DE202011102927U1 - Arrangement for applying a shrink tubing to a container - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement (1) for applying a shrink tube (2) to a container (3), with a holding element (4) for holding the container (3), the holding element (4) comprising: a receiving section (5) for receiving the container (3), a support section (6) which can come into contact with a steam delivery unit (7), the receiving section (5) forming a largely closed receiving space (8), on the underside of which at least one steam inlet opening (9) is provided.

Description

The invention relates to an arrangement for applying a shrink tube to a container.

A shrink tube is a hose, in particular made of plastic, which can contract strongly under the action of heat. The heat-shrinkable tube can be tight against an object which is arranged inside the tube during shrinkage. The main materials used are thermoplastics. Shrink tubing, or shrink films, are often used to fix goods stacked on pallets. Furthermore, the use of shrink tubing in the sealing of cables is also known. Shrink tubing can also be used for attaching decorations to bottles. In particular, the attachment of decorative shrink tubing to beverage containers is a field of application of the present invention.

The attachment of shrink tubing to containers is basically known. However, this is mainly done industrially on a large scale, with the containers being provided with the shrink tubes in automated processes. For domestic use, however, such known methods are not suitable because the purchase of machines for applying the shrink tubing to the containers is simply too expensive. For it must be ensured even in domestic use that certain thermal energy is applied to the shrink tubing, so that the required shrinkage effect can use. By customary domestic hot air blower (eg., Hair dryer), the required heating power is usually not provided. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement for applying a shrink tube to a container, which makes it possible to attach the shrink tube by simple means on the container. The arrangement should be characterized in particular by a simple structure, a low producibility and a good transportability.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by an arrangement for applying a particular decorative shrink tube to a container, with a holding element for holding the container, wherein the holding element comprises: a receiving portion for receiving the container, a support portion, in abutment with a Steam delivery unit advised, wherein the receiving portion forms a largely closed receiving space, on the underside at least one steam inlet opening is provided.

Such an arrangement with a holding element allows easy attachment of the shrink tube and the subsequent shrinkage of the shrink tube on the container. The particular largely closed receiving space serves to receive the container. At the same time, the receiving space should also absorb water vapor and also be able to store it in a certain way, the water vapor then being able to deliver the thermal energy to the heat-shrinkable tube. Water vapor has a much higher energy density than dry air, so that even at relatively low temperatures (in particular already below 100 ° C) a sufficient amount of energy for rapid shrinkage of the hose can be present. The steam inlet opening preferably forms substantially the only way in which steam can enter the receiving section, whereby the crack or gaps can be excluded from this consideration. In particular, the receiving space is otherwise largely air-tight, with the exception of the steam inlet opening. The receiving space does not have to be hermetically sealed; rather, it is even advantageous if individual cracks remain provided, so that a certain steam flow rate is made possible. As a result, already cooled steam can escape in particular upwards and fresh hot steam can be tracked through the steam inlet opening. One or more steam inlet openings may be provided. A steam inlet opening can also be formed by perforations on a region of the receiving section. However, all steam inlet openings are preferably arranged on the same side of the receiving section, in particular of the steam dispensing unit facing side.

Preferably, the support portion forms a substantially closed cover surface, which are broken only by the steam inlet opening, or optionally by a plurality of steam inlet openings of the receiving space. The cover plate preferably has a diameter of at least 16 cm, so that it fits on the usual cooking pots and can cover the pot edge substantially completely. Due to the largely closed covering surface, the available steam can be used as lossless as possible.

Preferably, the arrangement comprises the steam delivery unit, wherein the steam inlet opening is in at least partial overlap with a steam discharge opening of the steam delivery unit. The steam discharge opening is largely covered by the holding element, in particular by the receiving portion. Preferably, the arrangement comprises a saucepan or a household kettle as a steam delivery unit. The Support unit largely covers the saucepan or the household water heater. The basic idea is in particular that a saucepan or a household water heater is present in almost every household and can represent the energy supplier for the shrinking process. Thus, the possibility can be created that such a shrinkage can be made on-site at the end user himself.

Preferably, the retaining element is at least partially made of hollow chamber plates, in particular plastic hollow chamber plates. Such hollow panels generally have good thermal properties for the present use. So they usually provide good insulation, so that little loss of heat output is possible. However, outer surfaces of the retaining element can remain largely cool, so that the retaining element can also be touched with the hands during use. In principle, corrugated cardboard could also be used for the hollow-core panels. However, the corrugated board should be coated with a protective layer, which in particular offers thermal resistance and also a resistance to the action of moisture. The hollow panels usually have good strength and low weight. In particular, if the retaining element to be shipped together with prefabricated shrink tubing to an end user, shipping costs can be kept low. It may also be advantageous that hollow panels can be folded well. Furthermore, the handling of the arrangement is facilitated.

Preferably, the retaining element is at least partially formed from folded plates. In particular, the receiving portion, which may in particular make up the largest portion of the arrangement in terms of volume, is formed entirely from folded plates. In particular, the end user can then prepare the holding element or at least parts thereof from prepared folded sheets. However, the then folding plates can be easily packed and shipped in advance, especially in commercial envelopes, whereby the shipping costs can be kept low.

Preferably, the container is prevented by a locking means from passing through the steam inlet opening. A locking means may be a kind of locking bar, locking bar, tie bar or the like. In a perforated plate, which perforation may constitute the steam inlet opening, the locking means may be formed by the webs between the individual openings of the perforation. The passage should therefore be prevented in order not to let the container slide in particular in the boiling water of a saucepan or a kettle. The shrinkage result could be negatively affected.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a bottle as a container, wherein the surface is held in the receiving space such that a bottle neck of the bottle faces the steam receiving opening. It should be noted that the shrink tube in the unthreaded state usually has a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the cylindrical shape is usually not less than the largest diameter of the bottle, so that the shrink tube can be easily slipped over the bottle. Thus, the shrink tube over the bottleneck but a large difference in diameter, which is "overcome" during the shrinking process. However, the greater the shrinkage, the larger the thermal entry must be. However, the thermal entry is greatest at the steam inlet port where the steam is usually at the highest temperature. The arrangement of the bottle neck as close to the steam inlet, the shrinkage process can be accelerated.

The invention further relates to a method for applying a heat-shrinkable tube to a container, comprising the following method steps: attaching an unshrunk heat-shrinkable tube around the container; manual insertion of the container in a receiving space of a holding element in particular of the aforementioned type; Attaching the holding member to a steam discharge unit such that a steam receiving opening of the holding member is in register with a steam discharge opening of the steam discharge unit. Depending on the temperature and application, the holding element then preferably stays together with the container in at least approximately 5 to 8 seconds. Changes in the required residence time may result depending on the given thermal conditions. Subsequently, the container is removed from the receiving space.

Preferably, the retaining element is at least partially formed from one or more folding sheets by folding operations before inserting the container into the receiving space. Several folding sheets can be connected to each other in particular by clipping or gluing. In particular, the receiving portion is completely formed by folding bends. The folded sheets can be folded flat and thus easy to ship; but they can still form a stable holding element.

Preferably, the container is a bottle and is inserted into the holding element such that a bottle neck of the bottle faces the steam receiving opening. Preferably used as a steam generating unit, a household water heater or saucepan, so that in particular the process amateurish home can be performed.

The invention further relates to a folded sheet with defined fold lines for the at least partial production of a holding element for an arrangement or a method of the aforementioned type.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Herein shows

• a) vor dem Schrumpfvorgang,
• b) während des Schrumpfvorganges mit Schrumpfschlauch,
• c) nach dem Schrumpfvorgang mit Schrumpfschlauch;

1 a bottle as a container

• a) before the shrinking process,
• b) during the shrinking process with shrink tubing,
• c) after shrinking with shrink tubing;

• b) eine zweite erfindungsgemäße Anordnung zum Aufbringen eines Schrumpfschlauches im Querschnitt,
• c) eine dritte erfindungsgemäße Anordnung zum Aufbringen eines Schrumpfschlauches im Querschnitt;

2a ) a first arrangement according to the invention for applying a shrink tube in cross section,

• b) a second arrangement according to the invention for applying a heat-shrinkable tube in cross-section,
• c) a third arrangement according to the invention for applying a shrink tube in cross section;

3 an unfolded folding sheet for producing a receiving portion after 2 in plan view;

4 the cover plate of the holding element after 2c in plan view;

5 a used hollow chamber plate in cross section.

In 1a is a bottle 3 shown that a flat neck 15 having. Around the bottle is a shrink tube 2 attached, as in 1b shown. The shrink tube 2 has a diameter which is slightly larger than the largest diameter of the bottle, allowing the shrink tube to lightly on the bottle 3 can be raised. 1c then shows the state of the shrink tube 2 on the bottle 3 after the shrink tube 2 with the bottle 3 has completed the shrinking process. It can be seen that the shrink tube 2 then close to the bottle 3 is present and essentially no longer non-destructive of the bottle 3 can be removed.

In 2a is an arrangement according to the invention 1 for applying the shrink tubing to the bottle. The order 1 includes a holding element 4 which has a receiving section 5 having. The recording section 5 forms through several side walls 22 and a lid part 23 a recording room 8th out, in which the bottle 3 is held during the shrinking process.

The holding element 4 further includes a support portion in the form of a cover plate 6 on, with the cover plate 6 on a pot edge 11 a saucepan 7 is put on. The support plate 6 has a steam inlet opening 9 up, through the water vapor from inside the pot 7 directly into the recording room 8th can flow. The support plate 6 forms a substantially closed cover surface 10 (except for the steam inlet opening 9 ) so that steam does not otherwise escape from the pot edge 11 of the pot 7 can escape. A latch bar 12 passing through two opposite side walls 22 the receiving section 5 is inserted, prevents passage of the bottle through the steam inlet opening 9 through towards the pot 7 , It can be seen that the bottleneck 15 protrudes downwards, ie in the direction of the steam inlet opening 9 , This ensures that the hottest steam is always the bottleneck 15 is available, where due to the largest to be overcome diameter difference between shrunk and unshrunk heat shrink tubing 2 the largest heat input is needed. A handle 24 allows ergonomic touch of the retaining element 4 ,

In the 2 B and 2c are variations of the arrangement according to 2a shown. The locking bar is in the embodiment after 2 B through a flexible tie strap 12 replaced in the area of the steam inlet opening 9 is arranged detachably. It can be seen that the bottleneck 15 and with it the bottle 3 something in the saucepan 7 protrudes. The bottle 3 However, also in this position is called "in the recording room 8th arranged, even if parts of it from the recording room 8th protrude.

In 2c is the support plate 6 provided in the middle with perforations that the steam inlet opening 9 form. Webs between the perforations form the locking means 12 which the bottle 3 vertically in the recording room 8th holds. It basically advantageous if walls 22 . 23 of the receiving portion are openable, in particular such that the access to the receiving space 8th given is.

In 3 is a folded sheet 13 shown a number of defined fold lines 14 having. The folded sheet 13 is formed of a hollow chamber plate, as described below with respect to 5 will be described. The folded sheet 13 has several sidewall areas 22 on, the side walls 22 the receiving section 5 form. On one of the sidewall areas 22 closes a lid portion 23 on, the lid part 23 the receiving section 5 forms. In between is a common fold line 14 intended. On three other sides of the cover section 23 close directly Fugenabdecklaschen 19 on, in the folded state, the joints that are between the lid part 23 and the other remaining sidewall sections, at least to some extent cover, so that a substantial loss of steam can be prevented, but still a certain exchange of air remains possible. At two edges of sidewall areas 22 that the lid part 23 are turned away, close two attachment tabs 20 whose use is described below with reference to 4 is explained. All defined fold lines 14 are bent by 90 °. From the side walls 22 created with the top wall 23 then a cuboid body 52 , On two of the outer sidewall areas 22 are grip bottles 25 arranged, which put together a handle 24 form.

4 shows a support plate 6 , which also consists of a hollow chamber plate 16 is formed. Central is a steam inlet opening 9 educated. To the steam inlet opening 9 is dash-dotted lines the area indicated on which the side walls 22 of the recording section. There are also attachment areas 21 (dash-dotted lines) provided at which the fastening tabs 20 of the folded sheet 3 rest and then clipped on or glued on. An attaching fastening is particularly appropriate if no further possibility for opening the receiving space is provided and the opening of the receiving space by removing the receiving portion 5 from the support plate 6 is made. The bolt 12 gets into the area between the two attachment tabs 21 inserted and covers the steam inlet opening 9 then completely. The fastening straps 21 then serve to guide the bolt 12 , Only latch openings 26 of the bolt 12 are then in overlap with the steam inlet openings 9 , allowing steam through the steam inlet and latch openings 26 in the recording room 8th can flow.

5 shows a hollow chamber plate 16 that can be made of plastic. Such hollow chamber plates can be used to form the receiving portion 5 and the support plate 6 be used. The hollow chamber plate 16 comprises two mutually spaced parallel outer walls 17 , Between the walls 17 are intermediate bridges 18 provided the outer walls 17 connect with each other. It results in a fachwertartiger structure.

The present invention provides the end user with an easy way to attach a particular decorative shrink tubing on a bottle of his choice. The end customer can buy the bottle from the local beverage retailer. The shrink tubing can be ordered by the end customer from a service provider who applies a desired motif, for example birthday wishes or the like, to the shrink tubing. The shrink tube is then shipped together with the holding element to the end customer. In particular, if the holding element can be folded completely flat, only low shipping costs. An arrangement for applying the shrink tubing can then be completed by the end user simply with the usual at home pot or kettle. The holding element can be made very cheap and thus represent a kind of disposable device that can be supplied after successful shrinking with one or more containers of recyclable recycling or reused several times.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

arrangement

2

shrinkable tubing

3

bottle

4

retaining element

5

receiving portion

6

support plate

7

cooking pot

8th

accommodation space

9

Steam inlet port

10

coverage area

11

Pot edge (steam discharge opening)

12

locking means

13

A folder

14

fold line

15

bottleneck

16

Multiwall sheet

17

outer wall

18

gutter

19

Fugenabdecklasche

20

mounting tab

21

fastening area

22

Side wall

23

cover part

24

Handle

25

grip tab

26

bolt opening

Claims (9)

Arrangement ( 1 ) for applying a shrink tube ( 2 ) to a container ( 3 ), with a holding element ( 4 ) for holding the container ( 3 ), wherein the retaining element ( 4 ) comprises: a receiving section ( 5 ) for receiving the container ( 3 ), a supporting section ( 6 ), which is in contact with a steam delivery unit ( 7 ), the receiving section ( 5 ) a largely closed recording room ( 8th ) trains whose underside at least one steam inlet opening ( 9 ) is provided. Arrangement according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the support section ( 6 ) a largely closed covering surface ( 10 ) formed only by the steam inlet opening ( 9 ) of the recording room ( 8th ) is broken. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement of the steam delivery unit ( 7 ), wherein the steam inlet opening ( 9 ) in at least partial covering with a steam discharge opening ( 11 ) of the steam delivery unit ( 7 ), wherein the steam discharge opening ( 11 ) largely by the retaining element ( 4 ) is covered. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement a cooking pot ( 7 ) or a domestic water heater as a steam delivery unit, wherein the support section ( 6 ) the cooking pot ( 7 ) or the domestic water heater largely covers. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element ( 4 ) at least partially made of cellular sheets ( 16 ) is made. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the retaining element ( 4 ) at least partially from folded sheets ( 13 ) is formed. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the container ( 3 ) by a locking means ( 12 ) at a passage through the steam inlet opening ( 9 ) is hindered. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement comprises a bottle ( 3 ) as a container, the bottle ( 3 ) in the receiving space ( 8th ) is held that a bottleneck ( 15 ) the bottle ( 3 ) of the steam inlet opening ( 9 ) is facing. Folded sheet ( 13 ) with defined fold lines ( 14 ) for at least partially producing a retaining element ( 4 ) for an arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims.

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