FR2719289A1 - Improvement in the protection of cardboard or similar material packaging. - Google Patents

Abstract

The packaging according to the invention consists of a rigid structure (1) made of cardboard or similar material, such as a tray, tray or other ..., comprising a bottom (2) and side walls (3, 4) which define the packaging volume. This rigid structure (1) is integrated into a flexible protective envelope (6), in the form of a pocket or bag. The flexible envelope (6) can be made of plastic material; it is placed on the volume structure or on its flat blank, before volume creation. It is suitable for covering the interior face, the exterior face as well as the edges of the rigid structure (1) and it is dimensioned to be able to at least partially match its interior contours.

Description

The present invention relates to packaging in the form of containers in

  cardboard or similar material, intended for the packaging of products of all kinds, in particular fruit or vegetables; it relates more particularly to an improvement in the protection of such packaging against humidity, shock or other

aggressive conditions.

  The subject of the invention is also the blank of material for obtaining the packaging, the process for producing such packaging as well as the installation for placing

of the process.

  To improve their resistance, cardboard packaging, such as trays or trays for example, are made from high quality materials, possibly very thick with, as appropriate, appropriate treatments. In order to resist humidity, in particular, multiple thicknesses of cardboard are provided, combined with fairly extensive waterproofing treatments. The structure and the manufacturing method of such packages are quite complex; their cost

is quite high.

  The present invention aims to provide a packaging of very simple structure capable of effectively resisting aggressive environments, for example humid, which generally tend to degrade the base material or

to deteriorate her outfit.

  The packaging according to the invention has the particularity of being made up of a rigid structure made of cardboard or similar material having a bottom with side walls and a flexible protective envelope in the form of a pocket or bag, the interior of which is integrated said rigid structure. The flexible envelope covers the inner face, the outer face as well as the edges of the rigid cardboard structure and it is dimensioned to be able to at least partially match its inner contours to form a container suitable for packaging products. The nature and thickness of the flexible envelope are adapted in

  depending on the protection sought.

  Preferably, the flexible pocket is closed around the rigid structure. If necessary, it has at least one opening facilitating the expulsion of indoor air

  for its shaping around said rigid structure.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the flexible pouch is made from a film of liquid-tight material, of the plastic material type, such as polyethylene

or polypropylene.

  The packaging can therefore very well be used outdoors, for example for packaging fruit or vegetables directly on the harvest site. The flexible plastic film protects the rigid structure against humidity; this rigid structure requires no reinforcement

  no special additional treatment.

  Depending on the case, and depending on the application and the type of packaging desired, the flexible envelope may be made of a material permeable to gases and in particular to air. According to another characteristic, the flexible pouch is obtained from at least one sheet of material

  plastic closed around the rigid structure by thermo-

  welding. According to another characteristic, and depending on the type of product which it is desired to package, the packaging may include cooling means arranged between the rigid structure and the flexible envelope. The nature of the latter will be adapted to this particular application. According to another arrangement of the invention, the flexible pouch is pressed or secured by any suitable means on at least part of the interior faces and / or

exterior of the rigid structure.

  The invention also relates to the blank of material intended to be set in volume for obtaining this packaging. This blank of material consists of a blank of cardboard or similar material, cut and grooved, which is integrated in a flexible protective envelope. This flexible envelope follows the outer contours of the cardboard blank so as to preserve the mobility of certain

  of its parts, with a view to volume.

  The invention also relates to the method of

manufacture of this packaging.

  According to a first method of implementation, this method consists in positioning, closing and shaping the flexible envelope around the rigid structure, after

volume of the latter.

  According to another method, it consists in positioning the flexible envelope around the rigid structure which is in the form of a cardboard blank, flat. This cardboard blank and the flexible envelope which covers it are then placed in volume, manually or by any suitable mechanical means. Maintaining volume can be

  made by gluing or by means of a peripheral strapping.

  In the latter case, the packaging can very simply be laid flat, by cutting the strapping, in order to

  storage and / or possible reuse.

  According to the latter method, the flexible pouch is preferably closed around the cardboard blank, following

  the outer contours of said blank.

  The closure of the flexible envelope on the rigid structure is advantageously obtained by heat-welding an upper sheet and a lower sheet of material. This heat welding can be carried out by means

adapted heating forms.

  According to another arrangement of the invention, the method comprises an additional step of plating or joining the flexible envelope, at least on part of the inner and / or outer faces of the

rigid structure.

  This joining can be achieved by means of an adhesive filler; it is also possible to use a flexible envelope charged with static electricity and applied to

  the rigid structure by means of pressure rollers.

  The invention also relates to the installation for implementing the above method. This installation consists of material supply means intended to form the flexible envelope, as well as means of affixing and closing the envelope around the

  blank of material or around the wrapped packaging.

  But the invention will be further illustrated, without being

  in no way limited by the following description of

  several particular embodiments, given by way of examples and shown in the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cardboard tray capable of forming the rigid structure of the packaging according to the invention ; - Figure 2 shows a possible embodiment of the packaging according to the invention, consisting of a rigid structure set in volume, integrated in a flexible envelope; - Figure 3 corresponds to the packaging of Figure 2 in which the flexible envelope has been shaped around the rigid structure; - Figure 4 is a top view of a flat cardboard blank; Figure 5 shows the cardboard blank of Figure 4 wrapped in a flexible film before its volume; _ Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a package according to the invention, wherein the flexible envelope is pressed against the inner and outer faces of the rigid cardboard structure; - Figure 7 is a schematic view of an example of installation for producing the packaging according to the invention; - Figure 8 schematically shows another installation configuration for obtaining

the packaging according to the invention.

  There is shown in Figure 1, a cardboard tray 1 consisting of a bottom 2, two large longitudinal sides 3 and two small end sides 4. The longitudinal sides 3 and the end sides 4 define the walls. side of packaging 1; they are kept in volume by means of lugs 5 which extend laterally the short sides 4 and which come to stick

  on the ends of the long sides 3.

  The tray 1 defines a rigid packaging structure which is integrated or housed in a flexible protective envelope 6 to form the packaging according to the invention, FIG. 2. This envelope 6 forms a closed pocket which

  completely surrounds the rigid structure 1.

  In accordance with the representation of FIG. 3, the flexible envelope 6 is dimensioned so as to be able to match the external and internal contours of the plate 1. This shaping can be carried out manually or mechanically; it can be carried out before packaging the products or during the operation

  packaging, by the pressure of said products.

  The nature and the dimensions of the flexible envelope 6 depend on the type of packaging which it is desired to obtain. It can be made of plastic material such as polyethylene or polypropylene to give it waterproof properties. It can be hermetically closed on the rigid structure 1 or comprise one or more orifices, judiciously arranged, intended to facilitate the expulsion of the interior air for shaping around the rigid plate 1. On the other hand, the envelope flexible 6 can be dimensioned widely to ensure the formation of internal folds during its shaping, capable of facilitating the setting of the products. It is also possible to provide a more limited dimensioning capable of allowing it to only partially match the interior contours of the rigid structure 1. The flexible bag 6 is then tensioned during the packaging of the product and internal air volumes are kept, in the corners or over the entire surface of the bottom, likely to form areas of

timing or depreciation.

  The flexible pocket 6 can be produced by means of two rectangular sheets of material 6 ′ and 6 ″ arranged one under the tray 1 set in volume, the other above, and whose peripheral edges 7 undergo a joining operation This joining can be obtained by means of an adhesive suitable for the materials present; if sheets 6 ′ and 6 ″ of thermoplastic material are used, their peripheral edges 7 can be heat-welded by suitable heating means. To make the flexible envelope 6, it is also possible to use a single sheet of folded and secured material (gluing, heat-sealing, etc.) on the three free edges. Of course, any other packaging structure of cardboard or similar material, simpler or more complex, can be "protected" according to the principle which has just been described. Any kind of cardboard can also be used, even of low quality, in simple fluting

for example.

  In Figure 4, there is shown a cardboard blank, flat, which allows to obtain a structure similar to that of the tray 1 of Figures 1 to 3. On this blank 10, we note the bottom 2, the walls side 3 and 4 and the fastening tabs 5. Figure 5 shows the same blank of cardboard 10 wrapped by the pocket

flexible 6, before setting in volume.

  Two sheets of an appropriate nature, for example in the form of a plastic film of the polypropylene, polyethylene or other type, are placed on each side of the blank 10 and affixed against the faces of the latter. These two sheets, independent or connected at one of their sides, are sealed on the outer periphery of the blank, preferably following as close as possible all the cutting lines. The envelope 6 thus forms a protective skin which does not impede the mobility of the parts bordering the bottom 2, in particular the legs 5, so as not to

  hinder the subsequent volume setting.

  The sheets intended to form the envelope 6 can be precut along the periphery of the blank or they

  may have an upper surface.

  The sealing of the material sheets on the periphery of the cardboard blank can be carried out by any suitable means suitable for the material used to form

  the flexible envelope. It can be achieved by col-

  lage; if sheets of thermoplastic film are used, provision may be made for heat sealing by means of heating forms having a configuration corresponding to the periphery of the cardboard blank. This perimeter can be followed

  more or less approximately, as the case may be.

  These heating forms will advantageously be arranged in the installation of the two sides of the blank

  of cardboard, to form electrodes and counter

  electrodes; they will be adapted to come to position themselves correctly in order to pinch the two sheets of plastic film until the temperature achieves their thermal welding and a corresponding peripheral cutting. If necessary, the peripheral plastic film strip will then be removed by

  any appropriate means (suction, for example).

  This welding or sealing can also be carried out

  by laser or ultrasound techniques.

  Certain configurations of cardboard blanks include internal orifices, for ventilation, stacking or the like. In this case, we will also plan to weld the two plastic sheets around the periphery of these internal orifices in order to maintain their function, without altering the effectiveness of the protection of the carton. After sealing, the central part of plastic material is eliminated by any appropriate means (gravity, suction ...) to reconstitute the orifice. Ways

  sealing will be adapted accordingly.

  FIGS. 4 and 5 show such internal orifices 12 made in the bottom 2 to provide ventilation for the packaged products. Note the thermo-welded ring 13, FIG. 5, which connects the two sheets of plastic film and which follows the outline of said orifices 12. On the other hand, it may be advantageous to lay the plastic sheets as well as possible on all or part of each side of the cardboard blank. This plating can be carried out by a tensioning operation on the plastic sheets before sealing, by heat shrinkage after sealing, or by a joining system between the plastic and the cardboard, in association with a support phase provided on the installation, in order to ensure a

  intimate contact between materials.

  This joining can be achieved by an adhesive filler; one can also provide for the use of a plastic film charged with static electricity and applied to the cardboard by pressing means, of the roller type. Such a plating makes it possible in particular to improve the mobility of the different parts which border the bottom 2 of the blank; this operation also improves the presentation of the packaging placed in volume. In Figure 6 we can see such packaging with the flexible envelope 6 in intimate contact with the inner and outer faces of the cardboard blank. The sides of the blank are also covered and protected;

  In this figure 6, we can still notice the thermo borders.

  welded 7 as well as packaged products 14

shown in dotted lines.

  The cardboard blank 10 associated with its flexible envelope 6 can be stored as it is. Its volume is produced in the traditional way using bonding means adapted to the materials present, by providing

  peripheral or other strapping ...

  Here again, the material used to form the flexible envelope 6 is adapted as a function of the type of packaging desired and as a function of the type of protection expected. The packaging according to the invention can be carried out manually or completely automatically. In this case, and in accordance with the schematic representation of FIG. 7, the volume-setting machine 15 can comprise, at its output, a film-wrapping machine 16, shrink-wrapping type in U or L shape, for example, to wrap the rigid plates 1 set in volume. This film wrapper 16 incorporates one or more windings 17 associated with means suitable for placing the envelope properly and for closing it

  on the cardboard packaging by means of the thermo-type

welding, for example.

  FIG. 8 shows another possible configuration of installation in which the wrapper 16 as well as its winding (s) 17 are placed upstream of the volume setting machine 15. In this case, the cardboard blanks are wrapped flat by the flexible pocket 6, before setting in volume. This volume setting of the assembly is carried out during a subsequent operation, by suitable means

to the materials present.

  Many types of packaging which are very different from each other can be produced according to the protection principle in accordance with the present invention. These differences will be due to the shape of the rigid structure

  and / or the nature and configuration of the flexible envelope.

  Indeed, the packaging principle according to the invention can be used for any kind of rigid container that one wishes to protect or mask. In particular, any shape and any cardboard tray or tray structure can be used, in particular with or without end sidewalks, provided with lined walls and even,

  possibly with an attached or separate cover.

  The packaging may also simply consist of a rectangular sheet of cardboard integrated in a flexible envelope, said sheet forming a bottom bordered by two side walls maintained in volume on the product or products packaged by means of a peripheral strapping. For certain applications, it is possible to provide a flexible envelope of a nature permeable to air or to certain

gas only.

  In other embodiments, if the rigid structure and the flexible envelope are not secured, refrigerating means may be integrated therebetween, for example intended to improve the preservation of the packaged products. On the other hand, if this proves necessary or advantageous, the two sheets of material arranged on either side of the cardboard blank may

be of a different nature.

  In the case where it has impermeability characteristics, the casing 6 protects the tray against humidity. In fact, it covers its outer face, its inner face and the edges of the cardboard blank. The plate can therefore be produced in a simple manner, with little material and little treatment to obtain a suitable resistance to bad weather. The installation for making the cardboard tray is also simplified thereby making it possible to significantly limit the overall cost of the packaging. In addition, wrapping the cardboard improves its impact resistance. Such waterproofing and resistance characteristics can advantageously be obtained by using a polyethylene or polypropylene film of thickness between 15 and 40 microns, preferably between 20

and 25 microns.

  These waterproofing characteristics may be used in certain cases for the packaging of liquid or semi-liquid products. The packaging may also be subjected or exposed to any type of ambient environment,

aqueous or gaseous.

  The flexible plastic film may also undergo any necessary treatment, adapted to the packaged products or else to the structural characteristics which it is desired to impart to it. For example, he may undergo ionization treatment to improve his resistance to stretching. The nature of the film used will in some cases allow cleaning and / or reuse of

packaging.

  Note also that the flexible envelope can be used for the presentation and decoration of the packaging. It can be opaque, with or without inscriptions, or else be transparent to reveal the decoration or the inscriptions made on the cardboard; we can also plan to affix a decoration and full or additional inscriptions. According to another type of packaging according to the invention, there is provided a container with closure cover, attached or not. The container and the cover are both integrated in a flexible envelope in the form of a thermoplastic film and they are joined to one another by a heat-sealing operation, after 1 1 packaging of the products. This type of packaging can be used to modify the gaseous atmosphere around the packaged products, by injecting the desired atmosphere into the container after placing the products there, and then securing the lid on said container.

hermetically.

  The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the

  claims are intended only to facilitate the

  understanding of these, and in no way limit them

the scope.

Claims (20)

  1. - Packaging in the form of a container for the packaging of products of all kinds, which packaging consists of a rigid structure (1) of cardboard or similar material comprising a bottom (2) and side walls (3, 4), characterized in that it comprises a flexible protective envelope (6), in the form of a pocket, inside which said rigid structure (1) is integrated, which flexible envelope (6) covers the inner face, the outer face as well as the edges of the rigid structure (1) and is sized to be able   at least partially match its interior contours.   2. - Packaging according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a flexible envelope (6) dimensioned to follow the external and internal contours of the rigid structure (1).   3. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises   a flexible envelope (6) closed around the structure rigid (1).   4. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises   a flexible envelope (6) made of waterproof material liquids.   5. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises   a flexible envelope (6) made of permeable material gas and especially air.   6. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises   a flexible envelope (6) made of plastic   polyethylene or polypropylene type.   7. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the envelope   flexible (6) is obtained from at least one sheet of plastic material closed around the rigid structure (1) by thermal welding.   8. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the envelope   flexible (6) has at least one orifice facilitating the expulsion of indoor air for shaping around of the rigid structure (1).   9. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises   cooling means between the rigid structure (1) and the flexible envelope (6).   10. - Packaging according to any one of   Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises   a flexible envelope (6) plated or secured by any suitable means at least on part of the faces   inside and / or outside of the rigid structure (1).   11. - Packaging according to any one of   claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it is   consisting of a container associated with a closure cover, which container and cover are integrated in a flexible envelope in the form of a thermoplastic film and are joined together, after packaging of the   products, by a thermo-welding operation.   12. - Material blank for obtaining the packaging   according to any one of claims 1 to 11,   characterized in that it consists of a blank (10) of cardboard or similar material, cut and grooved, which is integrated in a flexible protective envelope (6), which flexible envelope follows the outer contours said cardboard blank (10).   13. - Method of producing packaging according to   any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized   in that it consists in positioning and shaping the flexible envelope (6) around the rigid structure (1)   after volume setting of the latter.   14. - Method of producing packaging according to   any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized   in that it consists: - in positioning the flexible envelope (6) around the rigid structure (1) which is in the form of a cardboard blank (10), flat, and - in volume said cardboard blank (10) and its   flexible envelope (6) by a subsequent operation.   15. - Method according to claim 14, characterized in that it consists in closing the flexible envelope (6) around the rigid structure blank (1) by any suitable means adapted to the materials used and this by following the external contours of said blank. 16. - Method according to claim 15, characterized in that it consists in using an upper sheet and a lower sheet of material secured by   heat sealing by means of suitable heating forms.   17. - Method according to any one of   claims 15 or 16, characterized in that it comprises   a step of plating or securing the envelope   flexible (6) on the rigid structure (1).   18. - Method according to claim 17, characterized in that it consists in using a flexible envelope (6) charged with static electricity and applied to the   rigid structure (1) by means of a pressure roller.   19. - Method according to any one of   claims 15 to 18, characterized in that it consists   to close the flexible envelope (6) around the blank (10) of rigid structure following the outline of the orifices internal of said blank.   20. - Installation for the implementation of the process   according to any one of claims 13 to 19,   characterized in that it consists of: - material supply means intended to form the flexible envelope (6), - means for affixing and closing the flexible envelope (6) around the blank of material (10) or   rigid structure (1) set in volume.