Reusable packaging and packaging method for pallets

Abstract

The present disclosure concerns a foldable packaging (1), which is reusable and easily adaptable for protecting a transport pallet (1000), said packaging comprising:-at least one first vertical strap (20; 22) fixed along a vertical edge (2) of the packaging,-an upper strap (10), fixed along an upper horizontal edge (3) of the packaging,-a lower strap (18), fixed along a lower horizontal edge (5) of the packaging, a predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (12, 14, 16) fixed between the upper strap (10) and the lower strap (18), the straps comprising at least one tightening element for tensioning the edges of the packaging, the packaging further comprising a male-female foot attachment system (1111, 1113, 1115, 1117; 112) of said packaging to at least one pallet foot, said male-female foot attachment system (111, 112) being fixed along said lower edge (5) of the packaging.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This description concerns the field of devices and methods for packaging articles or materials, and more particularly to reusable packaging devices and a corresponding packaging and unpackaging method for a transport pallet.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of storage and transport, pallets are commonly used for the secure storage and delivery of goods. Often made of wood, plastic or metal, the choice of pallet materials and protection depends on the type of load being transported and the working environment.

[0003] Goods are frequently transported on a standardized “euro” pallet, i.e., a pallet with at least four possible entries for a crane fork, including two lengthwise and two widthwise entries. Euro pallets weigh between 20 and 25 kilograms and measure between 600 and 1200 millimeters in length and 800 millimeters in width. Such pallets are designed to accommodate items up to a maximum load height of 220 centimeters, although it is preferable not to exceed 180 centimeters. Supporting loads of up to 1,500 kilograms, euro pallets are quick and easy to use, thanks to their interchangeability. The choice of wood, a renewable and recyclable material, to manufacture these euro pallets reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to the circular economy.

[0004] When moving these loaded pallets, it is important to protect the items they carry by means of suitable covers or packaging, so that these items are not damaged by external conditions such as impact, rain, wind or sunlight. It is important that these packagings can be adapted to the volume of the different types of items placed on each pallet, to protect them as fully as possible, while allowing for quick and easy set-up.

[0005] Document CA2050399 A1, for example, concerns devices for the safe storage and transportation of a stack of stacked items, and more particularly to the combination of a pallet and a reusable pallet wrapper, which can be secured around the stacked items and on the pallet.

[0006] Document WO 2021 / 001843 A1, for example, discloses a pallet packaging that reduces the production of environmental waste thanks to a clean and green technology for pallet packaging. This packaging can be used to hold and protect loads of various sizes and dimensions loaded on such pallets, so that goods are protected from external conditions and do not fall off the pallet during transfers or storage.

[0007] Unfortunately, although they provide a high level of protection, known packaging is generally not reusable, is difficult to adapt to the items to be transported on the pallet, and is not easy to set up.

[0008] Known packaging material also has the disadvantage of producing a large amount of waste. Most of the packaging used involves the use of plastic film, which is discarded at the end of pallet and goods transport, increasing the carbon footprint of each delivery. It can be calculated that for all the deliveries made for an average supermarket in France, 2.7 tonnes of waste are produced annually and 19 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent are used, equivalent to around 19 round trips for one passenger by plane from Paris to New York.

[0009] Furthermore, known packaging material is often made from plastics or other materials that cannot be recycled, thus increasing its ecological footprint. Moreover, the protection offered by these packagings and their installation and removal methods is often heterogeneous and poorly distributed around the items, whereas homogeneous protection of the pallet and its contents is preferable.

[0010] Thus, there is a need to improve existing systems and methods.OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In order to address this or these drawback(s), according to a first object herein, a foldable packaging for protecting a transport pallet is proposed, said packaging comprising of:

[0012] at least one first vertical strap fastened along a first vertical edge of the packaging and adapted to be attached, when the packaging is partially folded on itself, to at least one second vertical strap fastened between said first vertical edge and a second vertical edge of the packaging,

[0013] a first horizontal strap, referred to as the upper strap, fastened along an upper horizontal edge of the packaging, said upper strap comprising at least one upper tightening element adapted to tighten said upper horizontal edge when the upper strap is tightened on itself,

[0014] a second horizontal strap, called the lower strap, fastened along a lower horizontal edge of the packaging, said lower strap comprising at least one lower tightening element adapted to tension said lower horizontal edge when the lower strap is tightened on itself,

[0015] a predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps fastened between the upper strap and the lower strap, two of the ends of each intermediate horizontal strap being adapted to interlock with each other, and

[0016] a male-female foot attachment system for said packaging to at least one pallet foot, said male-female foot attachment system being fastened along said lower edge of the packaging.

[0017] This makes it possible to supply pallet packaging that can be reused and adapted as required. Vertical and horizontal straps enable the coverage and protection offered by the packaging to be adapted to the size of the goods on the pallet, ensuring uniform installation. These straps are typically rectangular strips of lengths equal to or greater than the dimensions of the packaging faces.

[0018] In particular, the relative arrangements of the horizontal straps enable the height of the packaging installed on the pallet to be adapted to a predetermined number of levels.

[0019] When not in use, the upper levels can be closed inside the previous level, making it easier to close and store the packaging. Once installed, the packaging is also extremely stable, as its base is attached to the pallet feet.

[0020] In one embodiment, the male-female foot attachment system is fastened to the packaging at the lower horizontal strap of the packaging, the male-female foot attachment system further comprising a plurality of female foot attachment elements fastened to a first side of the packaging, each of said female foot attachment elements being adapted to cooperate with a corresponding one of a plurality of male foot attachment elements of the male-female foot attachment system, said male foot attachment elements being fastened to a second side of the packaging, said first side and second side being opposite sides of the packaging.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, at least one of the female foot attachment elements comprises a rectangular female “Velcro” strip, the corresponding male foot attachment element which is adapted to cooperate with said at least one female foot attachment element comprising at least one rectangular male “Velcro” strip, referred to as male “Velcro”, and adapted to cooperate with said rectangular female “Velcro” strip, referred to as female “Velcro”.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the female and male “Velcro” strips are sewn together at the lower edge of the packaging, with the respective sides of the rectangular female and male “Velcro” strips forming an angle of between 45° and 135°, preferably between 60° and 120°, for example 90°. These specific orientations facilitate, and in the case of an angle of the order of 90%, optimize the installation of the packaging on a pallet, as the packaging, in particular its lower edge, is now under tension while the packaging is being placed on the pallet.

[0023] In a further embodiment, the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is three.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the packaging comprises:

[0025] two sides, called the back face and the front face,

[0026] fastened, on said back face, at the level of the upper strap, a first female attachment element and a first male attachment element, respectively,

[0027] fastened, on the back face, at the level of the first of the three intermediate horizontal straps, at least one second female attachment element or at least one second male attachment element,

[0028] fastened, on the back face, at the level of the second of the three intermediate horizontal straps, at least one third female attachment element or at least one third male attachment element,

[0029] fastened, on the back face, at the level of the third of the three intermediate horizontal straps, at least one fourth male attachment element or at least one fourth female attachment element,

[0030] fastened, to the front face, at the level of the first of the three intermediate horizontal straps, at least one fifth female attachment element or at least one fifth male attachment element, and / or

[0031] fastened, to the back face, at the level of the second of the three intermediate horizontal straps, at least one sixth female attachment element or at least one sixth male attachment element.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the packaging is made of a polyethylene material or a polyamide material, said polyamide material being selected from rigid PA, filament PA, PA6, PA66, PA11 or PA12.

[0033] As used herein, a PA material is a polyamide material, a polyamide being a polymer comprising recurring amide groups, which are integral parts of the polymer's main chain.

[0034] The use of rigid or semi-rigid PA makes it possible to manufacture packaging with increased hardness and strength. Advantageously, PA filaments can be used to produce more flexible, more easily foldable packaging. One advantage of PA6, known as polyamide 6, or Nylon 6, is that it provides a material with high tensile strength, elasticity and gloss. PA6 is also highly resistant to wear and chemicals. Manufacturing the packaging with PA66, or polyamide 66, provides improved recyclability, in particular to form a tear-resistant, flame-retardant fabric. PA66 also offers excellent resistance to impact, heat and oil. PA11 is a biocompatible nylon material, with the advantage of being highly durable and flexible. PA12 has the advantage of offering the lowest water absorption and one of the lightest polyamides, providing an extremely lightweight thermoplastic polymer and promoting particularly economical and optimal solutions for aeronautical transport.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, a first ratio of an initial distance between the upper strap and the lower strap by a second distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap is equal to six and wherein a second ratio of the first distance by a third distance between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap is equal to three.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, a distance between the upper strap and the lower strap is equal to 180 centimeters, the distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap being equal to 30 centimeters and the distance between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap being equal to 60 centimeters.

[0037] In a further embodiment, the at least one upper tightening element comprises a “Velcro” strap adapted to close on itself and at least two metal buckles adapted to allow insertion, tightening and loosening of the upper strap, the lower strap and / or an intermediate horizontal strap.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the at least one lower tightening element comprises a single metal buckle adapted to allow insertion, tightening and loosening of the lower strap, a portion of the lower strap comprising a male hooking element and a female hooking element adapted to cooperate with said male hooking element.

[0039] In order to address the aforementioned drawbacks, according to a second object, also proposed herein is a method for installing the foldable packaging according to any of the preceding embodiments around the transport pallet, the method comprising the following successive steps:

[0040] a) attaching at least one first vertical strap to a foot located between two consecutive corners of the transport pallet, said foot being referred to as the middle foot,

[0041] b) unfolding the packaging around the transport pallet to join together the first vertical edge and the second vertical edge at said middle foot,

[0042] c) using the at least one lower tightening element, tensioning the lower horizontal edge of the packaging around the transport pallet, tightening the lower strap on itself,

[0043] d) hooking one end of at least one intermediate horizontal strap to at least one first vertical strap and / or hook two of the ends of the upper strap to each other by means of the at least one upper tightening element to tighten the upper strap on itself and tension the upper horizontal edge, and

[0044] e) applying the male-female foot attachment system around at least one other foot of the transport pallet, said at least one other foot being located at a corner of the transport pallet.

[0045] This provides an extremely quick installation process for the packaging around the pallet and the goods on it. In addition to meeting the typical operational constraints of euro pallets, while being adaptable to different heights, the installation is implemented very quickly, typically in less than two minutes, or even 90 seconds. This installation can also be repeated a large number of times, in particular more than a hundred times, without affecting the integrity of the packaging.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises, after attachment step a), additionally attaching at least one first vertical strap to another leg of the transport pallet, said other leg being located between two other consecutive corners of the transport pallet.

[0047] According to a further embodiment, the method further comprises, during hooking step d), hooking one end of each intermediate horizontal strap to at least one first vertical strap.

[0048] In order to address the aforementioned drawbacks, according to another object, also proposed herein is a method for uninstalling the foldable packaging according to any of the preceding embodiments, said packaging having been previously installed around the transport pallet, the method comprising the following successive steps:

[0049] i) unhooking one end of the at least one intermediate horizontal strap from the at least one first vertical strap and / or unhooking the two ends of the upper strap from each other by means of the at least one upper tightening element to loosen the upper strap on itself and loosen the upper horizontal edge,

[0050] ii) removing the male-female foot attachment system from the feet of the transport pallet, each of said feet being located at a corner of the transport pallet,

[0051] iii) using at the least one lower tightening element, loosening the lower horizontal edge of the packaging around the transport pallet, loosening the lower strap on itself,

[0052] iv) detaching the at least one first vertical strap from a foot located between two consecutive corners of the transport pallet, said foot being referred to as the middle foot, and

[0053] v) folding the packaging on itself around the transport pallet to join together the first vertical edge and the second vertical edge.

[0054] This provides an extremely rapid de-installation process for the packaging around the pallet and the goods on it. In addition to meeting the typical operational constraints of euro pallets, this de-installation is implemented very quickly, typically in less than 30 seconds.

[0055] And, in order to address this or these drawback(s), it is proposed according to another object herein a foldable packaging for protecting a transport pallet, said foldable packaging comprising an outline formed by a upper horizontal edge, a lower horizontal edge, a right vertical edge and a left vertical edge, the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge being opposite each other, the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge being opposite each other, the foldable packaging further comprising:

[0056] at least one first upper strap, the at least one first upper strap being fastened to the foldable packaging along the right vertical edge, and being further fastened between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge, and being further fastened to a first face of the foldable packaging, referred to as the front face, at least one first upper strap being adapted to be attached to at least one first intermediate strap when the foldable packaging is partially folded onto itself,

[0057] at least one first intermediate strap, which is fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging, at least one first intermediate strap further being fastened between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge, at least one first intermediate strap further being fastened at a horizontal mid-distance between the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge, at least one first intermediate strap further comprising a tightening element adapted to tighten at the least one first upper strap when the at least one first upper strap is attached to the first intermediate strap, and

[0058] at least two main male-female foot attachment elements of the foldable packaging to a pallet foot, said at least two main male-female foot attachment elements being fastened along the lower horizontal edge, each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to a second face of the foldable packaging, called the back face, said back face being opposite the front face of the foldable packaging.

[0059] As used herein, a horizontal distance is a distance measured parallel to the upper horizontal edge and / or measured parallel to the lower horizontal edge. As used herein, “at half the horizontal distance between a first vertical element and a second vertical element”, the first vertical element being for example the right vertical edge and the second vertical element being for example the left vertical edge, means at a distance approximately equal to half the distance separating the two aforementioned vertical elements. As used herein, a “distance approximately equal to” means a “distance equal to” with a margin of uncertainty equal to 20 centimeters.

[0060] As used herein, a transport pallet can be a rectangular or square pallet, as long as it is provided with at least four possible inlets for a crane fork, including two lengthwise and two widthwise inlets. The upper part of this transport pallet provides a support base for the contents to be loaded onto the pallet, and its lower part comprises at least eight feet, four of these feet being located at the corners of the pallet, with two sides of the pallet meeting at each corner, and a further four of these feet being located in the middle of each side of the pallet, i.e. between two consecutive corners of the pallet.

[0061] Unless otherwise specified, a transport pallet is generally considered to be rectangular, i.e., it has two mutually parallel sides, each longer than its other two mutually parallel sides.

[0062] Advantageously, fastening at least one first intermediate strap as centrally as possible between the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge ensures optimum fit of the packaging around the pallet. When the fit is not optimal, the tightening obtained by tensioning the at least one first upper strap, which is attached to the at least one first intermediate strap, allows greater room for maneuver when installing the packaging around or on the pallet, particularly when the contents of the pallet are not homogeneous, for example when they do not form a rectangular parallelepiped whose base is defined by the base of the pallet on which the contents are installed.

[0063] In one possible embodiment, the contour is a rectangular contour, so that its four sides correspond to the upper horizontal edge, the lower horizontal edge, the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge, the relative terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left” and “right” corresponding to directions and relative positions when the packaging is used and installed to protect a transport pallet from the point of view of a user in a standing position relative to the ground and viewing the front face of the packaging in front of him.

[0064] In one possible embodiment, one of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements is fastened to the corner formed by the lower horizontal edge and the right vertical edge of the foldable packaging.

[0065] This makes it possible to define the corner of the packaging which is intended to be attached to one of the feet located between two corners of the pallet, and from which the installation of the packaging is implemented, in an easy and fast way.

[0066] Advantageously, the feet at the corners of the pallet help to align the packaging around the pallet and / or the contents on the pallet. They help to hold the sides of the pack packaging age in place so that the cross strap is level with the middle of one side of the pallet, after which vertical tensioning of at least one intermediate strap enables the packaging to be raised, or hoisted, above the transport pallet. When homogeneous contents are arranged on the pallet, for example boxes whose sides are aligned with those of the pallet, the base of the packaging forms a square or rectangle whose sides are also aligned with those of the pallet.

[0067] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable packaging comprises, on the front face of the foldable packaging, at least one intermediate horizontal strip located between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge of the packaging, at least one first intermediate strap being further fastened to said at least one horizontal strip.

[0068] As used herein, at least one intermediate horizontal strip is substantially parallel to the upper horizontal edge and to the lower horizontal edge when the packaging is unfolded, where by “substantially parallel” is meant “parallel” with a margin of about 5 degrees.

[0069] This provides a means of lateral reinforcement along the horizontal direction and at the height of this intermediate horizontal strip, in particular with possible tightening of the installed packaging around the pallet contents.

[0070] This also provides a visual means of checking and adjusting the horizontal alignment of the packaging with the pallet and its contents, for a user to verify. According to one possible embodiment, at least one intermediate horizontal strip is located at a vertical distance of 30, 60, 90, 100, 105, or 135 centimeters from the lower horizontal edge.

[0071] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable packaging is composed of a polyethylene material or a polyamide material, said polyamide material being selected from rigid PA, filament PA, PA6, PA66, PA11 or PA12.

[0072] As used herein, a polyamide material is a polymer comprising recurring amide groups, which are integral parts of the polymer's main chain. The use of rigid or semi-rigid PA makes it possible to manufacture packaging with increased hardness and strength.

[0073] A polyethylene material provides robust protection for products thanks to its durability and impact resistance, while offering easy handling thanks to its lightness and flexibility. Furthermore, using recycled polyethylene promotes a sustainable approach, reducing plastic waste and helping to preserve the environment.

[0074] According to an advantageous embodiment, the distance between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge is between 100 and 200 centimeters, and preferably equal to 105, 110, 150, 165 or 180 centimeters and / or wherein the distance between the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge, is between 55 and 450 centimeters, and preferably equal to 65, 105, 165, 200, 250, 305 or 400 centimeters.

[0075] Distances and lengths described herein as being equal to a given value in centimeters are expressed with an accuracy of 2 to 3 centimeters. This makes it possible to provide packaging of adjustable height, suitable for installation around or on euro pallets, while maintaining optimum stability for different types of load placed on them.

[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment, the at least one first upper vertical strap and / or the at least one first intermediate strap comprise / s a tightening element adapted to cooperate with another tightening element of the foldable packaging. This makes it possible to create a modular and adaptable fastening system, where the tightening elements present on the upper and intermediate vertical strap(s) can be adjustably associated with other tightening elements of the foldable packaging. This also allows precise control over strap tightening, ensuring customized fastening according to the nature and size of the loads being transported.

[0077] According to an advantageous embodiment, one of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements, referred to as the first main foot attachment element, is fastened close to the right vertical edge of the foldable packaging, and / or another of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements, referred to as the second main foot attachment element, is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge and the left vertical edge of the foldable packaging.

[0078] In this document, “nearby” means at a distance of 20 centimeters or less.

[0079] This allows the packaging to be installed evenly around the sides of the pallet and its contents, with a balanced distribution of stresses.

[0080] In one possible embodiment, one of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements is designed to attach the packaging to a foot located between two corners of the pallet, the base of which generally has a square shape. Positioning the first main foot attachment element and / or another of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements in this way also makes it possible, following installation of the packaging on the pallet and its contents, to reduce localized stresses on the pallet, and minimize the risk of deformation or damage, particularly when the contents are arranged on the pallet in a uniform manner, for example to form a rectangular parallelepiped whose base is formed by the base of the pallet.

[0081] Since, in this case, the feet are aligned with the at least one first vertical strap and / or with the at least one first intermediate strap, the attachment of one of the at least two first male-female main foot attachment elements to a pallet foot enables the latter to be used as an fastening point for unfolding the foldable packaging not only around the pallet but also over its height. At least one vertical strap runs around the contents of the pallet and the packaging at a midpoint on one side of the pallet, ensuring that the packaging is evenly distributed around the contents.

[0082] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable packaging comprises:

[0083] at least one second upper strap, referred to as the second vertical strap, the at least one second vertical strap being fastened between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge, on the front face of the foldable packaging and furthermore at a horizontal mid-distance between the left vertical edge and the fastening of at least one first intermediate strap, at least one second vertical strap being furthermore adapted to be attached, when the foldable packaging is partially folded on itself, to at least one second intermediate strap, and

[0084] the at least one second intermediate strap, which is fastened between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge, on the front face of the foldable packaging and furthermore at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge and the fastening of at least one first intermediate strap or at mid-horizontal distance between the left vertical edge and the fastening of at least one first intermediate strap. This enhances the structural stability of the foldable packaging and the contents it protects by connecting the vertical and intermediate straps, improving not only its resistance to external conditions, but also making it easier and safer to install the foldable packaging with the lower horizontal edge, given the stronger fastening to the pallet.

[0085] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable packaging further comprises at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements of the foldable packaging to at least one other foot of the pallet, each of said at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements being distinct from each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements, each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements being fastened along the lower horizontal edge of the foldable packaging, each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging and wherein:

[0086] one of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements, referred to as the first secondary foot attachment element, is fastened midway between the left vertical edge of the foldable packaging and the attachment of at least one first intermediate strap, and

[0087] another of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements, referred to as the second secondary foot attachment element, is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge and the fastening of the at least one second intermediate strap.

[0088] This provides at least two additional means of attaching the packaging to pallet feet during installation. In particular, the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements provide a minimum of two additional attachment points at other pallet center feet, since the relative fastening position of these at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements with respect to the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements provides a total minimum of four packaging attachment points at the four pallet center feet.

[0089] According to an advantageous embodiment, the foldable packaging further comprises a predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging, the fastening of the intermediate horizontal straps to the front face of the foldable packaging being effected between the upper horizontal edge and the lower horizontal edge, two respective ends of each intermediate horizontal strap being adapted to interlock integrally by means of a male-female attachment element.

[0090] This provides a means of lateral closure and possibly lateral tightening of the packaging when it is folded in on itself around the pallet, in particular when the left and right vertical edges meet so that the packaging forms a closed envelope.

[0091] It is understood herein that a male-female attachment element comprises a male part and a female part, such that the male part is located at a first end of said intermediate horizontal strap and the female part is located at a second end opposite the first. As used herein or in a possible variant, a male-female attachment element is replaceable by a female-male attachment element, in that the male and female parts of the same intermediate horizontal strap can be interchanged.

[0092] In one possible embodiment, the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is equal to six. Surprisingly, this provides optimum lateral tightening of the packaging after installation for a euro pallet, while limiting the number of operations required to attach or detach the intermediate horizontal straps.

[0093] According to an advantageous embodiment, the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is greater than or equal to two, and wherein a ratio of a first distance between the upper horizontal edge and one of the intermediate horizontal straps, referred to as the first median horizontal strap, by a second distance between the median horizontal strap and another of the intermediate horizontal straps, referred to as the second median horizontal strap, is equal to 0.16, 0.2, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

[0094] This distributes the horizontal or lateral tension of the packaging when it is installed on a pallet, so that it is tightening evenly along evenly-spaced horizontal lines.

[0095] In one possible embodiment, the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is greater than or equal to two, and a ratio of a third distance between the lower horizontal edge and one of the intermediate horizontal straps, referred to as the third median horizontal strap, by a fourth distance between the third median horizontal strap and another of the intermediate horizontal straps, referred to as the fourth median horizontal strap, is equal to 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

[0096] According to an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the intermediate horizontal straps is fastened by sewing this at least one intermediate horizontal strap to at least one vertical strip secured to the front face of the foldable packaging, the at least one vertical strip extending from the lower horizontal edge to the upper horizontal edge of the foldable packaging.

[0097] This reinforces the strength of the intermediate horizontal strap(s) sewn in this way, to reduce the risk of tearing when the intermediate horizontal strap(s) is / are tensioned during installation and / or folding of the packaging in on itself around the pallet. When several horizontal intermediate straps are sewn together in this way, the risk of tearing is reduced in proportion to their number.

[0098] According to an advantageous embodiment, the stitching of the at least one vertical strip exerts tension on the at least one intermediate horizontal strap, this tension being evenly distributed by the at least one triangular or semi-triangular reinforcement.

[0099] As used herein, the relative arrangement of the at least one intermediate horizontal strap with respect to the at least one vertical strip means that each intermediate horizontal strap forms a substantially right angle with the vertical strip.

[0100] As used herein, a substantially right angle is an angle of 90° to within approximately 1°, 2° or 3°.

[0101] This creates a lateral tension, i.e., a lateral pull, which is even on the side opposite the tip.

[0102] As used herein, a semi-triangular reinforcement is defined as a strip, or alternatively a strap, connecting the intermediate horizontal strap to the vertical strip at an acute angle to the vertical strip, e.g., 30°, 45° or 60°.

[0103] As used herein, a triangular reinforcement is defined as being formed by two strips, or two straps, connecting the intermediate horizontal strap to the vertical strip, each of these strips or straps forming an acute angle with this vertical strip, for example 30°, 45° or 60°. Advantageously, a 45° angle optimizes seam reinforcement.

[0104] This further reduces the risk of tearing the at least one intermediate horizontal strap fastened or sewn to the packaging when this or these intermediate horizontal straps are tensioned during installation and / or folding of the packaging in on itself around the pallet. The stability of the pallet contents is also increased when the packaging is installed, particularly when the pallet is in motion.

[0105] In one possible embodiment, an intermediate horizontal strap fastened to the upper or lower horizontal edge of the foldable packaging comprises a single semi-triangular reinforcement.

[0106] In order to address the aforementioned drawbacks, according to another object, also proposed herein is a method for installing the foldable packaging according to any of the preceding embodiments, said installation method comprising the following successive steps:

[0107] a) attaching, to a first foot located between two consecutive corners of the pallet, a first male-female main foot attachment element among the at least two male-female main foot attachment elements of the foldable packaging,

[0108] b) wrapping the foldable packaging around a base of the transport pallet, partially folding the folding box onto itself,

[0109] c) attaching, to a second foot distinct from the first foot and located between two other consecutive corners of the pallet, said second foot being opposite the first foot, a second of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements of the packaging,

[0110] d) attaching the first vertical strap to the at least one first intermediate strap by tightening the tightening element to tension the packaging over a height of the transport pallet.

[0111] Opposite corners of a pallet are defined here as corners that do not share a pallet side. As used herein, “transport pallet height” means the vertical distance between the base of the pallet and the upper of the contents on the pallet. This is not necessarily the vertical distance between the lower horizontal edge and the upper horizontal edge of the packaging, for example when the height of the contents on the pallet is greater than this vertical distance between the lower horizontal edge and the upper horizontal edge of the packaging, since the latter is smaller.

[0112] In one possible embodiment, step b) comprises unfolding the foldable packaging around the transport pallet to bring the right and left vertical edges together.

[0113] This provides a complete and extremely rapid installation process for the packaging around the pallet and the goods on it. In addition to meeting the typical operational constraints of euro pallets while being adaptable to different heights, the reduced number of steps and elements to be attached makes installation very fast without the need for significant effort, with set-up typically taking less than 90 seconds, or even a minute 60. This installation can also be repeated a large number of times, in particular more than a hundred times, without affecting the integrity of the packaging and its components.

[0114] According to one embodiment, said installation method further comprises, after the step d) of attaching the first vertical strap of the foldable packaging to the at least one first intermediate strap, a step e) of interlocking, in an integral manner, the two respective ends of one or more intermediate horizontal straps from the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps.

[0115] This improves the homogeneity and strength of the packaging's covering of any contents placed on the transport pallet.

[0116] In order to address the aforementioned drawbacks, according to another object, also proposed herein is a method for uninstalling the foldable packaging according to any one of the embodiments around the transport pallet, said packaging having been previously installed around the transport pallet, said uninstallation method comprising the following successive steps:

[0117] i) if the first vertical strap is previously attached to the at least one first intermediate strap, detaching the first vertical strap from the at least one first intermediate strap to loosen the packaging over a height of the transport pallet, and / or

[0118] ii) if the second of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements of the foldable packaging is previously attached to the second corner, detaching the second main male-female foot attachment element from the foot at the second corner of the pallet,

[0119] iii) if the first of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements of the foldable packaging is previously attached to the first corner, detaching the first main male-female foot attachment element from the foot at the first corner of the pallet, and

[0120] iv) optionally, folding the foldable packaging over itself to join the right and left vertical edges.

[0121] This provides an extremely rapid de-installation process for the packaging around the pallet and the goods on it. In addition to meeting the typical operational constraints of euro pallets, this de-installation process can be carried out very quickly, typically in less than 30 seconds, or even 20 seconds.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0122] Further features, details and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description below, and from an analysis of the appended drawings, in which:

[0123] FIG. 1 shows a first side, called the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0124] FIG. 2 shows upper and lower tightening elements according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0125] FIG. 3 shows a second side, called the back face and opposite to the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0126] FIG. 4 shows a male-female foot attachment system comprising a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0127] FIG. 5 shows an installation of the packaging on one side of a pallet and at different heights according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0128] FIG. 6 shows the installation of the packaging above and around a pallet according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0129] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of a packaging installed on a transport pallet to protect its contents.

[0130] FIG. 8 shows a first side, called the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0131] FIG. 9 shows a second side, called the back face and opposite the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0132] FIG. 10 shows a first side, called the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0133] FIG. 11 shows a second side, called the back face and opposite to the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0134] FIG. 12 shows a first side, called the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0135] FIG. 13 shows a second side, called the back face and opposite the front face, of a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0136] Unless otherwise indicated, elements common to or similar to several figures bear the same reference signs and have identical or similar characteristics, due to which these common elements are generally not described again for the sake of simplicity.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0137] FIG. 1 shows a front face of a packaging according to one possible embodiment, this front side corresponding to its visible side when installed to protect a transport pallet 1000. Packaging 1 comprises a plurality of horizontal and vertical straps. Each band can be made from nylon, polyester or polyester-Dyneema material, to provide an optimum compromise between breaking strength and lightness. In a preferred embodiment, packaging 1 comprises five horizontal straps, including an upper horizontal strap 10, a lower horizontal strap 18 and, between these two horizontal straps, three intermediate horizontal straps 12, 14 and 16. However, this number is not limitative and any number of intermediate horizontal straps can be present between the upper 10 and lower 18 horizontal straps. In various embodiments, the front and back sides of packaging 1 are made of fabric and / or a polyamide material selected from rigid PA, filament PA, PA6, PA66, PA11 or PA12. The materials from which the various belts and straps of packaging 1 are made advantageously include polyamide 66 and steel.

[0138] In a preferred embodiment, packaging 1 comprises a first vertical strap 22 sewn to the front face of packaging 1 along a first vertical edge 2 of packaging 1, and a second vertical strap 20 sewn to the front face of packaging 1 along a second vertical edge 4 at the other end of packaging 1. The packaging 1 further comprises a third intermediate vertical strap 24, or transverse strap, which is fastened, and preferably sewn, to the front face of the packaging, preferably midway between the first vertical edge 2 and the second vertical edge 4 of the packaging 1. The packaging 1 further comprises four male-female foot attachment systems, visible in the figure as element 111, comprising four male-female foot attachment elements 1111, 1113, 1115 and 1117 fastened or sewn along the lower edge 5 of the packaging 1, at the lower horizontal strap 18 of the packaging.

[0139] In one embodiment, the first vertical strap 22 and the intermediate vertical strap 24 are doubled webbing vertical strips, while the second vertical strap 20 is a single webbing vertical strip.

[0140] In one embodiment, the packaging 1 also comprises a first horizontal strap 10, referred to as the upper strap, which is sewn along the upper horizontal edge 3 of the packaging, as well as a second horizontal strap 18, referred to as the lower strap, fastened along a lower horizontal edge 5 of the packaging 1.

[0141] In one embodiment, the upper strap 10 of the packaging 1 comprises at least one upper tightening element, here two elements 131 and 132 located on either side of the upper strap 10 and at the ends thereof. These elements are adapted to tension said upper horizontal edge when the upper strap is tightened on itself, and will be described below.

[0142] In one embodiment, the lower strap 18 of the packaging 1 comprises at least one lower tightening element, here an element 151 located on one end of the lower strap 18, preferably on the end located near the first vertical edge 2. This element 151 is adapted to tension the lower strap 18, and therefore the lower horizontal edge 5 of the packaging 1, when the lower strap is tightened on itself.

[0143] In one embodiment, the ends of each of the intermediate horizontal straps 12, 14 and 16 are adapted to interlock with each other, for example by means of a set of “Velcro”s and / or buckles as described below. In one embodiment, each foot attachment element comprises a male foot attachment element 1111, 1113, 1115 and 1117, and a respective female foot attachment element 1121, 1123, 1125 and 1127 (not shown here), these respective elements being adapted to cooperate with one another. For example, a male foot attachment and a female foot attachment are male and female hinges, male and female clip buckles, male and female screws, male and female cable ties, male and female snap fasteners, or magnets that attract each other.

[0144] In one embodiment, the male foot attachment elements are fastened or sewn to the front side of the packaging 1, while the female foot attachment elements are attached or sewn to the back side of the packaging 1, or vice versa.

[0145] In different embodiments, the dimensions of packaging 1 may vary, provided they remain adapted to the protection of a given type of pallet and load. Without limitation on these dimensions, these different designs can be distinguished according to definitions of the ratios between the distances separating the intermediate horizontal straps from the upper and lower straps.

[0146] For example, if the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is equal to three, thereby enabling the height of the packaging 1 to be adjusted in three levels as will be described below, the corresponding embodiment can be identified by defining, on the one hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of a first distance between the upper strap and the lower strap by a second distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap is equal to six and, on the other hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of the first distance by a third distance defined between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap is equal to three. This makes it possible to define three similar levels to adapt the height of the packaging around a pallet.

[0147] For example, and following this definition of ratios, if the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is equal to two, the corresponding embodiment can be identified by defining, on the one hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of a first distance between the upper strap and the lower strap by a second distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap is equal to four and, on the other hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of the first distance by a third distance defined between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap is equal to two. This makes it possible to define two similar levels to adapt the height of the packaging around a pallet.

[0148] For example, and still according to this definition, if the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps is equal to four, the corresponding embodiment can be identified by defining, on the one hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of a first distance between the upper strap and the lower strap by a second distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap is equal to eight and, on the other hand, that the ratio (or fraction) of the first distance by a third distance defined between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap is equal to four. This makes it possible to define four similar levels to adapt the height of the packaging around a pallet.

[0149] In one embodiment, the two ends of each intermediate horizontal strap are adapted to interlock with each other, for example by means of male-female fasteners such as male “Velcros” and female “Velcros”. Advantageously, the ends of at least one of these intermediate horizontal straps comprise at least one intermediate tightening element adapted to tighten the surface of the packaging at the level of this intermediate horizontal strap when the latter is tightened on itself.

[0150] In various embodiments, the dimensions of packaging 1 can be precisely defined. For example, in the case of euro pallets, the total length of packaging 1 may be around 4 meters, 403 centimeters, to the nearest 30 centimeters. The total height of packaging 1 can be around 2 meters, for example 180 centimeters, to the nearest twenty centimeters.

[0151] In one embodiment, the distances between the straps can be precisely defined. For example, the distance between the upper strap and the lower strap is 180 centimeters, plus or minus 10 centimeters.

[0152] In the case of three horizontal intermediate straps, the distance between the upper strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the upper strap is 30 centimeters, plus or minus 5 centimeters, and the distance between the lower strap and the intermediate horizontal strap closest to the lower strap is 60 centimeters, plus or minus 10 centimeters.

[0153] FIG. 2 illustrates tightening elements for horizontal packaging straps in various embodiments.

[0154] The upper diagram of this figure illustrates an example of an upper tightening element, in this case a “Velcro” strap 131, which is adapted and therefore sufficiently flexible to close on itself when arranged on the upper horizontal strap 3.

[0155] In particular, the “Velcro” strap 131 comprises a rectangular male “Velcro” strip 1310 located near its end and separated by a gap from a female “Velcro” strip 1312. For example, the distance between the male strip 1310 and the female strip is 10 millimeters, while the end of element 131 is separated from male strip 1310 by a distance of 10 millimeters. So, for example, the length of the male 1310 strip is 335 millimeters, while the length of the female 1310 strip is 295 millimeters.

[0156] The diagram in the middle of this figure illustrates an example of an attachment element, here two metal buckles 132 adapted to allow insertion, tightening and loosening of the “Velcro” strap 131. The “Velcro” strap 131 is designed to be fastened to the upper strap 3, but can also optionally be designed to be fastened to the lower strap 18 and / or to at least one of the intermediate horizontal straps 12, 14 and 16.

[0157] Advantageously, the presence of at least two metal buckles on each of the horizontal straps of the packaging 1 allows maximum adaptability.

[0158] The lower diagram of the figure illustrates an example of a lower tightening element 151 that can be used for the lower strap 18, with a tightening system at the base of the packaging 1 that is shorter with the use of a single buckle 1513, which can be a plastic buckle but is preferably a metal buckle to provide improved fastener strength when the strap is under tension.

[0159] Thus, the metal buckle 1513 on a first end (left in the lower diagram) of the strap is adapted to cooperate with the second end, the second end comprising a male attachment element 1510 and a female attachment element 1512, such as a male “Velcro” and a corresponding female “Velcro”, capable of cooperating with each other when the strap is passed through the buckle and folded back on itself to interlock 1510 and 1512.

[0160] For example, the length of buckle 1513 is 70 millimeters, the length of male “Velcro”1510 is 200 millimeters and the length of female “Velcro”1512 is 180 millimeters, with a 10-millimeter gap separating the two. Other dimensions can be provided depending on the dimensions of the pallet 1000 to be protected with the packaging 1, but it is advantageous to provide male and female “Velcros” of the same dimensions on the lower strap 18.

[0161] FIG. 3 shows the back face of the packaging described in the possible embodiment of FIG. 1, this back face corresponding to its non-visible side when installed to protect a transport pallet 1000.

[0162] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging 1 comprises on this back face a plurality of attachment elements, in particular male “Velcros”150 and female “Velcros”152 distributed equidistantly between the vertical edges 2 and 4 and, preferably, aligned along the horizontal strips 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 located and visible on the front face of the packaging 1. Alternatively or additionally, attachment elements can include male and female clip buckles, male and female screws, male and female snap fasteners, or mutually attracting magnets. The elements shown on the face provide a non-limiting example of the distribution of these fasteners, with for each level a single female “Velcro”152 located close to the vertical edge 2, while the other fastener elements distributed over this same level are male “Velcros”150 located at the same distance from each other.

[0163] In one embodiment, the three female “Velcros”152 located on the back face and at the level of the upper band 10 on the front face together define a 143. At the lower left edge of the packaging 1 is fastened, or sewn, one end of a base tie 161, this base tie end being adapted to cooperate with another base tie end 162 which is fastened to the back face, or sewn, at the lower edge 5 of the packaging 1, preferably at the same height as the transverse vertical strap 24 which is located on the other front face of the packaging 1, and horizontally in the middle of the packaging 1, thus at a substantially equal distance from the vertical edge 2 and the other vertical edge 4.

[0164] In one embodiment, the base tie comprising ends 161 and 162 is a thin strap, preferably with a thickness of between 10 and 20 millimeters, and comprising a “Velcro” to enable it to close on itself. This base tie is used to attach and / or secure the packaging 1 to a middle foot of the pallet 1000, to then allow or facilitate the use of the transverse vertical strap 24 for installing or uninstalling the packaging 1 on the pallet 1000. Arranged as shown in the figure, the back face of packaging 1 further comprises strap fasteners 141 and 142, as well as one or more closure elements 146. Also visible on the figure are the female foot attachment elements 1121, 1123, 1125 and 1127 of the foot attachment system 112, these female foot attachment elements being respective of the male foot attachment elements 1111, 1113, 1115 and 1117 previously described.

[0165] FIG. 4 illustrates a male-female foot attachment system included in a packaging according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0166] The male-female foot attachment system corresponds to element 111 when visible on the front side of packaging 1 and to element 112 when visible on the back side of packaging 1.

[0167] On the front side, element 111 comprises a strap 11111 fastened, and preferably sewn, to packaging 1 and on the same front side, close to its lower edge. The seam can be sewn at the same level as the lower horizontal strap 18, so that they are at similar heights. On the reverse side, element 112 comprises a female attachment element 11115 near the free end of the strap.

[0168] The male-female foot attachment system is preferably sewn at the lower strap 18 and / or at the intermediate horizontal strap 16 closest to the lower strap 18, defining the first level of horizontal straps, between the strap and the packaging fabric 1.

[0169] The strap is shaped and lengthened to allow its free end to wind around a pallet foot below the lower edge. Once the strap is wrapped around the foot, the female attachment element 11115 of its free end is brought back to the level of a male attachment element 11113 fastened or sewn close to the strap attachment point 11111. Designed to cooperate with each other, the hooking of the male attachment element 11113 and the female attachment element 11115 enables the packaging 1 to be attached and secured to the foot of the pallet, not only enabling it to be placed in position but also facilitating the attachment of the other male-female foot attachment systems to the other pallet bases.

[0170] In this way, the foot attachment system enables the packaging 1 to be fastened to at least four feet of the pallet 1000. More male and female fasteners can be provided, but four were found to be sufficient for optimum installation and protection. Preferably, the male and female attachment elements are male and female “Velcros”, respectively, forming rectangular scratches. It is easy to sew such rectangles together at the lower edge of the packaging 1, in order to manufacture it.

[0171] Surprisingly, it was found that when the respective sides of the rectangular female “Velcro” strip and the male “Velcro” strip formed an angle close to 90°, i.e. a right angle, the installation of the packaging 1 around the pallet 1000 to enclose the latter was optimally facilitated, as this orientation keeps the packaging 1 under tension during its installation. Nevertheless, installation is quick and easy when the angle is between 60° and 120° and, to a lesser extent, between 45° and 135°.

[0172] FIG. 5 illustrates the installation of the packaging on one side of a pallet and at different heights.

[0173] In particular, a packaging 1 is shown positioned above and / or around a pallet 1000 at three different heights. The diagram on the left illustrates installation at a maximum height, e.g., 1.8 meters, the diagram in the middle illustrates installation at a medium height, e.g., 1.5 meters, and the diagram on the right illustrates installation at a minimum height, e.g., 1.2 meters. The aforementioned heights correspond to choices of adjustable height for a packaging whose size or one of its dimensions is of the order of 180 centimeters, 180 centimeters in this case defining the distance between the upper strap and the lower strap of packaging 1.

[0174] As previously described, the front and back sides of packaging 1 are provided with various male attachment elements, in particular male “Velcros”150, as well as various female attachment elements, in particular female “Velcros”152, adapted to be configured with each other. This configuration ensures that the packaging 1 adaptively protects the pallet 1000 on at least three different levels, i.e., three different vertical heights.

[0175] This arrangement also makes it possible, if the packaging is folded in on itself or on at least one of its sides, to secure several of its levels together, thus facilitating storage and transport, since the volume taken up by the packaging once uninstalled from the pallet is thus reduced.

[0176] This makes it possible to adapt the height of packaging 1 on at least three levels. If not in use, the upper levels are closed inside the previous level, so as not to complicate folding and thus the folding in of the packaging on itself.

[0177] To set up a packaging 1 whose size is of the order of 180 centimeters so as to protect the pallet 1000 and its contents at a maximum height of 1.8 meters as illustrated in the diagram on the left of the figure, an embodiment of the installation method thus comprises for example

[0178] 1) attaching the male-female foot attachment system 111, 112 to a first middle foot of the pallet 1000, i.e., a pallet foot located between two consecutive corners of the transport pallet,

[0179] 2) passing at least one of the vertical straps 20, 22 and 24, preferably the transverse vertical strap 24, over the goods installed on the pallet 1000,

[0180] 3) unwinding the packaging 1 around pallet 1000 to the opposite side, i.e., to a second pallet middle foot which is opposite the first middle foot to which the male-female foot attachment system 111, 112 has been attached,

[0181] 4) attaching the male-female foot attachment system to this second middle foot,

[0182] 5) attaching the vertical strap, here preferably strap 24, to itself so as to tighten the packaging, which can be done by clipping,

[0183] 6) unwinding the rest of the packaging 1 around the pallet 1000, bringing it down to the level of the first middle foot, so that its vertical edges 2 and 4 meet on the same side, called the closing side,

[0184] 7) attaching the packaging 1 closure system, in particular several if not all the horizontal straps by tightening them on themselves by means of their respective ends and / or tightening elements, preferably from the lower edge of the packaging to the upper edge, i.e., from the lower upwards, not including the lower tightening strap,

[0185] 8) unfolding and fitting the packaging 1 around the pallet until it is flush with the opposite side,

[0186] 9) attaching the second vertical strap 24 to itself, for example by means of “Velcro”142 located on the opposite side of the packaging cross strap,

[0187] 10) unfolding the packaging 1 around the pallet to the closing side and adjust if necessary

[0188] 11) attaching the remaining fasteners to the vertical straps, e.g., by attaching the fasteners or “Velcros”141, 142 and 143 to the closure side of the packaging 1,

[0189] 12) attaching the attachment elements included in the upper closure system 12 of packaging 1 and, if necessary, to improve the homogeneity of the installation of the packaging 1 around pallet 1000, tightening the horizontal straps,

[0190] 13) attaching the remaining male-female foot attachment system clips to the feet of the 1000 pallet, these feet being located at the corners of the pallet,

[0191] 14) attaching and tightening the lower strap 18 to tighten the base of packaging 1 around the sides of the pallet.

[0192] In order to set up a packaging 1, the size of which being of the order of 180 centimeters so as to protect the pallet 1000 and its contents at a median height of 1.5 meters as illustrated in the central diagram of the figure, an embodiment of the installation method thus comprises, for example, following and replacing steps 8) to 14) of installation at the maximum height of 1.8 meters:

[0193] 8′) attaching the attachment elements comprising the front side 121 and the back side 122 of the upper closure system 12 of the packaging 1 when the latter is partially folded in on itself at the mid-height, for example by making a male “Velcro”150 on the 121 side cooperate with a female “Velcro”152 at the same height, with the advantage of obtaining a packaging 1 installed around the pallet, adapted to the mid-height,

[0194] 9′) attaching the fasteners143 and 144 to the horizontal straps 12 and 14,

[0195] 10′) attaching and tightening the remaining horizontal straps of the packaging to itself, to tighten the base and sides of the packaging 1 around the pallet 1000,

[0196] 11′) attaching the remaining male-female foot attachment system clips to the feet of the pallet 1000, these feet being located at the corners of the pallet,

[0197] 12′) attaching and tightening the lower strap 18 on itself to tighten the base of packaging 1 around the sides of the pallet.

[0198] In order to set up a packaging 1 whose size is of the order of 180 centimeters so as to protect the pallet 1000 and its contents at a minimum height of 1.2 meters as illustrated in the diagram on the right of the figure, one embodiment of the installation method thus comprises, for example, following and replacing steps 8) to 14) of installation at the maximum height of 1.8 meters:

[0199] 8″) attaching the attachment elements of the front side 121 of the upper closure 12 of the packaging 1 with those of the back side and reverse side of the middle closure 123 of the packaging 1 when the latter is partially folded in on itself at the minimum height, for example, by making a male “Velcro”150 on the 121 side cooperate with a female “Velcro”152 on the reverse side of the middle closure system 123 at the same height, with the advantage of obtaining a packaging 1 installed around the pallet, adapted to the minimum height,

[0200] 9″) attaching the fasteners 143 and 144 to horizontal straps 14 and 16,

[0201] 10″) attaching and tightening the remaining horizontal straps of the packaging to itself, in order to tighten the base and sides of packaging 1 around pallet 1000,

[0202] 11″) attaching the remaining male-female foot attachment system clips to the feet of the 1000 pallet, these feet being located at the corners of the pallet,

[0203] 12″) attaching and tightening the lower strap 18 on itself to tighten the base of packaging 1 around the sides of the pallet.

[0204] Uninstalling the packaging 1 from a pallet 1000 can be done by following one or more of the above steps, but in reverse order, with the “Attaching” steps then being “Detaching” steps, the “Unwinding” steps then being “Rewinding” steps, the “Unfolding” steps then being “Folding” steps, and so on.

[0205] FIG. 6 illustrates the installation of the packaging around the sides of a pallet and at maximum height, using a so-called transverse strap.

[0206] As illustrated, packaging 1 is installed to cover all sides of pallet 1000 and its contents. On two opposite sides of the packaging 1 are a plurality of male attachment elements 150 useful for fastening straps, in particular first strap fasteners 141 located either at an intermediate horizontal strap 12 or 14 below the upper strap, or at another intermediate horizontal strap 16 directly above the lower strap.

[0207] A second strap fastener 142 is located on the reverse side of packaging 1 and at the intermediate horizontal strap directly above the lower strap. The strap line extending from this is also shown in the figure and comprises at least one female attachment element 152 such as a female “Velcro” designed to cooperate with one or more male “Velcros” of the second strap fastener 142.

[0208] Also shown on the front side of packaging 1 are third strap fasteners 143 and a strap line corresponding to the transverse strap used to position packaging 1. This transverse strap is located at the same level as the strap corresponding to attachment 142, for example at the level of the intermediate horizontal strap 16. The strap line comprises, from the front side of packaging 1 to the end of the strap line, a first strap fastener 141 comprising a male “Velcro”150, a third strap fastener 143 comprising a female “Velcro”152, and a fourth strap fastener 144 comprising another female “Velcro”152. The fourth strap fastener 144 is located at the same level as the intermediate horizontal strap, directly above the lower strap of packaging 1. The three female “Velcros”152 shown on this strap line are intended to cooperate with at least the three male “Velcros”150 located on the upper part of the front side of packaging 1.

[0209] Advantageously, the packaging 1 comprises a closure element 146, for example a male-female clip closure system, which is located on its front side and between the first and second fasteners 141 and 142, in order to be able to close the two vertical edges of the packaging 1, in particular once the packaging 1 is installed around the pallet 1000. During installation of the packaging 1 and its positioning around the sides of the pallet 1000, the transverse strap and / or the intermediate horizontal strap 16 located directly above the lower strap are used. In particular, they enable each level to be held in place during installation.

[0210] The first strap fastener 141 is located on the front face of packaging 1 and allows the length of the strap to be adjusted. It is preferably sewn to the first vertical strap, for example for 50 millimeters, and is then left free. A male clip buckle can be inserted at the end to cooperate with the second strap fastener 142.

[0211] The second strap fastener 142 is positioned on the back face of packaging 1. It is preferably sewn to the first vertical strap, for example 50 millimeters, and then 40 millimeters free. A female clip buckle can be inserted at the end to cooperate with the male clip buckle of the first strap fastener 141.

[0212] The third strap fastener 143 is located on the back face of the packaging 1 and comprises at least three of the aforementioned “Velcro ”s for fastening the packaging 1 to the transverse strap at the intermediate horizontal straps. As an option, an additional male “Velcro” can be provided to enable the packaging 1 to be stored after uninstallation.

[0213] The fourth strap fastener 144 is positioned on the front face of the packaging 1 and comprises at least two “Velcro ”s used to fasten the packaging 1 to the transverse strap when the size of the packaging 1 is adapted around the pallet 1000 to obtain a median height.

[0214] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a packaging conforming to several embodiments described herein, installed around a load to be transported.

[0215] In particular, an example is shown of packaging 600 installed around non-visible contents and arranged on a transport pallet 1000, in order to protect them. This transport pallet 1000 is, for example, a euro pallet, i.e., a rectangular wooden pallet with at least eight feet 1001 to 1008, only feet 1001 to 1005 being visible in the figure. In the example of a euro pallet, its length equals 1200 millimeters, its width equals 800 millimeters and its height equals 144 millimeters, although other types of pallet and other dimensions can be envisaged.

[0216] The packaging 600, or any other packaging described herein, comprises a front face and a back face (which is the face not visible in the figure), these faces being formed of a fabric which is divided between an upper horizontal edge 3 and a lower horizontal edge 5.

[0217] As illustrated, for example, the packaging 600 is unwound and installed around a height of the pallet 1000 to wrap the contents arranged thereon, and closed by gripping its vertical edges at the ends of the intermediate horizontal strap(s), so that these are tensioned, for example by means of tightening elements.

[0218] As illustrated, for example, the base of the packaging 600 is attached to the pallet by means of a system of several foot attachment elements, currently a first main foot attachment element 317 which is attached to the middle foot 1004 and a secondary foot attachment element 315, which is optional and attached to the foot 1002. At least one other main foot attachment element and at least one other secondary and optional foot attachment element may be present, but are not visible in the figure. The central feet 1004 and 1008 (not visible in the figure), preferably the middle feet of the short sides of the rectangular pallet 1000, allow the first upper strap 17 to be positioned, which alone provides sufficient tension and stability to surround the contents arranged on the pallet 1000 and close the packaging 600 at the upper, so as to protect it from above as well. As illustrated, for example, the upper part of the packaging 600 is held at the upper of the contents arranged on the transport pallet 1000 by means of the attachment of a first upper strap 17 to a first intermediate strap 13 (not visible in the figure). This hold can be reinforced by attaching a second vertical strap 11 to a second intermediate strap 15, both of which are optional.

[0219] As illustrated, for example and for reinforcement purposes, in addition to the left and right vertical edges of the packaging, which meet to enable the packaging to be closed, two optional vertical strips 650a and 650b are also present, each of these vertical strips serving as an attachment point for intermediate horizontal straps provided at one end with a male attachment element (601b to 606b in the figure) and, at another end, with a female attachment element (601a to 606a in the figure), optionally with one or more respective tightening elements. These elements are described in detail below.

[0220] Also shown is an optional transparent pouch 610 to hold a sheet or panel referencing contents not visible inside the installed packaging 600.

[0221] Preferably, the first upper strap 17 and, optionally, at least one of the first intermediate strap 13, the second vertical strap 11 and / or the second intermediate strap 15 is / are adaptable, as the packaging 600 can have different heights for protecting the contents on the pallet 1000, for example a height of 150, 180 or 210 centimeters, to within approximately 15 centimeters for every tightening. Advantageously, tightening one or more straps also allows some variability in the fit of the packaging 600 around and on top of the contents. However, even if the contents on the pallet are not flat on the sides or upper, the tension of the fabric is enough to hold them together.

[0222] Once the contents of the pallet have been protected by the packaging 600 and the latter has been closed and secured to the pallet 1000, the pallet 1000 can be moved and transported, for example by means of a motorized vehicle fitted with a fork that can be adapted to the openings in the base of the pallet 1000.

[0223] FIG. 8 shows the front face of a packaging 400 in one possible embodiment, this front face corresponding to its visible face when unfolded and in a vertical or upright position relative to the ground, with the pallet to be protected located behind the packaging.

[0224] FIG. 9 shows the back face of the same packaging 400.

[0225] In this embodiment, as in the other embodiments, the packaging 400 preferably has a rectangular shape, the shorter sides of which are defined, for the right-hand side in this figure, by a right vertical edge 2 and, for the left-hand side in this figure, by a left vertical edge 4. The longer sides are defined, for the upper side on this figure, by an upper horizontal edge 3 and, for the lower side on this figure, by a lower horizontal edge 5.

[0226] According to various possible embodiments, the upper horizontal edge 2 and / or the right vertical edge 3 comprises or is formed by a strap with a width equal to 10 millimeters. In this embodiment, the packaging 400 comprises one or more vertical straps, also known as upper straps, although the case of a single first upper strap 17 fastened to the packaging 400 at the right vertical edge 2 is illustrated here in a non-limiting manner. This fastening can be achieved, for example, by means of seams or “Velcro” strips located between the packaging fabric and the first upper strap 17 and is preferably achieved between the upper horizontal edge 3 and the lower horizontal edge 5, on the front face, although further fastening on the back face is not ruled out.

[0227] The packaging 400 further comprises one or more intermediate straps, although the case of a single intermediate strap 13 fastened to the front face and middle of the packaging 400, in this particular case approximately midway between the two vertical edges 2 and 4, is illustrated here in a non-limiting manner. This fastening can be achieved, for example, by sewing.

[0228] The first upper strap 17 and / or the intermediate strap 13 comprises a tightening element, for example a belt buckle, which is compatible for attaching and tightening together the upper strap 17 and the intermediate strap 13. This tightening element distributes the packaging 400 over the height of the transport pallet during installation. According to one possible embodiment, the first upper strap 17 is a 35-mm wide strap which, when attached and tightened, provides optimum tension during vertical installation of the packaging on the height of the pallet 1000. The packaging 400 may further comprise a first horizontal strap 200, called the center strap, which is sewn along the upper horizontal edge 3 of the packaging. The intermediate strap 13 can also be sewn to be partly attached to the first horizontal strap 200, although the latter is optional.

[0229] The packaging 400 comprises at least two main male-female foot attachment elements 313 and 317, each of which enables the packaging 400 to be attached to a pallet foot. These elements 313 and 317 are arranged along the lower horizontal edge 5 and fastened to the back face of the packaging 400.

[0230] The strap of each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements 313 and 317 is designed to be passed around a pallet foot and then tied to secure the two ends together, and thus the packaging 400 to the corresponding foot.

[0231] According to various possible embodiments, at least one strap described herein comprises a tightening element, for example a buckle or snap hook, enabling the length of the strap to be manually or automatically reduced by fastening it. For example, the strap of each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements 313 and 317 may comprise a combination of male or female clips that can cooperate with each other.

[0232] Optionally, at least one strap end of each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements 313 and 317 comprises at least one intermediate tightening element adapted to tension said strap, thereby tightening the packaging close to the corresponding pallet foot.

[0233] According to various possible embodiments, at least one main male-female foot attachment element comprises at least four parts, a first part being a first strap provided with a female attachment element, the first strap being, for example, 20 millimeters wide, a second part being a respective male attachment element, for example a male clip or a pair of male-female clips, a third part being a semi-rigid plastic tube and a fourth part being a further strap, for example also 20 millimeters wide, and adapted to attach the packaging to a pallet foot. The semi-rigid plastic tube, which may be optional, enables part of the length of the strap to be wrapped around the base of the pallet 1000 when the packaging is installed, so as to protect it from rubbing or breaking, for example when a fork is engaged in the base of the pallet to transport it.

[0234] In other embodiments to be described later, at least one secondary male-female foot attachment element also comprises these four parts.

[0235] In this embodiment, the vertical strap 17 is preferably longer than the vertical strap 13, as the latter is intended to run around the pallet 1000 and its contents from above the pallet 1000 and its contents, joining the vertical strap 17 for attachment.

[0236] The number of straps presently described in this embodiment is not, however, limitative, and any number of horizontal, vertical and / or intermediate straps may be present on or in the packaging 400.

[0237] According to various possible embodiments, each of the straps, as indeed any strap or attachment element of the embodiments described herein, can be made from a nylon, polyester, or polyester-Dyneema material to provide an optimum compromise between their breaking strength and lightness.

[0238] Both for the packaging 400 and for the packagings described in the various possible embodiments herein, the dimensions of these packagings may vary as long as they remain adapted to the protection of a given type of pallet and load provided thereon.

[0239] Without limitation on these dimensions, these different designs can be distinguished according to definitions of the ratios between the distances separating the intermediate horizontal straps from the upper and lower straps.

[0240] In various embodiments, the packaging dimensions can be precisely defined. For example, in the case of euro pallets, the total length of the packaging, i.e., the length of the upper horizontal edge 3 or the lower horizontal edge 5, is around 4 meters, for example 403 centimeters, to the nearest 30 centimeters. The overall height of the packaging, i.e., the length of the left vertical edge 4 or the right vertical edge 2 is around 180 centimeters, for example 165 centimeters, to the nearest ten centimeters.

[0241] FIG. 10 shows the front face of a packaging 500 in another possible embodiment, this front face corresponding to its visible face when unfolded and in a vertical position relative to the floor, with the pallet to be protected located behind the packaging. FIG. 11 shows the back face of the same packaging 500.

[0242] Packaging 500 in this embodiment comprises at least the same elements as packaging 400 in the previous embodiment.

[0243] In addition, the packaging includes a second upper strap 11, referred to as the second vertical strap, which is fastened or sewn to the front face of the packaging 500 between the two horizontal edges. This fastening or seam is made approximately midway horizontally between the left vertical edge and the attachment of the first intermediate strap 13.

[0244] Similar to the first upper strap 17, the second upper strap 11 is adapted to attach to another intermediate strap, in this case a second intermediate strap 15 separate from the strap 13, particularly when the foldable packaging 500 is partially folded onto itself. According to one possible embodiment, and when present, the second upper strap 11 is preferably a 35 mm wide strap which, when attached and tightened, provides optimum tension when the packaging is installed on the lateral contours of the pallet 1000.

[0245] Preferably, moreover, a male-female attachment element of the at least one second upper strap 11 is adaptable to effect tightening of the contents to the pallet 1000 during the installation of the packaging. The packaging 500 of this embodiment further comprises at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements 311 and 315, similar to the main male-female foot attachment elements 313 and 317 but distinct from them in that their ends, which can be attached to each other, are fastened to the front face of the packaging 500 and at different positions along the lower horizontal edge 5. In the present case, the secondary male-female foot attachment element 311 is fastened at a predetermined distance from the left vertical edge 4 and, as illustrated at mid-distance between this and the horizontal position of the intermediate strap attachment 13. In other words, the secondary male-female foot attachment element 311 is located at a distance from the left vertical edge 4 equal to approximately a quarter of the length of the horizontal edges 3 and 5.

[0246] As with all the straps described herein, the number of foot attachment elements is not limitative and any number can be present at the lower horizontal edge 5, although it is not necessarily useful to have more toe-clip elements than the number of feet on the transport pallet 1000. According to various possible embodiments, the ends of a foot attachment element can each comprise at least one attachment clip, for example an attachment clip with a width of 20 or 35 millimeters. Alternatively, a clip can be replaced by a snap hook, the width of which is between 20 and 50 millimeters.

[0247] According to various possible embodiments, all the male-female foot attachment elements 311, 313, 315 and 317 are formed of identical parts, but placed differently, for example the two main elements fastened to the front face of the packaging and two secondary elements fastened to the back face of the packaging.

[0248] According to various possible embodiments, the length of the straps of several of the male-female foot attachment elements 311, 313, 315 and 317 may or may not be adjustable, in either case with a margin of several centimeters, for example 5 centimeters, in order to allow flexibility when attaching them around one or more feet of the pallet 1000. The total length of the straps of the male-female foot attachment elements 311, 313, 315 and 317 is preferably greater than 45 centimeters.

[0249] FIG. 12 shows the front face of a packaging 600 in one possible embodiment, this front face corresponding to its visible face when unfolded and in a vertical or upright position relative to the floor, with the pallet to be protected located behind the packaging. FIG. 13 shows the back face of the same packaging 400.

[0250] The packaging 600 in this embodiment comprises at least the same elements as packaging 500 in the previous embodiment.

[0251] In addition, the packaging 600 comprises one or more intermediate horizontal straps 601 to 606 for reinforcing the lateral tightening of contents arranged on a pallet around which the packaging 600 is installed.

[0252] In the illustrated case, a predetermined number of six pairs of intermediate horizontal straps 601 to 606 are fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging 600, with their male parts 601b to 606b located near the right vertical edge 2 and their female parts 601a to 606a located near the left vertical edge 4.

[0253] Each of their fastenings is made between the two horizontal edges 3 and 5.

[0254] Each end of the intermediate horizontal straps 601 to 606 comprises a male or female attachment means. In particular, the two respective ends 601a to 606a and 601b to 606b of each intermediate horizontal strap are adapted to interlock integrally by means of a male-female attachment element.

[0255] In one possible embodiment, each of the respective male and female parts of at least one of the intermediate horizontal straps 601 to 606 is attached close to the corresponding left or right vertical edge. Although a tightening element for these intermediate horizontal straps may alternatively be included in the male parts 601b to 606b of the straps 601 to 606, it will be assumed here that the tightening element is included in the female parts 601a to 606a.

[0256] In one possible embodiment, each end of the intermediate horizontal straps 601 to 606 that is not the end comprising the male or female part of the corresponding attachment or tightening element is sewn to a nearby vertical strip 650a or 650b.

[0257] As illustrated for the male parts 601b to 606b of the intermediate straps 601 to 606 located on the side of the right vertical edge 2, each end of the strap not comprising the male part is attached to a vertical strip 650b, known as the right vertical strip. Similarly, for the female parts 601a to 606a of the intermediate straps 601 to 606 located on the side of the left vertical edge 4, each end of the strap not comprising the female part is attached to another vertical strip 650a, known as the left vertical strip.

[0258] According to one possible embodiment, each of the vertical strips 650a and 650b is substantially parallel to the right vertical edge 2 and the left vertical edge, and connects the lower horizontal edge 5 to the upper horizontal edge 3.

[0259] According to one possible embodiment, the left vertical strip 650a is spaced from the left vertical edge 4 by approximately 10 to 15 centimeters, and the right vertical strip 650b is spaced from the right vertical edge 2 by approximately 50 to 60 centimeters.

[0260] In one possible embodiment, and this can be implemented both for the female parts with respect to the left vertical strip and for the male parts with respect to the right vertical strip, the female parts 606a to 606a of the intermediate horizontal straps are sewn onto the front face of the packaging 600 at the vertical strip 650a. In particular, when these reinforcements are present, the seams can be made using triangular or semi-triangular reinforcements.

[0261] According to this last possible embodiment, a triangular reinforcement of a female part 602a to 605a is attached to the left vertical edge by means of a two-stitch seam, with a first stitch located at the end of the triangle and the other stitch at the level of the vertical strip 650a. The area between these two points is left free but maintains sufficient tension. This allows sufficient clearance in the orientation of each female part when installing and fastening the packaging on a given pallet.

[0262] In a similar way, a semi-triangular reinforcement of a female part 606a placed close to the lower horizontal edge 5 of the packaging 600 is attached by means of a single-stitch seam on the left vertical edge. Preferably, the semi-triangular reinforcement is double-layered, which reinforces it while preventing detachment or tearing when the corresponding 606 strap is tightened.

[0263] In one possible embodiment, the triangular or semi-triangular reinforcements are made of 10-mm-wide webbing. For extra reinforcement, these reinforcements can be double-layered.

[0264] According to various possible embodiments, at least one strap described herein is composed of a polyethylene material or a polyamide material.

[0265] According to various possible designs, at least one strap is chosen from a 10 millimeter, 20 millimeter or 35 millimeter wide strap, said at least one strap being able to have a single or double thickness depending on the desired level of strength.

[0266] According to various possible embodiments, intermediate straps 601 to 606 are of variable length depending on the desired adaptability of the packaging to be installed on a pallet 1000. As a non-limiting example, these intermediate straps have a length of 300 to 400 millimeters with an adjustment margin of 20 to 100 millimeters, preferably 340 millimeters with an adjustment margin of 50 millimeters, so in the latter case a preferred total length of 390 millimeters.

[0267] For example, and in a non-limiting way, starting from the left vertical edge 4 of the packaging 600, the female part of an intermediate strap 601 to 606 can be sewn at the left vertical strip 650a located at a distance of 13.5 centimeters from the left vertical edge 4. For example, female parts 601a to 606a can be between 10 and 20 centimeters in standard length, and preferably 16 centimeters.

[0268] In various embodiments, one or more of the male parts 601b to 606b of the intermediate straps 601 to 606 are formed by a male clip 35 millimeters wide, the intermediate straps 601 to 606 also being 35 millimeters wide, for attachment to the female parts 601a to 606a with possible tightening.

[0269] According to various embodiments, the left vertical strip 650a and / or the right vertical strip 650b is formed by a 35-millimeter-wide strap with a maximum length of 165 centimeters.

[0270] Optionally, and on the front face of the packaging 600, a pouch 610 can be attached or sewn, for example a transparent plastic pouch, three sides of which are sewn to the front face while a fourth side is open.

[0271] Advantageously, this makes it possible to insert a sheet of paper, cardboard or plastic containing information relating to the contents not of the pallet 1000 when the latter is protected and wrapped by the packaging 600, these contents not being visible from the outside. The pouch has a surface area of between 150 and 1300 square centimeters, for example 300 square centimeters. The surface area of the pocket can also be substantially larger than 156 square centimeters to accommodate an A5 sheet, it can be substantially larger than 620 square centimeters to accommodate an A4 sheet, and it can be substantially larger than 1250 square centimeters to accommodate an A3 sheet. Various embodiments of an installation method for the packagings described are possible. By way of illustration, a first possibility for rapidly wrapping one of the packagings described around contents arranged on a transport pallet 1000 provides, for example, for the following steps:

[0272] attaching a first main male-female foot attachment element 317 to a first foot of the pallet 1000 located between two consecutive corners and therefore in the middle of a first side of the pallet, by wrapping the two ends of the strap included in the first main male-female foot attachment element 317 around the foot to attach them together on the same side, thus ensuring a secure anchoring point.

[0273] unwinding the packaging 600 around the base of pallet 1000 to partially enclose it.

[0274] Similar to step 1) above, attach the second main male-female foot attachment element 313 to a second foot of the pallet 1000, this second foot being located along a second side of the pallet which is opposite and parallel to the first side, this second foot therefore being located in the middle of the second side. This provides two fastening points for the packaging 600 at the base of the pallet 1000, from which the packaging 600 can be vertically unwound or unfolded along the height of the pallet and its contents.

[0275] Attaching the first vertical strap 17 to the first intermediate strap 13 by tensioning it, the first vertical strap 17 preferably being located at one of the corners of the pallet, while the first intermediate strap 13 is located at another of the corners of the pallet and close to the second main male-female foot attachment element 313.

[0276] Raise the attachment of the first vertical strap 17 to the first intermediate strap 13 above the pallet 100 and its contents, by optionally tightening the first vertical strap 17 to the first intermediate strap 13, thereby facilitating the ascent of the packaging 600 along the height of the pallet 1000 to position it above the contents arranged on the pallet 1000. Join the left vertical edge 4 to the right vertical edge 2 above a corner of the pallet 1000, unwinding the packaging around the pallet 1000 to close the packaging 650 laterally around the contents.

[0277] Optionally, and if present, tie together the male and female parts of intermediate straps 601 to 606, tightening them to tension them if they are fitted with tightening elements.

[0278] Optionally, and if present, attach at least a first secondary male-female foot attachment element 311 to a third foot of the pallet 1000 located between two consecutive corners and thus in the middle of a third side thereof, by wrapping it with the two ends of the corresponding strap, thus ensuring another secure anchoring point.

[0279] Optionally, and if present, attach at least a second secondary male-female foot attachment element 315 to a fourth foot of the pallet 1000 located between two consecutive corners and therefore in the middle of a fourth side thereof, by wrapping the two ends of the corresponding strap around it, thus providing yet another secure anchoring point.

[0280] Optionally, and if present, attach at least one second vertical strap 11 to at least one second intermediate strap 15, preferably by positioning them above the contents arranged on pallet 1000, the at least one second vertical strap 11 then being located at a midpoint of a first side of the pallet, and the at least one second intermediate strap 15 then being located at a midpoint of a second side of the pallet, the second side being opposite the first side.

[0281] Various embodiments of a method for uninstalling the packagings described are possible.

[0282] By way of illustration, a first possibility for quickly extracting the packaging 600 and its contents from a transport pallet around which the packaging 600 has been installed involves, for example, first detaching all the intermediate straps 601 to 606 from upper to lower or from lower to upper, in particular by unclipping the male and female parts of each intermediate strap, then detaching the upper straps 17 and 11 from the respective intermediate straps 13 and 15, here also by unclipping the male and female parts of each intermediate strap. The packaging 600 is then no longer held vertically, but falls to the level of the pallet feet under its own weight, and any attached main and secondary foot-tie elements 311, 313, 315 and 317 can then be detached to allow the packaging 600 to be folded.

[0283] Still by way of illustration, a second possibility for progressively and securely extracting the contents of a transport pallet around which the packaging 600 has been installed provides, for example, for first detaching the upper straps 17 and 11 from the respective intermediate straps 13 and 15, then successively detaching all the intermediate straps 601 to 606 from upper to lower, a portion of the pallet contents being extracted each time an intermediate strap is detached. The packaging 600 gradually descends along the height of the pallet contents, until it gradually reaches the base. To completely detach the packaging 600 from the pallet, simply detach the attached main and secondary foot attachment elements 311, 313, 315 and 317, if any, so that the packaging 600 can be folded.

[0284] In addition, this disclosure includes embodiments according to the following clauses A to O:

[0285] A. Foldable packaging for protecting a transport pallet (1000), said foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) comprising an outline formed by an upper horizontal edge (3), a lower horizontal edge (5), a right vertical edge (2) and a left vertical edge (4), the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) being opposite each other, the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4) being opposite each other, the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) further comprising:

[0286] at least one first upper strap (17), the at least one first upper strap (17) being attached to the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) along the right vertical edge (2), and being further fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), and being further fastened to a first face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), referred to as the front face, the at least one first upper strap (17) being adapted to be attached to the at least one first intermediate strap (13) when the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) is partially folded onto itself,

[0287] the at least one first intermediate strap (13), which is fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further being fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further being fastened at a mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further comprising a tightening element adapted to tighten the at least one first upper strap (17) when at the least one first upper strap (17) is attached to the first intermediate strap (13), and

[0288] at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) to a foot of the pallet (1000), said at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being fastened along the lower horizontal edge (5), each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to a second face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), called the back face, said back face being opposite the first face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600); 500; 600), called the back face, said back face being opposite the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

[0289] B. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to clause A, comprising, on the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) at least one intermediate horizontal strip (200) located between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) being further fastened to said at least one horizontal strip.

[0290] C. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) is composed of a polyethylene material or a polyamide material, said polyamide material being selected from rigid PA, filament PA, PA6, PA66, PA11 or PA12.

[0291] D. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the distance between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) is between 100 and 200 centimeters, and preferably equal to 105, 110, 150, 165 or 180 centimeters and / or wherein the distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4), is between 55 and 450 centimeters, and preferably equal to 65, 105, 165, 200, 250, 307 or 403 centimeters.

[0292] E. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one first upper vertical strap (17) and / or at least one first intermediate strap (13) comprises a tightening element adapted to cooperate with another tightening element of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

[0293] F. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein:

[0294] the one of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317), referred to as the first main foot attachment element (317), is fastened close to the right vertical edge (2) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), and / or

[0295] another of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317), referred to as the second main foot attachment element (313), is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

[0296] G. Foldable packaging (500; 600) according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising:

[0297] at least one second upper strap (11), referred to as the second vertical strap, the at least one second vertical strap (11) being fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), on the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and further at a mid-horizontal distance between the left vertical edge (4) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13), the at least one second vertical strap (11) being further adapted to be attached, when the foldable packaging (500; 600) is partially folded upon itself, to at least one second intermediate strap (15), and

[0298] The at least one second intermediate strap (15), which is fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), on the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and additionally at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13) or at mid-horizontal distance between the left vertical edge (4) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13).

[0299] H. Foldable packaging (500; 600) according to clause G, further comprising at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315) of the foldable packaging (500; 600) to at least one other foot of the pallet (1000), each of said at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being distinct from each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317), each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being fastened along the lower horizontal edge (5) of the foldable packaging (500; 600), each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and wherein:

[0300] the one of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315), referred to as the first secondary foot attachment element (311), is fastened midway between the left vertical edge (4) of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13), and

[0301] another of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315), referred to as the second secondary foot attachment element (315), is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the fastening of the at least one second intermediate strap (15).

[0302] I. Foldable packaging (600) according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) being fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), two respective ends (601a, 601b; 602a, 602b; 603a, 603b; 604a, 604b; 605a, 605b; 606a, 606b) of each intermediate horizontal strap being adapted to interlock integrally by means of a male-female attachment element.

[0303] J. Foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to clause I, wherein the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) is greater than or equal to two, and wherein a ratio of a first distance between the upper horizontal edge (3) and one of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), referred to as the first median horizontal strap, by a second distance between the median horizontal strap and another of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), referred to as the second median horizontal strap, is equal to 0.16, 0.2, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

[0304] K. Foldable packaging (600) according to clause I or J, in which the fastening of at least one of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) is implemented by means of a seam of this at least one intermediate horizontal strap (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) to at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) attached to the front face of the foldable packaging (600), fastened with the at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) extending from the lower horizontal edge (5) to the upper horizontal edge (3) of the foldable packaging (600).

[0305] L. Foldable packaging (600) according to clause K, in which the stitching of the at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) exerts a tension on the at least one intermediate horizontal strap (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), this tension being evenly distributed by at least one triangular or semi-triangular reinforcement.

[0306] M. A method for installing the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any one of clauses A to L around the transport pallet (1000), said installation method comprising the following successive steps:

[0307] a) attaching, to a first foot located between two consecutive corners of the pallet (1000), a first male-female main foot attachment element (317) from among the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the foldable packaging,

[0308] b) wrapping a base of the transport pallet (1000) with the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) by partially folding the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) onto itself,

[0309] c) attaching, to a second foot distinct from the first foot and located between two other consecutive corners of the pallet (1000), said second foot being opposite the first foot, a second of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the packaging,

[0310] d) attaching the first vertical strap (17) to the at least one first intermediate strap (13) by tightening the tightening element to tension the packaging over a height of the transport pallet (1000).

[0311] N. Installation method according to clause M when clause M depends on any one of clauses I to L, said installation method further comprising, after the step d) of attaching the first vertical strap (17) of the foldable packaging (600) to the at least one first intermediate strap (13), a step e) of interlocking, in an integral manner, the two respective ends of one or more intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) from the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606); 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) from the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606).

[0312] O. Method for uninstalling the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to any one of clauses A to L around the transport pallet (1000), said packaging having been previously installed around the transport pallet (1000) and attached to at least two feet of the pallet (1000), said uninstallation method comprising the following successive steps:

[0313] i) if the at least one first vertical strap (17) is previously attached to the at least one first intermediate strap (13), detach said first vertical strap (17) from said first intermediate strap (13) to loosen the packaging over a height of the transport pallet (1000),

[0314] ii) if at least one of the two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) is previously attached to a pallet foot, detach said main female foot attachment element (313, 317) from said foot, and

[0315] iv) optionally, fold the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) on itself to join together the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4).

Claims

1. A foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) for protecting a transport pallet (1000), said foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) comprising a contour formed by an upper horizontal edge (3), a lower horizontal edge (5), a right vertical edge (2) and a left vertical edge (4), the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) being opposite each other, the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4) being opposite each other, the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) further comprising:at least one first upper strap (17), the at least one first upper strap (17) being fastened to the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) along the right vertical edge (2), and being further fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), and being further fastened to a first face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), referred to as the front face, the at least one first upper strap (17) being adapted to be attached to at least one first intermediate strap (13) when the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) is partially folded in onto itself,the at least one first intermediate strap (13), which is fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further being fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further being fastened at a mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) further comprising a tightening element adapted to tension the at least one first upper strap (17) when the at least one first upper strap (17) is attached to the first intermediate strap (13), andat least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) to a foot of the pallet (1000), said at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being fastened along the lower horizontal edge (5), each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to a second face of the foldable packaging (400;500; 600), called the back face, said back face being opposite the first face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600); 500; 600), called the reverse side, said reverse side being opposite the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

2. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) as claimed in claim 1, comprising, on the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), at least one intermediate horizontal strip (200) located between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the at least one first intermediate strap (13) being further fastened to at least one horizontal strip.

3. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1, wherein the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) is composed of a polyethylene material or a polyamide material, said polyamide material being selected from rigid PA, filament PA, PA6, PA66, PA11 or PA12.

4. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1, in which the distance between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5) is between 100 and 200 centimeters, and preferably equal to 105, 110, 150, 165 or 180 centimeters and / or in which the distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4) is between 55 and 450 centimeters, and preferably equal to 65, 105, 165, 200, 250, 307 or 403 centimeters.

5. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one first upper vertical strap (17) and / or the at least one first intermediate strap (13) comprises a tightening element adapted to cooperate with another tightening element of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

6. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1, wherein:one of the at least two first main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317), referred to as the first main foot attachment element (317), is fastened close to the right vertical edge (2) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), and / oranother of the at least two first main male-female foot-attachment elements (313, 317), referred to as the second main foot-attachment element (313), is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4) of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600).

7. The foldable packaging (500; 600) according to claim 1, comprising:at least one second upper strap (11), referred to as the second vertical strap, the at least one second vertical strap (11) being fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), on the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and further at a horizontal mid-distance between the left vertical edge (4) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13), the at least one second vertical strap (11) being further adapted to be attached, when the foldable packaging (500; 600) is partially folded upon itself, to at least one second intermediate strap (15), andthe at least one second intermediate strap (15), which is fastened between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), on the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and additionally at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13) or at mid-horizontal distance between the left vertical edge (4) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13).

8. The foldable packaging (500; 600) according to claim 7, further comprising at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315) for connecting the foldable packaging (500; 600) to at least one other foot of the pallet (1000), each of said at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being distinct from each of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317), each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) being fastened along the lower horizontal edge (5) of the foldable packaging (500; 600), each of the at least two secondary male-female foot attachment elements comprising two ends attachable to each other and each of these two ends being fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and wherein:the one of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315), referred to as the first secondary foot attachment element (311), is fastened midway between the left vertical edge (4) of the foldable packaging (500; 600) and the fastening of the at least one first intermediate strap (13), andanother of the at least two first secondary male-female foot attachment elements (311, 315), referred to as the second secondary foot attachment element (315), is fastened at mid-horizontal distance between the right vertical edge (2) and the attachment of the at least one second intermediate strap (15).

9. The foldable packaging (600) according to claim 1, further comprising a predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600), the fastening of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) being effected between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), two respective ends (601a, 601b; 602a, 602b; 603a, 603b) of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) being fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600); 500; 600) is achieved between the upper horizontal edge (3) and the lower horizontal edge (5), two respective ends (601a, 601b; 602a, 602b; 603a, 603b; 604a, 604b; 605a, 605b; 606a, 606b) of each intermediate horizontal strap being adapted to interlock integrally by means of a male-female attachment element.

10. The foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 9, wherein the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) is greater than or equal to two, and wherein a ratio of a first distance between the upper horizontal edge (3) and one of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), referred to as the first median horizontal strap, by a second distance between the median horizontal strap and another of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), referred to as the second median horizontal strap, is equal to 0.16, 0.2, 0.25, 0.33, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.

11. The foldable packaging (600) according to claim 9, in which the fastening of at least one of the intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) is implemented by means of a seam of this at least one intermediate horizontal strap (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) to at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) fastened to the front face of the foldable packaging (600), at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) extending from the lower horizontal edge (5) to the upper horizontal edge (3) of the foldable packaging (600).

12. The foldable packaging (600) according to claim 11, in which the stitching of the at least one vertical strip (650a; 650b) exerts a tension on the at least one intermediate horizontal strap (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606), this tension being evenly distributed by at least one triangular or semi-triangular reinforcement.

13. A method for installing the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1 around the transport pallet (1000), said installation method comprising the following successive steps:a) attaching, to a first foot located between two consecutive corners of the pallet (1000), a first main male-female foot attachment element (317) from among the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the foldable packaging,b) surrounding a base of the transport pallet (1000) with the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) by partially folding the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) onto itself,c) attaching, to a second foot distinct from the first foot and located between two other consecutive corners of the pallet (1000), said second foot being opposite the first foot, a second of the at least two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) of the packaging,d) attaching the first vertical strap (17) to the at least one first intermediate strap (13) by tightening the tightening element to tension the packaging over a height of the transport pallet (1000).e)14. The installation method according to claim 13, said installation method further comprising, after the step d) of attaching the first vertical strap (17) of the foldable packaging (600) to the at least one first intermediate strap (13), a step e) of hooking, one to the other and integrally, the two respective ends of one or more intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) among the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606); 602; 603; 604; 605; 606) from the predetermined number of intermediate horizontal straps (601; 602; 603; 604; 605; 606).

15. A method for uninstalling the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) according to claim 1 around the transport pallet (1000), said packaging having been previously installed around the transport pallet (1000) and attached to at least two feet of the pallet (1000), said uninstallation method comprising the following successive steps:i) if the at least one first vertical strap (17) is previously attached to the at least one first intermediate strap (13), detaching said first of the transport pallet (1000),ii) if at least one of the two main male-female foot attachment elements (313, 317) is previously attached to a pallet foot, female male foot (313, 317) of said foot, andiv) optionally, folding the foldable packaging (400; 500; 600) in on itself to join together the right vertical edge (2) and the left vertical edge (4).

Images