DE102020109628A1 - Packaging unit, packaging device and method for producing packaging units - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging unit (30) as well as a packaging device (1) and a method for producing packaging units (30). The packaging unit comprises at least two articles (10) which are combined by at least one outer packaging means (15) that provides stability. The upper side of the packaging unit (30) is formed by at least one flat packaging means (20) formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper, at least in some areas. The underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the undersides of the articles (10) or by the stability-creating outer packaging.

Description

The present invention relates to a packaging unit, as well as a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units according to the features of the preambles of the independent claims.

There are different types of packaging for the processing, compilation, grouping and packaging of articles such as, for example, beverage containers, for example the combination of the articles or containers into portable, relatively manageable container units or packaging units. Here, too, there are various known ways of combining individual articles into larger containers. For example, beverage containers are usually combined and packaged using shrink films to form packs of four, six or more containers. The grouping of individual articles through the production of containers is usually unavoidable, since they represent the most common variant of sales units or packaging units for beverage containers or bottles made of PET plastic. The containers are partially combined again for transport and / or put together in layers and palletized.

In the manufacture of known types of packaging, specific manufacturing steps are necessary in order to be able to process the shrink films that are usually used. These manufacturing steps require a relatively high amount of energy. In addition, the film used as a packaging sleeve causes costs for production, provision, handling and later disposal, since it is no longer needed after the packaging has been sold to an end customer. The machine equipment for providing the so-called film wrapping modules and other handling stations also causes high investment costs. Finally, the provision of the so-called shrink tunnel, in which the film wrapped around the container is shrunk around the container by means of the application of hot air, requires a relatively high investment of capital.

A variant in which the use of shrink film can be dispensed with are so-called strapping containers. Here, the containers are combined into a bundle using so-called strapping bands and connected to one another. Containers, articles or bottles are grouped into formations in continuously or intermittently working strapping machines and then strapped with one or more straps with the help of strapping units. Typical formations can be, for example, 1x2 arrangements (two containers in a row), 2x2 arrangements (four containers in a square or in a diamond formation), 3x2, 4x3 or in principle also variable nxm arrangements.

Furthermore, the use of so-called top cardboard packaging is known, for example, to combine several bottles over their neck areas. A packaging machine for placing such top cardboard packaging is disclosed in the patent EP 1075419 B1 described. Here, the articles are arranged in a box and the cardboard packaging is placed from above onto the at least one article arranged in the box. In particular, a plurality of articles is arranged in the box, and by placing a smaller number of upper gripping cardboard packagings on top, sub-groups are formed which each combine a part of the articles arranged in the box.

The lack of product protection is problematic both with strapping containers and with containers with upper cardboard packaging. The appropriately equipped containers are therefore often used for transport and / or storage in a cardboard box that functions as tertiary packaging. In addition, there is the disadvantage that such strapping containers and containers with upper cardboard packaging can only provide a comparatively small area that can be used as advertising space.

The object of the invention is to provide an optimized packaging unit which does not have the disadvantages known from the prior art.

The above object is achieved by an optimized packaging unit as well as a packaging device and a method for producing such an optimized packaging unit, which include the features in the independent claims. Further advantageous refinements are described by the subclaims.

The invention relates on the one hand to a packaging unit comprising at least two articles or containers, the combination of at least two articles also being referred to as an article group. The at least two articles are combined by at least one outer packaging means that provides stability. The top of the packaging unit is formed by a flat packaging means which is at least partially made of paper or which consists essentially of paper. The flat packaging means is preferably made very thin in order to save packaging material. In contrast to the stability-providing outer packaging, the flat packaging does not have to have any inherent stability. The bottom of the The packaging unit is formed by the underside of the article. An alternative embodiment can provide that the underside of the packaging unit is formed by the stability-providing outer packaging means.

The articles or containers are preferably beverage containers, in particular bottles made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or another suitable plastic or cans made of plastic and / or aluminum, cardboard, a composite material or the like. However, the packaging device and the method are also suitable to create a corresponding packaging unit from other suitable containers.

The packaging means in particular covers the upper sides of the articles and serves as product protection for the same. This is particularly advantageous in the case of beverage cans, for example, in order to protect the area that is in contact with the mouth area of the user for drinking from soiling. The packaging used as product protection is preferably printed with product-specific features and / or information and / or serves as advertising space. Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this. As a result, the pollution of the environment through packaging material can be further minimized.

In particular, it is provided that the packaging means completely covers the tops of all articles combined with the outer packaging means.

The packaging means is preferably fixed to at least one article of the article group via at least one adhesive connection, for example via at least one adhesive point. In particular, the packaging means is attached to the top of at least one article via at least one adhesive point.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the stability-providing outer packaging means is formed by a flat packaging blank which has at least two passage openings for the at least two articles and which mechanically holds the at least two articles together. The number and arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the number and arrangement of the articles within the article group to be combined by the packaging blank.

The packaging blank is applied from above to the assembly of at least two articles or containers. The packaging blank is preferably assigned to a neck area of the article or container. The packaging blank is preferably placed on the previously grouped and arranged in a defined arrangement of articles or containers and pressed by an at least partially downward force, in particular a downward pressure, at least partially on the articles of the article group and thereby fixed to them .

The packaging blank is applied to the article from above in such a way that the articles each pass through a passage opening in certain areas. In particular, it is provided that, after the packaging blank has been attached to the group of articles, subregions of the articles are located in regions above and in regions below the packaging blank. After the packaging blank has been determined, a defined upper area of the article is preferably located above the packaging blank, while a defined lower area of the article is arranged below the packaging blank. This results in the packaging blank, in the applied state and fixed on the articles, being at least partially arranged and fixed between the articles.

In particular, the through openings of the packaging blank can have fixing devices. For example, fixing tabs are formed by incisions or the like extending radially from the passage openings. After the packaging blank has been arranged and fastened to the articles or containers, it is in engagement with the articles in such a way that the packaging blank is essentially fixed in place on the articles. Thus, the packaging blank can only be removed again from the articles of the container group with increased expenditure of force with an upward force component, the packaging blank usually being at least partially destroyed. Such packaging blanks are also referred to as top cardboard packaging. The packaging blank preferably consists of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material, for example a cardboard-plastic composite material, a fiber-reinforced composite material or the like.

Articles designed as bottles can, for example, have a closure area with a screw cap and neck ring. It is provided here that the fixing tabs of the packaging blank snap into place below the so-called neck ring after being applied to the bottles.

Articles designed as cans preferably have a widened area in the upper area, on which the packaging blank is fixed. In particular, the Cans have a lid rim or a beaded rim. The cans are at least slightly tapered below this edge of the lid. In particular, the cans are beverage cans conventionally known from the prior art. It is preferably provided that the packaging blank, after being applied to the assembly of at least two cans, is fixed and fixed on the cans below the so-called lid edge in the region of the taper.

Since the packaging blank in the packaging unit, which provides stability and serves as an outer packaging, is covered by the flat packaging that covers the top of the article, it is not necessary to display product information, e.g. identifying barcodes, prices, contents or the like on it. Unprinted packaging blanks can therefore preferably be used. This has the advantage that these can be used for articles with different product content. Such non-individualized packaging blanks can be used more universally and can be produced more cheaply.

An alternative embodiment can provide that the articles are grouped together by strapping as outer packaging means and held together mechanically. Here, a strapping band is placed under tension around the outwardly facing outer jacket surfaces of the article and the ends of the strapping band are connected to one another. The strapping band consists, for example, essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The free ends of the strapping are connected, for example, by gluing or welding or other suitable fastening methods.

A further embodiment can provide that adjacent articles are connected to one another via adhesive connections as a stability-providing outer packaging.

According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the stability-providing outer packaging means is formed by a so-called tray in which the articles are arranged. A tray is understood to mean, in particular, a packaging means that is open at the top and in which a plurality of articles, for example beverage cans, are preferably arranged in an upright position. The tray offers a stable underside and also has upwardly extending side parts which represent a spatial limitation for the articles, in particular in their lower area. In particular, the articles are stabilized in their lower area close to the floor by the side parts of the tray and their position is fixed relative to the other articles in the article group.

In this embodiment, the underside of the packaging unit is formed by the stability-providing outer packaging means, in particular by the tray. The upper side of the packaging unit, on the other hand, is formed by a packaging means which is at least partially made of paper or which consists essentially of paper and which covers the upper side of the article.

The tray is preferably made of a cardboard material, a composite material, etc. In particular, the tray has sufficient stability that it does not tear under the weight of the article. In contrast, the upper packaging means does not have to give the packaging unit any stability and can therefore consist of a very thin paper or paper-like material.

There is preferably no mechanical connection between the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means. However, it is also conceivable that the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means are designed to partially overlap and that the outer packaging means and the upper packaging means are connected to one another in the overlapping area, for example via an adhesive connection or the like.

The combination of the above-described flat packaging blank and / or strapping and / or adhesive connections and / or arrangement on a tray is also conceivable and useful.

One embodiment of the invention provides that the flat packaging means covers only the upper sides of the articles combined with the stability-providing outer packaging means. An alternative embodiment can provide that edge areas of the flat packaging means are folded down.

In particular, the edge regions can be folded over or folded over in such a way that they rest against outer circumferential surfaces of the article in the upper region of the article. The folded edge areas thus serve as product protection for the upper part of the article. Furthermore, the folded edge areas offer a further additional advertising area, which is particularly advantageous for product presentation when the packaging units are stacked on top of one another in warehouses and / or shelves.

In order to be able to hold and transport the packaging units more easily, the design or arrangement and attachment of a carrying and / or holding device can be advantageous. In particular, it is provided that on the packaging unit at least one handle is formed and / or arranged and fastened on the outer packaging means and optionally the packaging means and / or on the articles.

For example, the packaging blank serving as an outer packaging means can have further suitable openings which serve as grip openings through which the user can insert his fingers and thus lift the packaging unit and carry the articles combined in the packaging unit together. In particular, it is provided here that the upper packaging means has corresponding openings. In particular, it is provided that the user sticks his fingers through the openings of the upper packaging means and the openings arranged below of the packaging blank serving as the outer packaging means in order to lift the packaging unit.

Alternatively or in addition, an externally applied carrying and / or holding device can be attached to the packaging unit by, for example, attaching a strip-shaped carrying handle to the articles and / or to the stability-providing outer packaging means via two end regions.

It can preferably also be provided that the two end regions are each attached to opposite side surfaces of the packaging unit on the lateral outer jacket surfaces of the articles or on the stability-providing outer packaging and that the handle spans the upper sides of the articles at least partially.

The stability-providing outer packaging means and the packaging means placed on the top of the packaging unit by a flat packaging means formed at least in some areas by paper or essentially consisting of paper are preferably two separate parts which, in particular, are not connected or not with one another before application are connected.

The invention further relates to a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units, in particular packaging units described above. Such a packaging device comprises a feed device for the at least two articles or for combinations of at least two articles, a first packaging module for applying and fixing a stability-providing outer packaging material to the at least two articles and a second packaging module for applying and fixing the flat packaging material on the upper side of the at least two articles.

For example, article groups comprising at least two articles are put together in a suitable arrangement in a one-part module and fed to the first packaging module via the feed device.

The first packaging module can be formed, for example, by an application module for packaging blanks. In particular, the packaging blank is placed on the group of articles and moved downward with a downward force, the articles partially passing through the openings in the packaging blank. In particular, the packaging blank in the applied state and fixed on the articles is thus partially arranged and fixed between the articles.

Alternatively, the first packaging module can also be formed by an adhesive module. Here, glue points are introduced between the articles that are grouped loosely. The articles are then fixed to one another by pushing them together using an adhesive bond. Another alternative embodiment comprises a strapping module as the first packaging module. A folding module, which forms trays and arranges the grouped articles on the trays, is also a useful embodiment of a first packaging module.

The second packaging module comprises a device for applying an adhesive or a device for applying an adhesive is assigned to the second packaging module. For example, the device for applying an adhesive to the tops of the articles and / or to the packaging material is arranged between the first packaging module and the second packaging module. In particular, adhesive is applied to the top of at least one of the articles.

Then it makes sense to place the flat packaging on the top of the article and preferably press it lightly, creating an adhesive connection between the top of the at least one article and the flat packaging so that it is fixed to the group of articles. For example, a food-safe adhesive is applied to the upper edge of the can of beverage cans before the upper flat packaging material is moved onto the group of articles.

Alternatively, adhesive can be applied to the flat packaging material and this is applied from above onto the article with the side on which the adhesive is located. Another alternative embodiment can provide that the flat packaging material, comparable to adhesive labels, is provided as blanks with an adhesive surface on one side and is applied to the top of the article.

The packaging modules for applying and fixing the outer packaging material to the articles and for applying the upper flat packaging material can work both continuously and in a clocked manner. It is preferably provided that the two different packaging modules are synchronized in a cyclical mode of operation in order to ensure an optimal production process.

The following remarks summarize some aspects of the invention, which has already been explained in different design variants, specify some aspects, but should not be seen as a contradiction to the explanations already given, but rather in synopsis, in case of doubt, possibly as more specific design variants and / or modifications. As already mentioned several times above, the packaging device according to the invention can have different elements and components in order to be able to produce the packaging units according to the invention in the desired manner.

For this purpose, individual articles, in particular formed by beverage bottles or cans, are typically put together in a suitable dividing module to form article, container or can groups. The articles, beverage containers or cans can be fed to the dividing module, for example, as a disordered mass flow. Alternatively, the articles can be fed to the dividing module in at least one row, preferably in at least two parallel rows.

In the present context, article groups are in particular combinations of at least two articles which are subsequently combined and fixed to one another by means of at least one stability-providing outer packaging means. The article groups are fed via a feed device, for example a conveyor belt or the like, to a first packaging module in which the stability-providing outer packaging is applied to and fixed to the articles in the article group.

The first packaging module can be, for example, an application module in which a flat packaging blank is applied and fixed to the articles of the article group. The packaging blank is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings. The flat packaging blank is also referred to as the top cardboard box. The number of passage openings preferably corresponds to the number of articles within the article group and the arrangement of the passage openings corresponds to the arrangement of the articles within the respective article group.

In particular, the passage openings can be designed in such a way that the packaging blank can be applied, in particular pressed, onto the article from above.

The packaging blank preferably consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

The articles are mechanically held together by cutting the packaging. The combination of outer packaging and articles is also referred to below as a pre-container.

The packaging blank is pressed onto the article group from above by a suitable application head of the first packaging module and is applied and fixed to the articles. In particular, after the packaging blank has been applied to the article group, a first upper portion of the article is located above the packaging blank, while a second lower portion of the article extends below the packaging blank. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank is held in this position by the article and vice versa.

For example, the application head comprises at least one vacuum suction device, which is subjected to a vacuum in order to pick up a packaging blank from a magazine or the like. After the packaging blank has been fixed on the item group by pressing it with an application force, the vacuum is released and thus the packaging blank is released from the application head. The packaging blank is now partially arranged and fixed between the articles and holds them together.

Depending on the variant chosen, the first packaging module can be, for example, a strapping module in which a strapping band is placed under tension around the outward-facing outer surface of the item in the item group and the ends of the strapping band are connected to one another. The strapping band preferably consists essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The connection of the free ends the strapping is done by gluing or welding or the like.

In addition, it can be provided that the strapping tape is connected to the article via an adhesive connection at a contact point with an article; For example, it can make sense to glue the strapping tape to at least one article, to fix it to it by means of a spot welded connection, or to choose another suitable connection variant.

A pre-container formed in this way can then be fed to a second packaging module, for example via a further conveyor belt or the like. This second packaging module can in particular be an application module. The second packaging module is prepared and equipped to cover the upper sides of the at least two articles held together as a pre-container with a stability-providing outer packaging with a flat packaging that is formed by paper or consists essentially of paper. Here, for example, blanks of the flat packaging means are provided in a magazine. The size and shape of the blanks corresponds to an area that includes all of the upper sides of the articles combined with the outer packaging means, so that the upper sides of the combined articles can be completely covered by the packaging means with the flat packaging means. It is preferably provided that the blanks do not protrude laterally beyond a largest horizontal cross section of the group of articles after they have been applied and fastened to the upper sides of the articles.

In particular, it can be provided that the packaging means is attached to at least one upper side of at least one article of the pre-container via an adhesive connection. In particular, an adhesive application module is assigned to the second packaging module for applying a corresponding adhesive to the top of at least one article and / or to the blank of the flat packaging material. By pressing the flat packaging means onto the top of the articles of the pre-container, at least one adhesive connection is produced between at least one article of the pre-container and the flat packaging means.

The articles combined with an outer packaging means, the tops of which are covered by a flat packaging means, are also referred to below as a packaging unit or bundle. The packaging units, in which the articles are mechanically held together by a packaging blank, are sometimes also mentioned separately below. The same also applies to packaging units in which the articles are mechanically held together by means of a strap; some of these are also mentioned separately below.

The flat packaging means serves in particular to protect the product. Such product protection is particularly preferably used when the articles are beverage cans. The product protection prevents direct contact with the upper side of the article, in particular contact, when handling the packaging units, both by the producer and by the retailer, right through to the end consumer. This can increase hygiene when using cans as beverage containers.

In a useful embodiment of a pre-container, the articles can in particular be formed by cans. A so-called packaging blank can serve as a stability-providing outer packaging means. The cans have an essentially cylindrical base body with an essentially constant cross section over their length. Only in the area below the top and possibly in the standing area is the cross-section slightly smaller. On their upper side, the cans also have a closure element and an edge area that is raised relative to the upper side.

The smaller cross section below the top is advantageous for securely fixing the packaging blank by pressing it onto the cans assembled as an article group. The packaging blank has through-openings with auxiliary incisions extending radially therefrom, which enable the top of the cover forming the first, upper portion of the can to pass easily when the packaging blank is pressed onto the cans from above. On the other hand, removal of the packaging blank by an upward pulling movement is only possible with increased expenditure of force and, as a rule, with destruction of the packaging blank.

The following is a brief description of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container. For this purpose, the pre-packs can be supplied with adhesive in an adhesive application module below an adhesive device with application brushes. The application brushes are coated with adhesive in order to apply the adhesive to the raised edge areas of the cans. A blank of the flat packaging means is then pressed onto the pre-container to which the adhesive has been applied from above, as a product protection that does not provide stability, with one adhesive Connection between the raised edge areas of the cans and the packaging means is established. The flat packaging means is provided, for example, in a magazine, removed therefrom by a robot or the like and pressed onto the pre-container.

The stability-giving packaging blank is preferably unprinted and can therefore be used for different product contents. The packaging blank can thus be produced more cheaply and can be used more universally. In contrast, the blank serving as product protection can preferably be equipped with product-specific features and information and / or serve as an advertising space, in particular the blank can have a corresponding printing. Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this.

A food-safe adhesive is preferably used as the adhesive, in particular an adhesive with approval for the food and drinking water sector, so that the user can safely drink from the cans after removing the blank serving as product protection.

An alternative application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container is explained briefly below. For example, a flat packaging means can also be used, in which at least two opposite edge areas of the flat packing material are folded over before application to the article group or in connection with the application to the article group. As a result, a so-called protective hood is formed from the flat packaging means. The folded edge areas of the protective hood extend after application to the group of articles from the top of the article downwards, so that in addition to the top of the article, an upper area of the article is partially protected.

In addition, these folded edge areas can offer a further additional advertising area, which can be used advantageously for product presentation, in particular when the containers are stacked on top of one another on shelves.

In a further embodiment of the flat packaging means, at least two mutually opposite edge areas can optionally be designed as double-folded edge areas. Such a flat packaging means forms a so-called blank lid, in which the double-folded edge areas are designed in such a way that they can engage below the edge areas of the cans in order to further increase product protection.

In an advantageous embodiment, partially already explained above, of a stability-providing outer packaging means in the form of a packaging blank, it can preferably be a substantially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings for the articles. Furthermore, the packaging blank can be equipped with at least one carrying and / or holding device which enables or facilitates the user to grasp and hold or carry the articles combined with the packaging blank to form a packaging unit. For this purpose, grip holes in particular can be provided in the packaging blank. The grip holes can already be formed by punching out the corresponding material before the packaging blank is applied to the articles. Alternatively, it can be provided that the grip holes are only pre-punched or pre-perforated and the carrying and / or holding device is only formed when the consumer opens the perforations by means of targeted pressure from above.

An embodiment of a flat packaging means designed to correspond to the outer packaging means can also be expedient, wherein the flat packaging means can be a thin blank which essentially covers the same area as the packaging blank according to the previously explained variant. In particular, the blank also has grip openings at corresponding points. In addition, the blank can only be partially cut in the area of the grip openings, so that tabs are formed that can be pressed down.

If a carrying and / or holding device is to be formed in a packaging blank and / or in a packaging means, the packaging blank can be arranged on the articles and the packaging means can be arranged on the top of the article. The grip hole or the grip opening are prepared by partially cutting into the packaging blank and the packaging material. By pressing the tabs downwards, the handle hole or the handle opening and thus the carrying and / or holding device are fully formed.

It can be provided, for example be that in the area of the flap on the underside of the flat packaging means an application of adhesive is provided so that when the flaps are pressed in, the underside of the flap of the packaging means is glued to the top of the flap of the packaging blank. Alternatively, it can be provided that an application of adhesive is provided in the area of the tab on the top of the packaging blank, so that when the tabs are pressed in, the bottom of the tab of the packaging is glued to the top of the tab of the packaging blank. Although the tab also forms part of the carrying and / or holding device, the stability of the same is only achieved via the material of the packaging blank.

Packaging devices equipped according to the invention are used to produce packaging units. Here, according to an advantageous embodiment, the cans put together in article groups are combined in an application module, each with a packaging blank as a stability-providing outer packaging means.

The packaging blanks are made available in a first magazine assigned to the first packaging module. The packaging blanks are removed from the magazine by an application head and pressed onto the respective article groups to form a pre-container and thereby attached to the articles.

In an adhesive application module, an adhesive is applied - here, the upper, raised edge areas, i.e. the lid edge of the cans, are preferably provided with a food-safe adhesive application.

The flat packaging means provided in a second magazine are then placed on the pre-container within the second packaging module and pressed onto the top of the cans, for example by means of a suitable application roller or the like.

Optionally, the system configuration of a packaging device according to the invention can also be designed as follows. The articles pass through the following handling modules one after the other in a defined transport direction: First, the articles are provided, for example, in a feed module, in particular in a disordered mass flow.

Article groups are formed in a subordinate classification module for the articles. In this case, an alignment device can also be provided or integrated into the dividing module in order to orient the articles according to certain features within the article group.

A downstream first packaging module is used to combine the articles of the article groups formed by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means, for example an application module with a first magazine for applying a stability-providing packaging blank.

A downstream adhesive application module is used to apply an adhesive to the top of the articles combined with an outer packaging and / or to the underside of a flat packaging that does not provide stability.

Finally, in the direction of transport, there follows a second packaging module for applying the flat packaging means which does not provide stability to the articles which are combined as pre-bundles by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means. An optional application module can be part of the second packaging module or interact with it. A magazine for flat packaging means can also be assigned to the second packaging module and / or the application module.

In addition, another use of a flat packaging means should be mentioned at this point, in which the articles of the article group are or will be arranged on a so-called tray.

In particular, an open packaging means is referred to as a tray, in which there are several individual items, for example beverage cans. The tray has a stable underside. In addition, the cans are stabilized in the lower area by the side parts of the tray, so that the cans of the article group can be handled better together. Here, too, it can be advantageous to equip the top of the cans with a product protection. Analogous to the variants explained above, provision is made for an adhesive to be applied to the raised edge areas of the cans on the upper side, followed by the application of a flat packaging material as product protection.

It should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and design variants which have been explained in connection with the device according to the invention relate to or can be partial aspects of the method according to the invention in the same way. If, therefore, at one point in the description or in the definition of claims for the device according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships 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 relate to or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention. If therefore at one point in the description or also In the definition of claims for the method according to the invention, certain aspects and / or interrelationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

The same applies mutatis mutandis to aspects that have been named and described in connection with the packaging units, the process for their production and the machine for carrying out the process and / or for the production of the packaging units. Here, too, it should apply that all features that have been named and explained in connection with one of these different categories are equally suitable and applicable for the other categories.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit.
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Verpackungseinheit.
• 3 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines Vor-Gebindes.
• 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung der Applikation eines Haftmittels und eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels an einem Vor-Gebinde.
• 5 zeigt eine weitere schematische Darstellung der Applikation eines Haftmittels und eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels an einem Vor-Gebinde.
• 6 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels.
• 7 zeigt eine Ausführungsform eines stabilitätsgebenden Umverpackungsmittels in Form eines Verpackungszuschnitts.
• 8 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels.
• 9 zeigt die Ausbildung der Trage- und/oder Halteeinrichtung bei einem Verpackungszuschnitt gemäß 7 und einem Verpackungsmittel gemäß 8.
• 10 zeigt eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Verpackungsvorrichtung und eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung von Verpackungseinheiten.
• 11 zeigt eine weitere Anlagenkonfiguration einer Verpackungsvorrichtung.
• 12 zeigt eine weitere Verwendung eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels.

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 schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit.
• 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit.
• 3 shows an embodiment of a pre-container.
• 4th shows a schematic representation of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container.
• 5 shows a further schematic representation of the application of an adhesive and a flat packaging material to a pre-container.
• 6th shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means.
• 7th shows an embodiment of a stability-providing outer packaging means in the form of a packaging blank.
• 8th shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means.
• 9 shows the design of the carrying and / or holding device in the case of a packaging blank according to FIG 7th and a packaging means according to 8th .
• 10 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device and a method for producing packaging units.
• 11 Fig. 10 shows another plant configuration of a packaging device.
• 12th shows a further use of a flat packaging means.

Identical reference symbols are used for identical or identically acting elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only 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 packaging unit according to the invention, the packaging device and the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent a final limitation.

the 1 shows a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a packaging device 1 , 1a and a method for producing a first embodiment of a packaging unit 30th , 30a .

the 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a packaging device 1 , 1b and a method for producing a second embodiment of a packaging unit 30th , 30b .

In both cases, ie in the embodiment according to 1 as well as in the embodiment according to 2 , become articles 10 , for example beverage bottles or cans 11 in a dividing module 2 to article groups 12th compiled. The articles 10 become the dividing module 2 for example. Supplied as a disordered mass flow. Alternatively, the articles 10 the dividing module 2 ordered in at least one row, preferably ordered in at least two parallel rows.

As article groups 12th one denotes in particular a compilation comprising at least two articles 10 , which subsequently by means of at least one stability-providing outer packaging means 15th be summarized. The article groups 12th are fed via a feed device, for example a conveyor belt or the like, to a first packaging module 3 supplied, in which the stability-giving outer packaging means 15th on the articles 10 the article group 12th is applied and set.

According to 1 it is the first packaging module 3 an application module 4th , in which a flat packaging cut 16 on the articles 10 the article group 12th applied and is determined. With the packaging cut 16 it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings 17th having. The flat packaging cut 16 is also known as the top cardboard box. The number of openings 17th preferably corresponds to the number of articles 10 within the article group 12th and the arrangement of the passage openings 17th corresponds to the arrangement of the articles 10 within the article group 12th .

In particular, the passage openings 17th be designed such that the packaging blank 16 from the top of the article 10 applied, in particular pressed on, can be.

The packaging cut 16 preferably consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material.

Through the packaging cut 16 will be the article 10 mechanically held together. The compilation of outer packaging 15th and articles 10 is hereinafter also referred to as a pre-container 19th designated.

The packaging cut 16 is through a suitable application head (not shown) of the first packaging module 3 on the article group 12th pressed on from above and at the same time on the articles 10 applied and set. In particular, after the packaging blank has been applied 16 on the article group 12th a first upper part of the article 10 above the packaging blank 16 , while a second lower section of the article 10 below the packaging blank 16 extends. In particular, it is provided that the packaging blank 16 in this position by the article 10 is held and vice versa.

For example, the application head comprises at least one vacuum suction device that is used to pick up a packaging blank 16 a vacuum is applied from a magazine or the like. After the packaging cut 16 by pressing on the item group with an application force 12th has been determined, the vacuum is released and thus the packaging cut 16 released by the application head. The packaging cut 16 is now partially between the articles 10 arranged and determined and holds them together.

According to 2 it is the first packaging module 3 a strapping module 5 in which a strap 18th under tension around the outwardly facing outer circumferential surfaces of the article 10 the article group 12th and the ends of the strapping 18th be connected to each other. The strapping 18th preferably consists essentially of a plastic material, a paper material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. The connection of the free ends of the strap 18th takes place by gluing or welding or the like.

In addition, it can be provided that the strapping 18th at a point of contact for an article 10 via an adhesive connection with the article 10 is connected, for example. The strapping 18th with at least one article 10 glued, spot welded or similar

Then the pre-container 19th for example via a further conveyor belt or the like a second packaging module 6th fed. This is in particular an application module 7th . The second packaging module 6th is prepared and equipped for this, the upper sides 13th of the at least two with a stability-providing outer packaging 15th as a pre-container 19th articles held together 10 with a flat packaging means 20th , which is formed by paper or consists essentially of paper, to cover. In this case, for example, blanks are made in a magazine 21 of the flat packaging material 20th provided. The size and shape of the blanks 21 corresponds here to an area that covers all of the tops 13th the one with the outer packaging 15th summarized article 10 includes, so that with the flat packaging means 20th the tops 13th of the summarized articles 10 completely through the packaging material 20th can be covered. It is preferably provided that the blanks 21 after applying and attaching to the tops 13th the item 10 laterally not over a largest horizontal cross-section of the article group 12th protrude.

In particular, it is provided that the packaging means 20th via an adhesive connection on at least one top side 13th of at least one article 10 of the pre-container 19th is attached. In particular, the second packaging module 6th an adhesive application module 8th assigned to apply a corresponding adhesive to the top 13th at least one article 10 and / or on the blank 21 of the flat packaging material 20th . By pressing on the flat packaging material 20th on the tops 13th the item 10 of the pre-container 19th becomes at least one adhesive connection between at least one article 10 of the pre-container 19th and the flat packaging means 20th manufactured.

The one with an outer packaging 15th summarized article 10 , their tops 13th through flat packaging 20th are covered below as a packaging unit 30th or container 31 designated. the Packing units 30th where the article 10 via a packaging blank 16 are held together mechanically, are also referred to below with the reference numeral 30a marked. The packing units 30th where the article 10 over a strap 18th are held together mechanically, are also referred to below with the reference numeral 30b marked.

The flat packaging material 20th serves in particular as product protection. Such product protection is particularly preferably used if it is the case with the articles 10 around beverage cans 11 acts. The product protection creates direct contact with the top 13th the item 10 , especially a touch, when handling the packaging units 30th prevented both at the producer and at the dealer up to the end consumer. This can improve hygiene when using cans 11 can be increased as a beverage container.

the 3 shows an embodiment of a pre-container 19th . With the articles 10 it concerns cans 11 . As a stability-giving outer packaging 15th a packaging cut is used 16 . The cans 11 have an essentially cylindrical base body with an essentially constant cross section over their length. Only in the area below the top 13th and possibly in the standing area the cross-section is slightly smaller. At your top 13th assign the cans 11 furthermore a closure element 32 and one across from the top 13th raised edge area 14th on.

The smaller cross section below the top 13th is advantageous for the safe definition of the packaging cut 16 by pressing the same on the as an article group 12th collated cans 11 . The packaging cut 16 has passage openings 17th with auxiliary incisions extending radially therefrom 33 on which a simple step through the first, upper portion of the can 11 forming lid with the top 13th when pressing the packaging blank 16 on the cans 11 made possible from above. On the other hand, there is a removal of the packaging blank 16 by an upward pulling movement only with increased effort and usually with destruction of the packaging blank 16 possible.

the 4th shows a schematic representation of the application of an adhesive 28 and a flat packaging means 20th on a pre-container 19th . For this purpose, the pre-containers 19th in an adhesive application module 8th underneath an adhesive device with application brushes 9 contacted. The application brushes 9 are with adhesive 28 applied to the adhesive 28 on the raised edge areas 14th to apply the cans. Then a cut is made 21 of the flat packaging material 20th as a non-stabilizing product protection from above on the one with adhesive 28 charged pre-container 19th pressed on, with an adhesive connection between the raised edge areas 14th of cans 11 and the packaging means 20th will be produced. The flat packaging material 20th is provided in a magazine, for example, removed from it by a robot or the like and placed on the pre-container 19th pressed on.

The stability-giving packaging cut 16 is preferably unprinted and can therefore be used for different product contents. The packaging cut 16 is thus cheaper to manufacture and can be used more universally. On the other hand, the cut serving as product protection can 21 preferably be equipped with product-specific features and information and / or serve as advertising space, in particular the cut 21 have a corresponding printing. Since the product protection does not have to have any stability-giving properties, very thin material can be used for this.

As an adhesive 28 a food-safe adhesive is preferably used, in particular an adhesive with approval for the food and drinking water sector, so that the user can remove the blank serving as product protection after removal 21 safe from the cans 11 can drink.

the 5 shows a further schematic representation of the application of an adhesive 28 and a flat packaging means 20th on a pre-container 19th . In contrast to 4th becomes a flat packaging material 20th used in the prior application to the article group 12th or in the temporal connection with the application on the article group 12th at least two opposite edge areas 24 of the flat packaging material 20th be folded over. This results in the flat packaging means 20th a so-called protective hood 22nd educated. The folded edge areas 24 the protective hood 22nd extend after the application to the article group 12th from the top 13th the item 10 down, so that in addition to the top 13th the item 10 another upper part of the article 10 is partially protected. In addition, the folded edge areas offer 24 Another additional advertising space, which is particularly useful when the containers are stacked on top of one another 31 can be used advantageously for product presentation on shelves.

The schematic view of the 6th shows a further embodiment of a flat packaging means 20th . In this case there are at least two mutually opposite edge areas 24 as double-folded edge areas 26th educated. The flat packaging material 20th forms a so-called blank cover 25th , in which the double-folded edge areas 26th are designed such that they are below the edge regions 13th of cans 11 can intervene to further increase product protection.

The schematic view of the 7th shows an embodiment of a stability-providing outer packaging means 15th in the form of a packaging cut 16 and 8th shows a further embodiment of a corresponding to the outer packaging means 15th trained flat packaging means 20th .

With the packaging cut 16 according to 7th it is preferably an essentially flat cardboard blank which has a defined number of passage openings 17th for the article (not shown). Furthermore, the packaging is cut 16 with at least one carrying and / or holding device 35 that allows the user to grasp and hold or carry the with the packaging blank 16 Make it easier to combine articles (not shown) into a packaging unit. For example, are in the packaging cut 16 Finger holes 36 be provided. The finger holes 36 can already be formed by punching out the corresponding material before applying the packaging blank to the article. Alternatively, it can be provided that the handle holes 36 are only pre-punched or pre-perforated and the carrying and / or holding device 35 is only formed when the consumer opens the perforations by applying pressure from above.

With the flat packaging means 20th according to 8th it is a thin cut 21 which is essentially the same area as the packaging blank 16 according to 7th covers. In particular, the blank 21 also handle openings 37 in the appropriate places. For example, the cut 21 in the area of the handle openings 37 only partially incised so that tabs 38 are formed that can be pressed down.

the 9 shows the design of the carrying and / or holding device 35 with a packaging cut 16 according to 7th and a packaging means 20th according to 8th in a side view, in particular only the area of a grip hole 36 of the packaging cut 16 shown.

The packaging cut 16 is placed on the articles and the packaging means 20th is placed on top of the article. The grip hole 36 or the handle opening 37 are due to partial cutting of the packaging blank 16 and the packaging material 20th prepared. By pressing the tabs 38,39 downwards, the handle hole 36 or the handle opening 37 and thus the carrying and / or holding device 35 fully trained.

For example, it can be provided that in the area of the tab 38 on the underside of the flat packaging material 20th an adhesive application is provided so that when the tabs are pressed in 38 , 39 the bottom of the tab 38 of the packaging material 20th with the top of the tab 39 of the packaging cut 16 is glued. Alternatively, it can be provided that in the area of the tab 39 on the top of the packaging blank 16 an adhesive application is provided so that when the tabs are pressed in 38 , 39 the bottom of the tab 38 of the packaging material 20th with the top of the tab 39 of the packaging cut 16 is glued. Although the tab 38 also part of the carrying and / or holding device 35 forms, the stability of the same, however, only depends on the material of the packaging blank 16 achieved.

the 10 shows a further embodiment of a packaging device 1 and a method for producing packaging units 30th . Those in article groups 12th collated cans 11 are in an application module 4th each with a packaging blank 16 as a stability-giving outer packaging 15th summarized.

The packaging blanks 16 are in one of the first packaging module 3 assigned first magazine 40 provided. The packaging blanks 16 are removed from the magazine by an application head 40 taken and on the respective article groups 12th with the formation of a pre-container 19th pressed on and at the same time on the articles 10 set.

In an adhesive application module 8th an application of adhesive takes place, for example the upper, raised edge areas are 14th , ie the lid edge of the cans 11 , provided with a food-safe adhesive application.

Then they are in a second magazine 41 provided flat packaging means 20th inside the second packaging module 6th placed on the pre-container and on the tops of the cans 11 pressed, for example by means of a suitable application roller or the like.

• Die Bezugsziffer 50 bezeichnet ein Zuführungsmodul für die Artikel, welche insbesondere im ungeordneten Massenstrom bereitgestellt werden.
• Die Bezugsziffer 2 bezeichnet ein Einteilmodul für die Artikel zur Ausbildung von Artikelgruppen. Hierbei kann zusätzlich eine Ausricht-Vorrichtung 51 vorgesehen oder in das Einteilmodul integriert sein, um die Artikel nach bestimmten Merkmalen innerhalb der Artikelgruppe zu orientieren.
• Die Bezugsziffer 3 bezeichnet ein erstes Verpackungsmodul zum Zusammenfassen der Artikel der gebildeten Artikelgruppen vermittels eines stabilitätsgebenden Umverpackungsmittels, bspw. Applikationsmodul 4 mit erstem Magazin 40 zum Aufbringen eines stabilitätsgebenden Verpackungszuschnitts.
• Die Bezugsziffer 8 bezeichnet ein Haftmittel-Auftragsmodul zum Aufbringen eines Haftmittels auf die Oberseite der mit einem Umverpackungsmittel zusammengefassten Artikel und/oder auf die Unterseite eines nicht stabilitätsgebenden flächigen Verpackungsmittels.
• Die Bezugsziffer 6 bezeichnet schließlich ein zweites Verpackungsmodul zum Aufbringen des nicht stabilitätsgebenden flächigen Verpackungsmittels auf die vermittels eines stabilitätsgebenden Umverpackungsmittels als Vor-Gebinde zusammengefassten Artikel. Das in 11 erkennbare Aufbringmodul 7 kann Teil des zweiten Verpackungsmoduls 6 sein oder mit diesem zusammenwirken. Dem zweiten Verpackungsmodul 6 und/oder dem Aufbringmodul 7 kann außerdem ein Magazin für Flächige Verpackungsmittel 41 zugeordnet sein.
• Die 12 zeigt eine weitere Verwendung eines flächigen Verpackungsmittels 20. Hierbei werden die Artikel 10 der Artikelgruppe auf einem sogenannten Tray 60 angeordnet.

the 11 Fig. 10 shows another plant configuration of a packaging device 1 . The articles pass through in one transport direction TR the following handling modules in succession:

• The reference number 50 refers to a feed module for the articles, which are provided in particular in a disordered mass flow.
• The reference number 2 denotes a division module for the articles to form article groups. An alignment device can also be used here 51 provided or integrated into the dividing module in order to orient the articles according to certain characteristics within the article group.
• The reference number 3 denotes a first packaging module for combining the articles of the article groups formed by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means, for example an application module 4th with the first magazine 40 for applying a stability-giving packaging blank.
• The reference number 8th denotes an adhesive application module for applying an adhesive to the top of the articles combined with an outer packaging material and / or to the underside of a flat packaging material that does not provide stability.
• The reference number 6th Finally, denotes a second packaging module for applying the flat packaging means which does not provide stability to the articles which are combined as pre-bundles by means of a stability-providing outer packaging means. This in 11 recognizable application module 7th can be part of the second packaging module 6th be or cooperate with it. The second packaging module 6th and / or the application module 7th can also have a magazine for flat packaging 41 be assigned.
• the 12th shows a further use of a flat packaging means 20th . Here are the articles 10 the article group on a so-called tray 60 arranged.

As a tray 60 In particular, an open packaging means is referred to, in which several individual items 10 , for example. Beverage cans are located. The tray 60 offers a stable underside. In addition, the cans 11 in the lower area through the side panels 61 of the tray 60 stabilized so that the cans 11 the article group 12th can be handled better together. Again, it can be advantageous to use the top 13th of cans 11 to equip it with a product protection. Analogous to the 4th and 5 is an application of an adhesive 25th on the raised edge areas 14th of cans 11 on the top 13th and then the application of a flat packaging means 20th intended as product protection.

Even if “schematic” representations and views are generally spoken of in connection with the figures, this in no way means that the representations of the figures and their description should be of subordinate importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The person skilled in the art is in a position to derive enough information from the schematically and abstractly drawn representations that facilitate his understanding of the invention without having to rely on the drawn and possibly not exactly to scale proportions of the articles, in particular bottles, and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements would be impaired in its understanding in any way. The figures thus enable the person skilled in the art as a reader to use the more specifically explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more specifically explained mode of operation of the device according to the invention as well as the design of the packaging units according to the invention a better understanding of the more general and / or in the claims and in the general part of the description to derive more abstractly formulated inventive ideas.

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 claims below.

List of reference symbols

1, 1a, 1b

Packaging device

2

Divider module

3

first packaging module

4th

Application module

5

Strapping module

6th

second packaging module

7th

Application module

8th

Adhesive application module

9

Application brushes

10

items

11

Can

12th

Article group

13th

Top of the article

14th

Raised border area

15th

outer packaging material that provides stability

16

Packaging cut

17th

Passage opening

18th

Strapping

19th

Pre-container

20th

flat packaging material

21

Cutting

22nd

Protective hood

24

Edge area

25th

Blank cover

26th

Edge area folded over twice

28

Adhesive

30,30a, 30b

Packaging Unit

31

Container

32

Closure element

33

Auxiliary incisions

35

Carrying and / or holding device

36

Grip hole

37

Handle openings

38

Tab

39

Tab

40

Magazine for packaging blanks

41

Magazine for flat packaging

50

Feed module

51

Alignment device

60

Tray

61

Side part

TR

Transport direction

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was 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.

Patent literature cited

• EP 1075419 B1 [0005]

Claims (14)

Packaging unit (30) comprising at least two articles (10) which are combined by at least one stability-providing outer packaging means (15), with an upper side of the packaging unit (30) being at least partially covered by a flat packaging means formed by paper or essentially consisting of paper (20) is formed, and wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the undersides of the articles (10) or wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the stability-creating outer packaging means (15). Packing unit (30) Claim 1 wherein the stability-providing outer packaging means (15) is formed by a flat packaging blank (16) which has at least two passage openings (17) for the at least two articles (10) and which mechanically holds the at least two articles (10) together. Packing unit (30) Claim 2 , wherein the packaging blank (16) is partially arranged and fixed between the articles (10), the articles (10) each being arranged to pass through a passage opening (17) of the packaging blank (16) so that a lower portion of the article (10) is arranged below the packaging blank (16) and an upper portion of the article (10) is arranged above the packaging blank (16). Packing unit (30) Claim 2 or 3 wherein the packaging blank (16) consists essentially of a cardboard material, a plastic material, a composite material or a fiber-reinforced composite material. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat packaging means (20) only covers the upper side (13) of the articles (10) combined with the stability-providing outer packaging means (15). Packaging unit (30) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 wherein the flat packaging means (20) covers the upper side (13) of the articles (10) combined with the stability-providing outer packaging means (15), as well as outwardly facing outer circumferential surfaces of the articles (10) in an upper partial area. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat packaging means (20) is connected to the top of the article (10) via at least one adhesive connection. Packaging unit (30) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging unit (30) comprises at least one carrying and / or holding device, in particular where at least one carrying handle on the outer packaging means (16) and / or on the articles ( 10) is formed or arranged and fastened. Packing unit (30) Claim 8 , wherein the packaging blank (16) and the packaging means (20) have at least one handle opening. Packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10), in particular packaging device (1) for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , wherein the at least two articles (10) of each packaging unit (30) are combined by at least one stability-providing outer packaging means (15), the upper side of the packaging unit (30) being at least regionally formed by a flat surface formed by paper or consisting essentially of paper Packaging means (20) is formed, and wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the undersides of the articles (10), or wherein the underside of the packaging unit (30) is formed by the stability-creating outer packaging means (15), the packaging device (1 ) comprising • a feed device for the at least two articles (10) or for assemblies (12) of at least two articles (10); • a first packaging module (3) for applying and fixing a stability-providing outer packaging (15) to the at least two articles (10) and • a second packaging module (6) for applying and fixing the flat packaging means (20) on the top (13) of the at least two articles (10). Packaging device (1) according to Claim 10 , wherein the second packaging module (6) comprises a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the top (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20), or wherein the second packaging module (6 ) a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the top (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20) is assigned, or wherein between the first packaging module (3) and the second packaging module (6) a device (8) for applying an adhesive (25) to the upper side (13) of the article (10) and / or to the flat packaging means (20) is arranged. A method for producing packaging units (30), in particular a method for producing packaging units (30) each comprising at least two articles (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 9 , an assembly (12) comprising at least two articles (10) being combined by a stability-providing outer packaging means (15), and a flat packaging means on the upper sides (13) of the articles (10) combined with the outer packaging means (15) (20) is arranged and / or fastened, which flat packaging means (20) is at least partially formed by paper or consists essentially of paper. Procedure according to Claim 12 , the stability-providing outer packaging means (15) being formed by a packaging blank (16) which has at least two passage openings (17) for the at least two articles (10), the packaging blank (16) being applied to the articles (10) from above so that the articles (10) in each case pass through assigned passage openings (17) of the packaging blank (16), so that the packaging blank (16) is partially arranged between the articles (10) when it is applied and fixed to the articles (10) and is set. Method according to one of the Claims 12 or 13th , wherein at least one application of adhesive takes place before the flat packaging means (20) is attached to at least one top side (13) of the at least two articles (10), and the flat packaging means (20) adhering to the top side (13) of at least one article ( 10) is connected.

Images