EP3606841B1 - Packaging an article, in particular a potted plant - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the packaging of objects, in particular of potted plants. In particular, it relates to packaging methods and packaging materials that allow potted plants to be packaged for shipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The mail order business has recently become increasingly important due to the possibility of online ordering and billing of goods. For example, mail order sales in Germany have doubled from € 26.3 billion to € 52.4 billion over the past ten years.

In the mail order business, the goods are usually sent in at least approximately rectangular packaging, typically cardboard boxes. "Packaging" within the meaning of the present disclosure relates in particular to so-called "transport packaging", which is colloquially also referred to as "shipping packaging" and which facilitate the transport of goods, protect goods from damage during transport, or which are used for reasons of safety during transport. "Packaging" within the meaning of the present disclosure also relates to so-called "outer packaging", ie packaging that is used as additional packaging to sales packaging and not for reasons of hygiene, durability or protection of the goods from damage or contamination for delivery to the End users are required. Often, outer packaging only serves to give the packaged product a more attractive appearance.

In many cases, the shape and / or size of the products to be shipped differs to a relatively large extent from the shape of the packaging. In this case, the products must be fixed in the packaging to avoid damage during transport. This is usually achieved by filling the gap between the product and the packaging with filling material, for example bubble wrap, crumpled paper, styrofoam, etc.

However, the use of filling materials is neither for the provider nor for the customer Shipping weight increased due to the filling material, but also the fact that fixing the product in the packaging with the aid of the filling material is quite labor-intensive and thus generates additional costs. Disposal of the filling material is a disadvantage from the customer's point of view. In addition, the use of filler material, which in practice is only reused to a very limited extent, is environmentally disadvantageous.

In addition, not all products can be fixed in the packaging using filling material alone, for example because they are too sensitive or because they contain loose components. An example of this are potted plants, which are currently usually first packed in a plastic transparent packaging, which is also referred to in the technical field as "plastic blister", and then packed together with filling material in a transport packaging, the filling material in turn serves to fix the visual packaging with the potted plant contained in it in the transport packaging. The use of additional transparent packaging for potted plants is necessary because the plant is too sensitive to be fixed directly by the filling material and because the transparent packaging is required to prevent the soil from leaking out of the pot.

Transparent packaging made of plastic is, however, disadvantageous both from an ecological point of view and from a cost perspective. The packaging of objects, especially potted plants, is for example in US 5115915 and US 5710641 described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the object of specifying a method and a packaging set for packaging an object, in particular a potted plant, which overcome the disadvantages mentioned above. This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1, which makes use of a tubular shrink film, and by a related method according to claim 5, which uses a sack-shaped shrink film. The object is also achieved by a packaging set according to claim 15. The solution to the stated object is also manifested in a packaged object, in particular a packaged potted plant, according to claim 8 and claim 12. Advantageous further developments are given in the dependent claims.

1. A.) Bereitstellen einer Verpackung mit einer Wandfläche, in der eine Öffnung ausgebildet ist,
2. B.) Bereitstellen einer schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie mit einem offenen ersten Ende, einem offenen zweiten Ende, einer Innenseite und einer Außenseite,
3. C.) Platzieren des Objekts in der Verpackung und in der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie derart, dass
   • das Objekt innen an der genannten Wandfläche anliegt,
   • das Objekt in der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie angeordnet ist, wobei die Innenseite der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie dem Objekt zugewandt ist,
   • das erste Ende der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie und ein an dieses erste Ende angrenzender erster Abschnitt in der Verpackung angeordnet sind, die schlauchförmige Schrumpffolie in einem mittleren Abschnitt durch die Öffnung in der Wandfläche geführt ist, und das zweite Ende und ein an dieses zweite Ende angrenzender zweiter Abschnitt außerhalb der Verpackung angeordnet sind, und
   • das erste Ende der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie verschlossen oder zumindest derart verengt ist, dass das Objekt die schlauchförmige Schrumpffolie nicht durch deren erstes Ende verlassen kann,
4. D.) Ausüben einer Zugkraft auf den zweiten Abschnitt der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie , sodass das Objekt von innen gegen die genannte Wandfläche gedrückt wird,
5. E.) Umstülpen des zweiten Abschnitts der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie über die Verpackung, sodass die Außenseite des zweiten Abschnitts der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie der Außenseite der Verpackung zugewandt und die Verpackung von dem zweiten Abschnitt der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie ganz oder zumindest teilweise umgeben ist,
6. F.) Verschließen des zweiten Endes der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie oder verengen desselben zumindest derart, dass die Verpackung den zweiten Abschnitt der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie nicht durch deren zweites Ende verlassen kann, und
7. G.) Wärmebehandeln des zweiten Abschnitts der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie, um ein Schrumpfen derselben zu bewirken.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a method for packaging an object, in particular a potted plant, with the following steps:

1. A.) Providing a package with a wall surface in which an opening is formed,
2. B.) providing a tubular shrink film with an open first end, an open second end, an inside and an outside,
3. C.) placing the object in the packaging and in the tubular shrink film in such a way that
   • the object rests against the named wall surface on the inside,
   • the object is arranged in the tubular shrink film, the inside of the tubular shrink film facing the object,
   • the first end of the tubular shrink film and a first section adjoining this first end are arranged in the packaging, the tubular shrink film is guided in a central section through the opening in the wall surface, and the second end and a second section adjoining this second end are arranged outside the packaging, and
   • the first end of the tubular shrink film is closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the object cannot leave the tubular shrink film through its first end,
4. D.) exerting a tensile force on the second section of the tubular shrink film so that the object is pressed from the inside against said wall surface,
5. E.) Everting the second section of the tubular shrink film over the packaging so that the outside of the second section of the tubular shrink film faces the outside of the packaging and the packaging is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section of the tubular shrink film,
6. F.) Closing the second end of the tubular shrink film or narrowing it at least in such a way that the packaging cannot leave the second section of the tubular shrink film through its second end, and
7. G.) Heat treating the second section of the tubular shrink film to cause it to shrink.

Note that the fact that the object is placed in step C.) in such a way that "the object rests on the inside of the said wall surface" does not require that there be direct contact between the object and the wall surface, instead everything will be in place Usually a section of shrink wrap will be located between the object and the wall surface.

According to the method according to the invention, the object is thus fixed in the packaging with the aid of the tubular shrink film. Specifically, the object, or a part of the object, is received in the first section of the tubular shrink film and, by pulling on the second section of the tubular shrink film, is pressed inside against said wall surface and thereby fixed to this wall surface. For this purpose, the first end of the tubular shrink film is closed or at least narrowed so that the object cannot leave the tubular shrink film through its first end. In a further step, the second section of the tubular shrink film, which is located outside the packaging, is turned over over the packaging in such a way that the outside of the second section of the tubular shrink film faces the outside of the package and the packaging is completely removed from the second section of the tubular shrink film or at least partially surrounded. The second end of the tubular shrink film is then closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the packaging cannot leave the second section of the tubular shrink film through its second end. As a result, the object, which is held in the first section of the tubular shrink film, is fixed on the inside of the wall surface. In a final step, the second section of the tubular shrink film is treated with heat in order to cause it to shrink. The shrinking causes the second section of the tubular shrink film to lie tightly against the outside of the packaging, so that the shrink film does not interfere with the transport of the packaging, but on the contrary offers additional protection, for example against moisture, wetness or contamination. In addition, the shrinking, ie the contraction of the second section of the tubular shrink film, can exert an additional tensile force on the first section of the tubular shrink film, whereby the object is held firmly and securely on the inside of the wall surface.

After the object or a section of the object is firmly attached to the wall surface in the packaged state, no further filling material is required to fix the object in the packaging. In addition, loose components can be held together by the first section of the shrink film which is closed or at least narrowed at the first end. This is for example the case when the object is a potted plant, the pot of which, as will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments, is enclosed in the first section of the tubular shrink film so that not only the pot is held on the wall surface, but also the Leakage of earth is prevented by the shrink film.

It should be noted that in the present disclosure the term of the first or second "open end" does not only designate the corresponding edge of the tubular shrink film, but a section adjoining this edge, which, as explained in more detail below, is closed or narrowed in a suitable manner can be.

In a preferred embodiment, both a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end of the tubular shrink film are large enough to insert the object through these first and second openings into the tubular shrink film, the first and the second Opening are preferably the same size. In this way, the object can be introduced into the tubular shrink film through the first opening after the tubular shrink film has been guided through the opening in the wall surface. This variant allows particularly simple packaging. In addition, this variant allows the use of tubular shrink films with a uniform diameter, which are cheaper to manufacture and, for example, can be stored on a roll "by the meter" and cut to fit. In this case, the user does not have to pay attention to which end of the tubular shrink film should be inside and which outside the packaging when packing.

In an alternative embodiment, the shrink film has a larger opening at its second end that is large enough to insert the object through it into the tubular shrink film, and at its first end a smaller opening that is small enough to prevent this The object emerges from the shrink film at the first end, so that the object can be pressed against the wall surface by the said tensile force on the second section of the tubular shrink film without the wall surface closing or narrowing at its first end after the object has been introduced into the tubular shrink film needs to become. Although the above-mentioned step C.) prescribes that the first end of the tubular shrink film is at least narrowed, this narrowing does not have to be part of the method. Instead, shrink films can be used that already have a constricted first end that is narrow enough to prevent the object from becoming tubular Can leave shrink film through the first end. In this way, an additional work step of narrowing or closing the first end of the tubular shrink film can be saved. This is particularly advantageous when packing a large number of articles of the same type. For example, if the object is a potted plant, the stem or stalk thereof can protrude through the smaller opening at the first end of the tubular shrink film, while the pot that does not fit through this smaller opening is held in the first section of the tubular shrink film and can be pressed by pulling against the wall surface.

In an advantageous embodiment, the object comprises a section of larger cross section, in particular a pot, and a section of smaller cross section, in particular a part of a plant planted in the pot (typically a stem or stem), the section of smaller cross section through in the packed state of the object the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film is guided. In one embodiment, the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film in the packaged state of the object lies closely against the section of smaller cross section, the first end of the tubular shrink film preferably being held together in the area of the section of smaller cross section using a cable tie, a clamp or an adhesive strip . This embodiment is particularly important for the shipping of potted plants, because it prevents soil that emerges from the pot from being freely distributed in the packaging.

In an alternative embodiment, however, in the packed state of the object, the section of smaller cross section is loosely guided through the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film.

However, the present invention is not limited to embodiments with a tubular shrink film. In a closely related but alternative embodiment, a sack-shaped shrink film is used, with a closed first end and an open second end. In this embodiment, the object must be inserted through the open second end into the sack-shaped shrink film before the open second end of the sack-shaped shrink film is guided from the inside through the opening in the wall surface. In this embodiment, the first end of the sack-shaped shrink film does not have to be closed or narrowed in an additional process step.

1. A.) Bereitstellen einer Verpackung mit einer Wandfläche, in der eine Öffnung ausgebildet ist,
2. B.) Bereitstellen einer sackförmigen Schrumpffolie, mit einem geschlossenen ersten Ende und einem offenen zweiten Ende, einer Innenseite und einer Außenseite,
3. C.) Platzieren des Objekts in der Verpackung und in der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie derart, dass
   • das Objekt innen an der genannten Wandfläche anliegt,
   • das Objekt in der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie angeordnet ist, wobei die Innenseite der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie dem Objekt zugewandt ist, und
   • das erste Ende der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie und ein an dieses erste Ende angrenzender erster Abschnitt in der Verpackung angeordnet sind, die sackförmige Schrumpffolie in einem mittleren Abschnitt durch die Öffnung in der Wandfläche geführt ist, und das zweite Ende und ein an dieses zweite Ende angrenzender zweiter Abschnitt außerhalb der Verpackung angeordnet sind,
4. D.) Ausüben einer Zugkraft auf den zweiten Abschnitt der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie, sodass das Objekt von innen gegen die genannte Wandfläche gedrückt wird,
5. E.) Umstülpen des zweiten Abschnitts der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie über die Verpackung, sodass die Außenseite des zweiten Abschnitts der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie der Außenseite der Verpackung zugewandt und die Verpackung von dem zweiten Abschnitt der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie ganz oder zumindest teilweise umgeben ist,
6. F.) Verschließen des zweiten Endes der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie oder verengen desselben zumindest derart, dass die Verpackung den zweiten Abschnitt der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie nicht über deren zweites Ende verlassen kann, und
7. G.) Wärmebehandeln des zweiten Abschnitts der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie, um ein Schrumpfen derselben zu bewirken.

Specifically, according to this aspect, the invention relates to a method for packaging an object, in particular a potted plant, with the following steps:

1. A.) Providing a package with a wall surface in which an opening is formed,
2. B.) Providing a sack-shaped shrink film, with a closed first end and an open second end, an inside and an outside,
3. C.) Placing the object in the packaging and in the sack-shaped shrink film such that
   • the object rests against the named wall surface on the inside,
   • the object is arranged in the sack-shaped shrink film, the inside of the sack-shaped shrink film facing the object, and
   • the first end of the sack-shaped shrink film and a first section adjoining this first end are arranged in the packaging, the sack-shaped shrink film is guided in a central section through the opening in the wall surface, and the second end and a second section adjoining this second end are arranged outside the packaging,
4. D.) exerting a tensile force on the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film so that the object is pressed from the inside against said wall surface,
5. E.) Everting the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film over the packaging so that the outside of the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film faces the outside of the packaging and the packaging is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film,
6. F.) closing the second end of the sack-shaped shrink film or narrowing it at least in such a way that the packaging cannot leave the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film via its second end, and
7. G.) Heat treating the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film to cause it to shrink.

This method is almost identical to the method in which a tubular shrink film is used, except that a bag-shaped shrink film is used and consequently there is no need to ensure that the first end of the tubular film is closed or narrowed as the bag-shaped tubular film is already closed at its first end due to the design. Embodiments with a sack-shaped shrink film are suitable for the packaging of objects that can or should be enclosed as a whole in the first section of the shrink film.

Regardless of whether a tubular or a sack-shaped shrink film is used, the packaging is preferably formed by a container made of cardboard, in particular a cuboid container made of cardboard.

The said wall surface is preferably a bottom surface of the packaging on which the packaging is placed when it is used as intended. In advantageous developments, the bottom surface is graphically displayed on the outside of the packaging, for example by an arrow, an inscription "below" or the like.

The shrink film is preferably made of polyethylene, in particular LD-PE.

In an advantageous embodiment, the first end and / or the second end of the tubular or sack-shaped shrink film is closed or narrowed with the aid of a clamp, a cable tie and / or an adhesive strip.

Although only the heat treatment of the second section of the shrink film was described in the exemplary embodiments described above, in advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention it is also possible to remove the first section of the shrink film with the object received therein at a time when the packaging is still open, So the first section of the shrink film is still accessible, also to be treated with heat in order to weld the object inside the packaging and fix it even more firmly in the packaging.

• das Objekt innen an der genannten Wandfläche anliegt,
• das Objekt in der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie angeordnet ist, wobei die Innenseite der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie dem Objekt zugewandt ist,
• das erste Ende der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie und ein an dieses erste Ende angrenzender erster Abschnitt in der Verpackung angeordnet sind, die schlauchförmige Schrumpffolie in einem mittleren Abschnitt durch die Öffnung in der Wandfläche geführt ist, und das zweite Ende und ein an dieses zweite Ende angrenzender zweiter Abschnitt außerhalb der Verpackung angeordnet sind, und
• das erste Ende der schlauchförmigen Schrumpffolie verschlossen oder zumindest derart verengt ist, dass das Objekt die schlauchförmige Schrumpffolie nicht durch deren erstes Ende verlassen kann.

The present invention also relates to a packaged object, in particular a packaged potted plant, the object being fastened in a packaging lying on the inside against a wall surface of the packaging with the aid of a tubular shrink film, the tubular shrink film having an open first end, an open second end, and an inside and a Has outside. The object is arranged in the packaging and in the tubular shrink film in such a way that

• the object rests against the named wall surface on the inside,
• the object is arranged in the tubular shrink film, the inside of the tubular shrink film facing the object,
• the first end of the tubular shrink film and a first section adjoining this first end are arranged in the packaging, the tubular shrink film is guided in a central section through the opening in the wall surface, and the second end and a second section adjoining this second end are arranged outside the packaging, and
• the first end of the tubular shrink film is closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the object cannot leave the tubular shrink film through its first end.

The second section of the tubular shrink film is placed over the packaging in such a way that the outer surface of the second section of the tubular shrink film faces the outside of the packaging and the packaging is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section of the tubular shrink film. Furthermore, the second end of the tubular shrink film is closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the packaging cannot leave the second section of the tubular shrink film through its second end, and the second section of the tubular shrink film is shrunk onto the outside of the packaging.

In this packaged object, in a preferred embodiment, both a first opening at the first end and a second opening at the second end of the tubular shrink film are large enough to introduce the object through this first or second opening into the tubular shrink film. The first and second openings are preferably the same size.

In the case of the packaged object, the tubular shrink film in an alternative embodiment preferably has a larger opening at its second end which is large enough to insert the object through it into the tubular shrink film, and at its first end a smaller opening which is small enough in order to prevent the object from emerging from the shrink film at the first end, the object being pressed against said wall surface by a tensile force on the second section of the tubular shrink film can without this having to be closed or narrowed at its first end after the introduction of the object into the tubular shrink film.

The object preferably comprises a section of larger cross section, in particular a pot, and a section of smaller cross section, in particular a part of a plant planted in the pot, and the section of smaller cross section is guided through the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film.

Preferably, the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film lies tightly against the section of smaller cross section, the first end of the tubular shrink film preferably being held together in the area of the section of smaller cross section with the aid of a cable tie, a clamp or an adhesive strip.

In an alternative embodiment of the packaged object, the section of smaller cross section is loosely guided through the narrowed first end of the tubular shrink film.

• das Objekt innen an der genannten Wandfläche anliegt,
• das Objekt in der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie angeordnet ist, wobei die Innenseite der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie dem Objekt zugewandt ist, und
• das erste Ende der sackförmigen Schrumpffolie und ein an dieses erste Ende angrenzender erster Abschnitt in der Verpackung angeordnet sind, die sackförmige Schrumpffolie in einem mittleren Abschnitt durch die Öffnung in der Wandfläche geführt ist, und das zweite Ende und ein an dieses zweite Ende angrenzender zweiter Abschnitt außerhalb der Verpackung angeordnet sind.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a packaged object, in particular a packaged potted plant, which is fastened in a packaging with the aid of a bag-shaped tubular film. Specifically, the object in a packaging is attached to the inside of a wall surface of the packaging with the aid of a sack-shaped shrink film, the sack-shaped shrink film having a closed first end, an open second end, an inside and an outside. The object is arranged in the packaging and in the sack-shaped shrink film in such a way that

• the object rests against the named wall surface on the inside,
• the object is arranged in the sack-shaped shrink film, the inside of the sack-shaped shrink film facing the object, and
• the first end of the sack-shaped shrink film and a first section adjoining this first end are arranged in the packaging, the sack-shaped shrink film is guided in a central section through the opening in the wall surface, and the second end and a second section adjoining this second end are arranged outside the packaging.

Furthermore, the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film is placed over the packaging in such a way that the outer surface of the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film faces the outside of the package and the packaging faces the second section of the sack-shaped film Shrink film is completely or at least partially surrounded. The second end of the sack-shaped shrink film is closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the packaging cannot leave the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film through its second end, and the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film is shrunk onto the outside of the package.

Regardless of whether a tubular or a sack-shaped shrink film is used, the packaging for the packaged object is preferably formed by a container made of cardboard, in particular a cuboid container made of cardboard.

Preferably, said wall surface is a bottom surface of the packaging on which it is placed during intended use, the bottom surface on the outside of the packaging preferably being displayed graphically.

The shrink film of the packaged object is preferably made of polyethylene, in particular LD-PE.

In the case of the packaged object, the first end and / or the second end of the tubular or sack-shaped shrink film is preferably closed or narrowed with the aid of a clamp, a cable tie and / or an adhesive strip.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a packaging set for packaging an object, in particular a potted plant, according to a method according to one of the above-mentioned embodiments, comprising a packaging with a wall surface in which an opening is formed, and
a tubular or a sack-shaped shrink film.

Instead of forming the opening in the packaging beforehand, in alternative embodiments, the packaging can also have a marking that shows the user at which point such an opening is to be formed by the user to complete the packaging set, for example by a punching process or the like. The marking can in particular be designed as an optical marking, for example as a printed or recorded marking, and / or as a marking introduced into the material of the packaging, for example as a perforated marking.

In a preferred starting form, the packaging set further comprises at least one, preferably two cable ties, clamps and / or adhesive strips that are suitable for closing or constricting an associated end of the tubular or sack-shaped shrink film.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Fig. 1

shows a perspective view of a packaging in which a tubular shrink film is guided through an opening in a wall surface,

Fig. 2

FIG. 13 shows a sectional view of the package of FIG Fig. 1 , in which the pot of a potted plant is in a first section of the tubular shrink film of Fig. 1 is arranged.

Fig. 3

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the package of FIG Figures 1 and 2 , in which a second section of the tubular shrink film is placed over the packaging and closed at its second end.

Fig. 4

shows a sectional view of a package in which a pot is arranged in a first section of a sack-shaped shrink film.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is to be explained in more detail below using the example of two preferred embodiments.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a packaging 10, which is a rectangular transport packaging made of cardboard. The package 10 has a bottom wall 12 in which an opening 14 is formed. The bottom wall 12 is an example of the wall surface mentioned at the beginning. The package 10 also has four side walls 16, one of which in FIG Fig. 1 only two are shown, as well as a ceiling wall 18 (s. Fig. 2 and 3 ), in the Fig. 1 is not shown. A tubular shrink film 20 is guided through the opening 14 in the bottom wall 12.

The tubular shrink film 20 has an open first end 22, an open second end 24, an inside 26 and an outside 28. In the illustration of FIG Fig. 1 a first section 30 adjoining the open first end 22 is located in the packaging 10, while a second section 32 adjoining the open second end 24 is arranged outside the packaging 10.

In the in Fig. 1 In the state shown, an object 34 to be packaged, or at least a portion thereof, can be arranged in the first portion 30 of the tubular shrink film 20, as shown in FIG Fig. 2 is shown. In the embodiment of Fig. 2 the object 34 is a potted plant 34, with a pot 36 in which a plant 38 is planted. As in the sectional view of Fig. 2 As can be seen, the pot 36 is located in the first section 30 of the tubular shrink film 20, the inside 26 of the tubular shrink film facing the pot 36. The first end 22 of the tubular shrink film is narrowed with the aid of a cable tie 40, so that the shrink film 20 lies tightly against a stem 42 of the plant 38. Note that the term “end” in the parlance of the present application denotes a specific end region of the shrink film 20. Namely, although the shrink film 20 does not end directly at the cable tie 40, but still protrudes slightly upwards, this corresponds in the parlance of the present disclosure to a situation in which the first end 22 of the tubular shrink film 20 is narrowed or effectively closed when the shrink film 20 is pressed tightly against the stem 42 of the plant 38 with the cable tie 40.

As further in Fig. 2 As can be seen, the pot 36 stands on the bottom wall 12 and covers the opening 14 in the bottom wall 12. The opening 14 is, of course, smaller than the cross section of the pot 36, so that it cannot exit from the opening 14.

In that the pot 36 stands on the bottom wall 12, it “rests” “on the inside of the bottom wall 12” in the parlance of the present disclosure. This is not opposed by the fact that a section of the tubular shrink film 20 lies between the pot 36 and the inside of the bottom wall 12, that is, the pot 36 and the bottom wall 12 are not in direct contact with one another.

In the in Fig. 2 A tensile force can be exerted on the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20, as a result of which the pot 36 is pressed from the inside against the bottom wall 12. As a result of this pull, the pot 36, and thus the potted plant 34, is fixed in the packaging 10. In order to maintain this tension, the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 still has to be fixed in a suitable manner. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 is placed over the packaging 10 in such a way that the outside 28 of the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 faces the outside of the packaging 10, and the packaging 10 faces the second Section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 is completely surrounded, as in Fig. 3 is shown. Furthermore, in Fig. 3 the second end 24 of the tubular shrink film 20 is closed with the aid of a further cable tie 40, so that the packaging 10 can no longer leave the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 through its second end. In this way, the pot 36 is held on the bottom wall 12. If the user closes the second end 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 with the cable tie 40 while a tensile force (in the illustration of FIG Fig. 3 upward), the pot 36 is pressed firmly against the inside of the bottom wall 12 so that the pot 36 is fixed in the packaging 10 without play.

Finally, the second section 32 of the tubular shrink film 20 is treated with heat in order to cause the same to shrink, as a result of which the shrink film 20 then rests closely on the outside of the packaging 10 (not shown in the figures). In the course of this shrinkage, the tensile force on the pot 36 is also increased, so that it is fixed even more firmly on the bottom wall 12. The attachment is sufficiently strong and stable that the potted plant 34 is securely held in its position, regardless of which side the packaging 10 is placed on. Even moderate vibrations, for example if the packaging 10 is thrown or accidentally falls down, do not lead to a loosening of the fixation or damage to the potted plant 34. Nevertheless, it is advantageous to place the packaging 10 on the bottom wall 12 on a regular basis. For this purpose, a graphic marking 44 is provided on the outside of a side wall 16, in the exemplary embodiment shown an arrow which identifies the top of the packaging 10.

That with reference to the Figures 1 to 3 The explained method for packaging an object 34, especially a potted plant 34, has a number of advantages over packaging methods from the prior art.

In contrast to the usual way of packaging potted plants, no filling materials and no additional plastic blisters are required in the context of the invention. Instead, the shrink film 20 not only securely fixes the pot 36 in the packaging 10, but the shrink film 20 also prevents earth (not shown) from escaping from the pot 36. The packaging is cheaper and more environmentally friendly than packaging from the prior art Technology and also advantageous for the customer, as he does not have to dispose of unnecessary filling material.

In addition, the packaging is less labor intensive than in the prior art which the potted plant 34 must first be packed in a plastic blister, and then the plastic blister must be fixed in the packaging 10 by carefully distributing a sufficient amount of filler material.

Although the packaging method has been described in the previous description with reference to potted plants 34, it is not limited to these objects. The packaging method is generally particularly suitable for packaging objects with a section of larger cross section and a section of smaller cross section which, in the packaged state, is guided through a narrowed first end 22 of the tubular shrink film 20. It is not necessary in all cases for the first end 22 of the tubular shrink film 20 to be narrowed by hand in the course of the method. Alternative embodiments, which are not shown here, use tubular shrink films 20, in which the first end 22 is already narrower than the second end 24 due to the design, and specifically narrow enough to prevent the object 34 as a whole from being at the first end 22 can emerge from the tubular shrink film 20. In these embodiments, the object is inserted through the open second end 24 into the tubular shrink film 20 before the tubular shrink film 20 is guided through the opening 14 in the bottom wall 12. If the object 34 has a section of smaller diameter, this can of course be guided through the narrowed opening of the first end 22. In fact, this embodiment is also suitable for shipping potted plants 34 if the cross-section of the opening of the open first end 22 is large enough that the plant 38 or parts thereof can / can be passed through, but is small enough to prevent that the pot 36 can emerge from the tubular shrink film 20 at this first end 22. The advantage of this embodiment is that the method step in which the first end 22 of the tubular shrink film 20 is made using the cable tie 40 or the like (see FIG Fig. 2 ) is narrowed, can be omitted.

If not only a portion of the object 34 (for example the pot 36 of a potted plant 34) is to be held in the first portion 30 of the tubular shrink film 20, but the entire object 34 (e.g. a single pot without a plant), a sack-shaped shrink film can alternatively be used 20 'are used, which have a closed first end 22' and - just like the tubular shrink film 20 - an open second end 24, such as that described below Fig. 4 can be found.

Similar to the tubular shrink film 20, the sack-shaped shrink film 20 'has a Inside 26 and an outside 28. In the illustration of Fig. 4 a first section 30 adjoining the closed first end 22 ′ is located inside the packaging 10, while a second section 32 adjoining the open second end 24 is arranged outside the packaging 10. In the first section 30 of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 'is in the embodiment of FIG Fig. 4 only one pot 36 is arranged as a whole. As in the one referring to Figures 1 to 3 shown embodiment with a tubular shrink film 20, the object 34 (here the pot 36) is pressed against the bottom wall 12 by pulling on the second section 32 of the - here sack-shaped - shrink film 20 'and thereby fixed in the packaging 10. The second section 32 of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 'is then turned over over the packaging 10, as described above in connection with the tubular shrink film 20, so that the outside 28 of the sack-shaped shrink film 20' faces the packaging and the packaging 10 faces the second section 32 of the sack-shaped Shrink film 20 'is completely or partially surrounded. In the case of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 ', its open second end 24 is then closed or at least narrowed in such a way that the packaging 10 cannot leave the second section of the sack-shaped shrink film 20' via its second end 24, and the second section 32 of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 'is heat treated to cause it to shrink.

If a sack-shaped shrink film 20 'is used, the object 34 is first inserted through the open second end 24 into the sack-shaped shrink film 20', and the open second end 24 of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 'from inside the package 10 through the opening 14 to the outside guided. The remaining steps of the procedure are the same as those of the procedure as described in Figures 2 and 3 is described.

Although only the heat treatment of the second section 32 of the shrink film 20, 20 'has been described in the exemplary embodiments described above, in advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention it is also possible to use the first section 30 of the shrink film 20, 20' at a time when the Packaging 10 is still open, also to be treated with heat in order to weld the object 34 within the packaging 10 and fix it even more firmly in the packaging 10.

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention have been explained in the preceding description and in the accompanying figures. Note that these examples are in no way to be construed as limiting the present invention. Rather, this will be claims all modifications thereof that are present or future within the scope of the claims.

List of reference symbols

10

packaging

12

Floor wall, wall surface

14th

Opening in the bottom wall 12

16

Side wall

18th

Ceiling wall

20th

tubular shrink film

20 '

sack-shaped shrink film

22nd

open first end of the tubular shrink film 20 '

22 '

closed first end of the sack-shaped shrink film 20 '

24

open second end of the tubular (sack-shaped) shrink film 20 (20 ')

26th

Inside of the shrink film 20, 20 '

28

Outside of the shrink film 20, 20 '

30th

first section of the shrink film 20, 20 '

32

second section of the shrink film 20, 20 '

34

Object, potted plant

36

pot

38

plant

40

cable ties

42

Stem of plant 38

44

graphic marking

Claims (15)

1. Method for packaging an object (34), in particular a potted plant (34), having the following steps:

   A.) providing a packaging (10) with a wall surface (12) in which an opening (14) is formed,

   B.) providing a sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) with an open first end (22), an open second end (24), an inner side (26) and an outer side (28),

   C.) placing the object (34) in the packaging (10) and in the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) in such a way that

   • the object (34) is in contact with the inside of said wall surface (12),

   • the object (34) is arranged in the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) with the inner side (26) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) facing the object (34),

   • the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) and a first section (30) adjacent to this first end (22) are arranged in the packaging (10), the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is guided in a central section through the opening (14) in the wall surface (12), and the second end (24) and a second section (32) adjacent to this second end (24) are arranged outside the packaging (10), and

   • the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is sealed or at least narrowed, in such a way that the object (34) cannot exit the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through the first end (22) thereof,

   D.) exerting a tensile force on the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), so that the object (34) is pressed against said wall surface (12) from the inside,

   E.) everting the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) over the packaging (10), so that the outer side (28) of the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is facing the outer side of the packaging (10) and the packaging (10) is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20),

   F.) sealing or narrowing the second end (24) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), at least in such a way that the packaging (10) cannot exit the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through the second end (24) thereof, and

   G.) heat-treating the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) in order to cause the same to shrink.
2. Method according to Claim 1, in which both a first opening at the first end (22) and a second opening at the second end (24) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) are large enough to insert the object (34) into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through this first or second opening, wherein the first and the second opening are preferably the same size, in which, preferably in step C.), the object (34) is inserted into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through the first opening after the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) has been guided through the opening (14) in the wall surface (12).
3. Method according to Claim 1, in which the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) at its second end (24) has a larger opening that is large enough to insert the object (34) through it into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), and at its first end (22) has a smaller opening that is small enough to prevent the object (34) from emerging from the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) at the first end, so that the object (34) can be pressed by means of the said tensile force on the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) against the said wall surface (12), without the latter having to be closed or narrowed at its first end (22) after the object (34) has been inserted into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20).
4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the object (34) comprises a section of larger cross-section, in particular a pot (36), and a section of a smaller cross-section, in particular a part (42) of a plant that is planted in the pot (36), wherein in the packaged state of the object (34) the section of smaller cross-section is guided through the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), in which in the packaged state of the object (34) the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) preferably rests in close contact with the section of smaller cross-section, wherein the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is held together in the region of the section of smaller cross-section, preferably using a cable tie (40), a clamp or an adhesive strip, or in which, in the packaged state of the object (34), the section of smaller cross-section is preferably guided loosely through the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20).
5. Method for packaging an object (34), in particular a potted plant (34), having the following steps:

   A.) providing a packaging (10) with a wall surface (12) in which an opening (14) is formed,

   B.) providing a pouch-shaped shrink film (20'), with a sealed first end (22') and an open second end (24), an inner side (26) and an outer side (28),

   C.) placing the object (34) in the packaging (10) and in the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') in such a way that

   • the object (34) is in contact with the inside of said wall surface (12),

   • the object (34) is arranged in the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') with the inner side (26) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') facing the object (34), and

   • the first end (22') of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20) and a first section (30) adjacent to this first end (22') are arranged in the packaging (10), the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is guided in a central section through the opening (14) in the wall surface (12), and the second end (24) and a second section (32) adjacent to this second end (24) are arranged outside the packaging (10), and

   D.) exerting a tensile force on the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (22'), so that the object (34) is pressed against said wall surface (12) from the inside,

   E.) everting the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') over the packaging (10), so that the outer side (28) of the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is facing the outer side of the packaging (10) and the packaging (10) is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20'),

   F.) sealing or narrowing the second end (24) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20'), at least in such a way that the packaging (10) cannot exit the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') through the second end (24) thereof, and

   G.) heat-treating the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') in order to cause the same to shrink.
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging (10) is formed by a container made of cardboard, in particular a rectangular container made of cardboard, and/or in which the said wall surface (12) is a base surface of the packaging on which the packaging is placed in accordance with the intended use, wherein the base surface is preferably indicated graphically on the outside of the packaging.
7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the shrink film (20, 20') consists of polyethylene, in particular LD-PE, and/or in which the first end and/or the second end (22, 24) of the sleeve-shaped or pouch-shaped shrink film (20, 20') is sealed or narrowed using a clamp, a cable tie (40) and/or an adhesive strip.
8. Packaged object (34), in particular a packaged potted plant (34),
   wherein the object (34) in a packaging (10) is attached in contact with the inside of a wall surface (12) of the packaging (10) by means of a sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) having an open first end (22), an open second end (24), an inner side (26) and an outer side (28),
   wherein the object (34) is arranged in the packaging (10) and in the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) in such a way that

   • the object (34) is in contact with the inside of said wall surface (12),

   • the object (34) is arranged in the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) with the inner side of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) facing the object (34),

   • the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) and a first section (30) adjacent to this first end (22) are arranged in the packaging (10), the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is guided in a central section through the opening (14) in the wall surface (12), and the second end (24) and a second section (32) adjacent to this second end (24) are arranged outside the packaging (10), and

   • the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is sealed or at least narrowed, in such a way that the object (34) cannot exit the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through the first end (22) thereof,

   wherein the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is everted over the packaging (10) in such a way that the outer side (28) of the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is facing the outer side of the packaging (10), and the packaging (10) is completely or partially surrounded by the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20),
   wherein the second end (24) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is sealed or at least narrowed, in such a way that the packaging (10) cannot exit the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through the second end (24) thereof, and the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is shrunk onto the outside of the packaging (10).
9. Packaged object (34) according to Claim 8, in which both a first opening at the first end (22) and a second opening at the second end (24) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) are large enough to insert the object (34) into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) through this first or second opening, wherein the first and second opening are preferably the same size, or in which the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) at its second end (24) has a larger opening which is large enough to insert the object through it into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20), and at its first end (22) has a smaller opening which is small enough to prevent the object (34) from emerging from the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) at the first end (22), so that the object (34) can be pressed by means of a tensile force on the second section (32) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) against the said wall surface (12), without the latter having to be closed or narrowed at its first end (22) after the object (34) has been inserted into the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20).
10. Packaged object (34) according to either of Claims 8 or 9, in which the object (34) comprises a section of larger cross-section, in particular a pot (36), and a section of smaller cross-section, in particular a part (42) of a plant (38) that is planted in the pot (36), and in which the section of smaller cross-section is guided through the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20).
11. Packaged object (34) according to Claim 10, in which the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is in close contact with the section of smaller cross-section, wherein the first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20) is held together, preferably by means of a cable tie (40), a terminal or an adhesive strip, in the region of the section of smaller cross-section, or in which the section of smaller cross-section is guided loosely through the narrowed first end (22) of the sleeve-shaped shrink film (20).
12. Packaged object (34), in particular a packaged potted plant (34),
    wherein the object (34) in a packaging (10) is attached in contact with the inside of a wall surface (12) of the packaging (10) by means of a pouch-shaped shrink film (20'), the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') having a closed first end (22'), an open second end (24), an inner side (26) and an outer side (28),
    wherein the object (34) is arranged in the packaging (10) and in the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') in such a way that

    • the object (34) is in contact with the inside of said wall surface (12),

    • the object (34) is arranged in the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') with the inner side (26) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') facing the object (34), and

    • the first end (22') of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') and a first section (30) adjacent to this first end (22') are arranged in the packaging (10), the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is guided in a central section through an opening (14) in the wall surface (12), and the second end (24) and a second section (32) adjacent to this second end (24) are arranged outside the packaging (10),

    wherein the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is everted over the packaging (10) in such a way that the outer surface (28) of the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is facing the outer side of the packaging (10) and the packaging (10) is completely or at least partially surrounded by the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20'),
    wherein the second end (24) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is sealed or at least narrowed, in such a way that the packaging (10) cannot exit the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') through the second end (24) thereof, and the second section (32) of the pouch-shaped shrink film (20') is shrunk onto the outside of the packaging (10).
13. Packaged object (34) according to any one of Claims 8 to 12, wherein the packaging (10) is formed by a container made of cardboard, in particular a rectangular container made of cardboard, and/or in which the said wall surface (12) is a base surface of the packaging (10) on which the latter is placed in accordance with the intended use, wherein the base surface is preferably indicated graphically on the outside of the packaging.
14. Packaged object (34) according to any one of Claims 8 to 13, in which the shrink film (20, 20') consists of polyethylene, in particular LD-PE, and/or in which the first end and/or the second end of the sleeve-shaped or pouch-shaped shrink film (20, 20') is sealed or narrowed by means of a clamp (40), a cable tie and/or an adhesive strip.
15. Packaging set for packaging an object (34), in particular a potted plant (34), according to a method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, comprising
    a packaging with a wall surface in which an opening is formed or which has a marker indicating the location at which such an opening should be formed, and
    a sleeve-shaped or a pouch-shaped shrink film (20, 20'), the packaging set also preferably comprising at least one, preferably two cable ties (40), clamps and/or adhesive strips, which are suitable for sealing or narrowing an associated end (22, 22', 24) of the sleeve-shaped or pouch-shaped shrink film (20, 20').

Images