DE102016124965A1 - packaging device - Google Patents

Abstract

A packaging device (1) for packaging in particular a Christmas tree comprises- a base plate (3) for laying on a substrate, - at least two self-contained, circular ring walls (4, 5), which stand upright on the base plate (3), - at least a flat packaging unit (6) made of a flexible material, and- a fixation device (7) arranged on the base plate (3) for fixing the plant (2), wherein the packaging material is rollable and / or foldable as well as unrollable and / or unfoldable, the packaging unit (6) can be converted into a unrolled or unfolded use state without destruction and without tools, from an unrolled or folded storage state, wherein an outer surface of the packaging unit (6), when in its use state, is opposite the outer surface of the packaging unit (6). is enlarged when present in its storage condition, wherein the annular walls (4, 5) coaxial are arranged to each other and the rings formed by the ring walls (4, 5) have different diameters, so that the annular walls (4, 5) between them define an annular space (8), which closed at its underside (9) by means of the base plate (3) is, wherein the packaging unit (6) in its storage state within the annular space (8) is arranged, wherein the annular space (8) on one of the base plate (3) facing away from the top (10) by means of a lid (11) is at least substantially closed, wherein, despite the presence of the cover (11) in a closed position in which it at least substantially closes the upper side (10) of the annular space (8), at least one circumferential opening (12) is located on the upper side (10) of the annular space (8) which is adapted to release the packaging unit (6), so that the packaging unit (6) by means of at least partial removal from the annular space (8) through the opening (12), starting from their storage condition in their Nutz ungszustand is feasible, wherein the fixing device (7) in a central region (13) of the base plate (3) is arranged laterally framed by that annular wall (4) with the smallest diameter.Um one hand to allow reusability of the packaging device (1) and on the other hand to ensure ease of use, it is proposed that the cover (11) is non-destructively removable, so that it can be converted starting from its closed position in an exemption in which he completely releases the top (10) of the annular space (8).

Description

introduction

• - eine Grundplatte zur Auflegung auf einen Untergrund,
• - mindestens zwei in sich geschlossene, kreisförmige Ringwände, die senkrecht auf der Grundplatte aufstehen,
• - mindestens eine flächige Verpackungseinheit aus einem flexiblen Material, und
• - eine auf der Grundplatte angeordnete Fixiereinrichtung zur Fixierung der Pflanze,

wobei das Verpackungsmaterial derart rollbar und/oder faltbar sowie abrollbar und/oder entfaltbar ist, dass die Verpackungseinheit zerstörungsfrei und werkzeuglos ausgehend von einem aufgerollten bzw. gefalteten Lagerzustand in einen abgerollten bzw. entfalteten Nutzungszustand überführbar ist, wobei eine äußere Oberfläche der Verpackungseinheit bei Vorliegen in ihrem Nutzungszustand gegenüber der äußeren Oberfläche der Verpackungseinheit bei Vorliegen in ihrem Lagerzustand vergrößert ist, wobei die Ringwände vorzugsweise koaxial zueinander angeordnet sind und die von den Ringwänden gebildeten Ringe unterschiedliche Durchmesser aufweisen, sodass die Ringwände zwischen sich einen umlaufenden Ringraum begrenzen, der an seiner Unterseite mittels der Grundplatte verschlossen ist, wobei die Verpackungseinheit in ihrem Lagerzustand innerhalb des Ringraums angeordnet ist, wobei der Ringraum an einer der Grundplatte abgewandten Oberseite mittels eines Deckels zumindest im Wesentlichen verschließbar ist, wobei sich trotz Vorliegen des Deckels in einer Schließstellung, in der er die Oberseite des Ringraums zumindest im Wesentlichen verschließt, an der Oberseite des Ringraums mindestens eine umlaufende Öffnung befindet, die dazu geeignet ist, die Verpackungseinheit freizugeben, sodass die Verpackungseinheit mittels zumindest teilweiser Entnahme aus dem Ringraum durch die Öffnung hindurch ausgehend von ihrem Lagerzustand in ihren Nutzungszustand überführbar ist, wobei die Fixiereinrichtung in einem Mittelbereich der Grundplatte angeordnet ist, der von derjenigen Ringwand mit dem kleinsten Durchmesser seitlich eingefasst ist.The present application relates to a packaging device for packaging at least one plant, in particular for packaging a Christmas tree, comprising

• a base plate for laying on a substrate,
• at least two self-contained, circular ring walls which stand upright on the base plate,
• - At least one flat packaging unit made of a flexible material, and
• a fixing device arranged on the base plate for fixing the plant,

wherein the packaging material is rollable and / or foldable and unrollable and / or unfoldable such that the packaging unit can be transferred from a rolled or folded storage state into a unrolled or deployed use state without destruction, wherein an outer surface of the packaging unit is present in its use state relative to the outer surface of the packaging unit is present in its stored condition, wherein the annular walls are preferably arranged coaxially to each other and the rings formed by the ring walls have different diameters, so that the annular walls define between them a circumferential annular space, which at its underside means the base plate is closed, wherein the packaging unit is arranged in its storage state within the annular space, wherein the annular space on an upper side facing away from the base plate by means of a lid, at least in essence is closed, wherein despite the presence of the lid in a closed position in which he at least substantially closes the top of the annulus, at the top of the annulus at least one circumferential opening which is adapted to release the packaging unit, so that the packaging unit by means At least partial removal from the annular space through the opening, starting from its storage state into its use state can be transferred, wherein the fixing device is arranged in a central region of the base plate, which is laterally bordered by that annular wall with the smallest diameter.

For the purposes of the present application, a "packaging unit" can be understood in particular to be a film or a textile. The flexible material is not able to transmit compressive forces. As a result, the flexible material and consequently the packaging unit as such becomes foldable and rollable. It is understood that these properties enable the packaging unit, in particular, to be able to be stored in a comparatively small space. At the moment of using the packaging unit, the latter can finally be unfolded or unrolled, so that it is suitable for at least substantially enclosing a plant.

Finally, the essential function of the packaging unit is to enclose the respective plant in such a way that any parts of the plant which unintentionally fall away from it are in any case retained by means of the packaging unit. The packaging unit is thus able to facilitate in particular a transport of the respective wrapped plant. In connection with a conceivable use for packaging a Christmas tree, the advantage lies in the fact that needles of the Christmas tree during the transport of the same not accidentally pollute the living space, but are collected by means of the packaging unit.

For the purposes of the present application, a "fixing device" is understood to be any type of device which is suitable for fixing a respective plant to the packaging device. In connection with the use of the packaging device for a Christmas tree, it is particularly conceivable that the packaging device is equipped with a Christmas tree stand. The concrete embodiment of the fixing device is incidentally of secondary importance for the present invention.

For the purposes of the present application, an "opening" which is suitable for "releasing" the packaging unit may, for example, be understood as a slot. It is understood that the geometry of the opening depends on the configuration of the packaging unit. If the latter - as is generally customary - is formed by a film whose length and width significantly exceed its thickness, the design of the opening as a slot is particularly preferable. A width of the opening can be made particularly small in this case, especially in the range of a few millimeters.

In the sense of the present application, the term "outer surface" in connection with the packaging unit is understood to mean the surface of the packaging unit which surrounds the packaging unit to the outside. In the storage state, this outer surface is comparatively small, since the packaging unit is sort of packed in a small space. Explained using the example of an air blast, if the packaging unit is present, it would have a merely small attack surface or "outer surface" in its storage state. In the presence of the packaging device in its use state, this is exactly the opposite. Thus, due to the unfolded or unrolled shape, the "outer surface" is comparatively large, so that an air impact would have a particularly large attack surface available.

Closing the upper side of the annular space "essentially" by means of the lid is understood in the context of the present application to mean that at least one opening cross-section remains at the upper side of the annular space, through which the packaging unit can be removed from the annular space. This opening cross section may be very small compared to the actual cross section of the open top of the annulus, in particular less than 10% occupy the top.

State of the art

Packaging device in the manner described above are already widely known in the art. This is done in particular on the documents EP 1 410 748 A1 and DE 202 07 701 U1 pointed.

The EP 1 410 748 A1 describes a packaging device in which a packaging unit is equally disposed within an annulus. In one possible embodiment according to the cited document, the annular space is closed towards its lower side by means of a base plate and covered towards its upper side by means of a cover. The lid has at its two edges in each case a flange, by means of which it engages laterally in its closed position, the associated annular walls and thus produces a positive connection with the ring walls. The packaging device shown is at least so far disadvantageous as a use of the packaging unit, that is, the transfer of their storage condition in their use state, first requires the removal of the lid.

The in the DE 202 07 701 U1 In contrast, the described packaging device has the advantage that, despite an apparently existing lid remains at least one slot through which the local packaging unit can be removed from the respective annulus. Consequently, according to the latter document, it is not necessary to first remove the lid before the packaging unit can be used as intended. Nevertheless, the DE 202 07 701 U1 the main disadvantage that the packaging unit, at least not readily, possibly even not at all, can be refilled. Presumably, the packaging device shown is a "disposable packaging device" by which only a single plant can be packaged.

task

The present invention has for its object to provide a packaging device that is both reusable and very easy to use.

solution

The underlying object is achieved, starting from the packaging device of the type described above according to the invention that the lid is designed to be destructively removable. Advantageously, the lid is also removable without tools. By removing the lid from the rest of the packaging device, it is transferred starting from its closed position in an exemption, in which it completely releases the top of the annulus. In other words, in the presence of the lid in its exemption at the top of the annulus, an opening exists whose width corresponds to the width of the annulus.

The packaging device according to the invention has many advantages. By means of the removability of the lid, it is possible, in particular, to "refill" a new packaging unit into the annular space between the ring walls after the use of a packaging unit for a respective plant. By means of the opening, which remains despite the presence of the lid in its closed position at the top of the annular space, it is simultaneously possible to remove a respective packaging unit from the annular space without having to remove the lid. The packaging device according to the invention thus combines the advantage of particularly simple handling of the packaging unit as well as the possibility of repeated use of the packaging device.

In the interest of a particularly simple removability of the lid, it is of particular advantage if selbiger by means of at least one positive locking element is positively connected to the rest of the packaging device, in particular at least one annular wall connected. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the lid and at least one of the ring walls are positively connected to each other by means of a pin connection. In such a journal connection, a protruding pin is formed either on the cover or the respective annular wall, which can be inserted in a form-fitting manner in a corresponding recess on the respective other component. As a result, an unintentional movement of the lid, in particular in a horizontal direction or in a direction parallel to a Ground plane of the base plate prevented. Due to the round configuration of the annular walls, it may also be sufficient to form on the lid only a projection which extends perpendicularly to the lid and engages circumferentially with an inner wall surface of one of the annular walls.

In an advantageous embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention, the lid is formed by a plurality of lid parts, in particular two lid parts. Advantageously, the individual lid parts are each formed the same size. The design of the cover of several parts has the advantage that the cover can be completely removed from the rest of the packaging device, although a plant is fixed in the fixing device of the packaging device. In other words, for example, despite a Christmas tree held in the fixing device, it is possible to remove the lid. This would understandably not be possible if the lid is made in one piece, since the lid would in any case collide with the trunk of the Christmas tree. Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous for easy handling of the lid when it is formed by several parts. In particular, this makes the mass of the individual lid parts particularly easy to handle for a single person.

The packaging device according to the invention further ausgestaltend the lid is formed annularly, wherein a radially measured width of the lid preferably at least substantially corresponds to a radially measured width of the annular space. It is understood that the lid must "somehow" rest on the rest of the packaging device. Advantageously, it lies circumferentially on at least one of the ring walls. The choice of the radially measured width of the lid to a degree that corresponds at least substantially to the radially measured width of the annular space, has the consequence that any opening that is to remain in the closed position at the top of the annulus despite the presence of the lid, comparatively small fails. As already explained, it is sufficient in particular when using a packaging unit, which is formed by a film or a thin textile, when the opening at the top of the annular space is made only a few millimeters wide. In other words, an embodiment of the lid is advantageous, the width of which, neglecting the width of a respective annular wall a few millimeters smaller than the width of the annular space. In this way, a corresponding slot-shaped opening is obtained at the top of the annulus.

It is particularly advantageous if the remaining opening, which is arranged for the passage of the packaging unit at the top of the annulus, extends over a maximum of 7% of a radially measured width of the annulus, preferably over a maximum of 5%, more preferably over a maximum of 4%. Such a small configuration of the opening is typically sufficient to remove a suitable packaging unit from the annular space, at the same time the cross-section of the opening is so small that accidental entry of foreign bodies, such as needles of a Christmas tree, is largely avoided in the annulus.

Relative to absolute dimensions, such a cover is advantageous, which, when present in its closed position, releases an opening for removal of the packaging unit whose width is at most 7 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, more preferably at most 4 mm.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the packaging device according to the invention the cover is present in its closed position exclusively on one of the ring walls, preferably on the respective outermost ring wall. Since the lid according to the annular space is advantageously designed annular, it is sufficient for storage, to store the lid only on one of the ring walls. This embodiment is particularly preferable insofar as it allows the formation of a circumferential, slot-shaped opening, since the lid also does not rest on the respectively opposite annular wall, but may remain continuously spaced therefrom. The storage of the lid on the respective outer annular wall has the advantage that the resulting opening on the packaging device is present radially inwardly. As a result, the handling of the packaging unit in the course of their transfer from their storage condition is facilitated in their use state.

Accordingly, it is advantageous if the circumferential opening for the passage of the packaging unit is connected directly radially to one of the annular walls, preferably to that annular wall with the smallest diameter.

Furthermore, such a packaging device is of particular advantage, whose base plate is circular, that is, has a circular outline. Ideally, an outermost annular wall simultaneously forms an outer edge of the packaging device such that the base plate does not protrude radially beyond the outermost annular wall. In a further advantageous embodiment, the packaging device is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry.

list of figures

• 1: Einen Querschnitt durch eine erfindungsgemäße Verpackungsvorrichtung,
• 2: Einen Querschnitt durch eine Grundplatte mitsamt zugehöriger Ringwände der Verpackungsvorrichtung gemäß 1,
• 3: Eine Draufsicht auf die Grundplatte mitsamt der zugehörigen Ringwände gemäß 2 und
• 4: Eine Draufsicht auf einen Deckel der Verpackungsvorrichtung gemäß 1.

The packaging device according to the invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment which is illustrated in the figures. It shows:

• 1 : A cross section through a packaging device according to the invention,
• 2 : A cross section through a base plate together with associated ring walls of the packaging device according to 1 .
• 3 : A plan view of the base plate together with the associated ring walls according to 2 and
• 4 : A plan view of a lid of the packaging device according to 1 ,

The embodiment that is in the 1 to 4 is shown, comprises a packaging device according to the invention 1 that have a base plate 3 , two ring walls 4 . 5 and a fixing device 7 includes. The fixing device 7 is in a middle area 13 the base plate 3 arranged and is at the in 1 example just used a plant 2 to fix. This plant 2 is here formed by a tree, of which only the trunk is shown.

The base plate 3 is the same as the rest of the packaging device 1 rotationally symmetric with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry 20 executed. Consequently, the base plate 3 a circular floor plan. The ring walls 4 . 5 are arranged coaxially with each other, with centers of the ring walls 4 . 5 described circles on the axis of symmetry 20 lie. The ring walls 4 . 5 each have different diameters so that they relate to the axis of symmetry 20 are radially spaced from each other. In this way are the ring walls 4 . 5 suitable, between them a circumferential annulus 8th enclose. The annulus 8th is at its bottom 9 by means of the base plate 3 locked. On a top 10 the annular space 8 is basically open, but generally by means of a lid 11 , which is explained separately below, at least largely closed. In 1 is the lid 11 for the sake of simplicity only partially shown. It goes without saying, however, that the lid 11 is executed circumferentially. The outer ring wall 5 that is, the one with the larger diameter forms an outer edge of the packaging device 1 ,

Inside the annulus 8th is a packaging unit 6 arranged, which is here in the form of a folded film. The packaging unit 6 is in 1 for the sake of simplicity only partially shown. It goes without saying, however, that the packaging unit 6 circulating in the annulus 8th is arranged. The packaging unit 6 is in its storage condition. To use the packaging unit 6 for packing the plant 2 must selbige from the annulus 8th be removed in the course of this removal of their storage condition in their use state. In the condition of use is the packaging unit 6 unfolded, resulting in an outer surface of the packaging unit 6 significantly enlarged. The difference between the storage condition and the condition of use of the packaging unit 6 can also be described by the fact that in the storage condition of the packaging unit 6 Surfaces of the same at several, viewed on the respective surface from each other spaced locations are in contact. In the use state, however, in which the packaging unit 6 is unfolded, is the number of said places where the surfaces of the packaging unit 6 are in contact with themselves, significantly reduced compared to the storage condition.

To transfer the packaging unit 6 starting from their storage condition in their condition of use must selbige on the top 10 of the annulus 8th be removed. This top 10 but at least for the most part by means of the lid 11 locked. The lid 11 is nevertheless executed such that a width 16 the same at least substantially a width 17 of the annulus 8th corresponds, although in spite of the lid 11 in its closed position an opening 12 at the top 10 of the annulus 8th remains, through which the packaging unit 6 can be removed from the annular space 8. This opening 12 is executed in the example shown in the form of a circumferential slot, which adjoins radially outward radially to the inner annular wall 4. The opening 12 has a width of about 3 mm in the example shown. It thus takes a total of about 3% of the width 17 of the annulus 8th to complete. It is understood that the lid 11 thus only on the outer ring wall 5 rests.

The lid 11 and the ring wall 5 are connected to each other in the example shown by means of a plurality of form-locking elements. For this purpose, the lid has 11 via connecting pins 18 extending in a direction perpendicular to the base plate 3 extend. The ring wall 5 is with complementary recesses 19 provided, which are suitable, the connecting pin 18 take. It is understood that by means of a positive engagement of the connecting pin 18 in the recesses 19 a movement of the lid 11 in a relative to the axis of symmetry 20 considered radial direction is blocked.

As can be seen in particular from the 3 and 4 results is very lid 11 of two separate lid parts 14 . 15 educated. These lid parts 14 . 15 each form one half of the entire lid 11 , Each of the lid parts 14 . 15 has in the example shown a total of three connecting pins 18 so in a contact area 23 in which the lid parts 14 . 15 adjoin one another, in each case two connecting pins 18 are in close proximity to each other. The recesses 19 on the ring wall 5 are trained accordingly.

Due to the rotationally symmetrical configuration of the packaging device according to the invention 1 are both the lid 11 as well as the base plate 3 together with the ring walls 4 . 5 mirror-symmetric with respect to centrally guided horizontal axes 21 . 22 executed.

It is understood that the combination of features described above in connection with the exemplary embodiment is not mandatory, wherein the individual features, which are realized together in the embodiment, can in principle operate independently of each other, if this must be possible for the skilled person.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

packaging device

2

plant

3

baseplate

4

ring wall

5

ring wall

6

Packaging Unit

7

fixing

8th

annulus

9

Bottom of the annulus

10

Top of the annulus

11

cover

12

opening

13

Middle area of the base plate

14

cover part

15

cover part

16

Width of the lid

17

Width of the annulus

18

connecting pins

19

recess

20

vertical axis of symmetry

21

axis

22

axis

23

contact area

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• EP 1410748 A1 [0008, 0009]
• DE 20207701 U1 [0008, 0010]

Claims (10)

Packaging device (1) for packaging at least one plant (2), in particular for packaging a Christmas tree, comprising - a base plate (3) for laying on a substrate, - at least two self-contained, circular ring walls (4, 5) perpendicular to the base plate (3) stand up, - at least one flat packaging unit (6) made of a flexible material, and - a fixation device (7) arranged on the base plate (3) for fixing the plant (2), wherein the packaging material can be rolled and / or Foldable and unrollable and / or unfoldable is that the packaging unit (6) destructive and tool-less, starting from a rolled or folded storage condition in a rolled or unfolded use state, an outer surface of the packaging unit (6) in existence in their use state relative to the outer surface of the packaging unit (6) when in its stored condition ver is rößert, wherein the annular walls (4, 5) are arranged coaxially to one another and the rings formed by the annular walls (4, 5) have different diameters, so that the annular walls (4, 5) between them define an annular space (8), the its underside (9) is closed by means of the base plate (3), wherein the packaging unit (6) is arranged in its storage state within the annular space (8), wherein the annular space (8) on one of the base plate (3) facing away from top (10) by means of a cover (11) is at least substantially closable, wherein despite the presence of the lid (11) in a closed position in which it at least substantially closes the top (10) of the annular space (8), at the top (10) of Annular space (8) is at least one circumferential opening (12) which is adapted to release the packaging unit (6), so that the packaging unit (6) by means of at least partial removal from the annular space (8) through the opening (12) out can be converted into its use state, starting from its storage state, wherein the fixing device (7) is arranged in a middle region (13) of the base plate (3), which is laterally enclosed by the smallest diameter ring wall (4), characterized in that the cover (11) is designed to be non-destructively removable, so that it can be converted into an exemption starting from its closed position in which it completely releases the upper side (10) of the annular space (8). Packaging device (1) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the lid (11) of at least two cover parts (14, 15) is formed, wherein the cover parts (14, 15) are preferably made equal in size. Packaging device (1) after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the cover (11) is annular, wherein a radially measured width (16) of the lid (11) preferably at least substantially a radially measured width (17) of the annular space (8). Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the cover (11) in presence in its closed position, the annular space (8) closes such that the remaining opening (12) for passing the packaging unit (6) over a maximum of 7% of a radially measured width (17) of the Annular space (8) extends, preferably over a maximum of 5%, more preferably over a maximum of 4%. Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 4 , characterized in that in the presence of the lid (11) in its closed position, a radially measured width of the opening (12) for passage of the packaging unit (6) is at most 7 mm, preferably at most 5 mm, more preferably at most 4 mm. Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the lid (11) in presence in its closed position rests exclusively on one of the annular walls (4, 5), preferably on that annular wall (5) with the largest diameter. Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 6 , characterized in that the circumferential opening (12) for the passage of the packaging unit (6) directly radially adjoins one of the annular walls (4, 5), preferably to that annular wall (4) with the smallest diameter. Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 7 , characterized in that the base plate (3) has a circular floor plan. Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the annular wall (5) with the largest diameter forms an outer edge of the packaging device (1). Packaging device (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 9 , characterized in that it is rotationally symmetrical with respect to a vertical axis of symmetry (20).

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