EP3248890A2 - Method and device for airtight packaging of small articles having a generally rectangular floor surface - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for airtight packaging of small-sized articles having a substantially rectangular bottom surface. A method according to the invention for airtight packaging of small-sized articles with an appealing appearance and high tightness of the (primary) packaging with an optimized packaging consumption, so that a secondary packaging without additional aids such as a banderole is possible, comprising the steps: Step A: arranging a strip-shaped packaging means (2) in the form of a tube around the circumference of a small article (1), so that in each case a packaging supernatant (2b) results on opposite sides of the bottom surface (1a); Step B: Airtight sealing of the packaging means (2) around the article (1) to form at least one sealed seam (3a, 3b); Step C: shortening the packaging supernatant (2b) on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a); and or Step D: Fixing the packaging material projection (2b) on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a) on at least one section (2a) of the packaging material (2) covering the article (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for airtight packaging of small-sized articles having a substantially rectangular bottom surface.

Airtight packaging is predominantly realized according to the flow-pack principle. This method has the advantages that a very high tightness of the packaging can be achieved. At the same time, it is a fairly simple and highly efficient packaging process. In addition, a large variety of products can be packaged in this way. The disadvantage, however, is that such primary packaging can only be further packaged in certain secondary packaging and the product form is no longer recognizable.

Methods and devices for airtight packaging small-sized items with airtight fold wrapping are for example from EP 0 295 203 A1 or the WO 2012/126521 A1 respectively. EP 2 688 805 B1 known.

In the conventional methods of accomplishing an airtight fold wrapping, the small piece articles are usually wrapped in a tubular fashion with an airtight and sealable package so that the package protrudes from both sides over the bottom surface. Under formation of longitudinal and transverse sealing seams, the packaging is then sealed airtight around the article.

A disadvantage of these solutions is that the appearance of the bottom fold is unattractive, since the sealed tips are folded in the last packaging step on the ground and possibly protrude due to the elastic restoring forces of the packaging. Because the packaging is not particularly close to the article due to the packaging material projecting beyond the bottom surface, secondary packaging without additional aids is hardly possible. In addition, these packaging tips also have so-called speed cameras, by the inside of the packaging is visible. These disadvantages were compensated by folding a paper band around the airtight primary package. This in turn is very cost-intensive and efficiency-reducing. A disadvantage of the known solutions such as EP 2 688 805 B1 However, the increased consumption of packaging and the difficulty to bewerkstelligende tightness of the packaging, as with certain format dimensions in the corners no secure coverage of the individual seals can be guaranteed.

The invention is based on the object, starting from the known from the prior art solutions to develop a method and apparatus for airtight packaging kleinstückiger article with attractive appearance and high density of the (primary) packaging at a lower packaging consumption, so that a secondary packaging without additional aids such as a band is possible.

With regard to the method, the object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of independent method claim 1.

• Schritt A: Anordnen eines streifenförmigen Packmittels in Schlauchform um den Umfang eines kleinstückigen Artikels, sodass sich jeweils ein Packmittelüberstand auf entgegengesetzten Seiten der Bodenfläche ergibt;
• Schritt B: Luftdichtes Versiegeln des Packmittels um den Artikel unter Ausbildung wenigstens einer Siegelnaht;
• Schritt C: Verkürzen des Packmittelüberstands auf einer oder beiden Seiten der Bodenfläche; und/oder
• Schritt D: Fixieren des Packmittelüberstands auf einer oder beiden Seiten der Bodenfläche an wenigstens einem den Artikel bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels.

The method according to the invention for airtight packaging of small-sized articles having a substantially rectangular bottom surface comprises the steps:

• Step A: arranging a strip-shaped packaging material in the form of a tube around the circumference of a small-piece article so that in each case a packaging overhang results on opposite sides of the bottom surface;
• Step B: Airtight sealing of the packaging material around the article to form at least one sealed seam;
• Step C: shortening the packaging supernatant on one or both sides of the bottom surface; and or
• Step D: Fixing the packaging supernatant on one or both sides of the bottom surface on at least one portion of the packaging material covering the article.

Preferably, the packaging supernatants are processed identically on both sides of the bottom surface, although different processing of both packaging supernatants are possible. With the method according to the invention, an airtight packaging of small-sized articles with a substantially rectangular bottom surface can be accomplished particularly close to the contour and with a lower consumption of packaging material.

With the method according to the invention and the device according to the invention, it is possible, in particular, to produce an airtight packaging in the form of a fold, wherein only one packaging material is used and nevertheless an appealing appearance is created. This is solved by the "unsightly" tips or packaging supernatants of the already sealed product then targeted (eg 180 °) are folded away to ensure a straight and constant Faltungabschluss. Alternatively, the tips could be separated, leaving the waste in the machine, which is not the preferred one Solution is. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to perform a separating seal (eg with ultrasound) directly on the outer edge of the product, in which then no more tips would have to be folded to the ground. Compared to the solutions known from the prior art, the consumption of packaging material can be reduced by about 10%.

Preferably, the solution of folding away the packaging supernatants, since no residues remain in the machine. After the folding of the tips is done, then the remaining packaging can be fixed to the ground. This is made possible, for example, by applying hot glue dots before the last wrinkles are applied to the floor and pressed.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

terms and definitions

The term "small article" in the context of this invention refers to the articles to be packaged. This means intended small-sized food in the first place. These include confectionery made of chocolate or caramel, but also bouillon cubes or the like. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to package small-size consumables such as washing or Spülmaschinentabs with the inventive method. The maximum edge length of such "small piece articles" is preferably 15 to 150 mm or less.

The term "substantially rectangular bottom surface" is primarily intended to facilitate the circumscription of geometric relationships in packaging and should not be construed as limiting with respect to articles of differently shaped bottom surface. A rectangular bottom surface is bounded by pairs of parallel longitudinal and transverse edges. In many objects to which the invention may find application, eg washing or Spülmaschinentabs, the bottom surface does not exactly a rectangle, because for example the corners between the longitudinal and transverse edges are rounded and / or the longitudinal and transverse edges not exactly parallel to each other run. Despite such shape deviations of the bottom surface of an ideal rectangle, the invention is to apply to all small-sized articles application in which an application of the invention is technically possible. For example, the article with a substantially rectangular bottom surface at least approximately the shape of a cube, a cuboid, a pyramid or a truncated pyramid. For example, at least one, several or all of the side surface (s) of the article, including the bottom surface, are planar, concave or convex. The Bottom surface is preferably the largest side surface of the article. In the case of a cuboid, the bottom surface and the side surface opposite the bottom surface generally form the two largest side surfaces, while the end sides or end surfaces adjoining the transverse edges form the two smallest side surfaces. The terms longitudinal edge and transverse edge serve primarily to facilitate the description of the steps of the method according to the invention and do not imply geometrical dimensions. Although the bottom surface defining longitudinal edges of the article are preferably longer than the transverse edges bounding the bottom surface, the terms used herein should not be construed as limiting. In the context of the inventive method, the article with the packaging material is preferably wrapped in a fold over the bottom surface in a circumferential circumferential direction, so preferably the tube axis parallel to both the bottom surface bounding longitudinal edges of the article and the packaging on both sides transverse or perpendicular to the circumferential direction on the respective bottom edge bounding the transverse edge of the article protrudes. However, it may also be the case that the tube axis runs parallel to both transverse to the bottom surface limiting transverse edges of the article and protrudes on both sides over the respective the bottom surface bounding longitudinal edges of the article. The inventive method is therefore not limited to a specific orientation of the article within the packaging.

The "seal" preferably includes longitudinal and transverse sealing seams that extend along and / or parallel to some longitudinal and transverse edges defining the bottom surface of the article to airtightly close the package. The sealed seam is preferably formed between two sections of the packaging, which are preferably opposite to the inside.

The term "fold wrap" is considered to be known and used in the context of this invention to describe the feeding of the packaging to the article in the context of the inventive method. According to a preferred embodiment, the strip-shaped packaging material is arranged in a circumferential direction, which extends over the bottom surface of the article around the outer circumference of the article, so that the packaging material completely encloses the article in tubular form and fits close to the inside of the article, so that the open Ends of the tube-shaped packaging projecting on both sides over the bottom surface to form packaging supernatants.

The "packaging means" is preferably airtight, foldable and sealable, preferably heat sealable or cold sealable. Preferably, the packaging is strip-shaped and flat in front of step A. Trimmed rectangular shape and dimensioned so as to cover the article on the outer circumference in a circumferential direction extending over the bottom surface konturnah and the entire surface, and on the one hand to ensure overlap in the circumferential direction and on the other hand required for sealing packaging supernatants on both sides of the bottom surface.

• A1: Anlegen des Packmittels mit der Innenseite an den Artikel, sodass das Packmittel in einer über die Bodenfläche verlaufenden Umfangsrichtung überlappt und die in Umfangsrichtung überlappenden Abschnitte des Packmittels mit der Innenseite zueinander weisen, wobei die in Umfangsrichtung überlappenden Abschnitte des Packmittels vorzugsweise entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels aufeinander treffen;
• A2: Faltung des Packmittels über wenigstens eine Faltkante, wobei die Faltkante vorzugsweise entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels verläuft;
• A3: Ausbilden einer Flosse aus den in Umfangrichtung überlappenden Abschnitten des Packmittels, so dass die Flosse quer, d.h. senkrecht oder in einem Winkel, zu der Bodenfläche vorsteht und/oder mit einer an die Bodenfläche angrenzenden Seitenfläche des Artikels fluchtet.

It may prove helpful if step A comprises at least one of the following substeps:

• A1: application of the packaging material with the inside of the article, so that the packaging material overlaps in a circumferential direction extending over the bottom surface and the circumferentially overlapping portions of the packaging with the inside facing each other, wherein the circumferentially overlapping portions of the packaging preferably along and / or parallel to an edge of the article bounding the bottom surface of the article meet;
• A2: folding of the packaging material over at least one folding edge, the folding edge preferably running along and / or parallel to at least one edge of the article bounding the bottom surface;
• A3: forming a fin from the circumferentially overlapping portions of the packaging such that the fin projects transversely, ie, perpendicularly or at an angle, to the bottom surface and / or is aligned with a side surface of the article adjacent the bottom surface.

Sub-steps A1 to A3 are preferably carried out in the order given, but may also be carried out in a different order.

The projection of the fin in the circumferential direction is preferably half the width of the bottom surface, measured from the bottom surface bounding edge along which the fin is formed, to the opposite, the bottom surface bounding edge. A different supernatant of the fin is also conceivable.

• B1: Ausbildung der wenigstens einen Siegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels, vorzugsweise derart, dass sich die wenigstens eine Siegelnaht kontinuierlich entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens zwei oder drei benachbarten und die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kanten des Artikels erstreckt, bevorzugt durch:
  • o B1a: Ausbildung wenigstens einer Längssiegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Längskante des Artikels;
  • o B1 b: Ausbildung wenigstens einer Quersiegelnaht entlang und/oder parallel zu wenigstens einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkante des Artikels, vorzugsweise zweier Quersiegelnähte entlang und/oder parallel zu beiden die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkanten des Artikels;
• B2: Ausbildung der wenigstens einen Siegelnaht zwischen zwei Werkzeugteilen, wobei sich der eine Werkzeugteil einseitig mit dem Packmittel in Anlage befindet, während der andere Werkzeugteil von der gegenüberliegenden Seite des Packmittels an das Packmittel angefahren wird, um die Siegelnaht durch Zusammenpressen zweier Abschnitte des Packmittels zwischen den beiden Werkzeugteilen auszubilden, wobei vorzugsweise wenigstens einer der beiden Werkzeugteile, bevorzugt der sich mit dem Packmittel in Anlage befindende Werkzeugteil, beheizt ist;
• B3: Faltung der Flosse über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante des Artikels, vorzugsweise in Richtung der Bodenfläche;
• B4: Faltung des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands, vorzugsweise in Richtung der Bodenfläche, bevorzugt über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Querkante des Artikels, besonders bevorzugt derart, dass der gefaltete Packmittelüberstand gemeinsam mit der Flosse einen kontinuierlichen Rand entlang benachbarter Kanten des Artikels bildet;
• B5: Fixieren der Flosse an einem den Artikel bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels, vorzugsweise an einem die Bodenfläche bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels, bevorzugt derart, dass der umfangsseitige Rand der Flosse (bspw. mittig) zwischen zweien und/oder parallel zu zweien die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kanten des Artikels verläuft;
• B6: Anordnen des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands und ggf. der Flosse, vorzugsweise in einer Dreiecks- oder Trapezform, die sich zum freien Ende hin verjüngt.

However, it can also be advantageous if step B comprises at least one of the following substeps:

• B1: Forming the at least one sealed seam along and / or parallel to at least one edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably such that the at least one sealed seam runs continuously along and / or parallel to at least two or three adjacent edges bordering the bottom surface of the article, preferably by:
  • B1a: formation of at least one longitudinal sealing seam along and / or parallel to at least one longitudinal edge of the article bounding the bottom surface;
  • B1 b: forming at least one transverse seam along and / or parallel to at least one transverse edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably two transverse sealing seams along and / or parallel to both transverse edges of the article bounding the bottom surface;
• B2: forming the at least one sealed seam between two tool parts, wherein the one tool part is on one side with the packaging in abutment, while the other tool part is approached from the opposite side of the packaging to the packaging to the sealed seam by compressing two sections of the packaging between form the two tool parts, wherein preferably at least one of the two tool parts, preferably of which is in contact with the packaging material in the tool part, is heated;
• B3: folding of the fin along a folding edge along and / or parallel to a sealing seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge of the article delimiting the bottom surface, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface;
• B4: folding of the at least one packaging material projection, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface, preferably along a folding edge along and / or parallel to a transverse edge of the article defining the bottom surface, particularly preferably such that the folded packaging supernatant together with the fin has a continuous edge along adjacent edges of the article;
• B5: Fixing the fin on a portion of the packaging material covering the article, preferably on a portion of the packaging covering the bottom surface, preferably such that the peripheral edge of the fin (eg centrally) between two and / or parallel to two edges bounding the bottom surface of the article runs;
• B6: arranging the at least one packaging material projection and possibly the fin, preferably in a triangular or trapezoidal shape, which tapers towards the free end.

The rear folding edges at the transition between packaging supernatant and fin arise with folding of the fin on the bottom surface of the article. The front fold edges arise due to the geometry of the article when folding the end faces.

The continuous sealing seam is preferably composed of different individual sealing seams. In particular, a longitudinal sealing seam and two transverse sealing seams are produced independently of each other, which overlap at the corners due to a folding process carried out in the meantime. Each transverse sealing seam is preferably produced only in the state after folding the longitudinal seam fin on the bottom surface of the article. Thereby, it can be ensured that the sealing tool can completely cover the packaging overhang along the transverse side to be sealed, so that the transverse sealing seam extends over the entire transverse edge of the article and ultimately crosses the longitudinal sealing seam to produce a continuous sealing seam along two transverse edges and an intermediate longitudinal edge ,

Sub-steps B1 (B1a, B1b) to B6 can be carried out in the specified order or in a different order. In particular, the sub-step of forming at least one transverse sealing seam (B1 b) is preferably carried out only after the sub-step B3, B4, B5 or B6, in order to ensure the desired tightness of the sealed seam, since the sealing seam only after the folding of the fin on the bottom surface of the article can be performed over the entire transverse side or width of the packaging supernatant. In particular, if the transverse seal is carried out after the steps B3, B4 and B6, the sealing seam can be produced across the packaging supernatants with protruding sealing jaws, so that a particularly tight seal is achieved.

• C1: Verkürzen des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands unter Durchtrennung des Packmittels, vorzugsweise entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante; bevorzugt zeitgleich mit der Ausbildung der Siegelnaht;
• C2: Verkürzen des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands durch Faltung über wenigstens eine Faltkante, vorzugsweise durch Faltung in Richtung der Bodenfläche, wobei die Faltkante bevorzugt innerhalb des Packmittelüberstands entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante verläuft;
• C3: Fixieren des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands im verkürzten Zustand, vorzugsweise nach Beaufschlagung des Packmittels mit Klebstoff, so dass die durch Faltung über die Faltkante zur Deckung gebrachten Bereiche des Packmittelüberstands durch Klebstoff aneinander haften.

It may also be useful if step C comprises at least one of the following substeps:

• C1: shortening the at least one packaging material supernatant by severing the packaging material, preferably along and / or parallel to a sealed seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge bounding the bottom surface; preferably at the same time as the formation of the sealed seam;
• C2: shortening of the at least one packaging material projection by folding over at least one folding edge, preferably by folding in the direction of the bottom surface, wherein the folding edge preferably within the packaging material projection along and / or parallel to a Seal seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge bounding the bottom surface runs;
• C3: Fixing the at least one packaging material supernatant in the shortened state, preferably after loading of the packaging material with adhesive, so that the areas of the packaging material supernatant brought into conformity by folding over the folding edge adhere to one another by adhesive.

Sub-steps C1 to C3 may be performed in the order given or in a different order. In particular, the packaging supernatant is preferably subjected to adhesive prior to folding, so that the regions of the packaging supernatant already subjected to adhesive are brought into coincidence by folding.

• D1: Faltung des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands über eine Faltkante in Richtung des Artikels, vorzugsweise in Richtung der Bodenfläche, bevorzugt über eine Faltkante entlang und/oder parallel zu einer Siegelnaht und/oder entlang und/oder parallel zu einer die Bodenfläche begrenzenden Kante;
• D2: Beaufschlagen des Packmittels außerhalb und/oder innerhalb der Faltkante mit Klebstoff, so dass die durch Faltung über die Faltkante zur Deckung gebrachten Abschnitte des Packmittels durch Klebstoff aneinander haften;
• D3: Fixieren des wenigstens einen Packmittelüberstands an einem die Bodenfläche bedeckenden Abschnitt des Packmittels.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, step D comprises at least one of the following sub-steps:

• D1: folding of the at least one packaging material projection over a folding edge in the direction of the article, preferably in the direction of the bottom surface, preferably along a folding edge along and / or parallel to a sealed seam and / or along and / or parallel to an edge bounding the bottom surface;
• D2: applying an adhesive to the package outside and / or inside the fold, so that the portions of the package brought into registry by folding over the fold edge adhere to each other by adhesive;
• D3: Fixing the at least one packaging material projection on a covering the bottom surface portion of the packaging.

Sub-steps D1 to D3 may be performed in the order given or in a different order. In particular, the packaging material is preferably subjected to adhesive before the folding, so that the areas of the packaging material already subjected to adhesive are brought into coincidence by folding.

The above-mentioned features enable a particularly low consumption of packaging material as well as a very contoured arrangement of the packaging material on the article to be packaged.

With regard to the device, the object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent device claim 6, concerning an apparatus for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding embodiments.

The invention also relates to a small-sized article having a substantially rectangular bottom surface, which is packaged airtight while carrying out the method according to one of the preceding embodiments and / or using the device according to one of the preceding embodiments.

Brief description of the figures

• FIG. 1 shows in the views (a) to (k) a chronological sequence of individual states of the article to be packaged after completion of certain steps of the packaging method according to the invention in a perspective side view overlooking the bottom surface and one of the transverse sides or end faces of the article to be packaged, starting from an unpacked, cuboid article and a flat, rectangular packaging cut to the finished end product. The views (c '), (g'), (h '), (i'), (j ') and (k') show in the views (c), (g), (h), (i ), (j) and (k), respectively, states from a different perspective with respect to the bottom surface and one of the longitudinal sides of the article to be packaged.
• FIG. 2 shows in the views (a) and (b) in the views (c) and (c ') of FIG. 1 illustrated state of the partially packaged article in an enlarged view after completion of step A of the packaging method according to the invention for explaining the formation of the longitudinal sealing seam in the context of step B of the packaging method according to the invention. The rectangular or strip-shaped cut packaging is by fold impact according to the representations in the Fig. 2 (a) and (b) in the form of a tube contour near the circumference U arranged around the article, so that the packaging material overlaps in the circumferential direction U and projects in the axial direction A on both sides over the bottom surface of the article.
• FIGS. 3 to 5 show in the views (d), (e) and (f) of FIG. 1 illustrated steps or states in an enlarged view, wherein the contours of the article to be packaged as in Fig. 2 are shown with dashed lines.
• FIG. 6 shows in the views (a) and (b) the views (g) and (g ') of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view to explain the folding of the packaging supernatants and the resulting, initially unilateral taper of the packaging supernatants in the context of step B of the method according to the invention.
• FIG. 7 shows in the views (a) and (b) the views (h) and (h ') of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view for explaining the folding of the fin on the trained longitudinal seam and as well as to explain the tapering of the packaging supernatants in the context of step B of the method according to the invention before forming the transverse sealing seams and before shortening the packaging supernatants.
• FIG. 8 shows in the views (a) and (b) the views (i) and (i ') of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view for explaining the shortening of the packaging supernatants in the context of step C of the method according to the invention.
• FIG. 9 shows in the views (a) and (b) the views (j) and (j ') of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view for explaining the step D of the method according to the invention before fixing the packaging supernatants on the bottom surface covering portion of the packaging.
• FIG. 10 shows in the views (a) and (b) the views (k) and (k ') of FIG. 1 in an enlarged view for explaining the step D of the method according to the invention after fixing the packaging supernatants on the bottom surface covering portion of the packaging.

Detailed description of the preferred starting example

FIG. 1 Figure 11 shows in view (a) a schematic and perspective view of an exemplary small article 1 having a substantially rectangular bottom surface in the shape of a cuboid and a rectangular strip shaped blank of a package 2, the package 2 being adjacent one of the longitudinal sides of the article 1 is arranged.

In view (b) of the FIG. 1 the packaging material is already arranged in the fold impact on the bottom surface of the article, wherein the upper, free end of the packaging blank is folded upwards by 90 ° to align with the longitudinal side of the article adjacent to the bottom surface. Furthermore, the packaging blank extends beyond the side surface of the article facing away from the bottom surface, wherein the lower free end in the illustration is folded downwards at an angle of 90 ° so as to also be aligned with the longitudinal side of the article which faces away from the bottom surface in the viewing direction ,

Starting from this condition, the lower, free end is folded upwards at an angle of 180 ° to cover the longitudinal side of the article adjacent to the bottom surface, so that the packaging material overlaps in the circumferential direction and completely surrounds the article in tube form.

The intermediate thus obtained is in views (c) and (c ') of FIG. 1 and in an enlarged view in the views (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 shown.

In the figures, the article 1 is largely covered by the packaging 2, wherein the contour of the article (1) under the packaging is optionally represented by dashed lines. The not directly visible article (1) and its not immediately visible features (surfaces and edges) are provided in the description and in the accompanying figures with reference numerals in parentheses.

In the present case, article (1) is e.g. a pressed and cuboid bouillon cube whose geometric shape corresponds to an ideal cuboid. The cuboid article (1) comprises a total of six side surfaces, wherein the two largest side surfaces of the cuboid, the bottom surface (1 a) and the opposite, opposite side (not shown) of the article (1) form.

Preferably, the largest, almost rectangular-shaped side surface of the article (1) is referred to as a bottom surface (1 a). In the case of a cuboid, each with two congruent, largest side surfaces one of the two largest side surfaces (irrelevant, which of them) referred to as the bottom surface (1 a). The side surfaces adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the longitudinal edges (1b) are referred to as longitudinal sides, longitudinal side surfaces (1d), while the lateral surfaces adjoining the bottom surface (1a) via the transverse edges (1c) are referred to as transverse sides, transverse side surfaces, end faces or end faces (FIG. 1e). The circumferential direction U runs parallel to the two transverse edges (1 c) over the bottom surface (1 a), the two along the longitudinal edges (1 b) on the bottom surface (1 a) adjacent longitudinal side surfaces (1 d) and the bottom surface (1 a) repellent side surface (not shown) of the article (1).

The packaging material 2 in the present case is an airtight, foldable and heat-sealable film which is cut to rectangular shape according to the dimensions of the article (1) so that on both sides of the bottom surface (1a) packaging overhangs 2b at both transverse edges (1c) result and the packaging means 2 overlaps in the circumferential direction U to form the fin 2c.

FIG. 2 shows in the views (a) and (b) are schematic and perspective views of the partially packaged article (1) for explaining the step A of the method according to the invention. In the perspective views (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 It can be seen that the article (1) in the circumferential direction U is completely enclosed with packaging material 2, wherein the packaging means 2 in the axial direction A at the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) on the bottom surface (1 a protruding). The over the transverse edges (1c) or end faces (1e) of the article (1) projecting portions of the packaging 2 are referred to below as packaging supernatants 2b. The closed in the circumferential direction U section 2a of the packaging 2 covers the bottom surface (1 a), the two on the longitudinal edges (1 b) to the bottom surface (1 a) adjacent longitudinal side surfaces (1d) and the bottom surface (1a) repellent side surface ( not shown) of the article (1) completely and lies on the entire surface of these surfaces.

The length of each package overhang 2b projecting from the portion 2a and projecting over the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) is greater than the height of each end face (1e) equal to the distance of the bottom surface (1a) from that of the latter repellent side surface (not shown). In the perspective views (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 Furthermore, it can be seen that a circumferential end section of the strip-shaped packaging blank is folded over 90 ° by a folding edge F1, which runs essentially along a longitudinal edge (1b) of the article (1) and thus preferably perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) protruding). An orientation transversely or at an angle to the bottom surface (1 a) is also conceivable. This folded end preferably protrudes approximately at a height corresponding to half the length of the transverse edge (1c) over the bottom surface (1a). The folded end of the packaging means 2 overlaps another circumferential end portion of the packaging means 2 in the circumferential direction U, with the inner sides of the overlapping peripheral end portions facing each other to form a fin 2c together. The fin 2c is preferably perpendicular to the bottom surface (1a) and in alignment with an adjoining longitudinal side surface (1d) of the longitudinal edge (1b). An angle deviating orientation is also conceivable. The length of the fin 2c is not mandatory. The decisive factor is that the fin 2c of the packaging means 2 overlapping in the circumferential direction U is sufficiently long along the longitudinal edge (1b) for the formation of a longitudinal sealing seam (3a) and can be easily gripped, for example, for the tool parts of a sealing tool.

In the context of step B, referred to below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 7 is explained, first the longitudinal sealing seam 3a along or parallel to the rear longitudinal edge (1b) is formed in the region of the fin 2c. The longitudinal sealing seam 3a is designed, for example, as a heat-sealing seam and can be accomplished by compressing the fin 2c between two tool parts, for example between a stationary and a movable tool part. The stationary or movable tool part is heated and is located on one side with the fin 2c in abutment, for example on a side facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) side of the fin 2c. Another movable tool part is approached from the opposite side of the fin 2c, preferably from the side facing the bottom surface (1a), to the fin 2c. By heating the in With the fin 2c tool parts, heat may be applied to the fin 2c for forming the longitudinal seam 3a to activate the heat-sealable package 2, the movable tool part (s) applying the required compressive forces to accomplish the heat sealing. In principle, however, it is also possible to heat only movable tool parts, in which case, however, less contact or preheating time is available for activating the heat-sealable packaging means 2. In the case of cold sealing using Kaltsiegelfähigem packaging the heating of a tool part is usually not required.

The FIGS. 3 to 5 show the views (d), (e), (f) FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale to illustrate various intermediate steps of the packaging method according to the invention or different states of the partially packaged article in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams in the context of step B.

As shown in FIG. 3 become the tubular packaging supernatant 2b, starting from that in the views (a) and (b) of FIG. 2 illustrated state, first starting from the side facing away from the bottom surface (1 a) side surface in the direction of the bottom surface (1 a) adjacent transverse side (1 e) or front side of the article (1) folded. On the other hand, over the bottom surface (1a) projecting packaging protrusions 2b continue to be aligned with the bottom surface (1 a).

According to the representations in the FIGS. 4 and 5 be the tubular packaging supernatant 2b starting from the in FIG. 3 state now shown folded over the folding edges F2 along both the bottom surface (1 a) limiting transverse edges (1 c) of the article (1) upwards. Due to the geometry of the article (1) and the rectangular shape of the packaging blank, starting from the front corners of the bottom surface (1a) facing away from the fin 2c, diagonal fold edges F3 are formed.

The views (a) and (b) of FIG. 6 show views (g) and (g ') FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale to illustrate a state in preparation for the formation of the transverse sealing seams, in which over the transverse sides (1c) protruding packaging supernatants 2b 'and the fin 2c are folded over corresponding folding edges F1, F2 and at an angle of 90 ° to the bottom surface (1a) to form a continuous edge along the transverse edge (1c) and an intermediate longitudinal edge (1b) at the base of the fin 2c. In the state folded in this way, the packaging supernatants are designated by the reference sign 2b '.

The views (a) and (b) of FIG. 7 show the views (h) and (h ') FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale to explain the formation of the transverse sealing seams (3b). In the perspective views (a) and (b) of FIG. 7 It can be seen that the fin 2c is folded over the fold edge F1 along the longitudinal edge (1b) at the foot point of the fin 2c by 90 ° in the direction of the bottom surface (1a) and to rest on the portion 2a covering the bottom surface (1a) of the packaging 2 is brought. The edge of the fin 2c extends in the folded state preferably centrally between and parallel to the two longitudinal edges (1b) over the bottom surface (1a). Optionally, the fin 2c can be fixed relative to the first section 2a of the packaging means 2. Geometrically due to the shape of the article (1) as well as the packaging blank, diagonal fold edges F3 'result from the back corner points of the bottom surface (1a), so that the folded packaging supernatants 2b "are triangular or trapezoidal in the folded, tapered and sealed state the packaging supernatants denoted by reference numeral 2b "and form, for example, equilateral triangles or mirror-symmetrical trapezoids, wherein a transverse edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) serves as a base.

In this state, the formation of the transverse sealing seams 3b along or parallel to the two transverse to the bottom surface (1a) limiting transverse edges (1c) to close the package airtight.

The transverse sealing seams (3b) are formed along or parallel to the transverse edges (1c) at the base of the folded and tapered packaging protrusions 2b "by heat sealing, whereby each of the packaging protrusions 2b" is pressed together between a stationary / movable and another movable tool part. In this case too, the stationary / movable tool part can be heated, for example, and already on one side with the packaging supernatant 2b "in abutment, for example on a side facing away from the bottom surface (1a) of the article (1) opposite side of the packaging material supernatant 2b ", preferably from the bottom surface (1 a) facing side, are approached. By heating the stationary / movable and in contact with the packaging supernatant 2b "tool part can the packaging supernatant 2b" for the formation of the transverse seam (3b) required heat to be supplied. As a result of the heat supply, the heat-sealable packaging material 2 is activated, while the movable tool part applies the necessary pressure forces in order to accomplish the heat sealing. In the alternative, it is also possible to heat only the moving tool part. According to another alternative, the transverse sealing seam (3b) can be produced by cold sealing. The packaging is along with or parallel to one of the Longitudinal edges (1b) and both adjacent transverse edges (1c) extending longitudinal and transverse sealing seams (3a, 3b) hermetically sealed.

In the context of step C, referred to below with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 is explained, each of the folded and tapered packaging supernatant 2b "from the in FIG. 7 illustrated state by folding over the indicated with dashed line folding edge F4 in the direction of the bottom surface (1 a) of the article (1) shortened.

According to the views (a) and (b) of FIG. 8 each of the folding edges F4 runs parallel to the transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) and parallel to the folded edges F2. By folding over the folded edges F4, the length of each packaging overhang 2b "becomes substantially halved, so that the (previously) free end of each packaging supernatant 2b '"comes to rest substantially at the level of the folding edge F2, as in the views (a) and (b) of FIG. 9 is shown. However, other proportions and / or alternatives for shortening the packaging supernatants 2b "are also possible. In the folded, tapered and shortened state, the packaging supernatants are designated by reference symbol 2b '". Optionally, each packaging supernatant 2b '' can be shortened even further by further folding over at least one further folding edge, which preferably runs parallel to the transverse edge 1c and / or the folding edge F2 and / or the folding edge F4.

Before folding over the folding edge F4, if necessary, the sections of each packaging material projection 2b '"to be brought into contact with the intended purpose can be given adhesive in order to fix the folded, tapered and shortened state.

The views (a) and (b) of FIG. 9 show views (j) and (j ') FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale to explain the step D of the inventive method before fixing the folded, tapered and shortened packaging supernatant 2b '"on the bottom surface (1a) covering portion 2a of the packaging. 2

The views (a) and (b) of FIG. 10 show views (k) and (k ') FIG. 1 on an enlarged scale to illustrate the packaged article (1) after completion of step D of the method according to the invention in a final state in which the folded, tapered and shortened packaging supernatant 2b '"on the bottom surface (1a) covering portion 2a of the packaging 2 fixed are.

1. 1. Längsnaht falten und siegeln
2. 2. Stirnseiten falten (mit Verjüngung der ersten Stirnseitenkanten und beidseitig stirnseitiges Falten der Längsnahtüberstände)
3. 3. Längsnaht falten (mit Verjüngung der zweiten Stirnseitenkanten)
4. 4. Stirnseiten siegeln
5. 5. Spitzen falten
6. 6. Enden umfalten
7. 7. Enden ankleben

Summarized and simplified, the method contains the following sequence of method steps in a preferred variant:

1. 1. Fold and seal the longitudinal seam
2. 2. Fold front sides (with tapering of the first front side edges and on both sides frontal folding of the longitudinal seam projections)
3. 3. Fold the longitudinal seam (with tapering of the second face edges)
4. 4. Seal end faces
5. 5. Fold tips
6. 6. fold ends
7. 7. Stick on the ends

Further preferred embodiments of the invention will become apparent by any combination of the features disclosed in the claims, the description and the figures.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

items

1a

floor area

1b

Longitudinal edge (s)

1c

Cross edge (s)

1d

Longitudinal side surface (s)

1e

Transverse side surface (s) or end side (s)

2

packaging

2a

Packing section (closed in the circumferential direction)

2 B

Packaging supernatant (protruding over the bottom surface on both sides)

2 B'

Folded packaging supernatant

2 B"

Packing supernatant folded and tapered

2 B'"

Packaging supernatant folded, tapered and shortened

2c

Fin (overlapping in the circumferential direction)

3

seal

3a

Longitudinal sealing seam

3b

Transverse sealing seam

A

axis direction

F1

First folding edge

F2

Second fold edge

F3

Third folding edge

F3 '

Third folding edge

F4

Fourth folding edge

U

circumferential direction

Claims (7)

Process for airtight packaging of small articles (1) having a substantially rectangular bottom surface (1a), comprising the steps: a. Step A: arranging a strip-shaped packaging means (2) in the form of a tube around the circumference of a small article (1), so that in each case a packaging supernatant (2b) results on opposite sides of the bottom surface (1a); b. Step B: Airtight sealing of the packaging means (2) around the article (1) to form at least one sealed seam (3a, 3b); c. Step C: shortening the packaging supernatant (2b) on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a); and or d. Step D: Fixing the packaging supernatant (2b) on one or both sides of the bottom surface (1a) on at least one section (2a) of the packaging material (2) covering the article (1). The method of claim 1, wherein step A comprises at least one of the following substeps: a. A1: application of the packaging material (2) with the inside to the article (1), so that the packaging material (2) overlaps in a circumferential direction (U) running over the bottom surface (1a) and the sections of the packaging material overlapping in the circumferential direction (U) ( 2) with the inside facing each other, wherein in the circumferential direction (U) overlapping portions of the packaging (2) preferably along and / or parallel to the bottom surface (1 a) limiting edge (1 b, 1 c) of the article (1) meet; b. A2: folding of the packaging means (2) over at least one folding edge (F1), the folding edge (F1) preferably running along and / or parallel to at least one edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a); c. A3: forming a fin (2c) from the circumferentially (U) overlapping portions of the packaging means (2) so that the fin (2c) projects transversely to the bottom surface (1a) and / or adjacent to the bottom surface (1a) Side surface (1d) of the article (1) is aligned. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein step B comprises at least one of the following substeps: a. B1: forming the at least one sealed seam (3a, 3b) along and / or parallel to at least one edge (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably such that the at least one sealed seam (3a, 3b) extends continuously along and / or parallel to at least two or three adjacent edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably by: i. B1a: formation of at least one longitudinal sealing seam (3a) along and / or parallel to at least one longitudinal edge (1b) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a); ii. B1 b: Forming at least one transverse sealing seam (3b) along and / or parallel to at least one transverse edge (1c) of the article (1) delimiting the bottom surface (1a), preferably two transverse sealing seams (3b) along and / or parallel to both the bottom surface (1a) delimiting transverse edges (1c) of the article (1); b. B2: formation of the at least one sealed seam (3a, 3b) between two tool parts, wherein the one tool part is on one side with the packaging (2) in abutment, while the other tool part from the opposite side of the packaging (2) to the packaging (2 ) is approached to form the sealed seam (3a, 3b) by compressing two portions of the packaging means (2) between the two tool parts, preferably at least one of the two tool parts, preferably the tool part in contact with the packaging (2), heated is; c. B3: folding of the fin (2c) along a folding edge (F1) along and / or parallel to a sealing seam (3a) and / or along and / or parallel to an edge (1b, 1c) of the article delimiting the bottom surface (1a) 1), preferably in the direction of the bottom surface (1a); d. B4: folding of the at least one packaging material projection (2b), preferably in the direction of the bottom surface (1a), preferably along a folding edge (F2) along and / or parallel to a transverse edge (1c) bounding the bottom surface (1a) the article (1), particularly preferably such that the folded package overhang (2b ') together with the fin (2c) forms a continuous edge along adjacent edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1); B5: Fixing the fin (2c) on a section (2a) of the packaging material (2) covering the article (1), preferably on a section (2a) of the packaging material (2) covering the bottom surface (1a), preferably in such a way that circumferential edge of the fin (2c) between two and / or parallel to two the bottom surface (1a) limiting edges (1b, 1c) of the article (1) extends; e. B6: arranging the at least one packaging material projection (2b ') and possibly the fin (2c), preferably in a triangular or trapezoidal shape, which tapers towards the free end. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step C comprises at least one of the following substeps: a. C1: shortening of the at least one packaging material projection (2b ") by severing the packaging material (2), preferably along and / or parallel to a sealed seam (3b) and / or along and / or parallel to an edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a) preferably at the same time as the formation of the sealing seam (3b); b. C2: shortening of the at least one packaging material projection (2b ") by folding over at least one folding edge (F4), preferably by folding in the direction of the bottom surface (1a), wherein the folding edge (F4) preferably extends inside the packaging material projection (2b") and / or parallel to a sealing seam (3b) and / or along and / or parallel to an edge (1c) delimiting the bottom surface (1a); c. C3: Fixing the at least one packaging material supernatant (2b '") in the shortened state, preferably after loading of the packaging material (2) with adhesive, so that the areas of the packaging material projection (2b'') brought into coincidence by folding over the folding edge (F4) Stick adhesive together. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein step D comprises at least one of the following substeps: a. D1: folding of the at least one packaging material projection (2b '") via a folding edge (F2) in the direction of the article (1), preferably in the direction of the bottom surface (1a), preferably along a folding edge (F2) along and / or parallel to one Sealing seam (3b) and / or along and / or parallel to a bottom surface (1a) limiting edge (1c); b. D2: applying adhesive to the packaging means (2) outside and / or inside the folded edge (F2) so that the portions of the packaging means (2) brought into coincidence by folding over the folding edge (F2) adhere to each other by adhesive; c. D3: fixing the at least one packaging material projection (2b "') on a section (2a) of the packaging means (2) covering the bottom surface (1a). Apparatus for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. A small article (1) having a substantially rectangular bottom surface (1a) which is airtightly packaged using the method of any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or using the device of claim 6.

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