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EP1214254B1 - Reinforced packing for products likely to flow - Google Patents

Reinforced packing for products likely to flow Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1214254B1
EP1214254B1 EP00960813A EP00960813A EP1214254B1 EP 1214254 B1 EP1214254 B1 EP 1214254B1 EP 00960813 A EP00960813 A EP 00960813A EP 00960813 A EP00960813 A EP 00960813A EP 1214254 B1 EP1214254 B1 EP 1214254B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pouch
previous
pouches
reinforcement elements
reinforcement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP00960813A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1214254A1 (en
Inventor
Kech-Meng Kim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mars Inc
Original Assignee
Mars Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP1214254A1 publication Critical patent/EP1214254A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1214254B1 publication Critical patent/EP1214254B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/02—Local reinforcements or stiffening inserts, e.g. wires, strings, strips or frames
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D33/00—Details of, or accessories for, sacks or bags
    • B65D33/008—Individual filled bags or pouches connected together
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2575/00—Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D2575/52—Details
    • B65D2575/58—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture
    • B65D2575/586—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during package manufacture with means for reclosing

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the device for packaging and conditioning. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for packaging of products which, not in the form of a single solid block, can flow. These products can be by example pasty, grainy or liquid.
  • DE-A-19 60 577 describes a packaging unit with a pouch surrounded by two walls hinged together at their lateral edges, the opposite faces of the pouch being fixed to the internal faces of the walls.
  • DE-U-94 112 648 describes a plurality of “stickpack” type packages linked together and surrounded by a band.
  • US-A-4,428,500 describes structures used for trays or cups and adapted to be erected automatically.
  • a structure includes an envelope outer cardboard or shell and a waterproof inner plastic bag.
  • the pouches constitute a simple and economical packaging which also has the advantage of having a small footprint once emptied of its content, which is advantageous from a practical point of view.
  • the object of the invention is to allow packaging using pouches, freed from the drawbacks mentioned above inherent in known pouches.
  • the invention proposes a device for packaging of flowable products, as defined in claim 1.
  • a pouch 10 containing a product such as, for example and without limitation, food (for example for animals) or a liquid detergent.
  • This pouch is consisting of the assembly of two flexible sheets 11 and 12 welded edge to edge edge, for example by ultrasonic welding.
  • This type of pouch can be known type and will not be described in more detail.
  • the median longitudinal plane P of the device which in this form of embodiment in which the device comprises only a single pouch also corresponds to the median longitudinal plane of the pouch 10).
  • Two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are bonded to the two opposite faces of the pouch, facing each other. These elements reinforcements are made of a relatively rigid material but having sufficient flexibility to be able to be deformed by the hand of a user; we can for example realize the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 cardboard-based.
  • each reinforcement element 21 or 22 is produced in the form of a sheet (in cardboard or other) with no specific layout to guide its deformation following the bringing together of its two lateral ends by the hand of a user, so that this deformation corresponds to a camber of the reinforcing element.
  • each element of reinforcement of a weakening and / or fold line (for example substantially vertical) so that following the bringing together of its two ends side, each reinforcing element folds in half like a flap articulated, the middle parts of the two reinforcing elements deviating always from each other in this case.
  • a weakening and / or fold line for example substantially vertical
  • the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 extend as shown in the Figure 1b over the entire width of the pouch, which they project from both sides.
  • the bonding of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 on the walls of the pouch can be made with a strip of glue continuous covering all or part of the width of the wall of the pouch, or by the application in discrete places of bonding points (for example in depositing on each wall of the pouch a bonding point in the middle, surrounded by two lateral gluing points). In all cases, it is important that at least the middle region of each wall of the pouch is glued to the associated reinforcing element.
  • each element reinforcement to its pouch wall also associated at the two side edges of the pouch, in order to increase the coherence of the assembly and to further facilitate the opening of the pouch.
  • These reinforcing elements 21 will preferably be chosen and 22 with sufficient elasticity so that after several manipulations these reinforcement elements naturally regain their shape original corresponding to Figure 2a.
  • Figure 3a shows a schematic top view of a pouch 10 surrounded by two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 which are glued to it; on this figure, we see that the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are disjoint, whereas in FIG. 3b which is a similar representation of a mode of alternative embodiment, the ends of the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are gathered: It is thus possible to associate with the pouch elements of reinforcement 21 and 22 in the form of two separate flexible bands, or else of a single sheath surrounding the pouch without discontinuity.
  • FIGs 4a to 4c show three alternative embodiments, which can be implemented with each of the two embodiments shown in Figures 3a and 3b.
  • the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 extend over the entire height of the pouch, but their lower ends are disjoint: this variant corresponds to the case where the pouch is simply "taken in sandwich "between two flexible sides (embodiment of FIG. 3a), or surrounded by a sheath open at both ends, and on the walls which the pouch is glued (embodiment of Figure 3b).
  • the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 have disjointed lower ends but their upper end is covered by a part 24 coming from matter.
  • the main function of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 is, as said, to allow reliable opening of the pouch. These elements also have the advantage that they can be used as a surface graph to present product information or data promotion.
  • Figures 5a and 5b show a packaging device corresponding to the configurations of FIGS. 3b and 4b (lateral ends of the reinforcing elements at least punctually joined and lower ends of these reinforcing elements joined by a based). It can be seen that the reinforcing elements have been cut here from so as to have a characteristic appearance (cat's head); it is here in the occurrence of a device containing cat food. Each of the two upper corners of the reinforcing element (which corresponds to a cat's ear) is glued to the corner of the reinforcement element located look, to increase the rigidity of the device.
  • Figures 6a to 6d are four representations of the pouch in the figures 5a and 5b once the top of the pouch has been cut.
  • FIG. 6a it can be seen that part of the element 21 has been itself cut to form a tongue 210 which can be straightened and folded over the top of the pouch, and be engaged in a slot 220 of the opposite reinforcing element 22 (FIG. 6b).
  • a tongue 210 which can be straightened and folded over the top of the pouch, and be engaged in a slot 220 of the opposite reinforcing element 22 (FIG. 6b).
  • FIG. 6a it can be seen that by cutting the tab 210 in element 21 an opening 211 has been defined to facilitate handling the tab.
  • Figures 6c and 6d show the two sides of the device once the tongue engaged in the slot. This arrangement allows you to close the pouch when only part of its contents has been spilled.
  • the packaging device can be made in various sizes; in particular it is possible to plan large devices that can be manipulated with both hands to separate the two reinforcing elements and open the pouch (application for example in the packaging of dog food).
  • each reinforcing elements a pre-cut tear line, referenced L in FIGS. 7a to 7c, at the same height as the bonding of these elements reinforcement 21 'and 22' on the pouch.
  • each element of reinforcement and its pouch face associated with glue deposit between each element of reinforcement and its pouch face associated with glue along two lines C which appear in FIGS. 7b and 7c, and which extend substantially from one side edge to the other of their face of the associated pouch, parallel to their associated tear line L, said tear line being inserted in the vertical direction between the two lines of adhesive C.
  • the pouch is opened by tearing off the part high reinforcement elements 21 'and 22' (and possibly the binder top these reinforcing elements), opening the pouch 10 itself in the same time.
  • this arrangement makes it possible to guide the tearing of the pouch to hand and thus make the opening of the device more reliable.
  • known pouches can include opening means such as a weakening line (can be achieved for example by attacking the sheet of the pouch by a laser beam to reduce its thickness).
  • opening means such as a weakening line (can be achieved for example by attacking the sheet of the pouch by a laser beam to reduce its thickness).
  • FIG. 7b On which has schematically represented the upper parts of each element of reinforcement 21 'and 22' with their line of weakness L surrounded by their two glue lines C.
  • This arrangement thus eliminates a process step in the manufacture of the device (such as a step of attacking the walls of the pouch by a laser beam), which reduces the cost price of the pouch.
  • the two lines of adhesive C constitute a "Channel" which frames the desired place of tearing of the walls of the pouch and thus participates in guiding this tearing, the two lines of glue constituting obstacles to the tear lines of the walls of the pouch.
  • tear lines of the reinforcing elements defining the opening path of the device are adapted to the application chosen: we can indeed have a rectilinear opening path, but also curvilinear, or even a route according to any desired pattern.
  • each reinforcement element 21, 22 and its associated pouch face by any means known other than a collage; we could for example engage the elements of reinforcement in facilities (which may include, for example, wall parts of the pouch protruding from the welded edges of said pouch and folded back on themselves, or even extra thicknesses associated with a opening for the passage of the reinforcing elements) of the walls of the pouch, or weld these elements together.
  • facilities which may include, for example, wall parts of the pouch protruding from the welded edges of said pouch and folded back on themselves, or even extra thicknesses associated with a opening for the passage of the reinforcing elements
  • FIG. 8a to 8e there is shown a form particular embodiment of the invention in which the device contains not one but two bags 10 and 10 '.
  • FIGS. 8c and 8e in this embodiment of the invention the two bags 10 and 10 'are glued together by two lines of glue C 'which substantially cover the extent side of the surface on which the two pouches are facing one of the other.
  • FIGS. 8d and 8e also show the plane P longitudinal median of the device, the pouches being aligned substantially perpendicular to this plane.
  • Each pouch is also glued to a reinforcing element (element 21 'for the bag 10', 22 'for the bag 10), with two lines of adhesive C similar to those in Figure 7c, and which again frame a line L of the reinforcing element.
  • the reinforcing elements are like in the case of the device with a single pouch arranged symmetrically by relation to plane P (i.e. opposite each other, and to the same height).
  • This second embodiment makes it possible to condition in a unique device of products with different characteristics.
  • the opening it is thus possible depending on the opening to provide any number of bags aligned in series and glued together in pairs by their adjacent walls, preferably at the same height as notches their lateral edges, also surrounded by two reinforcing elements glued (or secured to the pouches by any other known means), the reinforcing elements which may include tear lines.
  • the reinforcement elements may also in this case not include tear-off lines, the bags can then be provided with means of opening such as lines of weakness made by an attack laser.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Bag Frames (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Alloys Or Alloy Compounds (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)
  • Wrappers (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Extrusion Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for packaging products likely to flow, comprising at least a soft three-side seal pouch (10) having a generally flat shape and comprising two opposite walls in sheet form extending substantially parallel to a median longitudinal plane of the device. Said device is characterised in that it consists of: at least a soft three-side seal pouch, two reinforcing elements (21, 22) respectively associated with each of the two walls of the pouch, said reinforcing elements extending at least substantially opposite the whole width of their associated pouch wall, and means for making integral each reinforcing element and its associated pouch wall at least in a median zone of the wall, the two reinforcing elements extending on either side of the device, substantially symmetrically relative to said median longitudinal plane and the rigidity of said reinforcing elements being greater than that of the walls of the pouch or pouches so as to facilitate, after the two respective lateral ends of each of the reinforcing elements have been brought together in said median longitudinal plane to deform said reinforcing elements so that their respective median portions are spaced apart from each other, the opening of one or several pouches once the high part(s) thereof has/have been torn.

Description

La présente invention concerne le dispositif d'emballage et de conditionnement. Plus particulièrement, l'invention concerne un dispositif de conditionnement de produits qui, ne se présentant pas sous la forme d'un bloc solide unique, peuvent s'écouler. Ces produits peuvent être par exemple pâteux, granuleux ou liquides.The present invention relates to the device for packaging and conditioning. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for packaging of products which, not in the form of a single solid block, can flow. These products can be by example pasty, grainy or liquid.

On connaít de nombreux dispositifs de conditionnement de tels produits. On peut en classer les principaux types utilisés en deux familles principales :

  • les dispositifs rigides (boítes de conserve, bouteilles, bidons, canettes de boisson ... ). Les dispositifs de ce type sont très répandus mais ont l'inconvénient de présenter, lorsqu'ils sont vidés de leur contenu, le même encombrement que lorsqu'ils sont pleins. De plus, le prix de revient de ces dispositifs qui sont souvent réalisés en acier ou en aluminium est relativement élevé,
  • les dispositifs souples (pochons en particulier), généralement formés de l'assemblage étanche (par exemple par soudage) de deux feuilles souples réalisées à base de matériau plastique. De tels pochons sont couramment utilisés par exemple pour le conditionnement de nourriture (aliments pour animaux, biscuits apéritifs) ou de liquides (lessive liquide notamment). En fonction de la nature du produit à conditionner, la composition des feuilles du pochon peut varier : par exemple, pour le conditionnement de nourriture pour animaux qui doit être préservée des infiltrations de l'atmosphère extérieure, ces feuilles sont réalisées en intercalant une couche d'un matériau étanche (tel que l'aluminium) entre deux couches de matériau plastique qui assurent la tenue mécanique du pochon. La surface extérieure de ces pochons est généralement imprimée pour afficher des informations de présentation et de promotion du produit.
We know many packaging devices for such products. We can classify the main types used in two main families:
  • rigid devices (cans, bottles, cans, drink cans, etc.). Devices of this type are very widespread but have the disadvantage of having, when emptied of their contents, the same size as when they are full. In addition, the cost price of these devices which are often made of steel or aluminum is relatively high,
  • flexible devices (pouches in particular), generally formed from the sealed assembly (for example by welding) of two flexible sheets made from plastic material. Such bags are commonly used for example for packaging food (animal feed, aperitif cookies) or liquids (liquid detergent in particular). Depending on the nature of the product to be packaged, the composition of the pouch leaves may vary: for example, for the packaging of animal food which must be preserved from infiltration of the external atmosphere, these sheets are produced by interposing a layer of '' a waterproof material (such as aluminum) between two layers of plastic material which ensure the mechanical strength of the pouch. The outside surface of these pouches is usually printed to display product presentation and promotion information.

DE-A-19 60 577 décrit une unité d'emballage avec un pochon entouré par deux parois articulées ensemble à leurs bords latéraux, les faces opposées du pochon étant fixées aux faces internes des parois.DE-A-19 60 577 describes a packaging unit with a pouch surrounded by two walls hinged together at their lateral edges, the opposite faces of the pouch being fixed to the internal faces of the walls.

DE-U-94 112 648 décrit une pluralité d'emballages de type « stickpack » liés entre eux et entourés par une bande.DE-U-94 112 648 describes a plurality of “stickpack” type packages linked together and surrounded by a band.

US-A-4,428,500 décrit des structures utilisées pour des plateaux ou des tasses et adaptées pour être dressées automatiquement. Une structure inclut une enveloppe externe de papier cartonné ou coquille et un sachet en plastique intérieur étanche.US-A-4,428,500 describes structures used for trays or cups and adapted to be erected automatically. A structure includes an envelope outer cardboard or shell and a waterproof inner plastic bag.

Parmi les types de dispositifs de conditionnement évoqués ci-dessus, les pochons constituent un conditionnement simple et économique qui présente en outre l'avantage d'avoir un faible encombrement une fois vidé de son contenu, ce qui est avantageux du point de vue pratique.Among the types of packaging devices mentioned above, the pouches constitute a simple and economical packaging which also has the advantage of having a small footprint once emptied of its content, which is advantageous from a practical point of view.

Cependant, les pochons comportent également certains inconvénients :

  • tout d'abord, une fois le pochon ouvert, en général par découpage de sa partie supérieure (à l'aide de ciseaux, ou à la main en suivant des lignes de fragilisation du pochon prévues à cet effet), la souplesse des feuilles constituant le pochon peut rendre malaisée la manipulation de ce dernier. En particulier, il peut être délicat de maintenir le pochon ouvert et de verser correctement son contenu, les deux feuilles opposées ayant tendance à se vriller,
  • deuxièmement, la souplesse du pochon fait qu'il a tendance à s'affaisser sur lui-même, ce qui complique le stockage et la présentation de ces pochons, en particulier dans les rayons des magasins où on recherche une présentation avantageuse du produit,
  • troisièmement, dans certains cas l'utilisateur peut ressentir de manière négative un contact trop « direct » de la main avec le contenu du pochon (en particulier dans le cas de nourriture pour animaux qui peut comporter des morceaux solides noyés dans un mélange fluide ou visqueux).
  • quatrièmement, l'impression graphique sur la surface externe du pochon nécessite souvent des temps importants de mise au point des machines d'impression, ce qui augmente le prix de revient unitaire des pochons.
  • Enfin; les dispositifs connus ne comportent en général qu'un pochon unique.
However, the pouches also have certain disadvantages:
  • firstly, once the pouch is open, in general by cutting its upper part (using scissors, or by hand following the embrittlement lines of the pouch provided for this purpose), the flexibility of the sheets constituting the pouch can make it difficult to handle the latter. In particular, it can be difficult to keep the pouch open and to pour its contents correctly, the two opposite sheets having a tendency to twist,
  • secondly, the flexibility of the pouch means that it tends to collapse on itself, which complicates the storage and presentation of these pouches, in particular on the shelves of stores where an advantageous presentation of the product is sought,
  • thirdly, in some cases the user may negatively feel too "direct" contact of the hand with the contents of the pouch (in particular in the case of animal food which may include solid pieces embedded in a fluid or viscous mixture ).
  • fourthly, the graphic printing on the external surface of the pouch often requires long development times of the printing machines, which increases the unit cost price of the pouches.
  • Finally; known devices generally only have a single pouch.

Le but de l'invention est de permettre de réaliser un conditionnement mettant en oeuvre des pochons, affranchi des inconvénients cités ci-dessus inhérents aux pochons connus.The object of the invention is to allow packaging using pouches, freed from the drawbacks mentioned above inherent in known pouches.

Afin d'atteindre ce but, l'invention propose un dispositif de conditionnement de produits pouvant s'écouler, tel que défini dans la revendication 1. In order to achieve this object, the invention proposes a device for packaging of flowable products, as defined in claim 1.

Des aspects préférés mais non limitatifs, du dispositif selon l'invention sont les suivants :

  • des projections dans le plan longitudinal médian du dispositif des bords latéraux des pochons sont décalées les unes par rapport aux autres.
  • les pochons sont de largeurs différentes.
  • les moyens pour solidariser chaque élément de renfort et sa paroi de pochon associée rendent également solidaires l'élément de renfort et sa paroi associée à proximité des bords latéraux de celle-ci.
  • les moyens pour solidariser chaque élément de renfort et sa paroi de pochon associée comprennent un collage de l'élément de renfort de ladite paroi.
  • le collage entre les éléments de renfort et les parois de pochon est réalisé par des points de colle discrets.
  • le collage entre les éléments de renfort et les parois de pochon est réalisé par au moins une bande de colle continue déposée entre chaque élément de renfort et sa paroi associée.
  • ladite au moins une bande de colle continue s'étend sensiblement sur toute la largeur de ladite paroi.
  • les moyens pour solidariser chaque élément de renfort et sa paroi de pochon associée comprennent des aménagements de la paroi, pouvant comporter des plis ou des surépaisseurs.
  • les extrémités latérales des éléments de renfort sont jointes de manière à entourer les bords latéraux des pochons.
  • les extrémités latérales des éléments de renfort sont disjointes.
  • les extrémités inférieures des éléments de renfort sont jointes par une base située sous les pochons.
  • les éléments de renfort s'étendent sur toute la hauteur des pochons.
  • les extrémités supérieures des éléments de renfort sont jointes par un sommet recouvrant les pochons.
  • les éléments de renfort comprennent des moyens coopérant pour recouvrir le dessus des pochons une fois les parties hautes de ceux-ci déchirés, afin de fermer le dispositif.
  • lesdits moyens de recouvrement des pochons comprennent une languette venue de matière avec un des éléments de renfort, pour coopérer avec une fente de l'autre élément de renfort.
  • les éléments de renfort sont imprimés sur leurs deux faces.
  • les éléments de renfort sont réalisés en carton.
  • au moins un élément de renfort comprend une ligne d'arrachage selon un trajet d'ouverture désiré du dispositif, s'étendant en regard des moyens pour solidariser les parois de pochon et les éléments de renfort afin de guider le déchirement des parois de pochon par un utilisateur.
  • chaque pochon comporte des moyens de fragilisation de ses parois, situés au même niveau que les lignes d'arrachage des éléments de renfort.
  • les points de fragilisation des parois du pochon sont réalisés par des encoches sur les bords latéraux de celui-ci.
  • lesdits moyens pour solidariser des parois de pochons adjacents sont situés en regard des lignes d'arrachage des éléments de renfort.
  • les moyens pour solidariser les parois de pochon et les éléments de renfort comprennent deux lignes de colle entre chaque élément de renfort et sa paroi associée, lesdites lignes de colle étant situées de part et d'autre de la ligne d'arrachage de l'élément de renfort.
  • chaque pochon de l'ensemble contient un produit différent.
  • la déformation des éléments de renfort est obtenue en cambrant ces éléments.
  • la déformation des éléments de renfort est obtenue en pliant ces éléments.
Preferred but non-limiting aspects of the device according to the invention are the following:
  • projections in the median longitudinal plane of the device of the lateral edges of the bags are offset from one another.
  • the bags are of different widths.
  • the means for securing each reinforcing element and its associated pouch wall also make integral the reinforcing element and its associated wall near the lateral edges thereof.
  • the means for securing each reinforcing element and its associated pouch wall comprise a bonding of the reinforcing element of said wall.
  • bonding between the reinforcing elements and the pouch walls is carried out by discrete glue dots.
  • bonding between the reinforcing elements and the pouch walls is carried out by at least one strip of continuous glue deposited between each reinforcing element and its associated wall.
  • said at least one strip of continuous adhesive extends substantially over the entire width of said wall.
  • the means for securing each reinforcing element and its associated pouch wall comprise arrangements of the wall, which may include folds or extra thicknesses.
  • the lateral ends of the reinforcing elements are joined so as to surround the lateral edges of the pouches.
  • the lateral ends of the reinforcing elements are separated.
  • the lower ends of the reinforcing elements are joined by a base located under the pouches.
  • the reinforcing elements extend over the entire height of the pouches.
  • the upper ends of the reinforcing elements are joined by a vertex covering the pockets.
  • the reinforcing elements include means cooperating to cover the top of the bags once the upper parts of the latter are torn, in order to close the device.
  • said cover means for the pouches comprise a tongue integrally formed with one of the reinforcing elements, in order to cooperate with a slot in the other reinforcing element.
  • the reinforcing elements are printed on both sides.
  • the reinforcing elements are made of cardboard.
  • at least one reinforcing element comprises a tear-off line along a desired opening path of the device, extending opposite the means for securing the pouch walls and the reinforcing elements in order to guide the tearing of the pouch walls by an user.
  • each pouch has means for weakening its walls, located at the same level as the tear-off lines of the reinforcing elements.
  • the points of weakness of the walls of the pouch are produced by notches on the lateral edges of the latter.
  • said means for securing walls of adjacent pockets are located opposite the tear lines of the reinforcing elements.
  • the means for securing the pouch walls and the reinforcement elements comprise two lines of adhesive between each reinforcement element and its associated wall, said adhesive lines being located on either side of the tear-off line of the element reinforcement.
  • each pouch in the set contains a different product.
  • the deformation of the reinforcing elements is obtained by arching these elements.
  • the deformation of the reinforcing elements is obtained by folding these elements.

D'autres aspects, buts et avantages de l'invention apparaítront mieux à la lecture de la description suivante de formes préférées de réalisation de l'invention, donnée à titre d'exemple et faite en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • les figures 1a et 1b sont respectivement une vue en coupe longitudinale transversale et une vue de côté d'une première forme de réalisation d'un dispositif de conditionnement;
  • les figures 2a et 2b sont deux vues schématiques de dessus du dispositif des figures 1a et 1b, représenté dans deux positions de fonctionnement respectives,
  • les figures 3a et 3b sont deux vues schématiques de dessus de dispositifs de conditionnement selon deux modes de réalisation différents,
  • les figures 4a à 4c sont trois vues en coupe longitudinale transversale de trois variantes de réalisation, pouvant être mises en oeuvre avec l'un quelconque des deux modes de réalisation représentés sur les figures 3a et 3b,
  • les figures 5a et 5b sont une vue de côté et une vue en perspective d'un dispositif de conditionnement comprenant un pochon souple renforcé par des éléments ayant un aspect visuel attractif,
  • les figures 6a à 6d sont quatre vues de face du dispositif des figures 5a et 5b selon une variante de réalisation comprenant des moyens de refermeture du dispositif,
  • la figure 7a est une vue en élévation d'un dispositif comportant des moyens d'ouverture facile,
  • les figures 7b et 7c sont respectivement une représentation schématique de la partie haute du dispositif de la figure 7a, et une vue en section verticale transversale partielle de ce dispositif,
  • les figures 8a et 8b sont deux vues selon deux perspectives différentes d'une forme de réalisation de l'invention comprenant deux pochons souples,
  • la figure 8c est une représentation schématique de la partie haute du dispositif des figures 8a et 8b,
  • les figures 8d et 8e sont respectivement une vue en section horizontale et une vue en section verticale transversale partielle du dispositif des figures 8a et 8b.
Other aspects, aims and advantages of the invention will appear better on reading the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, given by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • Figures 1a and 1b are respectively a longitudinal cross-sectional view and a side view of a first embodiment of a packaging device;
  • FIGS. 2a and 2b are two schematic views from above of the device of FIGS. 1a and 1b, shown in two respective operating positions,
  • FIGS. 3a and 3b are two schematic views from above of packaging devices according to two different embodiments,
  • FIGS. 4a to 4c are three views in transverse longitudinal section of three alternative embodiments, which can be implemented with any one of the two embodiments shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b,
  • FIGS. 5a and 5b are a side view and a perspective view of a packaging device comprising a flexible pouch reinforced with elements having an attractive visual appearance,
  • FIGS. 6a to 6d are four front views of the device in FIGS. 5a and 5b according to an alternative embodiment comprising means for reclosing the device,
  • FIG. 7a is an elevation view of a device comprising easy opening means,
  • FIGS. 7b and 7c are respectively a schematic representation of the upper part of the device of FIG. 7a, and a view in partial transverse vertical section of this device,
  • FIGS. 8a and 8b are two views from two different perspectives of an embodiment of the invention comprising two flexible pouches,
  • FIG. 8c is a schematic representation of the upper part of the device of FIGS. 8a and 8b,
  • Figures 8d and 8e are respectively a view in horizontal section and a view in partial transverse vertical section of the device of Figures 8a and 8b.

Les modes de réalisation décrits en relation aux figures 1 à 7c ne sont pas selon l'invention uniquement dans la mesure où les dispositifs auxquels ils se rapportent ne comprennent qu'un seul pochon.The embodiments described in relation to Figures 1 to 7c are not according to the invention only to the extent that the devices to which they relate only include one pouch.

En préalable à cette description, on définit en référence aux dispositifs décrits ci-dessous la direction verticale comme correspondant à la direction longitudinale de plus grand allongement des dispositifs, et le plan horizontal comme étant le plan orthogonal à cette direction verticale.Before this description, we define with reference to the devices described below the vertical direction as corresponding to the direction longitudinal of greater elongation of the devices, and the horizontal plane as being the plane orthogonal to this vertical direction.

En référence à la figure 1a, on a représenté un pochon 10 contenant un produit tel que, par exemple et de manière non limitative, de la nourriture (par exemple pour animaux) ou encore une lessive liquide. Ce pochon est constitué de l'assemblage de deux feuilles souples 11 et 12 soudées bord à bord, par exemple par soudage à ultrasons. Ce type de pochon peut être de type connu et ne sera pas décrit plus en détails. Par convention, on définit le plan P longitudinal médian du dispositif (qui dans cette forme de réalisation dans laquelle le dispositif ne comprend qu'un pochon unique correspond également au plan longitudinal médian du pochon 10).Referring to Figure 1a, there is shown a pouch 10 containing a product such as, for example and without limitation, food (for example for animals) or a liquid detergent. This pouch is consisting of the assembly of two flexible sheets 11 and 12 welded edge to edge edge, for example by ultrasonic welding. This type of pouch can be known type and will not be described in more detail. By convention, we define the median longitudinal plane P of the device (which in this form of embodiment in which the device comprises only a single pouch also corresponds to the median longitudinal plane of the pouch 10).

Deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sont collés sur les deux faces opposées du pochon, en regard l'une de l'autre. Ces éléments de renfort sont réalisés dans un matériau relativement rigide mais ayant une flexibilité suffisante pour pouvoir être déformé par la main d'un utilisateur; on pourra par exemple réaliser les éléments de renfort 21 et 22 en carton.Two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are bonded to the two opposite faces of the pouch, facing each other. These elements reinforcements are made of a relatively rigid material but having sufficient flexibility to be able to be deformed by the hand of a user; we can for example realize the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 cardboard-based.

Dans les formes de réalisation représentées sur les dessins, chaque élément de renfort 21 ou 22 est réalisé sous la forme d'une feuille (en carton ou autre) ne comportant aucun aménagement spécifique pour guider sa déformation suite au rapprochement de ses deux extrémités latérales par la main d'un utilisateur, de sorte que cette déformation correspond à une cambrure de l'élément de renfort.In the embodiments shown in the drawings, each reinforcement element 21 or 22 is produced in the form of a sheet (in cardboard or other) with no specific layout to guide its deformation following the bringing together of its two lateral ends by the hand of a user, so that this deformation corresponds to a camber of the reinforcing element.

Il est toutefois également possible de prévoir dans chaque élément de renfort une ligne de fragilisation et/ou de pliure (par exemple sensiblement verticale) de sorte que suite au rapprochement de ses deux extrémités latérales, chaque élément de renfort se plie en deux à la manière d'un volet articulé, les parties médianes des deux éléments de renfort s'écartant toujours l'une de l'autre dans ce cas.It is however also possible to provide in each element of reinforcement of a weakening and / or fold line (for example substantially vertical) so that following the bringing together of its two ends side, each reinforcing element folds in half like a flap articulated, the middle parts of the two reinforcing elements deviating always from each other in this case.

Les éléments de renfort 21 et 22 s'étendent comme représenté sur la figure 1b sur toute la largeur du pochon, dont ils débordent des deux côtés. The reinforcing elements 21 and 22 extend as shown in the Figure 1b over the entire width of the pouch, which they project from both sides.

Comme représenté sur les figures 2a et 2b (sur lesquelles l'extrémité haute du pochon a été déchirée pour accéder à son contenu), un utilisateur peut, en sollicitant les extrémités des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 pour les rapprocher, déformer ces éléments de renfort flexibles en les cambrant et en écartant leurs parties médianes respectives. Par souci de clarté, la main de l'utilisateur est représentée seulement sur la figure 2a.As shown in Figures 2a and 2b (where the end the pouch has been torn to access its contents), a user can, by stressing the ends of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 for the bring together, deform these flexible reinforcing elements by arching them and by removing their respective middle parts. For the sake of clarity, the hand of the user is shown only in Figure 2a.

Les deux parois opposées 11, 12 du pochon étant respectivement collées aux deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 dans leur région médiane, cet écartement provoque une ouverture contrôlée du pochon, après que l'extrémité haute de celui-ci ait été déchiré. Il est alors possible de manipuler le dispositif de conditionnement de manière fiable, et en particulier de procéder de manière efficace au déversement du produit contenu.The two opposite walls 11, 12 of the pouch being respectively bonded to the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 in their middle region, this spacing causes a controlled opening of the pouch, after the upper end of it has been torn. It is then possible to handle the packaging device reliably, and particular to carry out the product effectively content.

Il est important de noter ici que le collage des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sur les parois du pochon peut être réalisé par une bande de colle continue couvrant tout ou partie de la largeur de la paroi du pochon, ou par l'application en des endroits discrets de points de collage (par exemple en déposant sur chaque paroi du pochon un point de collage en son milieu, entouré de deux points de collage latéraux). Dans tous les cas de figure, il est important que au moins la région médiane de chaque paroi du pochon soit collée à l'élément de renfort associé.It is important to note here that the bonding of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 on the walls of the pouch can be made with a strip of glue continuous covering all or part of the width of the wall of the pouch, or by the application in discrete places of bonding points (for example in depositing on each wall of the pouch a bonding point in the middle, surrounded by two lateral gluing points). In all cases, it is important that at least the middle region of each wall of the pouch is glued to the associated reinforcing element.

En outre, on procédera avantageusement au collage de chaque élément de renfort à sa paroi de pochon associée également au niveau des deux bords latéraux du pochon, afin d'augmenter la cohérence de l'ensemble et de faciliter encore l'ouverture du pochon.In addition, we will advantageously bond each element reinforcement to its pouch wall also associated at the two side edges of the pouch, in order to increase the coherence of the assembly and to further facilitate the opening of the pouch.

Grâce au collage des deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sur les parois opposées du pochon, on fiabilise ainsi la manipulation et l'utilisation du pochon.Thanks to the bonding of the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 on the walls opposite of the pouch, thus making the handling and use of the pouch.

On choisira de préférence le matériau de ces éléments de renfort 21 et 22 avec une élasticité suffisante pour qu'après plusieurs manipulations d'ouverture, ces éléments de renfort retrouvent naturellement leur forme originale correspondant à la figure 2a.The material of these reinforcing elements 21 will preferably be chosen and 22 with sufficient elasticity so that after several manipulations these reinforcement elements naturally regain their shape original corresponding to Figure 2a.

La figure 3a montre une vue de dessus schématique d'un pochon 10 entouré de deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 qui lui sont collés ; sur cette figure, on constate que les deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sont disjoints, alors que sur la figure 3b qui est une représentation similaire d'un mode de réalisation alternatif, les extrémités des deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sont réunies: Il est ainsi possible d'associer au pochon des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sous la forme de deux bandes flexibles distinctes, ou bien d'un fourreau unique entourant le pochon sans discontinuité.Figure 3a shows a schematic top view of a pouch 10 surrounded by two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 which are glued to it; on this figure, we see that the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are disjoint, whereas in FIG. 3b which is a similar representation of a mode of alternative embodiment, the ends of the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are gathered: It is thus possible to associate with the pouch elements of reinforcement 21 and 22 in the form of two separate flexible bands, or else of a single sheath surrounding the pouch without discontinuity.

Les figures 4a à 4c montrent trois variantes de réalisation, pouvant être mises en oeuvre avec chacune des deux modes de réalisation représentés sur les figures 3a et 3b.Figures 4a to 4c show three alternative embodiments, which can be implemented with each of the two embodiments shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

Sur la figure 4a, les extrémités inférieures des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sont situées en-dessous du pochon et sont réunies par une base 23 horizontale venue de matière avec ces éléments de renfort. Cette variante de réalisation permet de munir le dispositif d'une base stable et de remédier ainsi à l'inconvénient d'instabilité des pochons mentionné en introduction de ce texte.In FIG. 4a, the lower ends of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 are located below the pouch and are joined by a base 23 horizontal material with these reinforcing elements. This variant of realization allows to provide the device with a stable base and to remedy thus to the disadvantage of instability of the pouches mentioned in the introduction of this text.

On notera également que le fait de recouvrir la surface du pochon par l'armature semi-rigide formée des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 sur toute sa hauteur permet d'offrir à la main de l'utilisateur un contact plus « lisse » que celui du pochon « brut », ce qui peut être recherché pour certains produits.Note also that covering the surface of the pouch with the semi-rigid reinforcement formed of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 over its entire height makes it possible to offer the user's hand a “smoother” contact than that of the "raw" pouch, which can be sought for certain products.

Sur la figure 4b, les éléments de renfort 21 et 22 s'étendent sur toute la hauteur du pochon, mais leurs extrémités inférieures sont disjointes : cette variante correspond au cas où le pochon est simplement « pris en sandwich » entre deux flancs flexibles (mode de réalisation de la figure 3a), ou entouré d'un fourreau ouvert à ses deux extrémités, et aux parois desquelles le pochon est collé (mode de réalisation de la figure 3b). In FIG. 4b, the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 extend over the entire height of the pouch, but their lower ends are disjoint: this variant corresponds to the case where the pouch is simply "taken in sandwich "between two flexible sides (embodiment of FIG. 3a), or surrounded by a sheath open at both ends, and on the walls which the pouch is glued (embodiment of Figure 3b).

Sur la figure 4c, les deux éléments de renfort 21 et 22 ont des extrémités basses disjointes mais leur extrémité haute est recouverte par une partie 24 venue de matière.In FIG. 4c, the two reinforcing elements 21 and 22 have disjointed lower ends but their upper end is covered by a part 24 coming from matter.

Il est possible selon l'invention d'entourer complètement le pochon par un cartonnage comportant une base et un sommet.It is possible according to the invention to completely surround the pouch by a carton with a base and a top.

Il est également possible de prévoir dans les éléments de renfort 21 et 22 des plis des soufflets ou des découpes, afin de rendre possible la manipulation décrite en référence aux figures 2a et 2b même en la présence d'une base et/ou d'un sommet relativement rigides.It is also possible to provide in the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 folds of bellows or cutouts, in order to make possible the handling described with reference to Figures 2a and 2b even in the presence of a relatively rigid base and / or top.

La fonction principale des éléments de renfort 21 et 22 est, comme on l'a dit, de permettre une ouverture fiable du pochon. Ces éléments présentent également l'avantage de pouvoir être utilisés comme surface graphique pour présenter des informations sur le produit ou des données de promotion.The main function of the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 is, as said, to allow reliable opening of the pouch. These elements also have the advantage that they can be used as a surface graph to present product information or data promotion.

A cet égard, on notera que l'impression sur une matière telle que le carton nécessite un temps de réglage des machines sensiblement inférieur par rapport aux films synthétiques qui constituent habituellement les pochons connus ; il est ainsi possible, en particulier dans le cas où les éléments de renfort 21 et 22 s'étendent sur toute la hauteur du pochon, de ne pas imprimer la paroi du pochon, mais seulement les éléments de renfort qui l'entourent. On notera en outre qu'il est possible d'imprimer les deux faces de chaque élément de renfort 21 et 22, ce qui augmente considérablement la surface graphiquement exploitable du dispositif.In this regard, it should be noted that printing on a material such as carton requires significantly less machine set-up time compared to the synthetic films which usually constitute the known pouches; it is thus possible, in particular in the case where the reinforcing elements 21 and 22 extend over the entire height of the pouch, do not print the wall of the pouch, but only the elements of reinforcements that surround it. It should also be noted that it is possible to print the two faces of each reinforcing element 21 and 22, which increases considerably the graphically exploitable surface of the device.

Les figures 5a et 5b représentent un dispositif de conditionnement correspondant aux configurations des figures 3b et 4b (extrémités latérales des éléments de renfort au moins ponctuellement réunies et extrémités inférieures de ces éléments de renfort réunies par une base). On constate que les éléments de renfort ont été ici découpés de manière à avoir un aspect caractéristique (tête de chat) ; il s'agit ici en l'occurrence d'un dispositif contenant de la nourriture pour chats. Chacun des deux coins supérieurs de l'élément de renfort (qui correspond à une oreille du chat) est collé au coin de l'élément de renfort se trouvant en regard, pour augmenter la rigidité du dispositif.Figures 5a and 5b show a packaging device corresponding to the configurations of FIGS. 3b and 4b (lateral ends of the reinforcing elements at least punctually joined and lower ends of these reinforcing elements joined by a based). It can be seen that the reinforcing elements have been cut here from so as to have a characteristic appearance (cat's head); it is here in the occurrence of a device containing cat food. Each of the two upper corners of the reinforcing element (which corresponds to a cat's ear) is glued to the corner of the reinforcement element located look, to increase the rigidity of the device.

On remarquera sur ces figures qu'il est possible d'intégrer entre la base du cartonnage et le pochon un élément tel qu'un objet promotionnel ou publicitaire 30. On remarquera également que le fait, dans cette variante, de ne pas fermer complètement la structure de renfort du pochon permet à l'utilisateur de toucher directement le pochon et de sentir tactilement le produit contenu ; en fonction de la nature du produit et du positionnement marketing souhaité, on pourra ainsi choisir une structure de renfort plus ou moins ouverte, pour offrir un accès plus ou moins direct au produit.Note in these figures that it is possible to integrate between the base cardboard and the pouch an item such as a promotional item or advertising 30. It will also be noted that the fact, in this variant, not to completely close the reinforcement structure of the pouch allows the user to touch the pouch directly and to feel the content product; depending on the nature of the product and the positioning desired marketing, we will be able to choose a reinforcement structure more or less open, to offer more or less direct access to the product.

Les figures 6a à 6d sont quatre représentations du pochon des figures 5a et 5b une fois que le haut du pochon a été découpé.Figures 6a to 6d are four representations of the pouch in the figures 5a and 5b once the top of the pouch has been cut.

Sur la figure 6a, on constate qu'une partie de l'élément 21 a été elle-même découpée pour constituer une languette 210 pouvant être redressée et rabattue sur le sommet du pochon, et être engagée dans une fente 220 de l'élément de renfort 22 opposé (figure 6b). Selon le mode de réalisation représenté, en particulier sur la figure 6a, on constate qu'en découpant la languette 210 dans l'élément 21 on a défini une ouverture 211 pour faciliter la manipulation de la languette.In FIG. 6a, it can be seen that part of the element 21 has been itself cut to form a tongue 210 which can be straightened and folded over the top of the pouch, and be engaged in a slot 220 of the opposite reinforcing element 22 (FIG. 6b). According to the embodiment shown, in particular in Figure 6a, we see that by cutting the tab 210 in element 21 an opening 211 has been defined to facilitate handling the tab.

Les figures 6c et 6d représentent les deux faces du dispositif une fois la languette engagée dans la fente. Cette disposition permet de refermer le pochon lorsque seule une partie de son contenu a été déversée.Figures 6c and 6d show the two sides of the device once the tongue engaged in the slot. This arrangement allows you to close the pouch when only part of its contents has been spilled.

On notera que le dispositif de conditionnement peut être réalisé dans des tailles diverses ; en particulier il est possible de prévoir des dispositifs de grande dimension que l'on manipule avec les deux mains pour écarter les deux éléments de renfort et ouvrir le pochon (application par exemple au conditionnement d'aliments pour chiens).Note that the packaging device can be made in various sizes; in particular it is possible to plan large devices that can be manipulated with both hands to separate the two reinforcing elements and open the pouch (application for example in the packaging of dog food).

Avantageusement, il est possible de prévoir sur chacun des éléments de renfort une ligne prédécoupée d'arrachage, référencée L sur les figures 7a à 7c, à la même hauteur que le collage de ces éléments de renfort 21' et 22' sur le pochon. Advantageously, it is possible to provide on each reinforcing elements a pre-cut tear line, referenced L in FIGS. 7a to 7c, at the same height as the bonding of these elements reinforcement 21 'and 22' on the pouch.

De préférence, on déposera dans ce cas entre chaque élément de renfort et sa face de pochon associée de la colle selon deux lignes C continues qui apparaissent sur les figures 7b et 7c, et qui s'étendent sensiblement d'un bord latéral à l'autre de leur face du pochon associée, parallèlement à leur ligne L d'arrachage associée, ladite ligne d'arrachage étant intercalée selon la direction verticale entre les deux lignes de colle C.Preferably, in this case, deposit between each element of reinforcement and its pouch face associated with glue along two lines C which appear in FIGS. 7b and 7c, and which extend substantially from one side edge to the other of their face of the associated pouch, parallel to their associated tear line L, said tear line being inserted in the vertical direction between the two lines of adhesive C.

Dans ce cas, on procède à l'ouverture du pochon en arrachant la partie haute des éléments de renfort 21' et 22' (et éventuellement le sommet liant ces éléments de renfort), ouvrant le pochon 10 lui-même dans le même temps.In this case, the pouch is opened by tearing off the part high reinforcement elements 21 'and 22' (and possibly the binder top these reinforcing elements), opening the pouch 10 itself in the same time.

On facilite et on fiabilise ainsi le déchirement de la partie haute du pochon, en réalisant avantageusement le collage des parois du pochon et des éléments de support à la même hauteur que les lignes d'arrachage des éléments de renfort.This facilitates and makes the tearing of the upper part of the pouch, advantageously by bonding the walls pouch and support elements at the same height as the lines of the reinforcement elements.

En effet, cette disposition permet de guider le déchirement du pochon à la main et de fiabiliser ainsi l'ouverture du dispositif.Indeed, this arrangement makes it possible to guide the tearing of the pouch to hand and thus make the opening of the device more reliable.

Comme on l'a dit au début de ce texte, les pochons connus peuvent comprendre des moyens d'ouverture tels qu'une ligne de fragilisation (pouvant être réalisée par exemple par l'attaque de la feuille du pochon par un faisceau laser afin de diminuer son épaisseur).As we said at the beginning of this text, known pouches can include opening means such as a weakening line (can be achieved for example by attacking the sheet of the pouch by a laser beam to reduce its thickness).

On remarquera que on peut simplement prévoir deux encoches situées sur les bords opposés du pochon, à la même hauteur que les lignes' de fragilisation des éléments de renfort et que le collage du pochon sur ces éléments.Note that we can simply plan for two notches located on opposite edges of the pouch, at the same height as the lines' of embrittlement of the reinforcing elements and that the bonding of the pouch on these items.

De telles encoches E sont représentées sur la figure 7b, sur laquelle on a représenté schématiquement les parties hautes de chaque élément de renfort 21' et 22' avec leur ligne de fragilisation L entourée de leurs deux lignes de colle C.Such notches E are shown in FIG. 7b, on which has schematically represented the upper parts of each element of reinforcement 21 'and 22' with their line of weakness L surrounded by their two glue lines C.

Cette disposition permet ainsi de s'affranchir d'une étape de process dans la fabrication du dispositif (telle qu'une étape d'attaque des parois du pochon par un faisceau laser), ce qui permet de réduire le prix de revient du pochon.This arrangement thus eliminates a process step in the manufacture of the device (such as a step of attacking the walls of the pouch by a laser beam), which reduces the cost price of the pouch.

Il est également à noter que les deux lignes de colle C constituent un « canal » qui encadre le lieu désiré de déchirement des parois du pochon et participe ainsi au guidage de ce déchirement, les deux lignes de colle constituant des obstacles aux lignes de déchirement des parois du pochon.It should also be noted that the two lines of adhesive C constitute a "Channel" which frames the desired place of tearing of the walls of the pouch and thus participates in guiding this tearing, the two lines of glue constituting obstacles to the tear lines of the walls of the pouch.

On pourra également adapter la conception du dispositif de sorte que des lignes d'arrachage des éléments de renfort définissant le trajet d'ouverture du dispositif soient adaptées à l'application choisie : on pourra en effet avoir ainsi un trajet d'ouverture rectiligne, mais également curviligne, voire un trajet selon un motif quelconque désiré.We can also adapt the design of the device so that tear lines of the reinforcing elements defining the opening path of the device are adapted to the application chosen: we can indeed have a rectilinear opening path, but also curvilinear, or even a route according to any desired pattern.

Il est évident que selon l'invention il est possible de solidariser chaque élément de renfort 21, 22 et sa face de pochon associée par tout moyen connu autre qu'un collage ; on pourra par exemple engager les éléments de renfort dans des aménagements (pouvant comprendre par exemple des parties de paroi du pochon dépassant des bords soudés dudit pochon et repliées sur elles-mêmes, ou encore des surépaisseurs associées à une ouverture pour le passage des éléments de renfort) des parois du pochon, ou bien souder ces éléments entre eux.It is obvious that according to the invention it is possible to secure each reinforcement element 21, 22 and its associated pouch face by any means known other than a collage; we could for example engage the elements of reinforcement in facilities (which may include, for example, wall parts of the pouch protruding from the welded edges of said pouch and folded back on themselves, or even extra thicknesses associated with a opening for the passage of the reinforcing elements) of the walls of the pouch, or weld these elements together.

En référence maintenant aux figures 8a à 8e, on a représenté une forme particulière de réalisation de l'invention dans laquelle le dispositif renferme non pas un mais deux pochons 10 et 10'.Referring now to Figures 8a to 8e, there is shown a form particular embodiment of the invention in which the device contains not one but two bags 10 and 10 '.

Comme représenté en particulier sur les figures 8c et 8e, dans cette forme de réalisation de l'invention les deux pochons 10 et 10' sont collés ensemble par deux lignes de colle C' qui couvrent sensiblement l'étendue latérale de la surface sur laquelle les deux pochons sont en regard l'un de l'autre. On a également représenté sur les figures 8d et 8e le plan P longitudinal médian du dispositif, les pochons étant alignés sensiblement perpendiculairement à ce plan.As shown in particular in FIGS. 8c and 8e, in this embodiment of the invention the two bags 10 and 10 'are glued together by two lines of glue C 'which substantially cover the extent side of the surface on which the two pouches are facing one of the other. FIGS. 8d and 8e also show the plane P longitudinal median of the device, the pouches being aligned substantially perpendicular to this plane.

Chaque pochon est par ailleurs collé à un élément de renfort (élément 21' pour le pochon 10', 22' pour le pochon 10), par deux lignes de colle C similaire à celles de la figure 7c, et qui encadrent ici encore une ligne L d'arrachage de l'élément de renfort. Les éléments de renfort sont comme dans le cas du dispositif à un seul pochon disposés symétriquement par rapport au plan P (c'est à dire en regard l'un de l'autre, et à la même hauteur).Each pouch is also glued to a reinforcing element (element 21 'for the bag 10', 22 'for the bag 10), with two lines of adhesive C similar to those in Figure 7c, and which again frame a line L of the reinforcing element. The reinforcing elements are like in the case of the device with a single pouch arranged symmetrically by relation to plane P (i.e. opposite each other, and to the same height).

On remarquera que pour faciliter l'ouverture des pochons simultanément à l'arrachage des parties hautes des éléments de renfort 21' et 22', les bords latéraux des deux pochons 10 et 10' ne sont pas en regard l'un de l'autre, mais au contraire que leurs projections dans le plan longitudinal médian du dispositif sont décalées (voir en particulier les figures 8a et 8d).Note that to facilitate the opening of the bags simultaneously when the upper parts of the reinforcing elements 21 ′ and 22 ′ are torn off, the lateral edges of the two pouches 10 and 10 'are not opposite one of the other, but on the contrary that their projections in the longitudinal plane median of the device are offset (see in particular Figures 8a and 8d).

Ainsi, lors de l'ouverture du dispositif l'on attaque qu'un seul bord de pochon à la fois. On pourra également prévoir des pochons de largeur différente (comme représenté sur les figures 8a et 8d en particulier) pour faciliter encore l'ouverture.Thus, when the device is opened, only one edge of the attack is attacked. pouch at a time. We can also provide pockets of width different (as shown in Figures 8a and 8d in particular) for further facilitate opening.

On notera en outre qu'ici encore les bords latéraux des pochons comportent des encoches E situées en regard des lignes d'arrachage des éléments de renfort, afin de fiabiliser l'ouverture du dispositif.Note also that here again the side edges of the pouches have notches E located opposite the tear-off lines of the reinforcing elements, in order to make the opening of the device more reliable.

Cette deuxième forme de réalisation permet de conditionner dans un dispositif unique des produits ayant des caractéristiques différentes. On pourra par exemple dans une application de conditionnement de nourriture humaine remplir un des pochons de morceaux de viande avec ou sans sauce, tandis que l'autre pochon contenant du riz ou des légumes d'accompagnement. On offre ainsi la possibilité de proposer au consommateur plusieurs produits, constituant un plat élaboré, dans un même dispositif.This second embodiment makes it possible to condition in a unique device of products with different characteristics. We could for example in a food packaging application human fill one of the pouches with pieces of meat with or without sauce, while the other pouch containing rice or vegetables accompaniment. We therefore offer the possibility of proposing to consumer several products, constituting an elaborate dish, in a same device.

On comprend que la forme de réalisation figures 8a à 8e, qui comprend deux pochons (et qui peut également en comprendre selon cette forme de réalisation de l'invention un nombre quelconque) présente entre autres les avantages suivants :

  • elle permet de servir en une seule fois au moins deux produits, chaque produit étant conditionné dans un pochon séparé, les deux produits pouvant avoir des caractéristiques et/ou des fonctions différentes. On pourra par exemple prévoir d'intégrer dans les deux pochons respectifs des aliments ayant des goûts différents (par exemple des ravioli et du parmesan respectivement), des textures différentes (par exemple dans un premier pochon des viandes mijotées en sauce et des légumes ou des céréales cuits à la vapeur ; et de manière générale des produits humides dans un pochon, et des produits secs dans l'autre pochon), voire deux fonctions différentes (un pochon pouvant contenir un aliment tel qu'un plat cuisiné complet, l'autre pochon pouvant contenir un produit tel qu'un médicament). Et de manière plus générale, les deux (ou plusieurs) pochons peuvent contenir des produits ou des composés chimiques à mélanger avant l'utilisation,
  • en outre, chaque produit conditionné séparément dans un pochon peut garder ses caractéristiques intrinsèques avant l'ouverture des pochons et le mélange des produits respectifs qu'il contienne. A cet égard, on notera qu'il est également possible de faire subir différents traitements à un pochon contenant un produit spécifique et ayant déjà été refermé (traitement de stérilisation, de conservation,...), et d'assembler ce premier pochon à un deuxième pochon n'ayant pas subi le même traitement pour constituer un dispositif tel que représenté sur les figures 8a à 8e,
  • un tel dispositif est également pratique car il permet d'ouvrir les différents pochons qu'il comprend en une seule fois (et de ce point de vue le décalage des extrémités des bords latéraux du pochon est particulièrement avantageux),
  • ce dispositif présente également un haut degré de sécurité, car il permet au fabricant d'intégrer aux différents pochons les quantités exactes de produit devant être mélangées ensemble, et d'adapter ces quantités en fonction des lots de pochon à associer,
  • enfin, un tel dispositif est également avantageux en terme de présentation car il permet de verser dans un même récipient les produits respectifs contenus dans les pochons respectifs côte à côte si l'on décide de verser ces produits par le bord latéral des pochons, et il est également possible de verser ces produits en formant dans les récipients recevant le contenu des pochons des couches superposées en déversant au contraire les produits par le milieu des faces latérales pochons superposés.
It is understood that the embodiment in FIGS. 8a to 8e, which comprises two pouches (and which can also include any number according to this embodiment of the invention) has, among other advantages:
  • it makes it possible to serve at least two products at the same time, each product being packaged in a separate pouch, the two products being able to have different characteristics and / or functions. One could for example plan to integrate in the two respective pouches foods having different tastes (for example ravioli and parmesan cheese respectively), different textures (for example in a first pouch meats simmered in sauce and vegetables or steamed cereals; and generally wet products in one pouch, and dry products in the other pouch), or even two different functions (one pouch can contain a food such as a complete cooked dish, the other pouch may contain a product such as a drug). And more generally, the two (or more) pouches can contain products or chemical compounds to be mixed before use,
  • in addition, each product packaged separately in a pouch can keep its intrinsic characteristics before the pouches are opened and the respective products that it contains are mixed. In this regard, it will be noted that it is also possible to subject different treatments to a pouch containing a specific product and having already been closed (sterilization, preservation treatment, etc.), and to assemble this first pouch to a second pouch which has not undergone the same treatment to constitute a device as shown in FIGS. 8a to 8e,
  • such a device is also practical because it makes it possible to open the various pouches which it comprises at one time (and from this point of view the offset of the ends of the lateral edges of the pouch is particularly advantageous),
  • this device also has a high degree of security, because it allows the manufacturer to integrate the exact quantities of product to be mixed together into the various pouches, and to adapt these quantities according to the batches of pouch to be combined,
  • finally, such a device is also advantageous in terms of presentation because it makes it possible to pour into the same container the respective products contained in the respective pouches side by side if it is decided to pour these products by the lateral edge of the pouches, and it It is also possible to pour these products by forming superimposed layers in the containers receiving the pouches of the layers, on the contrary, pouring the products through the middle of the side faces of the superimposed pouches.

Il est ainsi possible selon l'ouverture de prévoir un nombre quelconque de pochons alignés en série et collés entre eux deux à deux par leurs parois adjacentes, de préférence à la même hauteur que des encoches de leurs bords latéraux, entourés de deux éléments de renfort également collés (ou solidarisés aux pochons par tout autre moyen connu), les éléments de renfort pouvant comporter des lignes d'arrachage. Les éléments de renfort peuvent également dans ce cas ne pas comporter de lignes d'arrachage, les pochons pouvant alors être munis de moyens d'ouverture tels que des lignes de fragilisation réalisée par une attaque laser.It is thus possible depending on the opening to provide any number of bags aligned in series and glued together in pairs by their adjacent walls, preferably at the same height as notches their lateral edges, also surrounded by two reinforcing elements glued (or secured to the pouches by any other known means), the reinforcing elements which may include tear lines. The reinforcement elements may also in this case not include tear-off lines, the bags can then be provided with means of opening such as lines of weakness made by an attack laser.

Bien entendu, les caractéristiques décrites en référence aux figures 1a à 6d (dispositifs comportant un seul pochon) sont également applicables aux dispositifs à deux ou plusieurs pochons : bords latéraux des éléments de renfort assemblés ou disjoints, fond et/ou sommet pour joindre les deux éléments de renfort, languette de fermeture...Of course, the characteristics described with reference to Figures 1a to 6d (devices with a single pouch) are also applicable to devices with two or more pockets: lateral edges of the reinforcement assembled or disjointed, bottom and / or top to join the two reinforcing elements, closing tab ...

Claims (26)

  1. A packaging device for products which might flow, including at least one flexible pouch (10, 10') which is of a generally flattened shape and which has two opposing walls (11, 12) in sheet form extending approximately parallel to a longitudinal median plane (P) of the device, characterized in that it comprises:
    at least two flexible pouches arranged one after the other so that the pouch walls are aligned in a direction at least substantially perpendicular to said median plane (P), the walls of two adjacent pouches of the assembly being rendered integral by means (C') such as several lines of adhesive,
    two reinforcement elements (21,22 - 21',22') respectively associated with two respective pouch walls, said reinforcement elements extending at least approximately opposite each other all the way across their associated pouch wall,
    and means (C) for fixing each reinforcement element to its associated pouch wall at least in a median area of the wall,
       the two reinforcement elements extending on either side of the device, approximately symmetrically relative to said longitudinal median plane (P) and the rigidity of said reinforcement elements being greater than that of the walls of the pouches in order to make it easier, after the two respective lateral ends of each of said reinforcement elements have been moved closer together in said median plane (P) so as to distort these reinforcement elements such that their respective median parts move away from each other, to open the pouches once their upper parts are torn.
  2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that projections in the longitudinal median plane of the device of the lateral edges of the pouches are offset relative to each other.
  3. The device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the pouches are of different widths.
  4. The device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the means (C) for rendering each reinforcement element integral with its associated pouch wall also render integral the reinforcement element and its associated wall in the vicinity of its lateral edges.
  5. The device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in that the means (C) for rendering each reinforcement element (21, 22) integral with its associated pouch wall include bonding the reinforcement element of said wall.
  6. The device according to the previous claim, characterized in that the reinforcement elements and the pouch walls are bonded together at discrete bonding points.
  7. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcement elements and the pouch walls are bonded together by at least one continuous adhesive strip deposited between each reinforcement element and its associated wall.
  8. The device according to the previous claim, characterized in that said at least one continuous adhesive strip extends approximately all the way across said wall.
  9. The device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the means for fixing each reinforcement element to its associated pouch wall include arrangements on the wall, which can comprise folds or excess thicknesses.
  10. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the lateral ends of the reinforcement elements are connected so as to surround the lateral edges of the pouches.
  11. The device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the lateral ends of the reinforcement elements are not connected.
  12. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the lower ends of the reinforcement elements (21, 22) are connected by a base (23) located under the pouches.
  13. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the reinforcement elements (21, 22) extend all the way up the pouches.
  14. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the upper ends of the reinforcement elements (21, 22) are connected by a top (24) covering the pouches.
  15. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the reinforcement elements (21, 22) include means which engage (210, 220) to re-cover the top of the pouches once their upper parts have been torn, in order to close the device.
  16. The device according to the previous claim, characterized in that said covering means of the pouches include a tab (210) made from the same material as one (21) of the reinforcement elements, to engage with a slot (220) of the other reinforcement element (22).
  17. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the reinforcement elements are printed on both their faces.
  18. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the reinforcement elements are made of cardboard.
  19. The device according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least one reinforcement element includes a tear line (L) along a desired path for opening the device, extending opposite the means (C) for rendering the pouch walls integral and the reinforcement elements so as to guide the user in tearing the pouch walls.
  20. The device according to the previous claim, characterized in that each pouch comprises means (E) to weaken its walls, located at the same level as the tear lines of the reinforcement elements.
  21. The device according to the previous claim, characterized in that the weakness points of the pouch walls are provided by notches (E) on its lateral edges.
  22. The device according to one of the three previous claims, characterized in that said means (C') for fixing adjacent pouch walls are located opposite the tear lines (L) of the reinforcement elements (21',22').
  23. The device according to one of the four previous claims, characterized in that the means (C) for rendering the pouch walls integral with the reinforcement elements include two lines of adhesive between each reinforcement element and its associated wall, said lines of adhesive being located on either side of the tear line (L) of the reinforcement element.
  24. The device according to one of the previous claims, characterized in each pouch of the unit contains a different product.
  25. The device according to one of the previous claims characterized in that distortion of the reinforcement elements is obtained by arching these elements.
  26. The device according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that distortion of the reinforcement elements is obtained by folding these elements.
EP00960813A 1999-09-09 2000-09-07 Reinforced packing for products likely to flow Expired - Lifetime EP1214254B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9911285 1999-09-09
FR9911285A FR2798369B1 (en) 1999-09-09 1999-09-09 REINFORCED PACKAGING FOR FLOWABLE PRODUCTS
PCT/FR2000/002461 WO2001017868A1 (en) 1999-09-09 2000-09-07 Packaging for products likely to flow

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1214254A1 EP1214254A1 (en) 2002-06-19
EP1214254B1 true EP1214254B1 (en) 2004-06-16

Family

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP00960813A Expired - Lifetime EP1214254B1 (en) 1999-09-09 2000-09-07 Reinforced packing for products likely to flow

Country Status (9)

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EP (1) EP1214254B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE269254T1 (en)
AU (1) AU767881B2 (en)
BR (1) BR0014259A (en)
CA (1) CA2384311A1 (en)
DE (1) DE60011639D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2798369B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2001017868A1 (en)
ZA (1) ZA200201921B (en)

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FR2829117B1 (en) 2001-09-06 2004-09-10 Bel Fromageries PACKAGING DEVICE FOR CONTAINING AT LEAST TWO PRODUCTS, AND ASSEMBLY FORMED BY SAID DEVICE AND PRODUCTS
WO2014070232A1 (en) 2012-11-05 2014-05-08 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Method & system for manufacturing bags
US9771176B2 (en) 2013-09-25 2017-09-26 Graphic Packaging International, Inc. Reinforced package
US9957080B2 (en) 2013-09-25 2018-05-01 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Reinforced package
ES2708382T3 (en) 2013-09-25 2019-04-09 Graphic Packaging Int Llc Reinforced packaging
EP3209577B1 (en) 2014-10-21 2020-12-02 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Package for a product, blank and liner in combination, method
US10562675B2 (en) 2015-04-29 2020-02-18 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Method and system for forming packages
BR112017021813B1 (en) 2015-04-29 2022-06-21 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Method of forming reinforced packages, and system for forming reinforced packages
BR112018000349B1 (en) 2015-07-14 2022-07-19 Graphic Packaging International, Llc METHOD OF FORMING AT LEAST PARTIALLY A REINFORCED PACKAGING, AND SYSTEM FOR FORMING AT LEAST PARTIALLY REINFORCED PACKAGING
US10023349B2 (en) 2015-08-21 2018-07-17 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Reinforced package
AU2018314232B2 (en) 2017-08-09 2021-09-09 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Method and system for forming packages
EP3820689A4 (en) 2018-07-09 2022-08-03 Graphic Packaging International, LLC Method and system for forming packages
WO2020159818A1 (en) 2019-01-28 2020-08-06 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Reinforced package
DE102019106697A1 (en) * 2019-03-15 2020-09-17 Eller Foodpackaging Gmbh Food packaging
USD1042113S1 (en) 2020-01-24 2024-09-17 Graphic Packaging International, Llc Reinforcing carton
WO2022140320A1 (en) 2020-12-22 2022-06-30 Graphic Packaging International, Llc End flap engagement assembly for erecting cartons and related systems and methods

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US3684156A (en) * 1971-02-22 1972-08-15 Continental Can Co Combination package
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DE9412648U1 (en) * 1994-08-05 1994-09-29 Merz Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH, 35423 Lich Multipack with stickpacks (small tube bag)

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2798369A1 (en) 2001-03-16
ATE269254T1 (en) 2004-07-15
FR2798369B1 (en) 2001-11-30
DE60011639D1 (en) 2004-07-22
ZA200201921B (en) 2003-08-27
BR0014259A (en) 2002-05-14
EP1214254A1 (en) 2002-06-19
WO2001017868A1 (en) 2001-03-15
AU7299100A (en) 2001-04-10
AU767881B2 (en) 2003-11-27
CA2384311A1 (en) 2001-03-15

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