Abstract: A packing structure for protecting a cylindrical object includes an integrated fastener, the packing structure assuming the form of a collar hooping the object to be protected and being characterized in that the collar includes over at least a large portion of its periphery at least one at least partly closed housing (4) which is designed to receive and retain on the collar the fastener (2) which shall enclose and tighten the collar, the housing being a channel fitted with two lips, the fastener (2) being inserted between these lips. In the packing structure for protecting the end of a cylindrical object, the collar is fitted with a substantially right-angle flange (5) covering the end segment of the object to be protected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for inserting a fastener (3) into a flexible plate or strip (1) which shall act as a packing structure and which has a channel fitted with two lips (2a, 2b) partly closing the channel, the fastener (3) to be inserted between the lips. The method includes slightly bending the plate or strip (1) transversely to the direction of its channel in a way to spread apart its lips (2a, 2b), furthermore to insert the fastener (3) and to substantially reflatten the plate or strip (1) in order that the lips (2a, 2b) shall resume their initial positions.

Abstract: A packing member formed as a U-shaped channel comprises a base (1a) and two side legs (1b, 1c). The base is provided with a longitudinal folding line (2′) near its median line. The folding line divides the bases into two parts which are pivotable about the folding line. When the two parts are pivoted away from each other with the legs flared outward, the U-channel structure will be transformed into a substantially W-shaped structure to facilitate stacking for storage and/or shipping of the packing member.

Abstract: This invention concerns a continuous manufacturing process of sections (11) or plates from soft matter (2) which is extruded under heat and encased by at least one strip sheet (3, 3′), said encased matter subsequently being calendered, shaped to the desired profile and finally cut into lengths, process which is particularly remarkable in that the matter used is a mixture containing a non-synthetic binder and water, so that the mixture becomes sticky by undergoing said heat treatment in an aqueous medium, which assures adhesion of the casing onto the matter during calendering, while the product undergoes at least one drying operation after said calendering operation. The binder is advantageously starch-based and the mixture may also contain a plasticizer, for example containing urea. The invention also concerns an installation for implementation of the process and the products thus obtained.