BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a packaging device and a method for packaging cosmetic pads in a bag.

NL 1018012 C2 discloses equipment for producing stamped objects stacked in a packaging. The equipment comprises a plurality of magazines, each magazine being arranged for individually receiving and discharging a stack of the stamped objects into a respective packaging. The packaging thus obtained is normally sold separately. Recently, there has been a growing demand for a plurality of the packagings to be packed together in a larger packaging. However, in the case of cosmetic pads, the added packaging material negatively impacts the already small gross margin of cosmetic pads. The added packaging material furthermore negatively impacts the environment.

JP 2811161 B2 discloses a bagging device for pads. The device comprises a storage part which is arranged above a pad storage bag for receiving pads in a stack. The device further comprises a push-in part which operates when a specified number of pads are stacked in the storage part, and pushes in the stacked pads in the pad storage bag. The pads in the stack are alternately placed in overlap to reduce the volume of the pads in the pad storage bag. Although the known bagging device allows for more pads to be packaged in a single pad storage bag, the known device has the drawback that the edges of the overlapping pads may be damaged due to the overlapping contact. Furthermore, placing the pads alternately in overlap takes more time.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a packaging device and a method for packaging cosmetic pads in a bag, in which the cosmetic pads can be packaged more efficiently and/or with less damage to the cosmetic pads.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a packaging device for packaging cosmetic pads in a bag, comprising a first bag holder for holding the bag open for in a feeding direction receiving a first stack and a second stack of the cosmetic pads adjacent to each other in a first lateral direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, wherein the packaging device further comprises one or more separator members for separating the first stack and the second stack in the first lateral direction during the receiving, wherein the one or more separator members are positionable in respective shaping positions external to and in contact with the bag for shaping the bag so that a part of the bag extends in the first lateral direction between the first stack and the second stack.

By separating the first stack from the second stack during the receiving, it can be prevented that the stacks damage each other as a result of relative movement between the stacks during the receiving. Because two stacks can be packaged in one bag, packaging material is saved, which can reduce costs and environmental impact. Hence, two adjacent stacks can be packaged in a single bag with more efficiency, with greater quality and/or with less damage. By shaping the bag with external separator members, the separation can be effectuated indirectly, e.g. through deformation of the packaging material itself. Hence, direct contact between the separator member and the cosmetic pads can be prevented. The separator members can be easily removed from the outside of the bag after the receiving, thereby further reducing the risk of the removal causing damage to the cosmetic pads.

In an embodiment thereof the cosmetic pads possess an outer contour that leaves an intermediate space between the first stack and the second stack in the first lateral direction, wherein the one or more separator members in the respective shaping positions are arranged to extend at least partially into said intermediate space. The separator members can thus make use of the already available, unused space between the stacks and the bag to deform the bag.

In an embodiment thereof the one or more separator members are arranged to match the contours of the cosmetic pads of the first stack and the second stack at the respective shaping positions. By closely matching the separator members to the contours of the cosmetic pads, it can be prevented that the shaped bag interferes with the receiving of the stacks. Furthermore, the bag can be shaped to closely match the contours of the stacks, so that the bag can actually accurately guide the respective stacks into their intended positions within the bag.

In an embodiment the one or more separator members in the respective shaping positions are arranged to extend along the first stack and the second stack, preferably along the entire height thereof, in a direction parallel to the feeding direction. In this manner, the separator members can optimally shape the bag for receiving the respective stacks into the bag in the feeding direction .

In an embodiment the one or more separator members are arranged to be movable between the respective shaping positions and respective rest positions in which the one or more separator members are arranged to be external to and spaced apart from the bag. In the rest positions of the separator members, the bag is free to be handled by the bag holder, e.g. for opening and/or holding the bag in a bags supply station prior to the receiving and/or for movement to a sealing station after the receiving .

In an embodiment thereof the one or more separator members are movable in respective protraction directions perpendicular to the feeding direction and the first lateral direction. By moving the separator members laterally to and fro the bag, interference with the bag holder can be prevented.

In an embodiment the one or more separator members comprise a first separator member and a second separator member, wherein the first separator member and the second separator member are arranged for separating the first stack and the second stack during the receiving from respective shaping positions on opposite sides of the bag. The quality of the separation can thus be improved.

In an alternative embodiment the first bag holder is arranged for holding the bag open for in the feeding direction receiving a third stack of the pads adjacent to the second stack in a second lateral direction perpendicular to the feeding direction, wherein the one or more separator members comprises a first separator member for separating the first stack and the second stack in the first lateral direction and a second separator member for separating the second stack and the third stack in the second lateral direction. Hence, a third stack can be packed in the same bag, thereby increasing the efficiency of the packaging.

In an embodiment thereof the second lateral direction is parallel to or is the first lateral direction. All three stacks can thus be packaged in line and/or consecutively in the first lateral direction.

In an alternative embodiment thereof the second lateral direction is transverse to the first lateral direction, wherein the third stack is additionally adjacent to the first stack in a third lateral direction perpendicular to the feeding direction and transverse to the first lateral direction and the second lateral direction and wherein the one or more separator members comprises a third separator member for separating first stack and the third stack in the third lateral direction. The three stacks can thus be arranged in a triangular packaging configuration within the single bag.

In a further alternative embodiment the first bag holder is arranged for holding the bag open for in the feeding direction receiving a fourth stack of the pads adjacent to the third stack in the first lateral direction, wherein the one or more separator members comprises a third separator member for separating the third stack and the fourth stack. Hence, a fourth stack can be packed in the same bag, thereby further increasing the efficiency of the packaging.

In an embodiment thereof the second lateral direction is perpendicular to the first lateral direction and wherein the fourth stack is additionally adjacent to the first stack in the second lateral direction, wherein the one or more separator members comprises a fourth separator member for separating the first stack and the fourth stack in the second lateral direction. The four stacks can thus be arranged in a square packaging configuration within the single bag.

In an embodiment in combination with the aforementioned embodiments with three or four stacks, the packaging device further comprises a center member that is insertable into the bag between the first stack, the second stack and the third stack during receiving to separate said stacks in all of the lateral directions. The center member can separate the stacks from within the bag, in particular in a center space between the stacks that can not be reached by the externally located separator members. Like the separator members, the center member can prevent damage as a result of the receiving of the stacks.

In an embodiment the first bag holder is arranged for holding the bag open with a cross section that has a plurality of corners, wherein the packaging device further comprises one or more corner members that are positionable in respective corner positions external to and in contact with the corners of the bag. The corner members can control, guide and/or shape the bag in the corners thereof to prevent unpredictable deformations and/or to better guide the stacks during the receiving.

In an embodiment the first bag holder comprises a first feeding unit for feeding the first stack into the bag and a second feeding unit adjacent to the first feeding unit in the first lateral direction for feeding the second stack into the bag. The feeding units can individually feed the stacks into the bag in the corresponding adjacent positions .

In an embodiment thereof each feeding unit comprises a first spoon and a second spoon which are movable between a closed position for insertion into the bag and an open position for opening the bag. The spoons allow for the pick-up, opening and holding open of the bag. The spoons can grip and/or clamp the bag from within to hold the bag open and/or to retain the bag to the bag holder .

In a further embodiment thereof the packaging device comprises a first magazine for receiving and stacking the cosmetic pads, wherein the first magazine is alternately positionable in line with the first feeding unit and the second feeding unit for supplying the first stack and the second stack, respectively, to the bag. Thus, a single magazine can be used to supply both stacks.

In an embodiment thereof the packaging device comprises a second bag holder for similarly to the first bag holder holding a further bag open for in a feeding direction receiving further stacks of the cosmetic pads, wherein the second bag holder comprises a third feeding unit and a fourth feeding unit for feeding respective stacks into the further bag, wherein the packaging device comprises a second magazine for receiving and stacking the cosmetic pads, wherein the second magazine is alternately positionable in line with the third feeding unit and the fourth feeding unit for supplying the respective further stacks to the further bag. Hence, two bags, held by the two bag holders, can be filled at the same time through the respective feeding units, by the two magazines. This can significantly improve the efficiency of the packaging.

In an embodiment thereof the first magazine and the second magazine move in unison from a position in line with the first feeding unit and the third feeding unit, respectively, to a position in line with the second feeding unit and the fourth feeding unit, respectively. The magazines can thus fill the bags simultaneously and/or synchronously, thereby further improving the efficiency of the packaging.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method for packaging cosmetic pads in a bag with the use of the aforementioned packaging device, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

receiving the first stack into the bag; receiving the second stack into the bag; and during the receiving separating the first stack from the second stack in the first lateral direction with the one or more separator members;

wherein the method further comprises the step of shaping the bag with the one or more separator members so that a part of the bag extends in the first lateral direction between the first stack and the second stack.

Like the packaging device according to the first aspect of the invention, the method allows for separation of the first stack from the second stack during the receiving, which can prevent that the stacks damage each other as a result of relative movement between the stacks during the receiving. Because two stacks can be packaged in one bag, packaging material is saved, which can reduce costs and environmental impact. Hence, two adjacent stacks can be packaged in a single bag with more efficiency, with greater quality and/or with less damage. By shaping the bag with external separator members, the separation can be effectuated indirectly, e.g. through deformation of the packaging material itself. Hence, direct contact between the separator member and the cosmetic pads can be prevented. The separator members can be easily removed from the outside of the bag after the receiving, thereby further reducing the risk of the removal causing damage to the cosmetic pads.

In an embodiment of the method the second stack is received into the bag after the first stack has been received fully into the bag. As the first stack is no longer moving in the feeding direction, the first stack and the bag are relatively stationary, thus allowing for accurate feeding of the second stack adjacent to the first stack .

In an embodiment the method further comprises the step of moving the one or more separator members from the respective shaping positions to respective rest positions in which the one or more separator members are external to and spaced apart from the bag. In the rest positions of the separator members, the bag is free to be handled by the bag holder, e.g. for opening and/or holding the bag in a bags supply station prior to the receiving and/or for movement to a sealing station after the receiving.

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims, can be made subject of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached schematic drawings, in which:

figures 1-8 show isometric views of the steps of a method for packaging cosmetic pads in a bag using a packaging device according to a first embodiment of the invention;

figure 9 shows an isometric view of an alternative packaging device according to a second embodiment of the invention;

figure 10 shows a cross section of the packaging device and the bag according to the line X-X in figure 4;

figure 11 shows a top view of a further alternative packaging device according to a third embodiment of the invention; and

figure 12 shows a top view of a further alternative packaging device according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figures 1-8 show steps of a method for packing or packaging cosmetic pads 8, e.g. cotton pads or synthetic pads, in a first bag 91 and a second or further bag 92 with the use of a packing or packaging device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

The bags 91, 92 are made of a flexible and/or deformable material, e.g. a plastic film. In this exemplary embodiment, each bag 91, 92 has a bottom and a circumferential wall that stands up from the bottom and that - when completely filled - has a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross section. The bags 91, 92 are open at one end.

As shown in figure 1, the packaging device 1 comprises a first bag holder 21 for holding and opening the first bag 91 and a second bag holder 22 for holding and opening the second bag 92. The bag holders 21, 22 are positionable in a bags supply station (not shown) above the bags 91, 92 to be inserted into the bags 91, 92 in an insertion direction A. The first bag holder 21 comprises a first feeding unit 31 and a second feeding unit 32. The second bag holder 22 comprises a third feeding unit 33 and a fourth feeding unit 34. Each feeding unit 31-34 comprises a first jaw or spoon 41 and a second jaw or spoon 42 that is rotatable towards and away from the respective first spoon 41, as shown with arrow B in figure 1 and arrow C in figure 2, respectively. By moving the spoons 41, 42 towards each other, the spoons 41, 42 of each feeding unit 31-34 form a closed beak that can be easily inserted into the openings of the bags 91, 92. Optionally, the bags 91, 92 are pre-spread by spreading means, e.g. with suction cups (not shown) . By subsequently spreading the spoons 41, 42 apart while the feeding units 31-34 are within the bags 91, 92, as shown in figure 2, the spoons 41, 42 form an open beak that opens and simultaneously clamps the bags 91, 92 from within. Preferably, the spoons 41, 42 are provided with a roughened or other high friction surface that faces the interior of the bags 91, 92 to securely clamp and hold the bags 91, 92 open. The bags 91, 92 are held open by the bag holders 21, 22 with their respective sidewalls in a rectangular or substantially rectangular cross section.

With the bags 91, 92 held open by the bag holders 21, 22, the bag holders 21, 22 are positionable in a filling station (not shown) for in a feeding direction F receiving a first stack 81 and a second stack 82 of unpacked or loose cosmetic pads 8 in the first bag 91 and a third stack 83 and a fourth stack 84 of unpacked or loose cosmetic pads 8 in the second bag 92. The filling steps are schematically shown in figures 4-6 and will be discussed in more detail later in this description. After filling, as shown in figure 7, the first stack 81 and the second stack 82 are packaged adjacent to each other in the first bag 91 in a first lateral direction LI perpendicular to the feeding direction F. The third stack 83 and the fourth stack 84 are packaged adjacent to each other in the second bag 92 in the same first lateral direction LI.

To prevent that the two adjacent stacks 81, 82 in the first bag 91 contact or damage each other during the receiving of said stacks 81, 82 in the first bag 91, the packaging device 1 is provided with a first separator member 51 and a second separator member 52. Similarly, to prevent contact or damage between the two adjacent stacks 83, 84 in the second bag 92, the packaging device 1 comprises a third separator member 53 and fourth separator 54. The separator members 51-54 are arranged for separating the adjacent stacks 81-84 in each bag 91, 92 in the first lateral direction LI during the receiving.

As shown in figure 4, the separator members 51-54 are positionable in respective shaping positions external to and in contact with the respective bags 91, 92. In said shaping positions, the separator members 51-54 are arranged for deforming and/or shaping said bags 91, 92 so that a part of said bags 91, 92 extends in the first lateral direction LI between the two adjacent stacks 81-84 for each bag 91, 92. The separator members 51-54 are pressed into the bags 91, 92 at the parts of the bags 91, 92 that are located in the first lateral direction LI between the two adjacent stacks 81-84 of said bags 91, 92. The deformation of the bags 91, 92 as caused by the separator members 51-54 is shown in more detail for the first bag 91 only in the cross section of figure 10. For the first bag 91, the first separator member 51 and the second separator member 52 are positioned in respective shaping positions on opposite sides of the first bag 91 in a second lateral direction L2 perpendicular to the first lateral direction LI and the feeding direction F. For the second bag 92, the third separator member 53 and the fourth separator member 54 are positioned in respective shaping positions on opposite sides of the second bag 92 in the second lateral direction L2.

The separator members 51-54 are movable between the respective shaping positions, as shown in figure 4, and respective rest positions, as shown in figures 3 and 7. In the respective rest positions, the separator members 51-54 are external to and spaced apart from the bags 91, 92. The separator members 51-54 are moved into the rest positions prior to and after the receiving to allow handling of the bags 91, 92 between stations. Preferably, the separator members 51-54 are only briefly in the respective shaping positions during the receiving of the stacks 81-84 into the bags 91, 92. The separator members 51-54 are thus removable from the bags 91, 92 after the receiving.

In this exemplary embodiment, the separator members 51-54 are movable between the respective rest positions and the respective shaping positions in respective protraction directions D and retraction directions G perpendicular to the feeding direction F and the first lateral direction LI . The movement of the separator members 51-54 can be driven by a plurality of suitable drive members, e.g. linear drives or pistons (not shown) .

As best seen in figures 4-8, the cosmetic pads 8 in this exemplary embodiment possess an outer contour or shape that is substantially rectangular with chamfered and/or rounded corners. Consequently, when placing two of the stacks 81-84 adjacent to each other, the mutually facing edges of the adjacent cosmetic pads 8 within the adjacent stacks 81-84 of each bag 91, 92 are parallel or substantially parallel to each other. However, at the corners, the cosmetic pads 8 of the two adjacent stacks 81- 84 diverge to form an intermediate space between the two adjacent stacks 81-84 in the first lateral direction LI. Said intermediate space is bound by the contour and/or shape of the cosmetic pads 8 in the two adjacent stacks 81- 84 and the respective bag 91, 92 surrounding said stacks 81-84. An intermediate space is formed on each side of the two adjacent stacks 81-84 in the second lateral direction L2. As best seen in figure 3, each separator member 51-54 is arranged to match the contour of the two adjacent stacks 81-84 at said intermediate spaces. In particular, each separator member 51-54 comprises a first corner part 55 and a second corner part 56 that are complementary to and/or match the respective rounded corners of the cosmetic pads 8 in the two adjacent stacks 81-84. As best seen in figure 10, the two corner parts 55, 56 form a V-shaped or wedge- shaped cross section in each separator member 51-54.

As shown in figure 4, the separator members 51-54 are located at and/or extent into the respective bags 91, 92 at the respective intermediate spaces in their respective shaping positions. The separator members 51-54 preferably extend along the stacks 81-84 in a direction parallel to the feeding direction F, in particular along the entire height or substantially the entire height thereof. As such, the bags 91, 92 can be deformed between the two adjacent stacks 81-84 along the entire height or substantially the entire height of the stacks 81-84, thus ensuring that the stacks 81-84 are fully separated along the entire height of the stacks 81-84.

As shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the packaging device 1 further comprises a first magazine 61 and a second magazine 62. Each magazine 61, 62 comprises a chamber for receiving individual cosmetic pads 8 to form a stack and a piston-like discharging member for discharging the stack of unpacked or loose cosmetic pads 8 out of an open end of the respective chamber in a manner known per se (not shown) . The magazines 61, 62 are mounted to a manipulator, e.g. a robot or a turret, that can rotate and/or position the magazines 61, 62 in unison into a first feeding position, as shown in figure 4, and a second feeding position, as shown in figure 6, in which the magazines 61, 62 are aligned and/or in line with at least some of the feeding units 31-34 in the feeding direction F. In particular, in the first feeding position as shown in figure 4, the first magazine 61 is aligned and/or in line with the first feeding unit 31 in the feeding direction F for feeding the first stack 81 through said first feeding unit 31 into the first bag 91. Meanwhile the second magazine 62 is aligned and/or in line with the third feeding unit 33 in the feeding direction F for simultaneously feeding the third stack 83 through said third feeding unit 33 into the second bag 92.

During the receiving of the first stack 81 and the third stack 83 into the first bag 91 and the second bag 83, respectively, the separator members 51-54 in their respective shaping positions make sure that the first stack 81 and the third stack 83 are guided and/or retained at one side of the respective bag 91, 92 with respect to the separator members 51-54. The bags 91, 92 are thus effectively split up and/or deformed by the separator members 51-54 into two volumes or sections for receiving the stacks 81-84. The division between the volumes and/or sections is best seen for the first bag 91 in the cross section of figure 10.

Figure 5 shows the first bag 91 and the second bag 92 containing the first stack 81 and the third stack 83, respectively. The separator members 51-54 continue to hold and/or retain the stacks 81, 83 in their respective positions on one side of the respective separator members 51-54. In this manner, the volume or section of the bag 91, 92 on the other side of the separator members 51-54 is kept free for receiving the other stack 82, 84 (see for example figure 10) . The manipulator is arranged for shifting the magazines 61, 62 in the shifting direction E from the first feeding position into the second feeding position. Alternatively, the bag holders 21, 22 can be moved relative to the magazines 61, 62. In this exemplary embodiment, the shifting direction E is parallel to the first lateral direction LI. In the second feeding position, as shown in figure 6, the first magazine 61 is arranged for feeding the second stack 82 into the first bag 91, adjacent to the first stack 81. The second magazine 62 is arranged for simultaneously feeding the fourth stack 84 into the second bag 92, adjacent to the third stack 83. By having the two magazines 61, 62 moving in unison between the first feeding position and the second feeding position, two bags 91, 92 can be filled simultaneously.

It is during the receiving of the second stack 82 and the fourth stack 84 in this second feeding position that the separator members 51-54 effectively separate the two adjacent stacks 81-84. In particular, it can be prevented that the second stack 82 contacts and/or damages the first stack 81 and that the fourth stack 84 contacts and/or damages the third stack 83 during the receiving. Figure 7 shows the situation in which the first bag 91 has completely received the first stack 81 and the second stack 82 and the second bag 92 has completely received the third stack 83 and the fourth stack 84. The separator members 51- 54 are now retracted in the respective retraction directions G opposite to the protraction direction D from the respective shaping positions into the respective rest positions. As shown in figure 8, the bags 91, 92 are now free to be handled by the bag holders 21, 22, e.g. for movement to a subsequent sealing station (not shown) .

Figure 9 shows an alternative packaging device 101 according to a second embodiment of the invention. The alternative packaging device 101 differs from the aforementioned packaging device 1 in that, in addition to the separator members 51-54, the alternative packaging device 101 comprises a plurality of corner members 171-178. Each corner member 171-178 is arranged for moving together with the separator members 51-54 into respective corner positions in which the corner members 171-178 are external to and in contact with the corners of the bags 91, 92. The corner members 171-178 control, guide and/or shape the bags 91, 92 in the corners thereof to prevent unpredictable deformations and/or to better guide the stacks 81-84 during the receiving.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the aforementioned packaging device 1, 101 and its components can be adapted for filling a single bag at a time, e.g. by cancelling the second bag holder 22 and the second magazine 62. Alternatively, the packaging device 1 can be adapted for filling more than two bags with cosmetic pads, e.g. by adding further bag holders and further magazines (not shown) in line with the aforementioned bag holders 21, 22 and magazines 61, 62 in the first lateral direction LI. Moreover, each bag holder 21, 22 may comprises more than two feeding units to feed more than two adjacent stacks of the cosmetic pads 8 into a single bag, e.g. by arranging three or more of the previously discussed feeding units adjacent to each other in the first lateral direction LI. However, alternative, more complex packaging configurations are also encompassed by the scope of the present invention, as demonstrated by the following alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figure 11 shows a further alternative packaging device 201 according to a third embodiment of the invention, arranged for filling a bag 291 with a first stack 281, a second stack 282 and a third stack 283 of cosmetic pads 208. The cosmetic pads 208 possess a circular or substantially circular contour or shape. The bag 291 has a circumferential wall that is held open by a bag holder (not shown) in a triangular or substantially triangular cross section. The bag 291 is arranged for receiving the first stack 281 in one corner of its triangular cross section, the second stack 282 adjacent to the first stack

282 in the first lateral direction LI and the third stack

283 adjacent to both the first stack 281 and the second stack 282 in a second lateral direction L2 and a third lateral direction L3, respectively. The second lateral direction L2, in contrast to the previously discussed embodiments, is not perpendicular but oblique or transverse to the first lateral direction LI. In particular, the second lateral direction L2 extends under an angle of one- hundred-and-twenty (120) degrees to the first lateral direction LI. Similarly, the third lateral direction L3 extends oblique or transverse to both the first lateral direction LI and the second lateral direction L2, and in particular under an angle of one-hundred-and-twenty (120) degrees to both the first lateral direction LI and the second lateral direction L2. All three lateral directions LI, L2, L3 are perpendicular to the feeding direction F as shown in figure 3.

As shown in figure 11, the further alternative packaging device 201 comprises a first separator member 251 for separating the first stack 281 and the second stack 282 in the first lateral direction LI, a second separator member 252 for separating the second stack 282 and the third stack 283 in the second lateral direction L2 and a third separator member 253 for separating the first stack 281 and the third stack 283 in the third lateral direction L3. The separator members 251-253 are again arranged to match the contours and/or shapes of the cosmetic pads 208 in the intermediate spaces between the respective adjacent stacks 281-283.

Because of the specific triangular configuration of this third embodiment of the invention, the separator members 251-253 can not reach the central space in the center between the three stacks 281-283. The further alternative packaging device 201 may therefore optionally be provided with a center member 271 that is insertable into the bag 291 into the central space between the stacks 281-283, for separating said stacks 281-283 in said central space. The center member 271 may be arranged on or at the manipulator that also holds the magazines for feeding the stacks 281-283 into the bag 291. The center member 271 is insertable and/or removable from the bag 291 in a direction parallel to the feeding direction F (see figure 3) .

Figure 12 shows a further alternative packaging device 301 according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, arranged for filling a bag 391 with a first stack 381, a second stack 382, a third stack 383 and a fourth stack 384 of cosmetic pads 308. The cosmetic pads 308 possess a square or substantially square contour or shape. The bag 391 has a circumferential wall that is held open by a bag holder (not shown) in a square or substantially square cross section. The bag 391 is arranged for receiving the first stack 381 in one corner of its square cross section, the second stack 382 adjacent to the first stack 382 in the first lateral direction LI, the third stack 383 adjacent to the second stack 382 in a second lateral direction L2 and the fourth stack 384 adjacent to the third stack 383 and the first stack 381 in the first lateral direction LI and the second lateral direction L2, respectively. In this fourth embodiment of the invention, the second lateral direction L2 is again perpendicular to the first lateral direction LI. Both lateral directions LI, L2 are perpendicular to the feeding direction F as shown in figure 3.

As shown in figure 12, the further alternative packaging device 301 comprises a first separator member 351 for separating the first stack 381 and the second stack 382 in the first lateral direction LI, a second separator member 352 for separating the second stack 382 and the third stack 383 in the second lateral direction L2, a third separator member 353 for separating the third stack 383 and the fourth stack 384 in the first lateral direction LI and a fourth separator member 354 for separating the first stack 381 and the fourth stack 384 in the second lateral direction L2. The separator members 351-354 are again arranged to match the contours and/or shapes of the cosmetic pads 308 in the intermediate spaces between the respective adjacent stacks 381-384.

Because of the specific square configuration of this fourth embodiment of the invention, the separator members 351-354 can not reach the central space in the center between the three stacks 381-384. The further alternative packaging device 301 may therefore optionally be provided with a center member 371 similar to the previously discussed center member 271 according to the third embodiment of the invention. Again, the center member 371 is insertable into the bag 391 into the central space between the stacks 381-384, for separating said stacks 381- 384 in said central space. The center member 371 may again be arranged on or at the manipulator.

It will further be apparent from the various aforementioned embodiments that the shape or contour of the cosmetic pads 8, 208, 308 may deviate for each embodiment of the invention, regardless of the specific shapes and contours as shown in the figures. In particular, possible shapes or contours of the cosmetic pads 8, 208, 308 include, but are not limited to, rectangular, square, circular, oval and/or polygonal.

In short, the method for packaging cosmetic pads 8, 208, 308 in at least one bag 91, 92, 291, 391 with the use one of the aforementioned packaging devices 1, 101, 201, 301 comprises the steps of opening and holding open the bag 91, 92, 291, 391 at a bags supply station (figures and 2); moving the bag 91, 92, 291, 391 to a filling station (figure 3); receiving the first stack 81, 281, 381 into the bag 91, 291, 391 (figure 4); receiving the second stack 82, 282, 382 into the bag 91, 291, 391 (figure 6) ; and during the receiving separating the first stack 81, 281, 381 from the second stack 82, 282, 382 in the first lateral direction LI with the first separator member 51, 251, 351 (figures 4-6) . In particular, the first separator member 51, 251, 351 is positioned in a respective shaping position external to and in contact with the bag 91, 92, 291, 391, such that a part of the bag 91, 92, 291, 391 extends in the first lateral direction LI between the first stack 81, 281, 381 and the second stack 82, 282, 382 (figure 10) . Preferably, the second stack 82, 282, 382 is received into the bag 91, 92, 291, 391 only after the first stack 81, 281, 381 has been received fully or completely into the bag 91, 92, 291, 391. After the receiving, the first separator member 51, 251, 351 is retracted or moved from the respective shaping position to a respective rest position in which the first separator member 51, 251, 351 is external to and spaced apart from the bag 91, 92, 291, 391 (figure 7) . Subsequently, the filled bag 91, 92, 291, 391 can be moved to a sealing station (figure 8) .

Alternatively, all stacks 81-84 within a respective bag 91, 92 can be filled simultaneously by a plurality of magazines. In such an alternative embodiment, a number of magazines equal to the number of stacks 81-84 in the bag 91, 92 are aligned above the individual stack positions in a direction parallel to the feeding direction F .

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention.