Process and machine for packaging, and related packaging

Abstract

A process (1) for packaging a product (P) of the type of chocolates and the like, by means of a sheet of material, which comprises the following steps: • (I) juxtaposing the sheet (2) with a first portion (P1) of the surface of the product (P); • (II) folding the sheet (2) and giving it an "inverted-U" shape around the product (P); • (III) folding an end flap (4), juxtaposing it with a second portion (P2) of the product (P), arranging the flap (4) substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet (2) that is juxtaposed with the first portion (P1); • (IV) folding onto the flap (4) a first protruding lateral wing (5) of the sheet (2); • (V) folding onto the flap (4), surmounted by the first wing (5), a second protruding lateral wing (6) of the sheet (2); • (VI) folding onto a third portion (P3) of the product (P), which is opposite to the first portion (P1) and is substantially parallel thereto, the overlapping end segments of the flap (4) and the first and second wings (5, 6); • (VII) folding onto the third portion (P3) of the product (P) a first lateral laminar protrusion (3) of the sheet (2), which constitutes a first lateral arm of the U-shape; • (VIII) folding onto the third portion (P3) of the product (P) and onto the first lateral laminar protrusion (3), a second lateral laminar protrusion (3) of the sheet (2), which constitutes a second lateral arm of the U-shape; • (IX) folding in an accordion-like fashion mutually opposite first faces (7) of a protruding region of the sheet (2) with a tubular shape, generating a fold line (8) directed toward the inside of the sheet (2) with a tubular shape; • (X) mutually juxtaposing second faces (9) of the sheet (2) with a tubular shape.

Description

[0001] PROCESS AND MACHINE FOR PACKAGING, AND RELATED PACKAGING

[0002] The present invention relates to a process and a machine for packaging, as well as to the related packaging (obtained by applying the packaging process and / or produced by the packaging machine), in particular of the type suitable for wrapping and sealing a product inside a package produced with a sheet that is folded and, optionally, heat-sealed (or optionally closed using any additional methodology). The present invention relates in particular to the packaging of chocolates, pralines, candies, cookies, pastries, wafers and the like.

[0003] The packaging of this type of products is generally constituted by a primary, wrapping layer (in direct contact with the surfaces of the product) and a secondary, covering layer (generally, but not exclusively, a box or pouch that involves paper or cardboard packaging).

[0004] The primary layer is generally made using aluminum sheets, polymeric sheets, biopolymeric sheets (more generally sheets of biodegradable and / or compostable materials and / or with similar characteristics) and sheets of paper-type material.

[0005] This first, wrapping layer is juxtaposed against all the walls of the product and therefore covers it without modifying its space occupation.

[0006] Various types of packaging are known which are produced by wrapping the product in a single sheet, and they involve juxtaposing all the flaps of the sheet onto the surfaces of the product, or they have at least one portion of the wrapping sheet protruding from the product, resulting in the presence of flaps rolled up onto themselves (such as single-twist packaging, adopted for “boero” style pralines / chocolates, or double-twist packaging, frequently used for candies).

[0007] All packaging currently in use can be ascribed to those illustrated above or can be constituted by a particular combination thereof.

[0008] Nowadays, however, the characterization of a product is also closely linked to the packaging with which it is presented to the public: through the packaging, in addition to immediate recognition and identification of the product, the producer can convey information about the quality, the organoleptic characteristics, and the type of the product.

[0009] The standardization of conventional packaging for chocolates, pralines, candies, cookies, pastries, wafers and the like means that producers can use solely the wrapping material, its color, and the presence of any additional decorative elements to make their products easily distinguishable and identifiable in the eyes of their customers.

[0010] Furthermore, the high specialization of the packaging machines means that their intended use cannot be modified in a straightforward manner: basically, a machine designed to provide a double-twist wrapping cannot be subjected to simple operations to modify the type of packaging for which it is to be used.

[0011] This results in the need, for makers of chocolates or pralines or candies and the like, to have a plurality of machines, each one dedicated to a particular type of wrapping of a certain number of formats of different products.

[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, by devising a process for packaging that makes it possible to provide packaging for products such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like with a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging.

[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise a process for packaging that is particularly indicated for products and is adapted to provide a plurality of separate versions of innovative packaging.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to devise a machine for packaging that makes it possible to provide packaging for products such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like with a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging. Another object of the invention is to devise a machine for packaging that makes it possible to provide, when subjected to simple, standard format change operations, not only innovative packaging but also conventional packaging.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to devise a machine for packaging that makes it possible to provide, when subjected to simple, standard format change operations, many and distinct versions of innovative packaging.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to devise a packaging for products such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like with a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a process and a machine for packaging, and also a packaging for products such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, which is at low cost, easily and practically implemented, and safe in use.

[0018] This aim and these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter are achieved by a process for packaging a product of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, by means of a sheet made of a material chosen among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

[0019] (I) juxtaposing said sheet with a first portion of the surface of said product;

[0020] (II) folding, along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion, said sheet, juxtaposing it with said regions and giving it an "inverted-U" shape around said product;

[0021] (III) folding an end flap which is initially aligned with said first portion of said product, juxtaposing it with a second portion of said product, arranging said flap substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet that is juxtaposed with said first portion; (IV) folding onto said flap a first protruding lateral wing of said sheet which is contiguous to said flap, juxtaposing it with said flap;

[0022] (V) folding onto said flap, surmounted by said first wing, a second protruding lateral wing of said sheet which is contiguous to said flap, juxtaposing it with said flap and with said first wing;

[0023] (VI) folding onto a third portion of said product, which is opposite to said first portion and is substantially parallel thereto, the overlapping end segments of said flap and said first and second wings;

[0024] (VII) folding onto said third portion of said product, so as to partially overlay said overlapping end segments of said flap and said first and second wings, a first lateral laminar protrusion of said sheet, which constitutes a first lateral arm of said U-shape;

[0025] (VIII) folding onto said third portion of said product and onto said first lateral laminar protrusion, a second lateral laminar protrusion of said sheet, which constitutes a second lateral arm of said U-shape, giving the sheet a substantially tubular shape, closed at one end;

[0026] (IX) folding in an accordion-like fashion mutually opposite first faces of a protruding region of said sheet with a tubular shape, with respect to said internal product, generating a fold line directed toward the inside of said sheet with a tubular shape;

[0027] (X) mutually juxtaposing second faces of said sheet with a tubular shape, with a consequent overlap of bands of said first faces which are separated by said fold line, said second faces being mutually opposite and at right angles to said first faces.

[0028] Such aim and such objects are also achieved by a machine for packaging a product of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, by means of a sheet made of a material chosen among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof, characterized in that it comprises:

[0029] - first means configured for the juxtaposition of said sheet with a first portion of the surface of said product;

[0030] - second means configured for folding said sheet along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion, juxtaposing it with said regions and giving it an "inverted-U" shape around said product;

[0031] - third means configured for folding an end flap which is initially aligned with said first portion of said product, juxtaposing it with a second portion of said product, arranging said flap substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet that is juxtaposed with said first portion;

[0032] - fourth means configured for folding a first protruding lateral wing of said sheet, which is contiguous to said flap, on top of said flap in juxtaposition with said flap;

[0033] - fifth means configured for folding a second protruding lateral wing of said sheet, which is contiguous to said flap, onto said flap, which is surmounted by said first flap, in juxtaposition with said flap and with said first wing;

[0034] - sixth means configured for folding the overlapping end segments of said flap and said first and second wings onto a third portion of said product, which is opposite to said first portion and is substantially parallel thereto;

[0035] - seventh means configured for folding a first lateral laminar protrusion of said sheet, which constitutes a first lateral arm of said U- shape, onto said third portion of said product, in a partial overlap of said overlapping end segments of said flap and said first and second wings;

[0036] - eighth means configured for folding a second lateral laminar protrusion of said sheet, which constitutes a second lateral arm of said U- shape, onto said third portion of said product and onto said first lateral laminar protrusion, giving the sheet a substantially tubular shape, closed at one end;

[0037] - ninth means configured for folding in an accordion-like fashion mutually opposite first faces of a protruding region, protruding with respect to said internal product, of said sheet with a tubular shape, generating a fold line directed toward the inside of said sheet with a tubular shape;

[0038] - tenth means configured for the mutual approach, up until juxtaposition, of second faces of said sheet with a tubular shape, with a consequent overlap of bands of said first faces which are separated by said fold line, said second faces being mutually opposite and at right angles to said first faces.

[0039] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the process and of the machine for packaging, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0040] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging sheet overlaid on a product such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, during a first step of the process according to the invention;

[0041] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a second step of the process according to the invention;

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a third step of the process according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a fourth step of the process according to the invention;

[0044] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a fifth step of the process according to the invention;

[0045] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a sixth step of the process according to the invention;

[0046] Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a seventh step of the process according to the invention;

[0047] Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in an eighth step of the process according to the invention;

[0048] Figure 9 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a ninth step of the process according to the invention;

[0049] Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a tenth step of the process according to the invention;

[0050] Figure 11 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a in an eleventh step of the process according to the invention, wherein the sheet takes the form of an innovative packaging according to the invention;

[0051] Figure 12 is a schematic perspective view of a product of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, which is of interest for the invention;

[0052] Figure 13 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in a tenth step of a second version of the process according to the invention;

[0053] Figure 14 is a schematic perspective view of the packaging sheet and the product in an eleventh step of the second version of the process according to the invention, wherein the sheet takes the form of an innovative packaging according to the invention;

[0054] Figure 15 is a schematic front elevation view of the packaging sheet and the product wherein the sheet takes the form of a possible version of innovative packaging according to the invention;

[0055] Figure 16 is a schematic front elevation view of the packaging sheet and the product wherein the sheet takes the form of an additional version of innovative packaging according to the invention;

[0056] Figure 17 is a schematic front elevation view of the packaging sheet and the product wherein the sheet takes the form of an additional version of innovative packaging according to the invention.

[0057] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a packaging produced by executing a process of packaging according to the invention, and / or by means of a machine for packaging according to the invention.

[0058] The process for packaging according to the invention is particularly indicated for packaging products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like.

[0059] The packaging according to the invention will be executed by means of a particular sequence of covering the product P with a sheet 2 made of material selected among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof.

[0060] However, the possibility is not ruled out of using further packaging materials, such as for example sheets 2 of fabric or of non-woven fabric, films of metallic material other than aluminum (also including metallic alloys of any kind), sheets 2 of composite materials and other materials suitable to meet the needs of specific applications.

[0061] The process according to the invention comprises a series of successive and concatenated steps.

[0062] In a first step (I) it is necessary to juxtapose the sheet 2 with a first portion Pl of the surface of the product P.

[0063] A subsequent second step (II) entails folding the sheet 2 along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion Pl uxtaposing it with those regions and giving it an “inverted- U” shape around the product P (the “inverted U” being constituted by a part of the sheet juxtaposed with the first portion Pl of the product P and by two lateral laminas 3, mutually opposite and mutually parallel, which are also substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet juxtaposed with the first portion Pl of the product P in some preferred embodiments).

[0064] This second step (II), according to the known art, could be executed using a forming hopper: the product P has to undergo a translation that brings it to pass through the hopper, when it is in a configuration wherein the sheet 2 is interposed between the product P and the hopper, so that the sheet 2 is conveniently folded into an “inverted U” and substantially enfolding3Zi of the lateral surface of the product P. The possibility is not ruled out of an embodiment wherein it is the hopper that is translated toward the product P, with the interposition of the sheet 2.

[0065] Then it is necessary to execute a third step (III) of folding an end flap 4 which is initially aligned with the first portion Pl of the product P (and therefore belonging to the central segment of the “inverted U” that corresponds to the arrangement given to the sheet with the second step (II)): this flap 4 needs to be juxtaposed with a second portion P2 of the product P, arranging said flap substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet 2 that is juxtaposed with the first portion Pl of the product. Generally, since the first portion Pl of the product P will generally be a part of the lateral surface of the product, the second portion P2 can be constituted by the base or by the top of the product P. Preferably the flap 4 will be folded in juxtaposition with the base of the product P.

[0066] In a fourth step (IV) it will be necessary to fold on the flap 4 a first protruding lateral wing 5 of the sheet 2 which is contiguous to the flap 4, juxtaposing it with the flap 4 (and, in the example shown above by way of non-limiting example of the implementation of the present invention, with a surface of the product P chosen between its base, which is the preferred choice, and its top).

[0067] In a subsequent fifth step (V) it will be necessary to fold onto the flap 4, surmounted by the first wing 5, a second protruding lateral wing 6 of the sheet 2 which is contiguous to the flap 4, juxtaposing it with the flap 4 and with the first wing 5 (and, in the example shown above by way of nonlimiting example of the implementation of the present invention, with a surface of the product P chosen between its base, which is the preferred choice, and its top).

[0068] The sixth step (VI) entails folding onto a third portion of the product P, which is opposite to the first portion Pl and is substantially parallel thereto, the overlapping end segments of the flap 4 and the first and second wings 5, 6.

[0069] Basically these end segments will be juxtaposed with a third portion P3 of the product P which is arranged opposite to the first portion Pl and therefore the of the product P that is not in contact with the sheet 2 (which, being folded into an “inverted U”, covers only U of the lateral surface of the product P).

[0070] It is then necessary to execute a seventh step (VII) of folding onto the third portion P3 of the product P, so as to partially overlay the overlapping end segments of the flap 4 and the first and second wings 5, 6 that were juxtaposed with the third portion P3 in the sixth step (VI), a first lateral laminar protrusion of the sheet 2 (which constitutes the end part of one of the two lateral laminas 3 that constitute the lateral arms of the U-shape).

[0071] In a subsequent eighth step (VIII), it will be necessary to fold onto the third portion P3 of the product P, and onto the first lateral laminar protrusion (end part of one of the two lateral laminas 3), a second lateral laminar protrusion of the sheet (end part of the other one of the two lateral laminas 3 which constitutes a second lateral arm of the U-shape), giving the sheet a substantially tubular shape, closed at one end.

[0072] In a subsequent ninth step (IX), it is necessary to fold, in an accordion-like fashion, mutually opposite first faces 7 of a protruding region of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape, with respect to the internal product P, generating a fold line 8 directed toward the inside of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape, possibly at their midpoint line (i.e. the fold line 8 is preferably, but not exclusively, aligned and juxtaposed with the midpoint line of the mutually opposite first faces 7).

[0073] An additional tenth step (X) entails mutually juxtaposing second faces 9 of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape, with a consequent overlap of bands 7a and 7b of the first faces which are separated by the fold line 8.

[0074] The second faces 9 are mutually opposite and at right angles to the first faces 8 when the sheet is in the tubular configuration and closed at one end (i.e. at the end of the eighth step (VIII)).

[0075] According to the invention, the method can also comprise at least one additional step (XI) of folding onto themselves the second faces 9 of the sheet 2 (which were juxtaposed with each other in the tenth step (X)).

[0076] The purpose of the eleventh step (XI) can be to close (hermetically or otherwise) the packaging 1 or even simply to give a particular appearance to the packaging 1.

[0077] It should be noted that, in order to be capable of optimally executing the process according to the invention, it is preferable for the product P to comprise at least one bottom (i.e. a base) that is substantially flat.

[0078] The folding operations of the third (III), fourth (IV) and fifth (V) steps are executed substantially along the plane of arrangement of this bottom of the product P.

[0079] With reference to the terminology used to define the parts of interest, for the purposes of the description of the process according to the invention, it should be noted that the bottom (or the base) of the product P corresponds to its second portion P2.

[0080] The process according to the invention can advantageously comprise a preliminary step of aligning, with the top P4 of the product P, a shoulder element A with a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of the product P.

[0081] The alignment of the shoulder element A with the top P4 of the product P will facilitate the folding operations of the sheet 2 along the surfaces of the product that are aligned with the surfaces of the shoulder element A (so making with the sheet 2 a tubular region that, after the shoulder element A is extracted, will profitably be hollow).

[0082] The process according to the invention can advantageously further comprise optional operations for depositing additional elements selected among adhesive substances, adhesive tapes, labels, rivets, staples, and closure means.

[0083] The purpose of such operations for depositing additional elements is to refine the closure of the packaging 1 in conformance wit the intended wrapping requirements.

[0084] In fact, the possibility is not ruled out of fixing a ribbon (or a generic loop) to the packaging 1 which makes it possible to hang the packaging, effectively transforming it into a decoration (for example a Christmas decoration or a themed party decoration or the like).

[0085] The present invention also extends its protection to include a machine for packaging a product P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, by means of a sheet made of a material chosen among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof, which comprises first means configured for the juxtaposition of the sheet 2 with a first portion Pl of the surface of the product P.

[0086] Such machine further comprises second means 10 configured for folding the sheet 2 along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion Pl uxtaposing it with said regions and giving it an "inverted-U" shape around the product P.

[0087] The second means 10 could be constituted by a conveniently-shaped hopper: by way of a relative movement between the product P and the hopper which allows the product P to pass through it, the sheet 2, interposed between the product P and the hopper, can be given the particular “upturned-U” shape around the product P.

[0088] Third means 11 are also provided which are configured for folding an end flap 4 which is initially aligned with the first portion Pl of the product P, juxtaposing it with a second portion P2 of the product P, i.e. arranging this flap substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet 2 that is juxtaposed with the first portion Pl .

[0089] Fourth means 12 will be configured for folding a first protruding lateral wing 5 of the sheet 2, which is contiguous to the flap 4: the folding of the first wing 5 will be executed above the flap 4 in juxtaposition with it.

[0090] Similarly, fifth means 13 will be configured for folding a second protruding lateral wing 6 of the sheet P, which is contiguous to the flap 4, onto that flap 4, which will also be surmounted by the first wing 5: basically the second wing 6 will be folded in juxtaposition with the flap 4 and with the first wing 5.

[0091] The machine further comprises sixth means 14 configured for folding the overlapping end segments of the flap 4 and of the first 5 and second 6 wings onto a third portion P3 of said product P, which is opposite to the first portion Pl and is substantially parallel thereto.

[0092] Seventh means 15 will be configured for folding a lateral laminar protrusion 3 of the sheet 2, which constitutes a first lateral arm of the U- shape, onto the third portion P3 of the product P, in a partial overlap of the overlapping end segments of the flap 4 and of the first 5 and second 6 wings.

[0093] Similarly, eighth means 16 will be configured for folding a second lateral laminar protrusion 3 of the sheet 2, which constitutes a second lateral arm of the U-shape, onto the third portion P3 of the product P and onto the first lateral laminar protrusion 3 that was previously folded by the seventh means 15, giving the sheet 2 substantially tubular shape, closed at one end.

[0094] The machine will further comprise ninth means 17 configured for folding, in an accordion-like fashion, mutually opposite first faces 7 of a protruding region, protruding with respect to the internal product P, of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape, generating a fold line 8 directed toward the inside of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape.

[0095] Such fold line 8, in an embodiment of particular practical and applicative interest, is arranged at the midpoint line of the first faces 7; in any case other, different embodiments are not ruled out in which the fold line 8 is arranged at different positions along the first faces 7.

[0096] Tenth means 18 will advantageously be configured for the mutual approach, up until juxtaposition, of second faces 9 of the sheet 2 with a tubular shape, with consequent overlap of bands 7a, 7b of the first faces 7 which are separated by the fold line 8 (in the example given previously by way of non-limiting example, the bands 7a and 7b could be separated by the fold line 8 which is perfectly aligned with the midpoint line of the first faces 7). Through the tenth means 18 for mutual approach, such second faces 9 will be brought toward each other until they are rendered substantially coplanar.

[0097] While the sheet 2 still has a tubular shape, the second faces 9 are mutually opposite and at right angles to the first faces 7.

[0098] It should be noted that the machine according to the invention can comprise eleventh means for folding the second faces 9, substantially mutually juxtaposed until they are rendered substantially coplanar, of the sheet 2 for an end closure of the packaging 1.

[0099] The machine 1 according to the invention can also comprise a shoulder element A which can move between a first, passive configuration, in which it is arranged at a predefined distance from the product P, and a second, active configuration, in which it is aligned with and proximate to the top (the portion P4) of such product P.

[0100] The shoulder element A has a shape that is substantially complementary to that of the product P, so that the alignment of the shoulder element A with the top (the portion P4) of the product P facilitates the folding operations of the sheet 2 along the surfaces of the product that are aligned with the surfaces of the shoulder element A.

[0101] At the end of the eighth step (VIII) of the process, the shoulder element A of the machine according to the invention can be extracted from the sheet 2 (brought to its first, passive configuration), so as to allow the subsequent operations on the hollow tubular portion of the sheet 2, which will make it possible to complete the packaging 1.

[0102] The machine according to the invention can further comprise at least one device configured for depositing additional elements selected among adhesive substances, adhesive tapes, labels, rivets, staples, and closure means.

[0103] Such device can be selected among conventional ones (already in use in the sector for closure of different types of packaging) or it can be made especially to cater to the particular machine geometry that will be adopted.

[0104] In this regard, it should be noted that the first, second 10, third 11, fourth 12, fifth 13, sixth 14, seventh 15, eighth 16, ninth 17, tenth 18 and eleventh means can be mutually arranged along a trajectory chosen among circular (adopting a machine configuration of the type known in the sector as a “wrapping wheel”), linear, and combinations thereof.

[0105] The present invention also extends its protection to a packaging 1 for products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, which is provided by applying the process and / or generated by the machine according to the invention.

[0106] In particular, the packaging 1 according to the invention comprises a sheet 2 folded into an at least partially prismatic shape, containing the product P (this is understood to include prism shapes in which the base can be polygonal, circular, elliptical or irregular). The folded sheet 2 will be provided with an upper tab 19, protruding from the top (portion P4) of the internal product P, which is constituted by at least one first segment 20 with a substantially tapered contour, and a second, plate-like segment 21, constituted by different parts of the sheet 2 overlaid on each other.

[0107] Advantageously, the present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, by devising a process for packaging that makes it possible to provide packaging 1 for products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like with a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging.

[0108] Conveniently, the process according to the invention is particularly adapted to provide a plurality of separate versions of innovative packaging. Advantageously, the machine for packaging according to the invention makes it possible to provide packaging 1 for products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like with a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging.

[0109] Positively, the machine for packaging according to the invention makes it possible to provide, when subjected to simple, standard format change operations, not only innovative packaging 1 but also conventional packaging.

[0110] Usefully, the machine for packaging according to the invention makes it possible to provide, when subjected to simple, standard format change operations, many and distinct versions of innovative packaging 1.

[0111] Profitably, the packaging 1 for products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like has a shape that is original and immediately distinguishable from conventional packaging.

[0112] Positively, the process, the machine for packaging and also the packaging for products P such as chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, according to the invention, are relatively easily and practically implemented and at low cost: such characteristics make the process, the machine and the packaging 1 according to the invention innovations that are certain to be safe in use.

[0113] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0114] For example, as shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying Figures 12 and 13, step (X) of the process for packaging could entail a mutual juxtaposition of the second faces 9 of the sheet 2, which have a tubular shape, in which respective bands 7a, 7b of the first faces 7 are separated by a plurality of fold lines 8, which may be irregular. Basically, through a transverse compression of the second faces 9 of the sheet 2, which have a tubular shape, a folding can occur of the first faces 7 according to a plurality of different configurations, which can generate one or more folding lines 8 with any geometric / spatial arrangement.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the tenth means 18 for folding, advantageously configured for mutual approach, can be actual punch tools adapted to execute at least one operation chosen among between heatwelding the faces 9 (and of any further parts of the sheet 2 comprised between them) so closing the product P inside the packaging 1 , and cutting an end area of the faces 9, optionally according to a specific contour.

[0116] Through the execution of both operations (i.e. the heat-sealing and the contoured cutting), it will be possible to provide a packaging 1 wherein the product P is perfectly confined and isolated and wherein the contour 2a of the packaging 1 can be such as to allow an immediate identification of the product P (so constituting a form of distinctive indicator of the product P).

[0117] This embodiment makes the execution of step (IX) superfluous.

[0118] If step (X) of the packaging process is executed with a mutual juxtaposition of the second faces 9 of the sheet 2 which have a tubular shape, without providing the faces 7 and having, in such region with a tubular shape, only mutually opposite folding lines that delimit the faces 9 laterally, then the shape of the faces 9 will be substantially trapezoidal, their width increasing as one moves away from the packaged product P (this option is shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying Figures 13 and 14).

[0119] For the purposes of non-limiting example, the accompanying Figures 15, 16 and 17 show some of the possible embodiments of the contour 2a of the packaging intended to characterize the packaging 1 and render it immediately identifiable and attractive.

[0120] The tenth means 18 for folding can therefore optionally comprise heat-sealing units 18b, which will determine the formation of a heat-sealing line 2a on the sheet 2 which will hermetically close the packaging 1, and cutting blades 18a which will cut the faces 9, after the juxtaposition thereof, of the tubular portion of the sheet 2 so generating the contour 2a (which may be any, according to the specific requirements of the end customer). In the embodiments illustrated, individual characteristics shown in relation to specific examples may in reality be interchanged with other, different characteristics, existing in other embodiments.

[0121] In practice, the materials employed, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art. The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000027297 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0122] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A process for packaging a product (P) of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, by means of a sheet made of a material chosen among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:(I) juxtaposing said sheet (2) with a first portion (Pl) of the surface of said product (P);(II) folding, along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion (Pl), said sheet (2), juxtaposing it with said regions and giving it an "inverted-U" shape around said product (P);(III) folding an end flap (4) which is initially aligned with said first portion (Pl) of said product (P), juxtaposing it with a second portion (P2) of said product (P), arranging said flap (4) substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet (2) that is juxtaposed with said first portion (Pl);(IV) folding onto said flap (4) a first protruding lateral wing (5) of said sheet (2) which is contiguous to said flap (4), juxtaposing it with said flap (4);(V) folding onto said flap (4), surmounted by said first wing (5), a second protruding lateral wing (6) of said sheet (2) which is contiguous to said flap (4), juxtaposing it with said flap (4) and with said first wing (5);(VI) folding onto a third portion (P3) of said product (P), which is opposite to said first portion (Pl) and is substantially parallel thereto, the overlapping end segments of said flap (4) and said first and second wings (5, 6);(VII) folding onto said third portion (P3) of said product (P), so as to partially overlay said overlapping end segments of said flap (4) and said first and second wings (5, 6), a first lateral laminar protrusion (3) of said sheet (2), which constitutes a first lateral arm of said U-shape;(VIII) folding onto said third portion (P3) of said product (P) and onto said first lateral laminar protrusion (3), a second lateral laminar protrusion (3) of said sheet (2), which constitutes a second lateral arm of said U-shape, giving the sheet (2) a substantially tubular shape, closed at one end;(IX) folding in an accordion-like fashion mutually opposite first faces (7) of a protruding region of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape, with respect to said internal product (P), generating a fold line (8) directed toward the inside of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape;(X) mutually juxtaposing second faces (9) of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape, with a consequent overlap of bands (7a, 7b) of said first faces (7) which are separated by said fold line (8), said second faces (9) being mutually opposite and at right angles to said first faces (7).

2. The process according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one additional step (XI) of folding said second faces (9) of said sheet (2) juxtaposed onto themselves.

3. The process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said product (P) comprises at least one substantially flat bottom, the folding operations of said third (III), fourth (IV) and fifth (V) steps being performed substantially along the plane of arrangement of said bottom of said product (P).

4. The process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a prior step of aligning, with the top of said product (P), a shoulder element (A) with a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of said product (P), the alignment of said shoulder element (A) with said top of said product (P) facilitating the folding operations of the sheet (2) along the surfaces of said product (P) that are aligned with the surfaces of said shoulder element (A).

5. The process according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises operations for depositing additional elements selected among adhesive substances, adhesive tapes, labels, rivets,staples, and closure means.

6. A machine for packaging a product (P) of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, by means of a sheet made of a material chosen among aluminum, paper, polymers, biopolymers and a combination thereof, characterized in that it comprises:- first means configured for the juxtaposition of said sheet (2) with a first portion (Pl) of the surface of said product (P);- second means (10) configured for folding said sheet (2) along respective mutually opposite regions of surfaces which are contiguous to the first portion (Pl), juxtaposing it with said regions and giving it an "inverted- U" shape around said product (P);- third means (11) configured for folding an end flap (4) which is initially aligned with said first portion (Pl) of said product (P), juxtaposing it with a second portion (P2) of said product (P), arranging said flap (4) substantially at right angles to the part of the sheet (2) that is juxtaposed with said first portion (Pl);- fourth means (12) configured for folding a first protruding lateral wing (5) of said sheet (2), which is contiguous to said flap (4), on top of said flap (4) in juxtaposition with said flap;- fifth means (13) configured for folding a second protruding lateral wing (6) of said sheet (2), which is contiguous to said flap (4), onto said flap (4), which is surmounted by said first wing (5), in juxtaposition with said flap (4) and with said first wing (5);- sixth means (14) configured for folding the overlapping end segments of said flap (4) and said first and second wings (5, 6) onto a third portion (P3) of said product (P), which is opposite to said first portion (Pl) and is substantially parallel thereto;- seventh means (15) configured for folding a first lateral laminar protrusion (3) of said sheet (2), which constitutes a first lateral arm of said U-shape, onto said third portion (P3) of said product (P), in a partial overlapof said overlapping end segments of said flap (4) and said first and second wings (5, 6);- eighth means (16) configured for folding a second lateral laminar protrusion (3) of said sheet (2), which constitutes a second lateral arm of said U-shape, onto said third portion (P3) of said product (P) and onto said first lateral laminar protrusion (3), giving the sheet (2) a substantially tubular shape, closed at one end;- ninth means (17) configured for folding in an accordion-like fashion mutually opposite first faces (7) of a protruding region, protruding with respect to said internal product (P), of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape, generating a fold line (8) directed toward the inside of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape;- tenth means (18) configured for the mutual approach, up until juxtaposition, of second faces (9) of said sheet (2) with a tubular shape, with a consequent overlap of bands (7a, 7b) of said first faces (7) which are separated by said fold line (8), said second faces (9) being mutually opposite and at right angles to said first faces (7).

7. The machine according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises eleventh means for folding said second faces (9) of said sheet (2), which are juxtaposed, onto themselves for an end closure of a packaging (1).

8. The machine according to one or more of claims 6 and 7, characterized in that it comprises a shoulder element (A) which can move between a first, passive configuration, in which it is arranged at a predefined distance from said product (P), and a second, active configuration, in which it is aligned with and proximate to the top of said product (P), said shoulder element (A) having a shape that is substantially complementary to the shape of said product (P), the alignment of said shoulder element (A) with said top of said product (P) facilitating the folding operations of the sheet (2) along the surfaces of said product (P) that are aligned with the surfaces of saidshoulder element (A).

9. The machine according to one or more of claims 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one device configured for depositing additional elements selected among adhesive substances, adhesive tapes, labels, rivets, staples, and closure means.

10. The machine according to one or more of claims 6, 7, 8 and 9, characterized in that said first, second (10), third (11), fourth (12), fifth (13), sixth (14), seventh (15), eighth (16), ninth (17), tenth (18) and eleventh means are mutually arranged along a trajectory chosen among circular, linear, and combinations thereof.

11. A packaging for products (P) of the type of chocolates, pralines, candies, pastries, cookies, wafers and the like, characterized in that it comprises a sheet (2) folded into an at least partially prismatic shape which contains said product (P), said folded sheet (2) being provided with an upper tab, which protrudes from the top of said internal product (P) and is constituted by at least one first segment (20) with a substantially tapered contour, and a second, sheet-like segment (21), constituted by various mutually overlapping parts of said sheet (2).

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