DE102010049028A1 - Method for attaching a carrying handle and application head for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for attaching at least one handle (13) to a bundle assembly (10). Such a bundle combination (10) consists of at least two articles (20), the articles (20) being combined with at least one largely horizontally arranged retaining strap (12). The tether (12) comprises at least some of the articles (20) each at least partially and the handle (13) is in contact with at least two opposite points of the tether (12), the horizontal tether (12) and the handle (13) are each designed in a ring shape. According to the invention, the retaining strap (12) and the handle (13) are attached to the bundle assembly (10) at the same time. The invention further comprises an application head (1) for carrying out the method and the containers (10) thus created.

Description

The present invention relates to a method for attaching a carrying handle to a container assembly according to the features of the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to an application head for carrying out the method and for producing such containers to be created according to the features of the preambles of claims 10 and 14.

In packaging technology, especially in the compilation of items such as bottles to containers, is always looking for new material-saving packaging stable.

Conventionally, the bottles are usually assembled as a six-pack and provided with a shrink wrap. However, the material and energy costs are very high. This effort can be significantly reduced if the bottles are instead summarized by a so-called strapping. Such a strapping is for example a banderole. The advantage over conventionally used shrink wrappings is that much less material is needed and that the energy-intensive shrinking process is eliminated.

The US 3,930,578 A discloses an assortment of cylindrical articles into containers, the entirety of the articles being at least single, but preferably double strapped. The lower strapping serves the stable cohesion. The upper strapping serves for a stable cohesion of the articles in the container and on the other hand, at least one carrying handle is attached to the upper strapping.

Experiments have shown that strapped containers with a horizontal strap and a strap attached to the handle strap are very stable to wear. From the prior art, however, no simple and time-saving ways are known to attach such a handle easy and automated to the strapped containers.

An object of the invention is to develop an automated method and apparatus with which a stable carrying handle and strapping can be attached to a container in a time-saving manner.

The above object is achieved by a method comprising the features in claim 1. Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an application head comprising the features in claim 10. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the subclaims.

Many articles can be well summarized by a so-called strapping. The articles may be, for example, bottles which have a recess deviating from a substantially cylindrical basic shape, in particular at least one recessed grip, or else bottles without such a depression. The articles may also be other cylindrical articles, for example kitchen rolls, wood briquettes, shampoo bottles or the like.

Such strapping is for example a banderole or a holding band. The strapping is generally so tightly clamped around the articles that they are held together in the container. For bottles with a recess, the tether is preferably arranged in the recess and is thus additionally secured against slipping upwards.

In particular, it has been shown that with a horizontal strap strapped container with a handle strap that surrounds the tether, are very stable to wear. The support band arranged vertically and at least partially around the tether stabilizes it by pulling the tether together and increasing the tension of the band.

Methods for strapping container assemblies are known. The carrying handle is generally attached in a subsequent step by gluing or the like.

In the method according to the invention, the tether and the carrying handle are attached to the container at the same time, so that no additional subsequent device for attaching the carrying handle is necessary.

The method is used to summarize container assembly of at least two articles with a tether and at the same time to provide a carrying handle.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the method is used to summarize bundles of at least four arranged in at least two rows articles with a tether and to provide at the same time with a carrying handle.

The tether here includes each article at least partially. The carrying handle is in contact with at least two opposite points of the tether and preferably pulls them together as already described. The tether and the Carrying handle are each designed annular. In particular, the tether ring and the handle ring are arranged so that the tether ring in the finished container is arranged substantially horizontally, while the handle ring is arranged substantially vertically. Carrying handle ring and retaining band ring are thus arranged orthogonal to each other. Furthermore, the tether ring is passed through the handle ring.

The carrying handle ring is at least partially disposed between at least two articles. Since the tether ring is arranged passed through the handle ring, the advantageous band tension of the tether is additionally increased when lifting the container on the handle.

The attachment of the strap and the carrying handle is preferably in the following steps: The not yet connected at its ends tether ring and the handle ring are arranged perpendicular to each other. In particular, the arrangement is such that the handle ring surrounds the tether ring, d. H. the tether ring is passed through the handle ring. This arrangement of handle ring and tether ring is attached to the container assembly so that the tether comprises the articles of the container composition - d. H. that the tether is disposed around the articles of the container assembly - while the handle ring is at least partially disposed between articles. The ends of the tether ring and / or the handle ring are connected together and the tether is now clamped so that the articles of the container assembly are pressed firmly together. In particular, the ring ends are joined together by gluing, welding or the like.

If spoken in the present context of a simultaneous attachment of the strap together with the handle on the container, so it is meant in particular that the carrying handle and the tether is connected as an already pre-assembled unit and thus together with the container. Compared to the known method, the tether is made with a single application head together with the carrying handle and brought to the container and connected to it. The term "simultaneously" is not necessarily to be understood temporally, but means an integrated process step in the container processing.

The method is carried out by means of a special device, in particular by means of an application head, which has means for the simultaneous attachment of the retaining strap and the carrying handle. These are, for example, holding devices for the holding band ring and the carrying handle ring. In particular, the holding devices are so-called strip frames in which the respective ring is spread open and held. Above all, a special holder for the not yet connected at its ends tether ring is necessary.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining band ring not yet connected at its ends is prepared and held in a horizontal band frame, and the band ring is prepared and held in a vertical band frame.

The lower and / or the upper part of the vertical holding device or the vertical band frame can be at least partially opened, so that the handle ring is first pulled apart and after opening the lower part of the vertical band frame part of the band tendon of the handle ring is exposed. This free part of the band tendon of the handle ring is rotated 90 degrees, so that the band chord is perpendicular to the articles of the container composition. The vertical part of the band tendon of the carrying handle ring is now threaded between the articles of the container composition.

If the articles in the bundle arrangement offset from each other, then the band tendon is preferably threaded so that it is arranged in each case at an angle to the sides of the parallelogram base of the container composition. This arrangement will hereinafter be referred to as the diagonal arrangement of the carrying handle.

The application head with the two ribbon frames in which the tether ring and the handle ring are prepared is vertically movable and lowered over the bundle assembly. In this case, the retaining band ring is positioned accordingly and threaded the handle ring according to the method described above between the articles.

Preferably, the entire process works continuously. While the container assembly on a transport device, such as a conveyor belt, is moved continuously in a transport direction, the horizontal tether and the handle band are attached to the container assembly by means of the horizontally displaceable / movable application head, the application head synchronizing with the transport speed of the container assembly.

With the described method and the described application head thus containers can be made, which consist of at least two articles, the articles in the container with at least one substantially horizontal arranged tether are summarized, so that the tether at least partially comprises at least part of the article in each case. Such a container further has at least one carrying handle, which is in contact with at least two opposite points of the tether, wherein the horizontal tether and the carrying handle are each configured annularly.

Preferably, the method according to the invention, in which the tether and the lanyard are fastened simultaneously to the bundle assembly, is used to form a tether and a handle on packages of at least two articles, or on packages in which the at least two articles in at least two rows in a rectangular base are arranged to install. The carrying handle can preferably be attached at an angle to the sides of the rectangle.

According to an alternative embodiment, the method straps bundle assemblies which have a rectangular base surface, wherein the carrying handle is mounted substantially parallel to each two of the sides and substantially perpendicular to the other two sides.

According to a further preferred embodiment, at least four articles are arranged in at least two rows of at least two articles displaced relative to each other so that the container has a parallelogram-shaped base. The carrying handle is preferably threaded between the articles so that it is in each case arranged at an angle to the sides of a parallelogram-shaped base surface. This arrangement is referred to as diagonal in the context of this document.

The method can further be used, for example, to strap three articles with a triangular container base, seven articles with a hexagonal base, etc., and to provide them with a carrying handle.

In the method, first the application head is prepared accordingly. In particular, first the band frames for the tether ring and the handle ring are closed. Subsequently, the not yet closed tether ring and not yet closed handle ring are injected in their respective band frame. The band frame with the carrying handle ring opens. For example, a band frame consists of two C-shaped halves, which are respectively pivoted in the opposite direction or swung to the same side, whereby the frame is opened. According to a further embodiment, only a lower part of the band frame is opened by pivoting.

Subsequently, the carrying handle ring is at least partially rotated, so that it is largely perpendicular in this area.

The application head has means for rotating at least a portion of the handle ring. According to a first embodiment, the band frame has a predetermined contour, which causes the carrying handle ring to rotate when the band frame is opened, so that at least part of the band chord of the carrying handle ring is positioned vertically. Then the handle ring is clamped so that it does not turn back.

In accordance with a further preferred embodiment, the at least partial rotation of the carrying handle ring is effected by bringing at least two pins from below onto the carrying handle ring and setting this up substantially vertically at least in the area between the two pins. For example, the band frame has on its underside at least one opening through which the pins engage the handle ring. This opening extends substantially over the entire underside of the belt frame and the pins preferably engage in a region on the handle ring, in which it is just arranged substantially horizontally. According to a further embodiment, the band frame has two openings through which the pins pass through in a targeted manner.

The tape frames prepared in this way are now lowered down over the bundles of containers, with the vertical part of the carrying handle ring being threaded between the articles. Alternatively, the container assembly can also be raised from bottom to top, wherein the vertical part of the handle ring is also threaded between the articles. Subsequently, the tether ring is tightened and opened the band frame of the tether ring. Now the handle ring is also tightened by retrieving.

The ends of the not yet closed tether ring and the not yet closed handle ring are sealed, for example by welding, gluing or other suitable method, and the excess separated.

The application head is now raised, or the strapped container assembly is lowered, so that the application head is thus free again and can be prepared for the strapping of another container composition.

The band frame of the tether ring does not necessarily have to be open. Alternatively, it may have an interruption, for example with a sealing lip, through which the retaining strap can be injected.

Preferably, the application head has means that can be adapted to the nature of the container to be strapped and ensure that the articles are already frictionally against each other before strapping and no longer slip against each other. According to a preferred embodiment, this is at least one preferably replaceable molding, which is particularly adapted to the contour of the article to be strapped. The replacement of the moldings can be done manually or automatically.

According to a further alternative embodiment can be used as handle strap a grip, which is easily reducible in width. In particular, such a handle strap in the longitudinal direction in the middle of a kind of material weakening and thus be centrally foldable. This band is preferably foldable so thinly that it can be passed between the containers without the ribbon having to be rotated by 90 ° as described above. The shape of the fold preferably corresponds to a "V" that, due to its tip, is well threadable between the bottles. The material weakening can be produced either by circulating thinner material, by circumferential grooves, slots, perforations o. Ä.

In such a case, an application head can be used without additional means for rotating the handle ring at least in a partial area. As already described, this application head has two tape frames in which the tether ring and the handle ring are prepared.

It should be mentioned at this point again that the carrying handle tightens this by its cross-connection with the tether this in addition and under tension, whereby the articles or bottles of the container are pressed against each other. The container casing surfaces of the articles are in contact, the pulling force exerted by the carrying handle results in an improved stabilization of the container composition as a whole.

In the following, embodiments of the invention and their advantages with reference to the accompanying figures will be explained in more detail. The proportions of the individual elements to one another in the figures do not always correspond to the actual size ratios, since some shapes are simplified and other shapes are shown enlarged in relation to other elements for better illustration.

1 shows a container with diagonal carrying handle.

2 and 3 show the attachment of a diagonal handle to a container.

4 shows a container with diagonal carrying handle seen from above.

5 shows an application head for attaching a horizontal strap and a diagonal handle.

6 shows a vertical band frame that can be opened in the lower and upper area.

7 shows a vertical ribbon frame that can be opened at the bottom.

8th shows the partial placement of the band tendon of a handle ring.

9 to 15 show detailed views of the vertical band frame and the process of setting up the band tendon.

For identical or equivalent elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures, which are required for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples of how the device or method of the invention may be configured and are not an exhaustive limitation.

1 shows a container 10 consisting of six bottles arranged in two rows 20 , The bottles 20 are in particular offset to each other - on the gap - arranged. This arrangement is on the one hand very space-saving, on the other hand, the bottles 20 by means of a retaining band 12 be summarized stable. Such an arrangement is preferably suitable for bottles 20 that have at least one recess running around their entire circumference 22 show as the tether 12 then preferably in the region of the depression 22 can be arranged, causing slippage of the retaining band 12 is limited to the top.

Furthermore, the arrangement has a carrying handle 13 to facilitate transport of such a container 10 on.

Both the tether 12 as well as the carrying handle 13 are designed ring-shaped. The carrying handle ring 14 surrounds the strap 12 and pull this together so that the band tension of the tether 12 increases and thus the stability of the container 10 is improved.

2 and 3 show the attachment of a diagonal carrying handle 13 to a container 10 , The carrying handle ring 14 is spread by means of a holding frame (not shown). The lower area 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 is twisted 90 ° and between the bottles 20 threaded. Also shown is the tether ring 12 which is also spread and within the spread handle ring 14 is arranged.

The arrangement of carrying handle ring 14 and tether ring 12 is from the top of the container composition 10 lowered, or the container composition 10 is from the bottom upwards, ie in the arrangement of handle ring 14 and tether ring 12 , moved in. This is the handle ring 14 between the bottles 20 the bundle composition 10 threaded, while the tether ring 12 the totality of the bottles 20 embraces. Subsequently, the tether ring 12 clamped and the container 10 with carrying handle 13 is finished.

4 shows a container 10 with diagonal carrying handle 13 seen from above. In this illustration is the particularly tight pack of bottles 20 clearly visible to each other. 4A shows the arrangement of the lower part 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 between the bottles 20 , while 4B generally the location of the handle 13 in relation to the bottles 20 represents and clarifies that this is at an angle to the sides 17 the parallel-shaped container base 16 is arranged.

5 shows an application head 1 for attaching a horizontal band 12 and a diagonal carrying handle 13 , The application head 1 includes a horizontal band frame 3 for spreading, fixing and holding the initially still open tether ring 12 and a vertical ribbon frame 5 for spreading, fixing and holding the carrying handle ring 14 , The vertical band frame 5 can be opened at least in the lower part, but preferably in the lower and in the upper part, so that a portion of the handle ring 14 exposed. This is preferably rotated by 90 ° and between the bottles 20 threaded.

The application head 1 has funds 9 for generating a vertical movement component vB, whereby the support frame 3 . 5 can be moved up or down. Preferably, those with tether 12 and carrying handle ring 14 prepared framework 3 . 5 on the container composition 10 lowered, the container 10 with the tether 12 strapped and with the carrying handle 13 provided and the application head 1 raised again. Alternatively, it is also possible that the container from bottom to top in the holding frame 3 . 5 is moved into it.

The container assemblies 10 are preferably on a transport device, in particular a conveyor belt 25 from the container 10 assembling device (not shown) o. Ä. Up transported. The application head 1 also has a horizontal component of movement in the transport direction T of the container 10 on, with the application head 1 Synchronized with the transport speed of the bundle composition.

6A shows a vertical ribbon frame 5 made of two C-shaped halves 30 is constructed and in a lower area 32 and in an upper area 34 can be opened. The C-shaped halves 30 can be pivoted about a vertical axis X in the opposite direction, whereby the frame is opened and the support band ring (not shown) is exposed in this area ( 6B ).

7A shows a vertical ribbon frame 5 in the lower area 32 can be opened by lateral pivoting of horizontal frame elements ( 7B ).

8A shows the partial placement of the band tendon 15 a carrying handle ring 14 in a vertical ribbon frame 5 , Here are below the tape frame 5 two pens 40 o. Ä. Twisting elements arranged from the bottom of the support ring 14 and at least in this area 15 between the two pins 40 Position it largely vertically, making a partial turn of the handle ring 14 cause ( 8B ). In particular, the pins are 40 arranged so that they are each preferably in a lower area 15 on the handle ring 14 attack, in which this is still largely arranged horizontally.

For example, the tape frame 5 on its underside in each case to the pins 40 corresponding openings 42 on, through which the pins 40 at a lower area 15 the carrying handle ring 14 attack.

9 to 15 show detailed views of a preferred embodiment of a vertical band frame 5 and the process of setting up the band tendon 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 in the same.

The carrying handle ring 14 is horizontally in the closed band channel of the two C-shaped halves 30 existing vertical ribbon frame 5 shot down ( 9 ). The C-shaped halves 30 are opened and the band tendon 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 is at least partially largely level free ( 10 ). The carrying handle ring 14 is clamped in a welding head at the end and pulled back on the other side. This puts the band tendon 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 over in the vertical ribbon frame 5 retractable bolts 40 and rises almost vertically ( 11 . 12 ). The erection takes place in particular depending on the angle in which the bolts 40 are arranged after insertion. The carrying handle ring 14 Tensioning a triangle, its lower band tendon 15 almost vertical ( 13 ). Now the band tendon 15 of the carrying handle ring 14 by shutting down the application head 1 pressed between the bottles (not shown). After the retaining band (not shown) is stretched back, the bolts go 40 back to their starting position ( 14 and 15 ). Now the handle ring can 14 be withdrawn.

It should be mentioned again at this point that the carrying handle 14 by his under-grip connection with the tether 12 This additionally tightens, eliminating the items or bottles 20 of the container 10 be pressed against each other. The container shell surfaces of the bottles 20 while in contact, causes of the handle 14 overall tensile strength improved stabilization of the bundle composition 10 ,

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications or changes may be made to the invention without departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

application head

3

horizontal band frame

5

vertical ribbon frame

9

Means for vertical movement of the application head

10

Container / container Compilation

12

tether

13

handle

14

Handle ring

15

lower area of the carrying handle ring / band tendon

16

parallel-shaped container base

17

pages

20

bottles

22

deepening

25

conveyor belt

30

C-shaped halves

32

lower area

34

upper area

40

Pin / bolt

T

transport direction

vB

vertical movement component

X

axis of rotation

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 3930578 A [0004]

Claims (14)

Method for attaching at least one carrying handle ( 13 ) to a container composition ( 10 ) from at least two articles ( 20 ), whereby the articles ( 20 ) in the container composition ( 10 ) with at least one largely horizontally arranged holding band ( 12 ), so that the tether ( 12 ) at least part of the articles ( 20 ) each at least partially and wherein the carrying handle ( 13 ) with at least two opposite points of the tether ( 12 ) is in contact with the horizontal tether ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ( 13 ) are each designed annular, characterized in that the tether ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ( 13 ) approximately simultaneously and / or as a prefabricated unit on the bundle ( 10 ) are attached. Method according to Claim 1, characterized by the following steps: • Arrangement of the retaining band ring not yet connected at its ends ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) orthogonal to each other, wherein the tether ring ( 12 ) by the carrying handle ring ( 14 ), or wherein the handle ring ( 14 ) around the tether ring ( 12 ) is guided around; • Attachment of the tether ring ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) to the container composition ( 10 ), so that the tether ring ( 12 ) the articles ( 20 ) of the bundle composition ( 10 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) at least partially between articles ( 20 ) is arranged; • tensioning and closing the tether ring ( 12 ). Method according to claim 2, wherein the tether ring (not yet connected at its ends) 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) for attachment to the container assembly ( 10 ) by an application head ( 1 ) with at least one holding device ( 3 ) for the tether ring ( 12 ) and with at least one holding device ( 5 ) for the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) to get prepared. Method according to claim 3, wherein the tether ring (not yet connected at its ends) 10 ) in a horizontal band frame ( 3 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) in a vertical band frame ( 5 ) is prepared and held. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a carrying handle ring ( 14 ) is used, whose width is reducible. Method according to claim 5, wherein the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) is foldable in the middle, wherein the handle ring ( 14 ) is folded at least in sections in the form of a "V" and passed with the tip between the containers. Method according to claim 4, wherein • the lower part and / or the upper part of the vertical band frame ( 5 ) is at least partially opened so that a part of the band tendon ( 15 ) of the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) free is; • the free part of the band tendon ( 15 ) of the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) is turned substantially 90 ° so that it is perpendicular to the articles ( 20 ) of the bundle composition ( 10 ) and • the largely vertically arranged band tendon ( 15 ) between the articles ( 20 ) of the bundle composition ( 10 ) is threaded. Method according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the application head ( 1 ) for attaching the tether ring ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) about the container composition ( 10 ) is lowered. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bundle composition ( 10 ) on a transport device ( 25 ) is moved continuously and wherein the horizontal tether ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) by means of an application head ( 1 ), which corresponds to the transport speed of the bundle ( 10 ) synchronized. Application head ( 1 ) for attaching at least one tether ( 12 ) and at least one carrying handle ( 13 ) to a container composition ( 10 ) from at least two articles ( 20 ), characterized in that the application head ( 1 ) Medium ( 3 . 5 ) for simultaneously attaching the retaining band ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ( 14 ) having. Application head ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the application head ( 1 ) each have a holding device ( 3 . 5 ) for the tether ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ring ( 14 ), wherein at least the holding device ( 5 ) for the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) is at least partially openable. An application head according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the application head ( 1 ) is vertically and / or horizontally movable. Application head according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the application head ( 1 ) Medium ( 40 ) for rotating at least one subregion ( 15 ) of the carrying handle ring ( 14 ) having. Containers ( 10 ) from at least two articles ( 20 ), whereby the articles ( 20 ) in the container ( 10 ) with at least one horizontal tether ( 12 ), so that the tether ( 12 ) every article ( 20 ) at least partially and wherein the carrying handle ( 13 ) with at least two opposite points of the tether ( 12 ) is in contact with the horizontal tether ( 12 ) and the carrying handle ( 13 ) are each configured annularly, the carrying handle ring ( 13 ) at least partially between at least two articles ( 20 ) is arranged and that the tether ring ( 12 ) at least partially within the handle ring ( 13 ) is characterized in that at least four articles ( 20 ) are arranged in at least two rows, wherein the at least two rows each consist of at least two articles ( 20 ) are shifted to each other so that the container ( 10 ) a parallelogram-shaped base ( 16 ) and wherein the carrying handle ( 13 ) each at an angle to the sides ( 17 ) of the parallelogram-shaped base ( 16 ) is arranged.

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