| JP06122404 | BOXING DEVICE |
| JP2003327204 | BOXING APPARATUS FOR FILM PRODUCTS AND BOX BODIES |
| JP07172518 | PICKING METHOD |
MURILLO, Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Carrillos Bajo de Poás, Calle El Molino, Alajuela, CR)
VERMEERSCH, Birgit (Lange Lozanastraat 49, Antwerp, B-2018, BE)
MORALES, Karenlynn (Urbanizacion Chirripo Casa 8D, San Pablo, Heredia, CR)
MURILLO, Francisco Javier Rodriguez (Carrillos Bajo de Poás, Calle El Molino, Alajuela, CR)
VERMEERSCH, Birgit (Lange Lozanastraat 49, Antwerp, B-2018, BE)
| Claims 1 . Protective strip (1 ) for packaging a cluster of bananas (2) comprising a number of banana fingers (3) which are connected to each other by their crown (4), characterized in that: - the protective strip (1 ) is made of an elastic plastic material and comprises at least a first and a second segment (21 , 22), which are connected to each other, the first segment (21 ) having at least a first opening (1 1 ), the first opening (1 1 ) being delimited by a contour (14), the second segment (22) having means for fastening the second segment (22) to the crown (4) of the cluster of bananas (2); - whereby the second segment (22) is intended to extend along at least part of a convex side (7) of the cluster of bananas (2), and the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) is intended to surround all the banana fingers (3). 2. Protective strip (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the means for fastening the second segment (22) to the crown (4) is a second opening (12) in the second segment (22), which opening is intended to be applied around the crown (4) of the cluster of bananas (2). 3. Protective strip (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the protective strip (1 ) additionally comprises a third segment (23) connected to the first segment (21 ), the first segment (21 ) being located between the second and third segment (22, 23), the third segment (23) having at least a third opening (13), whereby the third segment (23) is provided to extend along at least part of a concave side (8) of the cluster of bananas (2), and the third opening (13) is provided to be applied around the crown (4) of the cluster of bananas (2). 4. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material has a tensile strain at break of more than 150%, preferably more than 200%, more preferably more than 300%, most preferable more than 400%, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527. 5. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material has a tensile stress at 50% strain of 1 - 30 MPa, preferably 2 - 20 MPa, more preferably of 4 - 10 MPa, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527. 6. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material is selected from the group of polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester. 7. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material is polyester urethane or polyether urethane. 8. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material is transparent. 9. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the elastic plastic material has a tensile stress at break of more than 20 MPa, preferably more than 40 MPa, more preferably more than 60M Pa, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527. 10. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the protective strip (1 ) has a thickness in the range of 10 - 250 micron, preferably 25 - 100 micron. 1 1 . Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the number of banana fingers in the cluster to be protected is predefined, and the first and second opening (1 1 , 12) of the protective strip (1 ) have a predefined size and geometry, and are located at a predefined distance from each other, whereby the size, geometry and distance are determined by the number of banana fingers (3) in the cluster (2) to be protected. 12. Protective strip (1 ) according to any one of to any one of the previous claims, characterized in that the number of fingers contained within the cluster is indicated numerically and in colour code on the protective strip. 13. Protected banana cluster comprising a protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 -12 and a banana cluster, whereby the first segment (21 ) is extended along at least part of a convex side (7) of the cluster of bananas (2), the second segment (22) is extended along at least part of a concave side (8) of the cluster of bananas (2), the contour of the first opening (14) is applied around all the banana fingers, and the first and second opening (1 1 , 12) are applied around the crown (4) of the cluster of bananas (2). 14. Method for applying a protective strip (1 ) according to any one of the claims 1 -12 to a cluster of bananas (2), the method comprising the following steps: a) enlarging the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) of the protective strip (1 ) to enable insertion of the cluster of bananas (2); b) positioning the protective strip (1 ) and the cluster of bananas (2) in such a way that the convex side (7) of the cluster (2) faces the second segment (22) of the protective strip (1 ), and the first segment (21 ) with the first opening (1 1 ) faces the tip (5) of the banana cluster (2); c) inserting all fingers (3) of the cluster (2) in the enlarged first opening (1 1 ); d) releasing the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) so as to envelop the cluster of bananas (2); e) stretching the second segment (22) of the protective strip (1 ), and applying it so as to face at least part of the convex side (7) of the cluster of bananas (2), and fastening the second segment (22) to the crown 4, using the fastening means. 15. Method for applying a protective strip (1 ) according to claim 14, whereby the means for fastening the second segment (22) to the crown (4) is a second opening (12) in the second segment (22), and the fastening of the second segment (22) to the crown (4) is performed by applying the second opening (12) around the crown (4) of the cluster (2). 16. Method for applying a protective strip (1 ) according to claim 15, whereby the protective strip (1 ) additionally comprises a third segment (23) connected to the first segment (21 ), the first segment (21 ) being located between the second and third segment (22, 23), the third segment (23) having at least a third opening (13), and whereby the positioning is performed such that additionally the concave side (8) of the cluster (2) faces the third segment (23) of the protective strip (1 ), and whereby the method comprises the step of stretching the third segment (23) of the protective strip (1 ), and applying it so as to face at least part of the concave side (8) of the cluster of bananas (2), and applying the third opening (13) around the crown (4) of the cluster (2). 17. Method according to any one of claims 14- 17, characterized in that said enlarging of the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) is performed by inserting a first and a second arm (31 , 32) in the first opening (1 1 ), and increasing a distance (d) between the first and second arm (31 , 32), and said releasing of the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) is performed by decreasing the distance (d) between the first and second arm (31 , 32). 18. Device (34) for applying a protective strip (1 ) to a cluster of bananas (2), according to any one of claims 1 -12, characterized in that the device (34) comprises: a) a first arm (31 ) and a second arm (32) positioned opposite to the first arm (31 ), the first arm (31 ) having a first extremity (41 ), the second arm (32) having a second extremity (42); b) the first and second extremities (41 , 42) being provided to carry the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ), and being positioned at a distance (d) from each other; c) the distance (d) between the extremities being variable so as to permit stretching of the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) to enable insertion of a cluster of bananas (2) in the enlarged first opening (1 1 ), or releasing the contour (14) of the first opening (1 1 ) to permit the contour (14) to envelop the cluster of bananas (2), and to remove the arms (31 , 32) from the first opening (1 1 ). 19. Device (34) according to claim 18, characterized in that the device (34) additionally comprises a table (35), whereto the arms (31 , 32) are mounted in an upright position, and whereby at least the second arm (32) is movably mounted with respect to the first arm (31 ) so as to enable the distance (d) between their extremities (41 , 42) to be variable. 20. Device (34) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the device additionally comprises a spring (33) having two ends, one end being connected to a position on the movable arm (32), the other end being connected to the other arm (31 ) or to a fixed position of the table (35), in such a way that the distance (d) is minimal when the string is compressed, and is enlarged when the spring (33) is stretched. 21 . Device (34) according to any one of claims 18-20, characterized in that the device (34) additionally comprises a pedal (37) and connecting means (38) for connecting the pedal (37) to the second arm (32) in such a way that a movement of the pedal causes a movement of the second arm (32). 22. Device (34) according to any one of claims 18-21 , characterized in that the device (34) additionally comprises a dispenser (36), for holding a plurality of protective strips (1 ), whereby the dispenser (36) is intended for receiving the second or third opening (12, 13) of the protective strip (1 ). |
APPLYING SAME
Technical field of the invention
This invention relates to a protective strip for packaging a cluster of bananas comprising a number of banana fingers which are connected to each other by the cluster crown. The invention also relates to a method and a device for applying the protective strip to a banana cluster.
Background of the invention
Bananas are well known eatable fruits that grow at banana plants in hanging hands. The total of hanging hands is known as a bunch, and the individual fruit is known as a banana or a "finger". A bunch of bananas is formed by hands of 10-20 fingers, and the hands are processed dividing them into clusters of 3-10 fingers for transportation in boxes to a wholesaler or retailer of the bananas. The fruit is typically sold in clusters of 3-10 fingers. Each individual fruit, known as a banana or 'finger', has a protective outer layer (skin) with a fleshy edible inner portion. The inner part can be eaten raw or cooked. Bananas are classified either as dessert bananas, referring to the soft, sweet yellow and fully ripe fruit when eaten, or as green cooking bananas. Bananas are cultivated throughout the tropics, and about 12% of the harvest is exported. Almost all export bananas are of the dessert types, with the United States and European Union being the dominant buyers. Many of these bananas thus need to be transported over long distances between the banana farms and the final store. End-customers selecting bananas in a store usually look for clusters with a specific number of bananas, and then usually select the cluster showing the least bruising. As bananas showing severe bruising often need to be sold at a lower price, or cannot be sold at all, it is important to minimize the amount of bruising that can occur, both during transportation and in the store.
WO2004106166 describes a banana packaging with a flexible but relatively inextensible binding that is securable around the banana fingers, such as a ribbon or an adhesive tape. To prevent the binding from shifting off the banana fingers during transport, part of the ribbon facing the bananas is covered with an adhesive. A disadvantage of this binding is that it is difficult to apply the right tension to the binding, so as to prevent the banana fingers from moving and rubbing against each other, without damaging the fruit.
Disclosure of the invention
It is an aim of the invention to provide a packaging for a banana cluster that limits the movement of the banana fingers against each other.
This aim is achieved according to the invention by a packaging according to claim 1.
As used herein, with "crown" of the banana cluster is meant the position on the banana cluster where the individual bananas are connected to each other.
As used herein, with "finger tips" of the banana cluster is meant the position on the banana cluster opposite to the crown.
As used herein, with "cluster of bananas" or "banana cluster" is meant the same.
Thereto the packaging of the invention is a protective strip for packaging a cluster of bananas comprising a number of banana fingers which are connected to each other by their crown, whereby the protective strip is made of an elastic plastic material and comprises at least a first and a second segment, which are connected to each other, the first segment having at least a first opening, the first opening being delimited by a contour, the second segment having means for fastening the second segment to the crown of the cluster of bananas; whereby the second segment is intended to extend along at least part of a convex side of the cluster of bananas, and the contour of the first opening is intended to surround all the banana fingers. By providing a strip of an elastic material and by applying the contour of the first opening around all the banana fingers, the fingers are bound together elastically with enough tension to prevent the bananas from rubbing against each other, but without damaging the bananas.
By using an elastic material, the tension applied to the bananas is limited and self-adjusting, and the tolerances on the dimensions of the banana clusters are automatically accounted for.
Because the crown of a banana cluster is strong, not eatable, and it is firmly connected to all the banana fingers of the cluster, it is an ideal location for fixing the second segment, at minimal risk for damaging the bananas.
By securing the position of the protective strip as described above, and the fact that the material is elastic, the second segment of the packaging can be easily applied, and is kept well in position e.g. during transport, thereby avoiding the need for an adhesive. In the unlikely case that a banana finger would shift, the packaging automatically adjusts itself to minimize the chance for further shift.
By applying the second segment along the convex side of the cluster of bananas, protection is provided over a large area of the banana fingers, while at the same time being sufficiently open to allow air circulation. This way the back of the bananas is protected against friction of other bananas. By the way bananas are typically packed in a box, it is mainly the convex side of the bananas that are in touch with the tips of the other clusters. Since the convex side is now covered by the protective strip, the cluster is less fragile.
When stacking several clusters of bananas on top of each other, the elastic strip also functions as a membrane between the clusters, thereby absorbing shocks during transport or manipulations, especially in the cavities between the banana fingers.
In a preferred embodiment, the means for fastening the second segment to the crown is a second opening in the second segment, which opening is intended to be applied around the crown of the cluster of bananas.
By providing a second opening of the protective strip as a means for fastening the position of the protective strip, the need for other connection means such as strap can be avoided. By applying the second opening around the crown of the banana cluster, the packaging can be easily removed from the cluster by the consumer without the need for tools such as a knife or scissors, thereby again reducing the risk of damaging the bananas.
Preferably the protective strip additionally comprises at least a third segment connected to the first segment, the first segment being located between the second and third segment, the third segment having at least a third opening, whereby the third segment is provided to extend along at least part of a concave side of the cluster of bananas, and the third opening is provided to be applied around the crown of the cluster of bananas.
By applying the second and third segment as described above, a kind of sleeve is formed around a portion of the cluster of bananas, both on the convex side and the concave side, being sufficiently open to allow air circulation. Because the second and third segment are connected to the first segment, and the second and third segment are elastically secured around the crown of the cluster, the contour of the first opening is also indirectly elastically connected to the crown of the cluster. As the outer diameter of the banana cluster is largest around the middle of the cluster, and as the contour of the first opening is applied at a distance from the crown further than the middle of the cluster, movement of the first opening in the direction of the crown is counteracted by the contour which would need to be enlarged against the elastic tension of the contour, and movement of the first opening in the opposite direction towards the banana tips is counteracted by an increased tension of the elastic material in the second and third segment. Therefore the protective strip is kept in a very stable position, and the risk that a banana finger would shift is highly reduced. In the unlikely case that a finger would shift, the elasticity of the packaging automatically adjusts itself to minimize any further shift. Therefore the risk that banana fingers can move or shift is minimized, and so is the damage caused by this movement. From the above description it is also clear that the risk that the package of the invention would shift off the banana cluster is negligible.
In a preferred embodiment the elastic plastic material has a tensile strain at break of more than 150%, preferably more than 200%, more preferably more than 300%, most preferable more than 400%, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527.
The inventor has surprisingly found that by using a strip of an elastic material with a tensile strain at break of more than 150%, sufficient elongation can be achieved for applying the packaging, while the risk of damaging the cluster of bananas is minimal because the tension exerted upon the bananas is very controllable and changes very gradually with increased elongation. Such risk can even be further reduced when using a material with a tensile strain at break of more than 200% or even 300%, and the risk is negligible when using an elastic material with a tensile strain at break of more than 400%. Using a plastic material with a large elongation also allows the protective strip to fit different sizes of bananas without harming the fruit.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a method for applying a protective strip as described above to a cluster of bananas. This aim is achieved with a method comprising the following steps: a) enlarging the contour of the first opening of the protective strip to enable insertion of the cluster of bananas; b) positioning the protective strip and the cluster of bananas in such a way that the convex side of the cluster faces the second segment of the protective strip, and the first segment with the first opening faces the tip of the banana cluster; c) inserting all fingers of the cluster in the enlarged first opening; d) releasing the contour of the first opening so as to envelop the cluster of bananas; e) stretching the second segment of the protective strip, and applying it so as to face at least part of the convex side of the cluster of bananas, and fastening the second segment to the crown, using the fastening means.
By enlarging the contour of the first opening, the insertion of the cluster of bananas can be applied without the bananas experiencing any tension of the strip during the insertion. This limits the amount of unwanted rubbing over the banana surface, and allows the personnel to concentrate on the positioning of the cluster and the protective strip, and to the fact that all of the banana fingers are inserted in the first opening. By fastening the second segment to the crown after the first opening is applied around the banana fingers, and due to the fact that the crown is a strong and non eatable part of the cluster, the fastening of the protective strip comes at minimal risk for damaging the bananas in the cluster.
In a preferred embodiment of the method described above, the means for fastening the second segment to the crown is a second opening in the second segment, and the fastening of the second segment to the crown is performed by applying the second opening around the crown of the cluster.
By applying the second opening around the crown of the cluster, acting as a protruding element of the banana cluster, the mounting of the second segment of the protective strip is performed very fast, thus saving time and money, and the risk of the protective strip coming loose is negligible.
It is also an aim of the present invention to provide a device for applying such a protective strip to a cluster of bananas. This aim is achieved with a device comprising a) a first arm and a second arm positioned opposite to the first arm, the first arm having a first extremity, the second arm having a second extremity; b) the first and second extremities being provided to carry the contour of the first opening, and being positioned at a distance d from each other; c) the distance d between the extremities being variable so as to permit stretching of the contour of the first opening to enable insertion of a cluster of bananas in the enlarged first opening, or releasing the contour of the first opening to permit the contour to envelop the cluster of bananas, and to remove the arms from the first opening.
By using such a device, the stretching of the contour of the first opening is largely facilitated, and the elongation of the contour of the first opening can be limited. Brief description of the drawings
The invention is further elucidated in the appending figures and figure description. Note that the figures are not drawn to the scale. The figures are intended to describe the principles of the invention.
Fig 1 A shows a preferred embodiment of a protective strip for a cluster of six banana fingers according to the invention, the protective strip having two segments, each segment having an opening. Fig 1 B shows a preferred embodiment of a protective strip for a cluster of three banana fingers according to the invention, the protective strip having three segments, each segment having an opening.
Fig 1 C shows a preferred embodiment of a protective strip for a cluster of six banana fingers according to the invention, the protective strip having three segments, each segment having an opening.
Fig 2A shows a perspective view to an unprotected banana cluster with 3 banana fingers.
Fig 2B shows a perspective view of a cluster of six banana fingers whereto the protective strip of Fig 1 A is applied.
Fig 2C and 2D show a perspective view of a cluster of six banana fingers whereto the protective strip of Fig 1 C is applied.
Fig 3 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device for applying the protective strip, according to the present invention.
Fig 4A shows a front view to the device of Fig 3, whereby the arms are in a contracted position.
Fig 4B shows a front view to the device of Fig 3, whereby the arms are in an extended position.
Fig 5A-5D show a side view to the device of Fig 3 used to apply the protective strip of Fig 1 B to a cluster of three bananas, according to the invention.
Fig 6A shows a specific example of the size, geometry and dimensions of the protective strip of Fig 1 B for a cluster of three bananas.
Fig 6B shows a specific example of the size, geometry and dimensions of the protective strip of Fig 1 C for a cluster of six bananas.
Fig 7A shows a side view of a typical arrangement for packing the protected banana clusters in a shipment box.
Fig 7B shows a top view of a partially filled typical arrangement for packing the protected banana clusters in a shipment box.
Fig 8 shows another example of a protective strip for a cluster of six banana fingers according to the invention, the protective strip having two segments, each segment having an opening. Fig 9 show a perspective view of a cluster of six banana fingers whereto the protective strip of Fig 8 is applied.
Fig 10a and 10b show another example of a protective strip for a cluster of six banana fingers according to the invention, the protective strip having two segments, each segment having an opening.
Fig 1 1 shows a perspective view of a cluster of six banana fingers whereto the protective strip of Fig 10b is applied.
Figure 2A shows a typical unprotected cluster 2 of bananas, containing three bananas 3, whereby the individual fingers 3 are connected at one side of the cluster 2, further called the crown 4 of the cluster 2, the opposite side of the cluster is further called the tip 5 of the cluster. The Individual bananas 3 typically have a longitudinal but curved shape, and a banana cluster 2 typically has a convex side 7, and a concave side 8. The size and geometry of individual bananas 3 within a cluster 2 can vary over wide tolerances, e.g. up to 50%, and can vary even more when comparing different clusters containing the same number of bananas fingers.
The inventor has found that bruising is typically caused by external pressure exerted upon the banana fingers during manipulation, or by rubbing of the fingers against each other or against other objects. When all precautions are taken to guarantee gentle treatment of the banana clusters e.g. when packing the clusters in boxes, or to prevent movement of the banana clusters in the boxes during transportation, the bruising that still needs to be prevented is the rubbing of the banana fingers of a cluster against each other, or to the fingers of other clusters, and to minimize the amount of manipulations in the store, not only by personnel, but also by the final consumers.
The invention presents a protective strip 1 for packaging a cluster of bananas 2 comprising a number of banana fingers 3 which are connected to each other by their crown 4, whereby the protective strip 1 is made of an elastic plastic material and comprises at least a first and a second segment 21 , 22, which are connected to each other, the first segment 21 having at least a first opening 1 1 , the first opening 1 1 being delimited by a contour 14, the second segment 22 having means for fastening the second segment 22 to the crown 4 of the cluster of bananas 2; whereby the second segment 22 is intended to extend along at least part of a convex side 7 of the cluster of bananas 2, and the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 is intended to surround all the banana fingers 3. Preferably the means for fastening the second segment 22 to the crown 4 is a second opening 12 in the second segment 22, which opening is intended to be applied around the crown 4 of the cluster of bananas 2.
Fig 1A shows such a protective strip 1 with an opening 12 as the means for fastening the second segment 22, but the person skilled in the art can also use other connecting means (not shown), such as for example one or more ribbons glued or welded to the protective strip 1 of the invention. Fig 1A shows a protective strip 1 with a print for a cluster of six banana fingers, but the protective strip 1 can also be used for clusters with another number of banana fingers, for example: two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or ten banana fingers. Fig 2B show a perspective view of a cluster of six banana fingers (3) whereto the protective strip 1 of Fig 1A is applied.
The shape of the second opening 12 is preferably circular, as this fits best around the crown 4. The shape of the first opening 1 1 can also be a circle or an ellips, but is preferably an oblong figure with rounded edges. The inventor has found that a protective strip 1 with an oblong first opening 1 1 fits better around the banana cluster 2, and results in a packaging with less ruffles or distortions as compared to a protective strip 1 with a circular first opening 1 1 . This is shown in Fig 9. Fig 9 also shows that the width of the protective strip according to the invention need not be constant.
Fig 10a shows another example of a protective strip 1 according to the invention, whereby the second segment 22 is a single layer, and segment 21 is a double layer, having two sub-segments 21 a and 21 b, connected to each other at two edges, by gluing or stitching or welding or any other technique known to the person skilled in the art. The two sub-segments of segment 21 form an opening 1 1 with a contour 14, and also form a further opening with a contour 14b having a larger perimeter. Due to its trapezoidal shape, the first segment 21 can be shaped as a funnel, whereby the opening 1 1 acts as the mouth of the funnel, wherein the fingers 3 of a banana cluster 2 can be inserted, as shown in Fig 1 1. Due to the shape of the funnel the tension exerted upon the bananas fingers 3 for keeping them together and preventing them from rubbing is now divided over the entire area of the first segment 21 , thereby reducing the risk for damaging the bananas 3.
In a further preferred embodiment, the protective strip 1 additionally comprises a third segment 23 connected to the first segment 21 , the first segment 21 being located between the second and third segment 22, 23, the third segment 23 having at least a third opening 13, whereby the third segment 23 is provided to extend along at least part of a concave side 8 of the cluster of bananas 2, and the third opening 13 is provided to be applied around the crown 4 of the cluster of bananas 2. Such a protective strip 1 is shown in Fig 1 B for a cluster of three banana fingers, and in Fig 1 C for a cluster of six banana fingers, but the invention can also be used for other numbers, for example two, four, five, seven, eight, nine or ten banana fingers 3. Figures 2C and 2D show examples of banana clusters 2 protected by such a protective strip 1 having three segments 21 , 22, 23 and three openings 1 1 , 12, 13.
In a preferred embodiment the elastic plastic material has a tensile strain at break of more than 150%, preferably more than 200%, more preferably more than 300%, most preferable more than 400%, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527. Another advantage of using a material with such a high elongation is that a protective strip 1 with dimensions (e.g. the distance between the first and second opening 1 1 , 12) suited for being applied around a cluster of e.g. five banana fingers, can also be used for a cluster with e.g. six banana fingers. The higher the tensile strain at break, the higher the allowed variation of the number of banana fingers 3 for a protective strip 1 with given dimensions. For example when using a material with a tensile strain at break of more than 300%, the same protective strip 1 as mentioned in the example above could e.g. be used for clusters of six, seven or eight banana fingers.
The inventor has surprisingly found that an elastic plastic material having a tensile stress at 50% strain of 1 - 30 MPa, preferably 2 - 20 MPa, more preferably of 4 - 10 MPa, measured according to DIN EN ISO 527, provides a suitable tension that is high enough for holding the bananas 3 together and preventing them from moving or rubbing, and low enough to prevent damaging the bananas 3 because of the tension. As used herein, with "tensile stress at 50% strain" is meant the tensile stress recorded at 50% strain.
The elastic plastic material is preferably selected from the group of polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester.
More preferably the elastic plastic material is polyester urethane or polyether urethane. The inventor has found that this material lends itself very well for this packaging application, mainly due to its capacity to recover its original size after being subjected to considerable elongations without showing any permanent deformation once it is released from the applied tension. The inventor has also found that the edge of a protective strip made of this material is soft, so it cannot harm other clusters. In addition, this material has good microbial resistance, it is transparent, and can be printed upon.
Preferably the elastic plastic material is transparent, to allow the potential customer to view the amount of bruising without actually touching the cluster 2, thus reducing the amount of manipulations in the store.
The inventor has surprisingly found that an elastic plastic material having a tensile stress at break of more than 20 MPa, preferably more than 40 MPa provides sufficient strength to the protective strip 1 to minimize the chance of unwanted breaking when applying the protective strip 1 around the cluster 2.
The protective strip 1 preferably has a thickness in the range of 10 - 250 micron, more preferably 25 - 100 micron. The thickness can for example be 25, 50, 75 or 100 micron, but other thicknesses can be applied as well, for example 20, 40, 60 or 80 micron. The person skilled in the art could choose the thickness in combination with the dimensions and geometry of the strip, so as to achieve an optimal tension for keeping the banana fingers together preventing them from moving or rubbing, while not damaging them because of too much pressure exerted upon them. In a preferred embodiment of the protective strip 1 according to the invention, the number of banana fingers 3 in the cluster 2 to be protected is predefined, and the first and second opening 1 1 , 12 of the protective strip 1 have a predefined size and geometry, and are located at a predefined distance from each other, whereby the size, geometry and distance are determined by the number of banana fingers 3 in the cluster 2 to be protected.
Figure 6A and 6B show two specific examples of protective strips 1 according to the invention for a cluster 2 of three and six bananas respectively. The invention is however not limited to these specific examples, and the invention will also work with other sizes, dimensions or geometries, whereby the dimensions can for example vary in a range of 50% - 150% of the dimensions indicated in Fig 6A and 6B. The person skilled in the art could choose different dimensions for each different number of banana fingers 3 in a cluster 2, or could decide to use a same set of dimensions for two or more clusters 2 with a different amount of fingers 3. For economical reasons he could for example decide to use the example of Fig 6B both for a cluster of five and six banana fingers 3.
In order to reduce the amount of handling in the store, the number of banana fingers 3 contained within the cluster 2 is preferably indicated numerically and in colour code on the protective strip 1 . This indication allows the consumer to make a selection on a cluster 2 of bananas based upon the number of fingers 3 contained within that cluster 2 which is indicated on the protective strip 1 , without having to grab the cluster of bananas or without having to move the different fingers 3 with respect to each other in order to count its number. This fact reduces the amount of handling that the cluster 2 of bananas receives in the store reducing the effects of bruising, which improves quality for the consumer. Figures 1A, 1 B and 1 C show examples of how such a numerical indication can be implemented on the protective strip 1 . In these examples the number of bananas 3 contained in the cluster 2 is indicated four times, and in four different directions, around the second or third opening 12, 13, but other locations and orientations can be used as well. The number of banana fingers can also be indicated in colour code. For example the colours red, green, orange and purple can be used for a cluster of three, four, five and six bananas respectively, but the person skilled in the art can use other colour codes as well. Preferably this indication is printed on the protective strip 1 , but other ways to indicate the number are also possible, e.g. by an adhesive label.
The invention also relates to a protected banana cluster comprising a protective strip 1 as described above and a banana cluster, whereby the first segment 21 is extended along at least part of a convex side 7 of the cluster of bananas, the second segment 22 is extended along at least part of a concave side 8 of the cluster of bananas, the contour of the first opening 14 is applied around all the banana fingers, and the first and second opening 1 1 , 12 are applied around the crown 4 of the cluster of bananas 2. Examples hereof are shown in Figures 2B-2D, 9 and 1 1 .
The invention also provides a method for applying a protective strip 1 as described above, to a cluster of bananas, the method comprising the following steps: a) enlarging the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 of the protective strip 1 to enable insertion of the cluster of bananas 2; b) positioning the protective strip 1 and the cluster of bananas 2 in such a way that the convex side 7 of the cluster 2 faces the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 , and the first segment 21 with the first opening 1 1 faces the tip 5 of the banana cluster 2; c) inserting all fingers 3 of the cluster 2 in the enlarged first opening 1 1 ; d) releasing the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 so as to envelop the cluster of bananas 2; e) stretching the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 , and applying it so as to face at least part of the convex side 7 of the cluster of bananas 2, and fastening the second segment 22 to the crown 4, using the fastening means. The steps need not be executed in their alphabetical order, with "inserting the banana fingers in the first opening" is also meant applying the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 around the banana fingers 3, and essential to the positioning of the protective strip 1 and the cluster 2 is the ultimate position of the protective strip 1 on the banana cluster
2, not any intermediate steps, and one or more steps might be executed simultaneously. The following example describes an example of a method for applying the protective strip of Fig 1A to a cluster of bananas manually, according to the invention. First a banana cluster 2 is placed on top of a table, with the convex side 7 of the cluster 2 touching the top of the table, and the crown 4 and tip 5 of the cluster 2 being directed upwards, away from the table. Next the protective strip 1 of Fig 1A is placed on the table in such way that the first opening 1 1 is facing the tip 5 of the bananas, and the second opening is pointing away from the banana cluster 2. Next the opening 1 1 is enlarged by holding and stretching opposite sides of the first segment 21 near the first opening, and shifting the enlarged contour 14 over the tips of the banana fingers such that all banana fingers of the cluster are inserted in the first opening 1 1 . Then the contour 14 is gently released so that it envelopes the banana fingers 3. Then the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 is directed towards the convex side 7 of the cluster, and is stretched so that the second opening 12 can be applied over the crown 4 of the cluster 2, thereby securing the position of the protective strip 1 on the cluster.
A second example of a method for applying a protective strip 1 to a banana cluster 2 according to the invention is described next. Figs 5A - 5D show how the protective strip 1 of Fig 1 B can be applied to a banana cluster 2 using the device 34 of Fig 3. The person skilled in the art can easily adapt the method for applying other strips according to the invention. The starting position is where a number of protective strips 1 are mounted on the dispenser 36 and the pedal 37 of the device 34 is released, so that the spring 33 pulls the extremities 41 , 42 of the arms 31 , 32 towards each other, thereby minimizing the distance d between them. Next a protective strip 1 is shifted towards a front position of the dispenser 36, and the first opening 1 1 of the strip 1 is applied over the extremities 41 , 42 of the arms 31 , 32, leaving the second segment 22 hanging between the dispenser 36 and the arms 31 , 32, and leaving the third segment 23 hanging in front of the arms 31 , 32. This situation is shown in Fig 5a. Next the pedal 37 is pressed, so that the second arm 32 is tilted away from the first arm 31 , thereby increasing the distance d between the arms 31 , 32 and enlarging the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 applied around the arms 31 , 32. Next a cluster 2 of bananas 3 is positioned and oriented in such a way that the convex side 7 of the cluster 2 is oriented towards the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 , and the concave side 8 of the cluster 2 is oriented towards the third segment 23 of the protective strip 1 , and all fingers 3 of the cluster 2 are inserted in the enlarged first opening 1 1 between the arms 31 , 32 in such a way that for example one third of the length of the banana fingers 3 extends below the first opening 1 1 , and two third of the length of the banana fingers 3 extends above the first opening 1 1 . This situation is shown in Fig 5b. Then the pedal 37 is gently released, and due to the spring 33 and the elasticity of the protective strip 1 , also the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 is released so as to envelop the banana fingers 3 in the cluster 2. Next, as shown in Fig 5C, the second opening 12 is removed from the dispenser 36, the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 is stretched towards the crown 4 and is applied in such a way as to face the convex side 7 of the cluster of bananas 2, where after the second opening 12 is applied around the crown 4 of the cluster 2 to secure the position of the second segment 22. Then the third segment 23 of the protective strip 1 is stretched towards the crown 4 and applied so as to face the concave side 8 of the cluster of bananas 2, and the third opening 13 is applied around the crown 4 of the cluster 2 to secure the position of the third segment 23. This situation is shown in Fig 5d. Finally, the protected cluster 2 can be removed from the device 34 by gently shifting it upwards so that the arms 31 , 32 are removed out of the first opening 1 1 . It should be noted however that the protective strip 1 can also be applied using other devices, or even manually.
In an alternative embodiment of the method just described, and starting from the situation in Fig 5b, the third segment 23 can be applied to the concave side 8 of the banana cluster before applying the second segment 22 to the convex side of the cluster.
The protective strip of Fig 10b can be also applied to a banana cluster 2 using the device 34 of Fig 3. Similarly as described above, the strip can be mounted to the dispenser 36 using its second opening 12, the first opening 1 1 is shifted over the arms 31 , 32 and the distance d between the extremities of the arms is increased so as to enlarge the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 . Then a banana cluster 2 is positioned in such a way that the convex side 7 of the cluster faces the second segment 22 of the protective strip 1 , all fingers 3 of the cluster 2 are inserted in the first opening 1 1 , and the contour 14 is released so that the first opening 1 1 envelopes the cluster. In this case in fact the entire first segment 21 envelopes the cluster. Then the second segment 22 is stretched in a similar way as shown in Fig 5C, the second opening 12 is applied to the crown 4, and the protected cluster is removed from the device 34 by gently shifting it upwards so that the arms 31 , 32 are removed out of the first opening 1 1 .
Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of a device 34 for applying the protective strip 1 to a banana cluster 2. The device 34 comprises: a) a first arm 31 and a second arm 32 positioned opposite to the first arm 31 , the first arm 31 having a first extremity 41 , the second arm 32 having a second extremity 42; b) the first and second extremities 41 , 42 being provided to carry the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 , and being positioned at a distance d from each other; c) the distance d between the extremities being variable so as to permit stretching of the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 to enable insertion of a cluster of bananas 2 in the enlarged first opening 1 1 , or releasing the contour 14 of the first opening 1 1 to permit the contour 14 to envelop the cluster of bananas 2, and to remove the arms 31 , 32 from the first opening 1 1 .
Preferably the arms 31 , 32 have rounded edges at their sides and at their extremities 41 , 42 in order to minimize the risk of damaging bananas 3 when accidentally touching the arms 31 , 32. Optionally the device 34 has dimming means (not shown) to prevent the arms 31 , 32 from moving too fast, thereby potentially damaging the banana cluster 2 placed between the arms 31 , 32. Optionally a strip of a soft material, e.g. a rubber or a foaming material is applied on an inner side of the arms 31 , 32 facing the banana cluster, so that the force applied by the arms for holding the bananas 3 is divided over a large area in order to minimize the pressure exerted upon the bananas 3, and reducing the risk of damaging them. By providing a pure mechanical device with a minimal amount of movable parts, the risk for device defects is reduced. This is especially important when using such a device 34 in banana plantations.
Preferably the device 34 also comprises a table 35, whereto the arms 31 , 32 are mounted in an upright position, and whereby at least the second arm 32 is movably mounted with respect to the first arm 31 so as to enable the distance d between their extremities 41 , 42 to be variable. In Fig 3 the first arm 31 is fixedly mounted to the table 35, and the second arm 32 is hingingly mounted to the table 35. In an alternative embodiment both arms 31 , 32 are hingingly mounted to the table. In an alternative embodiment the arms 31 , 32 are movably mounted and can be shifted towards each other or away from each other.
Preferably the device 34 comprises a spring (33) having two ends, one end being connected to a position on the movable arm (32), the other end being connected to the other arm (31 ) or to a fixed position of the table (35), in such a way that the distance (d) is minimal when the string is compressed, and is enlarged when the spring (33) is stretched. Using a mechanical spring 33 instead of a pneumatic or electric actuator allows the device 34 to be used in locations without electricity. The person skilled in the art should design the spring 33 so that its force is weak enough in order not to damage the bananas 3 between the arms 31 , 32. In an alternative embodiment the spring 33 can also be connected between the second arm 32 and the table 35. In an alternative embodiment, the spring 33 is applied on the outside of the arms 31 , 32, pushing the arms 31 , 32 towards each other. Optionally (not shown) the device 34 could have means to limit the maximal displacement of the second arm 32, in order to prevent damage to the protective strip 1 , or to limit the elongation of the spring 33.
Preferably the device 34 further comprises a pedal (37) and connecting means (38) for connecting the pedal (37) to the second arm (32) in such a way that a movement of the pedal causes a movement of the second arm (32). This way the personnel using the device 34 have both hands free for applying the protective strip 1 around the banana cluster 2.
For ergonomic reasons, the device 34 preferably comprises a dispenser 36 for holding a plurality of protective strips 1 , whereby the dispenser 36 is intended for receiving the second or third opening 12, 13 of the protective strip 1 . The dispenser can be used to store a plurality of protective strips 1 , but can also be used while applying the protective strip 1 to the banana cluster 2, as shown in Fig 5A where it can help to prevent shifting the first opening 1 1 of the protective strip 1 too deep over the arms 31 , 32.
Fig 7A and 7B show a typical arrangement of banana clusters 2 packed in a box 25 for shipment. Because of the way the banana clusters 2 are typically packed, it is mainly the convex side 8 of the bananas 2 that are in touch with the tips 5 of the other clusters 2. Thanks mainly to the second segment, and the fact that the protective strip 1 cannot be shifted off the cluster 2, good protection is provided to the bananas 3 against friction of other bananas 3 in the box 25. Like in the regular boxes, there is typically also a paper tunnel pad surrounded by a plastic bag and/or plastic tunnel pad in between the different lines of bananas to avoid scarring between the different clusters 2 within one box 25.