DE102019116128A1 - Strapping containers and process for their manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

A strapping container (10) and a method for producing such a strapping container (10) are disclosed. Here, two or more articles (12) or containers (16) are held together by means of a strapping (38) placed or stretched horizontally around the article (12) or container (16). The strapping (38) is prefabricated and / or prepared to be brought together with the at least two articles (12) or containers (16). A defined pre-tensioning of the strapping (38) is achieved by bringing the articles (12) or containers (16) together. and / or in temporal connection with the wrapping of the articles (12) or containers (16) by the strapping (38).

Description

The present invention relates to a strapping container with the features of independent claim 1 and a method for producing such a strapping container with the features of independent claim 13.

For the purpose of transport, groups of similar articles such as beverage containers are often combined in handy containers with four, six or more articles or containers, with the articles or containers in these containers being wrapped and held together, for example, with shrink film. In addition to such very common foil packs or shrink film packs, there are also so-called strapping packs, adhesive packs and combinations of these pack variants. While the individual articles or containers in the case of adhesive bandages are joined directly to one another with their outer surfaces by means of adhesive connections, the containers in the case of strapping containers are held together by means of at least one strapping band stretched horizontally around the container. In order to fix the articles or containers in their position, it can be useful in the case of strapping bundles to apply two or more horizontal straps spaced from one another at different heights.

In simple variants of such strapping bands, the bands can be formed by paper bands, which should be made relatively wide for reasons of stability. Strapping made of plastic usually has a higher strength and can therefore be made narrower and usually more pretensioned than those made of paper, which is a very precise definition of the plastic, especially in the case of relatively flexible, thin-walled PET containers with their flexible and not very dimensionally stable walls Strapping pre-tensioning allowed so that the containers cannot be deformed or even damaged due to excessive pre-tensioning. A precise setting of the pre-tension can, however, also prevent a container equipped with this from becoming unstable due to insufficient pre-tension and the containers from slipping out of the container association.

The use of plastic tapes is viewed increasingly critically and, in particular, is questioned for ecological reasons. The process-related time required to weld such straps made of thermoplastic material also has a negative effect on the performance, with performance in this context meaning the strapping containers that can be produced per unit of time.

A primary aim of the invention can be seen in offering a strapping container and a method for its production in which the use of plastic straps can be avoided in the interest of environmentally friendly material selection, but in which a mechanically sufficiently stable strapping is used.

This aim is achieved with the subjects of the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the dependent claims.

To achieve the stated aim, the present invention proposes a strapping container with the features of independent claim 1, in which at least two articles or containers, in particular formed by liquid containers, are equipped with strapping, the articles or containers in particular being transposed horizontally by means of at least one the articles or containers placed and / or tensioned strapping are held together and thereby held together as a bundle. In the case of the strapping container, it is provided according to the invention that the at least one strapping is prefabricated and / or is prepared for joining with the at least two articles. In addition, the strapping is subjected to a defined pre-tension so that the articles or containers are held together and mechanically stabilized. The defined pretensioning of the strapping can be or will be produced by bringing them together with the articles and / or in a temporal connection with the wrapping of the articles by the strapping.

If in the present context a prefabricated strapping or a prefabricated strapping is mentioned, this can mean a preparatory state or, for example, a semi-finished state of the strapping, so that it is only completed during or after the merging with the articles or containers and with the necessary Belt tension is applied. The term pre-assembly can, however, also mean an almost completely prepared strapping band or an almost completely prepared strapping ring that only changes its properties and / or its state of elongation and / or the degree of its compression in the direction transverse to its surface when it is brought together with the articles or containers. The term pre-assembly can also mean a closed strapping band that is placed over the grouped articles or containers and then shortened in order to develop the desired band tension.

All of these variants mentioned by way of example, which are encompassed by the term pre-assembly are to be understood in particular to delimit and differentiate from conventional strapping made of paper or strapping made of plastic. In plastic strapping, an endless strap is usually processed, which is positioned around the article or container groupings by means of a strapping head and, after a defined strapping tension has been established, is fixed as a closed strap using a welding unit. This known type of strapping has various disadvantages which are at least partially avoided with the aid of the present invention.

The strapping in the strapping container according to the invention can be formed, for example, by at least one one-piece closed strap or strapping made of several parts made of cellulose material, paper or cardboard or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard.

Optionally, the strapping can be formed by at least one one-piece closed strap made of cardboard material or from a cardboard material with a defined material thickness which can be compressed in a direction transverse to the surface.

Likewise, the strapping container according to the invention can be or will be equipped with a strapping that is formed by at least one one-piece closed strapping made of corrugated cardboard or from corrugated cardboard tape, with the strapping in the ready-to-use state at least in some contact areas where the strapping is attached to the outer surface of the article or liquid container. or rests, is compressed.

The strapping can optionally also be formed by at least one one-piece closed strapping band or by a one-part closed strapping ring with a funnel-shaped widened edge, a region of the strapping band or hoop with a smaller diameter than the widened edge of inserted articles or containers being prestressed and / or compressed in its material thickness is. I.e. the funnel-shaped, closed band is only widened and pretensioned from above when the articles or containers are inserted.

According to a further alternative variant of the strapping container according to the invention, the strapping can also be formed by at least one strapping made of cellulose material, made of paper or cardboard or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard. A strapping band divided in this way can then be joined together with at least two joints to form a closed strapping stretched around the articles or containers.

These at least two joints can be formed, for example, by gluing and / or by punched connections. If punched connections are used, these can have or form form-fitting or partially form-fitting punchings.

In the case of the strapping container according to the invention, a further variant of the strapping can be characterized in that the strapping is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap made of cellulose material, paper or cardboard material (cardboard) or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the circumferential length of which in the pre-assembled state is initially greater than a total circumference of an article or container grouping forming the strapping.

The at least one strapping band can have at least one gluing or joining point at which a band loop or band loop is formed and with the help of which the strapping band is shortened. Since sections of the strapping tape are laid one on top of the other on the tape loop or tape sling, the strapping can be shortened and stretched around the article or container. The belt loop or belt loop preferably has a length which extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping.

A variant of the strapping container is also conceivable in which the strapping is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap made of cellulose material, paper, plastic or cardboard material or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard and / or plastic, the circumferential length of which is greater than a Total scope of an article or container grouping equipped with strapping.

In this variant, the at least one strapping tape can have at least one gluing or joining point at which at least one loop bundle is gathered and / or shortened and / or superimposed. The at least one loop bundle preferably has a length which, when the strapping tape is placed around the article or container grouping, extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping.

In the case of the strapping container, two or more gluing or joining points of the strapping tape can optionally be provided, at each of which tape loops or tape loops are shortened and superposed, the tape loops or tape loops having a total length may have that extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping. There can also be several such joints, for example at the corners of the container or the group of articles.

In an alternative variant of the strapping container, two or more gluing or joining points of the strapping tape can optionally be provided, at each of which loop bundles are gathered and / or shortened and / or superimposed, the tape loops or loop bundles having a total length that is around the article - Or container grouping placed strapping extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping.

According to the above variants or according to a further variant, the strapping of the strapping container can be formed by at least one strapping band made of cellulose material, paper or cardboard material (cardboard) or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the divided strapping band in each case by means of adhesive connections is fixed to the outer surfaces of the article or container forming the container.

In addition, the strapping tape can optionally be formed by a plurality of tape sections, the tape ends of which are each fixed to the outer surfaces of the article or container, the several tape sections forming the interrupted strapping tape. This variant can also be referred to as segmented strapping or segmented tape. The tape sections can, for example, by one-sided adhesive tape or the like. be educated. It is also conceivable to fix the ends of the tape by means of separate adhesive or adhesive points.

Another option of the strapping container that can be combined with all of the aforementioned design variants can be that the articles or beverage containers are held together and / or fixed in their position in a section above the at least one strapping, in particular in their neck section or head area, by means of at least one flat holding element . Such a holding element can in particular be formed by a cardboard section with holes through which the heads of the containers with their lids protrude upwards. Such a holding element is sometimes also referred to as a packaging blank.

To achieve the above-mentioned aim, the invention proposes, in addition to the numerous variants of the strapping container, a method for producing such strapping containers. In this method according to the invention, at least two articles or liquid containers are first grouped and then or almost simultaneously equipped with at least one strapping placed and / or tensioned horizontally around the article or container and holding the article or container together. The method also provides that the strapping or the strapping formed by at least one strapping band is prefabricated and / or prepared for joining with the at least two articles.

In addition, the method provides that the strapping is subjected to a defined pretensioning or strap tension. This defined pretensioning or band tensioning can be introduced or produced by bringing them together with the articles or containers and / or in a temporal context with the wrapping of the articles or containers by the strapping.

The strapping can be formed, for example, by at least one one-piece closed strap or strapping made of several parts made from cellulose material, from paper or from cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard.

The strapping can optionally also be formed by at least one one-piece closed strap made of cardboard material with a defined material thickness, which is compressed at least in sections in a direction transverse to the surface during the manufacture of the container.

In this context or alternatively, the method can provide that the strapping is formed by at least one one-piece closed strapping made of corrugated cardboard or corrugated cardboard or similar material, the strapping in the ready-to-use condition of the strapping and / or the container at least in some contact areas , where the strapping tape rests or rests on the outer surfaces of the article or liquid container, is compressed.

In a further variant of the method, the strapping can be formed by at least one one-piece closed strapping band with a funnel-shaped widened edge, a region of the strapping band having a smaller diameter than the widened edge being pretensioned by inserting the articles or containers or by bringing them together with the articles or containers and / or is compressed in its material thickness. Such a so-called V-shape strapping band can be formed by a funnel-shaped closed band which is expanded and pretensioned by inserting the articles from above.

Optionally, the strapping can be closed in one piece by at least one Strapping ring can be formed with a funnel-shaped widened edge, a region of the strapping ring smaller in diameter than the widened edge being pretensioned and / or compressed in its material thickness by inserting the articles or containers or by bringing them together with the articles or containers. Such a so-called V-shape strapping ring can be formed by a funnel-shaped closed ring which is expanded and pretensioned by inserting the articles from above.

An alternative method can further provide that the strapping is formed by at least one strapping made of cellulose material, made of paper or cardboard material (cardboard) or made of a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the split strapping band being formed into one by means of at least two joints closed and stretched around the article or container is joined together.

The at least two joints can be formed, for example, by gluing and / or by punched connections.

In the process, strapping can optionally also be used, which is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap made of cellulose material, paper or cardboard material (cardboard) or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the circumferential length of which is greater than the total circumference of the strapping forming article or container grouping, the at least one strapping band being provided with at least one adhesive or joining point at which a belt loop is shortened and superimposed, the belt loop having a length that extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping.

The strapping tape can be provided with two or more gluing or joining points, at each of which tape loops are shortened and placed one on top of the other, the tape loops having a total length that extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping. There can also be several such joints, e.g. be present at the corners of the container or the article grouping.

When there is talk of tape loops, this can also be tape loops or bundles of loops or the like, which are gathered and placed on top of one another several times and thus fixed to the strapping tape in order to give it the desired tape tension.

The method can provide that the strapping is formed by at least one strapping band made of cellulose material, made of paper or cardboard material (cardboard) or made of a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the divided strapping band being formed by means of adhesive connections on the outer surfaces of the container forming article or container is fixed and thus holds the articles or containers together in the grouped arrangement.

Alternative variants of the method can also work with straps that are each formed by several strap sections, the strap ends of which are each fixed to the outer surface of the article or container, the multiple strap sections forming the interrupted strapping.

Finally, the method can be supplemented in that the articles or beverage containers are or are held together and / or fixed in their position in a section above the at least one strapping, in particular in their neck section or head area, by means of at least one flat holding element. The holding element can in particular be a cardboard section with holes through which the heads of the containers with their lids protrude upwards.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the strapping container according to the invention relate to or can form partial aspects of the method according to the invention for producing strapping containers. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the strapping container according to the invention, certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the method according to the invention.

The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and design variants that have been explained in connection with the method according to the invention for producing strapping containers also relate to or can be partial aspects of the inventive strapping container. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the strapping container according to the invention.

It should also be mentioned that the present invention comprises a strapping which is intended for a strapping container or is part of a Strapping container is or can be. This strapping according to the invention can in particular be designed in accordance with one of the previously described embodiment variants that relate to the strapping container.

It should also be pointed out that in each of the method variants described above, such strapping can be used or used as defined above or as described above in connection with the strapping containers or in connection with the production of strapping containers.

• 1 zeigt in insgesamt drei schematischen Ansichten (1A, 1 B und 1C) drei verschiedene Ausführungsvarianten von erfindungsgemäßen Umreifungsgebinden.
• 2A zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Variante eines Umreifungsgebindes.
• 2B zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine ähnliche Variante eines Umreifungsgebindes.
• 3 zeigt in vier aufeinander folgenden schematischen Draufsichten eine Verfahrensabfolge zur Herstellung einer weiteren Variante von Umreifungsgebinden.
• 4 zeigt in zwei aufeinander folgenden schematischen Draufsichten eine Verfahrensabfolge zur Herstellung einer weiteren Variante von Umreifungsgebinden.
• 5 zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine alternative Variante eines Umreifungsgebindes.
• 6A und 6B zeigen in zwei schematischen Seitenansichten eine Verfahrensabfolge zur Herstellung einer weiteren alternativen Variante von Umreifungsgebinden.
• 6C und 6D zeigen verschiedene Ausführungsvarianten von als Umreifung dienenden Umreifungsringen.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the real proportions, since some forms are simplified and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows a total of three schematic views ( 1A , 1 B and 1C ) three different design variants of the strapping containers according to the invention.
• 2A shows a schematic plan view of a variant of a strapping container.
• 2 B shows a schematic plan view of a similar variant of a strapping container.
• 3 shows, in four successive schematic plan views, a process sequence for producing a further variant of strapping containers.
• 4th shows, in two successive schematic plan views, a process sequence for producing a further variant of strapping bundles.
• 5 shows a schematic plan view of an alternative variant of a strapping container.
• 6A and 6B show, in two schematic side views, a process sequence for producing a further alternative variant of strapping bundles.
• 6C and 6D show different design variants of strapping rings used as strapping.

Identical reference symbols are generally used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference symbols are shown in the individual figures which are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the strapping container according to the invention or the method according to the invention for producing such strapping containers can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

The schematic representations of the 1A , 1 B and 1C show different embodiments of strapping containers in different views 10 which can be manufactured in the manner described below or designed according to the variants described below (cf. in this regard 2A to 6B) . With the straps 10 are each several articles 12 by means of a horizontally around the article 12 running and possibly brought under at least a slight bias and / or on the articles 12 adhesive strapping tape 14th held together and thus as a container 10 held together. The articles, in particular cylindrical or cylindrical in sections 12 can be used in the exemplary embodiments described below, in particular as a liquid container or beverage container 16 be formed, the at least one strapping band 14th optionally in the middle height around the lateral surfaces 18th the beverage container 16 can be curious.

Like it 1 A to 1C can be seen, different container variants are suitable for the formation of such strapping containers 10 . So can the articles 12 according to 1A either metal or plastic cans 20th with continuously cylindrical outer surfaces 18th be educated. The formation of such strapping containers is also conceivable 10 with PET beverage containers 16 , which, for example, each have a constricted area 22nd in their lateral surfaces 18th with opposite below and above or below and above the constricted area 22nd have located thicker and preferably cylindrical areas. The constricted area 22nd each of these beverage containers 16 has a smaller circumference than the sections below and above it, so that there the horizontally running strapping 14th can be arranged (cf. 1B) .

Such an arrangement of the strapping 14th in the area of the constricted areas 22nd the PET beverage container 16 however, it is by no means mandatory as it is 1C exemplified. The strapping is located there 14th in lower cylindrical sections of the respective lateral surfaces 18th the beverage container 16 facing the middle necked area 22nd each container 16 have a larger outer diameter. With this variant of the strapping container 10 another one Strapping 14th in the upper cylindrical sections of the lateral surfaces 18th the beverage container 16 be applied, which is above the central constricted areas 22nd and below the respective neck and head sections 24 the container 16 are located.

Such a strapping container 10 as exemplified in the 1 A to 1C shown, for example, four or six articles 12 , Cans 20th or beverage containers 16 include those with a horizontally arranged strapping 14th or with two or more strapping bands arranged horizontally and preferably positioned at different heights 14th are held together. The strapping shown in perspective 10 according to 1A includes, for example, six similar beverage cans 20th , while the strapping shown in side view 10 according to 1 B and 1C in particular six similar PET beverage containers 16 may include, with the doses 20th and container 16 are each assembled in a rectangular arrangement. Other combinations, such as a diagonal arrangement of the articles, would also be conceivable 12 or a so-called “nested” arrangement in a compressed spherical packing, such arrangements each having a different number of articles 12 can be formed, in particular with an odd number of articles.

The at least one strap 14th such a strapping container 10 can be a joint depending on the design variant 26th defined length or several such joints 26th have, on which or on which the there meeting or respectively meeting overlapping tape ends placed on or on top of one another 28 and 30th are connected to each other. In the representations of the 1A to 1C is only one joint at a time 26th visible. However, the strapping can 14th (or, as explained below, the strapping 38 ) optionally according to 3 or according to 4th also by a closed band or according to 5 be formed by interrupted tape sections. In addition, the straps 14th optionally according to 2A and 2 B several mutually spaced joints or according to 3 and 4th have one or more bindings (tape loops, tape loops, loop bundles, etc.). The possible design of the joints 26th and the multitude of variants of joints covered by the present invention is shown in the following 2A to 6D explained in more detail on the basis of exemplary embodiments, these exemplary embodiments not being to be understood as conclusive or restrictive, but only intended to illustrate a few examples from the breadth of possibilities encompassed by the claims.

The schematic top views of the 2A and 2 B show an exemplary embodiment for a strapping container 10 , with two sections of tape 32 approximately the same length around a grouping that is only indicated schematically here 34 Articles, cans, containers or the like not made clear here. and placed on opposite sides of the by joining the tape sections 32 formed container 10 are connected to each other. The meeting and overlapping tape ends 28 and 30th are in the shown embodiment with flat contact of the tape ends 28 and 30th glued together, so that the joints formed as a result 26th in each case by glue points 36 are formed.

While the band ends 28 and 30th with the variant according to 2 B at the through the splices 36 formed joints 26th are placed on top of each other without kinks, so that the finished strapping 14th also in the area of the joints 26th the outer circumference of the article grouping 34 follows are the tape ends lying next to one another 28 and 30th with the variant of the 2A each in the area of the joint 26th angled so that the joints 26th each through the splices 36 are formed, approximately at right angles to the outside.

The band ends 28 and 30th are therefore with the in 2A shown variant with their in the rest of the section of the strapping 14th for article grouping 34 pointing and lying there insides placed against each other and glued together, resulting in the outward from the circumferential course of the strapping 14th protruding glue points 36 leads. In contrast, the in 2 B shown variant every glue point 36 a lower end of the tape 28 that goes to the inside of the strap 14th as well as to the strapped article group 34 points, and one on the lower end of the tape 28 placed upper end of the tape 30th on that to the outside of the strap 14th shows.

The joints 26th the in 2A shown variant of the strapping container 10 can optionally also be arranged in other angular positions than those shown or, for example, also turned over by 90 ° in relation to the arrangement shown and in this way onto the outside of the strapping band 14th laid and / or additionally fixed there, for example. By a further adhesive point (not shown).

The strapping makes sense 14th before or during the formation of the joints 26th applied with the desired strap tension, which is necessary for the secure cohesion of the strapping 10 summarized grouping 34 on articles, cans, containers etc. Provided the splices 36 before the strap is applied 14th on the outside of the grouping 34 are hardened to such an extent that the strapping 14th no longer noticeably stretches or changes in its overall length when it is attached, it is a prefabricated tape within the meaning of the present invention. Provided the splices 36 but only after applying the tape sections 32 to the article grouping 34 are attached and / or harden, is during this hardening process for the application of the strapping 14th to provide the desired or technically necessary belt tension.

The 3 illustrated on the basis of a sequence of schematic top views of one with a strapping band 14th wrapped article grouping 34 as well as by applying a defined pretension to the strapping 14th formed container 10 a variant of a method for producing such strapping containers 10 .

As the inventive strapping 10 According to the above explanation, they can not only be produced with such continuous and / or multi-part strips that are joined to one another at their ends, but also according to an embodiment variant explained in more detail below (cf. 5 ) can also be held together by interrupted straps, formed by shorter sections with spaced-apart strap ends, the term strapping will also be used in general in the following. In connection with this general term of strapping, the reference number 38 used.

At the in 3 The process sequence shown is the strapping 10 (bottom left) produced by grouping around an item 34 with a total of six articles 12 , each formed by liquid containers 16 in a rectangular arrangement (top left), a strap 14th is placed ( 3 , top left). The closed strapping 14th becomes horizontal around the grouping 34 placed by two rows of three containers each 16 is formed. The strapping 14th is closed and the loop formed by the tape is larger than the outer circumference of the grouping 34 so that the strapping 14th initially loosely surrounds the grouping ( 3 , top left).

In a further process step, the strapping 14th initially captured and contracted at one point to such an extent that the containers are in touching contact with one another 16 the grouping 34 are touched by the tape at their outer contact points. In the strapping 14th becomes a tape loop 40 formed and the resulting excess length of the strap 14th pressed flat against each other similar to a dart ( 3 , top right).

Before the belt loop, also referred to as a belt loop in the context of the present description 40 is flattened in the manner shown, glue can be applied to it ( 3 , top right), after which the strapping 14th by pulling on the loop 40 is tensioned ( 3 , bottom right), preferably with a defined and / or variably adaptable preload to the respective container variant.

Alternatively, the tape sling or tape loop 40 also initially by pulling on the loop 40 be stretched ( 3 , bottom right), preferably with a defined and / or variable pretensioning that can be adapted to the respective container variant, and only then applied with adhesive.

With these two alternative method variants, it must be ensured that the tape sling or tape loop 40 exerted tensile stress is only released when the applied adhesive has hardened, so that the loop 40 can no longer be opened and / or pulled apart, so that the strapping condition 10 with the strapping so designated here and applied with a defined strapping tension 38 Is provided ( 3 , bottom left).

That accordingly 3 manufactured strapping 10 (bottom left) can also be formed by making the tape sling or loop 40 is not glued, but clamped or provided with a punch. This is where the strapping 14th around the article grouping 34 placed so that it initially loosely embraces it ( 3 , top left). Then the strapping 14th initially captured and contracted at one point to such an extent that the containers are in touching contact with one another 16 the grouping 34 are touched by the tape at their outer contact points. In the strapping 14th becomes the mentioned loop or tape loop 40 formed, the resulting excess length of the strap 14th are pressed flat against each other like a dart ( 3 , top right) or as an open loop (not shown).

In the further sequence of this process variant, the strapping 14th by pulling on the loop 40 is tensioned ( 3 , bottom right), preferably with a defined and / or variably adaptable preload to the respective container variant. The strapping is in this state of tension 14th in the transition area to the belt loop or belt loop 40 to be connected, e.g. by means of stapling and / or a punching process ( 3 , bottom right) so that the on the sling or tape loop 40 exerted tensile stress also in the thus completed Strapping 38 is initiated and remains. The loop can be fastened by clamping or punching or both connection variants 40 no longer open and / or pulled apart, so that the strapping is 10 with the strapping applied with a defined strapping tension 38 Is provided ( 3 , bottom left).

Regardless of the chosen variant of the fixation of the strap loop 40 To maintain the selected strap tension, it is the case for strapping 38 of the in 3 shown strapping 10 used strapping 14th a prefabricated tape within the meaning of the present invention.

The 4th illustrated by means of two schematic plan views of one with a strapping band 14th wrapped article grouping 34 (left) as well as by applying a defined pre-tension to the strapping 14th formed container 10 (right) a further variant of a bundle formation process as well as a further variant of a strapping bundle produced in this way 10 .

At the in 4th The process sequence shown is the strapping 10 (right) made by grouping around an item 34 with a total of six articles 12 , each formed by liquid containers 16 in a rectangular arrangement (left), a strap 14th is placed ( 4th , Left). The closed strapping 14th becomes horizontal around the grouping 34 placed by two rows of three containers each 16 is formed. The strapping 14th has no separation point and the loop formed by the tape is initially significantly larger than the outer circumference of the grouping 34 so that the strapping 14th the grouping loosely embraces at first, but this 4th is not shown in this form.

The left side of the 4th shows a process step that has already taken place afterwards. In this further process step, the strapping 14th at the four rounded corners 42 the item grouping 34 grasped and pulled together so that the articles which are in touching contact with one another 12 or container 16 the grouping 34 at their outer contact points from the tape 14th be touched. The rounded corners 42 or rounded grouping corners 42 are each through the outward facing quarter circle or cylinder segments of the outer four cylindrical or partially cylindrical beverage containers 16 the grouping 34 Are defined.

By grasping the strapping 14th at the four grouping corners 42 there are each strap loops 40 or gathered loop bundles 44 formed with multiple layers of tape material and the resulting excess lengths of the strapping 14th pressed flat against each other similar to a dart or a gathered bundle of darts. The left representation of the 4th shows a total of four shirred loop bundles as an example 44 at which the strapping 14th three loops each 40 or loops.

Before the loop bundles so called here 44 be turned sideways, which is shown in the left illustration of the 4th by the curved arrow 46 the top right corner 42 the item grouping 34 is identified, is within reach of the flattened and folded loop bundle 44 a glue point 48 on the outside of the strap 14th applied. Before or after applying the adhesive 48 and before or after the flattening of the loop bundle 44 forming individual loops 40 becomes the strapping 14th by pulling on the loop bundles 44 tensioned, preferably with a defined and / or variably adaptable pretensioning to the respective container variant.

This glue point 48 is in the left representation of the 4th only in one corner 42 and within reach of the upper right loop bundle 44 drawn. More such splices 48 but can be at all four corners 42 with the loop bundles formed there 44 are located.

With the finished strapping container 10 ( 4th , right) are all four loop bundles 44 at the four corners 42 of the container 10 flat on the outside of the strap 14th and are glued there so that the strapping 10 with a further variant of the strapping defined according to the invention 38 Is provided.

With this method and container variant, too, it must be ensured that the tape slings are attached to the tape loops 40 and loop bundles 44 The tensile stresses exerted are only released when the applied adhesive has cured, so that the loop bundles are folded over 44 neither open nor from the splice 48 can replace.

As a modification of the in 4th shown strapping 10 it can also suffice if a somewhat shorter strapping band 10 at only three of the four grouping corners 42 gathered in the manner shown and with the formation of three bonded loop bundles 44 the desired strap tension is applied while the strapping 14th on the fourth corner 42 without such a fixation and without kinks and loops the container located there 16 wraps around.

In a further modification of the in 4th shown strapping 10 it can also be sufficient if an even shorter strap 10 at only two of the four grouping corners 42 gathered in the manner shown and with the formation of two bonded loop bundles 44 the desired strap tension is applied while the strapping 14th at the other two corners 42 without such a fixation and without kinks and loops the containers located there 16 wraps around.

In yet another variation of the in 4th shown strapping 10 it can also be sufficient if an even shorter strap 10 at only one of the four grouping corners 42 gathered in the manner shown and forming a bonded loop bundle 44 the desired strap tension is applied while the strapping 14th at the other three grouping corners 42 without such a fixation and without kinks and loops the containers located there 16 wraps around.

In the 1 to 4th The variants shown can be strapping 38 in particular by a one-piece closed strap or strapping made of several parts 14th or by several such bands 14th be formed from cellulose material, from paper or from cardboard material (cardboard) or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard.

A particularly suitable material for the strapping 14th can be a cellulose material of sufficient strength and thus sufficient strength, cardboard material or paper with a weight per unit area of at least 120 grams per square meter, in particular 150 grams per square meter or larger, being particularly suitable for the intended application. As a rule, the strapping will be 14th the strapping 38 have a material thickness of at least 0.4 mm and normally no more than about two millimeters.

So that such a strap 14th made of paper or cardboard can withstand the stresses occurring in practice, it should be sufficiently wide and, for example, have a width of at least twenty millimeters or more, which is significantly wider than previously known plastic straps. In principle, the width can also be significantly more than twenty millimeters, since in practice it is only determined by the height of the respective cylindrical sections of the lateral surfaces 18th the one in the strapping 10 articles held together 12 is limited.

Depending on where the strapping is attached 14th and the contour of the strapped articles 12 or container 16 can be the width of the tape 14th also by the height of any constricted area 22nd at the containers 16 (see. 1B) be limited.

Optionally, the strapping 14th but also consist of a biodegradable fiber material or a suitable fiber composite material. Such a strap 14th made of a fiber material or fiber composite material can also have a significantly smaller width of, for example, seven millimeters or more due to its greater strength than cardboard material.

According to 5 can do the strapping 38 optionally also with several flat tape sections 50 be formed from cellulose material, from paper or from cardboard material (cardboard) or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard, the strapping thus divided 38 each by means of adhesive bonds 52 on the lateral surfaces 18th of the strapping 10 forming article 12 or container 16 is fixed.

The in 5 Strapping container shown in a schematic plan view 10 with a total of six cylindrical containers 16 in a 2x3 rectangular arrangement includes the strapping 38 a total of six tape sections of the same length 50 formed, the ends of the tape 54 each in line-like or punctiform adhesive connection 52 on the respective lateral surfaces 18th the container 16 are fixed.

The schematic side views of the 6A and 6B and the schematic top views of 6C and 6D finally illustrate a further alternative embodiment of a strapping container 10 and a method for its production. With the variant of the 6B shown strapping 10 , one in 6A Item or container grouping shown 34 with a strap 14th according to 6C or 6D is equipped, is the strapping 38 by a one-piece closed strap 14th Formed from cardboard material (with volume) with a defined material thickness, which is compressible in a direction transverse to the surface. The strapping 14th according to 6C as well as according to 6D is used to distinguish it from the previously explained strapping 14th also as a strapping ring 56 designated.

As the top views of the 6C and 6D the strapping can be seen 38 forming strapping 56 in particular be formed by a one-piece closed band of corrugated cardboard or by a corrugated cardboard band, this strapping ring 56 in ready-to-use condition of the strapping container 10 (see. 6B) at least in some contact areas where the hoop 56 on the lateral surfaces 18th the item 12 or liquid container 16 rests or rests, is or is compressed.

So that the article grouping 34 that according to 6A and 6B thanks to a total of six beverage containers combined in a rectangular arrangement 16 is formed, in the strap held ready 56 in the one shown vertically above the ring 56 downward insertion direction 58 can be inserted, the hoop points 56 a funnel-shaped widened upper edge 60 on. The diameter 62 of the strapping 56 ( 6C , 6D ) is thus in the area of the upper edge 60 larger than in the area of a lower edge 64 .

The diameter 62 of the round, oval ( 6C ) or rectangular ( 6D ) Strapping ring 56 is dimensioned so that the article grouping 34 , possibly by changing the contour of the strapping ring 56 , can be inserted, with the ring 56 preferably in the area of the upper edge 60 is not yet stretched or compressed in its material structure. Because the strapping 56 however, its cross section is widened in a funnel shape and the lower edge 64 a slightly smaller diameter 62 than the upper flared edge 60 , becomes the ring 56 for inserted articles 12 or containers 16 biased and / or compressed in its material thickness, whereby the strapping 10 is held together and stabilized.

The same with the strapping 38 equipped strapping container 10 can be on a staging area 66 be parked, this staging area 66 For example, it can be part of a handling station and / or a conveying section or comprise such a handling station and / or such a conveying section, but this need not be explained in more detail at this point.

Optionally, everyone in the 1A to 6B shown strapping 10 additionally be stabilized. In particular, it can be provided that the article 12 or beverage containers 16 in a section above the at least one strapping 38 especially in their neck or head area 24 are held together and / or fixed in their position by means of at least one flat retaining element. Such an optional holding element, which, however, is not shown here, can in particular be a cardboard section with holes through which the heads of the containers 16 with their lids protrude upwards, be formed.

In addition, it should be pointed out that individual, several or even all of the joints mentioned 26th with joined and / or multi-part straps 14th can optionally be formed by punched connections, in which basically no further addition of an adhesive is required. With such a punched connection at the joint 26th can either of the two flat ends of the tape laid one on top of the other 28 and 30th of the strapping at the respective joint 26th each has at least one incision and / or at least one folded edge with an adjoining folded or bent tongue-shaped section (not shown here). As the band ends 28 and 30th at the joint 26th in this connection variant are to adhere to one another by means of a form-fitting connection, there are similar and equally dimensioned incisions and folded edges of the two ends of the tape 28 and 30th on top of each other. By folding over or kinking the tongue-shaped sections, which thereby only have their respective folding edges with the tape ends 28 or. 30th remain connected, wherein the folded or bent tongue-shaped sections of the tape ends lying one above the other 28 and 30th are at least partially adjacent to one another, the tape ends that are initially only loosely placed on one another are 28 and 30th at the joint 26th positively and adhesively connected to one another.

The form fit of the two ends of the tape placed one above the other 28 and 30th comes with the punched connection at the joint 26th essentially due to the fact that the folded over or bent tongue-shaped sections in a common direction from the surface of the tape ends 28 , 30th protrude, for optical reasons usually from the to the lateral surfaces 18th the item 12 , Container 16 or cans 20th facing back of the lower end of the tape 28 of the strapping 14th on which the outward-facing and thus from the viewer of the strapping container 10 recognizable upper end of the tape 30th at the joint 26th rests.

The bent or folded over sections form material tongues which can be contoured very differently, the superimposed incisions and sections each forming pairs of tongues lying flat on top of one another, which emerge from the plane of the strap 14th at the joint 26th are highlighted. The incisions can optionally be straight, angled, triangular, T-shaped, U-shaped, semicircular, parabolic, rectangular or otherwise designed. The incisions are normally produced by a punching process, after which the tongue-shaped sections formed by the incisions can be folded over or folded over along the respective folding edges using suitable tools.

It should be pointed out in this context that the indicated structuring at the joint 26th the in the 1A to 1C shown strapping 10 may be understood as such a punched connection. However, a glued joint is also conceivable 26th . In addition, the mentioned connection variants of gluing, punching and stapling can be combined with one another, so that, for example, a punched connection as described above can definitely be additionally glued.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or changes can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the following claims.

List of reference symbols

10

Container, strapping container

12

items

14th

Strapping

16

Beverage container, container, liquid container, bottle

18th

Outer surface

20th

Can

22nd

constricted area

24

Neck and head section, neck section, head section

26th

Joint

28

lower end of tape, first end of tape

30th

upper end of tape, second end of tape

32

Tape section

34

Grouping, article grouping, container grouping

36

Splice

38

Strapping

40

Tape loop, tape sling

42

Corner, grouping corner

44

Loop bundle, gathered loop bundle

46

Shift direction

48

Splice

50

Tape section, tape strip

52

Adhesive connection

54

End of tape

56

Strapping ring

58

Direction of insertion

60

upper edge, funnel-shaped widened upper edge

62

diameter

64

lower margin

66

Staging area

Claims (21)

Strapping container (10) in which at least two articles (12) or containers (16) are held together by means of at least one strapping (38) placed horizontally around the article (12) or container (16) and / or tensioned, - which at least one strapping (38) is prefabricated and / or prepared for joining with the at least two articles (12) or containers (16), - A defined pretensioning of the strapping (38) produced by bringing it together with the articles (12) or containers (16) and / or in a temporal connection with the wrapping of the articles (12) or containers (16) by the strapping (38) or is trained. Strapping after Claim 1 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap (14) made of cellulose material, paper, plastic or cardboard or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard or plastic. Strapping after Claim 2 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap (14) or by a one-piece closed strapping ring (56) made of cardboard material with a defined material thickness that can be compressed in a direction transverse to the surface. Strapping after Claim 2 or 3 , in which the strapping (38) through at least one one-piece closed strap (14) or a one-piece closed strap (56) made of cardboard material such as corrugated cardboard or a corrugated cardboard tape, the strap (14) or the strapping ring (56) in the ready-to-use state at least in some contact areas where the strap (14) or the strapping ring (56) is compressed on the jacket surfaces (18) of the article (12) or container (16). Strapping according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strapping band (14) or by a one-part closed strapping ring (56) with a funnel-shaped widened edge (60), with one area of the strapping band (14) or strapping ring (56) being smaller Diameter (62) than the widened edge (60) with inserted articles (12) or containers (16) is biased and / or compressed in its material thickness. Strapping after Claim 1 or 2 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one strapping band (14) made from cellulose material, from paper, from plastic or from cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard and / or plastic, the divided strapping band ( 14) is joined together with at least two joints (26) to form a closed strapping (38) stretched around the article (12) or container (16). Strapping after Claim 6 , in which the at least two joints (26) are formed by gluing and / or by punched connections. Strapping after Claim 1 or 2 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap (14) made of cellulose material, paper, plastic or cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard and / or plastic, the circumferential length of which is greater than an overall circumference an article or container grouping (34) equipped with strapping (38), the at least one strapping band (14) having at least one adhesive or joining point (26, 36, 48) on which a band loop (40) and / or a Loop bundle (44) is shortened and / or laid one on top of the other, the at least one tape loop (40) and / or the at least one loop bundle (44) having a length which, when the strapping tape (14) is placed around the article or container grouping (34) a circumferential length of the article or container grouping (34) extends. Strapping after Claim 8 , in which two or more gluing or joining points (26, 36, 48) of the strapping tape (14) are provided, at each of which tape loops (40) and / or loop bundles (44) are shortened and superposed, the tape loops (40) or loop bundles (44) have an overall length which extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping (34) when the strapping band (14) is placed around the article or container grouping (34). Strapping after Claim 1 or 2 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one strapping band (14) made from cellulose material, from paper, from plastic or from cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard and / or plastic, the divided strapping band ( 14) is fixed in each case by means of adhesive connections (52) to the jacket surfaces (18) of the article (12) or container (16) forming the container (10). Strapping after Claim 10 , in which the strapping band (14) is formed by several band sections (50), the band ends (54) of which are each fixed to the jacket surfaces (18) of the article (12) or container (16) forming the container (10), the a plurality of strap sections (50), each spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction, form the interrupted strapping strap (14). Strapping according to one of the Claims 1 to 11 , in which the articles (12) or containers (16) are held together and / or fixed in their position in a section above the at least one strapping (38), in particular in their neck section or head region (24), by means of at least one flat holding element. Method for producing strapping bundles (10), in which at least two articles (12) or containers (16) are grouped and with at least one horizontally placed and / or stretched around the articles (12) or containers (16) and the articles (12) or container (16) can be equipped with strapping (38), - wherein the at least one strapping (38) is prefabricated and / or prepared for joining with the at least two grouped articles (12) or containers (16), - and wherein the strapping (38) is acted upon and provided with a defined pretension by being brought together with the articles (12) or containers (16), and / or wherein the strapping (38) is temporally related to the wrapping of the articles (12 ) or container (16) is acted upon and provided with a defined preload by the strapping. Procedure according to Claim 13 in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed or assembled from several parts strapping band (14) made of cellulose material, paper, plastic or cardboard material or a composite material comprising paper or cardboard. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-part closed strapping band (14) or by a one-part closed strapping ring (56) made of cardboard material with a defined material thickness which is compressed at least in sections in a direction transverse to the surface during the production of the container (10). Procedure according to Claim 15 , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap (14) or by at least one one-piece closed strapping ring (56) with a funnel-shaped widened edge (60), a region of the strap (14) or strapping ring (56) smaller diameter (62) than in the area of the widened edge (60) by inserting the articles (12) or containers (16) or by bringing them together with the articles (12) or containers (16) prestressed and / or compressed in its material thickness becomes. Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one strapping band (14) made from cellulose material, from paper, from plastic or from cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or cardboard and / or plastic, the divided strapping band ( 14) is joined together by means of at least two joining points (26) to form a closed strapping (38) stretched around the article (12) or container (16). Procedure according to Claim 13 or 14th , in which the strapping (38) is formed by at least one one-piece closed strap (14) made of cellulose material, paper, plastic or cardboard material or from a composite material comprising paper or plastic or cardboard, the circumferential length of which is greater than a total circumference of one with the strapping (38) equipped and the bundle (10) forming the article or container grouping (34), the at least one strapping band (14) being provided with at least one adhesive or joining point (26, 36, 48) on which a band loop (40) and / or a loop bundle (44) is shortened and placed one on top of the other, wherein the band loop (40) or the loop bundle (44) have an overall length which, when the strapping band (14) is placed around the article or container grouping (34), is over a Extends circumferential length of the article or container grouping (34). Procedure according to Claim 18 , in which the strapping tape (14) is provided with two or more gluing or joining points (26, 36, 48), at which tape loops (40) and / or loop bundles (44) are shortened and superimposed, the tape loops (40 ) or loop bundles (44) have an overall length which extends beyond a circumferential length of the article or container grouping (34) when the strapping band (14) is placed around the article or container grouping (34). Strapping (38) for a strapping container (10), which strapping (38) according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 is designed and / or a strapping band (14) according to one of the Claims 2 to 12 or a strapping ring (56) according to one of Claims 3 to 5 has, and / or which strapping (38) in a strapping container (10) according to one of the Claims 1 to 12 can be used. Method according to one of the Claims 13 to 19th , in which a strapping (38) according to Claim 20 is inserted and used for or in the production of strapping containers (10).

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