AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT PACKAGING MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT PACKAGING MATERIAL PRODUCTION

Abstract

The present invention relates to a material for packaging agricultural products, such as cotton, particularly in the form of cylindrical bales, by using automated agricultural machines and equipment of the self-powered baler type. More particularly, the present invention relates to a packaging material that comprises a single continuous film (1) composed of a plurality of packaging portions (2), which can be detached from one another via a break line (3), said packaging portion (2) being divided into an initial portion (2a) and a final portion (2b), and this latter portion is provided, on one of the surfaces thereof, with a layer of adhesive of non-permanent type 4. In parallel, the present invention also relates to a method for producing this agricultural product packaging material.

Claims

1. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, comprising a single continuous film (1) that is composed of a plurality of packaging portions (2), which are detachable from each other through a rupture line (3), said packaging portion (2) being divided into an initial portion (2a) and a final portion (2b), the latter portion being provided with a non-permanent adhesive layer (4) on one of its surfaces.

2. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said rupture line (3) comprises a “V” configuration, in which said rupture lines (3) are arranged diagonally and extend from the center of the free end of said initial portion (2a) towards the lateral edges (2c) of said single continuous film (1).

3. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that said diagonal rupture lines (3) form an angle (a) with an imaginary transverse line (y) that varies between 0.sup.Q and 70.sup.Q, more particularly being 30.sup.Q.

4. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said rupture line (3) comprises a shape that may be trapezoidal, straight, wavy, arched, serrated, transverse blocks, elliptical, or circular.

5. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that along said rupture lines (3) there are reinforcement portions (3a) that are made up of non-fragile segments.

6. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said single and continuous film (1) comprises, in the region of said rupture line (3), a narrowing (5) in at least one of its side edges (2c).

7. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said single and continuous film (1) comprises, in the region of said rupture line (3), a narrowing (5) on both side edges (2c).

8. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that said narrowing (5) is formed by the combination of an angular narrowing (5a) and a complementary segment (5b).

9. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the single and continuous film is a multilayer plastic film with protection against ultraviolet rays, impermeable and with pigmentations, such as elements provided with properties and barriers against environmental and climatic interference, such as moisture, water, solids and oxygen.

10. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the initial portion (2a) represents between 5%-95% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2) and, the final portion (2b) represents between 5%-95% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2).

11. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the initial portion (2a) represents 50% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2) and, the final portion (2b) represents between 50% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2).

12. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the initial portion (2a) represents 45% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2) and, the final portion (2b) represents between 55% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2).

13. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the total length (x) of the packaging portion comprises about 22 meters and, in this case, the initial portion 2a is about 10 meters and the final portion 2b is approximately 12 meters.

14. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said rupture line (3) is formed by embrittlement points, pre-rupture points and/or weakening points.

15. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 14, characterized by the fact that said rupture line is obtained through laser tools, hot or cold metal knives, serrated cutting knives, straight cutting knives, pyramidal cutting knives, triangular cutting knives, or even as micro laser perforations or superficial embrittlement.

16. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that each packaging portion (2) of said single continuous film (1) comprises at least one indicator medium (6), which can be a photocell, an ink-based indication, a metallic paint, a metallic element, a marking, demarcation, barcode, or punch code.

17. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said packaging portion (2) comprises at least an identifier medium (7), such as RFID tags.

18. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said single, continuous plastic film (1) forming the packaging portion (2) is polyethylene-based and said layer of adhesive of the non-permanent type (4) is a water based adhesive.

19. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said packaging portion (2) comprises at least one release reinforcement (8) that is formed by labels applied in each initial portion (2a) longitudinally or transversely in relation to the length of the single continuous film (1).

20. MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the end of the final portion (2b) comprises a closing adhesive.

21. METHOD OF PRODUCTION OF A MATERIAL FOR THE PACKAGING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS, characterized by comprising the following steps: a) producing a continuous plastic film (1), through the formulation of the raw material and preparation of the film extruder; b) producing said continuous plastic film in jumbo-type reels (110), which are subjected to an inspection to be packaged and identified; c) storing these jumbo-type reels (110 to be applied in the production line of the single and continuous plastic film (1 and comprising the steps of: c.1) unwinding said jumbo-type reel (110); c.2) positioning and applying the signaling means (6), such as a metallic label; c.3) said continuous plastic film (1) receives a rupture line (3), which is responsible for projecting portions of packages (2), said rupture line (3) being placed between said final portion (2b) of a packaging portion (2) and the initial portion (2a) of the subsequent packaging portion (2) formed by said continuous plastic film (1); c.4) intermittent application of a non-permanent adhesive layer (4 on one of the surfaces of the continuous plastic film (1), forming an initial portion (2a) without adhesive and a final portion (2b) containing said non-permanent type adhesive (4); c.5) subjecting the continuous plastic film to a drying and absorption process of the non-permanent adhesive (4) in an oven; c.6) rewinding said continuous plastic film (1) in a reel (120) to be introduced in an automated harvester; d) inspection of reels (120) of continuous plastic film (1) to be packaged and identified; e) storing said reel (120) of continuous plastic film (1).

22. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that during said step (c.4) the proportion between the initial (2a) and final (2b) portions are equivalent and comprise, respectively, 50% of the total length (x) of a packaging portion (2).

23. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that said final portion (2b, the surface of which is coated with a layer of adhesive of the non-permanent type (4, represents between 5% and 95% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion (2).

24. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that the initial portion (2a) represents around 45% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2) and, the final portion (2b) represents around 55% of the total extension (x) of the packaging portion (2).

25. METHOD, according to claim 24, characterized by the fact that the total length (x) of the packaging portion comprises about 22 meters and, in this case, the initial portion 2a is about 10 meters and the final portion 2b is approximately 12 meters.

26. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that, step (c.3) is conducted through a process of forming embrittlement points, pre-rupture points and/or weakening points.

27. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that, during said stage (c.3), the rupture line (3) is obtained through laser tools, with hot or cold metal knives, serrated cutting knives, straight cutting knives, pyramidal cutting knives, triangular cutting knives, or even as micro laser perforations or superficial embrittlement.

28. METHOD, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that in said stage (c.3), the rupture line (3) comprises a “V” configuration, in which said rupture lines (3) are arranged diagonally and extend from the center of the free end of said initial portion (2a) towards the lateral edges (2c) of said single continuous film (1).

29. METHOD, according to claim 28, characterized by the fact that said diagonal rupture lines (3) are obtained from an angle (a) with an imaginary transverse line (y) that varies between 0.sup.Q and 70.sup.Q, more particularly being 30.sup.Q.

30. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that in said step (c.3), the rupture line (3) is formed so as to provide a straight, wavy, arched, serrated configuration, transverse blocks, elliptical, circular shape.

31. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that during step (c.3) there is the formation of reinforcement portions 3a, which are made up of non-fragile segments along the rupture line 3.

32. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a step (c.2.1) to form a profile of at least one edge (2c) for obtaining and forming a narrowing (5) in the region of the rupture line (3) of the packaging portion (2).

33. METHOD, according to claim 32, characterized by the fact that during said step (c.2.1) the trimming forms a narrowing (5) that is configured through the combination of an angular narrowing (5a) and a complementary segment (5b).

34. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that during said step (c.2) the indicator medium (6) is a photocell, an ink-based indication, metallic paint, metallic element, marking, demarcation, barcode or punch code.

35. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the Fact that after step (c.5), the continuous plastic film is subjected to a step of including at least one identifying medium, for example RFID tags—RFIDs.

36. METHOD, according to claim 21, characterized by the fact that it additionally comprises a step of applying at least one release reinforcement (8) on the packaging portion (2), with said reinforcement (8) being a label applied adjacent to the edge of each initial portion (2a) and disposed transversely or longitudinally in relation to the extension of said single and continuous film (1).

Description

SUMMARIZED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] The characteristics, advantages and technical effects of the present invention, as outlined above, will be better and more appropriately understood by a person skilled in the art based on the detailed description below, made by way of example, and not restrictively, of preferred embodiments, and with reference to the attached schematic figures, in which:

[0064] FIG. 1 shows a top perspective view of a reel of material for the packaging of agricultural products, according to a first embodiment of the present invention, partially unwound;

[0065] FIG. 2 shows a top perspective view of a reel of material for the packaging of agricultural products, according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, partially unwound;

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a side view of an embodiment of the material for the packaging of agricultural products, the objective of the present invention;

[0067] FIG. 4A shows a top view of another optional embodiment of the embrittlement region between the portions of individual packages, according to the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 4B shows a top view of another optional embodiment of the embrittlement region between the portions of individual packages, according to the present invention;

[0069] FIGS. 5A and 5B show top views of other embodiments of the material for the packaging of agricultural products, according to the present invention;

[0070] FIG. 6A schematically represents a production line for a material for the packaging of agricultural products according to the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 6B shows a block diagram/flow chart of the main steps of the method for producing the material for the packaging of agricultural products, according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0072] According to what was reported above, some examples of particular and possible embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below. However, it is important to note that this is a purely exemplary and non-restrictive description, since the material to pack agricultural products, as well as the method linked to it, may present different details and technical and constructive characteristics without, therefore, affecting the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.

[0073] In this context, it is worth reiterating that the following description will be made with reference to the attached figures, which are schematic and seek only to exemplify and facilitate the interpretation and understanding of the present invention. Thus, it is important to emphasize that the dimensions and/or proportions may not reflect reality, because they seek only to present the invention in the most didactic way possible. In addition, some known and common details may have been omitted to improve the clarity and conciseness of the present description.

[0074] Thus, given the scenario presented above, and particularly as represented by the attached figures, the material for the packaging of agricultural products is designed and developed to be used especially in automated agricultural machines, such as cotton harvesters, hay, straw and forage plants in general. These machines are capable of harvesting in the field and also pack the harvested material in bales that are sequentially dumped in the field so that another machine or equipment can collect and transport these bales to the processing sites.

[0075] Thus, it can be stated that said material for packaging agricultural products is formed by a single continuous film 1 which is composed of a plurality of portions of packaging 2, detachable from each other through a rupture line 3, said packaging portion 2 is divided into an initial portion 2a and a final portion 2b, the latter having one of its surfaces coated with a layer of non-permanent type adhesive 4.

[0076] According to one of the embodiments of the material for the packaging of agricultural products, object of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 1, this rupture line 3 comprises a “V” configuration, that is, it is formed by the arrangement of diagonal rupture lines extending from the center of the free end of the initial portion 2a towards the side edges 2c of said single continuous film 1.

[0077] More particularly, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, said diagonal rupture lines form an angle (a) with an imaginary transverse line (y) that can vary between 0.sup.Q and 70.sup.Q, and even more particularly this angle (a) is of 30.sup.Q.

[0078] According to a particularity of this first embodiment, it is worth noting that the end of the final portion 2b forms a fishtail-like configuration that corresponds to the “V” configuration of the end of the initial portion 2a and, from that outside. It is reiterated that the material for the packaging of agricultural products of the present invention is comprised of a single, continuous film 1 that does not have any type of splice or joint of packaging portions 2 and is therefore quite different from the materials known in the prior art.

[0079] According to an alternative and optional embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, but not limited to this situation, in the case of the embodiment in which said rupture lines are arranged at an angle (a) equal to zero, that is, the rupture lines 3 comprise a straight configuration extending between the lateral edges 2c, said single continuous film 1 may comprise, in the region of that rupture line 3, a narrowing 5 in at least one of its lateral edges 2c and, preferably, on both side edges 2c. The purpose of this narrowing 5 is to promote conditioning and direct the rupture of the single continuous film 1 in order to guide the separation of the portions of packaging 2 with a low risk of forming burrs when separating the portions and closing the bale. In addition, this narrowing 5 may eventually assist in the conditions of adherence in the final stage of packing and bale formation, in order to ensure that the bale is firmly locked in place.

[0080] According to another alternative embodiment of the present invention, and as shown in FIG. 4A, that narrowing 5 can be formed by combining an angular narrowing 5a and a complementary segment 5b to thereby assist in conditioning and directing the break and, also, to form a configuration that can improve the adhesion conditions in the final stage of packaging and bale formation.

[0081] As it should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, although FIGS. 2 and 4A illustrate representations in which the rupture lines 3 are relatively straight in cases where there is the said narrowing 5, it is possible to predict combined embodiments without any prejudice to the scope of protection now claimed, allowing, in this sense, for said rupture lines 3 to be, for instance, arranged diagonally in embodiments so that said single continuous film 1 is provided with narrowing 5 at its lateral edges 2c.

[0082] Particularly with respect to the representation of FIG. 4B, it is possible to observe an embodiment of the present invention in which the embrittlement region comprises the rupture line 3 in trapezoidal shape, that is, a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but with the “tip of the arrow” being formed by a straight segment. In brief, optionally, it is possible to highlight that numerous configurations different from those disclosed in the figures can be easily applied by a person skilled in the art, among which, one could mention as an example: “V” shape, trapezoidal, straight, undulate, arched, serrated, transverse blocks, elliptical, circular, etc.

[0083] In addition, according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, and as shown by way of example in FIG. 4B, said rupture lines 3 can comprise reinforcement portions 3a, which are constituted by non-fragile segments along the rupture line 3, the purpose of these reinforcement portions 3a being to ensure the integrity of the single continuous film 1 during the production process, while providing the proper rupture of line 3 and separation of the packaging portions at the appropriate time within the harvesters in the field.

[0084] Also, according to another embodiment of the present invention, said single and continuous film 1 is a multilayer plastic film containing layers responsible for protection against ultraviolet rays, impermeability and with pigmentation to improve the internal conditions of the bale when exposed to heat, cold and moisture. More particularly, the single continuous film 1 is characterized by the presence of barriers against these environmental and climatic interferences, such as humidity, water, solids, oxygen, etc. As it should be appreciated, the plastic film, according to the present invention, has the ability to waterproof and secure the agricultural product as if it were in a package or wrapper capable of keeping the harvested agricultural product mass cohesive, especially free of any contaminants that may devalue the harvested material.

[0085] Another characteristic of the material for packaging agricultural products, according to the object of the present invention, is in relation to the proportion between the initial portions 2a and final 2b, which can be the same, that is, each of said portions representing 50% of the extension total (x) of the packaging portion 2. Alternatively, the referred portions represents 95% and 5%, or vice versa; which means that the final portion 2b, whose surface is covered with a layer of a type 4 non-permanent adhesive, can represent between 5% and 95% of the total extension (x) of the packing portion 2.

[0086] According to a particularly advantageous embodiment intended for baling cotton and other fodder, the initial portion 2a represents about 45% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion 2 and the final portion 2b represents 55% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion 2. Furthermore, according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total length (x) of the packaging portion comprises about 22 meters and, in this case, the initial portion 2a is about 10 meters and the final portion 2b is approximately 12 meters.

[0087] In addition, according to another particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned rupture line 3, provided between packaging portions 2 of the single and continuous film 1, is comprised by weakening points, pre-breaking points and/or embrittlement points. Alternatively, this rupture line 3 can be obtained through laser tools, hot or cold metal knives, serrated cutting knives, straight cutting knives, pyramidal cutting knives, triangular cutting knives, or even as micro laser perforations, superficial embrittlement or any other equivalent means.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each packaging portion 2 of the single continuous film 1 comprises at least one signaling medium 6 responsible for promoting some type of interaction with the internal mechanisms of the automated machines, particularly, to allow the proper unwinding of the reels, winding of the bales and rupture of said packaging portions 2 exactly at break line 3. More preferably, according to constructive variants of the present invention, said indicator means 6 can be a photocell, an ink-based indication, a metallic paint, a metallic element, a marking, a demarcation, a barcode, a punch code, or any other element capable of promoting the indication of the length of said packaging portion 2 unwound inside the machine.

[0089] Optionally, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, said packaging portion 2 comprises at least one identifying means 7 whose purpose is to provide the geographical identification of the bales in the field when they are dumped by automated machines and await collection for transport to the processing sites. These identifying means can significantly assist the logistics of fieldwork, ensuring that all bales generated in the field by automated machines have been properly collected and transported to processing units, thereby preventing theft, robberies, diversion and loss of agricultural products. For example, these means of identification may be radio frequency tags, such as RFID tags, or any other technology capable of promoting this geographical identification and the monitoring of the bales.

[0090] According to an embodiment of the present invention, said single, continuous plastic film 1 forming the packaging portion 2 is polyethylene-based and said layer of adhesive of the non-permanent type 4 is a water based adhesive.

[0091] According to another possible and alternative embodiment of the present invention, said packaging portion 2 comprises at least one release reinforcement 8 whose purpose is to provide better conditions for the beginning of the process of packaging agricultural products on machines, and more specifically to promote a reinforcement in the initial conformation of the bales. More preferably, this release reinforcement 8 is a label that can be applied to the initial portion 2a of each packaging portion 2. It is worth mentioning that this release reinforcement 8 improves the working conditions of the agricultural machine, to ensure that the initial packaging portion 2a is pulled and driven in an adequate and safe way by the internal rollers of the machine and, thus, guaranteeing the initial conformation of the bale in a more appropriate and safe condition. According to alternative variants of this embodiment, said release reinforcement, eight can be labels placed transversely or longitudinally in relation to the extension of the single continuous film 1.

[0092] Also, for the purely optional purpose of the present invention, said single, continuous plastic film 1, more particularly at the end of the final portion 2b, may comprise a sealing adhesive responsible for promoting the bale locking with the harvested agricultural product.

[0093] Additionally, as mentioned above, the present invention also deals with a method to produce a material for the packaging of agricultural products that basically comprises the following steps: [0094] a) producing a continuous plastic film 1, through the formulation of the raw material and preparation of the film extruder; [0095] b) producing said continuous plastic film in jumbo-type reels 110, which are subjected to an inspection to be packaged and identified; [0096] c) storing these jumbo-type reels 110 to be applied in the production line of the single and continuous plastic film 1 and comprising the steps of: [0097] c.1) unwinding said jumbo-type reel 110; c.2) positioning and applying the indicator means 6, such as a metallized label; [0098] c.3) said continuous plastic film 1 receives a rupture line 3, which is responsible for projecting portions of packages 2, said rupture line 3 is placed between said final portion 2b of a packaging portion 2 and the portion initial 2a of the subsequent packaging portion 2 formed by said continuous plastic film 1; [0099] c.4) intermittent application of a non-permanent adhesive layer 4 on one of the surfaces of the continuous plastic film 1, forming an initial portion 2a without adhesive and a final portion 2b containing said non-permanent type adhesive 4; [0100] c.5) submitting the continuous plastic film to a drying and absorption process of the non-permanent adhesive 4 in an oven; [0101] c.6) rewinding said continuous plastic film 1 on a reel 120 to be fed into an automated harvester; [0102] d) inspection of reels 120 of continuous plastic film 1 to be packaged and identified; [0103] e) storing said reel 120 of continuous plastic film 1.

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, during said step (c.4) the proportion between the initial 2a and final 2b portions are equivalent and comprise, respectively, 50% of the total length (x) of a packaging portion 2. Alternatively, according to another possible embodiment of the present invention, said final portion 2b, the surface of which is coated with a layer of adhesive of the non-permanent type 4, represents between 5% and 95% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion 2. In addition, according to a preferably advantageous embodiment of the present invention, especially for the application of cotton harvesters, the initial portion 2a represents around 45% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion 2 and the final portion 2b represents around 45% of the total length (x) of the packaging portion 2. Furthermore, according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the total length (x) of the packaging portion comprises about 22 meters and, in this case, the initial portion 2a is about 10 meters and the final portion 2b is approximately 12 meters.

[0105] In addition, in accordance with yet another possible embodiment of the present invention, the aforementioned step (c.3) related to the obtaining of a rupture line 3 is conducted through a process of forming embrittlement points, pre-rupture points and/or weakening points. This rupture line 3 is obtained, optionally, through laser tools, hot or cold metal knives, serrated cutting knives, straight cutting knives, pyramidal cutting knives, triangular cutting knives, or even as micro laser perforations, superficial embrittlement or any other equivalent means allowing the separation of said packaging portions 2.

[0106] According to one of the embodiments of the method for the production of a material for the packaging of agricultural products, during said stage (c.3), said rupture line is formed so as to provide a “V” configuration, that is, it is formed by the arrangement of diagonal rupture lines 3 extending from the center of the free end of the initial portion 2a towards the side edges 2c of said single continuous film 1. More particularly, according to a particular embodiment of the method of the present invention, said diagonal rupture lines 3 are obtained considering an angle (a) with an imaginary transverse line (y) that can vary between 0.sup.Q and 70.sup.Q, and even more particularly this angle (a) amounts to 30.sup.Q.

[0107] Optionally, according to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, during said step (c.3), the rupture line 3 is formed in order to provide a trapezoidal configuration, that is, a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but with the “arrowhead” being formed by a straight segment. In brief, optionally, it is possible to highlight that numerous configurations different from those disclosed in the figures can be easily formed in this method, among which, one could mention as an example: “V” shape, trapezoidal, straight, undulate, arched, serrated, transverse blocks, elliptical, circular, etc.

[0108] Additionally, according to a variant of the method of the present invention, during the formation of the rupture line 3 in step (c.3) there is the formation of reinforcement portions 3a, which are made up of non-fragile segments along the break line 3.

[0109] According to an alternative to the present method of producing a material for packaging agricultural products, among the aforementioned stages of application of indicator medium 6 (c.2) and formation of the rupture line 3 (c.3), it is possible to include a step (c.2.1) to provide the trimming of at least one of said lateral edges 2c to obtain and form a narrowing 5 in the region where said rupture lines 3 will be formed.

[0110] Also, according to another embodiment of the method of the present invention, in said step (c.2.1), the cut performed for the stripping of said continuous plastic film 1 is carried out on the two edges 2c to thereby provide a configuration that helps with the cutting and separation of the packaging portions 2. More particularly, according to an embodiment of the present invention, during step (c.2.1) said stripping occurs so as to form a narrowing 5 that is configured by combining an angular narrowing 5a and a complementary segment 5b to thereby help in the direction of the rupture, while forming a configuration that helps with the adhesion conditions in the final stage of packing and bale formation.

[0111] Particularly, according to constructive variants of the present invention, during stage (c.2), said indicator means 6 can be a photocell, an ink-based indication, a metallic paint, a metallic element, a marking, a demarcation, a barcode, a punch code, or any other element capable of promoting the indication of the length of said packaging portion 2 unwound inside said machines.

[0112] Also, according to another embodiment of the method of this invention, after stage (c.5), said continuous plastic film 1 is subjected to the stage of inclusion of at least one identifying means 7 whose purpose is to provide the geographical identification of the bales in the field when they are dumped by automated machines and await collection for transport to the processing sites. As mentioned above, these indicator means 7 help with the logistic of agricultural work, ensuring that all bales generated in the field by automated machines have been properly collected and transported to processing units, thereby preventing theft, robberies, diversion and loss of agricultural products. For example, these means of identification may be radio frequency tags, such as RFID tags, or any other technology capable of promoting this geographical identification and the monitoring of the bales.

[0113] Furthermore, according to a further optional embodiment of the method of the present invention, it is possible to include a step of applying at least one release reinforcement 8 on the packaging portion, the reinforcement 8 being a label preferably applied adjacent to the edge of each initial portion 2a. According to alternative variants of this stage, said release reinforcement, eight can be labels placed transversely or longitudinally in relation to the extension of the single continuous film 1.

[0114] Finally, in view of all the above, one must understand that the present description has the sole purpose of defining, by way of example, preferred embodiments of the material for the packaging of agricultural products developed to be applied in automated harvesting machines, as well as to the methods related to the manufacture of said material and packaging using this packaging material, according to the present invention. Therefore, as the technicians in the subject understand, numerous modifications, variations and constructive combinations of the elements that perform the same function in substantially the same way are possible in order to achieve the same results, and that must be included within the scope of protection defined by the attached claims.