Arrangement for folding ice cream wrapping material

Abstract

An arrangement (100) for folding an ice cream wrapping material (10), comprising a main body (30) having a first end (32) and a second end (34) extending from the first end (32) along a first direction (D1), an edge (39) arranged at the first end (32) to receive the wrapping material (10) moving along a second direction (D2), for forming the wrapping material (10) over the edge (39), the second direction (D2) having an angle (A) to the first direction (D1), a support surface (30') extending from the edge (39) to the second end (34) and configured to receive the wrapping material (10) thereon, and a biasing element (50, 50') arranged at the first end (32) to face the support surface (30') for creating a space (S) through which the wrapping material (10) may pass and configured to apply a force (F) in a direction towards the support surface (30') onto the wrapping material (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for folding an ice cream wrapping material, an ice cream wrapping machine, and a method for folding an ice cream wrapping material.Background

[0002] Packaging materials protect food products from environmental factors such as microorganisms, which can lead to spoilage and degradation. Packaging materials are widely used for various food products, as they facilitate protection, storage, and distribution of food products.

[0003] Previously, packaging materials were predominantly plastic-based. Although plastic-based packaging materials are highly flexible and can be made into a variety of shapes, they are not biodegradable by nature, which poses significant environmental challenges. Therefore, in recent years, packaging materials have become less plastic-based and hence more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

[0004] An example of such sustainable packaging material is paper-based packaging material, which contains much less plastic than plastic-based packaging materials. However, paper-based packaging materials are generally stiffer than plastic-based packaging materials. Therefore, the devices typically used for forming plastic-based packaging materials are not suitable for forming paper-based packaging materials. For example, forming paper-based packaging materials using such conventional devices may cause wrinkling and hence improper forming of the paper-based packaging materials, which may result in waste of the packaging material and the food product. Therefore, there is a need for an improved device and a corresponding improved method for forming paper-based packaging materials.Summary

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a cost-efficient and environmentally friendly arrangement for folding an ice cream wrapping material that prevents, or at least mitigates, wrinkling and improper folding of the wrapping material, i.e., reducing waste of the wrapping material and the food product. It is another object of the present invention to provide a simple, efficient, and user-friendly arrangement for folding ice cream wrapping materials, particularly paper-based wrapping materials, that allows for proper folding. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved arrangement for folding ice cream wrapping material that allows for folding the wrapping material in a flexible manner, i.e., enabling adjustment of the folding process based on the wrapping material's properties. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved method for folding an ice cream wrapping material and an improved ice cream wrapping machine.

[0006] To solve these objects, an arrangement for folding an ice cream wrapping material is provided. The arrangement comprises a main body. The main body has a first end and a second end, and extends from the first end to the second end along a first direction. The arrangement comprises an edge. The edge is arranged at the first end of the main body to receive the wrapping material moving along a second direction, for forming the wrapping material over the edge. The second direction has an angle to the first direction. The arrangement comprises a support surface. The support surface extends from the edge to the second end of the main body along the first direction and is configured to receive the wrapping material thereon. The arrangement comprises a biasing element. The biasing element is arranged at the first end of the main body to face the support surface, creating a space between the biasing element and the first end of the main body, such that the wrapping material may pass through the space. The biasing element is configured to apply a force in a direction towards the support surface onto the wrapping material.

[0007] The ice cream wrapping material may be a paper-based wrapping material, which is at least more sustainable and environmentally friendly than plastic-based wrapping material. The ice cream wrapping material may comprise a cellulose-based base layer to provide rigidity and may additionally comprise plastic. For example, the ice cream wrapping material may comprise 40 g / m 2< of paper-based material and 4 g / m 2< of plastic-based material. The plastic is layered on each side of the cellulose-based base layer, typically in the form of two polymer films that are layered on either side of the cellulose-based base layer.

[0008] When no wrapping material is present between the biasing element and the first end of the main body, the biasing element typically abuts the first end of the main body. However, when wrapping material is present between the biasing element and the first end of the main body, the wrapping material separates the biasing element from the first end of the main body, thus creating a space in between the biasing element and the first end. Therefore, the biasing element is arranged at the first end of the main body to face the support surface and create a space in which the wrapping material may pass through.

[0009] As used herein, "biasing element" may refer to a mechanical component that applies a force in a direction towards the first end of the main body, while being able to flex to allow a wrapping material to pass between the first end of the main body and the biasing element. The flexing of the biasing element enables the formation of a space between the biasing element and the first end of the main body when the wrapping material is positioned between them. The biasing element may include spring-loaded elements, such as compression, tension, or torsion springs, which apply consistent force, as well as elastic bands or materials, which provide elasticity and restore their original position after deformation.

[0010] The arrangement comprises the main body. The main body is designed to fold the wrapping material, which may be pulled over the main body while being folded. The main body may have a U-shape or any other shape suitable for folding the wrapping material.

[0011] The edge is arranged at the first end of the main body. The edge may be part of the main body at the first end and is configured to receive the wrapping material along the second direction. For example, the wrapping material may be guided to the edge along the second direction by a roller. The edge is configured to form the wrapping material, such as by bending it. The wrapping material may be formed (e.g., bent) by being pulled over the edge, allowing for the creation of a bent wrapping material. If the main body has a U-shape, the edge enables forming the wrapping material from a flat to a U-shape, i.e., from a convex to a concave shape.

[0012] The support surface of the arrangement extends from the edge to the second end of the main body along the first direction. After being pulled over the edge, the wrapping material may be pulled across the support surface, which is configured to receive it.

[0013] The biasing element is arranged at the first end of the main body. The biasing element may be a biased finger, a spring, or any other suitable biasing element and may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the arrangement. The biasing element faces the support surface. For example, its surface may face the support surface, creating a space in between. The biasing element may be held by a holding structure to maintain this space, allowing the wrapping material to pass through. The wrapping material may be pulled through the space as the biasing element applies a force towards the support surface. This force flattens the wrapping material as it passes, preventing or mitigating wrinkling and improper folding caused, for instance, by the stiffness of the wrapping material. Thus, the arrangement helps reduce waste of both the wrapping material and the ice cream.

[0014] The arrangement is advantageous because it is simple, efficient, and user-friendly. It also allows the force applied by the biasing element to be easily adjusted based on the wrapping material's properties. For example, if the wrapping material is stiffer, the applied force can be increased, and vice versa.

[0015] The angle may be in the range of 65° to 105°, such as 90°. This allows the edge to sharply bend the wrapping material, facilitating abrupt formation. If the main body has a U-shape, an angle in this range facilitates forming the wrapping material from a flat to a U-shape, i.e., from a convex to a concave shape.

[0016] The main body may further comprise a skirt. The skirt, positioned at the first end of the main body, extends from the edge along the second direction. The skirt facilitates the edge in receiving the wrapping material along the second direction and helps prevent or mitigate wrinkling before the wrapping material reaches the edge. The skirt may have a first end opposite the edge and a second end at the first end of the main body. The edge may be formed by the interface between the skirt and the main body. The skirt guides the wrapping material from its first end to its second end along the second direction and delivers it to the edge.

[0017] The dimension of the skirt along the second direction may range from 5 to 15 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0018] The biasing element may be a spring-loaded element or a biased element. It may be activated to apply a force towards the support surface onto the wrapping material. This force may range from 1 to 20 N and can be adjusted based on the wrapping material's properties, such as its stiffness. For instance, a stiffer wrapping material may require increased force. The biasing element may also be configured to apply a uniform force in the direction of the support surface.

[0019] The main body may comprise a base portion, a slanted portion, and a corner arranged between the base and slanted portions. The biasing element may be located at the corner at the first end of the main body, with the base portion, slanted portion, and corner facilitating the folding of the wrapping material. The base portion may have two sides arranged opposite one another and extend from the first to the second end of the main body along the first direction. The main body may comprise two slanted portions, arranged opposite and corresponding to each other, extending outwardly from the sides of the base portion. If the main body has two slanted portions, it may have a U-shape.

[0020] The edge may comprise a straight section arranged at the base portion of the main body at its first end. The edge may comprise a slanted section arranged at the slanted portion of the first end of the main body. The edge may comprise a corner section arranged at the corner of the first end of the main body. The straight section, the slanted section, and the corner may facilitate forming the wrapping material, such as by bending it. If the main body has a U-shape, these sections may facilitate forming the wrapping material from a convex to a concave shape. The edge may comprise two slanted sections arranged opposite to each other. The two slanted sections may be arranged at opposite sides of the straight section of the edge.

[0021] The skirt may comprise a straight section arranged at the base portion of the first end of the main body. The skirt may comprise a slanted section arranged at the slanted portion of the first end of the main body. The skirt may comprise a corner section arranged at the corner of the first end of the main body. The skirt may comprise two slanted sections arranged opposite to each other. The two slanted sections may be arranged at opposite sides of the straight section of the skirt.

[0022] The support surface may comprise a straight section arranged at the base portion of the main body. The support surface may comprise a slanted section arranged at the slanted portion of the main body. The support surface may comprise a corner section arranged at the corner of the main body. The straight section, the slanted section, and the corner may facilitate folding the wrapping material. The support surface may comprise two slanted sections arranged opposite to each other. The two slanted sections may be arranged at opposite sides of the straight section of the support surface.

[0023] The biasing element may have a length in the range of 1 to 8 cm along the first direction. The length of the biasing element may correspond to the length of the space formed between the biasing element and the support surface. This length facilitates flattening the wrapping material as it passes through the space and may also simplify cleaning of the arrangement.

[0024] The corner may be a round corner having a radius in the range of 5 to 50 mm, such as 16 mm. The round corner may allow for well-defined and optimal folding of the wrapping material while preventing, or at least mitigating, wrinkling.

[0025] The main body may comprise a slit arranged at an edge of the slanted portion of the main body. The slit may extend along the first direction and may be configured to fold the wrapping material. The main body may comprise two slits arranged at respective edges of the slanted portions of the main body.

[0026] The arrangement may further comprise a roller. The roller may be arranged under the edge of the main body along the second direction. The roller may be configured to guide the wrapping material to the edge. Alternatively, the roller may be arranged under the skirt of the main body to guide the wrapping material to the skirt.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, an ice cream wrapping machine for wrapping an ice cream wrapping material is provided. The ice cream wrapping machine comprises an arrangement for folding an ice cream wrapping material. The arrangement comprises a main body. The main body includes a first end and a second end and extends from the first end to the second end along a first direction. The main body comprises an edge arranged at the first end to receive the wrapping material along a second direction, for forming the wrapping material over the edge. The second direction has an angle to the first direction. The main body comprises a support surface extending from the edge to the second end along the first direction. The support surface is configured to receive the wrapping material. The main body comprises a biasing element arranged at the first end to face the support surface and create a space through which the wrapping material may pass. The biasing element is arranged to apply a force in a direction against the support surface. The wrapping machine further comprises a wrapping unit arranged in connection with the arrangement and configured to receive the folded wrapping material and wrap it.

[0028] The ice cream wrapping machine may comprise a plurality of arrangements. The plurality of arrangements may be positioned adjacent to one another in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, allowing several ice cream wrapping materials to be wrapped simultaneously.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method for folding an ice cream wrapping material is provided. The method comprises the step of receiving the wrapping material at an edge arranged at the first end of the main body of an arrangement along a second direction, into a support surface of the main body extending from the edge to a second end along a first direction, for forming the wrapping material over the edge. The second direction has an angle to the first direction. The method comprises the step of passing the wrapping material through a space created by a biasing element arranged at the first end to face the support surface. The method comprises the step of applying a force in a direction against the support surface onto the wrapping material.

[0030] The second and third aspects may generally present the same or corresponding advantages as defined above in relation to the first aspect of the invention. Other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will become evident from the following detailed description and drawings.Drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an arrangement for folding an ice cream wrapping material. Figs. 2a-2c show a side view, a top view, and a front view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1, respectively. Figs. 3a-3c show a side view, a top view, and a front view of the arrangement shown in Fig. 1 without the wrapping material, respectively. Fig. 4a shows a perspective view of the arrangement shown in Figs. 3a-3c. Figs. 4b and 4c show a magnified perspective view and a magnified front view of the arrangement of Fig. 4a at its first end, respectively. Fig. 5 shows an ice cream wrapping material. Fig. 6 shows a method of folding an ice cream wrapping material. Description

[0032] With reference to Fig. 1, an arrangement 100 for folding an ice cream wrapping material 10 is shown. The ice cream wrapping material 10 may be a fiber-based wrapping material, such as cellulose-based material (e.g., paper). The ice cream wrapping material 10 may comprise plastic. For example, it may include 10% to 20% plastic. In another example, the wrapping material may consist of 40 g / m 2< fiber-based material and 4 g / m 2< plastic-based material.

[0033] The arrangement 100 comprises a main body 30, which has a first end 32 and a second end 34. The main body 30 extends from the first end 32 to the second end 34 along a first direction D1. The main body may have a length of 1 to 8 cm along the first direction D1 and a width of 1 to 6 cm along a third direction D3, which extends perpendicular to D1. The main body 30 comprises an edge 39 located at its first end 32. The edge 39 is arranged to receive the wrapping material 10 along a second direction D2 and is configured to form the wrapping material 10 over it. The main body 30 comprises a support surface 30'. The support surface 30' extends from the edge 39 to the second end 34 along the first direction D1. The support surface 30', which may be the top surface of the main body, is configured to receive the wrapping material.

[0034] The main body 30 may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum or stainless steel. The main body 30 also comprises a biasing element 50, 50'. The biasing element 50, 50' is arranged at the first end 32 of the main body 30 and faces the support surface 30' to create a space S through which the wrapping material 10 can pass. The biasing element 50, 50' applies a force F in the range of 1 to 20 N in a direction against the support surface 30'. The biasing element 50, 50' may be a spring-loaded element or a biased element.

[0035] With reference to Figs. 2a-2c, the second direction D2 forms an angle A with the first direction D1. The angle A may range from 75° to 105°, such as 90° (as shown in Fig. 2a). The arrangement 100 may further comprise a roller 20 arranged under the edge 39 of the main body 30 along the second direction D2. The distance between the roller 20 and the edge 39 along D2 may range from 5 to 20 cm or more. The roller 20 is configured to guide the wrapping material to the edge 39 and may have a cylindrical shape. The roller 20 may receive the wrapping material 10 from a roll and may be made of a metal material, such as aluminum. A conventionally available roller suitable for ice cream wrapping material can be used.

[0036] With reference to Figs. 3a-3c, the arrangement 100 without the wrapping material 10 is shown. The main body 30 may further comprise a skirt 40 arranged at its first end 32. The skirt 40 extends from the edge 39 along the second direction D2 and is configured to receive the wrapping material 10. The edge 39 may be formed by the junction of the skirt 40 and the main body 30. The skirt 40 may have a dimension along the second direction D2 in the range of 5 to 15 mm, such as 10 mm.

[0037] With reference to Figs. 4a-4c, the main body 30 may comprise a base portion 35 with a rectangular shape. The base portion 35 may have two sides extending from the first end 32 to the second end 34 along the first direction D1. The main body 30 may also comprise two slanted portions 36, 38 arranged opposite each other, extending outwardly from the opposite sides of the base portion 35. Figs. 4a-4c show that these slanted portions 36, 38 and the base portion 35 form a U-shape. There may be a corner 31, 33 between the base portion 35 and each slanted portion 36, 38. These corners 31, 33 may have a radius in the range of 5 to 50 mm, such as 16 mm.

[0038] The biasing element 50, 50' may be arranged at one of these corners 31, 33 at the first end 32 of the main body 30. It may have a length of 1 to 8 cm along the first direction D1 and a width of 1 to 6 cm along the third direction D3. The biasing element 50, 50' may be held in place by a holding structure 70, which creates the space S.

[0039] Still with reference to Figs. 4a-4c, the edge 39 may comprise a straight section 39-1, arranged at the base portion 35 of the main body. The edge 39 may also comprise a slanted section 39-2, 39-2', arranged at the slanted portion 36, 38. The edge 39 may comprise two slanted sections 39-2, 39-2', arranged at opposite slanted portions 36, 38, respectively. Additionally, the edge 39 may comprise a corner section 39-3, 39-3', arranged at the corner 31, 33 at the first end 32 of the main body 30. The edge 39 may include two corner sections 39-3, 39-3', located at the two corners 31, 33, respectively.

[0040] The support surface 30' may also comprise a straight section 35', arranged at the base portion 35. It may further comprise slanted sections 36', 38', arranged at the slanted portions 36, 38, respectively. The support surface 30' may include two slanted sections 36', 38', positioned at opposite slanted portions 36, 38. Additionally, the support surface 30' may comprise a corner section 31', 33', arranged at the corner 31, 33 of the main body 30. Two corner sections 31', 33' may be positioned at the corners 31, 33, respectively.

[0041] The main body 30 may also comprise a slit 37, 37', arranged at the edge of a slanted portion 36, 38. Two slits 37, 37' may be provided at the respective edges of the two slanted portions 36, 38. Each slit 37, 37' extends along the first direction D1 and is configured to fold the wrapping material 10.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 5, an ice cream wrapping machine 200 for wrapping an ice cream wrapping material 10 is shown. The ice cream wrapping machine 200 comprises an arrangement 100 for folding the ice cream wrapping material 10. The arrangement 100 comprises a main body 30, which includes a first end 32 and a second end 34. The main body 30 extends from the first end 32 to the second end 34 along a first direction D1. The main body 30 includes an edge 39 at the first end 32, configured to receive the wrapping material 10 along a second direction D2 and form it over the edge 39. The second direction D2 has an angle A to the first direction D1. The main body 30 further comprises a support surface 30-1, extending from the edge 39 to the second end 34 along the first direction D1. The support surface 30-1 is configured to receive the wrapping material 10.

[0043] The main body 30 comprises a biasing element 50, 50', arranged at the first end 32 and facing the support surface 30-1 to create a space S. The wrapping material 10 passes through the space S, where the biasing element 50, 50' applies a force F against the support surface 30-1. The ice cream wrapping machine 200 also includes a wrapping unit 60. The wrapping unit 60 is connected to the arrangement 100 and is configured to receive the folded wrapping material 10. Before folding, an ice cream product is placed on the wrapping material as it passes over the main body. The wrapping material is folded with the long ends towards each other and then sealed longitudinally to form a tube. The tube, holding the ice cream products, is transversally sealed and cut between the ice cream products, similar to processes used by many packaging machines sold by Tetra Pak. The outer plastic layers of the wrapping material are heated to join and form a package for the product.

[0044] The wrapping unit 60 is configured to wrap the folded wrapping material 10. The arrangement 100 may be similar to that described in Figs. 1-4. The wrapping unit 60 may operate in a manner similar to conventional and commercially available wrapping units.

[0045] Still with reference to Fig. 5, the ice cream wrapping machine 200 may comprise a plurality of arrangements 100. These arrangements 100 may include a plurality of main bodies 30, arranged along a third direction D3. The third direction D3 extends perpendicular to both the first direction D1 and the second direction D2.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 6, a method 300 of folding an ice cream wrapping material 10 is shown. The method comprises the step of receiving 310 the wrapping material 10 at an edge 39, located at the first end 32 of the main body 30. The edge 39 receives the wrapping material 10 along a second direction D2 into a support surface 30-1, which extends from the edge 39 to a second end 34 along the first direction D1. The step of receiving 310 the wrapping material 10 also forms it over the edge 39. The second direction D2 has an angle A to the first direction D1. The method also includes the step of passing 320 the wrapping material through a space S created by a biasing element 50, 50', arranged at the first end 32 of the main body 30 and facing the support surface 30-1. The method further includes applying 330 a force F against the support surface 30-1 onto the wrapping material 10.

[0047] The method 300 may be performed using an arrangement 100 similar to that described in Figs. 1-4.

[0048] From the description above, it follows that although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto but may be embodied in other ways within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An arrangement (100) for folding an ice cream wrapping material (10), the arrangement (100) comprising a main body (30) comprising: - a first end (32) and a second end (34), the main body (30) extending from the first end (32) to the second end (34) along a first direction (D1), - an edge (39) arranged at the first end (32) of the main body (30) to receive the wrapping material (10) moving along a second direction (D2), for forming the wrapping material (10) over the edge (39), the second direction (D2) having an angle (A) to the first direction (D1), - a support surface (30') extending from the edge (39) to the second end (34) of the main body (30) along the first direction (D1), the support surface (30') being configured to receive the wrapping material (10), and - a biasing element (50, 50') arranged at the first end (32) of the main body (30) to face the support surface (30') for creating a space (S) between the biasing element (50, 50') and the first end (32) of the main body (30), such that the wrapping material (10) may pass through the space (S), wherein the biasing element (50, 50') is configured to apply a force (F) in a direction towards the support surface (30') onto the wrapping material (10).

2. The arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the angle (A) is in the range of 65° to 115°, preferably 90°.

3. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body (30) further comprises a skirt (40) arranged at the first end (32) of the main body (30) and extending from the edge (39) along the second direction (D2), wherein the skirt (40) is configured to receive the wrapping material (10) moving in the second direction (D2).

4. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein a dimension of the skirt (40) along the second direction (D2) is in the range of 5 to 40 mm, preferably 10 mm.

5. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the biasing element (50, 50') is a spring-loaded element or a biased element.

6. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the biasing element (50, 50') is arranged to apply the force (F) in the range of 1 to 20 N in the direction against the support surface (30').

7. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the main body (30) comprises a base portion (35), a slanted portion (36, 38), and a corner (31, 33) arranged between the base portion (35) and the slanted portion (36, 38), and wherein the biasing element (50, 50') is arranged at the corner (31, 33) at the first end (32) of the main body (30).

8. The arrangement (100) according to claim 7, wherein the edge (39) comprises a straight section (39-1) arranged at the base portion (35), a slanted section (39-2, 39-2') arranged at the slanted portion (36, 38), and a corner section (39-3, 39-3') arranged at the corner (31, 33) at the first end (32) of the main body (30).

9. The arrangement (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the support surface (30') comprises a straight section (35') arranged at the base portion (35), a slanted section (36', 38') arranged at the slanted portion (36, 38), and a corner section (31', 33') arranged at the corner (31, 33) of the main body (30).

10. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, wherein the biasing element (50, 50') has a length in the range of 1 to 8 cm along the first direction (D1).

11. The arrangement (100) according to any of the claims 7-10, wherein the corner (31, 33) is a round corner.

12. The arrangement (100) according to any of the claim 7-11, wherein the main body (30) comprises a slit (37,37') arranged at an edge of the slanted portion (36, 38) of the main body (30), wherein the slit (37,37') extend along the first direction (D1) and is configured to fold the wrapping material (10).

13. The arrangement (100) according to any preceding claim, the arrangement (100) further comprising a roller (20) arranged under the edge (39) of the main body (30) along the second direction (D2) and configured to guide the wrapping material towards the edge (39).

14. An ice cream wrapping machine (200) for wrapping an ice cream wrapping material (10) comprising: an arrangement (100) for folding an ice cream wrapping material (10) according to any preceding claim, and a wrapping unit (60) arranged in connection with the arrangement (100) and configured to receive the folded wrapping material (10) from the arrangement (100) and to wrap the received folded wrapping material (10).

15. A method (300) of folding an ice cream wrapping material (10) by using an arrangement according to any of claims 1-13, the method (300) comprising the steps of: - receiving (310) the wrapping material (10) at the edge (39) of the main body (30), - passing (320) the wrapping material (10) through a space (S) between the biasing element (50, 50') and the support surface (30-1), and - applying (330) a force (F) on the wrapping material (10) in a direction towards the support surface (30-1).

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