EP1119497B1

EP1119497B1 - Packaging unit

Info

Publication number: EP1119497B1
Application number: EP00953103A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Bensch; Sabine Bruckner; Karl-Hans Bugert; Guenter Edelmann; Franz Klühspies; Rudolf Tillessen; Egon Zinn
Original assignee: Saint Gobain Isover SA France
Current assignee: Saint Gobain Isover SA France
Priority date: 1999-08-05
Filing date: 2000-07-27
Publication date: 2004-03-10
Anticipated expiration: 2020-07-27
Also published as: DK1119497T3; DE60008852T3; ES2215703T5; HUP0103849A3; HUP0103849A2; NO20011697L; EP1119497A1; PL346897A1; DE60008852T2; EP1119497B2; ES2215703T3; PT1119497E; SK3692001A3; HRP20010173A2; CA2344573A1; YU25101A; CZ2001940A3; TR200101029T1; DE29913624U1; WO2001010737A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging unit (1) for a mineral-wool product having a wrapping made of sheeting material, paper or the like, with a carrying aid which is arranged on the outside of the packaging unit and beneath which the user can grip. According to the invention, the carrying aid used is a strip (4; 4') which is connected to the outside of the wrapping (3) by adhesive bonding or sealing, the connection being interrupted in at least one carrying region (41; 41') beneath which the user can grip. In this case, the carrying region may butt likewise tightly against the outside of the mineral-wool product, with the result that there are no overhanging parts. Nevertheless, the user can then utilize the elasticity of the mineral wool to grip easily beneath said carrying region. This makes it easy for the user to lift and carry the packaging unit (1).

Description

The invention relates to a packaging unit for a mineral-wool product having a wrapping made of sheeting material, paper or the like, in particular in the form of a roll or a plate stack, with a carrying aid which is arranged on the outside of the packaging unit and beneath which the user can grip.

The commercially available packaging units for mineral-wool products are usually voluminous, for which reason they present problems for transportation by hand. It is usually the case that such packaging units have to be encircled and gripped using both arms in order to avoid the situation where the packaging units slide out as they are being carried, or the user has to grip the elastic sheeting-material packaging with both hands in order to be able to hold the mineral-wool product as it is being carried, although this, on the one hand, requires increased finger-gripping force and, on the other hand, can damage the sheeting-material packaging. In particular when a number of packaging units are transported one after the other, this thus involves relatively strenuous physical work for the user, which is the case, for example, if large-surface areas such as roofs etc. are to be insulated. Furthermore, such packaging units may also have a considerable weight of, for example, more than 15 kg, with the result that the unwieldiness has even more of a bearing as the units are transported.

For this purpose, EP 0 287 177 A1 has already disclosed a packaging unit in which a shrink wrapping is used for wrapping a rolled-up mineral-wool product, the roll itself having essential securing straps to prevent unrolling. The carrying aid provided here for transporting purposes is a carrying strap which is tensioned axially all the way round the packaging unit. This means that the carrying strap is not fixed to the packaging unit, with the result that a user can use his hand to grip beneath the carrying strap on all sides in order to pick up and carry the packaging unit.

However, such a carrying strap has the disadvantage that the packaging unit can slide out of the same, as a result of which the mineral-wool product may be damaged. In addition, a certain amount of outlay is then necessary in order to position the packaging unit reliably again in the encircling grip of the carrying strap. This problem arises, in particular, when the carrying strap is not picked up in the region of the center of gravity of the packaging unit. The non-uniform load distribution then results in different forces being introduced at the carrying strap on both sides of the user's hand, as a result of which a region of the carrying strap which is subjected to less loading can detach from the packaging unit. This known carrying aid thus requires careful handling by the user and is fault-prone. Under these circumstances, it is likewise difficult and time-consuming to transport a number of packaging units one after the other. This prior art has thus not gained acceptance in practice, especially since such carrying straps are too costly and they can also easily get caught on obstructions.

Besides, there are packaging units for other products than mineral-wool products known. Document FR 2 662 431 shows for example a bobbin of a wound up thread, string or the like at which an encircling belt band serves to stabilize the bobbin even when the thread or the like has been already substantially pulled off so that the bobbin is substantially released. The carrying region of the belt band is exposed over the central opening of the bobbin.

The German utility model G 91 07 799 U1 discloses a packing drum of firing materials in shape of briquettes. A strip provided at the circumference of the packing drum has elastic deformable portions which are provided over the free spaces between the briquettes which are cylinder-shaped. A wrist strap is therefore given.

Document US 2,021,787 discloses a handle for carrying parcels wherein the handle projects essentially over the parcel to be carried.

The further document US 3,031,359 discloses a pressure sensitive adhesive tape handle construction. This adhesive tape will be attached to the package to be gripped by attaching an uncovered adhering surface under pressure to the package. In this manner, a carrying region can be provided.

The present invention starts from a prior art as shown in EP 0 287 177 A1 as mentioned above since this piece of art refers to a packaging unit for a mineral-wool product.

The object of the present invention is thus to provide a packaging unit for a mineral-wool product which has a cost-effective carrying aid, which can be handled reliably, in order that the user can transport the mineral-wool product easily and without any particular instruction.

This object is achieved by a packaging unit with the features of claim 1, and in particular by the development of the packaging unit of the generic type having the features that the carrying aid used is a strip which is connected to the outside of the wrapping by adhesive bonding or sealing, the connection being interrupted in at least one carrying region beneath which the user can grip.

Furthermore, since the packaging unit is designed such that the at least one carrying region butts tightly against the outside of the packaging unit, but beneath which the user can grip, it is possible for the special material properties of the mineral-wool product, namely the elasticity thereof, to be utilized particularly advantageously. In this case, it has been found according to the invention that the elasticity of the mineral wool makes it possible for that region of the strip which does not have adhesive bonding to butt closely against the outside of the product when not in use, as a result of which there is no point of attachment by which the packaging unit could get caught as it is being produced or transported. At the same time, however, the elasticity of the mineral wool allows the user to grip beneath said carrying region without having to apply any considerable force for this purpose and without the carrying comfort being restricted.

The packaging unit according to the invention can thus easily be reliably held and picked up by the user in order then to be transported by hand to the desired destination. For this purpose, the at least one carrying region may be arranged specifically at a particularly suitable point, with the result that the situation where the user picks up the packaging unit at a point which is unfavorable, in particular, in terms of weight distribution is reliably avoided. This simplifies handling, and reduces physical exertion, to a considerable extent.

Furthermore, this means that it is also possible for the first time to transport voluminous or bulky and/or relatively heavy packaging units by hand with little effort and without using any further auxiliary means. The use of bonding of the carrying strip on the outside of the wrapping gives the considerable advantage here that slipping of the packaging unit in, or even out of, the carrying aid is not possible. It is thus also possible, for example, for a large-volume packaging unit which, on account of its dimensions, cannot be gripped rectilinearly from above, to be reliably picked up obliquely from one side without there being any risk of the packaging unit sliding out.

The amount of care necessary for the carrying operation according to the invention is thus considerably less than in the prior art, without the risk of damage to the mineral-wool product by incorrect handling increasing. This makes it possible, by using the invention, for considerably more packaging units to be transported over a certain period of time than was the case with the demonstrated prior art.

It is further advantageous that a packaging unit according to the invention can also be easily transported on one's shoulder since the carrying region allows reliable securing.

Furthermore, the carrying aid according to the invention is particularly suitable for packaging units which are mass-produced because, on the one hand, according to the invention, considerable parts of the strip provided for carrying purposes are fixed on the packaging unit by adhesive bonding or sealing, with the result that overhanging parts are avoided and the risk of the packaging unit getting caught within a production line by way of a carrying region is very low, and, on the other hand, the operation of attaching the carrying aid can be automated.

The packaging unit according to the invention is first distinguished in that it can be prepared easily and reliably and handled reliably and, in addition, it can easily be lifted, secured and carried by hand and can be better manipulated at the destination.

Advantageous developments of the invention can be gathered from the features of the subclaims.

Since the strip provided for carrying purposes is provided on one side throughout with adhesive, a covering for the adhesive being arranged on the at least one carrying region, the strip adheres over its surface area to the sheeting-material packaging, with the result that, as a strip is subjected to loading during carrying, the forces act uniformly on the packaging sheeting material without damaging it, i. e. on the non-covered regions, the adhesive interacts directly with the sheeting-material wrapping of the packaging unit and thus ensures reliable connection and therefore uniform dissipation of load to the same. If, on the other hand, the ends of the strip are connected to one another in an overlapping manner on the sheeting-material wrapping, then, rather than the sheeting-material wrapping being essentially subjected to any carrying force, the strip forms a closed strap and thus a self-contained unit. Furthermore, the carrying region is provided by the covering at desired points, it being possible for the covering to serve here additionally as reinforcement for the carrying strip in this region. This improves the handling of the packaging unit to a not inconsiderable extent, i.e. the carrying region thus provides a better grip for the hand gripping beneath it.

It is further advantageous if the covering has such a rigidity that, in particular during carrying, undesired constriction of the strip in the carrying region is essentially avoided. This makes it possible for the packaging unit to be comfortably picked up at the carrying region since, as a result, rather than being concentrated on one or more folds of the carrying region, the load of the packaging unit is thus distributed essentially over the entire length of the strip, beneath which the hand grips, and therefore over a considerable area of the surface of the hand, as a result of which the packaging unit can be transported even more comfortably.

If the at least one carrying region has a length of from 10 to 30 cm, preferably 20 cm, and a width of from 2 to 8 cm, preferably 3 cm, the user's hand can have a comfortable grip. Furthermore, the width of the carrying region here is selected such that it assumes a good position in the hand.

It is particularly advantageous if two diametrically arranged carrying regions are provided because it is then possible for the user to grip the most appropriate carrying region for him without it being necessary for the packaging unit to be rolled over to any great extent. In addition, it is also possible for the packaging unit to be transported by two people, one person in each case gripping one of the carrying regions. In a configuration of the carrying regions for carrying in the manner of a rucksack, the formation of two carrying regions in any case makes it possible for the packaging unit to be carried on the user's back in a reliable manner such that it is held on both sides.

It is further advantageous if the strip is designed more or less in one piece, i. e. such that it runs all the way round and overlaps. This simplifies the preparation and attachment of the carrying strip on the packaging unit to a considerable extent because it allows mass-production automation.

Since, during use, the at least one carrying region comes to rest over the center of gravity of the packaging unit or symmetrically thereto, the task of transporting the packaging unit is simplified further. In particular, it is thus possible to avoid the occurrence of non-uniform load distribution and the user does not have to keep his balance.

The invention is explained in more detail hereinbelow in exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures of the drawing, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective illustration of a first embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with an overlapping carrying strip running all the way round transversely to the main axis;

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with a carrying strip running all the way round in the direction of the main axis;

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with a carrying strip which runs in the direction of the main axis and for the plurality of carrying regions;

Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with a carrying strip running transversely to the main axis;

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with a carrying strip of an end side of the packaging unit; and

Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention, with a carrying strip in the shape of a bone for forming an individual carrying region.

Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the packaging unit 1. The latter has a roll 2 made of mineral wool which is enclosed by a wrapping 3 made of a plastic sheeting material. Furthermore, a carrying strip 4 arranged over the wrapping 3 is wrapped all the way round the roll 2. Said carrying strip preferably consists of polypropylene and has a thickness of 80 µm. However, other plastics such as polyethylene or polyester are also suitable for the strips, it being possible for the sheeting-material thickness for the strips to be between 50 and 100 µm.

In this case, the carrying strip 4 is designed as a type of single-sided adhesive tape and encircles the sheeting-material wrapping 3 of the roll 2 such that the ends of the carrying strip 4 overlap one another. The overlapping arrangement also has, in particular, production-related advantages, which make it possible for the subsequent attachment of the carrying strip to be automated. In addition, the carrying strip 4 is arranged centrally in the direction of the main axis of the roll 2, with the result that the center of gravity of the packaging unit is within the region enclosed by the carrying strip 4. The adhesive provided here is an acrylate, and rubber would also be suitable for this purpose. In the case of the carrying strip being fastened on the sheeting-material wrapping by sealing, the adhesive has to be activated first of all by heating.

Furthermore, arranged at two diametrical points on the adhesive side of the carrying strips 4 is a covering (not illustrated specifically) having a length of 20 cm and a width, corresponding to the carrying strip 4, of 3 cm, such that there are mutually opposite carrying regions 41 which are not adhesively bonded to the sheeting-material wrapping 3. Of the two carrying regions 41, only the one which can be seen at the front is shown in Figure 1. It is thus possible for a user to grip this carrying region, and transport the packaging unit 1, with one hand, or he has to rotate the packaging unit briefly in order to get the other carrying region. In Figure 1 and also in the rest of the figures, the carrying region 41 is illustrated such that it protrudes to an exaggerated extent, in order for the facts to be elucidated. In these embodiments, the carrying regions actually butt tightly in each case against the outside of the wrapping 3 or against the mineral-wool product.

The covering (not illustrated in detail here) on the carrying region 41 of the carrying strip 4 may also be formed, for example, as a foam strip, which improves the carrying comfort. As far as the stability and/or rigidity of the carrying strip 4 in this region is concerned, on the other hand, said stability and/or rigidity can be increased by a PE sheeting-material strip having a thickness of between 50 and 60 µm being used as the covering. Furthermore, such a covering may also have a company logo printed on it.

In the rest state illustrated in Figure 1, i. e. when the packaging unit 1 is not being transported, the carrying strip 4, on account of the elasticity of the roll material, butts closely against the sheeting-material wrapping 3 by way of the carrying regions 41 such that said strip does not protrude therefrom in practice and thus does not form any attachment surface to cause problems during production and other instances of manipulation.

The carrying strip 4 is attached to the sheeting-material or paper wrapping 3 in a manner which is suitable for mass production, to be precise first of all the roll 2 is produced in a so-called winding machine and then provided with the sheeting-material wrapping 3. Thereafter, the roll 2 is positioned and has the carrying strip 4 wrapped round its center so that the two ends of the carrying strip overlap. Alternatively, it is also possible for the roll 2 to be rotated such that the carrying strip 4 is secured all the way round.

Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of a packaging unit 1. In this embodiment, the carrying strip 4 is arranged axially in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the roll 2 and encloses the packaging unit 1 to the full extent. It is also the case in this embodiment that in each case one carrying region 41 is formed on both sides of the roll 2 by virtue of the adhesive-bonding region being covered.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment, in which the carrying strip 4 is formed only on one longitudinal side of the packaging unit 1 and has three carrying regions 41 by virtue of the adhesive-bonding layer being covered. A corresponding carrying-aid strip 4 can also be arranged on the opposite side of the roll 2.

According to the illustration in Figure 4, the carrying strip 4 is only formed in a sub-region of the circumference of the roll 2. In this case, the adhesive-bonding region of the strip 4 is selected to be sufficient to provide a carrying region 41 of the desired width and to allow the load to be reliably absorbed.

Figure 5 illustrates a further embodiment of the packaging unit 1, in which the carrying strip 4 extends over the end side of the roll 2. This embodiment is advantageous, in particular, when the packaging unit 1 is to be picked up preferably at the end side.

According to the illustration in Figure 6, in addition, it is also possible to provide a single carrying region 41 in the direction of the main axis of the roll 2, the carrying aid 4 in this case being formed in the shape of a bone in order, in the case of a relatively short carrying strip, to achieve a relatively large surface area for introducing forces into the sheeting-material wrapping 3.

The invention allows further design concepts in addition to the embodiments demonstrated here.

Thus, the invention is not just suitable for using with a roll 2, but can also be used for plate stacks packaged using a plastic or paper sheeting material and also other bulky objects. Furthermore, it is not restricted to being used for mineral-wool products, with the result that, according to the invention, it is also possible to transport, for example, plastic products, etc.

The packaging unit 1 may also be formed, for example, as a double roll, in which case the carrying region 41 is then preferably to be arranged such that it comes to rest over the center of gravity of the packaging unit as a whole or at least symmetrically thereto.

Furthermore, it is also possible for a plurality of carrying aids according to the invention to be arranged, in particular, at uniform spacings from the center of gravity in order, for example in the case of a double roll, to allow the latter to be picked up with both hands with symmetrical load distribution.

In addition, it is also possible for the carrying strip 4 to be made of a textile strap. It is also possible for such strips 4 to be attached to the sheeting-material wrapping 3 by heat sealing or by an adhesive which is applied separately to the desired points. It is then possible to dispense with the provision of a covering for producing the carrying regions.

Furthermore, the carrying aid 4 may be produced from a single piece or else may be formed by the arrangement of a plurality of individual strips for configuring the carrying regions 41.

As can be seen from the various embodiments, it is possible for the number and alignment of the carrying regions to be selected as desired and adapted to the respective requirements.

The effective length of the carrying region may be provided as desired, it being the case here that account should be taken of the respective application case, e. g. whether the packaging unit 1 is picked up with one hand or both hands.

Furthermore, the carrying region 41 may be colored such that it can be immediately recognized as such.

The invention thus provides a packaging unit 1 in the case of which a strip 4 is attached, as carrying aid, to a packaging sheeting material 3 so as to form at certain points, or all the way round, carrying regions 41 which are not connected to the packaging sheeting material 3. The user can use his hand to grip these carrying regions 41 such that the packaging unit 1 can be easily lifted and carried.

Claims

A packaging unit (1) for a mineral-wool product having a wrapping (3) made of sheeting material, paper or the like, in particular in the form of a roll or of a plate stack, with a carrying aid which is a strip arranged on the outside of the packaging unit (1) and beneath which the user can grip,
characterized in that
the strip (4) is connected to the outside of the wrapping (3) by adhesive bonding or sealing,
the connection being interrupted in at least one carrying region (41), arranged specifically at a particularly suitable point, which butts tightly against the outside of the wrapping (3), but beneath which the user can grip because of the elasticity properties of the mineral wool.
The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strip (4) is provided on one side throughout with adhesive, a covering for the adhesive being arranged on the carrying region (41), beneath which the user can grip.
The packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the covering has such a rigidity that, in particular during carrying, undesired constriction of the strip (4) in the carrying region (41) is essentially avoided.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the strip (4) encircles the entire packaging unit (1), the ends of the strip (4) being connected to one another in a preferably overlapping manner.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one carrying region (41) has a length of from 10 to 30 cm, preferably 20 cm, and a width from 2.0 to 8.0 cm, preferably 3 cm.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that two diametrically arranged carrying regions are provided.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the strip (4) provided for carrying purposes is designed in one piece or such that it runs all the way round and overlaps.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, during use, the at least one carrying region (41) comes to rest over the center of gravity of the packaging unit (1) or symmetrically thereto.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the strip (4) is formed by a sheeting material which preferably consists of polyethylene, polyester or polypropylene and has a thickness or from 50 to 100 µm.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the adhesive used for the strip (4) is an acrylate or rubber.
The packaging unit as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the at least one carrying region (41) is colored or a covering therefor has a printed logo so that it can be immediately recognized as such.