A flap-opening envelope and a container surrounded by such an envelope
A detachable flap envelope with a gripping tab ensures secure and recyclable container protection by keeping the flap attached to the ribbon after tearing, addressing environmental concerns and improving security.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing container security solutions, such as heat-shrinkable sleeves, generate micro-waste and are difficult to recycle, posing environmental concerns and offering insufficient protection against fraudulent opening.
A detachable flap envelope with a gripping tab, where the flap is attached to a heat-shrinkable main ribbon but remains intact after tearing, allowing easy removal and reducing waste by ensuring the envelope remains attached to the ribbon.
The solution provides enhanced security while minimizing environmental impact by ensuring the envelope is recyclable and reduces the risk of losing parts in the environment, promoting a more sustainable and secure container protection.
Smart Images

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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Envelope with a detachable flap and container surrounded by such an envelope
[0001] The invention relates to an envelope comprising a flap having a gripping tab not attached to the rest of the envelope.
[0002] The invention also relates to a container covered with such a safety envelope.
[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In certain areas, it is important to provide containers with devices that guarantee they cannot be opened, in particular to prevent counterfeiting such as the crime of filling.
[0005] In the field of wine and spirits bottles, it is known to overmold the cork using a capsule that is either stamped onto the bottle or crimped onto it. However, counterfeiters have little difficulty replacing an original capsule with another, so the simple overcap does not offer sufficient protection.
[0006] Thus, in an attempt to strengthen protection, it is also known to cover the neck of the container fitted with a cap with a heat-shrinkable plastic sleeve. To open the container, it is necessary to remove the heat-shrinkable sleeve, which requires destroying it.
[0007] Such a sleeve thus makes it possible to further secure the associated container.
[0008] To allow the consumer to easily remove the sleeve, it is known to equip the heat-shrink sleeve with pre-cuts or micro-perforations defined by cutting patterns adapted to specific uses: for example, two parallel lines of perforations. The user can then pull on the strip delimited by two lines of perforations (known as a "tear strip") to quickly and efficiently tear the entire sleeve.
[0009] However, the user is then left with the sleeve on one side and the tire-cell on the other, both of which must be thrown away. The tire-cell is very small, thus forming a "micro-waste" that is difficult to recycle and can even easily be lost in the environment if the sleeve is torn on the outside.
[0010] This is obviously not desirable from an environmental point of view.
[0011] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The invention aims to provide a new envelope, particularly for containers, that is more environmentally friendly.
[0013] The invention also relates to a container covered with such a covering. Summary of the invention
[0014] With a view to achieving at least part of this goal, an envelope is proposed intended to surround at least one section of at least one container, the envelope comprising at least one main tape of heat-shrinkable material having at least one preferred shrinkage direction.
[0015] According to the invention, the envelope comprises at least one additional flap including: - A base attached to the main ribbon so as to be secured to the main ribbon at least at each of the longitudinal edges of the main ribbon, the main ribbon and the flap thus jointly forming a closed sleeve, - A gripping tab extending from the base without itself being attached to the main ribbon, at least said tab being made of a different material than that of the main ribbon.
[0016] Thus, when a user wishes to use the container, they will pull on the gripping tab. The pull exerted on the tape will then tear it, for example, along a break line located near a junction zone of the base of the flap on the main tape.
[0017] However, since the flap is not formed by the main ribbon itself but is attached to the main ribbon, the flap will remain attached to the ribbon despite the ribbon breaking.
[0018] The user therefore removes the envelope from the container in one piece (the flap remaining attached to the main ribbon).
[0019] The risk of loss of part of the envelope into the environment is therefore drastically reduced.
[0020] Moreover, the envelope thus forms a more easily recyclable waste.
[0021] The invention therefore makes it possible to secure a container while being more environmentally responsible than existing solutions.
[0022] In this application, a "material" means all the materials forming the tape or flap. The material may thus be made of a single material or of several materials, each material itself being derived from a composition that may comprise a single component or a plurality of components. Thus, when it is stated that the tape is made of a "heat-shrinkable material," the tape may be made of a single layer or of several layers, each layer being made of a material different from that of the other layers. Whether the tape has a single layer or several layers, at least one layer may be formed from a composition comprising a single component or several components. For example, each layer may be formed from a composition comprising a single type of polymer or comprising several types of polymers. The same reasoning applies of course to the shutter.
[0023] For the present application, unless otherwise indicated, the temperatures and characteristics indicated are associated with atmospheric pressure.
[0024] Optionally, the flap as a whole is made of a different material than the main ribbon.
[0025] Optionally, at least the tab is made of a plastic material whose base polymer is identical to that of the plastic material of the ribbon.
[0026] Optionally, the ribbon and / or at least the tab is made of or based on a material that is at least partly bio-based.
[0027] Optionally, the ribbon and / or at least the tab is made of a material that is at least partly recycled.
[0028] Optionally, the ribbon and / or at least the tab is made of compostable material.
[0029] Optionally, the two longitudinal edges of the ribbon do not have an overlap zone.
[0030] Optionally, the ribbon includes at least one area of weakening.
[0031] Optionally, the flap and / or the ribbon shall have at least one print.
[0032] Optionally, the flap carries at least one electronic element.
[0033] The invention also relates to a container surrounded by an envelope such as the one mentioned above.
[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of particular, non-limiting embodiments of the invention. Brief description of the drawings
[0035] The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description with reference to the accompanying figures, among which:
[0036] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of a safety enclosure according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0037] [Fig.2] is a schematic top view of the envelope shown in [Fig.1];
[0038] [Fig.3] is a front view of an unfolded strip of the envelope shown in [Fig.1];
[0039] [Fig.4] is a front view of an unfolded flap of the envelope shown in [Fig.1];
[0040] [Fig.5] is a perspective view of a container covered by the envelope represented in [Fig.1],
[0041] [Fig.6] is a schematic top view of an envelope according to a second embodiment of the invention;
[0042] [Fig.7] is a schematic top view of an envelope according to a third embodiment of the invention;
[0043] [Fig-8] is a schematic top view of an envelope according to a fourth mode realization of the invention;
[0044] [Fig.9] is a schematic top view of an envelope according to a fifth mode realization of the invention;
[0045] [Fig. 10] The [Fig. 10] is a side view of a sheath comprising several envelopes such as those shown in the [Fig. 1]. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0046] With reference to figures 1 to 5, the envelope 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention comprises a main ribbon 2.
[0047] In the first embodiment, the ribbon 2 forms a flat rectangle extending longitudinally along a first axis X and laterally along a second axis Y, orthogonal to the first axis X. The ribbon 2 thus has two longitudinal ends 3a, 3b (on either side of the first axis X) and two lateral ends 4a, 4b (on either side of the second axis Y).
[0048] Tape 2 is heat shrinkable.
[0049] The ribbon 2 is here single-layered, said layer being made of a heat-shrinkable plastic material.
[0050] The tape 2 is obtained, for example, by cutting a film from said heat-shrinkable plastic material, the film having been stretched to give it a single preferred shrink direction or several preferred shrink directions. At least one preferred shrink direction is preferably along the X direction or along the Y direction.
[0051] The ribbon 2 is for example based on, or made of, polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (better known by the acronym PET) or polylactic acid (better known by the acronym PLA).
[0052] Whatever the material of the ribbon 2, it can be formed from a composition comprising at least a portion of recycled material. For 100 parts of the composition, the composition comprises between 0 and 100 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 60 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 50 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 30 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 20 parts by weight of recycled material. Said recycled material can be pre- or post-consumer.
[0053] The ribbon 2 can thus be compostable depending on the material used.
[0054] Furthermore, envelope 1 includes at least one additional flap 5 associated with the aforementioned ribbon 2.
[0055] The flap 5 comprises for this purpose a base 6 extended by a tab 7. Preferably, the flap 5 is of a single piece. The base 6 and the tab 7 are therefore of a single unit. Preferably, there is therefore no physical junction between the base 6 and the tongue 7. The entire flap 5 is therefore made of the same material.
[0056] In the first embodiment, the flap 5 forms a flat rectangle extending longitudinally along a first axis A and laterally along a second axis B, orthogonal to the first axis A. The flap 5 thus has two longitudinal ends 8a, 8b (on either side of the first axis A) and two lateral ends 9a, 9b (on either side of the second axis B).
[0057] The flap 5 is attached to the ribbon 2 so as to be fixed to the ribbon 2. It is therefore understood that the flap 5 and the ribbon 2 are not a single piece. Thus, the flap 5 and the ribbon 2 are not a single unit. There is indeed a physical connection between the flap 5 and the ribbon 2.
[0058] The flap 5 is also defined so that its height (considered along the first axis A) is here equal (to plus or minus 2%) to the height (considered along the second axis Y) of the ribbon 2.
[0059] The flap 5 is attached to the tape 2 so that its first axis A extends parallel to the second axis Y of the tape 2 and / or so that its second axis B extends parallel to the first axis X of the tape 2.
[0060] The flap 5 is optionally taller than it is wide when in place on the tape 2.
[0061] The flap 5 is further attached so that the ribbon 2 and the flap 5 together form a closed sleeve 10. This closed sleeve 10 thus extends longitudinally along an axial direction D which is parallel here to the first axis A and the second axis Y.
[0062] Before being placed on a container R, the sleeve 10 is conditioned flat: it therefore has two folds 11, 12 allowing it to flatten. Preferably, these folds 11, 12 extend parallel to each other. Preferably, these folds 11, 12 extend parallel to the axial direction D and / or to the first axis A and / or to the second axis Y.
[0063] Preferably, the two folds 11,12 are formed at the ribbon 2. The flap 5 is thus not folded.
[0064] Preferably, the ribbon 2 is folded so as to present a central side 13 extended on one side by a first panel 14 (the first fold 11 separating the central side 13 from the first panel 14) and on the other side by a second panel 15 (the second fold 12 separating the central side 13 from the second panel 15). The central side 13 is thus framed on both sides by the panels 14, 15. It is therefore understood that the panels 14, 15 extend on either side of the central side 13 along the first axis X. Preferably, the folds 11, 12 are such that the length (along the first axis X) of the central side 13 is equal (to within ±2%) to the cumulative sum of the two lengths (along the first axis X) of the two panels 14, 15. Preferably, the Panels 14 and 15 are identical. In particular, the length of the panels (along the first X-axis) is identical. Ribbon 2 is optionally folded symmetrically.
[0065] In the case of the first embodiment, the ribbon 2 is folded so as to remain open. A gap 16 is thus present between its two longitudinal ends 3a, 3b.
[0066] This spacing 16 has for example a length (along the first X axis) within the interval ]0; 5 millimeters] and preferably within the interval ]0; 4 millimeters] and preferably within the interval ]0; 3 millimeters].
[0067] In contrast, the flap 5 is arranged on the ribbon 2 so as to cover this gap 16. Thus, the flap 5 and the ribbon 2 form the sleeve 10, which is securely closed. Naturally, the flap 5 covers the gap via the outside of the ribbon 2 (as opposed to the inside of the ribbon 2, which is designed to rest against the container R).
[0068] In the present case, it is the base 6 which closes this gap 16. The base 6 is thus secured to the two panels 14, 15.
[0069] For example, the base 6 has a first joining face 17 and a second joining face 18. Preferably, these two joining faces 17, 18 extend parallel to each other. These joining faces 17, 18 here form rectangles on the base 6. It is understood that these joining faces 17, 18 are integral with the rest of the base 6 and are defined here only to clarify the connection of the base 6 to the ribbon 2.
[0070] Preferably, these two connecting faces 17, 18 extend over the entire height (along the first axis A) of the base 6. Preferably, a first connecting face 17 forms a first lateral edge of the base 6, and preferably a second connecting face 18 forms a second lateral edge of the base 6. The two faces 17, 18 thus form the edges (along the second axis B) of the base 6. The width of at least one of the connecting faces 17, 18 (along the second axis B) is, for example, between 1 and 5 millimeters and is, for example, between 2 and 3 millimeters. Preferably, the two connecting faces 17, 18 are identical to each other.
[0071] Correspondingly, the ribbon 2 comprises a first joining face 19 and a second joining face 20. Preferably, these two joining faces 19, 20 extend parallel to each other. These joining faces 19, 20 here form rectangles on the base 6. It is understood that these joining faces 19, 20 are integral with the rest of the ribbon 2 and are defined here only to clarify the connection of the base 6 to the ribbon 2.
[0072] Preferably, these two joining sections 19, 20 extend over the entire height (along the second Y-axis) of the ribbon 2. Preferably, a first joining section 19 forms A first longitudinal edge of ribbon 2 and a second joining edge 20 form a second longitudinal edge of ribbon 2. The two edges 19, 20 thus form the edges (along the first X-axis) of ribbon 2. It is therefore understood that these two edges frame the gap 16 and are aligned when ribbon 2 is folded. The width of at least one of the joining edges 19, 20 (along the first X-axis) is, for example, between 1 and 5 millimeters and, for example, between 2 and 3 millimeters. Preferably, the two joining edges 19, 20 are identical.
[0073] The base 6 is attached to the ribbon 2 at their respective joining faces, one respective of the joining faces 17, 18 of the base 6 resting on another respective of the joining faces 19, 20 of the ribbon 2. It is recalled that the base 6 is attached to the ribbon 2 on the outside of the latter.
[0074] The base 6 is preferably sealed onto the ribbon 2. For this purpose, the base 6 is for example chemically bonded (for example by solvent glue) and / or thermally bonded (for example by local heating according to the generic principle of assembly without the addition of material by intermolecular diffusion) to the ribbon 2.
[0075] In contrast, the tab 7 is left free and is therefore not attached to the tape 2. Since the flap 5 is arranged outside the tape 2, the tab 7 remains accessible to a user even if the envelope 1 is in place on the container R. In particular, the tab 7 protrudes from the rest of the envelope 1 because it is not sealed to the tape 2. The tab 7 thus forms a free edge of the flap 5.
[0076] Preferably, the tongue 7 has the same height as the base 6 (along the first axis A).
[0077] In another aspect, at least the tab 7, and preferably here the whole flap 5, is made of a different material from that of the ribbon 2.
[0078] It should be noted that a heat-shrinkable product (such as tape 2 in this case) will undergo deformation when exposed to a temperature above its glass transition temperature. In particular, the product will shrink (negative deformation) in its stretching direction(s) and will expand (positive deformation) in a direction normal to its stretching direction(s). For example, if tape 2 is exposed to a temperature 10 degrees Celsius above its glass transition temperature, its negative deformation will be greater than 5%.
[0079] In the present case, the flap 5 must not undergo the same deformations as the ribbon 2 when the latter is retracted.
[0080] Thus, the material of the flap 5 must be chosen accordingly.
[0081] For example, flap 5 is not made of a heat-shrinkable material or is made of a heat-shrinkable material whose glass transition temperature is higher than that of ribbon 2 and preferably much higher than that of ribbon 2. By "much higher" we mean that the glass transition temperature of the flap 5 is at least 60 degrees Celsius higher than that of ribbon 2 and for example at least 100 degrees Celsius higher.
[0082] For example, the flap 5 is made of a material such that the flap 5 is thermostable at the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2 and / or at the temperature to which the ribbon 2 is heated to ensure its shrinkage onto the container and / or at a temperature range around the glass transition temperature Tg of the ribbon 2 (for example, such a range is defined by [Tg - 40 degrees Celsius; Tg + 80 degrees Celsius] and, for example, by [Tg - 20 degrees Celsius; Tg + 60 degrees Celsius]). The flap 5 can thus be both thermostable during the shrinkage of the ribbon 2 while also having (or not) a heat-shrinkable characteristic.
[0083] It should be noted that a thermostable product will not undergo deformation when exposed to a temperature below its melting point. In particular, the product will not undergo deformation in any direction of space considered (within ±5%) at a temperature below its melting point.
[0084] In the present case, the flap 5 is chosen so as to be thermostable at the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2 or to be thermostable within a given temperature range around this glass transition temperature. For example, if the flap 5 is exposed to a temperature 10 degrees Celsius above the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2, the deformation of the flap will be less than 5% regardless of the spatial direction.
[0085] For example, to fulfill this aforementioned thermo-stability condition, the flap 5 is: - in a crystalline material, and for example in a crystalline thermoplastic material, and / or - in a material not stretched in at least one preferred direction and for example in a thermoplastic material not stretched in at least one preferred direction, and / or - in a material that has undergone at least one heat treatment (such as annealing) and for example in a thermoplastic material that has undergone at least one heat treatment (such as annealing), - Etc.
[0086] Preferably, the material of the flap 5 is chosen so that the flap 5 softens at the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2 or within a given temperature range around this glass transition temperature. To this end, said material is, for example, chosen so as to have a melting and / or glass transition temperature higher than the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2. The temperature the melting and / or glass transition temperature of flap 5 is, for example, less than 100 degrees higher than the glass transition temperature of strip 2.
[0087] Thus, the combination of this softening with the retraction force of the ribbon 2 on the flap 5 (due to the retraction of the ribbon 2) will allow the base 5 to deform slightly (while remaining within the 5% limits mentioned above to maintain its thermo-stability). The base 5 can thus somewhat conform to the shape of the container R. It is understood, however, that without the aforementioned retraction force, the base 5 would not undergo any deformation.
[0088] Optionally, the flap 5 is made of a material of the same nature as the ribbon 2, that is to say, the flap 5 is made of a plastic material whose base polymer is identical to that of the plastic material of the ribbon 2. However, unlike that of the ribbon 2, the plastic material of the flap 5 is in a thermostable transformation state at the glass transition temperature of the ribbon 2 and / or at a defined interval around said glass transition temperature. Thus, the flap 5 is indeed made of a different material from that of the ribbon 2 (indeed, at least one characteristic of the material of the flap 5 and of the ribbon 2 are different).
[0089] It is thus advantageous to construct the flap 5 and the ribbon 2 from the same plastic film, the film being stretched in a second step to be able to form the ribbon 2 while the film allowing the formation of the flap 5 is not stretched and / or while the film allowing the formation of the flap 5 undergoes at least one additional heat treatment (compared to the film from which the ribbon 2 is formed).
[0090] This promotes synergy between base 6 and ribbon 2.
[0091] This facilitates the recycling of envelope 1.
[0092] The flap 5 is for example based on, or made of, polyester such as Polyethylene terephthalate (better known by the acronym PET) or polylactic acid (better known by the acronym PLA).
[0093] Whatever the material of part 5, it can be formed from a composition comprising at least a portion of recycled material. For 100 parts of the composition, the composition comprises between 0 and 100 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 50 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 30 parts by weight of recycled material, and for example between 0 and 20 parts by weight of recycled material. Said recycled material can be pre- or post-consumer.
[0094] Part 5 can therefore be compostable depending on the material used.
[0095] The envelope 1 thus described can therefore be arranged around the container R in order to surround a section of said container R at 360 degrees.
[0096] For example, the envelope 1 can surround the container R so as to extend from a lower part of the container R to an upper part of the container R and by example up to the stopper Bo of the container R. The envelope 1 can extend so as to cover at least partially, an upper face of the stopper Bo.
[0097] In this position, the X and A axes extend along the axial direction H of the container R (which is vertical when the container R rests on a horizontal base) and the Y and B axes extend along a circumferential direction of the container R.
[0098] The envelope 1 is then attached to the container 3 by heat shrinking.
[0099] Therefore, envelope 1 protects container 3 from fraudulent opening. Envelope 1 is thus a security envelope.
[0100] Furthermore, when the user wishes to open the container R, they simply pull on the tab 7 (which protrudes from the rest of the envelope 1) to cause a tear in the remaining envelope 1, which will remain intact, the tab 7 remaining attached to the ribbon 2 via the base 6 of the flap 5. Advantageously, the ribbon 2 tears naturally upstream of the gap 16 (in a given direction of pull of the tab 7). The ribbon 2 thus tears naturally in an area located below the tab 7 when no force is exerted on it.
[0101] With reference to [Fig. 10], a sheath 21 can be made from a first film made of the material of the ribbon 2 and a second film made of the material of the flap 5, the second film being sealed onto the first film to close the sheath 21. The sheath 21 can then be pre-cut transversely so that each section of sheath 21 delimited by two successive pre-cut lines 22 forms the envelope 1 which has just been described.
[0102] The sheath 21 can then be wound into a coil.
[0103] This reel can then be used in a packaging plant to be arranged on a whole series of containers.
[0104] With reference to [Fig.6], a second embodiment will now be described.
[0105] In this second embodiment, the tab 7 is equipped on its external face (opposite to that facing the ribbon 2) with one or more gripping elements 23 such as a rib, rough area, reinforcement ... This facilitates the handling of the tab 7 by the user.
[0106] Apart from this feature, everything that has been said for the first embodiment is also applicable to the second embodiment.
[0107] With reference to [Fig.7], a third embodiment will now be described.
[0108] In this third embodiment, the ribbon 2 has a weakened area 24. This will facilitate tearing of the ribbon 2 at the level of this weakened area 24.
[0109] The embrittlement zone 24 is formed, for example, by pre-cuts and / or micro-drilling. The pre-cuts / perforations are, for example, made at regular intervals across the entire embrittlement zone 24.
[0110] The width of the embrittlement zone 24 (along the first X axis) is for example between 0.2 and 2 millimeters and for example between 0.8 and 1.2 millimeters.
[0111] Preferably, the weakening zone 24 forms a line.
[0112] For example, the weakening zone 24 extends parallel to the second Y axis of the ribbon.
[0113] For example, the weakening zone 24 extends over the entire height (along the second Y axis) of the ribbon.
[0114] Preferably, said weakening zone 24 extends in the ribbon 2 on one of the panels 14, 15. For example, the weakening zone 24 extends at the level of one of the edges of the joining faces 19, 20 of the ribbon 2 while remaining outside the considered joining face 19, 20. The weakening zone 24 is arranged for example at the edge [of the joining face (i.e. 19, 20)] furthest from the longitudinal end (respectively 3a, 3b) associated with said face (respectively 19, 20).
[0115] The weakening zone 24 is thus arranged upstream of the joining surfaces between the ribbon 2 and the flap 5 (according to a pull direction of the tab 7). The weakening zone 24 is thus arranged under the tab 7 when no force is exerted on the tab 7.
[0116] Apart from this area of weakening 24, everything that has been said for the first embodiment and for the second embodiment is also applicable to the third embodiment.
[0117] With reference to [Fig. 8], a fourth embodiment will now be described.
[0118] In this fourth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the ribbon 2 is folded so as to be directly closed.
[0119] More specifically, one of the longitudinal ends extends under the longitudinal border associated with the other of its longitudinal ends (whereas in the first embodiment the two longitudinal ends of the ribbon 2 were at the same level).
[0120] This longitudinal end is then sealed to the portion of the ribbon 2 opposite and more precisely here to the longitudinal border opposite.
[0121] The flap 5 is then inserted between the two panels 14, 15 of the ribbon 2 (a portion of one of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2 protruding beyond the rest of the ribbon 2, on the outside). The base 5 is then sealed, on one side, at its inner face, to the outer face of the ribbon 2 and, on the other side, at its outer face, to the inner face of the ribbon 2. The base 5 is thus secured via its inner face to one of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2 and via its outer face to the other of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2.
[0122] It is understood that in the case of the first embodiment, the base 5 was sealed to the tape 2 in two areas of its inner face, whereas here the base 5 is sealed to the tape 2 in one area of its outer face and in one area of its inner face. Preferably, these two areas are then aligned (according to the thickness of the base 2).
[0123] Apart from these characteristics, everything that has been said for the first embodiment and for the second embodiment and for the third embodiment is also applicable to this fourth embodiment.
[0124] With reference to [Fig. 9], a fifth embodiment will now be described.
[0125] In this fifth embodiment, unlike the first embodiment of In the production, ribbon 2 is folded so as to present an overlap area at its longitudinal edges.
[0126] This is also the case in the fourth embodiment. However, unlike the fourth embodiment, the two longitudinal edges are not directly fixed to each other.
[0127] Indeed, the flap 5 is inserted between the two panels 14, 15 of the ribbon 2 (a portion of one of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2 protruding beyond the rest of the ribbon 2, on the outside). The base 5 is then sealed, on one side, at its inner face, to the outer face of the ribbon 2 and, on the other side, at its outer face, to the inner face of the ribbon 2. The base 5 is thus secured via its inner face to one of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2 and via its outer face to the other of the longitudinal edges of the ribbon 2.
[0128] It is understood that, in the case of the first embodiment, the base 5 was sealed to the tape 2 in two areas of its inner face, whereas here the base 5 is sealed to the tape 2 in one area of its outer face and in one area of its inner face. Preferably, these two areas are then aligned (according to the thickness of the base 2).
[0129] It is understood that, in the case of the fourth embodiment, the ribbon 2 was also sealed on itself (in a junction zone downstream of those of the base 5 to the ribbon 2) whereas here the ribbon 2 is closed only via the base 5. There are therefore two junction zones in the fifth embodiment against three for the fourth embodiment.
[0130] Apart from these characteristics, everything that has been said for the first embodiment and for the second embodiment and for the third embodiment and for the fourth embodiment is also applicable to this fourth embodiment.
[0131] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but on the contrary encompasses any variant reproducing, with equivalent means, the essential characteristics stated above.
[0132] The ribbon may be either transparent or opaque. The ribbon may be transparent in some areas and opaque in others. The ribbon may have printing on at least part of its surface and on one or both sides. Information for the user may thus be printed on the ribbon.
[0133] Similarly, the flap may be opaque or transparent. The flap may be transparent in some areas and opaque in others. The flap may have printing on at least part of its surface and on one or both of its sides. Information for the user may thus be printed on the flap.
[0134] The flap, and in particular the tab, may incorporate one or more electronic components. The tab may thus include one or more electronic components directly printed on the tab, such as an antenna and, for example, an RFID antenna.
[0135] An impression on the ribbon and / or the band can also be used to align the band with the ribbon when forming the envelope.
[0136] It is also possible to provide for joining sections with a height less than that of the ribbon and / or the flap.
[0137] The area of weakening may be different from what has been described and for example may only extend over part of the height of the ribbon.
[0138] The sleeve may be fitted on its inner face (i.e., the face intended to come into contact with the container to be covered) with a safety strip. The safety strip may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the sleeve. This safety strip may be shaped so as to rest under the ring of a container.
[0139] The materials specified for the ribbon and the flap may be different. For example, the ribbon and / or the flap may be made of a material that is at least partially bio-based. For example, the material may be composed at least partially of a bio-based plastic such as PLA, a PLA derivative, or any other bio-based plastic. For the purposes of this application, it should be noted that a "bio-based" product is made from material derived from living organisms, and more specifically from plants (wood, hemp, beetroot, corn, etc.) or from animal matter (wool, organic waste, etc.).
[0140] Although here the flap is made of a material of the same nature as the ribbon, the flap may be made of a different material. For example, the flap may be formed separately from a different polymer than that used for the ribbon material; or may be made of an amorphous material; or may be made of a non-plastic material such as paper or cardboard; etc.
[0141] Preferably, the material of the shutter shall be chosen so that it is compostable.
[0142] Preferably, the material of the ribbon shall be chosen so that it is compostable.
[0143] Although here the envelope surrounds only one container at a time, the envelope can be shaped to surround two or more containers at a time.
[0144] Although here the envelope takes the form of a cylinder open at both ends, the envelope may take another form, for example a truncated cone shape. The envelope may thus be shaped into a cap, a stopper, a capsule, etc. The envelope may have at least one notch on its upper part (for example, to facilitate dispensing onto the top of the container and, for example, onto its stopper).
[0145] The container on which the envelope will be affixed may be of any type: glass, plastic, etc.
[0146] Although here the ribbon is single-layered, the ribbon may be multi-layered, at least one of its layers being in a plastic material such as described for the material of the single-layer case.
[0147] Similarly, although the flap here is single-layered, it may be multi-layered, at least at its base and / or tab. In this case, at least one of its layers may be made of a material as described for the single-layer material. For example, a flap may have a central layer made of a plastic or non-plastic material (cardboard, paper, etc.), with this central layer covered on its two main faces by two faces made of a different material, for example, a plastic material.
Claims
Demands
1. A wrap intended to surround at least one section of at least one container, the wrap comprising at least one main heat-shrinkable tape (2) having at least one preferred shrink direction, the wrap being characterized in that it comprises at least one complementary flap (5) comprising: - A base (6) attached to the main tape so as to be secured to the main tape at least at each of the longitudinal edges of the main tape, the main tape and the flap thus jointly forming a closed sleeve, - A gripping tab (7) extending from the base without itself being secured to the main tape, at least said tab being made of a material different from that of the main tape.
2. Envelope according to claim 1, wherein the flap (5) as a whole is made of a material different from that of the main ribbon (2).
3. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least the tab (7) is made of a plastic material whose base polymer is identical to that of the plastic material of the tape (2).
4. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon (2) and / or at least the tab (7) is made of or based on a material that is at least partly bio-based.
5. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon (2) and / or at least the tab (7) is made of a material at least partly recycled.
6. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon (2) and / or at least the tab (7) is made of a compostable material.
7. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the two longitudinal edges of the ribbon (2) do not have an overlap area.
8. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ribbon (2) comprises at least one area of embrittlement (24).
9. 16 Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (5) and / or the ribbon (2) has at least one print.
10. Envelope according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flap (5) carries at least one electronic element.
11. Container surrounded by an envelope according to any one of the preceding claims.
Citation Information
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