SE534429C2 - packaging unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a packaging unit (4) comprising, a group of packages (1), which are filled with a liquid product, which are arranged in a disposable manner, and which are of a collapsing type and in an upright position have a shape which tapers in a downward and upward direction, and a plastic film casing. (5) which at least partially encloses the group of packages (1) for achieving dimensional stability of the packaging unit (4), together with a transport package and a method for manufacturing a packaging unit.

Description

53 35 424 such abrasion damage, especially in combination with creasing in the packaging material, result in leakage of packaging contents.

European patent application number EP 0 681 970, discloses a method of folding collapsible packages so that they can be stacked on top of each other.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a packaging unit which is well suited for the storage and transport of collapsible packages. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing packaging units which is well suited for the storage and transport of collapsible packages. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a transport package comprising a plurality of packaging units which are well suited for storing and transporting collapsible packages.

According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a group of packages which are filled with a liquid product, which are provided in a disposable manner, and which are of a colic-like type and in an upright condition have a tapered shape from below and upwards, and a plastic film casing which at least partially encloses the group of packages to achieve dimensional stability of the packaging unit.

The arrangement of packages having a shape which tapers in a downward and upward direction can allow tight packing of the packages and further packing so that the packaging unit can assume the shape of a straight block is possible, which shape of a straight block may be desirable during storage and / or transport. By scaffold is meant that the packages are arranged so that they have an alternating opposite orientation with respect to said direction from the bottom up. Packaging of a collapsing type means, for example, packaging which has a chamber delimited by flexible walls, which walls are interconnected along a connecting portion.

Such packages may have the advantages that they are light in weight, that efficient production of them is possible, and that when they are not filled they are less space consuming than corresponding packages made of rigid packaging material. The plastic cover which at least partially encloses the packages is arranged so that dimensional stability of the packaging unit is achieved. It is a great advantage that packaging units comprising packages that are of a collapsing type can be dimensionally stable. For example, such dimensionally stable packaging units can be load-bearing and the packages can thus, for example, be stacked. For example, a number of packaging units can be stacked on, for example, a pallet, which enables easy handling and transport of not only a number of packages but also a number of packaging units. The plastic cover, which at least partially encloses the packages, also means that the packages, despite shaking and vibrations that can normally occur during transport, for example, do not rub against each other. or rubs significantly less against each other than when transporting traditional packaging units. This reduces the risk of damage to the packaging and leakage from the packaging. When packages of collapsing type are packed together in, for example, boxes, folds can appear in the flexible walls of the packages, which folds aggravate damage related to wear in the wall of the package, which can occur during abrasion during transport. Such problems related to folds are minimized with recovery. Thus, the invention solves a number of problems related to the transport of packaging of collapsing types.

The packages may comprise or be made of, for example, plastic, paper, laminate material, or combinations thereof.

The invention describes a packaging unit, in which the group of packages comprises a first set of packages with an orientation in a first direction R1 and a second set of packages with an orientation in a direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1.

The number of packages in the first set may be identical to the number of packages in the second set, at the packaging unit.

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

The plastic film cover can enclose the packaging unit so that each individual package obtains a fixed position in the unit. In this way, the plastic film cover 10 15 20 25 30 35 534 429 4 can cause the packages of the group of packages to retain their mutual positions even during, for example, transport or loading.

The plastic film cover can completely enclose the group of packages. In this way, the group of packages can be protected from all directions and extra good dimensional stability can be obtained, regardless of which direction the group carries cargo from.

The group of packages may, for example, have six outer sides, all sides of which are enclosed by said plastic film casing. For example, the group of packages and also the packaging unit can thus form a straightening block, which is a suitable geometry for packaging units since several such packaging units can be packed tightly and thus minimal storage and cargo space is required for the packaging units. Fewer sides than all sides of the group of packages can be enclosed by plastic film casing, for example five or six sides. At least four sides of the packaging unit should be enclosed by the plastic film casing to create the dimensional stability of the invention.

The plastic film casing may, for example, have a longitudinal and two transverse seals. In this way, the plastic film cover can consist of a piece of plastic film which is closed around the group of packages and in this way efficient application of the plastic film cover can be made possible.

By dimensional stability, according to the invention, is meant that the plastic film envelope should enclose the group of packages in such a way that each individual package is kept in a substantially different position in relation to each other. Form stability, according to the invention, can also be achieved when the packaging unit is loaded because the group of packages is enclosed by plastic film casing.

The plastic film casing can enclose the group of packages without clamping force.

The plastic film cover can also enclose the group of packages with clamping force.

Such a plastic film cover can thus allow dimensional stability of the packages.

The plastic film casing of the packaging unit may be arranged to enclose the packages with such a clamping force that the contents of the packages form counter-pressure beams for achieving said dimensional stability of the packaging unit. 10 15 20 25 30 35 534 429 The packaging unit's plastic glue cover can, for example, be a shrink film. A shrink film can be positioned in a desired and suitable manner about the packages and then, for example by heating, allowed to shrink in order to close more tightly around the packaging unit and also, if desired, give rise to tensioning forces.

The plastic film casing of the packaging unit can be, for example, a wrap film.

Wrapping film is an effective way to apply a wrapper around the packaging.

Furthermore, by means of sweeping, tension can be created in the casing which can achieve dimensional stability of the packaging unit according to the invention.

The plastic film casing of the packaging unit can also be a shrink film which is a shrink film.

The plastic film casing of the packaging unit may comprise or consist of, for example, thermosetting plastics or resins, or other polymeric materials suitable for sweeping according to the invention.

The plastic film casing of the packaging unit can be less than 100 micrometers thick, but it can also be thicker than one hundred micrometers. For example, the plastic film cover may be 5-50 or 10-30 micrometers thick.

Transport packages according to the invention may comprise a plurality of packaging units. When transporting the packaging units, it can be advantageous to handle several packaging units as one package. For example, lifting, or other handling steps, can be minimized if fl your packaging units can be handled as a package. A package may also, for example, include a suitable number of packaging units for delivery and warehousing in to the store.

Transport package packaging units can be stacked on a load carrier. A load carrier that carries a transport package can, for example, facilitate the handling and transport of the transport package and the packaging units. For example, the load carrier can be arranged for lifting and loading or transport by means of a truck, for example a forklift or a hand truck. The packaging units of the transport package may be arranged in a stack, which stack is at least partially enclosed by a plastic film cover. Such a plastic film cover can, for example, hold together and secure the packaging units during transport. The plastic casing can also hold the packaging units to the load carrier, in cases where the packaging units are stacked on a load carrier. The plastic film cover can, for example, consist of a wrap film, which wrap film can be a shrink film.

According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing packaging units, comprising the steps of arranging a group of packages, which are filled with a liquid product, which are provided by a disposable foot, and which are of a collapsing type and in an upright condition have a in the direction from below and up tapered shape, and at least partially enclose the group of packages with a plastic film cover to achieve dimensional stability of the packaging unit.

The plastic film casing of the process may be a wrapping film which is wrapped around the packaging of the disposable nipples.

The plastic film casing of the process may be a shrink film which shrinks if the packages of the disposable are arranged.

The above discussion regarding the packaging device is also, where applicable, relevant to the process and transport package.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the disposable packaging provided according to the invention.

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging unit enclosed by a plastic film casing with longitudinal and transverse seals. which packaging unit is illustrated as seen from two different directions in (a) and (b), respectively.

Figure 3 schematically illustrates different embodiments of packaging unit with longitudinal and transverse seals. Figure 15 is a schematic perspective view of a packaging unit according to the invention, which packaging unit is partially enclosed by a plastic film casing.

Figure 5 illustrates schematic procedure for enclosing a group of packages with plastic film casing.

Figure 6 are schematic perspective views of (a) 24, (b) 3, (c) 2 and (d) 24 packaging units according to the invention, which packaging units are placed on transport platforms.

Figure 7 schematically illustrates how a packaging unit is wrapped with a plastic film cover.

Description of exemplary embodiments The invention will now be discussed in more detail and specific preferred embodiments, as well as variations thereof, will be shown. The discussions are intended to be clarifying and explanatory and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. The figures referred to are schematic and do not have to be scalable.

With reference to Figure 1, it is now discussed that disposable packaging 1 according to the invention is discussed. Six packages 1 are arranged in the supply compartment.

The packages 1 have a shape tapered from the bottom up, with a narrower end 2 and a wider end 3. It will be appreciated that the packages are shown schematically. Packages comprising two opposite side walls and a bottom wall, which side walls and bottom wall are flexible, may be preferred according to the invention and the figures are intended to illustrate, for example, such packages.

With reference to Figures 2a and b, a specific embodiment of the invention will now be discussed. Figures 2a and b illustrate a packaging unit 4, seen from two different angles. The packaging unit 4 comprises six packages 1 a-f, which packages are filled with liquid product. The packages 1 are made of plastic and are of collapsing type and in the upright condition they have a shape which tapers in the direction from below and upwards. 10 15 20 25 30 35 534 429 8 The packages 1 are arranged on a base and they are enclosed by a plastic film cover 5.

The plastic film casing 5 provides dimensional stability of the packaging unit 4 by locking the positions of the individual packages.

The packaging unit 4 has six outlets, four of which are illustrated and indicated in the figure as the outside 6a-d, the other two sides, which are not illustrated in the figure, are diametrically opposite side 6a and side 6c, respectively. According to this example, the plastic film cover 5 encloses all of the six sides 6 of the packaging unit, and the plastic film cover 5 has three seals 13a-c, of which the seal 13a is longitudinal and the seals 13b and c are transverse.

It will be appreciated that the plastic film casing 5 may have a different number of seals 13 than those illustrated by Figures 2a and b. all six exteriors of the packaging unit 4. It may be the case that the outer sides do not have seals 13, for example as illustrated by Figures 2a and b. More than one seal 13 may be shown per outer side, but it may be preferred that only one seal 13 is shown per outer side.

Longitudinal and transverse seals 13, according to the invention, are defined for substantially straight seals as such that if one extrapolates the longitudinal seals 13 and displaces them in parallel so that intersection between the longitudinal seals 13 or extrapolated lines occurs, the smallest angle between each longitudinal poles or its extra poles line and an at least one longitudinal seal or its extrapolated line to be less than 45 degrees. Regarding the transverse seals, the following applies: When a transverse seal, or its extrapolated line, is displaced in parallel until the transverse seal or its extrapolated line crosses a longitudinal seal, the angle between the transverse seal or its extrapolated line and a normal to the longitudinal seal , which normally occurs in the plane tensioned by the transverse and longitudinal seals, to be less than 45 degrees. For example, if the seal 13a is assumed to be longitudinal, the seal 13b and c will be transverse because said angle is 0 degrees for the respective seal 13b and c. A longitudinal seal may, as in this example, run substantially in a plane which is substantially parallel to the bottom portion of a package.

The example further illustrates packages provided according to the invention comprising a first set of packages (1 b, d, f) with a first direction R1 and a second set of packages (1 a, c, e) with a direction R2 opposite to the first direction R1 . In this example, the directions R1 and R2 are identical to the directions in which the packages are tapered and the directions are indicated by the arrows R1 and R2 in the clock. It will be appreciated that the directions R1 and R2 may just as well go in the opposite direction, for example.

With reference to Figures 3a-c, various embodiments of packaging unit with longitudinal and transverse seals are discussed. For the sake of clarity, the packages in the packaging unit are not illustrated, but only the plastic film casing 5, which in the example is transparent, to illustrate the packaging unit. In this way, seals appear in the o guren regardless of which side of the packaging unit 4 they are located on.

Figures 3a and b illustrate a packaging unit with two longitudinal seals 13a and d and two transverse seals 13b and c. Figure 3c illustrates a packaging unit with a longitudinal seal 13a and two transverse seals 13b and c.

The seals can be, for example, heat-welded, or otherwise joined with heat and / or pressure. The seals can also be glued, for example.

With reference to Figure 4, a specific embodiment of the invention is now discussed. The figure illustrates a packaging unit 4 with six packages 1a-f, which packages are filled with liquid product.

The packages 1 are made of plastic and are of collapsing type and in the upright condition they have a shape which tapers in the direction from below and upwards. The packages 1 are arranged on a supply foot and they are partly enclosed by a plastic film cover 5, which has a wrap around the packages 1.

The packaging unit 4 has six outer sides, four of which are of the outer sides 6a-d enclosed by said plastic film cover 5. The plastic film cover 5 gives the packaging unit 4 dimensional stability. The example further illustrates packages provided according to the invention 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 to the first direction R1. In this example, the directions R1 and R2 are identical to the directions in which the packages are tapered and the directions are indicated by the arrows R1 and R2 in the figure. It will be appreciated, for example, that the directions R1 and R2 may just as well go in the opposite direction.

With reference to Figures 5a-d, the method of manufacturing a packaging unit according to the invention is discussed below. The method comprises, inter alia, enclosing a group 14 of packages 1 with plastic film casing 5 which completely encloses the group 14 of packages, which enclosure entails dimensional stability of the packages. It will be appreciated that the orientation of the packages in the group 14, entirely in accordance with the invention, may differ from that illustrated in Figures 5a-d. The plastic film 9 is illustrated in this example as being non-transparent. Figure 5a illustrates the group 14 of packages 1, which packages have been arranged and provided with plastic 9. lm 9. The plastic men lm 9 is in this example in the figure arranged in what can be considered as a V-shape and the plastic can be considered as V-weight.

In Figure 5b, the plastic film has been arranged so as to substantially follow the contours of certain sides of the group 14 of packages 1.

In Figure 5c, a longitudinal seal 13a has been created. According to the invention, a longitudinal seal 13a can thus be defined as running along the longitudinal direction of the plastic film. Regarding the longitudinal direction of the plastic film, reference is made to the discussion referring to Figure 7. The seals according to this example may be of the type mentioned above, or of another type which occurs and is suitable. The parts of the plastic film that protrude from the seal can be removed in connection with the seal, for example optionally cut off, or otherwise removed. The dimensions of the plastic strip and the design of the seal can also be designed so that essentially no or only a small amount of plastic protrudes from the seal. For example, the width of the plastic film can be chosen so that it is only slightly wider than the distance it encloses the group of packages. According to the invention, parts of the plastic film 10 which protrude can also be folded so that the parts lie close to the package. As can be seen from the illustration, four sides of the group of packages are enclosed in plastic film casing. If it is desired and if it is appropriate for only four sides to be enclosed by plastic film casing, parts of the plastic film 9 may conveniently be removed so that it does not, for example, substantially, or only slightly, protrude beyond those sides of the group 14 of packages 1 which do not are enclosed. The plastic film cover can thus be considered to partially enclose the group of packages. Figure 5d illustrates the group of packages which are now completely enclosed by plastic film casing and in which two transverse seals have been created, of which transverse seal 13b is visible in the och gure and transverse seal 13c and longitudinal seal 13a are indicated by dashed lines. The transverse seals in this example have directions according to the illustration, but they could also have had a different direction according to the invention and, for example, ran from the bottom up, which direction differs substantially 90 degrees from the illustrated direction. The parts of the plastic film that may have protruded from the transverse seals can be removed or folded as described above for longitudinal seals.

Hereby a packaging unit has been created which comprises a group 14 of packages 1 and a plastic film casing 5 which completely encloses the group of packages. The plastic film cover can be shrunk by heat treatment, which can give rise to dimensional stability, or increase dimensional stability.

If the plastic film is tightened around the group 14 of packages 1, for example by shrinking, so that the circumference of the plastic element is slightly below the circumference of the group of packages, with this method the plastic film cover 5 can with clamping force enclose the group of packages. The clamping force can be varied depending on how hard the film shrinks on the group of packages.

The shrinkage can also be performed so that the housing encloses without clamping force. If the plastic film is applied substantially without clamping force, with this method the plastic film cover 5 without clamping force according to the invention can enclose the group of packages. If sweeping film is used, said clamping force can be achieved by sweeping, possibly in combination with shrinkage, of the plastic film casing.

The clamping force can provide additional dimensional stability of the packaging unit 4 by locking the positions of the individual packages more tightly. With reference to Figures 6a-d, transport packages 7a-d are now discussed, inter alia, comprising a number of packaging units 4a-d according to the invention. Each packaging unit 4a-d comprises a number of packages which are not illustrated in the figure. In the examples in the figures, the transport packages 7a-d are positioned or stacked on load carriers 8a-d.

Figure 6b encloses the transport package 7b by wrapping with plastic strip 9, which can, among other things, provide protection during transport, increase the dimensional stability of the load package 7b, for the packaging unit 4b and for the packaging according to the invention. In the example according to the figure, four sides of the transport collet 7b will be enclosed with plastic film 9, but also, for example, five or six sides could have been enclosed.

Transport packages 7d in figure 6d comprise packaging units 4 which are stacked in binding layers, which binding layers can provide more stable stacking.

Referring to Figure 7, there is now a discussion of wrapping a packaging unit 4 comprising a group 14 of packages 1, to create a plastic film casing 5 which at least partially encloses the packages to achieve dimensional stability of the packages. The figure is schematic and depicts sweeping of a first turn around the packages. This introduces a coordinate system x-y-z, according to the illustration in the figure, and it is considered that the sweeping according to the figure takes place in the x-z plane. When the sweep takes place only in this plane, four sides of a total of six sides of the group 14 of packages 1 will be enclosed by the plastic film casing 5. If the sweep also takes place in the x-y plane, five or six sides may be enclosed by the plastic film casing. It may be appropriate to sweep several turns, i.e. the clamping force arising from the plastic film casing may thus be greater compared to the case where fewer turns are swept, which may be desirable, for example if it is desired to give rise to back pressure beams in the liquid in the packages. Sweeping in your laps can also provide greater mechanical protection than sweeping in one lap. It will be appreciated that sweeping can also occur only in the x-y plane. The planes in which the sweeping is carried out can be chosen depending on which orientation of the packaging unit 4 will prevail during transport and possible stacking of packaging units. It will be appreciated that the portion of the plastic film from the plastic film roll 10 which projects outside the packaging unit 4 may be folded over the packaging unit 4, for example when the clamping force is increased. The longitudinal direction of a plastic film can be considered to be the 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 applies to both plastic film for sweeping and plastic film being sealed. The plastic film may be shrinking, for example the plastic film may be selected so that it shrinks upon heating of the packaging unit 4 after sweeping, which shrinkage may increase the clamping force.

When in the examples with reference to the figures it is discussed about packages, the packages according to the invention are meant, which packages are of a collapsing type. Packaging of a collapsing type means, for example, packaging which has a chamber delimited by flexible walls, which walls are interconnected along a connecting portion.

The walls normally comprise two opposite side walls and a bottom wall.

Claims (15)

10 15 20 25 30 35 534 429 / H PATENT REQUIREMENTS Packaging unit (4) delimited by six surfaces, comprising, a group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product, which are of collapsing type and comprise a bottom wall and two opposite side walls, which packages (1) in an upright condition have a direction from below and upwardly tapering shape, in which the packages (1) are arranged so that each package (1) has a side wall facing a bottom of the packaging unit (4), and wherein the packages (1) have an alternating orientation in a first and a second direction opposite to the first direction, characterized by a plastic film casing (5) which by sweeping at least partially encloses the group of packages (1) in such a way that each package obtains a fixed position for achieving dimensional stability of the packaging unit (4) , where the plastic film casing (5) makes contact with the packages on at least four of six surfaces of the packaging unit, that the packages (1) are a nerds lying on top of each other in a plurality of layers with a number of packages (1) in each layer, that the packages (1) in a single layer have a uniform orientation in the first or the second direction, and that the plastic film cover (5) is made of web-shaped plastic film material which are connected along four or fewer elongate sealing portions to form said plastic film casing. Packaging unit (4) according to claim 1, wherein the packaging unit comprises a handle (11). Packaging unit (4) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the number of packages (4) in the respective warehouse is identical. A packaging unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product comprises four, six, eight or ten packages (1). A packaging unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic film cover (5) completely encloses the group of packages (1). The packaging unit (4) according to claim 5, wherein the plastic film cover (5) has a longitudinal and two transverse seals (13). 10 15 20 25 30 35 534 429/5 Packaging unit (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic film casing (5) is a shrink film. Packaging unit (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic film casing (5) encloses the group of packages (1) without clamping force. Packaging unit (4) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plastic film casing (5) encloses the group of packages (1) with clamping force. A transport package (7) comprising a number of packaging units according to claim 1. Transport package (7) according to claim 10, wherein the packaging units (4) are stacked on a load carrier (8). A transport package (7) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a stack formed by said packaging units (4) is at least partially enclosed by a plastic film envelope. A method of manufacturing a packaging unit (4) delimited by six surfaces, comprising the steps of: arranging a group of packages (1) filled with a liquid product, which are of collapsing kind, which comprise a bottom wall and two opposite side roads, and which in the upright position, it has a shape which tapers in a downward and upward direction, lying on top of each other in a plurality of layers with a plurality of packages (1) in each layer in such a way that the packages (1) have an alternating orientation in a first and a first the opposite direction, second direction, and wherein the packages (1) in a single layer have a uniform orientation in the first or second direction, and wherein the packages (1) are arranged so that each package (1) has a side wall facing a bottom of the packaging unit (4), to by wrapping at least partially enclose the packages (1) with a plastic film cover (5) so that this makes contact with the package at least four of said six surfaces of the packaging unit (4) so that each package obtains a fixed position in the packaging unit, to provide the plastic film casing (5) with four or fewer seals (13), in order to achieve dimensional stability of the packaging unit (4), the plastic film casing (5) is made of web-shaped plastic film material which is joined along four or fewer elongate sealing portions to form said plastic film casing (5). A method according to claim 13, wherein said plastic film casing (5) is a scanning film. 534 429 / b A method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said plastic film cover (5) is a shrink film.