Packaging apparatus for a multi-piece package of boxes and multi-piece package of boxes

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a packaging apparatus for packaging two or more boxes, e.g. boxes of facial tissue, to form a multi-pack. The packaging apparatus comprises a box supply device supplying at least a first box and a second box; a wrapping material supply device supplying a wrapping material; an adhesive application device applying adhesive to a gluing position on at least one of one or several locations on a first surface of the first box, a first surface of the second box and a wrapping material sheet; and a wrapping device at least partially wrapping the wrapping material sheet around the first box and the second box and establishing contact between the wrapping material sheet and the first box and the second box, respectively, wherein the at least one gluing position is positioned at a contact point between the first surface of the first box and the wrapping material sheet, between the first surface of the second box and the wrapping material sheet, or between a portion of the wrapping material sheet and an overlapping portion of the wrapping material sheet placed on the first surface of the first box or the first surface of the second box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a packaging apparatus for packaging two or more boxes, such as tissue boxes, to form multi-packs. This disclosure also relates to multi-packs of boxes, such as tissue boxes. Background Technology

[0002] This disclosure relates to inventions in the field of promoting waste reduction and development toward environmentally friendly packaging.

[0003] Packaging plays a prominent role in daily life and is used for many purposes. It ensures the safe delivery of products (transport packaging), serves as a container, protects goods (sales packaging), and is sometimes used to improve the presentation of products (secondary packaging).

[0004] Packaging waste (the portion of waste consisting of packaging and packaging materials) constitutes a major part of overall waste. The single-use culture can indeed be considered one of the driving factors of environmental pollution on our planet.

[0005] Specifically, this disclosure relates to packaging for preparing so-called multi-piece packages of products. For example, hygiene products (such as tissue paper products) are often packaged in the form of boxes, and these boxes are then bundled together to form multi-piece packages. Multi-piece packages are used for storing and delivering multiple boxes containing products at once, and multi-piece packages are sometimes also sold to end customers to allow for the stacking of desired products.

[0006] In the past and present, the primary method has been to use large quantities of plastic material to form multi-piece packages. Several boxes of products are bound together and then wrapped with plastic wrapping material (usually completely wrapped).

[0007] Naturally, this generates a massive amount of plastic waste. Plastic waste pollution is a key factor in altering habitats and natural processes, reducing the ability of ecosystems to adapt to climate change, and consequently directly impacting the livelihoods, food production capacity, and social well-being of millions of people.

[0008] Continued progress in plastic waste management has led to an increase in the amount of plastic waste being recycled. However, most plastic waste is not recycled, and the process of recycling plastic waste is expensive and uneconomical.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for improvements in packaging technology, and in particular, in this context, there is a need for improvements in multi-piece packaging. Therefore, this disclosure aims to provide a new technology that addresses at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The aforementioned objectives are achieved by a packaging apparatus according to this disclosure for packaging two or more boxes, such as tissue boxes, to form multi-packs.

[0011] The packaging equipment according to this disclosure may include a box supply device for supplying at least a first box and a second box, and a wrapping material supply device for supplying wrapping material, such as paper.

[0012] The versatility in terms of the possible choices of packaging materials, and especially the possibility of using paper, can allow for the avoidance of a large amount of unwanted waste, and in particular plastic waste.

[0013] The packaging equipment may include an adhesive application device configured to apply adhesive to an adhesive application site on a first surface of a first box, a first surface of a second box, and at least one of one or more locations on a wrapping material sheet.

[0014] The adhesive application device may include at least one glue gun for applying adhesive at a location on a first box and / or a location on a second box, where the first box and the second box will contact each other in order to adhere to each other.

[0015] The at least one glue gun can be used to deliver pressure-sensitive adhesive at a location between two boxes that will be positioned in a multi-piece package.

[0016] According to some aspects, the adhesive application device can apply adhesive to only one location on the first surface of the first box. According to other aspects, the adhesive application device can apply adhesive to two or more locations on the first surface of the first box.

[0017] Alternatively or otherwise, the adhesive application device may apply adhesive to only one location on the first surface of the second box. Depending on other aspects, the adhesive application device may apply adhesive to two or more locations on the first surface of the second box.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, the adhesive application device can apply adhesive to one or more locations on the wrapping material sheet. Alternatively or additionally, a heat-sealing varnish can be applied to the wrapping material. The heat-sealing varnish can be applied to the wrapping material, for example, in the form of an adhesive strip.

[0019] The number of adhesive application sites can be optimized for the specific application of this disclosure. This allows for a balance of minimizing the amount of adhesive used to further promote the environmental friendliness of the packaging while providing sufficient packaging stability for the desired application.

[0020] Packaging equipment may include a wrapping device configured to wrap a sheet of wrapping material at least partially around a first box and a second box.

[0021] In other words, the wrapping device can be configured to completely wrap the first and second boxes with wrapping material. That is, it can be configured to create a complete loop of wrapping material. It can be a complete or partial wrapping. A complete loop of wrapping material, but partial coverage of the first and second boxes, is an example referred to herein as partial wrapping. For example, the complete loop can extend along a set of surfaces, while other surfaces (e.g., surfaces perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wrapped portion of the wrapping material) can remain exposed without wrapping material.

[0022] Alternatively, the wrapping device can be configured to wrap only partially the wrapping material, so that a complete loop is not formed.

[0023] The packaging device is configured to establish contact between the packaging material sheet and the first box and the second box, respectively, wherein at least one adhesive position is located at the contact point between the two: - The first surface of the first box is covered with a sheet of wrapping material (where adhesive may have been applied to the first surface of the first box and / or the sheet of wrapping material); or - Between the first surface of the second box and the wrapping material sheet (where adhesive may have been applied to the first surface of the second box and / or the wrapping material sheet); or - A portion of the wrapping material sheet is placed between the overlapping portion of the wrapping material sheet on the first surface of the first box or the first surface of the second box (where adhesive may have been applied to the wrapping material sheet and / or the overlapping wrapping material sheet).

[0024] Several bonding locations can be positioned at more than one of the listed contact points.

[0025] The last point of contact with the adhesive bonding point refers to situations where the wrapping material is placed to overlap and bond with itself. In this case, adhesive can be placed between the wrapping material sheet and the overlapping wrapping material sheet to bond the overlapping portion together.

[0026] The apparatus according to this disclosure allows operation with desired materials as wrapping materials. In particular, the apparatus allows the use of wrapping materials comprising, but not limited to, partially or even fully recyclable paper-based materials or materials thereof. The apparatus can provide the benefits of combining strapping and sealing technologies.

[0027] Unlike common wrapping materials, the paper material that can be used with this device may not include any PE-based coatings or laminates used for sealing purposes. This strongly promotes environmental friendliness.

[0028] The wrapping material may, for example, be provided with an adhesive layer comprising an integrated, heat-activated adhesive (particularly a heat-sealing varnish). The adhesive layer may be selectively provided, for example, at one or more locations. In particular, the adhesive layer may be provided in the form of one or more adhesive strips. The presence of the adhesive layer (particularly a heat-sealing varnish) allows for the avoidance of additional adhesive application steps and, in particular, allows for the bonding of the wrapping material layer to another component (e.g., to itself, i.e., to the overlapping portion of the wrapping material) by simply activating the adhesive in the adhesive layer.

[0029] In addition, paper materials can have partial and very low basis weight heat-sealed varnishes, thereby reducing or eliminating the negative impact on paper recycling flow.

[0030] This device allows for efficient switching between packaging in a wrapping form and packaging in a bundling form.

[0031] Multiple-pack boxes can be produced using less material. This further promotes environmental friendliness by further reducing waste. Additionally, more sustainable materials can be used, enabling significant advantages over known all-plastic packaging. The entire packaging composition can be considered as a single material (paper).

[0032] The adhesive application device may include a first nozzle configured to apply adhesive between the surface of the wrapping material sheet and a first surface of a first box and / or a first surface of a second box.

[0033] The first nozzle can be precisely customized and positioned according to the desired bonding location.

[0034] The adhesive application device may include a first nozzle and another first nozzle, the first nozzle being configured to apply adhesive between the surface of the wrapping material sheet and a first surface of a first box, and the other first nozzle being configured to apply adhesive between the surface of the wrapping material sheet and a first surface of a second box. The adhesive application device may include several first nozzles and / or several additional first nozzles to reach several corresponding locations.

[0035] The wrapping device can be configured to wrap a sheet of wrapping material around at least two surfaces of a first box and at least two surfaces of a second box, respectively. Wrapping around two surfaces of the first box and two surfaces of the second box may be sufficient to stably hold a multi-piece package comprising the first and second boxes together. For example, the surfaces of the first and second boxes may face each other (and may even be aligned), while two additional surfaces of each box may be wrapped. In that case, only one surface of each of the two boxes may remain exposed (i.e., without wrapping material).

[0036] This can promote material savings, or even more, by keeping the amount of wrapping material used low. In this case, the wrapping of the surface can be a partial wrapping of the surface.

[0037] The wrapping device can be configured to wrap a sheet of wrapping material around at least three surfaces of a first box and / or a second box. This can improve the stability of multi-piece packages.

[0038] The wrapping device can be configured to wrap a sheet of wrapping material around at least four surfaces of the first box and / or the second box. This can further improve the stability of multi-piece packages.

[0039] The packaging device may include at least one forming unit for forming a sheet of packaging material, such that two surfaces of the packaging material sheet contact two adjacent surfaces of a first box and / or a second box, wherein the two surfaces of the packaging material optionally abut against the edges between adjacent surfaces of the first box and / or the second box.

[0040] In this way, the formation can be optimized and matched with other processing steps taken to prepare multi-piece packages.

[0041] The adhesive application device can be configured to apply adhesive between the facing surfaces of the first and second boxes. This prevents slippage by increasing the bonding stability between the first and second boxes.

[0042] The adhesive application device may include a second nozzle for applying adhesive to a second surface of the first box and / or a second surface of the second box, respectively. The second nozzle may be a dual nozzle.

[0043] The second nozzle and the first nozzle are positioned such that the second nozzle is closer to the box being passed than the first nozzle. In other words, the second nozzle can be positioned closer to the box to which the adhesive is applied, relative to the first nozzle relative to the box to which the adhesive is applied.

[0044] Packaging equipment may include a box tilting device configured to tilt a first box and / or a second box to expose opposing surfaces for applying adhesive via an adhesive application device. This allows for precise control of the adhesive application process.

[0045] One or two of the opposing surfaces can be exposed to one or more nozzles respectively by operating the box tilting device.

[0046] A conveyor for transporting at least the first and second boxes. Boxes may be transported individually and / or via a common transport system.

[0047] The box tilting device may include at least one side guide for tilting a corresponding box conveyed along the side guide. This can facilitate effective exposure of the surface of the box used for applying adhesive.

[0048] The box tilting device may include two side guides for tilting a corresponding box (or more than one box) conveyed along the side guides. This can facilitate effective exposure of the surfaces of the boxes (multiple boxes) used for applying adhesive.

[0049] Packaging equipment may include a cutter for cutting packaging material into wrapping sheets. This allows for the preparation of wrapping sheets required for a specific packaging application, and thus allows for further material savings.

[0050] Packaging equipment may include a tension regulating device for adjusting the tension of the wrapping material upstream of the cutter. Adjusting the tension allows for optimization of packaging in terms of increasing the stability of the boxes on top of each other and minimizing the use of packaging material. In particular, tension adjustment can allow for increased grip on the wrapping material (e.g., paper) without over-gripping it. In other words, tension can be optimized for a specific packaging material.

[0051] The tension adjustment device may include at least one guide plate for contacting and positioning the wrapping material on the surface of a first box and / or a second box. The guide plate may be specifically configured to press the wrapping material against one or more boxes being packaged together from below. Two guide plates may press the wrapping material inward from opposite sides, and then press the wrapping material against the bottom surface of the boxes to be packaged together. When pressed against the bottom surface of the boxes, the two guide plates may be in a final position of partial or complete overlap.

[0052] The tension adjustment device may include a lever for adjusting the tension of the wrapping material in order to position the wrapping material relative to the box to be wrapped. The operator can specifically adjust the amount of friction experienced by the wrapping material using the lever.

[0053] Packaging equipment may include an unwinding unit with a dedicated roller, which can be configured to unwind tensioned wrapping material in the opposite direction to its winding on the spool. This allows the wrapping material sheet to be flattened.

[0054] The packaging equipment may include at least one lateral positioning unit that applies pressure to the packaging material placed against the side wall of at least one of two or more boxes to be packaged together, once the packaging material is in place.

[0055] The packaging equipment may specifically include at least one pair of opposing lateral positioning units configured to apply pressure in opposite directions from the lateral end faces of a set of boxes to be packaged. The opposing lateral positioning units may be a pair of mirrors, as the pressures they apply may be opposite.

[0056] Packaging equipment may include heating devices for applying heat to multi-piece packages. This may allow the curing of one or more types of adhesives present in the multi-piece packages.

[0057] In a multi-piece package, the package may include a pressure-sensitive adhesive applied by a glue gun between adjacent boxes that are in contact with each other. The multi-piece package may include a heat-sealing varnish applied in the form of a strip to the packaging material and used to adhere the packaging material to one or more boxes. The multi-piece package may include a hot-melt adhesive used in forming and closing skillets. The multi-piece package may include two or all three of these types of adhesives.

[0058] The heating device may include a recessed plate for contacting the wrapping material when at least partially surrounding the first and second boxes.

[0059] The grooved plate may include protrusions separated by air gaps, wherein the width of the protrusions may be in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, and the width of the air gaps may be in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0060] The box supply unit can be configured to supply a third box. In other words, the packaging equipment can be configured, for example, to form multi-packs of three boxes. The packaging equipment can be configured to supply more than three boxes and can be configured to form multi-packs of more than three boxes. For example, it can be configured to form multi-packs of four or five boxes. Alternatively, the number of boxes forming multi-packs can be higher.

[0061] Packaging equipment can be configured to form multi-piece packages comprising at least a first box, a second box, and a third box. Adhesive areas may exist between the first and second boxes, between the second and third boxes, and between the second box and a sheet of wrapping material. A second box may be placed between the first and third boxes. This configuration of applying adhesive promotes particularly stable multi-piece packages, where the use of adhesive and / or wrapping material can be optimized and minimized, while promoting high stability.

[0062] The applied adhesive can be partially or fully biodegradable. This can further promote environmental friendliness. Two or more different adhesives can be applied separately to one or more locations. Each adhesive can be partially or fully biodegradable.

[0063] In particular, the entire package provided by embodiments of the methods according to this disclosure may be partially or completely, especially completely biodegradable.

[0064] The adhesive application device may include a hot melt adhesive application unit for applying hot melt adhesive to a multi-piece package for closure and sealing.

[0065] This disclosure also relates to a method of packaging two or more boxes, such as tissue boxes, to form a multi-pack.

[0066] The method may include: supplying at least a first box and a second box; supplying wrapping material, such as wrapping paper material; and applying adhesive to a first surface of the first box, a first surface of the second box, and an adhesive position on at least one or more locations on the wrapping material sheet.

[0067] The versatility in terms of the possible choices of packaging materials, and especially the possibility of using paper, allows for the avoidance of a large amount of unwanted waste, and particularly plastic waste. In particular, paper can be used as a packaging material.

[0068] The number of adhesive application sites can be optimized for the specific application of this disclosure. This allows for a balance of minimizing the amount of adhesive used to further promote the environmental friendliness of the packaging while providing sufficient packaging stability for the desired application.

[0069] The method may include wrapping a piece of wrapping material at least partially around a first box and a second box, and establishing contact between the wrapping material and the first box and the second box, respectively.

[0070] Therefore, the wrapping material can, for example, completely wrap around the first and second boxes. That is, it can be configured to form a complete loop of wrapping material. However, it can be a complete or partial wrap. A complete loop of wrapping material but partial coverage of the first and second boxes is an example referred to herein as partial wrapping. For example, the complete loop can extend along a set of surfaces, while other surfaces (e.g., surfaces perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wrapped portion of the wrapping material) can remain exposed without wrapping material.

[0071] Alternatively, a wrapping can be performed to partially wrap the wrapping material, so that a complete loop is not formed.

[0072] At least one adhesive position may be located between the first surface of the first box and the wrapping material sheet, between the first surface of the second box and the wrapping material sheet, or at the contact point between a portion of the wrapping material sheet and the overlapping portion of the wrapping material sheet placed on the first surface of the first box or the first surface of the second box.

[0073] The adhesive may be applied to the first surface of the first box and / or the wrapping material sheet. Specifically, the adhesive applied to the first surface of the first box may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied to the wrapping material sheet. Alternatively or additionally, a heat-sealing varnish may (or may have already) been applied to the wrapping material.

[0074] The adhesive may be applied to the first surface of the second box and / or to the wrapping material sheet. Specifically, the adhesive applied to the first surface of the second box may be a pressure-sensitive adhesive. The pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied to the wrapping material sheet. Alternatively or additionally, a heat-sealing varnish may (or may have already) been applied to the wrapping material.

[0075] Adhesive may be applied to the wrapping material sheet and / or overlapping wrapping material sheets. Pressure-sensitive adhesive may be applied to the wrapping material sheet. Alternatively or additionally, heat-sealing varnish may (or may have) been applied to the wrapping material.

[0076] Several bonding locations can be used to locate more than one of the listed contact points.

[0077] The last point of contact with the adhesive bonding point refers to a situation where the wrapping material is placed to overlap and bond itself to itself. In this case, an adhesive can be placed between the wrapping material sheet and the overlapping wrapping material sheet to bond the overlapping portion together. Alternatively or otherwise, the wrapping material may have already been coated with a heat-sealing varnish in at least a portion (or all) of the area to be the overlapping material.

[0078] The method according to this disclosure allows for operation using desired materials as wrapping materials. In particular, the method may involve using wrapping materials that are partially or optionally, or even fully, recyclable paper-based materials or composed thereof. This method can provide the benefits of combining bundling and sealing techniques.

[0079] Unlike conventional polymer-coated films, paper materials that can be used with equipment may not include any PE-based coatings or laminates used for sealing purposes. This facilitates recycling and is therefore beneficial for environmental friendliness.

[0080] In addition, paper materials can have a partial and extremely low basis weight heat-sealed varnish, which has a minimal to negligible impact on the paper recycling flow.

[0081] This method allows for efficient switching between packaging parcel formats and packaging bundling formats.

[0082] The supplied wrapping material may at least selectively include an adhesive layer comprising an integrated adhesive that is heat-activated. The wrapping material may include one region or two or more separate, separated regions in which the adhesive layer is provided. The one or more regions having the adhesive layer may be strip-shaped, for example, they may be adhesive strips.

[0083] The method involves attaching a portion of the encapsulating material with the adhesive layer and overlapping portions of the encapsulating material to each other using an integrated adhesive that activates the adhesive layer. Activation can be accomplished by applying heat.

[0084] Using a wrapping material with a selectively configured adhesive layer allows for the avoidance of applying adhesive to the wrapping material; that is, a portion of the wrapping material and overlapping portions of the material can be glued together without requiring an additional adhesive application step. Thus, the method can be more efficient.

[0085] Integrated adhesives with selectively present adhesive layers can be partially or fully biodegradable. This can further promote environmental friendliness.

[0086] Multiple-pack boxes can be produced using less material. This further promotes environmental friendliness by further reducing waste. Additionally, more sustainable materials can be used, enabling significant advantages over known all-plastic packaging. The complete packaging composition can be considered as a single material (paper).

[0087] The method may include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least two surfaces of a first box. The method may also include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least two surfaces of a second box.

[0088] The method may include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least three surfaces of a first box. The method may also include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least three surfaces of a second box.

[0089] The method may include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least four or more surfaces of a first box. The method may also include wrapping a sheet of wrapping material around at least four or more surfaces of a second box.

[0090] The method may include forming a wrapping material sheet such that two surfaces of the wrapping material sheet contact two adjacent surfaces of a first box and / or a second box, and can be tightly adhered to the edges between adjacent surfaces of the respective boxes.

[0091] An adhesive can be applied between the facing surfaces of the first and second boxes. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0092] The adhesive can be applied to the second surface of the first box and / or the second surface of the second box. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0093] The adhesive can be applied to one or more locations between the facing surfaces of the first and second boxes using a nozzle positioned closer to the first and / or second box than another nozzle, wherein the other nozzle is used to apply the adhesive to at least one of the wrapping material, the first surface of the first box, and the first surface of the second box. The adhesive can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0094] The method may include tilting a first box and / or a second box to expose opposing surfaces for applying adhesive. At least one of the opposing surfaces may be exposed to a nozzle. Both opposing surfaces may be exposed to a nozzle.

[0095] The method may include delivering a first box and / or a second box.

[0096] The first box and / or the second box can be tilted via side guides. The first box can be tilted via a first side guide, and the second box can be tilted via a second side guide. Alternatively, the first box and the second box can be tilted via a common side guide. The first box can be tilted while being conveyed by tilted side guides. The second box can be tilted while being conveyed by tilted side guides.

[0097] This method may include cutting the packaging material into wrapping sheets. This allows for the preparation of wrapping sheets required for specific packaging applications, and thus allows for further material savings.

[0098] The method may include adjusting the tension of the wrapping material supplied to the upstream of the cutter.

[0099] Adjusting tension allows for optimization of packaging in terms of positioning the wrapping material relative to one or more boxes to be wrapped, increasing packaging stability, and minimizing the use of packaging material. In particular, tension adjustment allows for increased grip on wrapping materials, such as paper, without over-gripping them. In other words, tension can be optimized for specific packaging materials.

[0100] This method may include applying heat to the multi-pack after the adhesive has been applied. This can accelerate the wrapping process and promote good bonding reliability.

[0101] The heating device may include a recessed plate. The recessed plate may contact the wrapping material when it is at least partially wrapped around the first and second boxes. The recessed plate may be provided with a resistor capable of heating the recessed plate. The sealer may seal the wrapping material at a specific location corresponding to the location where the coating adhesive is applied.

[0102] The grooved plate may include protrusions separated by air gaps. The width of the protrusions may range from 3 mm to 20 mm. The width of the air gaps may also range from 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0103] The method may include supplying a third box. Multiple packages, including at least a first box, a second box, and a third box, can be formed through parcel delivery.

[0104] The adhesive area can be, for example, located between the first box and the second box, between the second box and the third box, and between the second box and the wrapping material sheet.

[0105] The adhesive to be applied (or one of several adhesives) may be a silicone adhesive.

[0106] Adhesive can be applied to the perforated portion of the outer wall of the box, which opens along its perforations.

[0107] Adhesive strength can be optimized for specific applications. Specifically, the adhesive (or one of several adhesives) can be selected so that the perforations in the box automatically open when unpacking a multi-piece package due to the chosen positioning of the adhesive on the perforated portion of the box's outer wall. In other words, the opening can be made even more convenient for the user.

[0108] The adhesive strength can be selected to hold the boxes stably together without tearing them apart when the user separates them. Specifically, an adhesive site can be provided at a portion of the box, which can then be torn to expose the contents; however, the adhesive can be chosen to allow separation without tearing the box. In other words, the adhesive strength can be selected such that separating the box requires less force than tearing it to access its contents. Furthermore, the adhesive strength can be selected such that the design of the box at locations where adhesive is already present before separation remains partially or completely unaffected by the separation.

[0109] This disclosure also relates to a multi-piece package of boxes packaged according to any one or a combination of the foregoing features (which is compatible to date).

[0110] This disclosure also relates to a multi-piece package of boxes, comprising at least two boxes having opposing mating surfaces that contact each other, and including wrapping material strips, each wrapping material strip wrapping around at least two surfaces of each of the at least two boxes, the package being held together by the wrapping material strips, wherein at least one adhesive area exists between a first surface of a first box and the wrapping material, between a first surface of a second box and the wrapping material, and between one layer of wrapping material strip and another layer of wrapping material strip, the other layer of wrapping material strip overlapping a layer of wrapping material strip on the surface of the first box and / or the second box.

[0111] A multi-piece package may include at least two boxes wrapped together by a wrapping material strip, having a first adhesive area between the second surface of the first box and the second surface of the second box, and a second adhesive area between the first surface of the first box and the wrapping material strip.

[0112] A multi-piece package may include three boxes wrapped together by a wrapping material strip and a third adhesive area between the first surface of the second box and the wrapping material strip.

[0113] The packaging material can be paper. In particular, the packaging material can be plastic-free paper. This can particularly promote environmental friendliness.

[0114] The wrapping material can be paper with a heat-sealing coating. The heat-sealing varnish can be applied at one or more locations and can be provided, for example, in strip form. The heat-sealing coating can be a thermoplastic coating used as an adhesive to seal one substrate to another. The heat-sealing varnish may include a small amount of plastic, the amount of which may not impair recycling capabilities.

[0115] Additional advantages and features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, which may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features described above, provided that these features do not contradict each other. Attached Figure Description

[0116] To provide a better understanding of this disclosure and to illustrate how to implement it, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings by way of example only, in which: The description is given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the part of the packaging equipment that delivers the boxes and applies adhesive; Figure 2 This is a top view of the part of the packaging equipment that delivers the boxes and applies adhesive; Figure 3 This is a side view of the packaging equipment's supply section for wrapping materials; Figure 4This is a side view of the packaging equipment; Figure 5 This is an enlarged side view of the unwinding unit of the packaging equipment used to unwind the wrapping paper; Figure 6A Depicts a roll of parcel material being cut into pieces of parcel material for use in individual boxes; Figure 6B Depict two boxes and the wrapping paper to be wrapped around them; Figure 6C Depicts two boxes with wrapping material sheets surrounding them; Figure 7A Describe the two boxes of the multi-piece package to be formed into two boxes and the glued position; Figure 7B Describe the three boxes of the multi-piece package to be formed into three boxes and the glued positions; Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the lateral positioning unit (top finger) of the packaging equipment; Figure 9A This is a front perspective view of the grooved plate of the heating unit of the packaging equipment; Figure 9B This is a rear perspective view of the recessed plate of the heating unit of the packaging equipment; and Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the grooved plate of the heating unit of the packaging equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0117] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the portion of packaging equipment 1 that is being conveyed to be packaged together to form multipacks.

[0118] Figure 1 The packaging equipment 1 involved uses paper as packaging material to package two or three tissue boxes to form a multi-pack of tissue boxes.

[0119] exist Figure 1 In the perspective view, the boxes are supplied from the bottom left side. They are then guided by the conveyor guide 10. The conveyor guide 10, or box supply device, is an example in the sense that the boxes are supplied to the conveyor guide 10 and the conveyor guide 10 supplies the boxes to the adhesive application section.

[0120] As the boxes are conveyed along side guides 11 and 12, each side guide 11 and 12 tilts one box. When two boxes are packaged, both boxes are thus tilted. This exposes the opposing surfaces of the two boxes, allowing glue to be applied between them. When all three boxes are tilted, in the case of this exemplary device, the middle box does not tilt, but the two outer boxes do.

[0121] The packaging equipment 1 includes an adhesive application unit 20, which includes a dual nozzle 21 for applying glue between tissue boxes and a single nozzle 22 for applying glue between the tissue boxes and paper wrapping material to be wrapped around the boxes to form multi-packs.

[0122] The dual nozzles 21 are positioned closer to the passing box than the single nozzle 22. The dual nozzles 21 apply glue to the opposing surfaces between the boxes, bringing the two boxes together to adhere to each other, while the single nozzle 22 applies glue to the outer surface of the box, which then comes into contact with the paper wrapping material.

[0123] Packaging equipment 1 uses a low-tack adhesive suitable for holding boxes together and keeping the wrapping material surrounding the boxes in multi-packs, but providing only minimal resistance so that customers can easily open the multi-packs, remove the wrapping paper, and pull the individual boxes apart.

[0124] Figure 2 This is a top view of the part of packaging equipment 1 that transports boxes and applies glue.

[0125] The top view shows the position of the dual nozzles 21 at the end of the area reached by the conveyor 10, and the position of the single nozzle 22. Figure 2 Showing with Figure 1 Same parts.

[0126] Figure 3 This is a side view of the portion of packaging equipment 1 that supplies packaging materials. In the case of this exemplary equipment, the packaging material is paper without plastic.

[0127] In particular, Figure 3 A lever 5, depicting the tension of the wrapping paper being delivered to the gluing position, is clearly visible. Lever 5 is part of the tension adjusting device of the packaging equipment 1 under discussion. Lever 5 allows adjustment of the grip of the conveyor belt carrying the wrapping paper. This improves packaging reliability and facilitates more reliable formation of multi-piece packages in fixed boxes.

[0128] Figure 4 This is a front view of the packaging equipment 1, including the rod 5 for tensioning the paper wrapping material.

[0129] Figure 5 The unwinding unit of packaging equipment 1 is depicted, which is positioned adjacent to the gluing nozzle.

[0130] The unwinding unit 80 includes three guide rollers 81, 82 and 83 that help ensure the wrapping material 30 is unwound without creating waves and / or wrinkles; that is, the unwinding unit 80 is used to ensure that the wrapping material 30 is supplied in a straight line.

[0131] Figure 6AThis illustrates how paper wrapping material is cut into wrapping material sheets 30 by a cutter (not shown) that forms part of the packaging equipment 1.

[0132] The packaging equipment 1 includes a wrapping device (not shown) that wraps a sheet of wrapping material 30 around a box of tissues.

[0133] exist Figure 6B In this case, the packaging material sheet 30 wraps around the first box 31 and the second box 32 to form a multi-piece package including the two boxes.

[0134] Figure 6C The diagram shows the wrapping state of the wrapping material sheet surrounding at least two surfaces of each of the two boxes 31 and 32.

[0135] Specifically, in the illustrated case, the wrapping material sheet 30 forms a complete ring, covering the top surface 40, the first side surface 41, the second side surface 42, and the bottom surface (not shown). The wrapping material sheet 30 does not completely cover each surface. In other words, portions of each surface of the box remain exposed. This allows for further savings in wrapping material and thus promotes environmental friendliness by minimizing waste.

[0136] Figure 7A The diagram shows a first box 31 and a second box 32 (to be formed as a multi-piece package including the two boxes), as well as an adhesive position 50 between the first box 31 and the second box 32 and an adhesive position 51 to be located between the second box 32 and the wrapping material sheet.

[0137] Figure 7B The diagram shows a first box 31, a second box 32, and a third box 33 (to be formed as a multi-piece package with three boxes), and an adhesive position 50 between the first box 31 and the second box 32, an adhesive position 51 between the second box 32 and the wrapping material sheet, and an adhesive position 52 between the second box 32 and the third box 33. In other words, adhesive positions 50 and 52 are located between the facing surfaces of the first box 31 and the second box 32, and between the facing surfaces of the second box 32 and the third box 33.

[0138] Figure 8 A lateral positioning unit 70 is shown according to one embodiment of the packaging apparatus 1 according to the present disclosure. The lateral positioning unit 70 may also be referred to as an overhead finger. It is configured to press against the side wall of at least one of two or more boxes to be packaged together once the packaging material has been brought to the packaging position.

[0139] Thus, the lateral positioning unit 70 holds the wrapping material in place. This, for example, allows the adhesive to dry and firmly holds the position during the process. In particular, Figure 8 The lateral positioning unit 70 includes a pressing surface 71 that is brought into contact with a side surface of at least one box, and in particular, with packaging material covering the side surface.

[0140] Lateral positioning units can be provided specifically in a pair, wherein one of the lateral positioning units can be Figure 8 A mirror image of the lateral positioning unit 70.

[0141] Figure 9A This is a perspective view of the grooved plate 60, which is equipped with an air system (shown by two openings on the side) as part of a heating unit for heating the wrapping material with a large surface area.

[0142] The grooved portion of the grooved plate 60, and in particular the protrusions 61 separated by the grooves 62, can be brought into contact with the surface of the wrapping material, heating the wrapping material, and thereby activating, for example, the adhesive (in the form of a strip) disposed in or on the wrapping material.

[0143] The protrusion 61 may have a width, for example, ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm. The width of the groove 62 (the air gap between the protrusions 62) may also range from 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0144] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A The recessed plate 60 is viewed from different perspective angles, particularly exposing the back side 62 of the recessed plate 60.

[0145] The grooved plate 60 for heating larger surfaces is particularly useful for wrapping materials other than plastics, such as paper or materials made of paper.

[0146] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of an alternative recessed plate 60A, which is part of a heating unit and is again equipped with an air system.

[0147] and Figure 9A and 9B Compared to the grooved plate 60, Figure 10 The grooved plate 60A is used for heating smaller surfaces.

[0148] Figure 10 The protrusion 61A of the grooved plate 60A can have a width ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm. The protrusion 61A is separated by a groove 62A (air gap), wherein the groove 62A can have a width ranging from 3 mm to 20 mm.

[0149] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus and systems without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and the features disclosed herein. The specification and examples are intended to be considered exemplary only. Many additional variations and modifications are possible and are to be understood to fall within the framework of this disclosure.

Claims

1. Packaging equipment for packaging two or more boxes, such as tissue boxes, to form multi-packs, said packaging equipment comprising: Box supply device for supplying at least the first box and the second box; A packaging material supply device for supplying packaging materials, such as paper; An adhesive application device configured to apply adhesive to an adhesive position on a first surface of the first box, a first surface of the second box, and at least one of one or more locations on a wrapping material sheet; A wrapping device configured to wrap the wrapping material sheet at least partially around the first box and the second box, and to establish contact between the wrapping material sheet and the first box and the second box, respectively, wherein at least one adhesive position is located at a contact point between a first surface of the first box and the wrapping material sheet, between a first surface of the second box and the wrapping material sheet, or between a portion of the wrapping material sheet and an overlapping portion of the wrapping material sheet placed on the first surface of the first box or the first surface of the second box.

2. The packaging equipment of claim 1, wherein the adhesive application device comprises a first nozzle configured to apply adhesive between the surface of the wrapping material sheet and the first surface of the first box and / or the first surface of the second box.

3. The packaging apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the wrapping device is configured to wrap the wrapping material sheet around at least two surfaces of the first box and at least two surfaces of the second box, optionally around at least three or four surfaces of the first box and / or the second box.

4. The packaging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wrapping device includes at least one forming unit for forming the wrapping material sheet such that two surfaces of the wrapping material sheet contact two adjacent surfaces of the first box and / or the second box, wherein the two surfaces of the wrapping material optionally abut against the edge between the adjacent surfaces of the first box and / or the second box.

5. The packaging equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adhesive application device is configured to apply adhesive between the facing surfaces of the first box and the second box. The adhesive application device may optionally include a second nozzle, or optionally dual nozzles, for applying adhesive to the second surface of the first box and / or the second surface of the second box, respectively. The second nozzle, optionally the dual nozzle, and the first nozzle are positioned such that the second nozzle, optionally the dual nozzle, is closer to the passing box than the first nozzle.

6. The packaging equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a box tilting device configured to tilt the first box and / or the second box to expose opposing surfaces for applying adhesive by the adhesive application device, optionally exposing at least one of the opposing surfaces to a nozzle.

7. The packaging equipment of claim 6, further comprising a conveyor for conveying at least the first box and the second box. The box tilting device includes at least one side guide, and optionally two side guides, for tilting the corresponding box conveyed along the side guide.

8. The packaging equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cutter for cutting the packaging material into wrapping sheets.

9. The packaging equipment according to claim 8, comprising a tension adjusting device for adjusting the tension of the packaging material upstream of the cutter.

10. The packaging equipment according to claim 9, wherein the tension adjusting device comprises a rod for adjusting the tension of the packaging material and / or at least one roller with an outer rubber layer.

11. The packaging equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a heating device for applying heat to the multi-piece package after the adhesive has been applied. The heating device may optionally include a grooved plate for contacting the wrapping material when at least partially surrounding the first box and the second box. The grooved plate includes protrusions separated by air gaps, the width of which is optionally in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, and the width of the air gaps is optionally in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm.

12. The packaging equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the box supply unit is configured to supply a third box. The packaging equipment is configured to form a multi-piece package including at least the first box, the second box, and the third box, with adhesive areas between the first box and the second box, between the second box and the third box, and between the second box and the wrapping material sheet.

13. A method of packaging two or more boxes, such as boxes of facial tissues, to form a multi-pack, the method comprising: Supply at least the first and second boxes; Supplying packaging materials, such as wrapping paper; The adhesive is applied to the first surface of the first box, the first surface of the second box, and at least one of the locations on the wrapping material sheet; The wrapping material sheet is at least partially wrapped around the first box and the second box, and contacts are established between the wrapping material sheet and the first box and the second box, respectively, wherein at least one adhesive position is located at a contact point between the first surface of the first box and the wrapping material sheet, between the first surface of the second box and the wrapping material sheet, or between a portion of the wrapping material sheet and an overlapping portion of the wrapping material sheet placed on the first surface of the first box or the first surface of the second box.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising wrapping the wrapping material sheet around at least two surfaces of the first box and at least two surfaces of the second box, and optionally around at least three or four surfaces of the first box and / or the second box.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, further comprising forming the wrapping material sheet such that two surfaces of the wrapping material sheet contact two adjacent surfaces of the first box and / or the second box, wherein the two surfaces of the wrapping material optionally abut against an edge between the adjacent surfaces of the first box and / or the second box.

16. The method according to any one of claims 13-15, wherein the adhesive is applied between the facing surfaces of the first box and the second box. The adhesive may optionally be applied to the second surface of the first box and / or the second surface of the second box. The adhesive is optionally applied between the facing surfaces of the first box and the second box using a nozzle positioned closer to the first box and / or the second box than the other nozzle, wherein the other nozzle is used to apply the adhesive to at least one of the wrapping material, a first surface of the first box, and a first surface of the second box.

17. The method according to any one of claims 13-16, wherein the supplied wrapping material is at least selectively provided with an adhesive layer, said adhesive layer comprising an integrated adhesive that is heat-activated, and The portion of the wrapping material having the adhesive layer and the overlapping portion of the wrapping material are attached to each other by activating the integrated adhesive of the adhesive layer.

18. The method according to any one of claims 13-17, comprising tilting the first box and / or the second box and exposing opposing surfaces for applying adhesive, optionally exposing at least one of the opposing surfaces to a nozzle.

19. The method according to any one of claims 13-18, comprising conveying the first box and the second box. The first box and / or the second box are tilted along the side guide as the respective box is conveyed.

20. The method according to any one of claims 13-19, comprising cutting the wrapping material into wrapping paper pieces.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising adjusting the tension of the wrapping material supplied to the upstream of the cutter.

22. The method according to any one of claims 13-21, comprising applying heat to the multi-piece package after the adhesive has been applied. Optionally, this includes contacting the grooved plate with the wrapping material when at least partially surrounding the first box and the second box. The grooved plate includes protrusions separated by air gaps, the width of which is optionally in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm, and the width of the air gaps is optionally in the range of 3 mm to 20 mm.

23. The method according to any one of claims 13-22, comprising supplying a third box, The package comprises at least a first box, a second box, and a third box, with adhesive areas between the first box and the second box, between the second box and the third box, and between the second box and the packaging material sheet.

24. The method according to any one of claims 13-23, wherein the adhesive is applied to the perforated portion of the outer wall of the box that opens along its perforations.

25. A multi-piece package of boxes, which is packaged by any one of claims 13-24.

26. A multi-piece package of boxes, comprising at least two boxes having opposing mating surfaces that contact each other, and including wrapping material strips, each wrapping material strip wrapping around at least two surfaces of each of the at least two boxes, the package being held together by the wrapping material strips, wherein there is at least one adhesive area between a first surface of a first box and the wrapping material, between a first surface of a second box and the wrapping material, and between one layer of the wrapping material strip and another layer of the wrapping material strip, the other layer of the wrapping material strip overlapping the first layer of the wrapping material strip on the surface of the first box and / or the second box.

27. The multi-piece package of claim 26, the multi-piece package comprising at least two boxes wrapped together by the wrapping material strip, wherein a first adhesive region is formed between a second surface of the first box and a second surface of the second box, and a second adhesive region is formed between a first surface of the first box and the wrapping material strip.

28. The multi-piece package of claim 27, comprising three boxes wrapped together by the wrapping material strip, and including a third adhesive region between a first surface of the second box and the wrapping material strip.

29. The multi-piece package according to any one of claims 25-28, wherein the packaging material is paper, optionally plastic-free paper.

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