EP2112088A1 - Bundle of liquid containers and a pallet for multiple bundles. - Google Patents

Abstract

An even-numbered group of e.g. six plastic bottles (20) is arranged in two transposed rows side-by-side forming a parallelogram array as seen in plan view. Each row has the same number of bottles. The group of bottles is retained as a group by a belt or ring strap.

Description

The present invention relates to a container of liquid containers and a large container pallet having the features of the preamble of claims 1 and 12, respectively.

The application deals with the packaging of filled and sealed liquid containers, in particular with filled plastic bottles. Commercially available containers are made of plastic bottles, in which usually six bottles of the same size and shape are combined to form a packaging unit with a rectangular base and are packed with a shrink film.

In the patent literature are more space-saving arrangements of bottles o.ä. Containers known, but have not enforced in practice.

DE 2019948 A1 describes a packaging unit in which a plurality of at least seven bottles are combined. The packaging of four or six bottles is described here as unfavorable. The most favorable packaging unit here is described the unit consisting of seven bottles, with six bottles are arranged around a middle bottle around that creates a container with a regular hexagon as a base. The bottles thus arranged are held together by means of a sheet of thermoplastic material, in particular a shrink film under direct contact of the cylindrical walls of the bottles.
EP 0278723 B1 describes an assembly consisting of three rows of adjacently staggered, packaged articles, the articles being held together and / or between the middle group and the two-sided subgroups by adhesive. The preferred embodiment shows an arrangement of a total of seven bottles or cans in three rows, the middle group comprising three bottles or cans flanked on either side by a subgroup comprising two bottles or cans to form a packaging unit with a hexagonal base ,

Packs of seven bottles have a small footprint. The problem, however, is that when stacking on a conventional range on the sides of a lot of space is given away at the edges, which must remain free, otherwise the containers arranged on the edge of the pallet would overhang and fall off the pallet.

DE 2604729 C2 shows a machine for attaching a band around a bottle assembly in which the bottles are combined in a conventional manner in parallel rows as packaging unit with a rectangular or square plan.

The packaging of liquid containers by means of shrink film to containers is relatively expensive. This is due to the fact that the shrink film must be pre-stretched in a special process and secondly, after it has been wrapped around the container in a shrink tunnel or the like. be heated so that it shrinks and firmly encloses the bottles of the container. Furthermore, the material cost of packaging film is quite high in this packaging.

Another possibility for packaging cylindrical containers is, for example, in DE 8515888 U1 described. This document shows a multi-piece packaging of at least two successively arranged, preferably round containers, which are connected to each other in the lower area by a band-like strip. If more than two juxtaposed containers are packed together, it is advantageous if the containers are connected to one another by an adhesive.

WO 2007147606 A2 describes an arrangement of plastic bottles, which are covered by lower band by a band and are held together in the upper part by a bottle carrier.

In the illustrated as an alternative to the shrink wrap bands is shown in both documents that further fasteners for the secure grip of the bottles or containers are necessary. In case of DE 8515888 U1 For example, additional adhesives are described while in WO 2007147606 A2 an additional special bottle carrier is used.

The object of the present invention is to produce a container of liquid containers, which forms a stable packaging unit with little packaging material, wherein an outer packaging made of shrink film can be dispensed with.

Another object is to provide a range of optimally packed, space-efficient containers.
The objects of the invention are achieved with the objects of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims.

An inventive container consists of several liquid containers, which are combined with at least one holding element. In the container at least four liquid containers are arranged in at least two rows. Each of the at least two rows has the same number of liquid containers. The at least two rows are arranged side by side so that the base of the container describes a parallelogram. The container is also referred to as a diagonal packaging or diagonal packaging arrangement.

According to a preferred embodiment, a container 2n contains in particular filled and closed liquid containers, where n≥2. These are preferably containers with an at least partially cylindrical surface. According to a preferred embodiment, the liquid containers have a round, oval, hexagonal, octagonal or similar. Base area up. The containers are preferably cylindrical liquid containers, in particular plastic bottles.

The 2n liquid containers are combined by at least one holding element. At least four, preferably six, eight or twelve liquid containers are combined to form a container.
The liquid containers are arranged in at least two rows z, ie z≥2, each row comprising y = 2n / z liquid containers and y being an integer. The rows z of liquid containers are arranged so that the base of the arrangement describes a parallelogram with rounded corners.

The holding element comprising all liquid containers in the container can be a banderole according to a preferred embodiment. This banderole can touch all liquid containers in a double row arrangement. On the other hand, if the liquid containers are arranged in more than two rows, the bottles arranged centrally in the at least one middle row and within this row are not touched by the band.

The band is preferably made of plastic and is stretched around the liquid container, so that they can not slip against each other. For better fixation, an adhesive can be arranged between the band and at least one of the liquid containers, preferably a releasable adhesive. As a band, for example, an adhesive tape or the like. Find use.

According to a further embodiment, the holding means used is a type of tray on which the liquid containers are arranged. The tray has a base formed as a parallelogram and perpendicular thereto arranged side walls. The side walls serve for the lateral stabilization of the liquid container. To improve the stability of such a container with tablettigem holding means, the use of an additional, for example centrally arranged spanning banderole may be advisable.

The tray-like holding means may for example consist of cardboard or a solid cardboard, but it may also be a plastic molding o.ä. act.
The container or the packaging unit can furthermore have a carrying handle for improved transport. According to a preferred embodiment, an adhesive tape is applied directly to two liquid containers.

The carrying handle is preferably arranged so that it engages around the two outer rows in the middle and at least attached to a respective liquid container of the respective row. It is important to ensure that the carrying handle is attached so that the support is in the center of gravity of the container.

In a container consisting of at least six bottles, which are arranged in at least two rows, the carrying handle is preferably each on an outside lying side of a centrally disposed liquid container of each row attached to each outer row.

The carrying handle can also be made of a non-adhesive plastic tape or similar. exist and be attached to the liquid containers with an adhesive.

For advertising or information purposes or for optical reasons, both the band and the handle can be colored, in particular printed.

A described packaging unit with a band as holding means has several advantages over the conventionally known six-pack. In the diagonal arrangement described here, a fixation of the liquid container by means of a tight spanning band is sufficient. Due to the large contact surfaces between the individual liquid containers, these have a good grip with each other and after they have been fixed by means of at least one band, there is no risk that the diagonally arranged packaging unit falls apart. In conventional containers with a rectangular base area fixation using only one band would be insufficient. For this reason, conventional containers are completely covered with a shrink film. In this respect results in the production of the diagonal container according to the invention a significant energy savings, since no shrink tunnel is required. In addition, no special shrink films must be used for the packaging, which are also more expensive to manufacture. This leads to the operator of such a system to a significant reduction in packaging costs.

Another aspect of the invention relates to the arrangement of the diagonal container on a large container pallet. Such a pallet comprises at least two superimposed drum layers, wherein a drum layer is formed from at least two rows of the diagonal containers described above. The arrangement of the liquid container within a bundle of diagonal containers describes a hexagonal close-pack.

Between the bundle layers, an intermediate layer or intermediate layer can be arranged. The intermediate layer may for example consist of paper, cardboard, plastic, foil or another material.

The at least two bundle layers and optionally an intermediate layer or the like for better transport and improved stability on a plastic or wooden pallet or the like. be arranged. Around the two bundle layers and possibly an intermediate layer around can be attached to protect, to improve the cohesion and / or as a transport security packaging. This can be for example a shrink film, in particular a shrink hood.

Such a large container pallet has several advantages. The arrangement of the diagonal container on the pallet pallet stability is increased because the container support each other in a finished package layer. Furthermore, more containers and thus more liquid containers can be arranged on a pallet.

For example, on a so-called Dusseldorf range ten conventional, so-called linear six-packs can be arranged with a rectangular base, so that a total of sixty liquid containers are in a bundle layer. Instead, twelve diagonal six-packs can be placed on the same pallet so that there are a total of seventy-two liquid containers in one pack of packs. This corresponds to an increase of twenty percent (20%)

Liquid containers that can be transported more.

The production of a diagonal container is made by first providing 2n liquid containers and dividing them into 2n / z rows, where z≥2. Subsequently, the 2n / z rows of liquid containers are positioned side by side, so that the base of the resulting assembly describes a parallelogram with rounded corners. By summarizing with a holding means, for example by grasping with a band or by arranging the liquid container on a tray-like pad with a base in the form of a parallelogram, the liquid containers are pressed tightly against each other, so that they are braced against each other and can not slip. Further, a carrying handle may be attached to the diagonal container to facilitate transport by the end user.

Fig. 1a

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus sechs Flaschen mit einer mittig angeordneten Banderole;

Fig. 1 b

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus sechs Flaschen mit einem tablettähnlichen Haltemittel;

Fig. 1c

zeigt ein diagonales Gebinde aus sechs Flaschen von oben;

Fig. 2a

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus acht Flaschen mit einer mittig angeordneten Banderole;

Fig. 2b

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus acht Flaschen mit einem tablettähnlichen Haltemittel;

Fig. 2c

zeigt ein diagonales Gebinde aus acht Flaschen von oben;

Fig. 3a

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus zwölf Flaschen mit einer mittig angeordneten Banderole;

Fig. 3b

zeigt eine perspektivische Darstellung eines diagonalen Gebindes aus zwölf Flaschen mit einem tablettähnlichen Haltemittel;

Fig. 3c

zeigt ein diagonales Gebinde aus zwölf Flaschen von oben;

Fig. 4a/b/c

zeigen die Anordnung von aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten herkömmlichen Sechser-Gebinden auf einer normierten Düsseldorfer Palette;

Fig. 5a Fig. 5b

zeigt ein diagonales Sechser-Gebinde; zeigt die Anordnung eines diagonalen Sechser-Gebindes auf einer normierten Düsseldorfer Palette;

Fig. 6a

zeigt ein diagonales Achter-Gebinde und

Fig. 6b

zeigt die Anordnung eines diagonalen Achter-Gebindes auf einer normierten Düsseldorfer Palette.

Further features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which serves as a non-limiting example and makes reference to the accompanying drawings. The same components in principle have the same reference numerals and will not be explained several times.

Fig. 1a

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of six bottles with a centrally arranged band;

Fig. 1 b

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of six bottles with a tray-like holding means;

Fig. 1c

shows a diagonal container from six bottles from above;

Fig. 2a

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of eight bottles with a centrally arranged band;

Fig. 2b

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of eight bottles with a tray-like holding means;

Fig. 2c

shows a diagonal container from eight bottles from above;

Fig. 3a

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of twelve bottles with a centrally arranged band;

Fig. 3b

shows a perspective view of a diagonal container of twelve bottles with a tray-like holding means;

Fig. 3c

shows a diagonal container from twelve bottles from above;

Fig. 4a / b / c

show the arrangement of known from the prior art conventional six-packs on a normal Dusseldorf range;

Fig. 5a Fig. 5b

shows a diagonal six-pack; shows the arrangement of a diagonal six-pack on a standardized Dusseldorfer range;

Fig. 6a

shows a diagonal eight-pack and

Fig. 6b

shows the arrangement of a diagonal eight-pack on a standardized Düsseldorfer range.

An inventive container 10 of six diagonally arranged in two rows of bottles is in the FIGS. 1a to 1c shown.

FIG. 1 a / b / c each show a container 10 of six arranged in two rows bottles 20, 21. These are preferably filled, closed plastic beverage bottles. A row of bottles consists of three juxtaposed bottles 20. The second row is arranged so that the bottles 20 of the second row each protrude into the recess formed by two adjacent bottles 20 of the first row. In each case, however, one edge bottle 21 of each row only has contact with a bottle 20 of the respective other row of bottles in this diagonal arrangement.

The container 10 further comprises a holding means that holds the bottles together in the diagonal arrangement. Fig. 1a shows the use of a centrally arranged band 22. The band 22 may also be arranged in the lower or upper region. Due to the diagonal arrangement of the bottles 20, 21 and by means of the tensioned band 22 holds the container 10 firmly together, and so firmly that the bottles 20, 21 against each other no longer slip. The band 22 may additionally be connected by an adhesive undamaged to at least one bottle 20, 21.

Fig. 1 b shows the use of a tray-like holding means 23. The basic form of this holding tray 23 is a parallelogram. For better stabilization of a container 10 with holding tray, it may be advisable to additionally surround the liquid container 20, 21 with a band 22.

Fig. 1c shows a container 10 from above. Here, the attachment of a carrying or grab handle 24 is clarified, which serves for the transport of the container, in particular the transport by the end user. The handle 24 may for example be attached to the middle bottles 20 of each row of bottles with an adhesive. According to one Another embodiment is used as a holding or carrying handle 24, an adhesive strip which is attached with its adhesive surface to at least two bottles 20.

FIGS. 2a / b / c also show a double row container 12, but in which four bottles 20, 21 per row are arranged side by side. Due to the shifted arrangement, a diagonal eight-pack 12, which also by means of a band 22 (FIG. Fig. 2a ) or a holding tray ( Fig. 2b ) is held together. A preferred embodiment for mounting the handle 24 is in Figure 2c shown. The handle 24 may also be otherwise, in particular attached to other bottles 20.
FIGS. 3a / b / c show a twelve-pack 14, in which four bottles 20, 21 per row are arranged in three diagonal rows.

FIGS. 4a / b / c show an arrangement 30 of prior art six-packs or six-packs 8 of rectangular shape (see FIG.
Fig. 4a ) on a so-called Düsseldorfer Palette 31 (cf. Fig. 4b / c ). Between the individual bundle layers 32, an intermediate layer 40 may be arranged. A total of ten such six-packs 8, ie a total of sixty bottles 20, can be packed within one pack of packs 32.

FIGS. 5b shows the arrangement of a package layer 32 of diagonal six-packs 10 (FIG. Fig. 5a ). Twelve diagonal six-packs 10 according to the invention can be arranged on a Duesseldorf pallet. This corresponds to a bottle volume of seventy-two bottles per bundle layer 32. Thus, on a pallet within one bundle layer 32, twenty 20 percent more bottles 20, 21 can be produced compared to the conventional arrangement 30 of conventional bundles 8 (cf. Fig. 4a / b / c) are transported or stored. This causes a significant reduction in transport and storage costs.

FIG. 6b shows the arrangement of a package layer 34 of diagonal eight-containers 12 (see. Fig. 6a ). Up to ten diagonal eight-packs 12 according to the invention can be arranged on a Duesseldorfer pallet. This corresponds to a bottle volume of eighty bottles per container layer 34. Thus, thirty-three percent more bottles 20, 21 can be transported or stored on a pallet within a package layer 34 be than in a conventional arrangement 30 conventional container 8 (see. Fig. 4a / B / c).

The invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Rather, a variety of variants and modifications are conceivable that make use of the inventive concept and therefore also fall within the scope.

Claims (14)

Container of a plurality of liquid containers (20), which are combined with at least one holding element to form a container, characterized in that at least four liquid containers (20) are arranged in at least two rows, each row having the same number of liquid containers and the base of the container describes a parallelogram. Container according to claim 1, wherein the liquid container (20) at least partially have a cylindrical outer surface. Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding element is a band (22). A container according to claim 3, wherein the band (22) contacts all the liquid containers (20). Container according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein between the band (22) and at least one liquid container (20), an adhesive for fixing the band (22) is arranged. Container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the holding element is a kind of tray with a base formed as a parallelogram and perpendicular thereto arranged side walls. A container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the container (10, 12, 14) consists of six, eight or twelve liquid containers (20). Container according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the container (10, 12, 14) has a carrying handle (24). A container according to claim 8, wherein the carrying handle (24) engages around the two outer rows in the center and is fastened to at least one respective liquid container of the respective row. A container according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the carrying handle (24) is a plastic band or a one-sided adhesive strip. Container according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein between the carrying handle (24) and liquid container (20) an adhesive is arranged. Large container pallet comprising at least two, consisting of several containers, one above the other arranged bundle layers (34, 36), each bundle layer (34, 36) of at least two juxtaposed rows of containers (10, 12, 14), characterized in that a container (10, 12, 14) at least four liquid containers (20) are arranged in at least two rows, each row having the same number of liquid containers (20) and that arranged on the large container pallet liquid container (20) has a hexagonal Close -Pack describe. Large-capacity pallet (34, 36) according to claim 12, wherein between each two pack layers (34, 36) in each case an intermediate layer (40) is integrated. Large-capacity pallet (34, 36) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the large-capacity pallet (34, 36) is wrapped with a further outer packaging for transport safety.

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