DE102010037092B4 - Method and device for packaging bouquets - Google Patents

Abstract

Arrangement (10) for packaging bouquets (42), plant pots and the like with shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38), characterized by: (a) a base plate (12) with a base surface (14) with a first opening (40) ;(b) at least one multi-part retaining plate (22) which can be placed on the packaging material (34, 36, 38) placed on the base plate (12) and has a second opening (28), as well as one or two dividing lines (30) between the parts (24, 26) of the retaining plate (22); (c) a grater body (32) movable perpendicular to the base plate (12) and retaining plate (22) with a cross section that is smaller than the openings (40, 28) in the base surface (14) and the retaining plate (22); and (d) a stand (16) on which the base surface (14) is held.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for packaging bouquets, plant pots and the like with shirred packaging material.

The term “ruffling” refers to a process in which shirrable packaging material is compressed with a large number of folds. Packaging material that can be gathered is, for example, paper or foil.

Bouquets are tied by hand in the florist's specialty shops and put together according to the customer's wishes. The bouquet is then wrapped in paper. In many cases, however, the packaged bouquet of flowers should look particularly attractive. Then foil is used instead of plain paper. At the stem end of the bouquet, the paper or foil is pressed together, twisted or tied together. The bouquet must then be transported very quickly and placed in a vase filled with water so that it does not dry out. This risk is particularly great in summer. Then a damp paper towel or something similar is wrapped around the end of the stem.

Ready-made bouquets with a cuff are also sold. An example of such bouquets are the so-called “Biedermeier bouquets”. The cuff is pre-made from paper or foil. Before it is sold, the bouquet is inserted into the cuff through a hole in the middle and fixed there. Such bouquets also need to be quickly placed in a vase.

Ready-made bouquets are also sold in places other than florists, such as gas stations or kiosks. The bouquets are placed in water containers and are usually neither put together individually nor packaged separately. A cuff is therefore used to make the bouquet more attractive and thus appear to be of higher quality. The finished bouquets are tied and packaged by hand. The bouquets are therefore expensive to produce. Staff who tie bouquets for a long period of time may end up losing concentration. This can also affect the appearance of the finished tied and packaged bouquet.

State of the art

It is known to equip bouquets with attractive, ruffled packaging. The known methods use a wooden plate with a hole. The packing material is then positioned over the hole in the wooden panel. A hole is then punched or cut into the packaging material by hand. The bouquet is inserted through the hole in the packaging material. The wrapping material is then gathered around the stem by hand, with some of the wrapping material forming a collar around the top of the bouquet. The procedure is carried out exclusively by hand. The crimping of the packaging material is generally coarse and uneven.

It is also known to provide bouquets with water containers for transport. Such water containers can be cups made of cheap plastic or fleece bags into which the end of the bouquets is inserted. There is a risk that the bouquet will come loose from the container or water will leak during transport. The water containers are generally unattractive.

Cuffs for flower pots are also known. The cuffs consist of accordion-folded rings that are placed over the flower pots. The bottom of the flower pots remains open.

US 5,685,126 discloses an arrangement in which packaging material with molded parts is pressed around a fixed mandrel and thus obtains a hollow cylindrical shape.

US 5,417,033 A discloses an arrangement for packaging bouquets and the like with shirred packaging material.

Disclosure of the invention

It is the object of the invention to create packaging for bouquets, pots, etc. that is cost-effective and attractive, in particular with a uniform, fine ruffle, and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

1. (a) eine Basisplatte mit einer Basisfläche mit einer ersten Öffnung;
2. (b) wenigstens eine mehrteilige Rückhalteplatte mit einer zweiten Öffnung im Bereich der Trennlinien zwischen den Teilen der Rückhalteplatte;
3. (c) einen senkrecht zur Basisfläche und Rückhalteplatte beweglichen Raffelkörper mit einem Querschnitt, der kleiner ist als die Öffnungen in der Basisfläche und der Rückhalteplatte; und
4. (d) einen Ständer auf welchem die Basisfläche gehalten ist.

According to the invention, the object is achieved with an arrangement containing:

1. (a) a base plate having a base surface with a first opening;
2. (b) at least one multi-part retaining plate with a second opening in the area of the dividing lines between the parts of the retaining plate;
3. (c) a rasping body movable perpendicularly to the base surface and the retaining plate and having a cross section that is smaller than the openings in the base surface and the retaining plate; and
4. (d) a stand on which the base surface is held.

1. (a) Auflegen einer oder mehrerer Lagen raffelbaren Verpackungsmaterials auf eine Basisplatte mit einer Basisfläche mit einer ersten Öffnung;
2. (b) Auflegen wenigstens einer mehrteiligen, mit einer zweiten Öffnung versehenen Rückhalteplatte auf das aufgelegte Verpackungsmaterial derart, dass die Öffnung der Rückhalteplatte oberhalb der Öffnung der Basisfläche liegt;
3. (c) Positionieren eines Raffelkörpers oberhalb der Öffnungen in der Rückhalteplatte und der Basisfläche; und
4. (d) Hindurchführen des Raffelkörpers durch die Öffnungen in der Rückhalteplatte und der Basisfläche unter Mitnahme des sich raffelnden Verpackungsmaterials bis zu einer ausgewählten Tiefe und anschließendes Entfernen des Raffelkörpers;
5. (e) Einführen des zu verpackenden Guts in die von dem Raffelkörper in den von dem geraffelten Verpackungsmaterial gebildeten Hohlraum;
6. (f) Entfernen der Rückhalteplatte; und
7. (g) optional Abbinden und/oder Verschließen des Verpackungsmaterials um das zu verpackende Gut.

The base surface can also be integrated into the stand. The arrangement works according to a method according to the invention as follows:

1. (a) placing one or more layers of gatherable packaging material on a base plate having a base surface with a first opening;
2. (b) placing at least one multi-part retaining plate provided with a second opening onto the placed packaging material such that the opening of the retaining plate lies above the opening of the base surface;
3. (c) positioning a grater body above the openings in the retaining plate and the base surface; and
4. (d) passing the shirring body through the openings in the retaining plate and the base surface, carrying the shirring packaging material to a selected depth and then removing the shirring body;
5. (e) introducing the goods to be packaged into the cavity formed by the shirring body into the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material;
6. (f) removing the retention plate; and
7. (g) optionally tying and/or sealing the packaging material around the goods to be packaged.

The surfaces facing each other, base surface and retaining surface, clamp the packaging material. With the grater body, the continuous packaging material is pulled very evenly down through the opening. The uniformity is also achieved by the pressure of the retaining plate on the packaging material. This creates an even and fine ruffle, unlike when grater by hand. The packaging material can also be arranged between several retaining plates, for example several plates lying one on top of the other. This then results in the desired ruffle.

The opening sizes of the base surface and the retaining plate are preferably identical. The cross-sectional area of the grater body is selected such that a desired grater width is achieved. If the cross-sectional area is only slightly smaller than the opening in the base area, a very fine, dense gather is achieved. The smaller the cross-sectional area of the shirring body is compared to the opening in the base surface, the coarser the shirring will be. However, the gathering remains uniform in any case.

The base surface and the retaining plate can in particular be formed from simple plates, for example made of wood, metal or plastic. The base surface can also be firmly connected to the stand. The retaining plate can be placed loosely on the base surface. But it can also be opened, pushed open or lowered. For even shirring, a heavier weight retaining plate can be used. The retaining plate can also be lightly pressed or magnetically attracted to the base surface.

Practically any body with the right dimensions that is stable enough can be used as a grater body. The grater body is preferably hollow. This means that the weight and material consumption in the production of the grater body is low. A flower pot can also be used directly as a grater body.

Bouquets or potted plants often become larger towards the top. It is then no longer possible to pull the retaining surface upwards if the opening diameter is smaller. The retaining plate therefore consists of several parts. This has the advantage that it can be at least partially moved laterally when the goods to be packaged are in the cavity.

Preferably, the openings in the base surface and the retaining plate are circular and the grater body is formed by a tube. The opening and dividing lines in the retention plate can be centered. The opening can also be rectangular or star-shaped depending on the packaging design. Instead of a tube, a solid body or a closed body can also be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or two dividing lines are provided in the retaining plate, so that the retaining plate is composed of 2 or 4 parts. However, other divisions of the retaining plate can also take place. If the parts of the retaining plate rest against each other during shirring, a flat design of the packaging above the base surface is achieved. If a space is left between the parts of the retention plate, the part of the package above the base surface in this area is pushed out of the surface. This creates a three-dimensional design of the packaging. The The number of parts at a distance determines the shape of such a three-dimensional design.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a stop is additionally provided below the opening of the base surface, with which the goods to be packaged can be guided through the opening in the base surface to a defined, maximum depth. The stop can be formed by a height-adjustable surface. The stop for the grater body ensures that the cavity always has a defined depth. The grater body can only be pushed through the opening to this depth. Especially when using flower pots and standardized bouquet lengths, a stop is a good aid to achieving well-fitting packaging.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the grater body forms a flat surface on its underside facing the base surface. Preferably one of the layers of gatherable packaging material is a waterproof film. Then the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material can be filled with water and optionally nutrient solution such as Blumenfrisch before the goods to be packaged are introduced.

The packaging can be tied at the upper end of the cavity, for example using a binding machine or by hand. A finished bouquet is created in a water-filled package that can be placed on the flat bottom. No additional vase is required. Transport does not cause any damage to the plant due to a lack of water. The plant looks attractive at all times and is therefore easy to sell. The diameter of the “package” is larger and the customer therefore has the tactile impression of a higher quality product when holding it.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a gelling or hardening mass is added to the water, which gels or hardens on the surface under selected conditions. In particular, the water can be heated and liquid candle gel or another gelling agent can be added, which gels on the surface after the item to be packaged has been introduced. The gelling agent fits tightly around the stems and the packaging, thus forming a watertight seal in the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material. The water cannot then escape during transport. Alternatively, the bouquet can also be sealed using a sealing tape made of waterproof plastic. The seal is then more or less tight depending on the bouquet.

The invention allows a variety of design options. The edges of the gatherable packaging material can be folded over. This creates a higher quality impression of the packaging material. The layers of the shirrable packaging material can be placed at an angle so that the unsharpened part remaining above the base surface results in a star shape. This is particularly useful if the packaging material has a rectangular shape and is cut from the roll.

The layers of the shirrable packaging material can be placed asymmetrically so that the unsharpened part remaining above the base surface forms a collar around the goods to be packaged. The collar can be turned up so that the particularly beautiful side of the bouquet or plant is visible from the front and the collar forms a background for the bouquet or plant.

The layers of the shirrable packaging material can also have a shape instead of a star shape, which forms another desired shape with the unsharpened part remaining above the base surface. Such a shape can be, for example, a heart on Valentine's Day or the like.

A particularly attractive impression is achieved if the layers of the gatherable packaging material are colored or printed. Patterns, sayings, pictures and the like can be provided here. These can be linked to specific occasions. The packaging material can also be adapted to the type and color of the goods to be packaged.

A further effect is achieved if the parts of the retaining surface are arranged at a distance from one another, so that a part of the unshirred part remaining above the base surface is pressed out of the plane during shirring. This creates a particularly voluminous end product that conveys a high-quality impression.

Refinements of the invention are the subject of the subclaims. Embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

• 1 is a perspective view of an arrangement for making a ruffled package for bouquets or plant pots.
• 2a -e illustrates the method of making a shirred package with an arrangement of 1 .
• 3 is a schematic representation of a ruffled packaging that comes with the in 2 illustrated method was produced.
• 4 shows a retaining plate made of two adjacent parts from above.
• 5 shows the retention plate 4 , with the parts being arranged at a distance from each other.
• 6 shows a retention plate made of four parts, the parts being spaced apart from one another.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

1 shows an arrangement generally designated 10 for producing a shirred packaging. The arrangement includes a base plate 12 with a top in 1 arranged base surface 14. The base plate 12 is provided in the middle with an invisible, circular opening. The base plate 12 has a stand made of four legs 16, similar to a table. Parallel to the base plate 12, a stop plate 18 is guided in the legs 16 so that it can be adjusted in height. This is illustrated by an arrow 20.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the arrangement 10 further comprises a two-part retaining plate 22 with parts 24 and 26. The parts 24 and 26 are separated from one another along the dividing line 30. The retaining plate 22 has the same external dimensions as the base plate 12. The assembled retaining plate 22 also has an opening 28 which, when the arrangement 10 is assembled, lies exactly above the opening in the base plate.

The arrangement 10 finally comprises one or a set with several grater bodies 32. In the present exemplary embodiment, the opening in the base plate 12 and in the assembled retaining plate 22 is circular. Accordingly, a cylindrical grater body 32 is provided.

2 illustrated as with arrangement 10 1 a ruffled packaging for a bouquet of flowers is produced. First, the packaging material is placed on the base plate 12. Commercially available papers and foils that are used for packaging bouquets by florists are suitable as packaging material. Compostable, tear-resistant and waterproof materials are particularly suitable. In the present embodiment, the top layer 36 of the packaging material is a waterproof, compostable, transparent film or water-repellent paper that is coated similar to cardboard coffee cups.

The layers of packaging material are placed on top of each other in the desired manner. In the present exemplary embodiment, 3 rectangular papers 34, 38 or foils 36 are used, which are placed one above the other at an angular offset so that a star-shaped edge is formed. This is in 2a shown.

The two parts 24 and 26 of the retaining plate 22 are placed on the layers of the packaging material on the packaging material 34, 36, 38. The retaining plate 22 has the same dimensions as the base plate 12. The edges lie over the edges of the base plate. The opening 28 of the retaining plate 22 overlies the opening 40 of the base plate 12. This is in 2 B shown.

The tubular grater body 32 is now positioned above the openings 28 and 40. Then he'll go down in 2c moves, with the retaining plate 22 exerting a uniform force on the layers of packaging material. This is in 2c shown.

The shirring body 32 takes the thin layers 34, 36 and 38 of the flexible and shirrable packaging material downwards in the area of the openings. The packaging material gathers and creates a multitude of folds, which extend in the vertical direction in the representation. The packaging material is so large that some of the layers remain in the plane between the base plate and the retention plate. This is in 2 d shown.

The grater body 32 is moved up to the stop plate 18. This achieves a defined depth for the shirred area. The grater body 32 has an edge in the lower area that lies in one plane. This gives the shirred packaging material a closed, flat surface in the lower area. At the end of the rasping process, the rasping body 32 can be removed. This is in 2 d shown.

The packaging material remains in its position and forms a cavity 44 that is open at the top. First, water can be filled into the cavity 44. The water is heated to 40 to 45 °C and contains the appropriate candle gel. The candle gel floats on top of the water surface. Since the top layer 36 is made of a waterproof film, the water cannot leak out. A bouquet of flowers 42 is now inserted into the cavity 44 formed. Then a twine 46, raffia, wire, rubber, adhesive tape or another band for tying is threaded below the base plate 12 around the bouquet 42 with the packaging and tightened, so that a closed, well-packaged bouquet results. This is in 2e indicated. A conventional binding machine is used for binding. The shirred packaging material before binding is in without the rest of the arrangement and without a bouquet 3 shown. It can be seen that the cavity 44 is formed by shirred packaging material. The creasing 48 is even and dense. Such a shirring 48 cannot be achieved by shirring by hand. The remaining part 60 of the packaging material forms a flat star.

As the water containing the candle gel cools to room temperature, the candle gel gels and forms a waterproof seal along the packaging and around the flower stems. The water cannot escape even if the bouquet is tilted or turned over. The flower stems remain permanently in the water.

The parts of the retaining plate 22 can be removed before removing the bouquet 42. Since the outer diameter of the bouquet 42 is possibly larger than the diameter of the opening 28 in the retaining plate 22, the two parts are moved laterally upward. The bouquet will not be damaged.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, the grater body 32 is formed directly from a plant pot. The packaging material is pressed through the openings with the pot and the plant planted in it. The pot then remains in its position and is tied together.

The retaining plate 22 is designed in several parts so that the plant or bouquet can also be used with larger diameters than the opening 28. In the exemplary embodiment described above 1 and 2 the parts 26 and 24 are arranged adjacent to one another. This is in the top view 4 shown again schematically. The parts 24 and 26 can also be arranged at a distance, as shown in 5 is illustrated. In the area 58 along the dividing line of the parts 24 and 26, the packaging material is pressed upwards through the resulting gap 58 when the grater body is inserted. This gives the non-gathered part a spatial design.

6 shows a further embodiment in which the retaining plate is formed from four parts 50, 52, 54 and 56. Accordingly, there are more gaps 62 and more packaging parts pushed out of the plane. It is understood that these exemplary embodiments are only illustrations and the parts can also be used with other designs, such as 3 or 5 columns, etc., different gap widths and the like.

The arrangements described above have the advantage that the packaging is also suitable for very large bouquets. A grater body 32, which is provided with a flat underside, leads to a flat surface on the underside of the packaging, which can be easily set up when filled with water. A vase is not necessary. The bouquet is transported without the risk of drying out.

It goes without saying that different grater bodies can be used. A rasping body whose diameter is significantly smaller than the diameter of the opening 28 leads to a coarser rasping. Oval, star-shaped, triangular and other grater bodies can also be used for oval, star-shaped, triangular openings, etc.

With the arrangement described, the packaging of bouquets and pots can be easily automated. A uniform result is obtained, which is achieved with great cost savings not only for small quantities, but also for large quantities, which can ensure precise and always consistent packaging.

The preceding exemplary embodiments are intended to illustrate the essence of the invention without the invention being limited thereto. It goes without saying that many variations of material, dimensions, shapes and procedures are conceivable, which are readily apparent to the person skilled in the art. These variations are included within the scope of protection defined in the language of the appended claims. The terms “top” and “bottom” in the above description refer to the attached drawings. The arrangement can of course also be arranged in a different orientation and should not be limited to this.

Claims (12)

Arrangement (10) for packaging bouquets (42), plant pots and the like with shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38), characterized by : (a) a base plate (12) with a base surface (14) with a first opening (40) ; (b) at least one multi-part retaining plate (22) which can be placed on the packaging material (34, 36, 38) placed on the base plate (12) and has a second opening (28), as well as one or two dividing lines (30) which are between the parts ( 24, 26) the retaining plate (22) are provided; (c) a grater body (32) movable perpendicular to the base plate (12) and retaining plate (22) and having a cross section which is smaller than the openings (40, 28) in the base surface (14) and the retaining plate (22); and (d) a stand (16) on which the base surface (14) is held. Arrangement according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the openings (40, 28) in the base surface (14) and the retaining plate (22) are circular and the grater body (32) is formed by a tube. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the second opening (28) and the dividing lines (30) are centered in the retention plate (22). Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop (18) is additionally provided below the first opening (40) of the base surface (14), with which the goods (42) to be packaged can be pushed through the material to a defined, maximum depth Opening in the base surface (14) can be guided. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grater body (32) forms a flat surface on its underside facing the base surface (14). Method for packaging bouquets (42), plant pots and the like with shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38) characterized by the steps: (a) placing one or more layers (34, 36, 38) of shirrable packaging material on a base plate (12) having a base surface (14) with a first opening (40); (b) placing at least one multi-part retaining plate (22) provided with a second opening (28) onto the placed packaging material (34, 36, 38) in such a way that the second opening (28) of the retaining plate (22) is above (40) the the first opening is located on the base surface (14); (c) positioning a grater body (32) above the openings (28, 40) of the retaining plate (22) and the base surface (14); and (d) passing the shirring body (32) through the openings (28, 40) in the retaining plate (22) and the base surface (14), carrying the shirring packaging material (34, 36, 38) to a selected depth and thereafter removing the grater body (32); (e) introducing the item (42) to be packaged into the cavity (44) formed by the shirring body (32) in the cavity (44) formed by the shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38); (f) removing the retention plate (22); and (g) optionally tying and/or sealing the packaging material (34, 36, 38) around the item (42) to be packaged. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that one of the layers (36) of the shirrable packaging material (34, 36, 38) is a waterproof film. Procedure according to Claim 7 , characterized in that the cavity (44) formed by the shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38) is filled with water and optionally nutrient solution or the like before the goods (42) to be packaged are introduced. Procedure according to Claim 8 , characterized in that a gelling or hardening mass is added to the water, which gels or hardens on the surface under selected conditions. Procedure according to Claim 9 , characterized in that the water is heated and liquid candle gel or another gelling agent is added, which gels on the surface after the item (42) to be packaged has been introduced. Procedure according to one of the Claims 6 until 10 , characterized in that (a) the edges of the gatherable packaging material (34, 36, 38) are folded over; and/or (b) the layers of the shirrable packaging material (34, 36, 38) are placed angularly offset, so that the unsharpened part remaining above the base surface (14) results in a stem shape; and/or (c) the layers of the shirrable packaging material (34, 36, 38) are placed asymmetrically, so that the unshirred part remaining above the base surface (14) forms a collar around the goods to be packaged; and/or (d) the layers of shirrable packaging material (34, 36, 38) have a shape which forms a desired shape with the unshirred portion remaining above the base surface (14); and/or (e) the layers of the gatherable packaging material (34, 36, 38) are colored or printed. Procedure according to one of the Claims 6 until 11 , characterized in that the parts (24, 26; 50, 52, 54, 56) of the retaining surface (22) are arranged at a distance from one another, so that part of the unsharpened part remaining above the base surface (14) comes out of the plane during shirring is pushed out.

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