EP3288840B1 - Pack and method for producing a pack of this type - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a container according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for producing such a container according to the preamble of claim 10.

It is known to combine or form a plurality of containers in each case into a container or article group and to remove them from the container groups using shrink films (eg. US 7,726,464 A1 ) to produce fixed or transportable storage and transport units or containers. The disadvantage here is, inter alia, that the films used in this case and in particular the shrinking of the films caused by heat or energy input not inconsiderable costs.

It has also been proposed to produce transportable containers by virtue of the fact that the containers formed in each case into a group of containers are surrounded by a strapping around the container group (FIG. DE 10 2009 025 824 A1 . DE 10 2009 044 271 A1 . DE 41 26 212 A1 ), ie connected to each other to form a container, which is a particularly cost-effective and easy way to produce containers or transport and storage units. The strapping can also be glued to the containers. A disadvantage of the strapping, however, is that the first removal of an article from such a container the remaining in the container items are no longer held together by the strapping. This is true not only when the strapping is separated or cut, but also when it is possible to remove an article from the bundle without severing the strapping.

In detail, the production of the container z. B. in such a way that the container on a transport plane of a conveyor rising and oriented with its container axis in the vertical direction or substantially vertical direction are fed in a mass transport or in a wide container flow in which the container with respect to distinctive container and / or Equipment features have an arbitrary orientation. This broad Container flow is then converted by lane division into several single-lane container streams. In further process steps, the compartments of the later containers or their container groups forming the single-track container streams, the merging of the necessary number of containers in each case to a compacted container group, in which the container with multiple shell or peripheral surfaces, ie with the contact Or contact surfaces abut against each other, and that connecting the container of each group of containers to the compact and solid or stable container.

It is also known to realize containers made of several containers in the form of bottles, in particular those made of plastic or PET (polyethylene terephthalate), characterized in that the container forming the respective container and arranged in at least two rows, each with at least two containers via punctiform or partial Adhesive bonds or adhesive jobs, for example, via adhesive jobs of a pressure-sensitive adhesive are connected. This eliminates the need for additional means, such as strapping, carriers or trays, outer packaging, in the form of shrink films, etc., which are otherwise required for holding together the container of a container. It is also known ( DE 10 2011 107 265 A1 . DE 10 2011 107 264 A1 ), Such containers each with a attached to two containers by gluing support loop from a strip-shaped flat material or to provide a support sheet which forms a carrying handle and is held on the respective container by gluing. A certain disadvantage of this known container consists in the fact that sometimes the carrying handles are difficult to remove from the containers, that is, they can be released.

A container according to the preamble of claim 1 is in DE 10 2013 107 574 A1 disclosed.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a container of at least two containers, in which the carrying handle easily removed from the containers again, that is, can be solved. To solve this problem, a container is designed according to the features of claim 1. A method for producing such a container is the subject of claim 9. The respective subclaims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The essential aspect of the present invention is to be seen in that the at least one loop-like carrying handle forms a pull-off tab at least at a free end of the band-shaped carrier element, to which the respective connecting portion adjoins. By providing the pull-tab, the loop-like carrying handle glued directly to the container wall is particularly easy and quick to remove.

Further advantageously, a folding edge is formed on at least one free end between the corresponding connecting portion and the subsequent pull tab. In an advantageous embodiment, the corresponding pull tab on at least one free end protruding from the outer circumferential surface at the respective fold edge, specifically at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably between 5 and 90 degrees. Advantageously, the capture of the pull tab is essentially agreed.

Likewise advantageously, the band-shaped carrier element has an underside, on which at least in the region of the connecting section an adhesive application is provided, by means of which the corresponding connecting section is connected directly to the outer circumferential surface.

Advantageously, the pull tab is made by folding the respective free end of the band-shaped carrier element in its longitudinal direction. In an advantageous embodiment variant, the adhesive application extends over the free end of the band-shaped carrier element in such a way that after the one free end has been folded in the longitudinal direction of the band-shaped carrier element, both the pull tab and the adjacent connecting section which continues to have an adhesive coating are formed.

Further advantageously, the respective connecting portion may each be connected directly to the corresponding outer circumferential surface by means of an adhesive coating arranged on the outer circumferential surface of a corresponding container.

In a preferred embodiment, the pull tab is formed in one piece or in one piece with the carrier element.

In a further preferred embodiment variant, the band-shaped carrier element, at least at a free end in the region of the pull tab, has an adhesive agent application on which an additional piece of material is arranged.

The invention also relates to a method for producing containers, each consisting of at least two containers, each having at least one outer circumferential surface, wherein between the corresponding outer circumferential surfaces of adjacent container at least one contact or contact surface is formed, at which the respective container via at least one adhesive application releasably connected be, and wherein for forming at least one loop-like carrying handle, a band-shaped support member is provided, which is connected in the region of its free ends via a respective connecting portion directly to the outer circumferential surface of a container. Particularly advantageously, the band-shaped support member is at least at one free end connected to the outer circumferential surface of a container such that at this free end of the band-shaped support member forms a pull tab, followed by the respective connecting portion.

"Container" according to the invention are in particular bottles, cans, tubes, pouches, each made of metal, glass and / or plastic, but also soft packaging, such as those made of cardboard and / or plastic film and / or metal foil. Preferably, such containers are rotationally symmetrical.

"Adhesives" within the meaning of the invention are, inter alia, all materials or compounds with which an adhesive bond between containers is possible, in particular compounds, materials or compositions which are applied in the liquid or viscous state form a self-adhesive order and / or using Pressure and / or by energy input and / or after a Curing or crosslinking (also by heat input) cause an adhesive bond. "Adhesive or adhesive" within the meaning of the invention include, inter alia, multilayer materials z. As those of at least one carrier material, which is coated with a material with which an adhesive connection between containers is possible, so at least two-sided adhesive and / or adhesive are active.

The term "essentially" or "approximately" or "approx." means for the purposes of the invention deviations from the respective exact value by +/- 10%, preferably by +/- 5% and / or deviations in the form of insignificant for the function changes.

Further developments, advantages and applications of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all described and / or illustrated features alone or in any combination are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency. Also, the content of the claims is made an integral part of the description.

Fig. 1a - c

jeweils in schematischer Darstellung als Seitenansicht und in Schnittdarstellungen entlang zweier unterschiedlicher Schnittebenen ein Gebinde über partielle Klebeverbindungen oder Klebemittelaufträgen miteinander verbundene Behälter mit einem Traggriff

Fig. 2

eine schematische Draufsicht auf eine Ausführungsvariante eines erfindungsgemäßen Traggriffes

Fig.3

in vereinfachter Funktionsdarstellung eine Anlage zum Formen der Gebinde und Anbringen der Traggriffe

Fig. 4

schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Gebindes

Fig. 5

schematische Darstellung einer Seitenansicht einer weiteren alternativen Ausführungsform eines Gebindes.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures of exemplary embodiments. Show it:

Fig. 1a - c

in schematic representation as a side view and in sectional views along two different cutting planes a container via partial adhesive bonds or adhesive applications interconnected container with a carrying handle

Fig. 2

a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a carrying handle according to the invention

Figure 3

in a simplified functional representation of a system for molding the container and attaching the carrying handles

Fig. 4

schematic representation of a side view of an alternative embodiment of a container

Fig. 5

schematic representation of a side view of another alternative embodiment of a container.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures. Furthermore, for clarity, only reference numerals in the individual figures are shown, which are required for the description of the respective figure.

In the Fig. 1a to c are generally designated 1 container, which in this embodiment each consist of six by adhesive engagements 2 and 3 each only schematically indicated adhesive containers 4 in the form of bottles. The containers 4 are arranged in two rows of three containers 4, in such a way that adjusts between corresponding outer lateral surfaces 5 adjacent container 4 at least one contact or contact surface on which the respective container 4 via at least one adhesive application 2 and 3 solvable are connected. FIG. 1a shows a schematic side view of the container 1. Die FIG. 1b a schematic sectional view of a plan view along the sectional plane A and Figure 1c a schematic sectional view of a plan view along the sectional plane B of a container 1 according to the FIG. 1a ,

The adhesive jobs 2 and 3, which are preferably formed by a fast-setting or curing adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive, are further applied in each case on the outer circumferential surface 5, so the peripheral surface, the container 4 such that the adhesive jobs 2, the container 4 in the two Container rows and the adhesive jobs 3 each connect a container 4 a row of containers with a container 4 of the adjacent container row. In addition, the respective containers 4 are arranged mutually oriented with their respective container axes BA parallel to each other.

Furthermore, the container 1 to form at least one loop-like carrying handle 6, a preferably band-shaped support member 8, which is connected in the region of its free ends 9.1, 9.2 via a respective connecting portion 11.1, 11.2 directly to the outer circumferential surface 5 of a container 4.

According to the invention, the at least one loop-like carrying handle 6 forms at least at one free end 9.1, 9.2 of the band-shaped carrier element 8 a pull-tab 12.1, 12.2, to which the respective connecting section 11.1, 11.2 adjoins. The free ends 9.1, 9.2 thus comprise, according to the invention, the respective connecting section 11.1, 11.2 as well as the pull-tab 12.1, 12.2 which adjoins accordingly.

Preferably, at the respective free end 9.1, 9.2 between the corresponding connecting portion 11.1, 11.2 and the subsequent Abziehlasche 12.1, 12.2 a folding edge 13.1, 13.2 may be provided, which is parallel to the freiendseitigen end face of the respective free end 9.1, 9.2 substantially , The folding edge 13.1, 13.2 preferably forms the dividing line between the pull tab 12.1, 12.2 and the adjoining connecting section 11.1, 11.2. In particular, the pull tab 12.1, 12.2 on the respective folding edge 13.1, 13.2 of the outer circumferential surface 5 at an angle α between 0 and 180 degrees, particularly preferably an angle α between 5 and 90 degrees, deflecting distantly.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a bottom 8.2 of the support member 8 of the carrying handle 6 according to the invention. Preferably, the pull tab 12.1, 12.2 is formed integrally or integrally with the band-shaped support member 8. For example, in the region of its free ends 9.1, 9.2, the carrying handle 6 can be connected directly to the outer lateral surface 5 of a container 4 by at least the respective connecting section 11.1, 11.2 having an adhesive application 10, by means of which the corresponding connecting section 11.1, 11.2 directly on the outer lateral surface 5 can be fixed and at the at least one free end 9.1, 9.2 the corresponding Pull tab 12.1, 12. 2 connects. In this case, the adhesive application 10 may preferably be partial, that is to say partial area, on the underside 8.2 of the carrier element 8 in the region of the free ends 9.1, 9.2. Thus, in particular only on the corresponding connecting portion 11.1, 11.2 of the carrier element 8, an adhesive application 10 is arranged, whereas, on the other hand, the respective pull tabs 12.1, 12.2 are left free of adhesive. In the FIG. 3 shown workstation 22 may be configured to form such a carrying handle 6.

Alternatively, it is also possible for the respective adhesive application 10 'to be arranged on the corresponding outer circumferential surfaces 5 of the containers 4. For this purpose, the respective connecting portion 11.1, 11.2, for example, with the bottom 8.2 of the support member 8 by means of the respective disposed on the outer circumferential surface 5 of the corresponding container 4 adhesive application 10 'be connected directly to the outer circumferential surface 5. According to the invention, at least at one free end 9.1, 9.2, a pull-tab 12.1, 12.2 adjoins the respective connecting section 11.1, 11.2, which in particular is left free of adhesive. An appropriately trained workstation 22 for the production of such a carrying handle 6 is in FIG. 3 shown.

It may be provided that the adhesive application 10 over the entire free end 9.1, 9.2, for example, the bottom 8.2 is arranged and after the buckling of the free ends 9.1, 9.2 in the direction of these respective opposite free ends 9.1, 9.2 to preferably 180th Degrees both the pull tabs 12.1, 12.2 and thereafter the respective, then an adhesive coating 10 having, connecting portion 11.1, 11.2 forms, which can be connected directly to the outer lateral surface 5 of the container 4. For this purpose, it may be advantageous if the respective free end 9.1, 9.2 after example, 25% of the length of the total length of the corresponding free end 9.1, 9.2 from the respective free end face in the direction of the respective opposite free end 9.1, 9.2 is folded over. Thus, the adhesive application 10 having connecting portions 11.1, 11.2 may be formed approximately twice as long as the corresponding pull tabs 12.1, 12.2.

Alternatively, it may also be advantageous if the respective free end 9.1, 9.2, for example, 33% of the length of the total length of the corresponding free end 9.1, 9.2 is bent over from the respective free end face. This forms approximately equal length connecting sections 11.1, 11.2 and pull tabs 12. In the FIG. 3 shown workstation 22 may also be arranged to form such a carrying handle 6.

Alternatively, the Abziehlasche 12.1, 12.2 are also formed by the adhesive application 10 over the entire free end 9.1, 9.2, for example, the bottom 8.2 is arranged and in each of the Abziehlasche 12.1, 12.2 forming region of the corresponding free end 9.1, 9.2 an additional Material piece, for example, the band-shaped material of the carrier element 8, is glued. Alternatively, the pull tab 12.1, 12.2 can also be formed by the band-shaped support member 8 at least at a free end 9.1, 9.2 only in the Abziehlasche 12.1, 12.2 has an adhesive application 10, on which the additional piece of material is arranged. Particularly advantageously, the additional band-shaped piece of material on the supersized with the support member 8 width dimensions and only needs to be cut in its length to the desired length dimensions of the corresponding Abziehlasche 12.1, 12.2. In the FIG. 3 shown workstation 22 may also be arranged to form such a carrying handle 6.

The FIG. 3 shows in a schematic functional representation of a system 20 for producing the container 1. At a container inlet of the system 20, the container 4 are oriented with its container axis BA oriented in the vertical direction via a conveyor 21 in a multi-lane container stream. The number of tracks of this container flow can correspond, for example, to the number of rows of containers of the container 1 to be produced, ie in the embodiment shown, the multi-track container flow on the conveyor 21 has two rows.

In the, in the direction of transport A subsequent workstation 22, the in FIG. 3 is indicated only schematically by a block, the application of the adhesive and / or adhesive orders 2 and 3 according to the in the FIGS. 1a to 1c In the work station 22 at the same time also attaching the carrying handle 6 to the container 1 by gluing existing on the carrying handle 6 adhesive orders 10 takes place at the same time or by applying adhesive applications 10 'of an adhesive or adhesive either on the outer circumferential surfaces 5 of the container 4 and / or the areas of the carrying handle 6 described above.

For this purpose, the band-shaped material 23 of the carrier element 8 can be deducted from a supply 24 (supply reel) and be separated on the length forming the carrying handle 6. The band-shaped material 23 is for example also already provided with the adhesive applications 10 or these adhesive jobs 10 'are applied immediately before connecting the relevant free end 9.1, 9.2 with the outer circumferential surface 5 of the corresponding container 4 in the above-described areas of the carrying handle 6. The application of the adhesive jobs 10 in the areas of the respective carrier element 8 described above, for example, by means of nozzles and / or possibly by rotating the container 4 about its container axis BA. In the event that the corresponding pull tabs 12.1, 12.2 are formed by folding over, the workstation 22 can still be associated with a folding device, not shown, which folds the respective free ends 9.1, 9.2 along their corresponding fold edges 13.1, 13.2. About a transport gate 25, the containers 1 are fed in the transport direction A for further use.

The application of the adhesive and / or adhesive jobs 2, 3, 10 and 10 'can take place in various ways, for example in the form of a fluid, which is then dried and / or cured in a suitable manner, for example after application, so that the self-adhesive and / or under pressure an adhesive bond producing adhesive and / or adhesive orders 2, 3, 10 and 10 'result.

The flowing, for example, liquid or viscous adhesive or adhesive fluid is applied, for example by spraying or printing, for example using moving transfer pads on the outer circumferential surface 5 of the container 4.

For the adhesive and / or adhesive orders 2, 3, 10 and 10 'are also hot or hot melt adhesive, which then in a suitable manner, for example by nozzles in the hot and thus liquid or viscous state on the outer surface 5 of the container 4 or be applied to the support handle 6, wherein the bonding of the container 4 to the respective container 1 by merging and pressing together the container 4 or attaching the carrying handle 6 to the container 1 is still sufficient liquid hot melt adhesive or the adhesive formed by the hot melt adhesive - And / or adhesive orders 2, 3, 10 and 10 'at or immediately before connecting the container 4 or attaching the carrying handle 6 to the container 1 by energy input, or heat, infrared radiation, etc. in a liquid or viscous Condition be offset. In principle, there is also the possibility of using such hot melt adhesives which form self-adhesive adhesive and / or adhesive applications 2, 3, 10 and 10 'after cooling.

It is also possible to apply the adhesive and / or adhesive jobs 2, 3, 10 and 10 'by adhesive and / or adhesive bodies or foils, e.g. through the use of adhesive tapes or adhesive labels, in particular using two-sided adhesive tapes or adhesive labels. Suitable for this purpose is in particular also the adhesive tape offered by the company tesa SE, 20253 Hamburg and the brand "Powerstrip®".

The adhesive tapes used for the adhesive and / or adhesive orders 2, 3, 10 and 10 'and the carrier elements 8 consist for example of a temperature-resistant belt-shaped carrier material, for example of plastic, for. B. based on polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PVC, polyamide or polyimide and / or paper and / or of a composite material of the aforementioned substances.) This carrier material is then, for example, on both sides for the adhesive or adhesive sites 2, 3, 10 and 10 'is coated on one side for the carrying handles 6 with the adhesive or adhesive, these adhesive tapes or PSAs are preferably made with little or no anisotropy. Corresponding adhesive tapes or adhesives and their preparation are in the DE 10 2005 054 054 A1 described.

For the adhesive or adhesive sites 2, 3, 10 and 10 'are also those adhesives or adhesives which are curable by energy, for example by heating and / or by irradiation, for example by infrared radiation, UV radiation, electromagnetic radiation or microwave energy, by radioactive radiation, by electron or X-ray radiation, etc. These adhesives or adhesives may in turn be part of adhesive tapes or PSAs which consist of the web-shaped carrier material. Adhesive compositions or adhesive tapes of the aforementioned type and their preparation are in the DE 103 44 449 A1 described. As adhesives or adhesives in particular those substances are used which have a good adhesion to the material of the container and a high cohesion (internal strength in the respective adhesive or adhesive layer), whereby good adhesive properties and thus a particularly strong connection of the container to the stable container is achieved. Such adhesives and adhesives are in the DE 103 23 048 A described. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adhesive and adhesive are slightly raised, so that the support surface is increased on the usually slightly convex container wall.

The FIGS. 4 and 5 each show a schematic representation in side view of two different embodiments of containers 1, in which the container 4 on the outer outer surface 5 each have a label 30 and / or are provided with a, a label replacing printing, the printing applied for example by means of a direct printing process has been. In this case, the inventive carrying handle 6 of the container 1 is the FIG. 4 fixed with its respective connecting portions 11.1, 11.2 above the corresponding labels 30 of the container 5, while the carrying handle 6 of the embodiment of the invention FIG. 5 below the corresponding labels 30 of the container 5 is fixed.

The invention has been described above in several embodiments. It is understood that numerous modifications and variations of the invention are possible without departing from the inventive concept.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

container

2

Adhesive application

3

Adhesive application

4

container

5

Outer casing surface

6

carrying handle

8th

support element

8.1

top

8.2

bottom

9.1

free end

9.2

free end

10, 10 '

Adhesive application

11.1

connecting portion

11.2

connecting portion

12.1

pull tab

12.2

pull tab

13.1

fold

13.2

fold

20

investment

21

carrier

22

workstation

23

band material

24

carrier

BA

container axis

Claims (11)

1. Container (1) comprising at least two receptacles (4) with in each case at least one outer shell surface (5), wherein at least one area of contact or touch is formed between the corresponding outer shell surfaces (5) of adjacent receptacles (4), at which area of contact the respective receptacles (4) are detachably connected by way of at least one applied adhesive layer (2, 3), and wherein, to form at least one loop-like carrying handle (6), a band-like carrier element (8) is provided, which, in the region of its free ends (9.1, 9.2), is connected by way of in each case one connecting section (11.1, 11.2) directly to the outer shell surface (5) of a receptacle (4), characterised in that the at least one loop-like carrying handle (6) forms, at least at one free end (9.1, 9.2) of the band-like carrier element (8), a pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) which is adjoined by the respective connecting section (11.1, 11.2).
2. Container according to claim 1, characterised in that a folding edge (13.1, 13.2) is formed between the pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) and the connecting section (11.1, 11.2) connecting to it in the longitudinal direction of the band-like carrier element (8).
3. Container according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) projects from the outer shell surface (5) at an angle of between 0 and 180 degrees, preferably an angle of between 5 and 90 degrees.
4. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the band-like carrier element (8) comprises an under side (8.2), provided at which, at least in the region of the connecting section (11.1, 11.2), is an applied adhesive layer (10), by means of which the corresponding connection section (11.1, 11.2) is connected directly to the outer shell surface (5).
5. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) is produced by folding the respective free end (9.1, 9.2) of the band-like carrier element (8).
6. Container according to claims 4 and 5, characterised in that the applied adhesive layer (10) located on the under side of the carrier element extends full-surface over the free end (9.1, 9.2) of the band-like carrier element (8) in such a way that, after the folding of the one free end (9.1, 9.2) both the pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) as well as the connecting section (11.1, 11.2) connecting to it and further exhibiting an applied adhesive layer (10), are formed in the longitudinal direction of the band-like carrier element (8).
7. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the respective connecting section (11.1, 11.2) is connected by an applied adhesive layer (10'), arranged at the outer shell surface (5) of a corresponding container (4), directly to the corresponding outer shell surface (5).
8. Container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) is formed as one part or as one piece with the carrier element (8).
9. Method for producing containers (1), consisting in each case of at least two receptacles (4), with in each case at least one outer shell surface (5), wherein at least one contact or touch surface is formed between the corresponding outer shell surfaces (5) of adjacent receptacles (4), at which the respective receptacles (4) are detachably connected by way of at least one applied adhesive layer (2, 3), and wherein, for the forming of at least one loop-like carrying handle (6), a band-like carrier element (8) is provided, which, in the region of its free ends (9.1, 9.2), is connected by way of in each case one connecting section (11.1, 11.2) directly to the outer shell surface (5) of a receptacle (4), characterised in that the band-like carrier element (8) is connected at least at one free end (9.1, 9.2) in such a way to the outer shell surface (5) of a receptacle (5) that at this free end (9.1, 9.2) of the band-like carrier element (8) a pull-off tab (12.1, 12.2) is formed, which is adjoined by the respective connecting section (11.1, 11.2).
10. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that, at least in the region of the connecting section (11.1, 11.2), an applied adhesive layer (10) is applied onto the band-like carrier element (8), and the respective free end (9.1, 9.2) of the band-like carrier element (8) is adhesively bonded directly to the outer shell surfaces (5) of the receptacle (4).
11. Method according to claim 9, characterised in that an applied adhesive layer (10) is applied onto the outer shell surface (5) of the container (4), and the band-like carrier element (8) is directly adhesively bonded, at least in the region of the connecting section (11.1, 11.2), by means of the applied adhesive layer (10), to the outer shell surface (5) of the receptacle (4).

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