DE102020120341A1 - Strapping package and method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Abstract

A strapping bundle (10) is disclosed, in which at least two articles (12) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) stretched horizontally around the articles (12). The strap (14) has a joint (26) of a defined length at which two overlapping strap ends (28, 30) are connected to one another or repeated folding in two or more layers. Each of the two strap ends (28, 30) has at least one incision and/or at least one folded edge with an adjoining folded or bent section at the joint (26), the incisions and/or folded edges of the two strap ends (28, 30 ) lie on top of one another at the joint (26), and wherein the folded or bent sections of the belt ends (28, 30) lying on top of one another lie at least partially on one another and the belt ends (28, 30) are connected to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint (26). A method for producing such a strapping bundle (10) is also disclosed, in which at least two articles (12) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) stretched horizontally around the articles (12).

Description

The present invention relates to a strapping bundle having the features of independent claim 1 and a method for producing such a strapping bundle having the features of independent method claim 9.

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

In the case of simple variants of such strapping bands, the bands can be formed by paper bands, which are to be made relatively wide for reasons of stability. Straps made of plastic are generally more stable and can therefore normally be pretensioned more than those made of paper that the containers cannot be deformed or even damaged due to excessive prestressing. However, a precise setting of the pre-tension can also prevent a container equipped with this from becoming too unstable during handling due to insufficient pre-tension and the containers being able to slip out of the bundle.

Last but not least, the use of plastic belts is increasingly being questioned for ecological reasons. The process-related time required to weld such strapping bands made of thermoplastic material has a negative effect on the achievable bundle production output, i.e. on the strapping bundles that can be produced using a packaging machine in a specific time unit.

Different variants of strapped containers for the mechanical combination of beverage containers are known from the prior art, for example from U.S. 6,041,572 A , where two beverage containers are held together with a strap that encompasses the containers horizontally.

The primary aim of the invention is to provide a strapping package that is simple and inexpensive to produce and a method for the simple and inexpensive production of such strapping packages, in which no plastic straps are used in the interest of an environmentally friendly selection of materials, but in which a strapping that is mechanically sufficiently stable is used will.

This aim is achieved with the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous configurations are described by the dependent claims.

To achieve the stated aim, the present invention proposes a strapping bundle with the features of independent claim 1, in which at least two articles are held together by means of at least one strapping strip stretched horizontally around the article and are thereby held together as a bundle. The at least one strap has at least one joint of a defined length, at which two overlapping strap ends placed one on top of the other are connected to one another. The tape ends are part of a tape section of defined length, which is sufficient to include the desired number of articles that are to form the strapped bundle.

The individual components of the strapping bundle according to the invention, referred to here as articles, can be formed, for example, by liquid containers, beverage containers, plastic containers, metal cans, etc. Normally, these articles or containers are cylindrical, at least in sections, so that they can be held firmly together by means of a strap stretched horizontally around the articles or containers.

According to the invention, the strap is formed in at least two layers in the area of at least one of the two overlapping strap ends by at least simple folding, which significantly increases the stability of the strap and the joint described below, with which the two strap ends are connected.

Optionally, it can also be provided that the strapping band in the area of at least one of the the two overlapping strap ends is formed in multiple layers by repeated folding, which can significantly increase the stability of the strapping strap and the joint described below, with which the two strap ends are connected, compared to simple folding.

Optionally, the strapping of the strapping bundle according to the invention can be formed in two or more layers in the areas of both overlapping strap ends by simple or multiple folding. The at least one two-layer or multi-layer area of the strap is folded over at least one end of the strap in a direction away from the joint. If both strap ends are formed in two layers or multiple layers in the manner described, preferably both two-layer or multiple-layer regions of the strapping tape are folded over at the two overlapping tape ends in the directions away from the joint. This means that the folds of the strapping at the end of the strap are each folded outwards by 180°, which means that the flow of force of the pretensioning force of the strapping is not negatively influenced.

Furthermore, in the interest of improved strap stability, it can be advantageous if the at least one two-layer or multi-layer area of the strapping strap is glued at the end of the strap. In the same way it can be provided that both two-layer or multi-layer areas of the strapping are glued to the two overlapping ends of the strap after folding.

In order to obtain these reinforced areas, the strapping is extended sufficiently so that kinked or folded areas can be formed in which the end of the strap is folded by 180° before the joint is made and the strap sections formed in this way can optionally be glued. Such a production step can usefully be carried out by the tool that also produces the strapping when using an endless belt for grouping and strapping of bundles.

Each of the two tape ends, at least one of which is designed in two or more layers, has at least one incision and/or at least one folded edge with an adjoining folded-over section at the joint.

These folded sections can in particular be formed by folded or bent sections. These folded sections, i.e. incisions and/or folded edges of the two ends of the strap lie on top of each other at the joint. In addition, the folded or kinked sections of the strap ends lying one above the other rest at least partially on one another and connect the strap ends to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint.

In this case, the at least one folded-over section protrudes from the surface of the belt end or can, for example, also be folded over by 180°. The kinked or folded sections form material tongues, with the superimposed incisions and sections each forming pairs of tongues that are lifted out of the plane of the strap, bent together and/or folded over, whereby the desired stable connection of the two strap ends and thus a closed strapping strap is formed.

The incisions in the band ends can, for example, be straight, angled, triangular, T-shaped, U-shaped, semi-circular, parabola-shaped, rectangular or have other shapes. Optionally, the incisions can also be made in two parallel, closely spaced jagged rows, for example U-shaped with jagged flanks and a straight end part. Due to the fact that the connections of the two strap ends are produced by bending the incision, forming a kinked edge on the part of the material tongues that is not cut, a sufficiently stable fixation of the strap ends of the strapping strap can be produced. This is achieved in that the two belt ends are connected to one another in an adhesive and detachable manner at the joint, forming at least one form-fitting punching that extends through both belt ends.

The connection can be released again by pulling on the upper end of the strap without the strap having to be cut through or processed in any other way. This means that the positive connection created by punching and folding material tongues can be released again without tools. In order to make it easier to detach the joint, a tear-off tab can be provided, for example, which can be formed by a protruding end of the upper end of the strap that protrudes beyond the joint.

The pairs of tongues are bent over their common kink point by an angle of at least 15°, but in particular by an angle of at least 40°, particularly preferably by an angle of at least 60°.

The advantage of the above-described two-layer or multi-layer folds of the strapping tape at the end of the tape, these two-layer or multi-layer tape ends are formed as a joint on top of each other and with the described are equipped with punchings, there is a higher tear resistance and durability of the mechanical connection between the two ends of the belt. The multi-layer connection results in additional connecting straps and material tongues, which each interlock, whereby the load-bearing cross-sectional area is increased overall, since the number of interlocking material tongues or pairs of tongues is also increased.

The strap can, for example, consist of a cellulose material, in particular cardboard material or paper with a basis weight of at least 120 grams per square meter, in particular 150 grams per square meter or more. Optionally, the strap can also consist of a biodegradable fiber material or fiber composite material.

At the joint there are several similar or different types of punchings with the same or different dimensions. Optionally, the punched holes of the same type or different types, with the same or different dimensions, can be arranged in a regular matrix.

Optionally, the punchings can have kinks that are oriented transversely or at an angle greater than 30° to a direction of longitudinal extension of the strapping that is configured in two layers or in multiple layers at the joint. In addition, the pairs of tongues of the punched holes also have directions of longitudinal extent in the non-bent or kinked position, which can be oriented transversely or at an angle greater than 30° to a direction of longitudinal extent of the strapping band. Provision can be made for at least one pair of tongues to point in a first direction, e.g. in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strap, while at least one other pair of tongues points in another direction, e.g. in the opposite direction, which is a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strap can be.

The tongues at the punched-through portions can preferably each have a length of at least 0.5 mm and a width (length of the buckling point) of at least 0.4 mm. Furthermore, it can be provided that the tongues on the punched-through portions each have a maximum length of 5 mm and a maximum width (length of the kink) of 4 mm.

The strap itself can have a material thickness of at least 0.4 mm and preferably at most 2 mm, with the material thickness of the strap ends at the joint correspondingly doubling, tripling or quadrupling as a result of the two-layer or multi-layer folding.

In addition, it can be provided that the strap has a width of at least 5 mm, while its maximum width is limited only by the height of the cylindrical section of the strapped containers.

The joint can also be glued in that the overlapping and mutually facing tape ends are coated with adhesive, in particular liquid adhesive. A paint that can be activated with ultrasound and thus hardens and develops its full joining strength can also be used as an adhesive for gluing the joint.

As an alternative or in addition to the punchings, the strap ends of the strap can optionally also be clamped, for example by means of metal clamps, which enables a simple and inexpensive connection technique.

In addition, an additional handle can be anchored to the strapping band, which allows the strapping bundle to be carried. Such a handle can, for example, be anchored at the joints, specifically as an additional layer covering them. Optionally, the handle can be glued and/or included in the punchings. If the handle is glued, a liquid adhesive or a lacquer that can be cured with ultrasound or another suitable adhesive can be used, for example.

During production, the joint with the punched holes is preferably located in the container in an area between adjacent articles, i.e. in a gap between them. After the joint has been produced, it can be moved to an article so that it rests on its lateral surface and is thus stabilized.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned goal, the invention also proposes a method for producing a strapped bundle in which at least two items, which can be formed by liquid containers or the like, for example, are held together by means of at least one strap stretched horizontally around the items or containers . In the method, a defined number of articles or liquid containers are initially put together in a defined spatial arrangement relative to one another, after which the at least two articles or liquid containers are wrapped with at least one strap.

The strapping has two strap ends, with the strapping being formed in two or more layers in the region of at least one of the two strap ends by being folded over once or several times. The tape ends prepared in this way are placed one on top of the other so that they overlap, forming a joint of a defined length at the overlapping point, at which two overlapping tape ends are connected to one another by making at least one incision and/or at least one folded edge with a adjoining folded or kinked section is introduced, the incisions and/or folded edges of the two tape ends lying one above the other at the joint. In addition, the method provides that the folded or kinked sections of the strap ends lying one above the other rest at least partially on one another and connect the strap ends to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint.

In the method, the bent or folded sections each form material tongues, with the incisions and sections lying one above the other forming pairs of tongues which are lifted out of a band plane of the strapping band.

The method can optionally provide for the strapping to be formed in two or more layers in the areas of both overlapping strap ends by simple or multiple folding, which can provide a further improvement in the stability of the joint and thus the entire strapping.

In addition, it can be useful if the two-layer or multi-layer region of the strap is folded over at least one end of the strap in a direction away from the joint.

In addition, a further improvement in the stability of the strapping can be achieved if the two-layer or multi-layer area of the strapping is glued to at least one end of the strap after it has been folded over.

In addition, the method can preferably provide for the two belt ends to be connected to one another in an adhesive and detachable manner at the joint, forming at least one form-fitting punching that extends through both belt ends. The at least one punching can have at the joint, for example, two-sided or three-sided or semi-circular or otherwise shaped or curved incisions, so that the pairs of tongues formed in this way of the overlapping belt ends placed one on top of the other are folded over at the joint in each case around a common kink point in the same direction be able.

Optionally, the strapping can be opened and separated from the articles or liquid containers by pulling on a tear-off tab, which is formed by a protruding end of the upper end of the strap that protrudes beyond the joint, while undoing the joint and separating the ends of the strap from one another.

The method can provide that the joint is additionally glued in that the overlapping and mutually facing tape ends are coated with adhesive, in particular liquid adhesive. As already mentioned above, a lacquer can be used as an adhesive for the additional bonding of the joint, which can be activated with ultrasound and thus hardens and develops its full joining force.

As an alternative or in addition to the punchings, the strap ends of the strap can optionally also be clamped, for example by means of metal clamps, which enables a simple and inexpensive connection technique.

A further variant of the method provides that a handle or carrying handle with a carrying loop projecting beyond the top of the bundle is anchored to the strapping. If necessary, the carrying handle can also be clamped to the strapping, e.g. using metal clamps.

Optionally, such a carrying handle can be included with one of its two carrying handle ends, for example, in the joint of the strapping and fastened there, while the opposite carrying handle end can be fastened to the strapping in different ways. The loop-like carrying handle end can reach under the strap and be hung there. A further possibility is the attachment of the end of the carrying handle by a separate joint, which is designed with punched holes in the same way as the joint at which the strap ends of the strap are connected to one another. However, gluing the carrying handle end to the strapping band is also conceivable.

The carrying handle can be fastened to the strapping band in particular in such a way that the loop of the carrying handle projecting beyond the top side of the strapping bundle runs diagonally across the top side of the bundle. Such a diagonal course of the carrying handle or its loop is appropriate, for example, in the case of a frequently used 3x2 container, since in this way the joints of the carrying handle with the strapping band in areas can be arranged, which are located between adjacent articles or containers, resulting in a symmetrical distribution of weight when carrying the bundle. If the carrying handle did not run diagonally, it would not be located centrally above the container, which would be unfavorable when carrying the container, since the container would tilt due to the one-sided weight distribution.

In the method, it can be advantageous if the joint is initially positioned in an area between adjacent articles or beverage containers when it is being formed, since the punchings can be made more easily there. The strap can then be shifted in its direction of longitudinal extent, as a result of which the joint is placed against a lateral surface of one of the articles or beverage containers of the strapped bundle, which serves to stabilize the joint.

The invention also includes a strapping band, as described above, which has the features of one of the embodiment variants described above, and which can be used in particular in a strapping bundle according to one of the embodiment variants described above. Such a strapping band can be employed and used in particular in a method for producing a strapping bundle, as has been described above in different embodiment variants.

As has already been explained above, the above-described two-layer or multi-layer folding of the strapping band at the band end can provide the advantage of greater tear strength and durability of the mechanical connection between the two band ends. The two-layer or multi-layer tape ends are placed one on top of the other during the manufacturing process in order to be able to form the joint. The actual connection of the belt ends is achieved by introducing the above-described punchings, which encompass and penetrate both belt ends and thus create a firm connection between the two belt ends that can withstand the mechanical loads that occur.

The multi-layer connection results in an advantageous manner in additional connecting straps and material tongues, which each interlock, whereby the total supporting cross-sectional area is increased compared to a single-layer design of the belt ends, since the number of interlocking material tongues or pairs of tongues is also increased.

• 1 zeigt in insgesamt drei schematischen Ansichten (1A, 1 B und 1C) unterschiedliche Varianten von Umreifungsgebinden.
• 2 zeigt in insgesamt fünf schematischen Seitenansichten (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D und 2E) aufeinanderfolgende Verfahrensschritte zur Vorbereitung eines Umreifungsbandes zur Verwendung bei Umreifungsgebinden gemäß 1A bis 1C.
• 3 zeigt in zwei schematischen Ansichten (3A und 3B) eine Ausführungsvariante einer Fügestelle zur Verbindung von zwei Bandenden eines Umreifungsbandes.
• 4 zeigt in insgesamt sechs schematischen Detailansichten (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E und 4F) unterschiedliche Varianten eines für das Umreifungsgebinde verwendeten Umreifungsbandes.
• 5A zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht eines Umreifungsbandes mit einem Abziehgriff.
• 5B zeigt eine Seitenansicht des Umreifungsbandes gemäß 5A.
• 6A zeigt eine Ausführungsvariante eines Umreifungsgebindes mit einem Tragegriff.
• 6B zeigt eine schematische Draufsicht auf das Umreifungsgebinde gemäß 6A.
• 6C zeigt eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Umreifungsbandes und des Tragegriffs des Umreifungsgebindes gemäß 6A.
• 7A zeigt eine Variante des Umreifungsgebindes vor Anbringung eines Tragegriffs.
• 7B zeigt das Umreifungsgebinde gemäß 7A nach Anbringung des Tragegriffs.
• 8A zeigt eine weitere Variante des Umreifungsgebindes vor Anbringung eines Tragegriffs.
• 8B zeigt das Umreifungsgebinde gemäß 8A nach Anbringung des Tragegriffs.
• 9 zeigt in insgesamt vier schematischen Ansichten (9A, 9B, 9C und 9D) verschiedene Varianten von Umreifungsgebinden mit modifizierter Fügestelle des Umreifungsbandes.
• 10 zeigt in insgesamt drei schematischen Detailansichten (10A, 10B und 10C) weitere unterschiedliche Varianten des für das Umreifungsgebinde verwendeten Umreifungsbandes.

In the following, exemplary embodiments are intended to explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the attached 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 shown in simplified form and other forms are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

• 1 shows in a total of three schematic views ( 1A , 1 B and 1C ) different variants of strapped bundles.
• 2 shows in a total of five schematic side views ( 2A , 2 B , 2C , 2D and 2E) sequential process steps for preparing a strap for use in strapping bundles according to 1A until 1C .
• 3 shows in two schematic views ( 3A and 3B) a variant of a joint for connecting two strap ends of a strap.
• 4 shows in a total of six schematic detailed views ( 4A , 4B , 4C , 4D , 4E and 4F) different variants of a strap used for the strapping bundle.
• 5A shows a schematic plan view of a strap with a pull-off handle.
• 5B shows a side view of the strap according to FIG 5A .
• 6A shows an embodiment variant of a strapping bundle with a carrying handle.
• 6B shows a schematic top view of the strapped bundle according to FIG 6A .
• 6C shows an enlarged view of the strapping and the carrying handle of the strapping bundle according to FIG 6A .
• 7A shows a variant of the strapped bundle before a carrying handle is attached.
• 7B shows the strapped bundle according to 7A after attaching the carrying handle.
• 8A shows another variant of the strapped bundle before attaching a carrying handle.
• 8B shows the strapped bundle according to 8A after attaching the carrying handle.
• 9 shows in a total of four schematic views ( 9A , 9B , 9C and 9D ) Different variants of strapping bundles with a modified joint of the strapping band.
• 10 shows in a total of three schematic detailed views ( 10A , 10B and 10C ) other different variants of the strapping used for the strapping bundle.

Identical reference symbols are used for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments only represent examples of how the device according to the invention or the method according to the invention can be designed and do not represent any final limitation.

the 1A , 1 B and 1C show in different views different exemplary embodiments of strapping bundles 10 according to the invention, in which several articles 12 are held together by means of a strapping band 14 running horizontally around the articles 12 and brought under at least slight pretension and are thereby held together as a bundle 10. In the exemplary embodiment described below, the articles 12, which are particularly cylindrical in shape in sections and possibly have constrictions on the lateral surfaces, can be formed in particular as liquid containers or beverage containers 16, in which case the at least one strapping band 14 can optionally be stretched around the lateral surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16 at a medium height.

Like it the 1A until 1C can be seen, different container variants are suitable for the formation of such strapping container 10. So the article 12 according to 1A be formed either by metal or made of plastic cans 20 with continuous cylindrical lateral surfaces 18. It is also conceivable to design such a strapped container 10 with PET beverage containers 16, each of which has, for example, a constricted area 22 in its lateral surface 18 with thicker and preferably cylindrical areas below and above it that have a smaller circumference, so that the horizontally running strapping band 14 is arranged there can be (cf. 1B) .

However, such an arrangement of the strapping band 14 in the area of the constricted areas 22 of the PET beverage container 16 is by no means mandatory, as is the case 1C exemplified. There is the strap 14 in the lower cylindrical sections of the respective lateral surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16, which have a larger outer diameter compared to the central constricted area 22 of each container 16. In this variant of the strapped container 10, another strap 14 could optionally be applied in the upper cylindrical sections of the lateral surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16, which are located above the middle constricted areas 22 and below the respective neck and head sections 24 of the containers 16.

Such a strapped container 10 can, for example, comprise four or six articles 12, cans 20 or beverage containers 16, which are held together with a horizontally arranged strap 14 or with two or more horizontally arranged straps 14 and preferably positioned at different heights.

The strapping bundle 10 according to 1A comprises, for example, six beverage cans 20 of the same type, while the strapped containers 10 shown in side view according to FIG 1 B and 1C in particular six PET beverage containers 16 of the same type, with the cans 20 and containers 16 each being assembled in a rectangular arrangement. Other configurations would also be conceivable, such as a diagonal arrangement of the articles 12 or a “nested” arrangement in a compact spherical packing, with such arrangements being able to be formed with a different number of articles 12, in particular with an odd number of articles.

The at least one strap 14 has at least one joint 26 of a defined length, at which the two overlapping strap ends 28 and 30 placed one on top of the other are connected to one another. In addition, the invention provides that each of the two strip ends 28 and 30 laid flat on top of one another has at least one incision 32 and/or at least one fold edge 34 with an adjoining folded over or kinked tongue-shaped section 36 at the joint 26.

Since the band ends 28 and 30 are intended to adhere to one another at the joint 26 by means of a form-fitting connection, in each case identical and equally dimensioned incisions 32 and folded edges 34 of the two band ends 28 and 30 lie one above the other. By folding over or kinking the tongue-shaped sections 36, which as a result only remain connected to the strap ends 28 or 30 by their respective folded edges 34, with the folded or kinked tongue-shaped sections 36 of the strap ends 28 and 30 lying one above the other lying at least partially against one another, the initially only loosely placed tape ends 28 and 30 at the joint 26 positively and adhesively connected to each other.

As will be explained in more detail below, the form fit of the two strap ends 28 and 30 placed one on top of the other at the joint 26 is essentially achieved in that the folded over or kinked tongue-shaped sections 36 protrude in a common direction from the surface of the strap ends 28, 30. namely, for optical reasons, normally from the rear side of the lower strap end 28 of the strapping strap 14, which faces the lateral surfaces 18 of the articles 12, containers 16 or cans 20, on which the upper strap end 30, which points outwards and can therefore be seen by the viewer of the strapping bundle 10, is attached to the Joint 26 rests.

The kinked or folded portions 36 form tongues of material according to the method described below 3A until 4F can be contoured very differently, the incisions 32 and sections lying one above the other each forming pairs of tongues lying flat on top of one another, which are lifted out of the plane of the strapping band 14 at the joint 26 . Optionally, the incisions 32 may be straight, angled, triangular, T-shaped, U-shaped, semi-circular, parabola-shaped, rectangular, or other shapes. The incisions 32 are normally produced by a punching process, after which the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed by the incisions 32 can be folded over or folded over along the respective folding edges 34 using suitable tools immediately thereafter.

As an alternative or in addition to the punchings, suitable clamping techniques can also be used at the joint 26 of the strapping band 14, for example by clamping the ends of the strapping band 14, in particular by means of metal brackets (not shown here), which enables a simple and cost-effective connecting technique.

The five schematic side views of the 2A , 2 B , 2C , 2D and 2E illustrate successive method steps for preparing the strapping band 14 at its band ends 28 and 30 in order to be able to connect them to one another in a mechanically resilient manner by means of the punchings described in more detail below.

So shows the schematic side view of 2A a first tape end 28 of a strapping tape 14, which is prepared for the punched connections carried out below by a defined section 38 of the tape end 28 according to 2 B folded at a fold edge 40 in the direction of arrow 42 and according to 2C is placed on the strap 14.

in the in 2C In the phase shown of the preparation of the strap end 28 for the subsequent joining process, the folded strap section 38 is folded over by approximately 180° in the direction of the arrow 42 after it has been folded around the fold edge 40 and is located on the adjoining area of the strapping strap 14.

The strap end 28 prepared in this way, in which the folded strap section 38 together with the rest of the strapping strap 14 adjoining the fold edge 40 forms a two-layer strap end 28, can then be joined to the other strap end 30 of the same strapping strap 14 in the manner described, forming a joint 26 ( see. 1 ) get connected.

Here shows the 2D the two-layered lower strap end 28, which can optionally be connected to the single-layered upper strap end 30 of the strapping band 14.

Like it the 2E shows, however, the upper end of the belt 30 can be formed in two layers in the same way as the lower end of the belt 28, so that both ends of the belt 28 and 30 can be connected to one another to form a four-layer joint 26.

Variants of the joint 26 according to the invention that are not shown here can also provide that, for example, two-layer or three-layer belt ends 28 are combined with three-layer or four-layer belt ends 30. Other combinations with band sections 38 each folded over by 180° and placed one on top of the other several times are also possible.

The schematic and perspective view of the 3A and the schematic top view of 3B illustrate an embodiment variant of a joint 26, as is produced by means of a stamping process with the formation of a total of thirty-six punched incisions 32 here, for example, which reach through both strap ends 28 and 30 of the strapping strap 14 in equal measure and can thus ensure a mechanically resilient connection of the joint 26.

The punched-through incisions 32 can be made in particular by means of suitable punching knives (not shown here) and can be made in the strapping band 14 made of cardboard or similar band material, preferably by a single punching process, which involves the two band ends 28 and 30 successively penetrates at the joint 26 before the tongue-like sections 36 formed by this punching process, which are in here shown embodiment are four times one above the other to the respective folding edges 34 can be folded.

The incisions 32 of the in 3A and 3B shown variant of the punched strap 14 each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is opposite a narrow side that is also straight. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have jagged contours 44, which promotes the hooking of the jagged sections 46 arranged one above the other during or after folding over the folded edge 34.

Comparable jagged contours are also in the 4B and 4C shown.

At the in the 3A and 3B In the variant shown, there are several such incisions 32 close together, with the fold edges 34 each being aligned parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the strapping band 14 . The tongue-shaped sections 36, 44 and 46 to be folded over thus each point towards an edge of the strapping band 14, but do not touch it, but leave a gap (cf. 3B) . Optionally, the tongue-shaped sections 36, 44 and 46 to be folded over can be arranged slightly offset from one another and thus with a certain irregularity, such as that shown in FIG 4B reveals.

At the in the 3A and 3B In the variant of the joint 26 shown, the two strap ends 28 and 30 are adhesively connected to one another at the joint 26, forming a plurality of form-fitting punchings that reach through the two strap ends 28 and 30 lying one on top of the other, with this connection being made at any time by the corresponding exertion of force and/or by peeling off the strap ends 28, 30 can be detached from each other. For example, if necessary, the upper end of the strap 30 can be pulled off the lower end of the strap 28, but preferably in a pulling direction away from the longitudinal direction of the strap, since the detaching force would otherwise naturally be very high.

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

In order for such a strapping band 14 made of paper or cardboard to withstand the loads 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 strapping bands made of plastic. In principle, the width can also be significantly more than twenty millimeters, since in practice it is only limited by the height of the respective cylindrical sections of the lateral surfaces 18 of the articles 12 held together in the strapping bundle 10 .

Optionally, however, the strapping band 14 can also consist of a biodegradable fiber material or of a suitable fiber composite material. Such a strapping band 14 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.

The schematic detailed views of the 4A until 4F illustrate different design variants and edge contours of the incisions 32 mentioned, which can be produced in particular by punching knives (not shown here) and can be introduced into the strapping band 14 made of cardboard or similar band material, preferably by a single punching process that cuts both band ends 28 and 30 of the joint 26 penetrates one after the other before the tongue-like sections 36 formed by this punching process can be folded over in pairs around the respective folding edges 34 .

The incisions 32 of the in 4A shown variant of the punched strap 14, which according to the tape end 2 comprises at least two layers folded on top of each other, each have parabolic contours, with the broader base of the individual parabola contours forming the folding edge 34 of each tongue-shaped section 36, which is not punched since the parabolic sections 48 shaped in this way according to 4A be folded over these folding edges 34. The parabolic sections 48 have a contour that tapers towards the free end, as a result of which the sections 48 can be easily detached from the surface of the strapping band 14 and folded over along the punched incisions 32 .

The incisions 32 of the in 4B shown variant of the punched strap 14 each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is also opposite a straight narrow side in parallel. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have jagged contours 44, which promotes the hooking of the jagged sections 46 arranged one above the other during or after folding over the folded edge 34.

For the variants according to 4A and 4B there are several such incisions 32 close together, with the fold edges 34 each running parallel to a longitudinal extension direction of the strapping band 14 and close to its central axis 50 . The tongue-shaped sections 36, 46 and 48 to be folded over thus each point towards the edges of the strapping band 14, but do not touch them, but rather leave a gap. Optionally, the tongue-shaped sections 36, 46 and 48 to be folded over can be arranged slightly offset from one another and thus with a certain irregularity, such as that shown in FIG 4B reveals.

Also the incisions 32 of the in 2C shown variant of the punched strap 14 each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is opposite a narrow side that is also straight. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way in turn each have jagged contours 44, which promotes the hooking of the jagged sections 46 arranged one above the other during or after folding over the fold edge 34.

However, adjacent jagged sections 46 are each rotated by 90° relative to one another, so that individual jagged sections 46 can lie with their longitudinal sides 44 transverse to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14, while adjacent jagged sections 46 which have been rotated by 90° have their long sides 44 parallel to the Central axis 50 of the strap 14 can be arranged.

While the jagged portions 46 of the in 4B shown variant each have a length that is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, the serrated sections 46 of the in 4C Variant shown larger, so that these sections 46 can each have a length that is slightly more than half the width of the strap 14.

However, significantly more incisions 32 can also be present at the joint, as was previously the case on the basis of FIG 3A and 3B was illustrated in an exemplary manner.

The incisions 32 of the in 4D shown variant of the punched strap 14 in turn each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is opposite a narrow side that is also straight. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way in turn each have jagged contours 44, which promotes the hooking of the jagged sections 46 arranged one above the other during or after folding over the fold edge 34.

The jagged sections 46 shown here lie with their longitudinal sides 44 parallel to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14.

The size of the serrated portions 46 of the in 4D variant shown corresponds approximately to the size of the sections 46 according to 4C , so that these sections 46 can each have a length that is slightly more than half the width of the strap 14. Since the serrated sections 46 lie with their longitudinal sides parallel to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14 and since their width is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, two such sections 46 can be arranged next to one another, as is shown in 4D is shown as an example.

The incisions 32 of the in 4E shown variant of the punched strap 14 in turn each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is opposite a narrow side that is also straight. However, the parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have straight contours here, so that regular rectangular contours of the incisions 32 are formed in each case. The straight incisions 32 shown here lie with their long sides transverse to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14, with the fold edges 34 of adjacent sections 36 alternatingly pointing to the two edges of the strapping band 14.

The incisions 32 of the in 4F The variant of the punched strapping 14 shown has T-shaped contours with a lower narrow side, which forms the non-punched fold edge 34, which is opposite a parallel, transverse, T-shaped long side. The T-contours 52 formed in this way promote the hooking of the jagged sections 36 arranged one above the other during or after the folding over the folding edge 34. The T-contours 52 shown here lie with their upper longitudinal sides parallel to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14 and point with their upper longitudinal sides to its two edges.

The size of the T-shaped sections 52 of the in 4F variant shown corresponds approximately to the size of the sections 46 according to 4B , so that these sections 52 can each have a length that is slightly less than half the width of the strap 14. Since the sections 52 lie with their folding edges 34 parallel to the central axis 50 of the strapping band 14 and since their length is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, two rows of such T-shaped sections 51 can be arranged next to one another, as is shown in 4F is shown as an example.

All of these form variants in the 4A until 4F The incisions 32 shown and the tongue-shaped or T-shaped sections 36 formed thereby can also be combined with one another or rearranged in any desired manner. The dimensions shown for the incisions 32 and sections 36 can also be varied.

At all in the 4A until 4F In the variants shown, the two strap ends 28 and 30 are adhesively connected to one another at the joint 26, forming a plurality of form-fitting punchings that reach through the two strap ends 28 and 30 lying on top of one another, with this connection being broken at any time by the corresponding exertion of force and/or by peeling off the strap ends 28, 30 can be separated from each other.

In addition, it should be emphasized that at least one belt end 28 or 30 is designed in two layers (cf. 2D ). Optionally, both belt ends 28 and 30 can have at least two layers (cf. 2E) or be multi-layered.

If necessary, for example, the upper end of the strap 30 can be pulled off the lower end of the strap 28, but preferably in a pulling direction away from the longitudinal direction of the strap, since the detaching force would otherwise naturally be very high.

In order to be able to detach the strap ends 28 and 30 from one another in the desired manner without the use of tools, the upper strap end 30 can be designed with a pull-off handle 54 that extends beyond the joint 26, as is exemplified in the top view of FIG 5A is shown. The side view of 5B illustrates the pulling direction 56, in which the puller handle 54, which protrudes beyond the joint 26 at the upper strap end 30 and is to be gripped by hand, can be pulled, preferably approximately perpendicular to the surface of the strapping strap 14, in order to separate the strap ends 28 and 30 again with comparatively little effort to be able to solve. The tongue-shaped sections 36, which previously engaged in one another in a form-fitting manner, are separated from one another in the process.

An additional carrying handle 58 with a loop 60 projecting beyond the upper side of the strapping bundle 10 can be anchored on the strapping band 14 . According to 6A and 6C the carrying handle 52 can be included with a carrying handle end 62, for example, in the joint 26 and attached there, while the in 6A unrecognizable opposite carrying handle end can be attached to the strap 14 in different ways.

For example, the loop-like carrying handle end can reach under the strap 14 and be hung there. Another option is to attach the end of the handle, which is not shown here, using a separate joint that is designed with punched holes in the same way as in 6A shown joint 26 at which the tape ends 28 and 30 of the strap 14 are connected to each other. However, it is also conceivable for the end of the carrying handle, not shown here, to be glued to the strapping band 14, for which purpose, for example, a liquid adhesive or possibly also a lacquer that can be cured by means of ultrasound can be used.

The carrying handle 58 can be fastened to the strapping band 14 in particular in such a way that the loop 60 of the carrying handle 58 that projects beyond the top of the strapping bundle 10 runs diagonally across the top of the bundle 10, as is shown in the schematic side view of FIG 6A indicated and in the schematic plan view of 6B is clearly recognizable.

Such a diagonal course of the carrying handle 58 or its loop 60 is appropriate for the 3x2 container 10 shown because in this way the joints 26 of the carrying handle 58 with the strapping band 14 can be arranged in areas that are between adjacent articles 12 or containers 16 are located, resulting in a symmetrical weight distribution when carried. If the carrying handle 58 were not to run diagonally, it would not be located centrally above the container 10, which would be unfavorable when carrying the container 10, since the container 10 would tilt due to the one-sided weight distribution.

According to 7A and 7B the carrying handle 52 can be included with its carrying handle ends 62 in a way in the joint 26 and fastened there that the punchings from there by means of Kle order 64 fastened carrying handle end 62 covered.

the 7A shows the strapping band 14 that combines the beverage containers 16 into a strapping container 10 and that is fastened by means of a joint 26 .

the 7B shows the strapping bundle 10 provided with the carrying handle 58. There the carrying handle end 62 is applied over the joint 26, specifically by means of a splice 64, while the in 7B not recognizable opposite carrying handle end can be attached in the same way by means of such a splice 64 on the strap 14.

Even if this in the 7B is not recognizable, the carrying handle 58 can optionally run diagonally across the top of the strapping bundle 10, as shown in 6B is shown.

According to 8A and 8B the carrying handle 58 with its carrying handle ends 62 can be incorporated into the joint 26 and fastened there in such a way that not only are the punched holes covered by the carrying handle end 62 fastened there by means of adhesive spots 64, but that the adhesive spot 64 also extends to a lateral surface 18 of the below of the carrying handles 62 located beverage container 16 extends.

the 8A shows the strapping band 14 that combines the beverage containers 16 into a strapping container 10 and that is fastened by means of a joint 26 . the 8B shows the strapping container 10 provided with the carrying handle 58. There the carrying handle end 62 is applied over the joint 26, specifically by means of a splice 64, with a section of the carrying handle end 62 projecting downwards over the strapping 14 being glued to the lateral surface 18 of the beverage container 16 located there is. This in 8B The opposite end of the carrying handle, which cannot be seen, can be fastened in the same way by means of such a splice 64 to the strap 14 and to a lateral surface 18 of the beverage container 16 located there.

The attachment of the carrying handle 58 by means of an adhesive point 64 including the lateral surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16 provides a more stable anchoring of the carrying handle 58 on the container 10, so that the carrying handle 58 can withstand higher loads.

Since in this variant of the carrying handle anchorage in a 3x2 container it is useful or necessary for the carrying handle 58 to run between the opposite outer sides of the adjacent articles 12 or containers 16 in the middle of the container 10, the carrying handle 58 does not run diagonally, but transversely to a vertical central plane which runs parallel to the longitudinal sides of the container 10 . With this anchoring variant, this course of the carrying handle 58 provides a symmetrical weight distribution when carrying the strapping bundle 10.

The in the 6A until 8B The carrying handle 58 shown can be made of the same material and have the same material width and thickness as the strapping band 14. Depending on the determined requirement for the stability of the carrying handle 58, however, this can optionally also be made somewhat weaker or possibly stronger than the strapping band 14, to which it is anchored.

the 9A until 9D show different ways of covering the joint 26 formed with the punched holes on the strap 14 of the strapping bundle 10. This is how it shows 9A the strapping band 14 which summarizes the beverage containers 16 to form a strapping container 10 and is fastened by means of a joint 26 . the 9B 12 shows a label 66 glued over the joint 26, which label can optionally be designed in the same color and/or the same material as the strapping band 14.

The schematic side view of the 9C shows a written label 68, while the view of FIG 9D a barcoded label 70 shows.

In addition, numerous other variants of such label designs are conceivable, such as those with pictorial symbols, with a QR code and/or with numerous other design variants. These variants mentioned and shown can also be combined with one another as required. The common feature of these labels should at least be that they cover the joint 26 in the desired manner, so that the desired favorable visual impression is created.

The schematic views of 10A , 10B and 10C show further embodiment variants of incisions 32 with different outline contours of the sections 36 to be folded over which are thereby formed. While the variant according to FIG 10A the in 3B The variant shown is very similar and is not described separately here 10B and 10C each arrow-shaped incisions 32, each forming arrow-shaped sections 72 after folding. The folded edge 34 is located at the non-arrowed end 74 of each of these arrow-shaped sections 72, while the opposite end of the sections 72 contoured in this way has a relatively wide arrow has section 76, for example, according to 10B can be formed by a triangle.

In the variant according to 10C However, the arrow section 76 is rounded off at the tip and runs out longer at the two symmetrically shaped side flanks. Both variants according to 10B and 10C can achieve an improvement in the form-fitting connections of the two belt ends 28 and 30 that can be achieved in this way if the arrow-shaped sections 72 are folded over in pairs around the folding edges 34 lying one above the other in the manner already shown.

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

Reference List

10

Bundles, strapped bundles

12

article

14

strapping

16

containers, liquid containers, beverage containers

18

lateral surface

20

can, beverage can

22

constricted area

24

neck section, head section

26

joint

28

End of belt, lower end of belt, end of belt lying underneath

30

Band end, upper band end, upper band end

32

incision

34

Fold edge, crease

36

Section, tongue, folded section, folded over section, snapped section

38

folded band section

40

crease edge

42

fold direction

44

jagged long side

46

jagged section

48

parabolic section

50

central axis, longitudinal central axis

52

T-contour, T-shaped contour

54

trigger handle

56

pulling direction

58

carrying handle, handle

60

loop, carrying loop

62

handle end

64

splice

66

label

68

written label

70

barcoded label

72

arrow shaped section

74

not arrowed end

76

arrow section

QUOTES INCLUDED IN DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited 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

• US6041572A [0005]

Claims (20)

Strapping bundle (10), in which at least two articles (12) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) stretched horizontally around the articles (12), - which at least one strap (14) has at least one joint (26) of a defined length, at which two overlapping strap ends (28, 30) are connected to one another, - wherein the strap (14) is formed in at least two layers in the region of at least one of the two overlapping strap ends (28, 30) by at least simple folding, - wherein each of the two strap ends (28, 30) has at least one incision (32) and/or at least one folded edge (34) with an adjoining folded-over section (36) at the joint (26), the incisions (32) and/or folded edges (34) of the two strap ends (28, 30) lie on top of one another at the joint (26), - And wherein the folded sections (36) of the belt ends (28, 30) lying one on top of the other rest at least partially on one another and connect the belt ends (28, 30) to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint (26). strapping bundle after claim 1 , in which the strap (14) is formed in two layers or multiple layers in the regions of both overlapping strap ends (28, 30) by simple or multiple folding. strapping bundle after claim 1 or 2 , in which the two-layer or multi-layer area of the strapping band (14) is folded over at least one band end (28, 30) in a direction away from the joint (26). Strapping bundle according to one of Claims 1 until 3 , in which the two-layer or multi-layer area of the strapping band (14) is glued to at least one band end (28, 30). Strapping bundle according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , In which the folded sections (36) in the band ends (28, 30) are each formed by bent or folded sections (36), which each form material tongues. strapping bundle after claim 5 , in which the folded over or the bent or folded sections (36) each form material tongues, the superimposed incisions (32) and sections (36) each forming pairs of tongues which are lifted out of a band plane of the strapping band (14). Strapping bundle according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , in which the two belt ends (28, 30) are connected to one another in an adhesive and detachable manner at the joint (26), forming at least one form-fitting punching that extends through both belt ends (28, 30). strapping bundle after claim 7 , in which the at least one punching at the joint (26) has two-sided or three-sided or semicircular or otherwise shaped or curved incisions (32), the pairs of tongues formed in this way of the overlapping belt ends (28, 30) placed one on top of the other at the joint ( 26) are each folded over a common kink (34) in the same direction. Method for producing a strapping bundle (10), in which at least two articles (12) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) stretched horizontally around the articles (12), the method providing at least the following steps: - assembling a defined number of articles (12) in a defined spatial arrangement relative to one another, - Wrapping around the at least two articles (12) with at least one strap (14) which has two strap ends (28, 30), the strap (14) being folded over at least once in the region of at least one of the two strap ends (28, 30). is formed in two layers, - overlapping superimposition of the two belt ends (28, 30), whereby a joint (26) of defined length is formed at the overlapping point, at which two overlapping belt ends (28, 30) are connected to one another, - by making at least one incision (32) and/or at least one folded edge (34) with an adjoining folded-over section (36) in each of the two band ends (28, 30) at the joint (26), the incisions ( 32) and/or folded edges (34) of the two strap ends (28, 30) lie on top of one another at the joint (26), - And wherein the folded sections (36) of the belt ends (28, 30) lying one on top of the other rest at least partially on one another and connect the belt ends (28, 30) to one another in a form-fitting and adhesive manner at the joint (26). procedure after claim 9 , in which the strap (14) is formed in two layers or multiple layers in the regions of both overlapping strap ends (28, 30) by simple or multiple folding. procedure after claim 9 or 10 , In which the two-layer or multi-layer area of the strap (14) on at least one end of the strap (28, 30) is folded over in a direction away from the joint (26). Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 11 , in which the two-layer or multi-layer area of the strapping band (14) is glued to at least one band end (28, 30) after folding over. Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 12 , in which the folded sections (36) are each formed by bent or folded material tongues, the superimposed incisions (32) and sections (36) each forming pairs of tongues which are lifted out of a band plane of the strapping band (14). Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 13 , in which the two belt ends (28, 30) are connected to one another in an adhesive and detachable manner at the joint (26), forming at least one form-fitting punching that extends through both belt ends (28, 30). procedure after Claim 14 , in which the at least one punching at the joint (26) has two-sided or three-sided or semicircular or otherwise shaped or curved incisions (32), the pairs of tongues formed in this way of the overlapping belt ends (28, 30) placed one on top of the other at the joint ( 26) are each folded over a common kink (34) in the same direction. Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 15 , in which the strapping band (14) is formed by pulling on a tear-off tab (48), which is formed by a protruding end of the upper band end (30) which protrudes beyond the joint (26), with the joint (26) being undone and separated of the belt ends (28, 30) can be opened from one another and separated from the articles (12) or liquid containers (16). Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 16 , in which the joint (26) is additionally glued in that the overlapping and mutually facing strip ends (28, 30) are coated with glue, in particular liquid glue. Procedure according to one of claims 9 until 17 , in which the joint (26) is positioned in its formation in an area between adjacent articles (12) or beverage containers (16), after which the strap (14) is displaced in its longitudinal direction, whereby the joint (26) to a lateral surface ( 18) one of the articles (12) or beverage containers (16) of the strapped container (10) is applied. Strap (14) with the features of one of Claims 1 until 8th , In particular for use in a strapping bundle (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 8th . Strap (14) with the features of one of Claims 1 until 8th Which, in a method for producing a strapping bundle (10) according to one of claims 9 until 18 is used.

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