KR20110066915A - Packing unit, shipping unit and a method of manufacturing a packing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a group of packages (1) which are filled with a liquid product and which are folded, comprising a bottom wall and two opposing side walls and having an upward tapered shape in an upright position. ) Are arranged such that each package 1 has a side wall facing the bottom of the packaging unit 4, the packages 1 arranged up and down in a plurality of layers, with each package 1 having a plurality of packages 1 in each layer. , The packages 1 are alternately oriented in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages 1 of each layer are uniformly oriented in the first direction or the second direction And a plastic film cover 5 which at least partially surrounds the group of packages 1 to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4, to form the plastic film cover. And a plastic film cover (5) made of a web of plastic film bonded together along up to three elongated seals.

Description

PACKING UNIT, SHIPPING UNIT AND A METHOD OF MANUFACTURING A PACKING UNIT}

The present invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a group of packages that are filled with a liquid product and which have a bottom wall and two opposing sidewalls and which have an upwardly tapered shape in an upright position.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said packaging unit and to a transport unit comprising packaging units of the kind mentioned in the introduction.

In the food industry it is common for packages containing liquid food to be packed in boxes for later distribution or storage.

Typical packages used in the food industry are made of rigid packaging such as cardboard. Packages of this kind are produced, for example, in a shape that can be laminated and can carry a weight. This means that the package can be easily packaged in a larger unit, for example by arranging it to be stacked side by side and up and down on a pallet or in a cardboard box for later transport.

Folding packages are widely used in the food industry and other industries. Such a package is made of a flexible plastic film material, which means that the package does not have the same rigid quality as a package of the type described above.

The problem is that the folded package cannot be stacked up and down, for example, before transporting. Thus, multiple folded packages are often packaged together in a cardboard box. When transporting these boxes, the packages may be worn due to vibrations and external forces acting on the packages during transport. In some cases, especially when combined with the formation of a fold in the packaging material, such abrasion can lead to leakage of the package contents.

EP 0 681 970 discloses a method for allowing folding packages to be folded up and down.

It is an object of the present invention to make available a packaging unit suitable for storing and transporting a collapsible package. Another object of the present invention is to make available a method of manufacturing a packaging unit suitable for storing and transporting a collapsible package. It is also an object of the present invention to make available a transport unit comprising a plurality of packaging units suitable for storing and transporting a collapsible package.

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a packaging unit comprising a group of packages filled with a liquid product, the package comprising a bottom wall and two opposing side walls and having an upwardly tapered shape in an upright position. The packages are arranged such that each package has sidewalls facing the bottom of the packaging unit, the packages arranged up and down in multiple layers, with multiple packages in individual layers, the packages being in the first direction and the Alternately oriented in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the packages of each layer are in a uniformly oriented configuration in the first or second direction, and a group of packages are provided to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit. At least partially enclosed plastic film cover, the four forming the plastic film cover Under the elongated seals relates to a packaging unit, comprising a step of including a plastic film cover is made of a web of plastic film bonded together along.

Foldable packages mean packages with a chamber defined by flexible walls joined together, for example, along a connection. Such packages can have the advantages of being lightweight, efficiently produced, and taking up less space than corresponding packages made of rigid package material in the unfilled state.

Due to the fact that the packages are arranged such that each package has a side wall facing the bottom of the packaging unit, it is possible for example for the packages to be placed on the surface in a stable manner. In addition, the packaging unit can be made to have a large base surface, so that the packaging unit can be laid on the surface in a stable manner, and the side walls of the packages are substantially parallel to the surface.

The plurality of layers are at least two layers, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more layers. The plurality of layers may be at least two layers, for example two, four, six, eight or more even layers. The plurality of layers allows for example the packaging unit to be packaged so as to take a right parallelepiped shape. As a result, the packaging units can be laminated appropriately.

Multiple packages in each layer may, for example, have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more packages in each layer. By arranging a plurality of packages in each layer, the packaging unit can be made to have a large base surface, so that the packaging unit can be placed on the surface in a stable manner. The plurality of packages in each layer may have two or more packages in each layer.

Due to the fact that the packages are oriented alternately in the first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction and the packages of each layer are uniformly oriented in the first or second direction or the packages are arranged with the head facing the leg, The packages may be densely packed and may be packed so that the packaging unit takes essentially a cuboid shape, which is the shape desired for storage and / or transportation.

The plastic film cover at least partially surrounding the packages is arranged such that dimensional stability of the packaging unit is obtained. It is a significant advantage that the packaging units containing the folded packages are dimensionally stable. This dimensionally stable packaging unit can be configured to carry loads, for example, which means that packages can be stacked, for example. Multiple packaging units may for example be stacked on pallets which facilitate handling and transport of multiple packages as well as multiple packaging units. Furthermore, due to the plastic cover at least partially surrounding the packaging units, for example, the packages will not rub against each other or significantly less friction than during normal packaging units despite the shaking and vibration that may occur during transportation. As a result, the risk of damaging the packages and the risk of leaks is reduced. When the folded packages are packaged together in a box, for example, the flexible walls of the packages can be folded, which exacerbates any damage associated with wear to the wall of the package caused by the frictional action during transportation. This kind of folding problem is minimized by the present invention. The present invention thus solves a number of problems associated with the transport of a folded package.

The fact that the plastic film cover is made of a web of plastic film material bonded together along up to four elongated seals or longitudinal seals to form a plastic film cover is suitable for producing a plastic film cover, for example. To be able.

The longitudinal seals have components in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film.

The longitudinal and / or transverse seals according to the invention may have flexibility and / or bendability. The flexible and / or bendable seals can help to reduce or minimize the risk of damaging the packages and the risk of package leakage.

The packaging unit according to the invention may comprise a handle. The handle of the packaging unit can be a significant advantage when the individual packaging unit is carried by hand. The packaging unit may for example consist of a plurality of packages each having a constant volume, so that the packaging unit according to the invention can be easily transported for example beverages, for example by the consumer who purchased the packaging unit in a store. It is suitable. A packaging unit, for example containing 1 to 24 packages, each having a liquid volume of 10 to 200 centiliters, can be carried in this way.

Packages may include, for example, plastic, paper, laminated material or combinations thereof, or may be made of plastic, paper, laminated material or combinations thereof.

The number of packages in each layer of the packaging unit may be the same.

The group of packages may include four, six, eight or ten packages, for example.

The plastic film cover can surround the packaging unit such that each individual package has a fixed position within the unit. In this way, the plastic film cover can ensure that the packages in the group of packages maintain their relative positions, for example, during transportation or when a load is applied to them.

The plastic film cover can completely surround the group of packages. In this way, regardless of the direction of the load the group receives, the group of packages can be protected from all sides and improved dimensional stability can be obtained. The group of packages may have six sides, for example, all of which are surrounded by the plastic film cover. The group of packages and the packaging unit can thus form a cuboid which is of a suitable geometric shape for the packaging units, for example, because a number of packaging units can be packed tightly and occupy very little storage and cargo space. Fewer sides, for example five or four sides, than all sides of the group of packages may be surrounded by a plastic film cover. At least four sides of the packaging unit must be surrounded by a plastic film cover to provide dimensional stability according to the invention.

The packaging unit may have up to four transverse seals or transverse seals.

The transverse seals may have components that cross the longitudinal direction of the plastic film.

Different numbers of longitudinal and transverse seals can be used in the packaging unit in different combinations. The packaging unit may, for example, have up to four longitudinal seals and up to four transverse seals.

The plastic film cover may have, for example, one longitudinal seal and two transverse seals. The plastic film cover can thus be a piece of plastic film that can be sealed around a group of packages to enable the plastic film cover to be attached efficiently.

The plastic film cover may, for example, have two longitudinal seals and two transverse seals.

According to the invention, the seals can be located on the sides of the packaging unit.

The seals may be located on the sides of the packaging unit and on three or less edges of the packaging unit.

The seals are located on the sides of the packaging unit but may not be located on the edge of the packaging unit.

Dimensional stability according to the invention means that the plastic film cover must surround the group of packages so that the individual packages are held in a substantially fixed position relative to each other. Since the group of packages is surrounded by a plastic film cover, the dimensional stability according to the invention can also be obtained when the packaging unit is under load.

The plastic film cover can completely surround the group of packages without tightening force. The plastic film can be arranged, for example, to loosely surround the group of packages while providing dimensional stability to the packaging unit. The loosely wrapped plastic film in this case does not absolutely hold the individual packages in place, but rather ensures that the packages can move slightly relative to the remaining packages in the group. Nevertheless, dimensional stability is provided as the plastic film prevents individual packages from falling out of the packaging unit. Thus, plastic film covers of this kind can provide dimensional stability to packages.

The plastic film cover can also surround the group of packages with a tightening force. Thus, plastic film covers of this kind can provide dimensional stability to packages.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may be arranged to surround the packages with a tightening force such that the contents of the packages form a back pressure beam to obtain the dimensional stability of the packaging unit.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may for example be a shrink film. The shrink film can be positioned around the packages in a preferred and suitable manner, and then shrunk by heating, for example, to more tightly surround the packaging unit and form a tightening force if necessary.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may for example be a film wrap. Film wrapping is an effective way of attaching a cover around packages. Lapping also creates tension in the cover so that dimensional stability can be obtained in the packaging unit according to the invention.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may be a film wrap in the form of a shrink film.

The plastic film cover of the package may be a film wrap with a transverse seal and / or a longitudinal seal.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may for example comprise thermosetting plastic or resin or other polymer material suitable according to the invention or may be made of thermosetting plastic or resin or other polymer material suitable according to the invention.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit may be 100 micrometers or less in thickness, but may be thicker than 100 micrometers. The plastic film cover may have a thickness of, for example, 5 to 50 or 10 to 30 micrometers.

The transport unit according to the invention may comprise a number of packaging units. When carrying the packaging units it may be advantageous to treat several packaging units as one transport unit. For example, lifting or other handling operations can be minimized if several packaging units are handled as one unit. The transport unit may also comprise a suitable number of packaging units, for example for distribution to shops and storage in shops.

The packaging units of the transport unit can be stacked on the load carrier. The load carrier carrying the transport unit facilitates the handling and transport of the transport unit and the packaging units, for example. The load carrier may be arranged for lifting, loading or transporting, for example by a truck such as a fork lift truck or a manual truck.

The packaging units of the transport unit can be arranged in a stack, which stack is at least partially surrounded by a plastic film cover. This kind of plastic film cover can, for example, hold the packaging units together and can keep the packaging units from shaking during transportation. In addition, the plastic film cover can fix the packaging units to the cargo carrier when the packaging units are stacked on the cargo carrier. The plastic film cover can be a film wrap, for example, and the film wrap can be a shrink film.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a method of manufacturing a packaging unit, comprising a group of packages filled with a liquid product, the packages being folded and comprising a bottom wall and two opposing sidewalls, tapered upward in an upright position. Having a shape, stacked up and down in multiple layers, with multiple packages arranged in each layer, each layer being oriented alternately in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the packages of each layer Arranging a group of packages configured to be uniformly oriented in a first direction or a second direction, at least partially surrounding the packages with a plastic film cover to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit, and having no more than four in the plastic film cover. The seals of the plastic film cover to form the plastic film cover In that it comprises a step made of a web of more or less thin and long seals bonding together the plastic film according to the production method provides a packaging unit according to claim.

The plastic film cover according to the method of the invention may be a film wrap wrapped around the packages.

The plastic film according to the method of the invention may be a shrink film which shrinks on the packages.

Where possible, the description relating to the packaging unit may also apply to the packaging unit manufacturing method and the transport unit.

1 schematically shows that packages according to the invention are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the individual layers of packages are uniformly oriented in the first or second direction. Perspective view.
2A and 2B are perspective views schematically showing, in two different directions, a packaging unit surrounded by a plastic film cover with a longitudinal seal and a transverse seal, respectively.
3a-3c schematically show various embodiments of a packaging unit with a longitudinal seal and a transverse seal.
4 is a perspective view schematically showing a packaging unit according to the invention partially enclosed by a plastic film cover.
5A-5D schematically illustrate a method for enclosing a group of packages with a plastic film cover.
6a to 6d are perspective views schematically showing that the packaging units according to the present invention are located on the load carrier 24 in Fig. 6a, 3 in Fig. 6b, 2 in Fig. 6c and 24 in Fig. 6d, respectively. .
7 is a schematic illustration of a method of wrapping a packaging unit with a plastic film cover.
8a and 8b schematically show a packaging unit comprising six packages and further comprising a handle.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail and certain preferred embodiments and modifications thereof are presented. The information set forth below is intended to clarify and explain the invention and is not intended to limit the technical scope of the invention. The drawings are schematically depicted and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

With reference to FIG. 1, the packages 1 according to the invention are described, wherein the packages are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the individual layers of packages are in the first direction or in the second direction. Evenly oriented in the direction. Six packages 1 are shown in FIG. 1. The packages 1 have an upward tapered shape in an upright position and have a narrow end 2 and a wide end 3. It will be appreciated that the packages are shown schematically. The packaging unit 4 is arranged such that each package 1 has side walls facing the bottom of the packaging unit 4. 1 shows six packages 1 arranged up and down in two layers. However, according to the invention, the packages 1 may be arranged in two or more layers. The number of packages may not be six but may be four or more, for example. It is evident in FIG. 1 that the even number of layers allows the group of packages to basically take a cuboid shape. It will be appreciated that the shape does not exactly correspond to the cuboid shape.

It may be desirable according to the invention for the packages to have two opposing side walls and a bottom wall, the side walls and the bottom wall being flexible, and the figures are for example for illustrating such packages.

2A and 2B, certain preferred embodiments of the present invention are described. 2a and 2b show the packaging unit 4 from two different angles. The packaging unit 4 comprises six packages 1a-1f, which are filled with liquid products. The packages 1 are made of plastic, folded and have an upward tapered shape in an upright position. The packages 1 are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages of the individual layers are uniformly oriented in the first or second direction and surrounded by the plastic film cover 5. All.

The number of packages of the packaging unit according to the invention may not be six. The number of packages can be four or more. The number of packages may be two or more. The number of packages in each layer may be two or more.

The plastic film cover 5 provides dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4 by fixing the positions of the separate packages.

The packaging unit 4 has six sides, four of which are shown in the figures and referred to as sides 6a-6d, and the other two sides not shown in the figures are the side 6a and the side 6c. Is opposite to). In this example, the plastic film cover 5 surrounds all six sides 6 of the packaging unit, and the plastic film cover 5 has three seals 13a-13c with the seal 13a closed. It is a directional seal and the seals 13b, 13c are transverse seals.

It will be appreciated that the plastic film cover 5 may have a number of seals 13 other than the number shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The number of seals 13 may be larger or smaller than the number shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The plastic film cover 5 may be provided with seals 13 on all six sides 6 of the packaging unit, for example. The faces may not have seals 13 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2A and 2B. According to the invention, the number of longitudinal seals is four or less. There may be more than one seal 13 per side, but it would be desirable to have only one seal 13 per side.

In this example it is further shown that the packages of the invention are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages of the individual layers are uniformly oriented in the first or second direction. have. The packages are packages 1a, 1d and 1f of the first layer having a first direction R1 and packages 1a of the second layer having a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1. 1c, 1e). In this example, directions R1 and R2 are the same as the directions in which the packages are tapered and are indicated by arrows R1 and R2 in the figure. It will be appreciated that the directions R1 and R2 may be reversed.

3A-3C, various embodiments of a packaging unit having a longitudinal seal and a transverse seal are described. For the sake of clarity, the packages of the packaging unit are not shown in this example, only the transparent plastic film cover 5 is shown. In this way, the seals can be seen in the figure no matter which side they are located on the packaging unit 4. The plastic film cover 5 is basically shown in a shape corresponding to the shape of the cube. The web of the plastic film according to this example has its longitudinal direction substantially coincident with the direction of the seal 13a. 3a and 3b show a packaging unit with two longitudinal seals 13a, 13d and two transverse seals 13b, 13c. 3c shows a packaging unit with one longitudinal seal 13a and two transverse seals 13b, 13c.

The seals may for example be heat bonded or joined together in other ways using heat and / or pressure. The seals can also be glued for example with an adhesive.

With reference to Fig. 4, a specific embodiment of the present invention is described. The figure shows a packaging unit 4 comprising six packages 1a-1f filled with a liquid product. The packages 1 are made of plastic, foldable and have an upwardly tapered shape in an upright position. The packages 1 are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the packages of each layer are evenly oriented in the first or second direction and are wrapped around the packages 1. It is partially surrounded by one plastic film cover 5. The packaging unit 4 has six faces, four of which are faces 6a-6d surrounded by the plastic film cover 5. The plastic film cover 5 provides dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4. Further, in this example, the packages according to the invention, ie the packages are oriented alternately in the first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages of the individual layers are uniformly in the first or second direction. A first set of packages 1b, 1d, 1f oriented in a first direction R1 and a second set of packages 1a having a second direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1; Shows packages containing 1c, 1e). In this example, directions R1 and R2 are the same as the directions in which the packages are tapered and are indicated by arrows R1 and R2 in the figure. It will be appreciated that these directions R1 and R2 may be reversed.

5A to 5D, the manufacturing method of the packaging unit according to the present invention will be described. The method includes, in particular, enclosing the group 14 of packages 1 with a plastic film cover 5, the plastic film cover completely enclosing the group 14 of packages, the enclosing operation being Impart dimensional stability to the packages. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the packages in group 14 may differ from those shown in FIGS. 5A-5D, within the technical scope of the present invention. In this example, the plastic film 9 is shown as opaque. In FIG. 5A a group of packages 1 arranged such that the packages are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages of the individual layers are evenly oriented in the first or second direction. 14 and the plastic film 9 are shown. In this example, the plastic film may be arranged in a V shape in the figure and the plastic may be folded in a V shape.

In FIG. 5B the plastic film is arranged such that it substantially follows the appearances of certain sidewalls of the group 14 of packages 1.

In FIG. 5C, the longitudinal seal 13a is produced. According to the present invention, as described through the present embodiments or examples and other embodiments or examples, the longitudinal seal 13a may be defined as a seal having a component in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film. A transverse seal can be defined as a seal having components transverse to the longitudinal direction of the plastic film. The longitudinal direction of the plastic film is further described with reference to FIG. 7. In this example, the seals may be of the type described above or of another available and suitable type. Portions protruding from the seal of the plastic film can be removed with the sealing operation, for example by cutting or other optional removal method. In addition, the dimensions of the plastic film and the appearance of the seal may be configured such that the plastic protrudes substantially no or only a little from the seal. The width of the plastic film may for example be chosen slightly wider than the distance surrounding the group of packages.

In addition, according to the invention, the protrusions of the plastic film can be folded firmly with respect to the package. Thus, as is evident from the figure, the four sides of the group of packages are surrounded by a plastic film cover. If only four sides are desired and certainly convenient to be surrounded by a plastic film cover, the parts of the plastic film 9 do not protrude out of the side of the group 14 of the unpackaged packages 1 or only at the same time. It can be conveniently removed to protrude a little. This means that the plastic film cover can be configured to only partially surround the group of packages. FIG. 5D shows a group of packages now completely enclosed with a plastic film cover and where two transverse seals have been created, the transverse seal 13b being visible in the drawing, the transverse seal 13c and the longitudinal seal 13a ) Are indicated by dotted lines. In this example, the transverse seals are oriented in the manner shown in the figures, but may be oriented differently within the technical scope of the present invention. The transverse seals can extend upwards, for example, from below and this orientation is substantially 90 degrees from the depicted orientation. If there are parts protruding from the transverse seal of the plastic film, these parts can be removed or folded in the manner described for the longitudinal seals.

As a result, a packaging unit was produced comprising a group 14 of packages 1 and a plastic film cover 5 completely surrounding the group of packages. The plastic film cover can be shrunk by heat treatment, thereby providing or increasing dimensional stability.

The plastic film may have a folded shape other than the illustrated folded V shape within the technical scope of the present invention. The plastic film may for example have a tube or pipe shape in which the packages are located. The plastic film cover thus produced can be inferred from the description of the folded v-shaped web of plastic, for example, with one longitudinal seal and two transverse seals. A tube or v-folded web of plastic film can be made of two webs joined together along a longitudinal seal of a plastic film with two transverse seals and two longitudinal seals. Furthermore, according to the invention, the group of packages may be placed in a plastic bag, or alternatively in one end sealed tube, and the plastic bag or end sealed tube may have one or two packaging units, or It is sealed transversely to include more transverse seals.

If the plastic film is tightened tightly around the group 14 of packages 1 by shrinkage such that the outer periphery of the plastic film is slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the group of packages, by this method the plastic film cover 5 Can wrap a group of packages with a tightening force. This tightening force depends on how tightly the film shrinks around the group of packages. Shrinkage can also be done in such a way that the cover surrounds the group without tightening force. If the plastic film is attached substantially without tightening force, this method enables the plastic film cover 5 according to the invention to enclose a group of packages without tightening force. When a film wrap is used, the tightening force can be obtained by wrapping the plastic film cover, possibly in conjunction with the shrinkage of the plastic film cover. The tightening force can provide additional dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4 by fixing the positions of the separated packages more firmly.

6a to 6d, the transport units 7a-7d comprising a plurality of packaging units 4a-4d according to the present invention are described. Each packaging unit 4a-4d includes a plurality of packages not shown in the figure. In the example shown in the figure, the transport units 7a-7d are located or stacked on the load carriers 8a-8d.

In FIG. 6b, the transport unit 7b is surrounded by wrapping the plastic film 9 around the transport unit, so that the transport unit 7b, the packaging unit 4b and the packages of the invention are particularly protected during transportation. And its dimensional stability is increased. In the example shown in the figure, four sides of the transport unit 7b are surrounded by a plastic film 9, but for example up to five or six sides may be enclosed.

The transport unit 7d of FIG. 6d includes packaging units 4 stacked on the binding layers, which allow the packaging units to be stacked more stably.

Referring to FIG. 7, a packaging unit 4 comprising a group 14 of packages 1 is formed to form a plastic film cover 5 at least partially surrounding the packages to impart dimensional stability to the packages. Explain the wrapping. The figure is shown schematically and shows wrapping once around the packages. Here, an x-y-z coordinate system has been introduced as shown in the figure, and wrapping according to the figure is considered to be done in the x-z plane. If lapping is done only in this plane, four of all six sides of the group 14 of packages 1 will be surrounded by a plastic film cover 5. If lapping is also done in the x-y plane, five or six sides may be surrounded by a plastic film cover. The tightening force generated by the plastic film cover will be greater if wrapped several times, which may be desirable, for example, where it is desirable to form a counter pressure beam in the liquid contained in the packages. It is good to wrap. Wrapping several times gives substantially better mechanical protection than wrapping just once. It will be appreciated that wrapping may only be done in the x-y plane. The wrapping planes are selected depending on how the packages are oriented during the transport of the packaging units and possibly during lamination. The plastic film portion on the plastic film roll 10 protruding beyond the packaging unit 4 may for example be folded back onto the packaging unit 4 when the tightening force is increased. The longitudinal direction of the plastic film according to the invention can be regarded as the direction of the plastic film from the plastic film roll 10 indicated by the arrow 15 or vice versa, which longitudinal direction and the plastic film used for wrapping It can be applied to both sealed plastic films. The longitudinal direction of the plastic film according to the invention can be defined in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the plastic film. The plastic film can be a shrink film, for example it can be chosen to shrink by heating the packaging unit 4 after wrapping and by this shrinkage the tightening force can be increased.

The plastic film cover 5 obtained by lapping according to the invention may comprise both a transverse seal and a longitudinal seal according to the invention. As a result, for example, the dimensional stability and / or strength of the packaging unit 4 or packages 1 can be increased.

8A and 8B, a packaging unit including the handles 11a-11c will be described.

8a shows a packaging unit comprising a group of packages 1 surrounded by a plastic film cover 5. The portion 12 of the handle is adhesively glued to the plastic film cover so that the packaging unit can be carried by the handle without the handle being released from the packaging unit. For example, if the plastic film cover surrounds four sides of a group of packages, the handle can be attached to one or more packages or plastic films and the plastic film applied thereon.

8a shows a packaging unit comprising a group of packages 1 wrapped in a plastic film cover 5. The plastic film cover 5 wraps around the portions 12a, 12b of the handles 11 positioned so as to be placed between the plastic film cover 5 and the packages after being wrapped, and this wrapping causes the packaging unit to It may be sufficient to be able to be carried by the handle without being unwound from the packaging unit. The handles may also be attached to one or more packages or to a plastic film before wrapping, for example to ensure that the handles are better attached to the packaging unit.

The packaging units shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B can be suitably carried by the handles and the six packages are a convenient number for selling beverages, for example. Each of the packages may contain, for example, one liter of beverage, but a volume of, for example, 330 ml to 2 liters is also good. The number of packages may be other than six.

The packages described in the above examples and with reference to the figures are packages according to the invention that are folding. Foldable packages mean packages with a chamber defined by flexible walls joined together, for example, along a connection. The walls generally comprise two opposing side walls and a bottom wall.

Claims (15)

In a packaging unit (4) comprising a group of packages (1) which are filled with a liquid product and which are folded, comprising a bottom wall and two opposing side walls and having an upwardly tapered shape in an upright position,
The packages 1 are arranged such that each package 1 has a side wall facing the bottom of the packaging unit 4,
The packages 1 are arranged up and down in a plurality of layers, a plurality of packages (1) is provided in each layer,
The packages 1 are alternately oriented in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
The packages 1 of each layer are of a configuration uniformly oriented in the first direction or the second direction, and
A plastic film cover (5) at least partially surrounding a group of packages (1) to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit (4), with no more than four elongated seals to form the plastic film cover A packaging unit comprising a plastic film cover (5) made of a web of plastic films bonded together. The method of claim 1,
The packaging unit 4, characterized in that the packaging unit comprises a handle 11. The method according to claim 1 or 2,
Packaging unit 4, characterized in that the number of packages 4 in each layer is the same. The claim according to any of the preceding claims,
Packaging unit (4), characterized in that the group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product comprises four, six, eight or ten packages (1). The claim according to any of the preceding claims,
The packaging unit 4, characterized in that the plastic film cover 5 completely surrounds the group of packages 1. The method of claim 5,
The packaging unit (4), characterized in that the plastic film cover (5) has one longitudinal seal (13) and two transverse seals (13). The claim according to any of the preceding claims,
The packaging unit (4), characterized in that the plastic film cover (5) is a shrink film. The claim according to any of the preceding claims,
Packaging unit (4), characterized in that the plastic film cover (5) surrounds the group of packages (1) without tightening force. The claim according to any of the preceding claims,
The packaging unit 4, characterized in that the plastic film cover 5 has a tightening force and surrounds the group of packages 1. Transport unit (7), characterized in that it comprises a plurality of packaging units according to claim 1. The method of claim 10,
Transport unit (7), characterized in that the packaging units (4) are stacked on the load carrier (8). The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein
A transport unit (7), characterized in that the stack formed of said packaging units (4) is at least partially surrounded by a plastic film cover. As a method of manufacturing the packaging unit 4,
A group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product, the packages being folded and comprising a bottom wall and two opposing sidewalls, having an upright tapered shape in an upright position, stacked up and down in multiple layers, each layer A plurality of packages 1 are arranged in each layer, each layer being oriented alternately in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the packages 1 of each layer are in a first direction or Arranging a group of packages configured to be uniformly oriented in a second direction;
At least partially surround the packages 1 with a plastic film cover 5 to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4, and the plastic film cover 5 is provided with up to four seals 13, wherein the plastic film The cover (5) comprises the step of making a web of plastic film bonded together along up to four elongated seals to form the plastic film cover. The method of claim 13,
The plastic film cover (5) is a packaging unit manufacturing method, characterized in that the film wrap wrapped around the packages (1). The method according to claim 13 or 14,
Said plastic film cover (5) is a shrink film shrinking on packages (1).

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