Protective packaging, process and system for manufacturing such packaging, and packages comprising such packaging

Abstract

Protective packaging (1) for at least one product (14), packaging (1) comprising a sheet (2) of flexible material forming an outer envelope (5) of the packaging (1) and padding (9) within the outer envelope (5), padding (9) being intended to cushion against shocks, packaging (1) being characterized in that the padding (9) comprises at least partially a wood fiber cushion, said padding cushion (9) being attached at least partially to the outer envelope (5). Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: Protective packaging, method and system for manufacturing such packaging, and package comprising such packaging FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of transporting fragile products, such as bottles or food products.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to packaging for protecting products during transport, and more particularly so-called fragile objects, such as glass objects. TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] In the field of product transport, it is known to place the products in boxes, for example cardboard boxes, and to protect the products by wedging them inside the transport box. The wedging can be achieved by blocking any movement of the product in the box using cardboard panels installed inside the box and fitting the product. This type of wedging, however, needs to be perfectly adapted to the shapes and dimensions of the product, so it requires special equipment, and involves high costs. It is also known to wed objects in a transport box using shock-absorbing cushioning. More specifically, the products are generally placed in the transport box, and the cushioning is arranged around it.

[0004] There are several types of upholstery filling.

[0005] For example, one type of filling includes loose elements, poured into the box around the product in order to fill the empty spaces. These elements are, for example, polystyrene beads, Pelaspan® chips or even wood shavings. A disadvantage of this type of padding is that it disperses easily, making its storage and disposal difficult. In addition, its dispersive nature can make the protection imperfect in the event that the box has not been sufficiently filled. The quantity of loose elements can therefore be significant, increasing costs and storage and disposal problems.

[0006] Another type is to package the products in shock-absorbing sheets. The sheets are, for example, made of polyethylene with air bubbles, or polyethylene foam, and are cut to size as required. A disadvantage is that the sheets must be of sufficient thickness to provide cushioning for the product in the box, so it may be necessary to surround the product with several sheets to obtain the appropriate thickness, increasing the quantities of sheets. However, the use of polyethylene can pose eco- logical.

[0007] It is also known to form cushions with envelopes generally made of plastic, inflated with air. Such cushions are difficult to fold, so it is necessary to have several of different formats to provide suitable cushioning to cover products and boxes of different dimensions.

[0008] The invention thus aims to provide a solution to the aforementioned drawbacks by proposing a solution for wedging products for their transport which is of reasonable cost, ecological, easy to handle for storage and disposal, and which offers optimal protection for the product to be transported. Summary of the invention

[0009] Thus, according to a first aspect, the invention relates to protective packaging for at least one product. The product is fragile, that is to say that it usually requires special precautions during its transport. It is for example a glass bottle, such as a wine bottle, or a decorative object. The packaging comprises in particular a sheet of flexible material forming an outer envelope of the packaging and padding in the outer envelope. The padding is intended to absorb shocks. The padding comprises at least in part a cushion made of wood fibers. Said padding cushion is fixed at least in part to the outer envelope.

[0010] The packaging thus formed provides effective protection to the product to be transported thanks in particular to the wood fiber padding cushion which absorbs shocks and guarantees the integrity of the product. The use of the padding cushion, with consistency, surrounded by the envelope limits the presence of small debris and the inconveniences linked to it for its disposal. The packaging can also be stored easily before use, but also at a private home for reuse. The wood fibers are non-polluting, making it possible to effectively do without plastic without reducing the quality of the packaging. In addition, the flexibility of the packaging thus obtained allows it to be placed in intimate contact with the product to be packaged, for example by wrapping the packaging around said product, providing optimal protection to the product.

[0011] According to different aspects, it is possible to provide one and / or the other of the characteristics below taken alone or in combination.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the outer envelope is for example made of paper, for example kraft paper. The paper is obtained from plant fibers, making it possible to offer packaging that is entirely free of plastic and biodegradable, at a lower cost.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the outer envelope can be closed over the entire its edges, trapping the padding cushion in order to limit the accidental or deliberate dispersion of fibers. The longevity of the packaging is thus increased.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the outer casing may be provided with at least one opening forming a window allowing at least part of the padding cushion to be seen. Users can thus be aware of the absence of plastic or other polluting materials, increasing the attractiveness of the product to users sensitive to environmental issues in particular.

[0015] According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a package as presented above. The method may comprise: • The supply of a ribbon made of flexible material and wood fiber; • The conformation of the wood fibers in such a way as to form a coherent carpet of padding; • Coating with glue at least a portion of at least one side of the tape to form an adhesive layer; • Assembling the upholstery mat on the tape by fixing the upholstery mat on the adhesive layer; • Folding the ribbon on itself so as to surround the padding carpet in the ribbon; • Obtaining at least one package.

[0016] Such a method can be implemented on known machines, and makes it possible to obtain protective packaging for fragile products which is effective, inexpensive and ecological. In particular, the coating step using an adhesive is facilitated by the formation of the coherent carpet: the adhesive is applied to one side of the carpet, without having to consider the fibers independently of each other, which is sufficient to fix the carpet to the tape.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the method, obtaining at least one package may comprise an operation of cutting the mattress to a determined dimension. Preferably, the cutting is carried out parallel to the edges which are not closed. Alternatively, the dimensions of the mat and the ribbon correspond respectively to the dimensions of the cushion and the envelope for the intended package, so that the package is obtained directly after the folding step, without a cutting step.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the method may comprise a subsequent step of closing the side edges of the packaging using strips. This step takes place after the cutting step, if applicable.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the invention proposes a system for manufacturing at least one package as presented above. The system can then comprise: • A station for shaping wood fibers to form a carpet; • A station for coating at least a portion of one side of a ribbon of soft material; • An assembly station between a ribbon of flexible material and the carpet; • A ribbon folding station on the carpet; • An exit for packaging.

[0020] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a package for transporting at least one product. The package may comprise in particular a box and at least one packaging as presented above. The packaging is then placed in the box around the product. For example, the product may be a glass bottle, such as a wine bottle. Brief description of the drawings

[0021] Embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, briefly described below:

[0022] [Fig.l] is a diagram of a package according to an embodiment of the invention, seen from an upper side.

[0023] [Fig.2] is a diagram of a sectional view along line II-II of [Fig.l].

[0024] [Fig.3] is a diagram of the packaging of [Fig.l] during manufacture, before a folding step.

[0025] [Fig.4] represents a three-dimensional view of the packaging of [Fig.l] according to a another embodiment.

[0026] [Fig.5] represents a three-dimensional view of the packaging of [Fig.l] according to another embodiment.

[0027] [Fig.6] represents a three-dimensional view of a package comprising a bottle-type product and the packaging of [Fig.5].

[0028] [Fig.7] represents a diagram of a system for manufacturing packaging according to a embodiment.

[0029] In the drawings, like references designate identical or similar objects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The invention relates to a protective packaging 1 particularly suitable for the transport of fragile products, such as bottles, particularly glass bottles, or any object that may be damaged or broken during transport. The packaging 1 finds a particular, but not limited, application for the packaging of products individually.

[0031] The packaging 1 comprises a sheet 2 made of flexible material. By flexible, we mean here the stiffness property of the sheet 2 to be able to be deformed without breaking under the normal conditions of manufacture and use described below.

[0032] For example, sheet 2 is made of paper. Paper here means a product made from plant fibers, in particular wood. More specifically, sheet 2 may be Kraft paper type which, in addition to meeting the need for flexibility, has a high weight so as to offer greater tear resistance than conventional papers.

[0033] The sheet 2 comprises at least two superimposed panels 3, 4 which form an envelope 5 called the outer envelope of the packaging 1. For example, the two panels 3, 4 are obtained by folding the sheet 2 on itself. For the sake of clarity, a longitudinal direction parallel to the fold line of the sheet 2 is defined to form the two panels 3, 4, a vertical direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and parallel to the direction of superposition of the two panels 3, 4, and a transverse direction, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and to the vertical direction. Any other folding technique allowing the sheet 2 to be closed on itself is conceivable. For example, two longitudinal fold lines can be produced, so as to obtain three successive panels, and the two panels at the ends are folded towards the middle panel.It is also possible to use a sheet 2 in two physically separate parts, each part forming a panel 3, 4, and to superimpose the two parts.

[0034] In the following, the panels 3, 4 are associated both with the sheet 2 and with the envelope 5 formed by the sheet 2.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment, the envelope 5 is substantially parallelepipedal, and has two longitudinal sides 6 and two transverse sides 7. The two longitudinal sides 6 are preferably closed. For example, one longitudinal side 6 is closed and corresponds to the fold line of the sheet 2, and the other longitudinal side 6 is closed by gluing the two panels 3, 4 along their free longitudinal edge. According to one embodiment, the two transverse sides 7 are open. Alternatively, they can be closed. More precisely, according to one embodiment, two strips 8 of flexible material are attached to the folded sheet 2. Each strip 8 is glued astride the two panels 3, 4 so as to close a transverse side 7. The envelope 5 is thus closed on all of its edges.

[0036] The packaging 1 further comprises padding 9 intended to absorb shocks. The padding 9 comprises at least in part wood fibers, also called wood curls. Preferably, the padding 9 is made exclusively of wood fibers, originating from a single species or a mixture of wood species. For example, the padding 9 is made of locally sourced wood fibers. These are, for example, poplar or spruce wood fibers, in the form of threads approximately 2 mm (millimeters) wide, approximately 0.20 mm thick and approximately 100 mm long.

[0037] According to the invention, the padding 9 comprises a cushion, that is to say that the fibers forming the cushion are linked together so as to obtain a consistency allowing the padding cushion 9 to be handled as a unitary object. In what follows, padding and cushion of the package 1 are combined, designated by the same reference 9. For example, the padding cushion 9 is obtained by pre-weaving the wood fibers, that is to say that the fibers do not form a fabric but are bonded sufficiently to provide the desired consistency. The bonding is obtained for example by compressing the fibers or by subjecting them to a pre-weaving operation in a former. More precisely, the fibers are for example poured in bulk, without conditioning. The disordered fibers feed the former, which carries out the pre-weaving operation, that is to say that it orients the fibers so as to obtain a cushion that is regular in width, height and thickness. By regular cushion, we mean here the fact that the dimensions of the cushion are fixed with a determined tolerance range.The padding pad 9 may alternatively be obtained by coating the fibers with a suitable adhesive. However, the fibers are preferably raw, i.e. without the addition of another component to obtain the padding pad 9. In practice, the bond obtained between the fibers of the padding pad 9 is weak, and can be broken manually by exerting a tensile force on the padding pad 9.

[0038] The padding cushion 9 is fixed inside the envelope 5. By fixing, we mean here the fact that the padding cushion 9 is made integral with the envelope 5, that is to say that it maintains the same relative position with respect to the envelope 5 under normal conditions of use of the packaging 1. The fixing can be obtained by gluing. More precisely, according to one embodiment, a panel 3, called the lower panel, of the sheet 2 is coated with an adhesive layer 10 suitable for wood fibers. The padding cushion 9 is then placed on the adhesive layer 10, and the other panel 4, called the upper panel, is folded over the padding cushion 9, so as to have successively in the vertical direction the lower panel 3, the adhesive layer 10, the padding cushion 9 and the upper panel 4. The upper panel 4 may also be coated with an adhesive layer which comes into contact with the padding pad 9 when it is folded over it.Thanks in particular to the cushion shape of the padding 9, the fixing by gluing does not require gluing each fiber individually, which would be tedious and inapplicable industrially, but makes it possible to secure the fibers to the casing 5 and limit the risks of the fibers escaping from the casing 5.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the outer envelope 5 may be provided with openings forming windows 11 on the inside of the envelope. Preferably the windows 11 are formed on the panel 4 which is not coated with the adhesive layer 10, in this case the upper panel 4 according to the example presented. The windows 11 are for example of circular section. The windows 11 allow the padding 9 to be seen inside the envelope 5, in order to highlight the use of ecological material such as wood fibers.

[0040] The packaging 1 has a flexibility allowing it to take a shape adapted to the product to be packaged. In particular, the thickness of the cushioning cushion 9 and its density allow the packaging to be rolled up manually, in order to surround the product to be packaged. The thickness of the cushioning cushion 9 can also be reduced by exerting manual pressure on it, that is to say by crushing it, so as to facilitate the introduction of the packaging 1 into a box. For this purpose, the presence of the windows 11 facilitates the exit of air from the envelope 5 if necessary. The packaging 1 can thus adapt easily to fill the spaces between the product and the inside of the box.

[0041] The padding 9 is thus retained inside the envelope 5 thanks to the adhesive layer 10. In addition, as it forms a coherent cushion, the wood fibers remain inside the envelope 5 during use of the packaging 1, unless a voluntary action is exerted by pulling on it. More precisely, the padding 9 in the form of a cushion facilitates its attachment to a panel 3 of the envelope 5, while ensuring that it remains inside the envelope. Thus, the handling and storage of the packaging 1 are easier by limiting the presence of fragments and dust. The packaging 1 can also be easily stored by reducing its thickness, for example under the weight of stacked packages 1. Reuse of the packaging 1 is possible. Disposal of the packaging 1 is also facilitated. Finally, the use of kraft paper and wood fibers facilitates its recycling and makes it possible to do without plastic, meeting ecological requirements.

[0042] The packaging 1 is thus intended to be used to form a package 12. The package typically comprises a box 13, in particular made of rigid cardboard or a wooden crate. It may be a box 13 adapted to be sent by post. The product 14 to be transported is previously packaged using the packaging 1 described above. For example, in the case where the product 14 is a bottle, the latter is surrounded by the packaging 1. The flexibility of the packaging 1 allows it to fit the shape of the product 14. The assembly formed by the product 14 and the packaging 1 is then introduced into the box 13 through an opening, possibly by crushing the packaging 1 to facilitate introduction. Once in the box 13, the packaging 1 can return to its initial thickness.In the case where the packaging 1 surrounding the product 14 does not fill the entire space inside the box 13, additional wedging elements 15 can be used, for example corrugated cardboard plates.

[0043] Alternatively, a package 12 may comprise several products introduced into a single box 13. Each product 14 may then be individually packaged by a package 1 before being introduced into the box 13. A single package 1 of sufficient size may also be used to package several products while ensuring separation between each product.

[0044] The packaging 1 thus obtained ensures the protection of the product 14 effectively during its transport, the padding 9 absorbing shocks.

[0045] We will now describe an example of a method for manufacturing the packaging 1 in a manufacturing system 100 which can successively comprise, in the direction of manufacturing the packaging 1: a shaping station A, a coating station B, an assembly station C, a folding station D, a cutting station E and a closing station F.

[0046] According to this example, a ribbon 20 of the material of the sheet 2 of the packaging 1, that is to say for example a kraft paper ribbon, is provided on a support. The ribbon 20 is for example obtained from a reel unwound and cut to the determined dimensions of the ribbon 20. The dimensions of the ribbon 20 are for example greater than those of the sheet 2. One face of the ribbon 20 is in contact with the support, and the other face is available for the following steps.

[0047] In the shaping station A, wood fibers of the padding cushion 9 are shaped and connected together so as to form a coherent mat 21. For example, the shaping station A comprises a former in which the wood fibers are pre-woven. By "pre-woven" is meant here an operation in which the wood fibers are oriented to obtain the desired coherence, without however producing a weaving mesh. The dimensions of the mat 21 are for example greater than those of the padding cushion 9, and smaller than those of the ribbon 20. Optionally, the mat 21 can be cut before passing to the next station in order to resize it.

[0048] In a coating station B, the available face of the ribbon 20 is coated at least in part with an adhesive layer 10 by passing through a coating station. Preferably, the adhesive layer 10 extends over an area less than or equal to half the area of ​​the upper face of the ribbon 20, so that the upper face of the ribbon 20 comprises at least two zones: a first zone 22 extending from a first longitudinal edge and devoid of adhesive spreading substantially over half the area of ​​the upper face of the ribbon, and a second zone 23 comprising the adhesive layer 10 and extending towards the second longitudinal edge, without necessarily joining it. The first zone 22 devoid of adhesive is easier to handle in the following steps. It may also, prior to coating or after coating, have been perforated or cut to form the windows 11.

[0049] Alternatively, the entire upper face of the tape 20 may be coated with adhesive. Alternatively, one face of the mat 21 may be coated with adhesive, in whole or in part.

[0050] Coating station B can be successive to shaping station A, or be in parallel when it is the ribbon which is coated.

[0051] The ribbon 20 and the mat 21 are then assembled in an assembly station C: the mat 21 is placed on the adhesive layer 10 and adheres to it.

[0052] In a folding station D, the strip 20 is folded on itself, for example along a longitudinal folding line. The folding line(s) may mark an imprint on the strip 20, but not necessarily. The strip 20 thus forms two panels 24, 25, namely a so-called lower panel 24 comprising the adhesive layer 10 and in contact with the support, and a so-called upper panel 25 which covers the belt 21. The lower panel 24 partly covers the upper panel 25, or conversely the upper panel 25 partly covers the upper panel 24, and the two panels 24, 25 are fixed to each other for example by gluing along a longitudinal edge.

[0053] A mattress 26 is then obtained comprising the carpet 21 surrounded by the tape 20 and fixed on the tape 20 by means of the adhesive layer 10. The transverse edges of the mattress 26 are at this stage open.

[0054] In a cutting station E, the mattress 26 is cut along transverse cutting lines 27, according to determined dimensions, so as to form packages 1 whose transverse edges 7 are free, that is to say open: the fibers are visible.

[0055] Optionally, following the cutting of the packages 1 from the mattress 26, the packages 1 are brought onto a conveyor belt making it possible to adjust the gap between two successive packages 1. Then, the packages 1 enter a closing station F, in which the strips 8 are added along the transverse edges 7 of the packages 1 and are glued there, so as to close the packages 1. More precisely, the strips 8 are initially part of a roll of paper which is unrolled gradually to be applied along the transverse edges 7 and fixed using hot glue. Then the strips 8 are cut by movable scissors between two packages 1.

[0056] At the output of the manufacturing system 100, the packages 1 are recovered and can be loaded into a press. The packages 1 are then compressed into batches by the press, for example batches of fifty packages 1. Then each batch is strapped before being ejected and palletized.

[0057] The process described above can be carried out continuously, using belt conveyors for example.

[0058] The mattress 26 can be produced in different lengths, and the dimension between two transverse edges 7 of a package 1 is adjusted in the cutting station, by adjusting the position of the cutting tools. If necessary, the closing station F is also adjusted to adapt to the dimensions of the packages 1.

[0059] Alternatively, the above method can be carried out by considering a ribbon 20 and a mat 21 whose dimensions correspond to those respectively of the sheet 2 and the padding cushion 9, so that it is not necessary to cut the mattress 26, which then passes directly from the folding station D to the closing station F.

[0060] The packages 1 can then be manufactured according to different dimensions which can correspond to standards and / or to types of products to be transported.

Claims

Claims

1. Protective packaging (1) for at least one product (14), the packaging (1) comprising a sheet (2) of flexible material forming an outer envelope (5) of the packaging (1) and padding in the outer envelope (5), the padding being intended to absorb shocks, the packaging (1) being characterized in that the padding comprises at least in part a padding cushion (9) made of wood fibers, said padding cushion (9) being fixed at least in part to the outer envelope (5).

2. Packaging (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outer envelope (5) is made of paper.

3. Packaging according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the outer envelope (5) is closed on all of its edges (6, 7).

4. Packaging according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the outer envelope (5) is provided with at least one window-forming opening (11) allowing at least part of the padding cushion (9) to be seen.

5. A method of manufacturing a package (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: • Providing a strip (20) of flexible material and wood fiber; • Shaping the wood fibers so as to form a padding mat (21); • Coating at least a portion of at least one face of the strip (20) with glue to form an adhesive layer (10); • Assembling the padding mat on the strip by fixing the padding mat (21) to the adhesive layer (10); • Folding the strip (20) on itself so as to surround the padding mat (21) in the strip (20) so as to obtain a mattress (26); • Obtaining at least one package (1).

6. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, in which obtaining at least one package (1) comprises an operation of cutting the mattress (26) to a specific size.

7. A manufacturing method according to claim 5 or claim 6 comprising a subsequent step of closing the side edges of the package (1) using strips (8).

8. System (100) for manufacturing at least one package (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 comprising: • A station (A) for shaping wood fibers to form a mat (21); • A station (B) for coating at least a portion of one face of a ribbon (20) of flexible material; • A station (C) for assembling a ribbon (20) of a flexible material and the mat (21); • A station (D) for folding the ribbon (20) onto the mat (21); • An outlet for the packages (1).

9. Package (12) for transporting at least one product (14), the package (12) comprising a box (13) and at least one packaging (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the packaging (1) being placed in the box (13) around the product (14).

10. Package (12) according to the preceding claim, in which the product (14) is a bottle.

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