BRPI0920593B1 - packaging unit, shipping unit and a method for producing a packaging unit. - Google Patents

Abstract

packaging unit, shipping unit and a method for producing a packaging unit. "The present invention relates to a packaging unit (4) comprising a group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product which are of the foldable type and comprise a bottom wall and two opposite side walls, the packages (1) being in an upright position having an upwardly tapered shape characterized by the fact that the packages (1) are arranged in such a manner Since each package (1) has a side wall facing a bottom of the packaging unit (4), the packages (1) are stacked on top of each other in a plurality of layers, with a plurality of packages (1) in each. layer (1) said packages (1) have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and packages (1) of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first or second direction, and a plastic film cover (5), which at least partially surrounds the packaging group (1), to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit (4), the plastic film cover (5) being made of a screen of plastic film material, which has been joined over four or less elongate sealing portions, to form said plastic film cover, and to a shipping unit and a method for producing said packaging unit. The order also includes a shipping unit and a method for producing a packaging unit.

Description

Invention Patent Descriptive Report for UNIT OF

PACKAGING, DISPATCH UNIT AND A METHOD TO PRODUCE A PACKAGING UNIT.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a packaging unit, which comprises a group of packages filled with a liquid product, which are of the collapsible type and comprise a bottom patella and two opposite patellas, the packages having in their vertical position, a tapered upward shape.

The invention also relates to a method of producing the packaging unit and a shipping unit, which comprises packaging units of the type cited by way of introduction.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNIQUE

In the food industry, it is usual for packages containing 15 liquid liquids to be packed in boxes for subsequent distribution or storage.

Traditional packaging, used in the food industry, is made of rigid packaging materials, such as cardboard. Such packaging can be produced in a format such that they are empiable, for example, and capable of supporting a load. This means that they can be easily packaged in larger units, placing them side by side and on top of each other, for example, on a pallet or in a cardboard box for additional transport.

Foldable type packaging is increasingly being used in the food and other industries. These packages are made of a flexible plastic film material, which means that the packages do not have the same rigid quality as the type of packaging described above.

The problem is that foldable packages cannot be stacked one on the other, for example, before transport. In this way, several foldable packages are often packed together in a cardboard box. When transporting these boxes, vibrations and forces that act

2/20 on the packaging during transport can cause wear to the packaging. In some cases, this wear, especially in combination with the formation of folds in the packaging material, can cause the contents of the packaging to leak.

European Patent Application No. EP 0 681 970 describes a method for folding foldable packages, to make them stackable on top of each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to make a J0 packaging unit available, which is suitable for storing and transporting foldable packages. Another object of the present invention is to make available a method for producing packaging units, which are suitable for storing and transporting foldable packages. It is also an object of the present invention to make available a shipping unit, which comprises a plurality of packaging units, which is suitable for storing and transporting foldable packages.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging unit, which comprises a group of packages filled with a liquid product, which are of the collapsible type and comprise a bottom patella and two opposing patellas, in its vertical position, the packages have an upward tapered shape, characterized by the fact that the packages are arranged in such a way that each package has a lateral patella facing towards the bottom of the packaging unit, the packages are stacked on top of each other in one plurality of layers with a plurality of packages in each layer, said packages having an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction and the packages in an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first or second direction, and a plastic film cover, which at least partially surrounds the group of packages, to provide add dimensional stability to the packaging unit, the plastic film covering being made of a plastic film material screen, which was joined to the

3/20 over four or less elongated sealing parts, to form said plastic film cover.

Foldable type packaging means, for example, packaging, which has a chamber defined by flexible patellas, the patellas being joined to each other along a connecting part. These packages can have the advantages of low weight, enable their efficient production and, in their unfilled state, take up less space than corresponding packages made of rigid packaging material.

Due to the fact that the packages are arranged in such a way that each package has a side screen facing towards the bottom of the packaging unit, it is possible, for example, that the packages are placed stably on a surface. In addition, the packaging unit can be made with a large base surface, which can enable the packaging unit to be placed in a stable manner on a surface, the lateral patellas of the packages being substantially parallel to said surface.

Said plurality of layers is at least two layers, for example 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 8 or more layers. Said plurality of layers can be at least two layers and an even number of layers, for example, 2, 4, 6, 8 or more. Said plurality of layers may make it possible, for example, to package in such a way that the packaging unit takes the shape of a straight parallelepiped. As a result, rational stacking of the packaging unit is made possible.

A plurality of packages in each layer can be, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more packages in each layer. By having a plurality of packages in each layer, the packaging unit can already be made with a large base surface, which can enable the packaging unit to be placed in a stable manner on a surface. Said plurality of packages in each layer can be two or more packages in each layer.

Due to the fact that the packages have an alternating orientation in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first

4/20 the first direction and the packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first or the second direction, or the packages are arranged upside down, the packages can be packed tightly and packed in such a way that a packaging unit it essentially takes the shape of a straight, formed parallelepiped that may be desirable for storage and / or transportation.

The plastic film cover, which at least partially surrounds the packages, is arranged in such a way that dimensional stability of the packaging unit is obtained. It is a considerable advantage that packaging units comprising foldable type packaging can be dimensionally stable. These dimensionally stable packaging units can, for example, be adapted to support a load, which means, for example, that the packages can be stacked. A plurality of packaging units can be stacked, for example, on a pallet, which enables easy handling and transportation, not only of a plurality of packages, but also of a plurality of packaging units. In addition, due to the plastic cover, which at least partially surrounds them, and despite the jolts and vibrations that can occur, for example, during transport, the packages do not rub against each other or rub considerably less than during transport conventional packaging units. As a result, the risk of packaging being damaged and leaking is reduced. When foldable type packages are packed together in boxes, for example, folds can occur in the flexible patellas of the packages, folds that aggravate any damage related to wear on the patella caused by the friction effect during transport. Such bending problems are minimized by the invention. Consequently, the invention solves several problems regarding the transport of foldable type packages.

The fact that the plastic film cover is made of a plastic film material screen, which has been joined along four or less elongated sealing parts, or longitudinal seals, to form said

5/20 plastic film coverage, can make it possible, for example, to rationally produce plastic film coverage.

Said longitudinal seals have a component in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film.

The seals, longitudinal and / or transverse, according to the invention can be flexible and / or foldable. Said flexible and / or foldable sealing parts can help to reduce or minimize the risk of the packages being damaged and the packaging leaking.

The packaging unit according to the invention can comprise a handle. A handle on a packaging unit can be a considerable advantage when the individual packaging units are to be transported by carrying them in your hand. The packaging unit can consist, for example, of several packages, each with a certain volume, so that the packaging unit according to the invention is suitable for easy transport, for example, of drinks, by a customer who has purchased the packaging unit in a store. A packaging unit, which contains, for example, between 1 and 24 packages, each with a liquid volume of, for example, between 10 and 200 centiliters, can be loaded in this way.

The packages may consist of or be made, for example, of plastic, paper, laminated or combined materials thereof.

The number of packages in each layer of the packaging unit can be identical.

The packaging group can contain, for example, four, six, eight or ten packages.

The plastic film cover can surround the packaging unit in such a way that each individual packaging has a fixed position on the unit. In this way, the plastic film cover can ensure that the packaging of the packaging group maintains its relative positions, for example, also during transport or when subjected to a load.

The plastic film cover can completely surround the packaging group6 / 20 genes. In this way, the packaging group can be protected on all sides and improved dimensional stability can be achieved, regardless of the direction of the load to which the group is subjected. The packaging group can have, for example, six faces, all of which are surrounded by said plastic film cover. The packaging group, and also the packaging unit, can therefore form, for example, a straight parallelepiped, which is a suitable geometry for packaging units, since a plurality of these packaging units can be packed tightly, thus occupying very little storage and cargo space. Less than all sides of the packaging group can be surrounded by the plastic film cover, for example, five or four sides. At least four sides of the packaging unit can be surrounded by the plastic film cover, in order to provide the dimensional stability according to the invention.

The packaging unit may have four or less transverse sealing parts, or transverse seals, for example, three or less transverse seals.

Said transverse seals have a component from side to side in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film.

Combinations other than the number of longitudinal and transverse seals can be used in the packaging unit. The packaging unit can have, for example, four or less longitudinal seals and four or less transverse seals.

The plastic film cover can have, for example, a longitudinal seal and two transverse seals. Therefore, the plastic film cover can be a piece of plastic film that is sealed around the packaging group, allowing an efficient application of the plastic film cover.

The plastic film cover can have, for example, two longitudinal seals and two cross seals.

According to the invention, the seals can be positioned 7/20 on the sides of the packaging unit.

The seals can be positioned on the sides of the packaging unit and on three or less edges of the packaging unit.

The seals can be positioned on the sides of the packaging unit and not on three or less edges of the packaging unit.

By dimensional stability according to the invention, it is meant that the plastic film cover must surround the group of packages in such a way that the individual packages are retained in a substantially fixed position in relation to each other. Dimensional stability can also be achieved when the packaging unit is subjected to a load, since the packaging group is surrounded by a plastic film cover.

The plastic film cover can completely surround the packaging group without a clamping force. The plastic film can, for example, be arranged in a fashion to loosely surround the packaging group, while at the same time providing dimensional stability to the packaging unit. The plastic film that loosely surrounds, in this case, does not in any way fix the individual packaging in its position, but ensures that the packaging can be moved slightly in relation to the rest of the packages in the group. However, dimensional stability is nevertheless provided, since the plastic film prevents the individual packaging from falling out of the packaging unit. When the packaging unit is subjected to a load, there may be a displacement of the packages, but the plastic film still prevents the packages from falling out. Therefore, a plastic film cover of this type can provide dimensional stability to the packages.

The plastic film cover can also encircle the packaging group with a clamping force. In this way, a plastic film cover of this type can provide dimensional stability to the packages.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can be arranged to encircle the packages with a clamping force, so

8/20 that the contents of the packages form backpressure beams to obtain the said dimensional stability of the packaging unit.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can be, for example, a contractile film. A contractile film can be positioned in a desirable and appropriate manner around the packages and subsequently be allowed to contract, for example, by heating, in order to further wrap the packaging unit and, where desirable, to generate tightening.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can be, for example, a film wrap. A film wrap is an efficient way to apply a coating around the packaging. In addition, the wrap allows tension to be created in the cover, so that dimensional stability can be achieved in the packaging unit according to the invention.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can be a film wrap in the form of a contractile film.

The plastic film cover of the package can be a film wrap, which has been provided with transverse and / or longitudinal seals.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can consist of or be made, for example, of heat-adjusting plastics or resins, or other polymeric materials that are suitable according to the invention.

The plastic film cover of the packaging unit can be less than 100 micrometers thick, but it can also be thicker than 100 micrometers. The plastic film cover can be, for example, 5-50 or 1-30 micrometers thick.

The shipping unit according to the invention can comprise a plurality of packaging units. It can be advantageous when transporting the packaging units, to handle several packaging units as a shipping unit. Lifting, or other handling operations, can be minimized, for example, if multiple packaging units are handled as one unit. One unit

9/20 shipping may also comprise, for example, an appropriate number of packaging units for distribution and storage in stores.

Shipping units can be stacked on a cargo conveyor. A cargo carrier, which transports the shipping unit can, for example, facilitate the handling and transport of the shipping unit and packaging units. The cargo conveyor may, for example, be arranged for lifting and loading or for transportation by means of a truck, such as a fork lift truck or a manually driven truck.

The packaging units of the shipping unit can be arranged in a pile, which pile is at least partially surrounded by a plastic film cover. Such a plastic film cover can, for example, hold the packaging units together and stabilize them during transport. In addition, the plastic film cover can fix the packaging units on the cargo conveyor, in cases where the packaging units are stacked on a cargo conveyor. The plastic film cover can be, for example, a film wrap, which film wrap can be a contractile film.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of producing packaging units, which comprises the steps of arranging a group of packages filled with a liquid product, which are of the foldable type and comprise a bottom wall and two opposite walls, the packages in their vertical position having a tapered upward shape, stacked on top of each other in a plurality of layers with a plurality of packages in each layer, so that the packages have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the packages of an individual layer having a uniform orientation in the first and second directions and the packages are arranged so that each package has a side wall facing a bottom of the joint

10/20 packaging capacity, at least partially surrounding the packaging with a plastic film cover and providing the plastic film cover with four or less seals, in order to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit, with the plastic film cover it is made of a plastic film material web, which is joined along four or less elongated sealing parts, to form said plastic film cover.

The plastic film cover according to the method can be a film wrap, which is wrapped around the packages.

The plastic film cover according to the method can be a contractile film, which is contracted on the packaging.

Optionally, the above description regarding the packaging unit is also relevant to the method and the shipping unit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of packages, with the packages having an alternating orientation in a first direction and in a second direction opposite to the first direction and the packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first or second direction. , according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging unit surrounded by a plastic film cover with longitudinal and transverse seals, the packaging unit being illustrated as seen, in each case, from two different directions (a) and (b).

Figure 3 shows schematically different modalities of the packaging unit with longitudinal and transverse seals.

Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging unit according to the invention, the packaging unit being partially surrounded by a plastic film cover.

Figure 5 shows schematically a method for surrounding a group of packages with a plastic film cover.

11/20

Figure 6 represents schematic perspective views of (a) 24, (b) 3, (c) 2 and (d) 24 packaging units according to the invention, the packaging units being positioned on a cargo conveyor .

Figure 7 shows schematically how a packaging unit is wrapped in a plastic film cover.

Figure 8 shows schematically a packaging unit, which comprises six packages, the packaging unit still comprising handles.

DESCRIPTION OF MODALITIES

The invention is now described in more detail and specific preferred embodiments and variations are shown. The descriptions are intended for clarification and explanation and should not be considered as limitations of the object of the invention. The figures referred to are schematic illustrations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

With reference to figure 1, packages 1 are now described, the packages having an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first and second directions , according to the invention. Figure 1 shows six packages 1. In the vertical position, the packages 1 have a tapered shape upwards, with a narrower end 2 and a wider end 3. It should be understood that the packages are illustrated schematically. The packaging unit 1 is arranged so that each package 1 has a side wall facing towards the bottom of the packaging unit, 4. Figure 1 shows six packages 1 arranged on top of each other in two layers. However, according to the invention, packages 1 can be arranged in more than two layers. The number of packages can be a number other than six, for example, four or more. It is evident from figure 1 that the even number of layers allows the packaging group to assume, essentially, the shape of a straight parallelepiped. It should be understood that the format does not exactly match

12/20 to that of a straight cobblestone.

It may be preferred according to the invention that the packages have two opposite side walls and a bottom wall, the side walls and the bottom wall being flexible, and the figures are intended, for example, to illustrate such packages.

With reference to figures 2a and b, a specific embodiment of the invention will now be described. Figures 2a and b show a packaging unit 4 seen from different angles. The packaging unit 4 comprises six packages 1 a-f, which packages are filled with a liquid product. Packages 1 are made of plastic and are of the folding type and have an upright shape tapered upwards. Packages 1 have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first and second directions and are surrounded by a plastic film cover 5.

The number of packages in a packaging unit according to the invention can be a number other than six. The number of packages can be four or more. The number of packages can be two or more. The number of packages in each layer can 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 faces, four of which are shown and referred to in the figure as faces 6 a-d, the other two sides, which are not shown in the figure, are diametrically opposite side 6a and side 6c. 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 13 ac, with the seal 13a being a longitudinal seal and the seals 13b and c being transverse seals. .

It should be understood that the plastic film cover 5 can have several different seals 13 than the number shown in figures 2a and b.

13/20

The number of seals 13 can be greater or less than the number shown in figures 2a and b. The plastic film cover 5 can have, for example, seals 5 on all six faces of the packaging unit 4. The faces can be without seals 13, for example, as shown in figures 2a and b. According to the invention, the number of longitudinal seals is four or less. There may be more than one seal 13 per face, but it may be preferred to have only one seal 13 per face.

The example also shows packages according to the invention with an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first, with packages of an individual layer having a uniform orientation in the first or second direction. The packages comprise a first layer of packages (1 b, d, f), with a first direction R1, and a second layer of packages (1a, c, e), with a direction R2 opposite the first direction R1. In this example, the directions R1 and R2 are identical to the tapering directions of the packages, and the directions are indicated by the arrows R1 and R1 in the figure. It should be understood that the directions R1 and R2 can also be inverted.

With reference to figures 3a-c, different modalities of the packaging unit with longitudinal and transverse seals are described. For the sake of clarity, the packaging of the packaging unit is not shown; only the plastic film cover 5, which in the present example is transparent, is reproduced in order to illustrate the packaging unit. In this way, seals are visible in the figure, regardless of the side of the packaging unit 4 in which they are located. The plastic film cover 5 is shown with a shape essentially corresponding to that of a parallelepiped. The plastic film screen according to the example has a longitudinal direction, which substantially coincides with the direction of the seal 13a. Figures 3a and b show a packaging unit with two longitudinal seals 13 and d and two cross seals 13b and c. Figure 3c illustrates a packaging unit with a longitudinal seal 13a and two transverse seals 13 b and c.

The seals can be hot welded, for example, or u

14/20 in another way using heat and / or pressure. The seals can also, for example, be glued.

With reference to figure 4, a specific embodiment of the invention is now described. The figure shows a packaging unit 4, comprising six packages 1a-f, which packages are filled with a liquid product. Packages 1 are made of plastic and are of the foldable type and have an upright shape. Packages 1 have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first, and packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first and second directions, and are partially surrounded by a plastic film cover 5, which it has been wrapped around packages 1. A and 4 have six faces, four of which are faces 6a-d surrounded by said plastic film cover 5. The plastic film cover 5 provides the packaging unit 4 with dimensional stability. In addition, the example shows packages according to the invention with an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and packages of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first and second directions, comprising a first set of packages (1b, d, f) with a first direction R1, and a second set of packages (1a, c, e), with a direction R2 opposite the first direction R1. In this example, the directions R1 and R2 are identical to the tapering directions of the packages and the directions are indicated by the arrows R1 and R2 in the figure. It should be understood that the directions R1 and R2 can also be inverted.

With reference to figures 5a-d, the method for producing a packaging unit according to the invention is described below. The method comprises, among others, surrounding a group 14 of packages 1 with a plastic film cover 5, which completely surrounds the group 14 of packages, the said circumferential operation providing dimensional stability to the packages. It should be understood that the orientation of the packages in group 14 may differ, within the object of the invention, from that shown in figures 5 a-d. In this example, plastic film 9 is

15/20 shown as not being transparent. Figure 5a shows the group 14 of packages 1, which packages have been arranged so that they have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first, with the packages of an individual layer having a uniform orientation in the first or in the second direction, and a plastic film 9. In this example, the plastic film is arranged in the figure in what can be considered a V-shape and the plastic can be considered as folded into a V-shape.

In the figure the plastic film has been arranged so that it substantially follows the contours of certain sides of group 14 of packages 1.

In figure 5c a longitudinal seal 13a has been created. According to the invention, as described by means of this and other embodiments or examples, a longitudinal seal 13a can therefore be defined as a seal with a component in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film, and a transverse seal, as a seal with a component on the longitudinal direction of the plastic film. The longitudinal direction of the plastic film is further described with reference to figure 7. In this example, the seals can be of the type mentioned above, or of any other available and appropriate type. The parts of the plastic film that protrude from the seal can be removed together with the sealing operation, for example, by cutting or any other optional method of removal. In addition, the dimensions of the plastic film and the appearance of the seal can be such that substantially none or only a little of the plastic film protrudes from the seal. The width of the plastic film can be selected, for example, to be only slightly wider than the distance along which it surrounds the packaging group.

In addition, according to the invention, the protruding parts of the plastic film can be folded tightly against the packaging. As is evident from the illustration, four sides of the packaging group are therefore surrounded by a plastic film cover, if it is desirable and, in fact, convenient, that only four sides should be

16/20 surrounded by a plastic film cover, parts of the plastic film 9 can be removed conveniently, so that, for example, it does not protrude at all or just slightly beyond the sides of the packaging group 1 1, that are not surrounded. This means that the plastic film cover can be considered to only partially surround the packaging group. Figure 5d shows the group of packages, which are now completely surrounded by a plastic film cover, and where two transversal seals have been created, of which the transversal seal 13b is visible in the figure and the transversal seal 13c and the longitudinal seal 13a are indicated by dashed lines. In this example, the transverse seals are oriented as shown in the figure, but they can have a different orientation, still within the object of the invention, for example, they can have an extension from the bottom up, which orientation differs substantially by 90 degrees from the illustrated orientation. These parts, when present, of the plastic film, which protrude from the transverse seals, can be removed or folded in the manner described above, with reference to the longitudinal seals.

As a result, the packaging unit was created, which comprises a group 14 of packages 1 and a plastic film cover 5, which completely surrounds the group of packages. The plastic film cover can be contracted by means of heat treatment, which can provide dimensional stability, or increase dimensional stability.

The plastic film may have, within the object of the invention, a folded shape different from the folded V shape shown. The plastic film can, for example, have the shape of a tube or a pipe, in which the packages are positioned. The plastic film cover produced in this way can have, for example, a longitudinal seal and two cross seals, by analogy with the descriptions for the V-shaped folded plastic film screen. The tube, or V-folded plastic film screen. , may consist of two plastic film screens, which are joined along a longitudinal seal, and the plastic film cover has two transversal seals and two longitudinal seals. Besides that,

17/20 according to the invention, a group of packages can be placed in a plastic bag or, alternatively, a tube, which is sealed at one end, after which the plastic bag or tube sealed at the end is sealed in the direction transverse, so that the packaging unit comprises one or two, or more, transverse seals.

When the plastic film is tightened around the packaging group 1, for example, by shrinkage, so that the circumference of the plastic film is slightly smaller than the circumference of the packaging group, this method allows for the covering of plastic film 5 surround the group of packages with a clamping force. The clamping force can be varied, depending on the tightness with which the film is contracted around the packaging group. Contraction can also be carried out in such a way that the cover surrounds the group without a clamping force. When the plastic film is applied substantially without a clamping force, this method allows the plastic film cover 5 according to the invention to surround the group of packages without a clamping force. When a film wrap is used, said clamping force can be obtained by winding, possibly in combination with shrinkage, the plastic wrap. The clamping force can provide additional dimensional stability to the packaging unit 4 by tighter fixing the positions of the separate packages.

With reference to figures 6a-d, shipping units 7 a-d are now described, comprising a plurality of packaging units 4a-d according to the invention. Each packaging unit 4a-d comprises a plurality of packages, which is not shown in the figure. In the examples shown in the figures, the shipping units 7a-d are positioned or stacked on cargo conveyors 8a-d.

In figure 6b, the shipping unit 7b is surrounded by wrapping a plastic film 9 around it, which can offer, among others, protection during transport, increase the dimensional stability of the shipping unit 7b, the packaging unit 4b and of the packaging according to the invention. In the example shown in the figure, four

18/20 sides of the shipping unit 7b are surrounded by plastic wrap 9, but even five or six sides, for example, could have been surrounded.

The shipping unit 7d in figure 6d comprises packaging units 4, which are stacked in joined layers, with the joined layers enabling a more stable stacking.

Referring to figure 7, the wrapping of a packaging unit 4, comprising a group 14 of packages 1, to form a plastic film cover 5, which at least partially surrounds the packages, for proportional dimensional stability. . The figure is schematic and illustrates the wrapping of a first loop around the packages. In this context, an x-y-z coordinate system is introduced, as shown in the figure, and the winding according to the figure is considered to occur in the x-z plane. When winding occurs only in this plane, four out of a total of six sides of group 14 of packages 1 are surrounded by the plastic film cover

5. If the winding also occurs in the x-y plane, five or six sides can be surrounded by the plastic film cover. It may be convenient to roll the cover over several turns, since the clamping force produced by the plastic film cover may be greater than it would be with fewer turns, which may be desirable, for example, when there is a desire to create back pressure in the liquid contained in the packages. Multi-winding can also provide more substantial mechanical protection than winding just one turn. It should be understood that the winding can also occur only in the x-y plane. The winding planes can be selected depending on the orientation that the packaging unit 4 will have during transport and, possibly, stacking, of packaging units. It is to be understood that the part of the plastic film in the plastic film roll 10, which protrudes beyond the packaging unit 4, can be folded for frogs on the packaging unit, for example, when the clamping force is increased. The longitudinal direction of a plastic film according to the invention can be considered to be the

19/20 direction of the plastic film from the plastic film roll 10, which direction is indicated by the arrow 15, or the reverse direction, and this longitudinal direction is applicable both to the plastic film used for winding and to the plastic film that is sealed. The longitudinal direction of a plastic film according to the invention can be defined as the direction of the longitudinal extension of the plastic film. The plastic film can be a contractile film; it can be selected, for example, so that it contracts in the heating of the packaging unit 4, after winding, a contraction that can increase the clamping force.

A plastic film cover 5, which is obtained by winding according to the invention, can be provided with both transverse and longitudinal seals according to the invention. As a result, for example, it is possible to increase the dimensional stability and / or strength of packaging unit 4 or packages 1.

With reference to figures 8a-b, a packaging unit 4 is now described, comprising handles 11a-c.

Figure 8a shows the packaging unit, which comprises a group of packages 1, which are surrounded by the plastic film cover 5. Part 12c of the handle is glued to the plastic film cover, which allows the packaging unit to be loaded through the handle, without the handle detaching from the packaging unit. In cases where, for example, the plastic film cover surrounds four sides of the packaging group, the handle can be attached to one or more of the packages or to the plastic film, after which the plastic film is applied.

Figure 8a shows the packaging package unit, which comprises a group of packages 1, which are wrapped in a plastic film cover 5. The plastic film cover 5 is wrapped around those parts 12a and b of the handles 11, which have been positioned in such a way that, after the winding, they are located between the plastic film cover 5 and the packages, the winding being sufficient to allow the packaging unit to be loaded through the handles, without the handles loosening of the packaging unit. The handles also

20/20 can also be fixed, before winding, in one or more of the packages or in the plastic film, in order to guarantee, for example, a better adherence of the handles in the packaging unit.

The packaging units shown in figure 8 can be appropriately loaded by means of the handles and six packages is a convenient number when selling, for example, drinks. Each package can contain, for example, one liter of drink, but other volumes, for example, 330 ml and 2 liters, can also be convenient. The number of packages can be a number other than six.

Packages as described in the examples above and with reference to the figures, are packages according to the invention, the packages being of the foldable type. By foldable type packaging, for example, packaging, which has a chamber defined by flexible walls, the walls being joined along a connecting part. The pairs usually comprise two opposite side walls and a back wall.

Claims (15)

1. Packing unit (4) defined by six sides, comprising: a group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product, which are of the collapsible type and comprise a bottom wall and two opposite side walls, with the packages (1), in their vertical position, tapering upwards, where the packages (1) are arranged so that each package (1) has a side wall towards a bottom of the packaging unit (4), and where the packages (1) have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, characterized by the fact that: a plastic film cover (5) is wrapped to at least partially surround the packaging group (1), in which each individual package (4) has a substantially fixed position in relation to the others to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit (4 ), where the plastic film cover (5) makes contact with packages (1) on at least four of said six faces of the packaging unit (4), the packages (1) are arranged on top of each other in a plurality of layers, with a plurality of packages (1) in each layer, and the packages (1) of an individual layer have a uniform orientation in the first or the second direction, and the film covering (5) is made of a material web of plastic film, which has been joined along four or less elongated sealing parts, to form said film cover (5). The packaging unit (4) according to claim 1, wherein the packaging unit comprises a handle (11). Packaging unit (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the number of packages (4) in each layer is identical. Packaging unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product comprises four, six, eight or ten packages (1). 2/3 Packaging unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the plastic film cover (5) completely surrounds the packaging group (1). 6. Packaging unit (4) according to claim 5, 5 wherein the plastic film cover (5) has a longitudinal seal and two transverse seals (13). Packaging unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plastic film cover (5) is a contractile film. 10 Packaging unit (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the plastic film cover (5) surrounds the packaging group (1) without a clamping force. Packaging unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the plastic film cover (5) surrounds 15 gives the packaging group (1) with a clamping force. 10. Dispatch unit (7), comprising a plurality of packaging units (4), as defined in claim 1. Dispatch unit (7) according to claim 10, wherein the packaging units (4) are stacked on a conveyor 20 load controller (8). A shipping unit (7) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a stack formed by the packaging units (4) is at least partially surrounded by a plastic film cover. 13. Method for producing a packaging unit (4) defined by six faces, comprising the steps of arranging a group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product, which are of the foldable type and comprise a bottom wall and two opposite walls, and the packages in their vertical position have a tapered shape upwards, stacked on top of each other in a 30 plurality of layers, with a plurality of packages (1) in each layer, so that the packages (1) have an alternating orientation in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, the 3/3 packages (1) of an individual layer having a uniform orientation, so that each package (1) has a side wall facing a bottom of the packaging unit (4), at least partially surround the packages (1) through 5 of the wrapping of a film cover (5) so that the film cover (5) makes contact with the packages (1) on at least four of the said six faces of the packaging unit (4), keeping each individual package in one substantially fixed position in relation to the others, and providing the film cover (5) with four or less seals (13) 10 to provide dimensional stability to the packaging unit (4), the plastic film cover (5) being made of a plastic film material web, which is joined along four or less sealing parts, to form said plastic film cover (5). 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the film covering (5) is a film wrap. A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the film cover (5) is a contractile film.