WO2007033723A1

WO2007033723A1 - Packaging

Info

Publication number: WO2007033723A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/007448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anne-Laure Wacquez; Dorothee Schaal; Laurence Peter; Detlef Jentzsch
Original assignee: Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft Auf Aktien
Priority date: 2005-09-19
Filing date: 2006-07-27
Publication date: 2007-03-29

Abstract

The invention relates to non-metallic packaging which has at least one magnetic and/or magnetizable element (3), and to packaging units made of non-metallic packaging and kits which contain non-metallic packaging and instructions for use.

Description

"Packaging"

The invention relates to a non-metallic packaging and packages of non-metallic packaging and kits containing non-metallic packaging and instructions for use.

Non-metallic packages are already known in the art and are cut, folded and glued for example from cardboard or plastic. Such prior art non-metallic packages commonly form a separate unit of sale together with the contained product.

The problem with non-metallic packages according to the prior art is that a physical interaction between individual packages can not take place. In order to assemble different thematically related products, a secondary packaging, for example a shrink film, is therefore necessary for all the individual packaging to be contained. On the one hand, this technically represents an additional expense in the area of the packaging line, since this shrinking film has to be applied and fixed, but in addition also an additional burden on the consumer and the environment with further packaging waste.

The object of the present invention is now to solve the described problems of the prior art.

These problems are solved by the characterizing features of claims 1, 20 and 29. In order to ensure that a package according to the invention can come into physical interaction with other packages, in the context of the present invention, the respective non-metallic packaging is provided with at least one magnetic and / or magnetizable element. This represents a simple and above all cost-effective possibility to include on the packaging further information of a physical nature with regard to the combinability of the product contained in the packaging with other products. It is sufficient if the element is magnetizable. It may be advantageous in individual cases if the element is already a magnetic element of itself.

When using already magnetic elements of packaging according to the invention, there is a further added benefit. It is thus possible to offer such equipped packages to the consumer on specially designed magnetizable or also magnetic shelving systems in the shop. In addition, the consumer later in home use even the possibility of such packaging neat and handy to metal or magnetic rails on the wall to keep.

The manner and location of attachment of the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements to or in the non-metallic packaging is freely selectable in the present invention and accordingly adaptable to the particular use of the packaging by the manufacturer.

For example, it may be advantageous if a packaging for the identification of the product contained is printed and in this printing already the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements are included. An advantage of this solution is the provision of a packaging according to the invention with the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements, without these disturbing the external appearance of the packaging or otherwise adversely affect the aesthetic health of the end user. Further, it may be advantageous in the context of the present invention, if at a present Packing a wrapping film is mounted, in which the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements are already incorporated. An impairment of the outer shape of the packaging is not.

It may also be advantageous in the context of the present invention to incorporate the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements directly into the packaging material. This can be realized by an easy in the production of the packaging material, for example, when scooping the box or by mixing in the extruder of the injection molding machine. In this case, the magnetic elements can be fed via separate compartments of the injection molding machine. This solution also does not disturb the already mentioned aesthetics of the packaging.

It may also be advantageous in non-metallic packaging according to the invention to add the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements later. For this case, for example, an adhesive containing the elements may be applied to the packaging in the form of splices or adhesive surfaces. Depending on the subsequent use of the packaging according to the invention here also suffice individual possibly hidden attached adhesive dots.

If it is possible from the formulation of the product contained in the packaging and from the particular area of use of the product, it may be of advantage if the magnetic and / or magnetizable element is contained in this product. In the case of products in which the magnetic interaction plays a role in the later use, this important effect later on in use can already be demonstrated to the customer on the packaging.

Depending on the field of application of the present invention, the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements may be magnetizable, for example by induction. For example, at the end of a packaging line, a spool be attached through the core of the packages that are to be magnetized, are passed. This is a simple packaging technique to activate the elements contained in the package according to the invention for the later desired magnetic interaction.

In selecting the material for the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements, no limits are set for the person skilled in the art within the scope of the present invention. Depending on the field of application of the invention, he can freely choose the material.

For example, it may be advantageous if the element is a permanent magnet and thus requires no further treatment after attachment.

It may also be advantageous that the at least one element contains iron. In particular, iron concentrations of more than 50 wt .-%, in particular more than 60 wt .-% to pure iron, are possible here. In the context of the present invention, however, all other iron-containing alloys which are magnetic and / or magnetizable are also conceivable.

Furthermore, it may be advantageous if a package according to the invention is provided with an element containing nickel. The element may moreover have more than 50% by weight, in particular more than 60% by weight, up to pure nickel.

As a further material for the magnetic and / or magnetizable element and cobalt comes into question. In the context of the invention, the proportion of cobalt may in particular be more than 50% by weight, particularly preferably more than 60% by weight, up to pure cobalt.

Furthermore, the magnetic and / or magnetizable element may contain a Heusler alloy of manganese, copper and aluminum. par- In particular, the proportion of this alloy is greater than 50% by weight, more preferably more than 60% by weight, up to a pure Heusler alloy.

It may also be advantageous if the magnetic and / or magnetizable element in the context of the present invention contains an alloy of partially non-ferromagnetic components. Again, the preferred proportion is above 50, more preferably above 60 wt .-%, to a pure alloy of non-ferromagnetic components.

Further, it may be advantageous if the magnetic and / or magnetizable element contains a mixed oxide. The proportion of the mixed oxide is in particular more than 50% by weight, particularly preferably more than 60% by weight, up to a pure mixed oxide.

It may be advantageous if the magnetic and / or magnetizable element contains europium oxide. The proportion of europium oxide is preferably above 50% by weight, particularly preferably above 60% by weight, up to pure europium oxide.

The use of magnetic and / or magnetizable elements in the context of the present invention, which contain chromium (IV) oxide, may also be advantageous. Preference is given to a weight fraction of 50%, particularly preferably more than 60%, up to pure chromic (IV) oxide.

In the context of the present invention, it may be advantageous to influence the strength of the magnetic fields of the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements. In particular, this is possible if the elements have a unique Curie temperature over which the magnetic interaction can be switched. Thus, it may be advantageous to set the Curie temperature for the elements above 40 ^° C. This ensures that at room temperatures up to about 3O ⁰ C there is no deterioration of the magnetic interaction. When using elements with a Curie temperature of just under over 40 ⁰ C, the magnetic interaction of the elements may be influenced by the entire process takes place above this Curie temperature in the production process for a possibly desired simplification of the processes. Depending on the field of use of a packaging according to the invention, but also depending on the climatic zones in which such packaging should be used, it may also be advantageous if the Curie temperature above 50 ⁰ C or preferably above 80 ° C or more preferably above 100 ⁰ C. lies. Of course, in the context of the present invention, a combination of at least two different elements can be used. The different magnetic and / or magnetizable elements may consist of different materials. Also higher value combinations of three, four or more different materials are conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

As already described, packaging of the prior art has the problem that they can only be combined in larger packaging units if they are additionally enveloped in a secondary packaging. Otherwise, the larger packaging units fall apart during transport and a joint sale on the shelf would have to be explained to the customer in addition. When using packaging, wherein at least one of the packaging used is according to the invention, packaging units can be put together that do not have the said problems. In particular, in the exclusive use of packaging according to the invention can be completely dispensed with secondary packaging for the transport and the presentation of combinations of products for the customer. How many packages according to the present invention are combined in one packaging unit is up to the user of the invention and depends on the field of application of the invention. Thus, it is conceivable that a combination of two different products is brought together by the present invention to form a packaging unit, but it is also conceivable that an entire pallet load of packaging according to the invention is held together by the interactions occurring without further securement secondary packaging.

It is advantageous in the case of packaging units according to the invention to arrange the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements on the individual packagings in such a way that they can interact with one another magnetically upon contact of the packagings. Preferably, this interaction is a magnetic attraction. However, it may also be desired that individual packages contain magnetic and / or magnetizable elements which have a repulsive magnetic interaction with other packages according to the invention, so that for physical reasons they can not be combined, or only under considerable effort.

In order to ensure that the customer or a supplier, when putting together a pallet load or combining two packagings at home, only combines packagings in a packaging unit which also belong together, the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements can be attached to the individual in the context of the present invention Packaging should be adapted in terms of its interactions (attractive or repellent) to the product contained in the packaging. In the washing and cleaning agent sector, it is possible, for example, to prevent products which are not allowed to be combined in the cleaning bucket, since otherwise chemical reactions with a negative outcome occur to the consumer, are packaged in packages which, according to the invention, are equipped with magnetic and / or magnetizable elements are, which have a negative, ie repulsive magnetic interaction with each other. Such equipped packages already show the user, by mere juxtaposition, that the products contained in the packages are not well compatible with each other. Even on a large scale, for example when putting together a pallet with a supplier, it is thus possible to prevent incorrect products from being loaded onto a pallet. There is therefore an additional security against unwanted combinations when using packages according to the invention for the assembly of packaging units.

Further, it may be advantageous if the packaging according to the invention have an outer shape, which are already adapted to the subsequent contacting of the packaging with each other. Preferably, the molds are such that after contacting, large portions of the surfaces of the packages being brought into contact are close together. The smaller this gap is and the more perfect the packaging can be, the better the packaging can be packed since the void volume drops. By using the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements, this gap size is further reduced in addition to the normal stacking and layering. Thus, packages according to the invention have the further advantage over the packages of the prior art that they can be stacked more densely and thus space-saving.

In order for negative interaction, i. H. in the case of repulsion of two packages due to magnetic interaction, to be able to visually illustrate this negative interaction, it may be advantageous in the context of the present invention, if in such a case the shape of the packaging is such that it does not seal with a large part of its surface can lie together.

In extreme cases, with a positive interaction between two packages according to the invention even a positive connection between the packages, such as in a puzzle-shaped cross-section of the respective packages may be desirable. For many applications, it will be advantageous to carry out packaging according to the invention such that at least large parts of the surfaces of the packaging are essentially flat.

According to the invention, it may be advantageous if the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements on the packages only after contacting the packaging, d. H. be magnetized after the creation of the packaging unit, for example by induction, and thus the magnetic interactions are activated. Thus, after a free and undisturbed stacking on the shelf, on a pallet or in a packaging system by the use of a simple, current-carrying coil, the magnetic interaction is turned on and the cohesion of the packaging unit can thus be ensured. The same possibility of switching the magnetic interaction can of course also via other parameters, for example via the temperature, in the correct selection of the Curie temperature for the respective elements, take place.

Furthermore, the present invention also encompasses a kit which contains at least one packaging according to the invention and an instruction manual. In this manual is preferably included a guide that illustrates the consumer how he receives an indication of the positive and negative interactions of the package according to the invention with other packaging according to the invention, which combination of products contained in such packaging and is advised against. The instructions for use can also be present in a non-physical, for example electronic, form in a kit according to the invention, for example as an Internet page or as spoken instructions which can be called up by telephone. The addition of data carriers, such as CD-ROMs, DVD, floppy disks, memory sticks, etc. is possible.

Furthermore, an instruction for use in a kit according to the invention may also contain instructions for using the agents according to the invention. ben. Instructions for use in the sense of the present application can be not only written versions in any language, but also pictorial representations, such as pictograms.

The instructions for use may be permanently attached to or attached to the packaging. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the instructions for use may be applied to the outside of the package. The instructions for use may also be applied to the inside of the package in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is particularly recommended in kits according to the invention, which have an outer packaging. It is also possible to use separately prefabricated instructions for use, which may be fragrant. Options for installing the instructions include gluing on labels, shrinking foils, mechanically fixing labels, papers, boxes, cards, etc. using snap, snap, clamp or tacker etc. connections. The scope of design for packaging developers is almost limitless.

Of course, it is also possible to design the instructions for use as a separate sheet, which is placed in the package. The separate instructions for use may be made on paper, cardboard, plastics in the form of sheets, sheets, cards, cards, flyers, fanfolds, fabric elements, etc. The separate instructions for use has the advantage that the consumer can fix them in an exposed position and read repeatedly when using the packaging according to the invention. Also, such a separate instructions for use can be taken out of the packaging and read several times in changing locations, without always the complete kit must be carried.

The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example with reference to the drawing. This shows in each case in: 1 shows a packaging according to the invention in an oblique view.

FIG. 2 shows two packages according to the invention brought into contact; FIG.

Fig. 3 two not yet brought into contact packaging according to the invention with partly non-planar surface.

A packaging according to the invention is designated 2 in FIG. 1. It has at least two of the visible side surfaces in each case three elements 3, which are made of a magnetic and / or magnetizable material. The shape of the package is cuboid in this embodiment. Accordingly, the surfaces on which the elements 3 are arranged are substantially planar. There are on one side, which is later to come into contact with other packaging according to the invention, in each case three magnetic and / or magnetizable elements attached. In the present embodiment, these are either glued or otherwise firmly connected to the packaging. The arrangement of the elements 3 is chosen such that in the combination of the package 2 with another package 2 according to the invention the joining to a sales unit 1 only with a certain intended orientation of the two packages 2 to each other is possible.

It consists in this embodiment of two packages 2 according to the invention in the embodiment in Fig. 1. Due to the positive magnetic interaction between the magnetic and / or magnetizable elements 3 of the two packages 2 keep these two packages as a packaging unit 1 without another outer packaging together. Due to the attraction of the elements 3 between the packages 2, the air gap between these two packages 2 is reduced to a minimum.

Due to the attachment of the elements 3 to the packaging 2 and the orientation of the packaging 2 is fixed to each other. Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of packaging 2 according to the invention. The surfaces of the packaging 2 are partially not even here. The side surfaces, on each of which two elements 3 are mounted, are designed wave-shaped. The predetermined by the interaction of the elements 3 orientation and combinability of the packages 2 to and with each other is visualized here additionally by the shape of the packages 2. There is only one possibility for combining the two packagings according to the invention in the present exemplary embodiment into a packaging unit 1. Incorrect combinations or orientations of the packages 2, which are not possible due to the interaction of the elements 3 between the packages 2, are visualized by this shaping.

Claims

Claims:

1. Non-metallic packaging (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one magnetic and / or magnetizable element (3).

2. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one element (3) in the color of the printing or the paint of the package (2) is included.

3. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the manufacture of the package (2) adhesive has been used and the at least one element (3) is contained in this adhesive.

4. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the packaging (2) a film is mounted, in which the at least one element (3) is included.

5. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) is incorporated in the packaging material.

6. non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the packaging (2) adhesive in the form of splices is attached and in this adhesive, the at least one element (3) is included.

7. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the packaging (2) a product is contained, which contains the at least one element (3).

8. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) is magnetizable by induction.

9. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least element (3) is a permanent magnet.

10. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains iron, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

11. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains nickel, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

12. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains cobalt, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

13. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains a Heer- lersche alloy of manganese, copper and aluminum, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

14. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains an alloy of partially non-ferromagnetic components, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

15. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains a mixed oxide, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

16. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains europium oxide, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

17. non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) contains chromium (IV) - oxide, in particular more than 50 wt.%.

18. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one element (3) has a Curie temperature above 40 ⁰ C, preferably above 50 ⁰ C, more preferably above 80 ⁰ C, especially preferably above 100 ° C.

19. Non-metallic packaging (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two of the elements (3) are present and these consist of different materials.

20. Packaging unit (1) comprising at least two individual packages (2) characterized in that at least one of the packages (2) has the features of one or more of claims 1 to 19.

21. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that at least two packages (2) have the features of one or more of claims 1 to 19.

22. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the elements (3) are mounted so that they come into contact with the packaging (2) in magnetic interactions.

23. Packaging unit (1) according to at least one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the type of elements (3) are adapted with regard to their interaction with the product contained in the packaging (2).

24. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 23, characterized in that by this adaptation of the elements (3) a faulty combination of two in the packaging (2) contained products is not possible.

25. Packaging unit (1) according to at least one of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that the packages (2) have an outer shape such that upon contact of the packages (2) large parts of the surfaces are close to each other.

26. Packaging unit (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that the packages (2) have an outer shape that only then large parts of the surface of the packages (2) can be close to each other when between the elements (3) of the packages (2) a positive interaction in the form of an attraction is possible.

27. Packaging unit (1) according to at least one of claims 20 to 26, characterized in that at least large parts of the surfaces of the packages (2) are substantially planar.

28. Packaging unit (1) according to at least one of claims 20 to 27, characterized in that the elements (3) after contacting the packages (2) are magnetized by induction.

29. Kit, comprising at least one package (2) having the features of at least one of claims 1 to 19 and an instruction manual.