USE OF FLEXIBLE PAPER SHEET MATERIAL FOR FORMING A PACKAGING FOR OPTICAL ELEMENTS AND METHOD FOR PACKING OPTICAL ELEMENTS

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the use of flexible paper sheet material for forming a packaging for a plurality of optical elements and to methods for packing optical elements into a packaging. The optical elements may, in particular, be spectacle lenses. Semifinished or finished spectacle lenses are currently packed into individual packagings for transport to the optician or another destination where the lenses are further finished and/or fitted into frames. Packing and unpacking spectacle lenses into such individual packagings is laborious and time-consuming and requires a substantial amount of packaging material. In many cases such packagings require additional inlays made of foam or other soft materials for adequate protection of the individual lens and in particular the optical surfaces of the lens. An ophthalmic lens storage assembly is known from EP1533249. Further packages made out of paper sleeves are known from WO 00/12408, EP0549874, and FR 2474445.

[0002] It is the object of the present invention to provide the use of flexible paper sheet material for forming a packaging for a plurality of optical elements, in particular, spectacle lenses, and methods for packing optical elements, in particular spectacle lenses, into such a packaging which are more efficient and require less packaging material.

[0003] A first aspect of the invention is the use of a flexible paper sheet material for forming a packaging for a plurality of optical elements, characterized in that the flexible paper sheet material is configured to radially hold a circumference of the optical element, the flexible paper sheet material further comprising radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions for axial support of a rim of the optical element.

[0004] First, some terms used in the context of the invention are defined.

[0005] The packaging for optical elements of the invention provides sufficient protection for optical elements during transport and storage.

[0006] Typically, such optical elements comprise at least one finished surface (either the front or rear surface) and may comprise two finished surfaces. An optical element may be substantially translucent, transparent, or reflective. More in particular, an optical element may be a lens or a mirror. In particular, the optical element may be a spectacle lens. The term spectacle lens, as used herein, includes spectacle lens blanks and spectacle lens semi-finished products. A spectacle lens blank is understood to mean a usually pre-shaped piece of material for producing a lens, in any state before the surface treatment has been completed. Spectacle lens semi-finished products are lens blanks where the optical processing has only been finished on one surface. In most cases, such spectacle lenses are essentially cylindrical and do not comprise the final circumferential shape for fitting into a frame. The packaging is typically used for transport and storage prior to this final fitting. The circumference of the optical element is defined by the radially most outward protruding part of the optical element.

[0007] The weight of an optical element may be between 5 g and 250 g, preferably between 35 g and 120 g, more preferably between 75 g and 85 g. A diameter of an optical element may be between 20 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm.

[0008] The packaging is designed for a plurality of optical elements. A plurality is two or more. Often, packaging is designed for 5 to 20 optical elements, preferably 10 optical elements. The packaging may carry as many optical elements as possible as long as it can securely hold the optical elements.

[0009] The packaging comprises a flexible paper sheet material. The flexibility of the material is sufficient to fit the paper sheet material around the circumference of the optical element so that it can radially hold this circumference. This provides radial support to each optical element in the packaging.

[0010] The flexible paper sheet material further comprises radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions for axial support of the rim of the optical element. In this context, the terms "radial" and "axial" refer to the plane of the optical elements packed into the packaging. The plurality of optical elements is stacked into the packaging on top of each other in axial direction. Axial support therefore means that optical elements stacked on top of or above each other are secured against axial dislocation. While the packaging often will have an essentially cylindrical shape with the circumference of each optical element forming essentially a circle, the invention is not limited thereto. The circumference of the optical element and the corresponding shape of the packaging might have a different shape, e.g. oval. The term "radial", as used herein, is not intended to limit the invention to a cylindrical shape.

[0011] This axial support is provided for the rim of the optical element, i.e. an area of the optical element close to its outer circumference. It is provided by radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions. This means that the axial support is provided by the paper sheet material itself, not by separate mounts affixed to the paper sheet material. Parts of the paper sheet material are protruding radially inward thereby providing axial support for the respective parts of the rim of the optical element.

[0012] The invention provides a simple, cost efficient and easy-to-use packaging for the plurality of optical elements. The optical elements are stacked in the packaging so that the packaging filled with the plurality of optical elements typically has an essentially cylindrical shape, the diameter corresponding to the diameter of the optical elements plus the comparatively small thickness of the paper sheet material, and the height approximately corresponding to the sum of the axial space requirement of the optical elements plus the sum of the axial distances between the optical elements within the packaging.

[0013] Axial support of the rim of the optical element preferably is provided on both sides, front and back surface of the optical element. Preferably, the rim of the optical element fits between two axial supports so that the optical element is secured against axial dislocation, i.e. the axial distance between these axial supports essentially corresponds to the axial thickness of the rim of the optical element.

[0014] The paper sheet material is a sheet material which comprises paper or which consists essentially or entirely of paper. The paper may be produced, for instance, by mechanically or chemically processing cellulose fibers obtained from wood, rags, grasses, or other plant sources in water, draining the water through a fine mesh so that the fibers remain evenly distributed on the surface, followed by pressing and drying. A specific weight of the paper may be between 20 g/m² and 225 g/m², preferably between 60 g/m² and 180 g/m², more preferably between 80 g/m² and 140 g/m². Such a paper is readily available, easy to handle and recyclable. Types of paper suitable for being used within the invention are disclosed in DIN 6730:2017-09. The paper sheet material may comprise paper which is coated with a coating material such as a polymeric material.

[0015] In an embodiment that is not part of the present invention, instead of using a paper sheet material, a sheet material may be used which comprises or consists of cardboard and/or a polymeric material. Preferred values for the specific weight of paper or cardboard are 80 to 500 g/m², preferably 120 to 250 g/m². Cardboard has a higher specific weight than paper.

[0016] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the packaging formed using the flexible paper sheet material comprises an essentially rectangular paper sheet with two opposing edges (sides) joined together so as to form an essentially cylindrical packaging. For joining the edges together, the rectangular paper sheet may comprise appropriate adhesive stripes or other appropriate affixing means. The rectangular paper sheets may be stored as flat paper sheets prior to use and assembled to form an essentially cylindrical packaging during the packing process. The assembly process is very simple compared to prior art folded boxes. An essentially rectangular paper sheet is rectangular within the limits and tolerances of manufacture and measurement of such a paper sheet. An essentially cylindrical packaging is adapted to the shape of the circumference of the optical element and therefore may deviate from a cylindrical shape to the extent this circumference deviates from a cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, an essentially rectangular paper sheet can be an isosceles trapezoid and an essentially cylindrical packaging can be in a form of oval.

[0017] In one embodiment of the invention, the axial distance between two axial supports for two neighboring optical elements is adapted to the maximum axial space requirement of an optical element. The maximum axial space requirement is measured from the respective parts of the front face and rear face of the optical element which are the most outward protruding parts in front and rear axial direction. For a typical optical element with a front face curvature, this axial space requirement is the axial distance from the rearward facing edge of the rim of the optical element to the center of the front face of the optical element. The maximum axial space requirement typically is larger than the maximum thickness (or maximum axial thickness) of the optical element which may be the thickness at the rim of the optical element or the thickness in the center of the optical element. Adaptation to the maximum axial space requirement allows prefabrication of the packaging according to previously provided optical element specifications including this maximum axial space requirement. Alternatively, it is possible to provide the inward protruding paper sheet material portions on site immediately prior to packing the optical elements (details see below) so that the axial distance can be adapted to the axial space requirement of the actually packed optical elements.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging comprises axial and/or radial perforations for opening the packaging. Axial perforations run along the axial length of the packaging cylinder and allow an easy opening of the packaging to remove all optical elements. A radial perforation preferably runs along the complete circumference of the packaging between two neighboring optical elements and allows easy removal of a single optical element or some optical elements through circumferential opening of the packaging. The packaging may comprise more than one such radial perforation, and may comprise a radial perforation between each of the adjacent neighboring optical elements. The term perforation as used herein includes tear strips.

[0019] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the paper sheet comprises pairs of parallel circumferential cuts, each pair enclosing a sheet portion radially protruding inward (cutout portion) for providing axial support of the rim of the optical element.

[0020] This embodiment enables to provide the radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions from the simple flat paper sheet material. A pair of parallel circumferential cuts encloses a circumferential, essentially rectangular paper sheet material portion separated from the remaining paper sheet material through the circumferential cuts (in axial direction) and being connected to the remaining paper sheet material at its circumferential end portions. When the complete paper sheet material forms an essentially cylindrical packaging, this paper sheet material portion can be pushed radially inwards and remains in this position due to the tension of the paper sheet material. The cutout paper sheet material portions flexed radially inwards therefore provides axial support for the rims of the optical element in a simple and efficient manner. The circumferential cuts and the corresponding paper sheet portions can easily be adapted to provide axial support for optical elements of varying thickness.

[0021] Preferably, the packaging comprises at least two, preferably at least three, further preferred four pairs of parallel circumferential cuts around the circumference of the packaging. This provides axial support of the rim of the optical elements in at least two, preferably three, further preferred four areas around the circumference of the optical element. Preferably, these supports are essentially distributed around the circumference in an equidistant manner.

[0022] Preferably, the circumferential length of each cut is 5 to 25%, preferably 10 to 20% of the circumference of the packaging. This provides sufficient axial support of the rim of the optical element while maintaining a sufficient overall strength of the packaging. Of course, a circumferential cut having a length of the maximum 25% can only be used for a packaging having less than four pairs of parallel circumferential cuts around the circumference of the packaging.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the axial distance between the two cuts of a pair of cuts is 15 to 60%, preferably 30 to 40% of the axial distance between two axial supports for two neighboring optical elements. This feature describes the relative axial length of the cutout portions protruding radially inwards and the paper sheet material portions between two such cutout portions. This relation provides for sufficient overall mechanical strength of the packaging. The paper sheet material portions between two such cutout portions must be adapted to the maximum axial space requirement of the optical elements.

[0024] A second aspect of the invention is a method for packing optical elements, in particular spectacle lenses, into a packaging, comprising the steps of:

a. forming an essentially cylindrical packaging from a flexible sheet material for radially holding the circumference of the optical element,

b. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions in the sheet material for axial support of the rim of the first and lowermost optical element,

c. inserting the first and lowermost optical element into the packaging,

d. forming radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions for axial support of the rim of the second optical element,

e. inserting the second optical element into the packaging,

f. repeating steps d. and e. for each subsequent optical element.

[0025] In this method, the packaging is formed first, and the optical elements are inserted into this packaging sequentially.

[0026] A third aspect of the invention is a method for packing optical elements, in particular spectacle lenses, into a packaging, comprising the steps of:

a. placing an essentially rectangular sheet for radially holding the circumference of the optical element into a half-shell having a curvature essentially corresponding to the circumferential curvature of the optical elements,

b. placing the optical elements into the sheet so that the rims of the optical elements are partially supported by the sheet laid out on the surface of the half-shell,

c. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions for axial support of the rim of the optical elements over a part of the circumference of the packaging,

d. closing the packing by joining the opposing edges of the essentially rectangular sheet,

e. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions in the sheet material for axial support of the rim of the optical elements over the remaining part of the circumference of the packaging.

[0027] In this method, the packaging placed into the half-shell is filled first with optical elements and subsequently closed by joining the opposing edges of the essentially rectangular sheet. In this method, steps b. and c. can either be carried out sequentially for each optical element (after placing the optical element into the half-shell, the corresponding radially inward protruding sheet material portions for this optical element are formed), or, alternatively, multiple optical elements or all optical elements can be inserted in step b. and the corresponding radially inward protruding sheet material portions for these optical elements formed subsequently in step c.

[0028] Both methods according to the second and third aspects of the invention can be carried out either manually or mechanically/automatically using appropriate machines or robots.

[0029] In both methods, the handling and manipulating of the optical elements can be carried out with a suction device. A suction device allows precise and mechanically gentle handling of the optical elements.

[0030] The methods of the present invention are preferably carried out so that a packaging as previously described and claimed in use claims 1 to 7 is formed.

[0031] The sheet material used in the claimed methods preferably comprises or consists of paper, cardboard, and/or a polymeric material. Paper and/or cardboard are preferred. Preferred values for the specific weight of paper or cardboard are 80 to 500 g/m², preferably 120 to 250 g/m². These sheet materials are readily available, easy to handle and recyclable.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment the sheet material is a paper sheet material. A specific weight of the paper may be between 20 g/m² and 225 g/m², preferably between 60 g/m² and 180 g/m², more preferably between 80 g/m² and 140 g/m². Such a paper is readily available, easy to handle and recyclable. The paper sheet material preferably consists essentially or entirely of paper. However, the paper sheet material may also comprise paper which is coated with a coating material such as a polymeric material.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the method uses an essentially rectangular sheet with two opposing edges (sides) joined together so as to form an essentially cylindrical packaging. For joining the edges together, the rectangular sheet may comprise appropriate adhesive stripes or other appropriate affixing means. The rectangular sheets may be stored as flat sheets prior to use and assembled to form an essentially cylindrical packaging during the packing process. In one embodiment, an essentially rectangular sheet can be an isosceles trapezoid and an essentially cylindrical packaging can be in a form of oval.

[0034] In one embodiment of the methods, the axial distance between two axial supports for two neighboring optical elements is adapted to the maximum axial space requirement of an optical element.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging formed according to the claimed methods comprises axial and/or radial perforations for opening the packaging. The packaging may comprise more than one such radial perforation, and may comprise a radial perforation between each of the adjacent neighboring optical elements.

[0036] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the sheet used in the claimed methods comprises pairs of parallel circumferential cuts, each pair enclosing a sheet portion radially protruding inward (cutout portion) for providing axial support of the rim of the optical element.

[0037] This embodiment enables to provide the radially inward protruding sheet material portions from the simple flat sheet material. A pair of parallel circumferential cuts encloses a circumferential, essentially rectangular sheet material portion separated from the remaining sheet material through the circumferential cuts (in axial direction) and being connected to the remaining sheet material at its circumferential end portions. When the complete sheet material forms an essentially cylindrical packaging, this sheet material portion can be pushed radially inwards and remains in this position due to the tension of the sheet material. The cutout sheet material portions flexed radially inwards therefore provides axial support for the rims of the optical elements in a simple and efficient manner. The circumferential cuts and the corresponding sheet portions can easily be adapted to provide axial support for optical elements of varying thickness.

[0038] Preferably, the packaging formed according to the claimed methods comprises at least two, preferably at least three, further preferred four pairs of parallel circumferential cuts around the circumference of the packaging. This provides axial support of the rim of the optical elements in at least two, preferably three, further preferred four areas around the circumference of the optical element. Preferably, these supports are essentially distributed around the circumference in an equidistant manner.

[0039] Preferably, the circumferential length of each cut is 5 to 25%, preferably 10 to 20% of the circumference of the packaging. This provides sufficient axial support of the rim of the optical element while maintaining a sufficient overall strength of the packaging. Of course, a circumferential cut having a length of the maximum 25% can only be used for a packaging having less than four pairs of parallel circumferential cuts around the circumference of the packaging.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the axial distance between the two cuts of a pair of cuts is 15 to 60%, preferably 30 to 40% of the axial distance between two axial supports for two neighboring optical elements. This feature describes the relative axial length of the cutout portions protruding radially inwards and the sheet material portions between two such cutout portions. This relation provides for sufficient overall mechanical strength of the packaging. The sheet material portions between two such cutout portions must be adapted to the maximum axial space requirement of the optical elements.

[0041] As indicated above, the packaging according to the invention typically is essentially cylindrical according to the circumferential shape of the optical elements.

[0042] Optionally, the packaging might be wrapped into a protective film preferably made from a suitable polymeric material. A protective film provides improved protection against the environment and increases mechanical stability.

[0043] Optionally, it is possible to seal one or both axial ends of the packaging with an axial cover. Such an axial cover preferably is made from a material with sufficient rigidity, e.g. plastics or cardboard. The axial cover can be affixed to the packaging using an appropriate adhesive, stapling and/or a friction and/or form fit. The axial cover also increases mechanical stability and improves protection against the environment.

[0044] According to a further preferred embodiment, in a subsequent step this packaging is inserted into an outer packaging. This outer packaging can provide additional mechanical protection and preferably comprises a rectangular cube shape, which makes it easier to store and pile such outer packagings.

[0045] Embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the attached drawings. These drawings show:

Fig.1:

Flexible sheet with cutout portions for axial support of the optical elements;

Fig.2:

Longitudinal cross-section of the packaging with inserted optical elements:

Fig.3:

Cross section showing schematically the concept of the cutout portions providing axial support for the optical elements;

Fig.4:

Schematically the steps of a manual method for packing and unpacking optical elements;

Fig.5:

Schematically the steps of a first mechanical method for packing and unpacking optical elements;

Fig.6:

Schematically the steps of a second mechanical method for packing and unpacking optical elements.

[0046] Fig.1 shows a front view of a rectangular sheet 1 made from paper material with sufficient flexibility and tensile strength. Along one edge, the sheet comprises an adhesive strip 2 which can be used to join this edge with the opposing edge of the sheet to a cylinder. The sheet comprises pairs of parallel cuts 3, 4 in circumferential direction x. Between each pair, a cutout portion 5 is formed.

[0047] As shown in Fig.3, once the sheet has been formed into cylindrical shape, each cutout portion 5 can be flexed inwards by applying a force in the direction of the arrow 7. Once the cutout portion 5 has been flexed inward, it remains in this position thanks to the tensile strength of the sheet material. Each cutout portion 5 then provides an axial support for an optical element 6, more specifically for a spectacle lens.

[0048] As shown in Fig.1, the axial distance in the direction y between two cutout portions 5 corresponds approximately to the maximum axial space requirement of a spectacle lens 6 to be inserted into the packaging. The axial space requirement is determined by both the maximum thickness and the curvature of a spectacle lens.

[0049] Fig.2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a partially filled packaging according to the invention. It is shown how inward flexed cutout portions 5 provide axial support of a spectacle lens 6. At the same time, the sheet material radially holds the lens circumference.

[0050] By appropriate positioning of the cuts 3, 4 in the paper, the distance can be optimally adjusted depending on the lens thickness and axial space requirement respectively. In the case of thin lenses, choosing a smaller distance leads to less packaging volume.

[0051] In addition to the use of paper sheets with predefined cuts, the individual introduction of the cuts by an appropriate tool (e.g. laser or cutting knife) is another variant.

[0052] There is no need for inlays to protect the glasses. In the case of extremely convex glasses, contact with the neighboring glass can be avoided by choosing a sufficient axial length of the cutout portion 5 so as to provide adequate axial distance between adjacent lenses.

[0053] The invention typically requires only one third of the packaging material which is required for individual packagings of the prior art. As explained above, no inlays are required and thus no material for such inlay is necessary.

[0054] Extra stickers for the specification of glass data are not necessary. All the necessary information can be printed on the material sheet before it becomes a roll.

[0055] Perforations or similar weakenings provided in the sheet help to make it easier to remove the glasses from the roll. Depending on the positioning, the perforation can be optimized for the removal of an individual glass (radial or circumferential perforation) or the complete opening of the packaging (axial perforation).

[0056] Fig.4 schematically shows a manual method for packing and unpacking of lenses 6.

[0057] In step A, the sheet material 1 is formed to a cylindrical roll by adhesive connection of the corresponding opposing edges.

[0058] In step B, the spectacle lenses 6 are sequentially manually inserted into the roll.

[0059] In step C, four cutout portions 5 are pushed radially inwards so as to provide axial support for the inserted spectacle lenses 6.

[0060] In step D, each packaging (roll) is inserted into an outer packaging 8 for further transport and storage.

[0061] Step E shows the manual removal of single lenses from a packaging comprising circumferential perforations 9. The lens with the corresponding part of the packaging can be torn apart from the packaging via the corresponding perforation 9.

[0062] Step F shows how another variant of the packaging can be opened using an axial perforation 10 for subsequent removal of all glasses.

[0063] Fig.5 schematically shows a first mechanical method for packing and unpacking of lenses.

[0064] The sheet material 1 is formed to a cylindrical roll by adhesive connection of the corresponding opposing edges. In step A, the spectacle lenses 6 are sequentially mechanically inserted into the roll. This is done using a robot 11 comprising a suction device 12 attached to an arm 13.

[0065] In step B, the cutout portions 5 for the lens previously inserted into the roll are pushed radially inwards using the robot 11 comprising an arm 13 and a suction device 12 so as to provide axial support for the inserted spectacle lenses 6. Steps A and B are repeated for each lens inserted into the roll.

[0066] Each packaging (roll), after having been filled with lenses, is taken up by a robot 14 comprising a four finger gripper 15 (Step C), and is inserted into an outer packaging 8 for further transport and storage (Step D).

[0067] For mechanical removal of single lenses from a packaging comprising circumferential perforations 9, the packaging is taken out of the outer packaging using a robot 14. A single lens with the corresponding part of the packaging can be torn apart from the packaging at the corresponding perforation 9 using the four finger gripper 15 (Step E). In Step F, the paper of the packaging is removed from the lens.

[0068] Fig.6 schematically shows a second mechanical method for packing and unpacking of lenses.

[0069] The sheet material 1 is placed into a half-shell 16 having a curvature essentially corresponding to the circumferential curvature of the spectacle lenses (Step A). This is done using a robot 11 comprising a suction device 12 attached to an arm 13.

[0070] In step B, the spectacle lenses 6 are sequentially mechanically inserted into the roll using the robot 11/suction device 12. After each insertion of a lens, three of four cutout portions 5 along the circumference are pushed radially inwards using appropriate mechanical devices of the half-shell 16 (not shown in the drawing). These three cutout portions are the cutout portions placed at the bottom and close to the edges of the half-shell 16.

[0071] After placing all lenses into the packaging, the sheet material is formed to a cylindrical roll by adhesive connection of the corresponding opposing edges in Step C. The fourth cutout portions placed in the area of the top of the roll are also pushed radially inwards after closing the roll.

[0072] Each packaging (roll), after having been filled with lenses, is taken up by a robot 14 comprising a four finger gripper 15 (Step D), and is inserted into an outer packaging 8 for further transport and storage (Step E).

[0073] For mechanical removal of the lenses from a packaging comprising an axial perforation 10, the packaging is taken out of the outer packaging using a robot 14 (Step F) and placed into a half-shell 16. Preferably the robot 14 uses a four finger gripper for this task.

[0074] A robot comprising a finger gripper 17 (preferably a two finger gripper) opens the packaging tearing apart the axial perforation 10 (Step G).

[0075] In Step H, the lenses 6 are sequentially removed from packaging using the suction device 12 of the robot.

Claims

1. Use of flexible paper sheet material for forming a packaging for a plurality of optical elements (6), characterized in that the flexible paper sheet material (1) is configured to radially hold a circumference of the optical element, the flexible paper sheet material (1) further comprising radially inward protruding paper sheet material portions (5) for axial support of a rim of the optical element.

2. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to claim 1, characterized in that the weight of an optical element is between 5 g and 250 g, preferably between 35 g and 120 g, more preferably between 75 g and 85 g, and/or a diameter of an optical element is between 20 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm.

3. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by at least one of the following features:

a. the flexible paper sheet material is an essentially rectangular paper sheet (1) with two opposing edges joined together so as to form an essentially cylindrical packaging and/or

b. the axial distance between two axial supports (5) for two neighboring optical elements (6) is adapted to the maximum axial space requirement of an optical element (6) and/or

c. the flexible paper sheet material comprises axial and/or radial perforations (9, 10) for opening the formed packaging.

4. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to any of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the paper sheet (1) comprises pairs of parallel circumferential cuts (3, 4), each pair enclosing a paper sheet portion (5) radially protruding inward for providing axial support of the rim of the optical element.

5. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to claim 4, characterized by at least one of the following features:

a. the paper sheet (1) comprises at least two, preferably at least three, further preferred four pairs of parallel circumferential cuts (3, 4) around the circumference of the formed packaging and/or

b. the circumferential length of each cut (3, 4) is 5 to 25%, preferably 10 to 20% of the circumference of the formed packaging and/or

c. the axial distance between the two cuts (3, 4) of a pair of cuts is 15 to 60%, preferably 30 to 40% of the axial distance between two axial supports for two neighboring optical elements.

6. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to any of the claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the optical elements (6) are translucent, transparent, or reflective.

7. Use of flexible paper sheet material according to claim 6, characterized in that the optical elements (6) are spectacle lenses or mirrors.

8. Method for packing optical elements into a packaging, characterized in comprising the steps of:

a. forming an essentially cylindrical packaging from a flexible sheet material (1) for radially holding the circumference of the optical element,

b. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions (5) in the sheet material (1) for axial support of the rim of the first and lowermost optical element (6),

c. inserting the first and lowermost optical element (6) into the packaging,

d. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions (5) for axial support of the rim of the second optical element (6),

e. inserting the second optical element (6) into the packaging,

f. repeating steps d. and e. for each subsequent optical element (6).

9. Method for packing optical elements into a packaging , characterized in comprising the steps of:

a. placing an essentially rectangular sheet (1) for radially holding the circumference of the optical element into a half-shell (16) having a curvature essentially corresponding to the circumferential curvature of the optical element (6),

b. placing the optical elements (6) into the sheet so that the rims of the optical elements are partially supported by the sheet laid out on the surface of the half-shell,

c. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions (5) in the sheet material (1) for axial support of the rim of the optical elements (6) over a part of the circumference of the packaging,

d. closing the packing by joining the opposing edges of the essentially rectangular sheet (1),

e. forming radially inward protruding sheet material portions (5) in the sheet material (1) for axial support of the rim of the optical elements (6) over the remaining part of the circumference of the packaging.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the steps are carried out manually.

11. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the steps are carried out mechanically.

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the handling of the optical elements is carried out with a suction device (12).

13. Method according to any of the claims 8 to 12, characterized in that in a subsequent step the packaging is inserted into an outer packaging (8).

14. Method according to any of the claims 8 to 13, characterized by at least one of the following features:

a. the weight of an optical element is between 5 g and 250 g, preferably between 35 g and 120 g, more preferably between 75 g and 85 g, and/or

b. the diameter of an optical element is between 20 mm and 150 mm, preferably between 40 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 60 mm and 80 mm, and/or

c. the sheet material (1) is a paper sheet material.

15. Method according to any of the claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the optical elements (6) are translucent, transparent, or reflective, wherein, preferably, the optical elements (6) are spectacle lenses or mirrors.

Ansprüche

1. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial zum Ausbilden einer Verpackung für eine Mehrzahl von optischen Elementen (6), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das flexible Papierbogenmaterial (1) dazu ausgestaltet ist, einen Umfang des optischen Elements radial zu halten, wobei das flexible Papierbogenmaterial (1) ferner radial nach innen ragende Papierbogenmaterialabschnitte (5) zum axialen Stützen eines Rands des optischen Elements umfasst.

2. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gewicht eines optischen Elements zwischen 5 g und 250 g, vorzugsweise zwischen 35 g und 120 g, weiter bevorzugt zwischen 75 g und 85 g, liegt und/oder ein Durchmesser eines optischen Elements zwischen 20 mm und 150 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 40 mm und 100 mm, weiter bevorzugt zwischen 60 mm und 80 mm liegt.

3. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:

a. das flexible Papierbogenmaterial ist ein im Wesentlichen rechteckiger Papierbogen (1) mit zwei gegenüberliegenden Kanten, die derart zusammengefügt sind, dass sie eine im Wesentlichen zylindrische Verpackung ausbilden, und/oder

b. der axiale Abstand zwischen zwei axialen Stützen (5) für zwei benachbarte optische Elemente (6) ist an den maximalen axialen Raumbedarf eines optischen Elements (6) angepasst und/oder

c. das flexible Papierbogenmaterial umfasst axiale und/oder radiale Perforationen (9, 10) zum Öffnen der ausgebildeten Verpackung.

4. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Papierbogen (1) Paare von parallelen umlaufenden Schnitten (3, 4) umfasst, wobei jedes Paar einen radial nach innen ragenden Papierbogenabschnitt (5) umschließt, um ein axiales Stützen des Rands des optischen Elements bereitzustellen.

5. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach Anspruch 4, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:

a. der Papierbogen (1) umfasst mindestens zwei, vorzugsweise mindestens drei, weiter bevorzugt vier Paare von parallelen umlaufenden Schnitten (3, 4) um den Umfang der ausgebildeten Verpackung und/oder

b. die Umfangslänge jedes Schnitts (3, 4) beträgt 5 bis 25 %, vorzugsweise 10 bis 20 % des Umfangs der ausgebildeten Verpackung und/oder

c. der axiale Abstand zwischen den zwei Schnitten (3, 4) eines Paars von Schnitten beträgt 15 bis 60 %, vorzugsweise 30 bis 40 % des axialen Abstands zwischen zwei axialen Stützen für zwei benachbarte optische Elemente.

6. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die optischen Elemente (6) lichtdurchlässig, transparent oder reflektierend sind.

7. Verwendung von flexiblem Papierbogenmaterial nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die optischen Elemente (6) Brillengläser oder Spiegel sind.

8. Verfahren zum Verpacken optischer Elemente in einer Verpackung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

a. Ausbilden einer im Wesentlichen zylindrischen Verpackung aus einem flexiblen Bogenmaterial (1) zum radialen Halten des Umfangs des optischen Elements,

b. Ausbilden radial nach innen ragender Bogenmaterialabschnitte (5) in dem Bogenmaterial (1) zum axialen Stützen des Rands des ersten und untersten optischen Elements (6),

c. Einsetzen des ersten und untersten optischen Elements (6) in die Verpackung,

d. Ausbilden radial nach innen ragender Bogenmaterialabschnitte (5) zum axialen Stützen des Rands des zweiten optischen Elements (6),

e. Einsetzen des zweiten optischen Elements (6) in die Verpackung,

f. Wiederholen der Schritte d. und e. für jedes nachfolgende optische Element (6).

9. Verfahren zum Verpacken optischer Elemente in einer Verpackung, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte umfasst:

a. Platzieren eines im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bogens (1) zum radialen Halten des Umfangs des optischen Elements in einer Halbschale (16), die eine Krümmung aufweist, die im Wesentlichen der Umfangskrümmung des optischen Elements (6) entspricht,

b. Platzieren der optischen Elemente (6) in dem Bogen derart, dass die Ränder der optischen Elemente teilweise durch den auf der Oberfläche der Halbschale ausgelegten Bogen gestützt werden,

c. Ausbilden radial nach innen ragender Bogenmaterialabschnitte (5) in dem Bogenmaterial (1) zum axialen Stützen des Rands der optischen Elemente (6) über einen Teil des Umfangs der Verpackung,

d. Verschließen der Verpackung durch Zusammenfügen der entgegengesetzten Kanten des im Wesentlichen rechteckigen Bogens (1),

e. Ausbilden radial nach innen ragender Bogenmaterialabschnitte (5) in dem Bogenmaterial (1) zum axialen Stützen des Rands der optischen Elemente (6) über den restlichen Teil des Umfangs der Verpackung.

10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schritte manuell ausgeführt werden.

11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schritte mechanisch ausgeführt werden.

12. Verfahren nach Anspruch 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Handhabung der optischen Elemente mit einer Saugvorrichtung (12) ausgeführt wird.

13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in einem nachfolgenden Schritt die Verpackung in eine Außenverpackung (8) eingesetzt wird.

14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 13, gekennzeichnet durch mindestens eines der folgenden Merkmale:

a. das Gewicht eines optischen Elements liegt zwischen 5 g und 250 g, vorzugsweise zwischen 35 g und 120 g, weiter bevorzugt zwischen 75 g und 85 g, und/oder

b. der Durchmesser eines optischen Elements liegt zwischen 20 mm und 150 mm, vorzugsweise zwischen 40 mm und 100 mm, weiter bevorzugt zwischen 60 mm und 80 mm, und/oder

c. das Bogenmaterial (1) ist ein Papierbogenmaterial.

15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die optischen Elemente (6) lichtdurchlässig, transparent oder reflektierend sind, wobei vorzugsweise die optischen Elemente (6) Brillengläser oder Spiegel sind.

Revendications

1. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple pour former un emballage pour une pluralité d'éléments optiques (6), caractérisée en ce que le matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple (1) est configuré pour maintenir radialement une circonférence de l'élément optique, le matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple (1) comprenant en outre des portions de matériau sous forme de feuille de papier faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur (5) pour un support axial d'un pourtour de l'élément optique.

2. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon la revendication 1, caractérisée en ce que le poids d'un élément optique se situe entre 5 g et 250 g, de préférence entre 35 g et 120 g, mieux encore entre 75 g et 85 g, et/ou un diamètre d'un élément optique se situe entre 20 mm et 150 mm, de préférence entre 40 mm et 100 mm, mieux encore entre 60 mm et 80 mm.

3. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisée par au moins une des caractéristiques suivantes :

a. le matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple est une feuille de papier essentiellement rectangulaire (1) avec deux bords opposés reliés de manière à former un emballage essentiellement cylindrique et/ou

b. la distance axiale entre deux supports axiaux (5) pour deux éléments optiques voisins (6) est adaptée à l'exigence d'espace axial maximal d'un élément optique (6) et/ou

c. le matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple comprend des perforations axiales et/ou radiales (9, 10) pour ouvrir l'emballage formé.

4. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, caractérisée en ce que la feuille de papier (1) comprend des paires de découpes circonférentielles parallèles (3, 4), chaque paire délimitant une portion de feuille de papier (5) faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur pour fournir un support axial du pourtour de l'élément optique.

5. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon la revendication 4, caractérisée par au moins une des caractéristiques suivantes :

a. la feuille de papier (1) comprend au moins deux, de préférence au moins trois, mieux encore au moins quatre paires de découpes circonférentielles parallèles (3, 4) autour de la circonférence de l'emballage formé et/ou

b. la longueur circonférentielle de chaque découpe (3, 4) représente 5 à 25 %, de préférence 10 à 20 % de la circonférence de l'emballage formé et/ou

c. la distance axiale entre les deux découpes (3, 4) d'une paire de découpes représente 15 à 60 %, de préférence 30 à 40 % de la distance axiale entre deux supports axiaux pour deux éléments optiques voisins.

6. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5, caractérisée en ce que les éléments optiques (6) sont translucides, transparents, ou réfléchissants.

7. Utilisation d'un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier souple selon la revendication 6, caractérisée en ce que les éléments optiques (6) sont des verres de lunettes ou des miroirs.

8. Procédé de conditionnement d'éléments optiques dans un emballage, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes de :

a. formation d'un emballage essentiellement cylindrique à partir d'un matériau sous forme de feuille souple (1) pour maintenir radialement la circonférence de l'élément optique,

b. formation de portions de matériau sous forme de feuille faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur (5) dans le matériau sous forme de feuille (1) pour un support axial du pourtour du premier et plus bas élément optique (6),

c. insertion du premier et plus bas élément optique (6) dans l'emballage,

d. formation de portions de matériau sous forme de feuille faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur (5) pour un support axial du pourtour du deuxième élément optique (6),

e. insertion du deuxième élément optique (6) dans l'emballage,

f. répétition des étapes d. et e. pour chaque élément optique (6) successif.

9. Procédé de conditionnement d'éléments optiques dans un emballage, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes de :

a. mise en place d'une feuille essentiellement rectangulaire (1) destinée à maintenir radialement la circonférence de l'élément optique dans une demi-coque (16) ayant une courbure correspondant essentiellement à la courbure circonférentielle de l'élément optique (6),

b. mise en place des éléments optiques (6) dans la feuille de telle sorte que les pourtours des éléments optiques soient partiellement supportés par la feuille disposée sur la surface de la demi-coque,

c. formation de portions de matériau sous forme de feuille faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur (5) dans le matériau sous forme de feuille (1) pour un support axial du pourtour des éléments optiques (6) sur une partie de la circonférence de l'emballage,

d. fermeture de l'emballage par jonction des bords opposés de la feuille essentiellement rectangulaire (1),

e. formation de portions de matériau sous forme de feuille faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur (5) dans le matériau sous forme de feuille (1) pour un support axial du pourtour des éléments optiques (6) sur la partie restante de la circonférence de l'emballage.

10. Procédé selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que les étapes sont réalisées manuellement.

11. Procédé selon la revendication 8 ou 9, caractérisé en ce que les étapes sont réalisées mécaniquement.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, caractérisé en ce que la manipulation des éléments optiques est réalisée avec un dispositif d'aspiration (12).

13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 12, caractérisé en ce que, dans une étape ultérieure, l'emballage est inséré dans un emballage extérieur (8).

14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 13, caractérisé par au moins une des caractéristiques suivantes :

a. le poids d'un élément optique se situe entre 5 g et 250 g, de préférence entre 35 g et 120 g, mieux encore entre 75 g et 85 g, et/ou

b. le diamètre d'un élément optique se situe entre 20 mm et 150 mm, de préférence entre 40 mm et 100 mm, mieux encore entre 60 mm et 80 mm, et/ou

c. le matériau sous forme de feuille (1) est un matériau sous forme de feuille de papier.

15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 8 à 14, caractérisé en ce que les éléments optiques (6) sont translucides, transparents, ou réfléchissants, de préférence dans lequel les éléments optiques (6) sont des verres de lunettes ou des miroirs.

Drawing