PACKAGING DEVICE , IN PARTICULAR PACKAGING MATERIAL FOR PACKAGING A PRODUCT , A METHOD OF PACKAGING ONE OR MORE PRODUCTS AND USE OF PACKAGING MATERIAL

The invention relates to a packaging device, in particular packaging material, that is suitable for packaging a product. The invention also relates to a method for packaging products. The invention also relates to the use of a packaging material for packaging products. The invention also concerns a shock absorbing device and the use of a thermoformed product as a shock absorbing device. The invention also concerns the use of a thermoformed product as a filling device. Safely packaging products, and particularly fragile products, is problematic.

Various packaging devices have been suggested in the past for packaging these fragile products. For this, materials were used that are soft and/or elastic. The product can be packaged in the material by applying one or several layers of the material around the product. 5 The product can also be included in a chamber, e.g. in a box, wherein the product will then be surrounded by elastic material. The space in the chamber can be filled up. It is also possible to use a tight outer packaging in order to absorb shocks. With these systems, it is usually ^" the case that the packaging is pre-shaped, taking into account the final product that has to be packaged. 0 From US 3,575,781 , included here by means of reference, a wrapping is known that is produced by means of thermoforming. The wrapping comprises a sheet of plastic onto which protruding parts have been formed that is intended for resting on the product to be packaged. The protruding parts have been formed with a regular distance between them. This material can be inserted between layers of cardboard as an impact5 absorbing element.

From FR 2 816 923, included here by means of reference, we know of a packaging in which a product can be rolled up.

Current product packaging methods have the disadvantage that they are not suitable for quickly and safely packaging a large number of products, particularly when the individual products have a large variety of shapes. Another disadvantage are the high costs for compounding a suitable material for protecting products, particularly for packaging fragile products with a packaging material. The costs for devices absorbing shocks in order to protect fragile products are high as well.

Products can be protected by including the products in an outer packaging, such as a cardboard container (e.g. a bottle box) or a tin (e.g. a round metal bottle tin). In such outer packagings a filling can be included in order to fill the space between a product, e.g. a bottle, and the outer packaging. For this, paper materials are used. It is an object of the invention to solve at least one of the problems of current protective products, particularly packaging materials. According to one aspect, a protective device is provided for a product, in particular a packaging material that can be used to protect products quickly and simply, mainly products with different shapes. According to a first aspect of the invention, a protective device, in particular a packaging device, is provided that is suitable for packaging a product. The protective device, in particular the packaging material, is formed from a thermoformable sheet. By using a thermoforming treatment, various contact elements are formed in the sheet. Thermoforming is a simple technique and therefore results in cheap packaging material. After hardening, the contact elements are deformable. In utilized condition, the contact elements are facing the product and two or more adjacent contact elements are brought in deformable contact with the product.

The deformable contact of the packaging material's contact elements with the product to be packaged, is what distinguishes this invention from the currently known systems for packaging products. The deformability of the contact elements allows them to form themselves in relation to the surface they are lying against. The contact elements protrude with a pre-determined distance from a first side of the sheet. Packaging material built up like this can be brought in a utilized condition and can be applied around a product at least partly.

In a utilized condition, the first side of the sheet is located at a distance from the product. The first side forms the external outer packaging of the packaged product. The convex side of the drawn contact elements are in contact with at least parts of their ends on the product to be packaged. Because the first side is at a distance from the ends of the contact elements lying against the product, a wrinkle zone is formed. As the contact elements are deformable (being protruding parts drawn in the sheet by means of thermoforming), the contact elements can deform in the space created without submitting the product to great pressure.

Preferably, the drawn contact elements created by means of thermoforming are arranged as a shock absorbing device. Due to the deformability of the drawn parts,

shocks can be absorbed on a first side of the sheet. The parts created by means of thermoforming can deform in utilized condition and can return to their original shape after removing the product. The original dome shape can be restored.

In one embodiment of the invention a shock absorbing device is provided that comprises at least two or more contact elements created by thermoforming that protrude from the sheet with a pre-determined distance. Such shock absorbing device or protective device can be manufactured at low costs.

Another application of the sheet according to the invention is the use of the sheet as filling up material, e.g. as filling in a chamber, in a box for instance. This application will advantageously apply the shock absorbing characteristic. Particularly, it is possible to roll up the sheet. This will further increase the beneficial characteristics. The sheet, whether rolled up or not, is preferably placed between various products in a single chamber. In this way the shock absorbing material will function as filling up material, so that motion of a product in relation to other products is dampened, and the product cannot break by colliding against another product.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sheet - particularly the packaging material or the packaging device - further comprises an outer packaging. This outer packaging will form the external packaging of the packaging material, wherein the product is included in the outer packaging. In one embodiment the outer packaging comprises a substantially fixed shape and is provided with a chamber, in which the product can be placed. The packaging device comprises the chamber, in which the product can be placed, wherein the packaging material created by means of thermoforming is also included in the chamber and functions as a shock absorbing device. The thermoformable sheet can also be included in the chamber of the outer packaging.

In a utilized condition of a packaging device in accordance with the invention, the thermoformable sheet is included in the outer packaging and is partly wrapped by that outer packaging. As the sheet is folded in the utilized condition, an inclusion space is created. In utilized condition, a product can be placed in the inclusion space and will then deform the contact elements. The inclusion space is accessible through, for instance, an open side of the outer packaging, e.g. through a closable opening. The outer packaging may be able to ensure that the packaging material is kept in a condition of use. In addition, it is relatively simple to package a product in a packaging material

using a outer packaging. For instance, it is possible to put the packaging material in the outer packaging on beforehand, and only then package the product in the packaging material. The product is pushed as it were in the previously rolled packaging material. This way, the packaging material does not need to be wound around the product. Also, the packaging material does not need to be unwound from the product, when unpacking the product. This reduces the chances of the user dropping the products from his hands when packing or unpacking the product. In this way the product can easily, quickly and safely be both packed and unpacked.

When a product is placed in the inclusion space, the first side of the sheet can rest on an inner side of the outer packaging. In this way, the product can be kept in its place with some force.

An example of an outer packaging in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is, for instance, a box or a case. On the wall parts in the chamber, preferably in the corners between the wall parts, packaging material parts created by means of thermoforming are applied. Preferably, the first side of the sheet is attached to the wall parts. As a result, the contact elements protrude towards the inside of the chamber. Between the inward protruding contact elements, a product can be placed. Placing the product will lead to deformation of part of the contact elements, as a result of which the contact elements will tightly lie against the product to be packaged. The product is fixed. The outer packaging will form a hard outer packaging that can absorb impacts, while the contact elements created by means of thermoforming also function as shock absorbing device.

The contact elements of the packaging material provided with an outer packaging, can face the centre of that outer packaging. The packaging material, for instance, can be provided on a surface of the box. The product can be placed between the inward protruding contact parts. It is also possible to slide the product between the contact parts, through an opening in the box, e.g. when packaging a wine bottle in a suitable box. Another option is to apply the packaging material in the corner points of the box. Due to this, a product that is smaller in size in relation to the box, will lie in the box against the deformable contact elements, as a result of which the product is rigidly positioned in relation to the box. Additionally, it is also possible to place the packaging material loosely in the outer packaging, without attaching it to a wall of the outer packaging. In this way, the packaging material can easily be re-used, by removing it

from the outer packaging and placing it in another outer packaging. It is possible to make the deformable contact elements relatively rigid, for example by making the contact element thicker, or by providing the contact element with ridges, allowing it to have a damping and elastic effect. This will dampen the motions of the box, assuring that the product will be safely stored in the box.

One objective of the invention is to further increase the safety during transport of products included in an outer packaging. This objective is realized with the embodiment in accordance with claim 1, leading to a number of benefits as described above. By using a thermoformable sheet as inner packaging of an outer packaging, the product can be stored far better in the chamber of the outer packaging and in the inclusion space of the sheet in utilized condition.

Preferably, the cross-section of the outer packaging comprises an angle. The outer packaging could be a bottle container, substantially formed as a beam shape. The bottle container is, for instance, elongated and has a substantially rectangular cross- section. The cross-section of the outer packaging has an angle. Preferably, the sheet has at least two strips with contact elements. In a utilized condition the strips can be folded towards each other, wherein the strips in the utilized condition substantially form the legs of the outer packaging' s angle. This results in a packaging device, wherein a product included in the packaging device deforms the contact elements and pushes them towards the corner. This will strengthen the form of the outer packaging. The outer packaging' s shape will retain its form more.

Preferably, the contact elements of adjacent strips of contact elements are resting on each other in the utilized condition. As a result the contact elements are additionally strengthened on the location where they are resting on each other. This will lead to local strengthening of the thermoformable sheet and in one preferred embodiment, a product included in the packaging device will rest even more on the corners of the outer packaging, as a result of which the outer packaging will retain its form even more.

In a further preferred embodiment the sheet is formed with a crest. In the utilized condition, this crest protrudes between the open side of the outer packaging and the inclusion space of the product. The crest is arranged in such a way that a product is partly confined in the inclusion space. The crest can deform and allows the inclusion of the product in the inclusion space. The crest obstructs the free removal of the product from the inclusion space with a certain threshold. The crest protects the product, for

instance, against falling out of the inclusion space. This safety feature is very advantageous in packaging devices that have been arranged as displays, like wine cases for instance. The crest may be able to prevent a rotation of the product in the inclusion space. The crest may be in contact with the product, leading to a certain fπctional force, which prevents a rotation of the product. In this way, it is possible to position a product, such as a bottle of wine with a label, in a certain way in the inclusion space, such that a certain part of the product, such as the label of the wine bottle, is facing the direction of the opening. A user will be able to see that part of the product, such as for instance the label of the wine bottle, well. Preferably, the packaging material is made in such a way that it releases its form.

A nestable version makes sure that the packaging material is stackable, as a result of which it takes up little space when stored.

The form of the contact elements is preferably dome-shaped, i.e. the contact elements are provided with a wide basis and become narrower towards the top. The contact elements do not have to be round. At the top, the contact element may form a tip, a line or a surface, which makes contact with the surface against which the contact element is lying.

The contact elements are preferably elastic with a certain capacity of recovery. An embodiment like this will make sure that after use of the packaging material, the contact elements return at least partially to their original position. This allows the packaging material to be used again for packaging of, for instance, another product, without losing the beneficial characteristics of the packaging material of the present invention. Here, it is not necessary that the packaging material fully recovers to its original position, as the positive characteristics of the present invention are also maintained when the contact elements only spring back partially. It is important that the elastic characteristics and the damping characteristics of the contact elements are maintained. Springing back is only required for making contact with the product to be packaged.

Another effect of a packaging material of this type, is that the deformable dome- shaped contact elements support the fragile product and provide a damping function in relation to motions from the outside.

A packaging material created by thermoforming, provided with strips containing contact elements, can be used as shock absorbing material. It is possible to make

elevations between the contact elements in a strip. These elevations will provide an additional elastic and damping effect. If a load is placed on the contact elements, they will transfer this force onto these elevations. The forces of various contact elements will be transferred to one elevation. As a result, the elevation will function as an additional elastic and damping system.

Also, at least one of the problems mentioned is solved according to the invention, by means of a shock absorbing material created through thermoforming. Here, the shock absorbing material is formed from a thermoformable sheet. Preferably, several contact elements are formed in the sheet by means of a thermoforming treatment. It is possible to make the shock absorbing material according to one or more measures in according to the description. Such a sheet with shock absorbing characteristics can be included in a stack of products as a partition.

The invention also concerns the use of a sheet created by means of thermoforming with several contact elements as shock absorbing device, wherein the sheet can be made with one or more of the measures described in this description. The contact elements created by means of thermoforming protrude with a pre-determined distance from a first side of the sheet, and this space is used in accordance with the invention as a shock absorbing zone. Preferably, the product to be protected is lying against the contact elements. In the preferred embodiment, this is the better deformable side of the material and therefore gives a higher protection of the product.

In addition, it is also possible to provide a thin layer on top of the contact elements of the shock absorbing material, such as, for instance, a thin plate that is relatively rigid. The plate will transfer the forces to the various contact elements on the shock absorbing material. The shock absorbing material, together with the plate, will behave like a mass-spring-damper system. The shock absorbing material is suitable for placing a product with a relatively large mass on it. The shock absorbing material, together with the product, can be provided with an outer packaging with a chamber, e.g. a box. When transporting the box, mainly the vertical impulses will be absorbed by the shock absorbing material. In addition, it is also possible to provide the shock absorbing material at the side of the product to be packaged. In this way, mainly horizontal impulses can be absorbed as well. Furthermore, it is possible to place a number of products on the shock absorbing material with plate. This is particularly suitable for absorbing shocks and impulses when transporting products that are not

really breakable, but are easily damaged. One could think of the transport of hard disks etc.

It is also possible to provide another layer of shock absorbing material on top of the shock absorbing material, wherein the contact elements of the two layers are facing each other. In addition, it is possible to make the shock absorbing material with cross- shaped contact elements. The legs of the cross can be provided in the direction of a strip of contact elements. Between the legs of the cross that are perpendicular to the strip, intermediate spaces are created, between which the legs of the cross of another absorbing material can be placed. In this way a stackable shock absorbing material is available, which is provided with a surface on each side.

According to one embodiment, the dome-shaped contact elements protrude in relation to the sheet with a pre-determined distance of at least 0.5 cm. This embodiment ensures that the contact elements have a sufficiently elastic and damping function, without the packaging taking in too much space. Such an embodiment is very suitable for application in, for instance, the corner points of a box.

However, it is also possible to increase the elastic and damping function of the dome-shaped contact elements, by increasing the pre-determined distance with which the dome-shaped contact elements protrude to, for example, 1.0 cm, 2.5 cm or 4.0 cm, or distances in-between. The larger distances are particularly suitable for wrapping, for instance by folding the packaging material around the product, breakable products with irregular shapes, as the dome-shaped contact element can follow the contours of the product and have more space, due to the extra distance, to follow that contour properly. In another embodiment, the sheet is provided with at least two adjacent strips of contact elements. One strip of contact elements is formed by at least two, preferably at least three contact elements lying in one row. The contact elements of a first strip in the utilized condition are foldable towards the contact elements of a second adjacent strip of contact elements. In a preferred embodiment, the strips of contact elements are folded around an imaginary axis, which lies at a larger distance from the first side of the sheet than the pre-determined distance with which the contact elements protrude from the first side of the sheet. This embodiment has the advantage that the packaging material is easier to fold around the packaging.

This effect is also achieved by applying the contact elements in a regular pattern to the sheet, for example by applying a chessboard pattern. Other patterns can also be

suitable. The pattern can be chosen, depending on the requirements of the product to be packaged.

In a special embodiment, a groove — preferably a folding groove — is formed between two contact elements. A benefit of this embodiment, is that the packaging material can be folded easily, wherein the groove or folding groove will create an additional resistance against deformation of the packaging material. In the utilized condition, the (folding) groove will form a reinforcement on the first side of the sheet, i.e. it will become part of an outer part of the packaging. The groove will strengthen the outer contour of the packaging. Preferably, the grooves are formed parallel to a folding axis, which folding axis is an axis around which the packaging material is folded in the utilized condition. The grooves themselves can be made in such a way that it is easier to fold around that axis. Although the groove makes folding and wrapping easier, the groove also offers firmness against deformation in the other directions.

A packaging material with folding groove can, for instance, be applied in a box, wherein the groove or folding groove coincides with a rib of the box and provides it with extra firmness. In addition, it is possible to use a packaging material with folding groove to fold it around a fragile product, as a result of which the packaging material forms a packaging around the product, wherein the packaging gets firmness through the rigidity of the grooves. In a preferred embodiment, the folding grooves have a u-shaped cross-section.

Preferably, the width of the groove's u-shaped cross-section lies between 1 mm and 6 mm, more preferably between 2 mm and 4 mm, and preferably, the height of the groove's u-shaped cross-section lies between 0.5 mm and 12 mm, and more preferably between 1 mm and 7 mm. An embodiment like this makes sure that it is easier to fold the packaging, and offers the folded grooves firmness and a good resistance to deformation.

In a utilized condition two parts of the sheet separated by a folding groove can form an angle in relation to each other. The separated parts are preferably strips of contact elements formed on the sheet. Preferably, this angle lies between 15° and 150°, and more preferably between 45° and 135°, in particular between 60° and 90 ^p . This embodiment is particularly suitable for folding packaging material around a product. In such an embodiment, the parts separated by the folding groove will form the sides of the packaging with a regular shape, for instance a triangle, a rectangle, or another

simple concave polygon. The folding grooves of the packaging can form the ribs of the packaging. The packaging material can be made in such a way, that the packaged product can be placed on the edges of the folded packaging material, in such a way that it is kept in an upright position. Such an embodiment is very suitable for quickly packaging a large number of fragile products and, for instance, placing them together and then transport them together.

It is possible to provide the contact elements with a substantially V-shaped cross- section. In this way an elongated point contact is shaped in the top of the contact element. Such an embodiment guarantees a good force transfer of the product onto the packaging material, as a result of which the elastic and damping characteristics of the contact elements are excellently realized. In one embodiment, one or more contact elements have been provided with a ridge on one first side. This allows optimum adjustment of the elastic and damping characteristics of the contact element, wherein this embodiment also makes sure that the elastic contact element returns to its original position, when retrieving the packaged product from the packaging material. In addition, it is also possible to provide the contact element partly with ridges, or to provide parts with various thicknesses. This allow shaping the damping and elastic characteristics of the contact element as desired.

In order to keep the packaging material in a packaged position, wherein the packaging material is fully folded around a product or around several products, the packaging material is preferably provided with a fastening device in order to maintain the utilized condition. Preferably, the fastening device is fitted near an end of the packaging material. In utilized condition, the fastening device can grip another end of the packaging material. Here, it is possible to reach a fully utilized condition. It is possible to apply the packaging material fully around the product.

In a special embodiment, the means of attachment are formed by cup shaped bulges. They are preferably formed near one or several edges of the packaging sheet. In the utilized condition, the bulges can be placed into each other in order to maintain the packaged position. These embodiments make sure that no additional means, such as adhesive tape, staples, elastic bands or glue are necessary, outside the packaging itself, in order to maintain the packaging in a packaged position. This makes sure that wrapping a product with packaging material in accordance with the present invention can be done quickly and easily.

One embodiment is provided with a lockable outer packaging. The outer packaging can be a cardboard box onto which a lockable lip is formed.

In a preferred embodiment, a contact element has a side formed as a surface. Substantially, this surface protrudes radially to the inside from the outer packaging. Deformation of this surface will lead to pressure on the outer packaging, which can, for instance, be used for resting on the corners of the outer packaging in order to increase the inflexibility of the outer packaging.

According to another aspect of the present invention, it provides a method for packaging products. This method comprises various steps. First the outer packaging is provided. The outer packaging can be formed into an outer packaging with a chamber. Also a packaging material is produced. For this, a thermoformable sheet is provided, and a number of contact elements are drawn in the sheet, preferably by means of thermoforming. The contact elements protrude with at least a pre-determined distance from a first side of the sheet. The contact elements can be drawn in the material because a plunger forces the material from the first side in a mould, which has the shape of the contact elements to be formed which protrude from that first side of the sheet. Preferably, the contact elements are formed by means of vacuum forming the material, as this is beneficial for the characteristics of the contact elements. A packaging material made like this can be manufactured against very low costs. The material is drawn in a first direction, in order to form the contact elements like that.

In a utilized condition, the sheet is folded and included in the outer packaging and partly wrapped by the outer packaging. When, in utilized condition, a product is placed in the packaging formed by outer packaging and sheet, the contact elements can deform in the opposite way, in the direction of the first side of the sheet. The first side of the sheet lies against the inside of the outer packaging and the contact elements protrude towards the inside of the outer packaging. Between the protruding contact elements an inclusion space is formed. The inclusion space is accessible for placing and/or retrieving a product. The inclusion space is accessible through an open side of the outer packaging. The contact elements have a certain resistance against deformation, which gives the contact elements elastic and damping characteristics. The contact elements have a shape that is largely independent from the shape or the contour of the product to be packaged, because the protruding form of a drawn contact element rests against the

product. As a result, according to the invention, the packaging material can be used for packaging products with random shapes.

The first side of the sheet lies at a distance from the product. The method described above has the advantage that the protective characteristics of the packaging material of the present invention are realized optimally. The drawn contact elements will form a band lying around the product, that is similar to a wrinkle zone. In this embodiment, the first side of the sheet is the outer perimeter of the product in utilized condition. That first side can make contact with external objects and is able to absorb impacts, etc., wherein the impact is not or hardly transferred to the packaged product. The forces and impulses that the outer packaging is subjected to, will be absorbed by the contact elements in relation to the product.

According to a final aspect of the invention, it provides the use of packaging material for packaging products. The packaging material is made by making available a thermoformable sheet. Contact elements are drawn in the sheet. From a first side, the contact elements protrude with a minimum distance from the sheet. The packaging material can be brought in a utilized condition, wherein the packaging material is preferably included in an outer packaging. In utilized condition, the contact elements will protrude towards the centre of the outer packaging. For this, the packaging material is folded. The product to be packaged is partly enclosed by the packaging material. The packaging material is formed in such a way that the contact elements are brought towards each other. As a result, several contact elements eventually rest on the product to be packaged with a deformable contact. The contact elements envelop the product at least partly. In this way, a packaging can be applied quickly around virtually any random product. In addition, it is not expensive to use the packaging. A number of embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail, using the figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 - is an overview in perspective of a packaging material;

Fig.2 - is an overview in perspective of a packaging material;

Fig.3a - is an overview in perspective of a packaging material, provided with a product;

Fig.3b - is an overview in perspective of a combination of packaging material plus outer packaging, provided with a product;

Fig.4 - is an overview in perspective of a packaging material;

Fig. 5a - is a cross-section according to line V-V in figure 1, of the contact elements of the packaging material;

Fig. 5b,5c — are cross-sections of embodiments of contact elements;

Fig. 5d - is an overview in perspective of another embodiment of a contact element;

Fig. 6a - is a side view of a product provided with a packaging material;

Fig.6b - is a side view of a combination of packaging material and outer packaging;

Fig.7 — is a cross-sectional view of a combination of packaging material and outer packaging;

Fig. 8a - is a cross-sectional view of a combination of packaging material and outer packaging;

Fig. 8b - is a cross-sectional view of a combination of packaging material and outer packaging; Fig. 9 — is a view in perspective of a part of packaging material according to one embodiment;

Fig. 10 - is a view in perspective of packaging material according to a further embodiment;

Fig. 1 shows a view in perspective of packaging material 1. The packaging material comprises a sheet. The sheet is made of thermoformable material. The thickness of the material that is used for forming lies between 100 and 500 μm. Preferably, a thickness is used that lies between 150 and 400 μm. Even more preferable, the thickness of the material lies between 200 and 300 μm. The drawn parts can generally have a thickness that is thinner than the thickness of the sheet from which the packaging material is formed. Contact elements 3 are made in the sheet. Here, a dome is shaped, with a wide base that can become narrower towards the top. The sheet can have grooves 4. The grooves 4 can be made in such a way, that strips 2 are formed in the sheet. The strips 2 are provided with the contact elements 3. The grooves 4 and the contact elements 3 can be made in one machining step by means of thermoforming. The grooves 4 and contact elements are drawn from the sheet.

The contact elements protrude in relation to the sheet with a pre-determined distance. This distance can vary, depending on the product to be packaged. The

distance could, for instance, be 0.5 cm. It is also possible to choose a larger distance, e.g. 1.0, 2.5 or 4.0 cm, or intermediate distances. Larger distances are also possible. The grooves 4 can function as a folding line, along which the material can be folded. Here, the strips 2 with the contact elements 3 can be folded towards each other. Folding the material over the grooves 4 can make sure that adjacent strips 2 can be placed with a certain angle in relation to each other. A sheet folded like that can be included in a casing, for instance a box. In that case, it is possible to confine a product to be packaged between two or more contact elements, which can be applied at several sides around the product. The contact elements 3 can have a pyramid shape, as shown in fig. 1. Thus, the various surfaces of the contact element come together at one top point. When packaging the product, this contact point 10 will be the first to make contact with the product to be packaged, as a result of which the forces on the element are divided equally. This makes sure that the contact element 3 will be able to make optimum use of the elasticity of the various sides. However, other shapes are also possible. For instance, the contact elements can also be made with a V-shaped cross-section. In such a case, the contact element could be considered as a beam with a triangular cross- section. This means that the contact point 10, will mainly form a contact line. When packaging the product, this contact line will make contact with the product, and will transfer the forces to the two side surfaces of the triangular cross-section. It is possible to design the two side surfaces of the triangular cross-section differently. For instance, a side surface can be longer than the other side surface, as a result of which the cross- section substantially forms an irregular triangle. This offers the advantage, that it is possible to adjust more or less the elastic characteristics of the sides. It is also possible to apply a ridge shaped cross-section. The application of ridges will make sure that the rigidity and elasticity of the side are changed. This allows the user to adjust the characteristics of the contact elements to his requirements. By, for instance, only applying ridges in one part of the contact elements, and not in another part, the rigidity and elasticity of both parts will be different. This can also be done, for instance, by applying different ridges on different parts. The final result will be that the elastic and damping characteristics of the contact element can be adjusted as required. As a result of this, a contact element can be formed with the characteristics that it follows the contours of the product, keeps the product in its place, and will return, at

least partly, to its original shape. This means that the packaging material is suitable to be used again after use, without losing the very beneficial characteristics of the packaging material in accordance with the invention.

Combinations of the above-mentioned embodiments of contact elements are also possible. It is very advantageous to apply contact elements with a large V-shaped cross- section, wherein ridges are applied on those substantially V-shaped ridges. This will create a contact surface that can lie tightly against the contour of the product to be packaged. In another advantageous embodiment, one side of the V-shaped cross- section is longer than the other side. In addition, this side is provided with ridges, and the shorter side is substantially flat. This means that the elastic and damping characteristics of this longer part are different in relation to the shorter part, as a result of which the contact element has sufficient elastic and damping characteristics. In this way, the product is properly held in its place in the packaging, the contours are being followed, and the contact element will at least partly return to its original shape. This allows the packaging material to be used again.

Fig.2 shows a view in perspective of packaging material 1, in accordance with another embodiment. The contact elements 13 are applied in strips 16, and thus form contact parts 15. Between the contact elements 13, elevations 19 have been made which run in the direction of the strip 16. The contact parts 15 are elevated in relation to the basis 17 of the packaging material. Between the various contact parts 15, folding grooves 14 are formed, because here the packaging material lies in the surface of the basis 17. As the edges 18 of the contact parts 15 in this embodiment are substantially perpendicular to the basis 17, the folding grooves in this embodiment have a U-shaped profile. Other embodiments are possible, for instance by not placing the edges of the folding parts perpendicular in relation to the basis, but with an angle. It is also possible to give the folding grooves yet another profile, by giving the folding grooves in those parts that are not part of the contact parts a height in relation to the basis 17.

The contact parts 15 of the packaging material 1 all have the same shape in this embodiment. This gives the advantage, that when rolling the packaging material around the product to be packaged, the cross-section of the packaging material in packaged condition will show a regular shape. This shape will be a rectangle in this embodiment, when the packaging material is applied around the product. It is also possible to provide the packaging material with several contact parts, wherein the contact parts always

have the same dimensions. In this case, in packaged condition, a cross-section will have a shape that is equal to a triangle, a rectangle, or another simple concave polygon, depending on the number of contact parts that is formed on the packaging material.

It is possible to adjust the mutual dimensions of the contact parts, so that one or more contact parts have different dimensions in relation to other contact parts. A possible embodiment here is, for example, a packaging material provided with four contact parts, wherein the contact parts are arranged in such a way that they form a rectangular cross-section in packaged condition. Here, it is possible that larger contact parts are provided with more contact elements, for example by providing these contact parts with several strips. Such an embodiment is suitable, for instance, for application with objects with a specific shape, particularly when these objects show no axisymmetry. It is also possible to arrange the contact parts in such a way, that they can be surrounded by a casing with a chamber, for example a box. Of course, other embodiments, wherein all contact parts are provided with different dimensions, are also possible.

The elevations 19 between the contact elements 13 of a strip 16 can have a u- shaped profile in cross-section. The elevations will make sure, that when the contact element is pressed down, a part of the force will be transferred to the elevation. In that case the elevation will also slightly compress, i.e. move towards the first side. This will make sure that the forces on one contact element, are transferred to a larger surface of the sheet of packaging material. This is beneficial for the recovery capacity of the material. Also, products with an irregular shape will be better protected.

The contact elements 15 of each strip 16 all have the same shape in the shown embodiment of figure 2. The contact elements 15 have been placed in one line and have a mutual distance. However, it is possible to place the contact elements in a strip with offset distances in relation to the central line. It is also possible to make these offset distances with a regular pattern, forming, for instance, a zig-zagging pattern of contact elements within a strip. Additionally, it is possible to make the contact elements of a strip in different shapes. For instance, it could be desirable to have different elastic and damping characteristics for the contact elements at the edges of the packaging material, than for the contact elements which are in the middle of the packaging material.

Fig. 5a up to 5c show a number of embodiments of cross-sections for the contact elements. In an advantageous embodiment of the contact parts 15, they are provided

with contact elements 13 with a substantially V-shaped cross-section, wherein a first side of the cross section is longer than a second side of the cross section, and wherein the first side is provided with ridges 18, as shown in figure 5d. Here, it is possible to place the longer side of the contact element always at one side of the contact part 15. However, it is also possible to place this longest side within a contact part randomly at one side. In a specially advantageous embodiment, the contact elements 13 with the longest sides are placed alternately against opposite sides of the contact parts 15. This embodiment has the advantage, that the contact points 10 of the contact element 13 do not align. The contact elements will however form a surface, against which the product to be packaged lies and as a result of which the packaging material will support the product to be packaged more stably in a packaged condition. This will improve the contact with the product, as a result of which the product will be held better in the packaging. Of course, it is also possible to combine the alternate placement of contact elements described above with the previously described offset placement, e.g. zigzag placement, of the contact elements. In this way, the contact points of the contact elements can be placed in virtually any position.

In another embodiment, the various contact parts 15 are provided with different contact elements. Again, the contact points 10 of the contact elements 13 can be placed in an advantageous manner. In this way the product can be properly supported in packaged condition.

In one embodiment the packaging material is provided with at least four contact parts, which are separated from each other by means of grooves, over which the packaging material can be folded and be brought in a packaged condition. The outer contact parts of the packaging material can be made identical. The contact elements 13 are placed on both contact parts in the same way. This allows placing these two contact parts in each other in a packaged condition. In this respect, the placement of the contact elements 13 within a contact part is not relevant. As long as the placement on both contact parts is the same, it will be possible to place the contact parts in each other, when the packaging material is folded. This will make it easier to attach the packaging material in packaged condition. In addition, the packaging in packaged condition will offer extra firmness in a circumferential direction.

Another embodiment is formed by a packaging material, wherein each strip of the packaging material is made identical. The contact elements 13 of each strip are placed

in the same way, wherein it is possible that contact elements within a strip have different shapes or are placed within a strip in an offset way. This embodiment is very advantageous for wrapping axisymmetrical products.

Fig. 3a shows a view in perspective of a combination of packaging material 1 and a product to be packaged 25. The packaging material 1 is in a packaged condition and envelopes a product to be packaged 25, in this case a wine glass. The packaging material is provided with strips 26, on which contact elements 23 are made. The strips 25 with contact elements 23 thus form contact parts 22. The contact elements 23 have an elevation in relation to the contact parts 22. Between the strips, folding grooves 24 are provided. The packaging material 1 is folded over the folding grooves 24 around the product to be packaged 25.

How much the contact element 23 protrudes in relation to the sheet in a non- packaged condition, can vary. The contact elements within a strip, and within several contact parts, can be provided with different heights. It is possible to provide different contact elements on a sheet with the same height. When packaging products with an irregular shape, it is also possible to design a packaging material in advance, which corresponds with the irregular shapes of the product to be packaged.

In the packaged condition, the contact elements can lie against the product to be packaged. As a result the contact elements can be deformed. It is also possible that the product completely compresses the contact element, as a result of which the contact element lies in virtually the same surface in relation to the contact part, or could even have a negative height. However, it is also possible that a contact element does not make contact with the product to be packaged, because at some local position, the product has a smaller size than elsewhere. As shown in figure 3, it is possible, for instance, that the stem 27 of the wine glass 25 does not make contact with the packaging material. However, this does not affect the characteristics of the packaging material in packaged condition, as there are plenty of contact elements that are in contact with the product to be packaged and keep this product in its place.

In most cases, however, most contact elements 23 will make contact with the product to be packaged 25. As a result, the contact elements will be deformed, wherein the deformation is substantially elastic. Also, in packaged condition, the contact elements will have an elevation in relation to the surface of the contact parts 22. This means that the contact elements still have space to compress further. As a result, an

impulse or impact on the packaging will be absorbed by the contact elements, which means that this impulse or impact will not or hardly reach the packaged product. This will make sure that the product is protected.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the folding creases 24 are largely parallel to the longest dimension of the product to be packaged, in this instance in the direction of the height of the wineglass.

In an embodiment the contact parts 25 are at a height above the folding creases 24. This offers the advantage that the folding creases, which give the packaging its rigidity, project above the product to be packaged. This creates a greater buffer relative to the product to be packaged. Consequently in this instance the chance that a relatively sharp object, for example an edge, can reach the product and cause irreparable damage is reduced.

The contact parts 22 in the embodiment shown in Figure 3 are of an identical form, as a result of which the packaging in a packaged condition forms a regular polygon, in this instance a regular hexagon. Obviously other embodiments, with more or less contact parts, are conceivable. The advantage of the embodiments that are shown, and embodiments in which regular polygons are formed, is that identical products can be packed quickly and easily, and then placed in, for example, a box. Since identical products are packaged the packages have the same dimensions, as a result of which they can be placed in a regular pattern in, for example, a box. This method is an advantageous method when, for example, a large number of glasses, for example wineglasses, are to be packed in the instance of, for example, moving home.

Fig. 3b shows an elevation in perspective of a combination of a packaging material 301 and a product to be packaged 325. The packaging material 301 is included in an outer packaging 326 such as, for example, a cylindrical casing. In the embodiment shown here the packaging material 301 is enclosed by the outer packaging 326. However, it is also possible that the packaging material is only partially enclosed by the outer packaging 326. The contact elements 323 project to a middle of the outer packaging. An admission space is formed in the middle of the combination of the outer packaging 326 and the packaging material 301. The admission space is accessible from an open side of the outer packaging. A product to be packaged 325 is placed in the admission space such that the product is packaged in the combination of the packaging material 301 and the outer packaging 326.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3b the combination of the packaging material 301 and the outer packaging 326 can be formed in advance. The product to be packaged can then be put into the admission space via the open side in the outer packaging. On putting the product to be packaged into the admission space the contact elements 323 will deform. The contact elements are intended to spring back into their original shape, as a result of which they will ultimately press against the product to be packaged. The product to be packaged will then be enclosed firmly and safely in the packaging material and the outer packaging. The product to be packaged can then be removed simply via the open side of the outer packaging. It is not then necessary to unfold the packaging material.

It is also possible to package the product to be packaged in the packaging material in advance, and then provide the packaging material and the product with an outer packaging. The packaging material and the product can then be placed together in the outer packaging 326 via an open side in the outer packaging. As a result the product does not need to be slid over the contact elements of the packaging material to place it in the admission space. Sliding a product to be packaged, in particular a product with an irregular shape, such as a wineglass, over the contact elements can result in unnecessary deformation of the contact elements. It is then possible that the contact elements do not spring back entirely, and no longer fully press against the contours of the product to be packaged. This can be detrimental to the protective properties of the packaging material.

Fig. 4 shows another embodiment of the invention in which the packaging material is provided with a pack 31 with a chamber 32, such as, for example, a box. An admission space can be present in the box for the admission of a product to be packaged. The admission space can accessible from an open side of the box. The open side can be closable, for example by means of a lid or by means of a closing flap. The sheet 41 of the packaging is brought into contact with the side walls 33 of the box. The contact elements 42 are largely directed toward the centre of the box. The contact elements are at a height relative to the side of the box, and can be elastically deformed when a product is present in the box. The contact elements possess a certain degree of rigidity, as a result of which the product is relatively immovable relative to the box. Nevertheless the contact elements will absorb changes in the movement of and jolts to

the box as a result of the spring and shock-absorbing action of the contact elements, and the product will be packaged safely in the box.

The packaging material 40 can be of the form described earlier. The contact elements 42 can be provided in strips 43 to form contact parts 45. Each contact part can be provided with a number of strips 43 of contact elements 42 whereby the contact elements in each strip and between the strips are of the same form. This will be particularly advantageous for use in a packaging with a chamber, as a result of which a wide variety of products to be packaged is feasible. This can, for example, be a parcel box, which is generally available and which is, for example, used by consumers to ship products of a very wide variety and whereby the form and dimensions of the products to be shipped cannot be determined in advance. The embodiment described here will ensure that every conceivable product can be packaged in a safe manner.

It is also possible to vary the design of contact elements in one strip, for example by using different heights, different forms, or different dimensions. It is possible to use somewhat more rigid contact elements at the rims or edges of the box so that the shock- absorbent effect of the contact elements at these locations is somewhat greater.

In addition, it is also possible to vary the design of contact elements between different strips, or to vary the design of different strips. A large number of embodiments are conceivable, depending on the requirements to be met by the packaging of a product. It is, for example, possible to make certain strips more rigid or more elastic, or to provide different strips with contact elements of different heights. Obviously it is also possible to provide different contact parts with different contact elements or different strips.

Folding creases 46 can be present between contact parts 45 along which the packaging material 41 can be folded. The packaging material can then be placed in a package such that a folding crease 46 coincides with an edge 34 of the package. The folding crease will then contribute to the rigidity of the box. In addition, the folding crease will help ensure that the packaging material remains in the right place in the box. In a special embodiment the packaging with chamber, such as a box, has one or more loose pieces of packaging material whereby the packaging material comprises a folding crease 46 and two contact parts 45, and whereby each contact part 46 in the vicinity of the folding crease is provided with one or more contact elements. A contact element can be formed such that a side wall of the contact element is at an angle of 45°

to the folding part. This ensures that when the folding crease is at an angle of approximately 90° in a packaged condition, the two opposite contact elements of different folding parts will be in contact with each other. This embodiment ensures that the inner edges of the packaging are provided with contact elements that reduce the mobility of the product to be packaged in the packaging. This makes it possible to package, for example, round objects, for example a cylindrical object, safely in a rectangular box.

Fig. 6a shows a side elevation of a packaging material 61 used to package a product 63, in this instance a bottle, such as a wine bottle. The packaging material is formed with folding parts that are separated by creases along which the packaging material is folded. The body 65 of the bottle has a circumference that is larger than the length of the packaging material 61 in a non-deformed condition. The packaging material 61 can stretch in a packaged condition so that it fits the product to be packaged. The folding creases 62 are difficult to deform in a folded condition, thereby providing a reinforcement in the packaging. The folding creases then offer the necessary resistance for the packaging required to keep it in place.

It will be obvious to the skilled person that the present invention is not restricted to the embodiments described here, and that more equivalent embodiments of the invention are feasible. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6b the product to be packaged 63, such as in this instance a bottle, for example a wine bottle, can be placed together with the packaging material 61 into an outer packaging 66 such as, for example, a box. The outer packaging 66 can then assume the form of the product to be packaged. The sides of the packaging material then lie against the inner side of the outer packaging. An admission space formed in the interior of the combination of the outer packaging and the packaging material admits the product to be packaged 63. The product can be removed from the admission space via an open side of the outer packaging.

It is possible that the outer packaging 66 has a cylindrical form. It is also possible that the outer packing has an elongated block-like form with, for example, a rectangular or square cross-section. An upper side of the outer packaging can then be provided with an opening through which the product can be placed in the admission space. It is also possible that one side of the outer packaging offers access to the

admission space. These two embodiments shall be explained in more detail using Fig. 7 and Fig. 8.

Fig. 7a shows a cross-section of an arrangement 701 of an outer packaging 702 and a packaging material. Fig. 7b shows a cross-section of an arrangement 701 of an outer packaging 702 and a packaging material. Close to the corners of the outer packaging the packaging material has creases 721-724, along which the packaging material is folded. One side of the packaging material lies against the inner side of the outer packaging 702. The packaging material has with contact elements 710-717. The contact elements are formed such that the opposite sides of each crease 721-724 each have two contact elements. The contact elements project to the middle of the outer packaging. The middle of the outer packaging is provided with an admission space 703. A product to be packaged 706 such as, for example, a wine bottle, can be placed in the admission space.

The upper part of Fig. 7b shows the situation in which the product to be packaged has not yet been placed in the admission space 703. The contact elements 710,711, 716,717 are in a non-deformed condition. The contact elements 710,717 on one side of the outer packaging press against the contact elements 711, 717 on an adjacent side of the outer packaging. This creates rigidity in the respective creases 721, 724 in the packaging material. As a result the corners of the outer packaging will be more rigid.

The bottom part of Fig. 7b shows the situation in which the product to be packaged has been placed in the admission space 703. To this end the product to be packaged can be slid axially into the combination of the outer packaging and the packaging material. However, it is also possible to provide the product to be packaged with the packaging material and then place the combination of the packaging material and the product to be packaged in the outer packaging. In a packaged condition the contact elements 712-715 are in a deformed condition. As a result the contact elements 712-715 located on the opposite sides of creases 722,723 press even more firmly together and ensure for the further rigidity of the corners of the outer packaging. In the situation shown in Fig. 7a, the product 706 to be packaged has already been placed in the admission space of the outer packaging 702. Although this is represented only schematically, as a result the corner sides of the contact elements 712,713 and 710,711 are pressing on each other, analogous to the situation as depicted in the bottom part of

Fig. 7b. The pressing onto each other assures a further firmness of the corners of the outer packaging, which has been stated before.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 8a shows an elevation in cross-section of a combination 801 of an outer packaging 802 and a packaging material. Fig. 8b shows a cross-section of the situation shown in Fig. 8a. One side of the packaging material lies against the inner side of the outer packaging 802. The packaging material has contact elements 810-821 that project to the middle of the outer packaging. The middle of the outer packaging 802 has an admission space 803 in which a product to be packaged 806 is placed. Close to two bottom corners of the outer packaging 802 the packaging material has creases 830,831, along which the packaging material is folded. The opposite sides of these creases 830,831 are provided with contact elements 813,814,817,818 such that the opposite sides of each crease 830,831 each have two contact elements. The outer packaging 802 can have smaller contact elements 811,812,815,816,819,820 close to the middle of the sides. An upper side of the outer packaging 802 has a lid 807. The lid 807 hinges on a corner of the outer packaging 802, and can have a closing Hp 808. The lid ensures that a closable open side of the outer packaging is formed. This open side can be used to place a product to be packaged in the admission space 803 in the outer packaging. The outer packaging also has two contact elements 810,821 close to the open side. In the embodiment shown here these two contact elements 810,821 form a crest between the admission space and the open side of the outer packaging. The contact elements 810,821 ensure that the product is partially enclosed in the admission space. This ensures that the product is held firmly in the admission space but nevertheless can readily be removed from the admission space. In this fashion, the product is fixed within the admission space, such that rotation of the product is prevented.

The outer packaging may be made out of paper or out of card board. However, it is also possible to make the outer packaging out of wood or the like. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the outer packaging may be made of wood, sucg that the outer packaging is for instance a wooden box. The product to be packaged may be a bottle of wine. The bottle of wine may be taken up in the wooden box, in a way that a label of the wine bottle is facing the open side of the wooden box. In this way, the user may open the box, and the user sees the label of the wine bottle instantly.

It is possible that the lid 807 and closing lip 808 shown in Fig. 8, are absent. In this way, an outer packaging may be obtained, wherein the product to be packaged is directly visible from the outside. As mentioned before, the fixating contact elements ensure that the product is relatively fixed in the outer packaging, such that rotation is prevented. A bottle of wine may thus be put into the outer packaging, and the label of the bottle of wine may be positioned in a way that the label is visible from the open side of the outer packaging. Also, it is prevented that the product is undesirably released from the admission space, as a result of gravitational forces acting on the product. To this end, the fixational force of the contact elements 810,821 is adjusted to the product to be packaged. However, it still remains possible for the user to remove the product out of the outer packaging, namely by applying a sufficiently large force.

Fig. 9 shows an elevation perspective of a packaging material 901 in accordance with another embodiment. The contact elements 913 are formed in strips 916,916' to create contact parts 915. Folding creases 914 are formed between the various contact parts 915. The folding creases 914 in this embodiment have a U-shaped section.

The contact parts 915 of the packaging material 901 all have the same form in this embodiment. However, in this embodiment adjacent strips 916,916' are mirror images of each other. For example, the strips 916' and 916 formed around folding line 914' are symmetrical around this folding line 914'. Fig. 10 shows an elevation perspective of a packaging material 1001 in accordance with another embodiment. The contact elements 1013 are formed in strips 1016. The strips 1016 are at a height relative to the base 1017 of the packaging material. Each strip 1016 has an elongated contact strip 1015 with contact elements 1013. Folding creases 1014 are formed between the various contact strips 1015 since the packaging material lies in the plane of the base 1017 at these locations. Since in this embodiment the edge 1018 of the contact strips 1015 is largely perpendicular to the base 1017 the folding creases have a U-shaped section.

It will be obvious to the skilled person that the invention in question is not restricted to the embodiments described here, and that more equivalent embodiments of the invention are feasible.