EP0527451A1 - Multipackage and method of packaging a plurality of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multipackage in the form of a single-part or multi-part packaging material blank for a plurality of containers which are held captively relative to one another, the blank consisting of cardboard or tear-resistant plastic and at least partially surrounding the containers. To achieve the object of providing a novel multipackage which guarantees a considerable reduction in the packaging waste occurring due to the packaging and thus a reduction in the quantities of packaging to be taken back by the manufacturer, it is proposed according to the invention that the blank (5) is bonded, preferably glued firmly to each container (1) on at least one side surface, as a result of which a display area (3) of the blank (5) is provided, which is firmly connected to the container, the non-glued portions of the blank (5) form connecting webs (6) between the adjacent containers (1), and the blank (5) can be separated in the region of the connecting webs. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention relates to multiple packaging in the form of a one-part or multi-part packaging material blank for a plurality of containers, namely cans, bottles or bags, by means of which the containers are held captive to one another, the blank is made of cardboard or tear-resistant plastic, and the containers at least in part envelops. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for packaging a plurality of containers, in particular using the multiple packaging according to the invention.

Due to the increasingly strict waste laws in the packaging industry, the question of how to effectively contain the amount of packaging waste is becoming increasingly important. This question is also important because the newer regulations require manufacturers to be obliged to take back the amount of packaging waste caused by the distribution of their goods. So far, it has been the case that for the packaging of a large number of containers, for example beer cans, disposable packaging has been used, which after use goes directly into the garbage and justifies the enormous amount of so-called packaging waste. In addition, the so-called paper or cardboard recycling is no longer as advantageous as it used to be, since an extremely large amount of paper and cardboard is already being recycled today, with the result that these quantities of paper and cardboard can no longer be completely processed.

The object of the present invention is to create a new type of multiple packaging which ensures a considerable reduction in the packaging waste resulting from the packaging and thus a reduction in the packaging quantities to be taken back by the manufacturer.

This object is achieved in that the blank is firmly connected to each container, preferably glued, on at least one side surface, thereby creating a display area of the blank firmly connected to the container, the non-glued sections of the blank forming connecting webs between the adjacent containers and the cut is separable in the area of the connecting webs.

The invention is based on the idea of using at least part of the packaging or of the packaging material blank as a display surface, ie for the labeling of containers necessary due to the labeling regulations. By separating the respective connecting web, the display area remains dependent on the relationship, the inscriptions and advertising spaces provided on the display area remain on the container. With the separation of the multiple packaging, there is no or only minimal packaging waste. The multiple packaging according to the invention also offers the advantage that the containers to be packed no longer have to be individually labeled. Labeling and multiple packaging take place in a single processing step. In addition to saving packaging waste, this also significantly reduces manufacturing costs.

The multiple packaging is expediently designed in such a way that it consists of a one-piece packaging material blank, which is only permanently connected to one side of each container, so that each container has a single large-area display area lying on one side of the container. This saves material, on the one hand, and considerably simplifies the process for completing the multiple packaging. It is also possible in this way to incorporate multi-unit arrangements of containers by means of a single, one-piece packaging material blank, the blank simultaneously serving as a label for the container in question.

In a special embodiment of the invention, the blank carries several containers in a single row. The multiple packaging d. H. the container thus has the shape of a chain, in which the containers can be separated as required.

It is further provided according to the invention that the blank completely encases the side areas of the containers, thereby creating particularly large display areas and at the same time ensuring particularly high stability of the container.

As an alternative to this, a further embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is characterized in that the blank envelops the side regions only over part of the circumference, preferably only up to half. This measure can - particularly in view of the amount of packaging - a material saving on the necessary packaging material can be guaranteed, but sufficient display areas remain. In addition, attaching the packaging to the containers is particularly simple in this embodiment, since the containers can only be glued on one side.

The containers are expediently arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row. The packaging is separated along the side surface in the longitudinal direction of each container. This configuration has a particularly high lateral mobility of the container, which may be of interest for certain stacks or supports.

A packaging according to the invention that is particularly original from the arrangement is characterized in that the containers lie on one another with their respective end faces are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the row. Such a packaging is relatively easy to store on the one hand, on the other hand, advertising-effective triple packs z. B. offer as a "tower". The individual containers are separated along the circumference.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the blank encloses a multi-unit network of containers. Here, the blank envelops z. B. an arrangement consisting of 4 containers, wherein the blank is firmly connected to the outside of the containers. These firmly connected sections of the blank remain as display areas on the container, even if the respective container is removed from the packaging d. H. the container is separated.

The blank can be applied under a tension which increases the stiffness or strength of the overall packaging, the containers according to the invention at least partially touching one another in the packaged state and absorbing the compressive force exerted by the blank.

In order to further increase the stability of the packaging, the invention provides that the blank in the area of the connecting webs has support tabs which can be folded between the containers located next to one another. These lateral extensions form, as it were, support webs between the adjacent containers.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the support tabs have one that is adapted to the outer surface of the containers Shape, e.g. B. rounding or curvature, which improves the support effect. The support webs are expediently provided on both sides and / or inside the connecting web 6. This ensures optimal stability of the container. The support tabs provided in the interior of the connecting web can be folded onto one another and thereby form a single, double-walled support tab with a particularly stabilizing effect.

A special embodiment of the packaging according to the invention is characterized in that the part of the blank which is firmly connected to the side surface of the respective container extends beyond the contact area of an envelope (the overall arrangement of the containers) into the spaces between two opposite containers. This configuration is particularly for containers with a round cross-section, for. B. cans, bottles or the like. Interesting, because on the one hand larger display areas can be created, on the other hand a comparatively higher stability of the container is generated. In addition, there is less loose waste material.

To facilitate the separation of the packaging between the individual containers, the connecting webs have at least one tear line according to the invention. A perforation line can preferably be provided as the tear line. It is advantageous to design the packaging in such a way that each connecting web has two tear lines which separate the respective display area from the connecting web. Although this results in a little more packaging waste, the connecting web or part of the connecting web does not interfere with the handling of the container.

For reasons of advertising technology, the blank in the display area can have an increased surface quality, as a result of which the blank for packaging material can be better printed.

As an alternative to this, the invention provides that the blank has an additional display layer in the display area. This display layer can already be applied in a simple manner during the production of the packaging material blank and then printed, so that the containers are packed with a pre-printed blank.

The additional display layer is expediently printed or glued on. Advantageously, the display area can be provided with a label that is already glued on and already printed, which eliminates the need for complex printing of cardboard.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the blank is not formed in one piece, but consists of several individual sections, one section of the blank connecting at least two adjacent containers to one another.

The invention also relates to a method for packaging a plurality of containers, namely bottles, cans or bags, in which the individual containers are at least partially encased in a one-piece or multi-part packaging material blank and are thereby held captive, in particular using one Packaging according to claims 1-18.

The method is characterized in that the blank is firmly connected, preferably glued, to each container on at least one side surface, a display area being provided on the container being created and loosely d between the individual display areas. H. Unsealed sections of the blank remain, which act as connecting webs, and in the area of the connecting webs the blank can be separated to open the multiple packaging.

The individual containers are expediently encased in a one-part row or in multi-part groups.

Fig. 1

eine aus drei Behältnissen bestehende Mehrfachverpackung, bei der die Behältnisse senkrecht zur Längsrichtung der Reihe angeordnet sind und der Zuschnitt die Seitenbereiche der Behältnisse vollumfänglich umhüllt, in perspektiver Darstellungsweise;

Fig. 2

die Anordnung gemäß Fig. 1 im Schnitt;

Fig. 3

eine weitere zweckmäßige Ausgestaltung der Erfindung, wobei der Zuschnitt einen mehrgliedrigen Verbund von Behältnissen umschließt und die Behältnisse sich gegenseitig berühren;

Fig. 4

eine weitere insgesamt sechs Behältnisse umfassende Mehrfachverpackung gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 5

eine Mehrfachverpackung bestehend aus vier Behältnissen, bei welcher zwischen den einzelnen benachbarten Behältnissen Fortsätze des Zuschnitts zur Stabilisierung der Mehrfachverpackung vorgesehen sind;

Fig. 6

eine Draufsicht auf den Zuschnitt der Mehrfachverpackung gemäß Fig. 5;

Fig. 7

eine eingliedrige Reihe von insgesamt drei Behältnissen, welche mit ihren jeweiligen Stirnseiten aneinanderliegend parallel zur Längsrichtung der Reihe angeordnet sind; und

Fig. 8

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer insgesamt drei Behältnisse umfassenden Mehrfachverpackung, in der die Behältnisse unmittelbar seitlich aneinander angrenzend angeordnet sind, ähnlich wie bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 4.

Several configurations of the multiple packaging according to the invention are explained in more detail below. Show it:

Fig. 1

a multiple packaging consisting of three containers, in which the containers are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row and the blank completely envelops the side regions of the containers, in a perspective representation;

Fig. 2

the arrangement of Figure 1 in section.

Fig. 3

a further expedient embodiment of the invention, the blank enclosing a multi-unit combination of containers and the containers touching one another;

Fig. 4

a further multiple packaging comprising a total of six containers according to the invention;

Fig. 5

a multiple packaging consisting of four containers, in which extensions of the blank are provided between the individual adjacent containers to stabilize the multiple packaging;

Fig. 6

a plan view of the blank of the multiple packaging according to FIG. 5;

Fig. 7

a one-part row of a total of three containers, which are arranged with their respective end faces lying parallel to the longitudinal direction of the row; and

Fig. 8

a further exemplary embodiment of a multiple packaging comprising a total of three containers, in which the containers are arranged immediately adjacent to one another, similar to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4.

1 shows a multiple packaging 2 with a total of three containers 1 in the form of conventional cans, for example beverage cans. These containers 1 each have an opening 1 'on their top side, which can be actuated by hand in the usual manner, for example by pressing in or tearing open.

The containers 1 are fully encased along their side areas with a blank 5 made of cardboard (see FIG. 2), which is firmly connected to the respective container 1, for example glued. The respective containers 1 have no labeling or the like from the outset, so they are neutral containers.

The area of the blank 5, which is firmly connected to the respective container, represents the so-called display area 3, which is provided with an advertising print and / or other information as required. There is a connecting web 6 between the respective containers 1, which ensures the cohesion of the individual containers 1. In Fig. 1, the connecting webs 6 are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the containers 1 and each have a tear line 8, which facilitates easier separation of the respective containers 1 at the end of the row.

If, for example, the can shown in FIG. 1 on the right-hand side is separated from the overall assembly, all that remains is a strip 11 that runs axially to the can, but which does not have a further disruptive effect.

It is clear from FIG. 2 that the blank 5 forming the multiple packaging 2 completely encases the three containers, a joint 4 being formed on one side of the multiple packaging 2 in the case of a one-piece blank 5.

3 shows a further embodiment of a multiple packaging 2 which contains a total of four containers 1 which touch one another and are laterally enveloped by the blank 5. The cut 5 is firmly connected to the outside of the containers 1 in the area of the contact surface of the containers 1, preferably glued (adhesive areas 10), as a result of which the display areas designated by the reference number 3 are formed.

The arrows Pf shown in FIG. 3 indicate an integration of the arrangement of the four containers 1 under tension. This creates a particularly stable container.

From Fig. 3 it can also be seen that each connecting web 6 has two tear lines 8 and 8 ', each of which a tear line 8 or 8' is provided directly in the side area of the individual display areas 3, so that the respective containers 1 completely from the remaining multiple packaging 2 can be separated.

The multiple packaging 2 shown in FIG. 4 envelops a total of six essentially immediately adjacent containers 1, the part of the blank 5, ie the part firmly connected to the side surface of the respective container 1. H. the display area 3 extends beyond the contact area of an envelope into the spaces between two opposite containers 1, thereby forming connecting webs 6.

The tear lines 8 are each formed in the middle of the connecting web 6 in question.

5 and 6, the four containers 1 contained therein are spaced apart from one another, with the blank 5 being used to stabilize this packaging arrangement Has support tabs 7, 7 ', 7''and7''', which can be folded between the spaced apart containers 1. The support tabs 7 and 7 '''are each located on the side regions of the blank 5, whereas two further support tabs 7' and 7 '' are provided in the interior of one of the connecting webs 6. The latter two support tabs 7 'and 7''can be worked into the blank 5 in a simple manner by punching out. The individual support tabs 7 - 7 '''are connected to the rest of the blank 5, preferably via fold lines 12, 12', 12 '' and 12 '''. The mirror-symmetrical arrangement of the support brackets 7 'and 7''in the connecting web 6 in question means that these two support brackets can be folded onto one another, which causes a further increase in stability. If necessary, the two support tabs 7 'and 7''can also be glued together.

The side flanks of the support tabs 7 - 7 '' 'have a contour adapted to the outside of the respective containers 1, so that an optimal support effect is achieved.

The tear lines marked 8 and 8 'run directly next to the respective display areas 3, so that the connecting webs 6 can be completely separated from the individual containers 1 after the packaging has been opened.

Each display area 3 expediently has an improved surface quality compared to the rest of the blank 5.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the respective display area 3, as in FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided with an additional display layer, for example in the form of a glued-on high-gloss layer, which is designated by the reference number 9 and, for the sake of simplicity, is only shown for a single area in these drawing figures.

7 shows yet another embodiment of a multiple packaging 2 in the form of a triple pack, in which the containers 1 are arranged with their respective end faces lying against one another in accordance with the alignment of the longitudinal axes of the three containers 1. According to FIG. 7, the blank 5 envelops the three containers 1 over part of their circumferential surfaces, as a result of which a total of three display areas 3 are created. In the area of the connecting webs 6, which in this embodiment are particularly narrow and run along part of the peripheral surface of the containers 1, a corresponding, transverse tear line 8 is provided in each case. In order to ensure a certain stability of this container, the blank 5 is expediently firmly connected, for example glued, to the containers 1 on both sides thereof.

Finally, FIG. 8 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a multiple packaging 2, in which a total of three containers 1 stand side by side in parallel and closely touch each other here. This is an embodiment of a multiple packaging similar to that according to FIG. 4, with the difference that now only three containers 1 are provided instead of six containers. The reference number 10 in turn designates the adhesive areas via which predetermined parts of the blank 5 Multiple packaging 2 are connected to respectively assigned surface areas of the individual containers 1. By means of these adhesive areas, the display areas 3 are in turn defined on the corresponding outer sides of the resulting multiple packaging 2. Similar to FIG. 4, the individual display areas 3 of this multiple packaging 2 are connected to one another via stabilizing connecting webs 6, which practically run in the area between spaces between two successive containers 1 and are each provided with tear lines 8 around their centers in the middle 1 can be removed from the packaging network with practically no effort.

It is pointed out that even in the case of one-piece arrangements of containers, the multiple packaging according to the invention can consist of a one-piece packaging material blank, which is connected to each container only on one side, so that each container has a single large-area display area lying on one side of the container.

Multiple packaging of the type shown are characterized on the one hand by a relatively high stability, while on the other hand the packaging material waste can be reduced considerably.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

1

container

1'

opening

2nd

Multiple packaging

3rd

Display area

4th

Shock

5

Cutting

6

Connecting bridge

7

Support tab

7 '

Support tab

7 ''

Support tab

7 '' '

Support tab

8th

Tear line

8th'

Tear line

9

Display layer

10th

Adhesive area

11

strip

12

Crease line

12 '

Crease line

12 ''

Crease line

12 '' '

Crease line

Claims (20)

Multiple packaging in the form of a single or multi-part packaging material blank for a plurality of containers, namely cans, bottles or bags, by means of which the containers are held captive to one another, the blank is made of cardboard or tear-resistant plastic and at least partially envelops the containers,

characterized,

that a) the blank (5) is bonded to each container (1) at least on one side surface, preferably glued, thereby creating a display area (3) of the blank (5) firmly connected to the container (1); b) the non-glued sections of the blank (5) between the adjacent containers (1) form connecting webs (6) and c) the blank (5) can be separated in the area of the connecting webs (6). Packaging according to claim 1,

characterized,

that the blank (5) carries several containers (1) in a single row. Packaging according to claim 2,

characterized,

that the blank (5) completely surrounds the side areas of the containers (5). Packaging according to claim 2,

characterized,

that the blank (5) covers the side areas of the containers (1) only along part of the circumference, preferably up to half. Packaging according to claims 2-4,

characterized,

that the containers (1) are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the row. Packaging according to claims 2-4,

characterized,

that the containers (1) are arranged with their respective end faces lying parallel to the longitudinal direction of the row. Packaging according to claim 1,

characterized,

that the blank (5) encloses a multi-unit network of containers (11). Packaging according to claim 7,

characterized,

that neighboring containers (1) touch each other at least in part in the packaged state. Packaging according to claim 7 or 8,

characterized,

that the blank (5) in the area of the connecting webs (6) has support tabs (7, 7 ', 7'') which are folded between the containers (1) located next to one another. Packaging according to claim 9,

characterized,

that the support tabs (7, 7 ', 7'') have a shape adapted to the outer surface of the containers (1). Packaging according to claims 1-10,

characterized,

that the support webs (7, 7 ', 7'') are provided on both sides and / or inside the connecting web (6). Packaging according to claims 1-11,

characterized,

that the part of the blank (5) firmly connected to the side surface of the respective container extends beyond the contact area of an envelope into the spaces between two opposite containers (1). Packaging according to claims 1-12,

characterized,

that the connecting webs (6) have at least one tear line (8 and / or 8 '). Packaging according to claim 13,

characterized,

that each connecting web (6) has two tear lines (8, 8 ') which separate the respective display area (3) from the connecting web (6). Packaging according to claims 1-14,

characterized,

that the blank (5) in the display area (3) has an increased surface quality. Packaging according to claims 1-14,

characterized,

that the blank (5) has an additional display layer (9) in the display area. Packaging according to claim 16,

characterized,

that the additional display layer (9) is printed or glued. Packaging according to claims 1-17,

characterized,

that the blank (5) consists of several individual sections, each section connecting at least two adjacent containers. Method for packaging a plurality of containers, namely bottles, cans or bags, in which the individual containers are at least partially covered with a one-piece or multi-part packaging material blank and are thereby held captive, in particular using multiple packaging according to at least one of claims 1 - 18,

characterized,

that the blank (5) is firmly connected, preferably glued, to each container (1) at least on one side surface, thereby creating a display area (3) provided permanently on the container (1) and loose between the individual display areas (3), That is, unsealed sections of the blank (5) remain, which act as connecting webs (6) and in the region of the connecting webs (6) the blank can be separated to open the multiple packaging. Method according to claim 9,

characterized,

that the individual containers (1) are encased in a one-part row or in multi-part groups.

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