material are provided around a single mail item, the two sleeves can be oriented perpendicular relative to each other, or at least substantially perpendicular. Throughout the present disclosure, the term perpendicular may be construed as between 80 degrees and 100 degrees, but preferably approximately 90 degrees. Perpendicular sleeves can provide for an even more secure fit of individual elements comprised by the same mail item, as movement of the individual elements relative to each other can now be restricted in an additional direction compared to the situation wherein a single sleeve of packaging material is wrapped around the mail item. Such elements may be single pages, or any element may comprise multiple pages.

[0012] Another solution to further restrict movement of individual elements of a mail item relative to each other compared to a situation wherein a single sleeve of packaging material is wrapped around the mail item would be to fully enclose the mail item in packaging material, for example using a closed plastic bag. However, such a solution may be more time consuming and / or requires more packaging material and / or different packaging material and / or may be more difficult to remove, for example after the mail item has been delivered.

[0013] In general, a mail item comprises a single printed document, e.g. a magazine or a stack of printed documents, e.g. a stack of magazines or combinations thereof. A mail item may be distributed by the regular mail distributors, e.g. postal services, but also by special delivery services or in any other manner. One or both sleeves and / or the mail item may be provided with a specific mailing address, but it is also feasible that the mail item that is packaged in the sleeves of wrapping material which do not have a specific mailing address and is delivered generally in a certain area, e.g. in a city or neighbourhood.

[0014] In any method and arrangement disclosed herein, the wrapping material may for example comprise or consist of paper, plastic, and / or any other foldable material.

[0015] A first aspect of the present disclosure contemplates a method for providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item, which mail item comprises a single printed document, e.g. a magazine, or a stack of printed documents, e.g. a stack of magazines, the method comprising: transporting the mail item in a transport direction along a transport plane, the mail item having a leading edge and a trailing edge; at a first wrapping section, wrapping a first sleeve around the mail item; and at a second wrapping section downstream of the first wrapping section, wrapping a second sleeve around the mail item, wherein the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

[0016] It will be appreciated that the first sleeve may be wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction, or in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction. Respectively, the second sleeve may be wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction, or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction. The second sleeve is typically wrapped around the mail item as well as around the first sleeve. In general, the transport plane passes through the first wrapping section and second wrapping section. As such, when transported over the transport plane, the mail item can pass through the first wrapping section and second wrapping section. Multiple mail items may be transported over the transport plane simultaneously, in particular with a spacing between the mail items in the transport direction.

[0017] Any step of wrapping any sleeve around the mail item at any wrapping section, for example a step of wrapping the first sleeve around the mail item at the first wrapping section, may comprise supplying a sleeve of packaging material to the wrapping section by a sleeve feeding unit, which sleeve feeding unit can be positioned above or below the transport plane.

[0018] When a sleeve feeding unit is positioned below the transport plane, the sleeve of packaging material may become partially positioned below the mail item and a set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve may be formed. The first sleeve may have two extending sections extending respectively beyond one of two opposite side edges of the mail item.

[0019] In use, the extending sections of the sleeve may be folded over the mail item, and may even be connected to each other after having been folded over the mail item. For example, the set formed by the mail item and the sleeve may be transported through the respective wrapping section through a first folding section in which a first of the two extending sections is folded upward away from the transport plane. At a second folding section, preferably downstream of the first folding section, a second of the two extending sections is folded upward away from the transport plane. For any folding section, it is also envisioned that the two extending sections are folded downward away from the transport plane.

[0020] In general, prior to, during, and / or after the second extending section is folded upward away from the transport, the first extending section may be folded down towards the mail item. The second extending section may be folded down towards the mail item prior to, during, and / or after the first extending section is folded down towards the mail item, in any combination. Any extending section may for example be folded downwards at least partially using one or more folding bars, or any other folding mechanism.

[0021] For folding an extending section upwards away from the transport plane, the extending section may be moved over a sloped plane when moved through a folding section. Any sloped plane may be sloped between an upstream end and a downstream end such that at the upstream end, the sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane, and at the downstream end, the sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane. The sloped plane thus allows the extending section to be lifted away from the transport plane while the extending section is transported along the transport plane. Advantageously, the sloped plane may remain stationary, thus not requiring any actuator for moving the sloped plane.

[0022] Preferably, but not necessarily, for example to prevent the mail item from being lifted away from the transport plane by an undesired distance when an extending section is moved over a sloped plane, a downward force may be applied to at least part of a top surface of the mail item when the mail item passes through any folding section, for example a normal force, using one or more restriction members. A small distance between the one or more restriction members and the mail item may be allowed to accommodate a smooth passage of the mail item underneath the one or more restriction members.

[0023] It is envisioned that the distance between the one or more restriction members and the transport plane is adjustable to accommodate mail items with different thicknesses. To this end, any arrangement disclosed herein may comprise an actuator module for moving the one or more restriction members relative to the transport plane, preferably based on a thickness of a mail item. A sensor module may be comprised by any arrangement disclosed herein to acquire thickness data indicative of a thickness of the mail item, which thickness data may be used to control the actuator module. Any set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve may be transported through a connection section positioned downstream of the first folding section, and wherein in the connection section, the two extending sections of the first sleeve are connected to each other, for example using a roller to force the extending sections against each other, with an adhesive between the two extending sections.

[0024] Any set formed by the mail item, the first sleeve, and the second sleeve, may be transported through a second connection section positioned in or downstream of the second wrapping section, wherein in the second connection section, two extending sections of a second sleeve are connected to each other.

[0025] Reference is made to EP4173977 for an example of a wrapping module which can be used at the second wrapping section to wrap a second sleeve around the mail item, the second sleeve oriented generally parallel to the transport direction.

[0026] A second aspect of the present disclosure contemplates an arrangement for providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item. The arrangement comprises: a transport module for transporting the mail item along a transport plane of the arrangement in a transport direction; a first wrapping section for wrapping a first sleeve around the mail item, for example in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction; and a second wrapping section for wrapping a second sleeve around the mail item, for example in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction, such that the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item. It will be appreciated that the second wrapping section may be positioned downstream or upstream of the first wrapping section, when regarded in the transport direction. The mail item may thus respectively pass through the first wrapping section first, or through the second wrapping section first.

[0027] In general, any transport module disclosed herein may comprise one or more transport devices for moving one or more mail items, for example using one or more rollers, one or more belts, one or more moving platforms, one or more track surfaces with one or more pushing cams, any other mover, or any combination thereof. Any transport module may be used for continuous transport of one or more mail items and / or for intermittent transport of one or more mail items. It will be appreciated that any of these optional features may be applied to any transport module disclosed herein. Any single mover may form part of multiple transport modules. Any transport module may comprise multiple transport devices which are positioned adjacent to each other, or at a distance from each other. The mail item may be transported from one transport device to another while being transported over the transport plane.

[0028] As an option applicable for any wrapping section disclosed herein, the wrapping section, for example the first wrapping section, may comprise a sleeve feeding unit arranged for supplying a sleeve of packaging material to the wrapping section, which sleeve feeding unit is positioned below the transport plane. As such, using such a sleeve feeding unit, a sleeve of packaging material can be positioned below a mail item as the mail item is transported over the transport plane, preferably without having to lift the mail item up and away from the transport plane.

[0029] A slot or opening or any other type of passage may be provided in the transport plane to allow the sleeve feeding unit to supply the sleeve of packaging material through the transport plane. As an option application for any wrapping section disclosed herein, the wrapping section, for example the first wrapping section, may comprise a first folding section arranged for folding an extending section of a first sleeve of packaging material of a set of a mail item and the first sleeve upward away from the transport plane. When the wrapping section also comprises a sleeve feeding unit, the first folding section is positioned downstream of the sleeve feeding unit.

[0030] Any folding section, such as the first folding section, may comprise a first sloped plane, which is sloped between an upstream end and a downstream end such that: at the upstream end, the first sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane; and at the downstream end, the first sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane.

[0031] Because the first sloped plane is at the upstream end aligned with the transport plane of even below the transport plane, a sleeve being transported over the transport plane together with a mail item can be moved at least in part onto the first sloped plane. As the sleeve is moved over the first sloped plane towards the downstream end of the sloped plane, the sleeve is lifted upwards relative to the mail item.

[0032] To prevent the mail item from being lifted upwards when a sleeve positioned below the mail item is moved over the sloped plane, one or more restriction members may be positioned in a respective folding section. In use, a mail item can be transported below the one or more restriction members. If a mail item would be lifted upwards away from the transport plane, the mail item will contact the one or more restriction members, and the one or more restriction members can prevent further undesired movement of the mail item away from the transport plane. The one or more restriction members can thus apply a downward normal force to at least part of a top surface of the mail item when the mail item passes through the folding section. Thus, any arrangement disclosed herein comprising a sloped plane may comprise one or more restriction members, which one or more restriction members are positioned above the transport plane at a distance from the transport plane, and wherein the one or more restriction members are at least in part positioned alongside the sloped plane. It will be appreciated that when an arrangement comprises multiple sloped planes, one or more restriction members may be positioned alongside multiple sloped planes or even each sloped plane.

[0033] For any arrangement of the present disclosure which comprises one or more restriction members, one or more of the one or more restriction members may also be a transport device, such as for example a belt or any other type of transport device.

[0034] In any method and arrangement disclosed herein, the sleeve may be folded downwards relative to the mail item as an alternative to lifting the sleeve upwards relative to the mail item. In such cases, the sleeve feeding unit can be positioned above the transport plane. The sleeve feeding unit may be arranged for positioning a sleeve on top of the mail item. In such methods and arrangements, the sleeve may be partially folded below the transport plane.

[0035] When it desired to fold two extending sections of a sleeve positioned under a mail item upwards away from the transport plane, in order to eventually fold the extending sections over the mail item to wrap the sleeve around the mail item, two sloped planes may be used. The sloped planes are positioned on opposite sides relative to the mail item. When regarded in the transport direction, a first sloped plane may be positioned downstream of the second sloped plane, or the sloped planes may at least partially overlap. When the sloped planes at least partially overlap, two extending sections may be folded upwards at least partially simultaneously. Alternatively, it may be preferred to fold the two extending sections upwards one at a time. In general, any arrangement disclosed herein may be used to perform one, multiple, or all steps of any method disclosed herein. As such, features disclosed in conjunction with a method may be applied to any arrangement to make the arrangement suitable for performing said feature.

[0036] For any method and arrangement disclosed herein, it is preferred but not strictly necessary that the mail items are transported in a continuous manner - i.e. without having to come to a standstill at one or both of the wrapping sections. As such, the time required for the wrapping process can be minimized.

[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0038] In the figures,

[0039] Fig. 1A shows a schematic isometric view of an example of an arrangement;

[0040] Fig. IB shows a schematic overview of a mail item while two sleeves are wrapped around the mail item; and

[0041] Fig. 2 shows another schematic isometric view of the arrangement of Fig. 1A.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0043] Fig. 1A shows a schematic isometric view of an example of an arrangement 100 for providing at least two sleeves Wl, W2 of packaging material around a mail item M. In Fig. 1A, multiple mail items are depicted as they are being transported over a transport plane T of the arrangement 100, in a transport direction 101.

[0044] Fig. IB shows a schematic overview of a mail item while two sleeves are wrapped around the mail item, for example using the arrangement 100 depicted in Fig. 1A, or any other arrangement disclosed herein and / or using any method disclosed herein. Referring to Fig. IB, five consecutive steps in providing at least two sleeves Wl, W2 of packaging material around a mail item M are depicted, from left to right in the transport direction 101. The present disclosure contemplates consecutive steps of 1) providing a mail item, 2) providing a first sleeve Wl of wrapping material partially below the mail item M, such that two extending sections El, E2 of the first sleeve Wl extend beyond opposite side edges of the mail item M, and folding the extending sections El, E2 upward and towards a top surface of the mail item, 3) folding the extending sections El, E2 down towards the top surface of the mail item M such that the extending sections partially overlap, and connecting the extending section El, E2 at the overlapping portion, 4) and 5) providing a second sleeve W2 of packaging material around the mail item and wrapping the second sleeve W2 around the mail item M.

[0045] In general, steps 2) and 3) or at least parts thereof may be performed by and / or at a first wrapping section 106 of an arrangement 100 for providing at least two sleeves Wl, W2 of packaging material around a mail item M. Additionally or alternatively, steps 4) and 5) or at least parts thereof may be performed by and / or at a second wrapping section 108 of the same arrangement 100 for providing at least two sleeves Wl, W2 of packaging material around a mail item M.

[0046] As depicted in Fig. IB, the second sleeve W2 is wrapped around the mail item M in an orientation perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve Wl is wrapped around the mail item.

[0047] Now referring to Fig. 1A, the arrangement 100 generally comprises a transport module 102 (only partially depicted in Fig. 1A) for transporting a mail item M along a transport plane T of the arrangement 100 in a transport direction 101. As depicted in Fig. 1A, it is envisioned that multiple mail items can be transported through the arrangement 100 at the same time, for example with a spacing between adjacent mail items. In general, mail items are supplied to the arrangement 100 at an upstream end of the arrangement 100, and mail items may exit the arrangement 100 at a downstream end of the arrangement 100.

[0048] The arrangement 100 comprises a first wrapping section 106 for wrapping a first sleeve W 1 around a mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction 101. Downstream of the first wrapping section 106, the arrangement 100 comprises a second wrapping section 108 for wrapping a second sleeve W2 around a mail item M in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction 101. The mail item M thus first passes through the first wrapping section 106, and subsequently through the second wrapping section 108.

[0049] In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 1A, the first wrapping section comprises a sleeve feeding unit 110 arranged for supplying a first sleeve of packaging material W1 to the first wrapping section 106. Preferably, the sleeve feeding unit 110 is positioned below the transport plane T. Since the mail item M is transported over the transport plane T, the first sleeve W 1 can as such be positioned below the mail item M.

[0050] In particular, an opening 105 may be provided in the transport plane T through with the first sleeve W 1 can be passed using the sleeve feeding unit 110. A controller may be comprised by the arrangement 100, which controller times the feeding of the first sleeve W 1 together with the moment the mail item M passes over the opening 105, in order to align the first sleeve W1 correctly with the mail item M. The alignment preferably but not necessarily results in the first sleeve W1 to be approximately aligned with a centre of the mail item M.

[0051] Typically, the first sleeve W1 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction 101. When positioned below the mail item M, the length of the first sleeve W1 in the direction perpendicular to the transport direction 101 exceeds the width of the mail item M. As a result thereof, two extending section El, E2 of the first sleeve W1 are formed which extend respectively beyond one of two opposite side edges of the mail item. Downstream of the sleeve feeding unit 110, in the first wrapping section 106, the arrangement 100 comprises a first folding section 112 arranged for folding an extending section El of the first sleeve W1 of packaging material upward away from the transport plane T.

[0052] The first folding section 112 comprises a first sloped plane 122, which is sloped between an upstream end U 1 and a downstream end D 1 such that at the upstream end Ul, the first sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane T or below the transport plane T, and at the downstream end DI, the first sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane T.

[0053] For applying a downward normal force to at least part of a top surface of the mail item when the mail item passes through first folding section, the arrangement comprises a first restriction member 113’.

[0054] As a particular option for any arrangement disclosed herein, the upstream end Ul of the first sloped plane 122 may be aligned with an upstream end of the first restriction member 113’. Alternatively, the upstream end Ul of the first sloped plane 122 may be positioned upstream or downstream of the upstream end of the first restriction member 113’.

[0055] Any restriction member, such as the first restriction member 113’ and / or the second restriction member 113” may be formed as transport devices. As such, using the first restriction member 113’ and / or the second restriction member 113”, the mail item M may be transported through at least part of the first wrapping section 106.

[0056] A second sloped plane 124 is positioned in the first wrapping section 106, at an opposite side of the mail items than the first sloped plane 122. Although in the figures the first sloped plane 122 and the second sloped plane 124 partially overlap in the transport direction 101, as other options, the first sloped plane 122 can fully overlap with the second sloped plane 124, or the first sloped plane 122 can be fully positioned upstream of the second sloped plane 124. Downstream of the second sloped plane 124, in the first wrapping section 106, the arrangement 100 comprises a connection section 115. At the connection section 115, the two extending section El, E2 of the first sleeve W 1 can be connected to each other. For example, one or both of the extending sections El, E2 can be at least partially covered with an adhesive. At the connection section 115, a pressing member such as a roller 116 can be used to force the extending sections El, E2 onto each other, with the adhesive in between the extending sections El, E2.

[0057] It will thus be appreciated that the first sleeve W 1 may be partially covered with adhesive, for example already when fed by the sleeve feeding unit 110. Alternatively, or additionally, an adhesive may be applied to part of the first sleeve W 1, in particular at least part of one or both extending sections El, E2, by an optional adhesive application unit, which may be comprised by any arrangement disclosed herein, and is in particular positioned in the first wrapping section 106.

[0058] Downstream of the first wrapping section 106, the arrangement 100 comprises a second wrapping section 108. The second wrapping section 108 depicted in Fig. 1A comprises a second sleeve feeding unit 118 for feeding second sleeves W2 of packaging material. Downstream of the second feeding unit 118, in the second wrapping section 108, the arrangement 100 comprises a wrapping module 120. The wrapping module 120 may be similar to wrapping module disclosed in EP4173977, with a turning station which is configured to turn the mail item M around so that the previously leading edge becomes a trailing edge and the previously trailing edge becomes the leading edge, and wherein during the turning second sheet W2 is folded around the previously trailing edge which becomes the leading edge so that the sheet W2 is folded against the mail item M.

[0059] Fig. 2 shows the arrangement 100 of Fig. 1A, in a different isometric view. The same elements are provided with the same reference numerals. Within the context of the present disclosure, it is envisioned that a mail item can be only provided with either a first sleeve or a second sleeve, by bypassing respectively either the first wrapping section or the second wrapping section. Bypassing a wrapping section implies that either the mail item is not transported through said wrapping section, or the mail item passes through the wrapping section without the wrapping section being activated to provide a sleeve around the mail item. For example, if no sleeve is provided by a wrapping section as the mail item passes through said wrapping section, the mail item can exit the wrapping section without an additional sleeve having been wrapped around the mail item. When a mail item is not transported through a wrapping section, the transport plane may comprise a bypass section parallel to the respective wrapping section through which the mail item is not transported.

[0060] As an option applicable to any arrangement disclosed herein, the transport plane may comprise a first transport plane section and a second transport plane section. The first transport plane section and the second transport plane section can be positioned at an angle relative to each other, for example substantially perpendicular to each other. The first wrapping section is associated with the first transport plane section, and the second wrapping section is associated with the second transport plane section. As such, the arrangement can be used for providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around a mail item, with the second sleeve wrapped around the mail item in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item, when both the wrapping sections are arranged for providing the sleeve in the same orientation relative to the transport direction. When transitioning from the first transport plane section to the second transport plane section, the orientation of the mail item and any sleeve already wrapped around the mail item may remain essentially the same - i.e. the mail item and any sleeve already wrapped around the mail item is essentially not rotated about a vertical axis when transitioning from the first transport plane section to the second transport plane section.

[0061] It will be understood that the transport direction through the first transport plane section and the second transport plane section may be at any angle relative to each other, for example approximately 90 degrees. The first wrapping section and the second wrapping section may both be arranged to wrap a sleeve around the mail item in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction or in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0062] Any of the optional features disclosed herein, such as the first and second transport plane sections at an angle relative to each other and / or providing the mail item with one of the first and second sleeves, may be readily applied to modify any arrangement and method disclosed herein.

[0063] In general, the single printed document or stack of printed documents of any mail item can be generally flexible, considering that flexible paper is typically used to form the printed documents.

[0064] The present disclosure also contemplates that a mail item is any item in the context of e-commerce, and a mail item thus not necessarily comprises any printed documents. For example, mail items in the context of e-commerce may include clothing, electronics, cosmetics, household items, toys, or any other type of product, which product may or may not be packaged in for example a cardboard box, plastic container, and / or packaging material.

[0065] The mail item may be a flexible mail item. Flexible for example can imply that the mail item can change in shape, for example during a method of providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around the mail item. Examples of flexible mail items are printed documents and clothing. A flexible mail item can typically flex under its own weight.

[0066] The mail item may alternatively be a rigid mail item. Rigid for example can imply that the mail item essentially does not change shape, for example during a method of providing at least two sleeves of packaging material around the mail item. Examples of rigid mail items are mail items already packaged in a container, such as a cardboard box. A rigid mail item typically does not flex under its own weight.

[0067] For any packaging material disclosed and used herein, the packaging material can essentially hold its shape when heated, for example up to 60 degrees C, or even up to 100 degrees C, or can alternatively be heat- shrinkable. Such material is referred to as having a heat-stable shape. Heat- shrinkable packaging material may not be preferred in combination with a flexible mail item, as the shrinking of the packaging material might cause deformation of the mail item.

[0068] Any packaging material disclosed and used herein may comprise or consist of paper. Packaging material comprising paper is also referred to as being paper-based.

[0069] The sleeve feeding unit of any arrangement disclosed herein may be provided with a supply of packaging material, in particular a supply of paper packaging material and / or heat-stable packaging material. The supply may for example be a roll of packaging material.

[0070] In any method disclosed herein, the second sleeve may be directly wrapped around the first sleeve. Direct wrapping results in the second sleeve contacting the first sleeve at two distinct sections at respective opposite sides of the mail item. Thus, a first section of contact between the second sleeve and the first sleeve may be at a bottom of the mail item, and a second section of contact between the second sleeve and the first sleeve may be at a top of the mail item.

[0071] As for example depicted in Fig. 1A and Fig. 2, for any arbitrary mail item M, in the transport direction 101, a further mail item may be positioned upstream of the mail item M at a distance from the mail item and / or a further mail item is positioned downstream of the mail item at a distance from the mail item. In general, it will thus be understood that in any method mail items M may subsequently be transported along the transport plane T, with a particular non-zero distance between the mail items. Preferably, each mail item is individually provided with a first sleeve and a second sleeve. Individual mail items may be identified as individual mail items are transported spaced at a distance from each other.

[0072] For any mail item disclosed herein, as for example depicted in Fig. IB, a width of the first sleeve W 1 may be smaller than a length of the mail item in the transport direction. The width of the first sleeve W1 is defined in the transport direction. Thus, part of the mail item M may be exposed next to the first sleeve Wl, in particular one both sides of the first sleeve W1 - i.e. downstream and upstream in the transport direction. Additionally, or alternatively a width of the second sleeve W2 may be smaller than a width of the mail item perpendicular to the transport direction. The width of the second sleeve is defined perpendicular to the transport direction. As such, part of the mail item M may be exposed next to the second sleeve W2, in particular one both sides of the second sleeve W2 - i.e. left and right of the second sleeve W2. With the first sleeve W 1 and the second sleeve W2 wrapped around the mail item M, as for example depicted in Fig. IB, four distinct sections of the mail item M corresponding to the four corners of the mail item M may remain exposed.

[0073] In general, a height of the mail item - normal to the transport plane T - may be at most 10% of the length of the mail item, or even at most 5%, or even at most 1%. Such mail items are typically flexible, in particular can be bent due their own weight, for example while handling the mail item. These height ratios are typical for mail items comprising one or more printed documents, but are also more in general applicable to further mail items, in particular in the field of e-commerce. Mail items with a height more than 10% of the length of the mail item are also envisioned, for example even with a height of more than 50% of the length of the mail item. A height of the mail item may thus be between 10% and 100% of the length of the mail item, in particular between 10% and 50%. Any of the options disclosed herein, for example relating to the type of mail item, the second sleeve being directly wrapped around the first sleeve, a further mail item at a distance from the mail item, the mail item being flexible or rigid, the width of the first and / or second sleeve, the height of the mail item, and the material properties of the packaging material may be readily applied to any method and arrangement disclosed herein, for example but not limitatively in conjunction with the first aspect, second aspect, Figs. 1A, IB and 2, in any combination.

Claims

Claims1. A method for providing at least two sleeves (Wl, W2) of packaging material around a mail item (M), which mail item comprises a single printed document, e.g. a magazine, or a stack of printed documents, e.g. a stack of magazines, the method comprising: transporting the mail item (M) in a transport direction along a transport plane (T), the mail item (M) having a leading edge and a trailing edge; at a first wrapping section (106), wrapping a first sleeve (Wl) around the mail item; and at a second wrapping section (108) downstream of the first wrapping section, wrapping a second sleeve (W2) around the mail item, wherein the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction.

3. Method according to claim 1, wherein the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially parallel to the transport direction.

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of wrapping the first sleeve around the mail item at the first wrapping section comprises supplying a first sleeve of packagingmaterial (W 1) to the first wrapping section by a sleeve feeding unit (110) such that: the first sleeve of packaging material is partially positioned below the mail item and a set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve is formed; and the first sleeve has two extending sections (El, E2) extending respectively beyond one of two opposite side edges of the mail item.

5. Method according to claim 4, wherein the set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve is transported through the first wrapping section through a first folding section (112) in which a first of the two extending sections (El) is folded upward away from the transport plane.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the first of the two extending sections is moved over a first sloped plane (122) when moved through the first folding section (112), which first sloped plane is sloped between an upstream end (Ul) and a downstream end (DI) such that: at the upstream end, the first sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane; and at the downstream end, the first sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein a downward force is applied to at least part of a top surface of the mail item when the mail item passes through first folding section, for example a normal force, using one or more restriction members.

8. Method according to any of the claims 5-7, wherein the set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve is transported through the firstwrapping section through a second folding section (114), preferably downstream of the first folding section (112), in which a second of the two extending sections (E2) is folded upward away from the transport plane.

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein the second of the two extending sections is moved over a second sloped plane (124) when moved through the second folding section (114), which second sloped plane is sloped between an upstream end (U2) and a downstream end (D2) such that: at the upstream end, the second sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane; and at the downstream end, the second sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a downward force is applied to at least part of a top surface of the mail item when the mail item passes through second folding section, for example a normal force, using one or more restriction members.

11. Method according to any of the claims 5-10, wherein the set formed by the mail item and the first sleeve is transported through a connection section (115) positioned downstream of the first folding section, and wherein in the connection section, the two extending sections of the first sleeve (Wl) are connected to each other, for example using a roller (116).

12. Arrangement (100) for providing at least two sleeves (Wl, W2) of packaging material around a mail item (M), which mail item comprises a single printed document, e.g. a magazine, or a stack ofprinted documents, e.g. a stack of magazines, the arrangement comprising: a transport module for transporting the mail item (M) along a transport plane (T) of the arrangement in a transport direction; a first wrapping section (106) for wrapping a first sleeve (Wl) around the mail item; and a second wrapping section (108) for wrapping a second sleeve (W2) around the mail item, such that the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

13. Arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the transport direction.

14. Arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second wrapping section is positioned downstream of the first wrapping section in the transport direction.

15. Arrangement according to any of the claims 12-14, wherein the first wrapping section comprises a sleeve feeding unit (110) arranged for supplying a first sleeve of packaging material (Wl) to the first wrapping section, which sleeve feeding unit is positioned below the transport plane.

16. Arrangement according to any of the claims 12-15, wherein the first wrapping section comprises a first folding section (112) arranged for folding an extending section (El) of a first sleeve of packaging material of a set of a mail item and the first sleeve upward awayfrom the transport plane, which first folding section is preferably positioned downstream of the sleeve feeding unit.

17. Arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the first folding section comprises a first sloped plane, which is sloped between an upstream end (Ul) and a downstream end (DI) such that: at the upstream end, the first sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane; and at the downstream end, the first sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane.

18. Arrangement according to claim 17, further comprising one or more restriction members (113) in the first folding section, which one or more restriction members are positioned above the transport plane at a distance from the transport plane, and wherein the one or more restriction members are at least in part positioned alongside the first sloped plane.

19. Arrangement according to any of the claims 16-18, wherein the first wrapping section comprises a second folding section (114) arranged for folding an extending section (E2) of a first sleeve of packaging material of a set of a mail item and the first sleeve upward away from the transport plane, which second folding section is positioned downstream of the sleeve feeding unit.

20. Arrangement according to claim 19, wherein the second folding section is positioned downstream of the first folding section.

21. Arrangement according to any of the claims 19-20, wherein the second folding section comprises a second sloped plane (124), whichsecond sloped plane is sloped between an upstream end (U2) and a downstream end (D2) such that: at the upstream end, the second sloped plane is aligned with the transport plane or below the transport plane; and at the downstream end, the second sloped plane is positioned above the transport plane.

22. Arrangement according to any of the claims 12-21, wherein the first wrapping section further comprises a connection section (115) with a connection unit (116), for example a roller, for connecting the two extending sections of a first sleeve together.

23. Arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the connection section is positioned between the first wrapping section and the second wrapping section.

24. A method for providing at least two sleeves (W 1, W2) of packaging material around a mail item (M), the method comprising: transporting the mail item (M) in a transport direction along a transport plane (T), the mail item (M) having a leading edge and a trailing edge; at a first wrapping section (106), wrapping a first sleeve (Wl) around the mail item; and at a second wrapping section (108) downstream of the first wrapping section, wrapping a second sleeve (W2) around the mail item, wherein the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in an orientation substantially perpendicular to the orientation in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

25. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24, wherein the second sleeve is directly wrapped around the first sleeve with the second sleeve contacting the first sleeve at two distinct sections at respective opposite sides of the mail item.

26. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-25, wherein in the transport direction, a further mail item is positioned upstream of the mail item at a distance from the mail item and / or a further mail item is positioned downstream of the mail item at a distance from the mail item.

27. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-26, wherein the mail item is flexible.

28. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-26, wherein the mail item is a rigid mail item.

29. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-28, wherein a width of the first sleeve in the transport direction is smaller than a length of the mail item in the transport direction.

30. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-29, wherein a width of the second sleeve perpendicular to the transport direction is smaller than a width of the mail item perpendicular to the transport direction.

31. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-30, wherein a height of the mail item is at most 10% of the length of the mail item, or even at most 5%, or even at most 1%.

32. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-30, wherein a height of the mail item is between 10% and 100% of the length of the mail item, in particular between 10% and 50%.

33. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-32, wherein the first sleeve and / or second sleeve have a heat-stable shape.

34. Method according to any of the claims 1-12 or 24-33, wherein the first sleeve and / or second sleeve comprise paper.

35. Arrangement (100) for providing at least two sleeves (Wl, W2) of packaging material around a mail item (M), the arrangement comprising: a transport module for transporting the mail item (M) along a transport plane (T) of the arrangement in a transport direction; a first wrapping section (106) for wrapping a first sleeve (Wl) around the mail item; and a second wrapping section (108) for wrapping a second sleeve (W2) around the mail item, such that the second sleeve is wrapped around the mail item in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first sleeve is wrapped around the mail item.

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