Pallet pack, packing system, and packing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a pallet pack (1), to a packing system (50), and to a packing method (100) for palletized goods (60). A pallet belt (2) is provided, by means of which the entire periphery of the palletized goods (60) can be surrounded, and a closure assembly (3) is provided for closing the pallet belt (2) surrounding the entire periphery of the palletized goods (60) by releasably connecting two end sections (4a, 4b) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2). According to the invention, the closure assembly (3) has a hook-and-loop fastener.

Description

[0001] Pallet packaging, packaging system and packaging experience

[0002] The present invention relates to a pallet packaging, a packaging system and a packaging method for palletized goods.

[0003] Pallets, especially standardized so-called Euro pallets, are used for the simple and cost-effective transport of goods. The goods to be transported can be arranged, especially stacked, on these pallets. This process is also referred to as "palletizing."

[0004] To secure such palletized goods on the (Euro) pallet and / or protect them from external influences, so-called stretch or shrink films are commonly used. Such films are generally not recyclable.

[0005] More sustainable pallet packaging has been created with the use of appropriately dimensioned tarpaulins, also known as pallet belts. These tarpaulins can be used to enclose the palletized goods, which can then be lashed down to secure the goods. For this purpose, such tarpaulins often have fastening means in the form of rubber bands sewn into the tarpaulin, which have hooks for hooking into corresponding eyelets sewn onto the tarpaulin. Alternatively, the tarpaulins can also be attached to the palletized goods and / or the pallet with tensioning belts. A disadvantage of such fastening means, however, is that several steps are necessary to close the tarpaulin; for example, several eyelets must be threaded onto the hooks or straps in ratchets. This increases the packaging effort. It is an object of the present invention to improve the packaging of palletized goods, in particular to simplify and make it more flexible.

[0006] This object is achieved by a pallet packaging, a packaging system and a packaging method according to the independent claims.

[0007] Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims and the following description.

[0008] A first aspect of the invention relates to a pallet packaging for packaging palletized goods, comprising: (i) a pallet belt with which the palletized goods can be fully enclosed, and (ii) a closure arrangement for closing the pallet belt, which fully encloses the palletized goods, by releasably connecting two end sections at opposite ends of the pallet belt. According to the invention, the closure arrangement comprises a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0009] For the purposes of the invention, palletized goods can be understood, in particular, as an arrangement of goods, for example, boxes or merchandise, on a pallet. The goods can, but do not necessarily have to, be stacked. The pallet is preferably a standardized Euro pallet.

[0010] Fully enclosing within the meaning of the invention can be understood, in particular, as completely encompassing or encompassing along a circumference. For example, the outer contour of palletized goods, i.e., an arrangement of goods on a pallet, defines a circumference. A pallet belt that fully encloses the palletized goods is advantageously positioned tightly along the entire outer contour, possibly even under tension.

[0011] One aspect of the invention is based on the approach of securing palletized goods on a pallet using a closure arrangement. For this purpose, a pallet belt of a pallet closure preferably has two end sections at its two opposite ends, which can be releasably connected to one another using the closure arrangement. The closure arrangement is expediently arranged in the two end sections. The closure arrangement preferably comprises a hook-and-loop fastener, in particular arranged in the end sections. The hook-and-loop fastener is expediently designed and / or arranged in the end sections in such a way that the two end sections adhere to one another when brought into contact. The hook-and-loop fastener enables easy handling of the pallet closure.The hook and loop fastener makes it possible to package palletized goods in just a few simple steps, particularly to secure them on a pallet and / or to protect them from external influences such as contamination. In particular, it is only necessary to bring the two end sections of the pallet belt into at least partial contact with each other. The laborious process of threading or threading one or more straps or hooks can be dispensed with. Compared to conventional, rubber-band-based fastening devices, a fastening arrangement with a hook and loop fastener also has the advantage that it does not wear out, even with very frequent use.

[0012] The pallet belt expediently has a longitudinal extension sufficient to completely enclose the palletized goods with the pallet belt. It is preferred if the two end sections in this "securing state", i.e. when the palletized goods are completely enclosed by the pallet belt, lie essentially congruently, or at least overlap one another in sections. Because the two end sections have a certain longitudinal extension, the pallet belt can also completely enclose palletized goods whose circumference is at least slightly larger than the circumference of the pallet, in particular larger than the 4 m standardized circumference of a Euro pallet. Accordingly, the pallet belt can also completely enclose palletized goods whose circumference is at least slightly smaller than the circumference of the pallet.This makes pallet packaging particularly flexible to use.

[0013] In other words, despite standardized dimensions, i.e., a predetermined pallet belt length, the pallet packaging can be adapted to the palletized goods or can be adapted to them. The pallet packaging can therefore be circulated similarly to a Euro pallet within the framework of an exchange process.

[0014] Pallet packaging also enables time and cost savings during packaging, as well as improved ergonomics and / or sustainability compared to conventional pallet packaging materials.

[0015] Preferred embodiments of the invention and further developments thereof are described below. Unless expressly excluded, they can be combined as desired with one another and with the aspects of the invention described below. In a preferred embodiment, a maximum width of the pallet belt is defined by the length of two pallet belt broadside edges at the opposite ends of the pallet belt. Preferably, the maximum width of the pallet belt is 150 cm or more and / or 200 cm or less, in particular approximately 170 cm. It has been found that such dimensioning of the pallet belt, on the one hand, enables the packaging of even tall or highly stacked goods on a pallet, while on the other hand still permits acceptable handling of the pallet packaging.

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the pallet belt is made of a textile material. In particular, the pallet belt can be made of a textile band. This allows for the provision of robust yet lightweight pallet packaging that can reliably protect palletized goods from contamination and / or damage.

[0017] The pallet belt is preferably made of a UV-resistant material, particularly textile. This can increase the service life of the pallet packaging.

[0018] In a further preferred embodiment, the closure arrangement has a first hook-and-loop fastener part and a second hook-and-loop fastener part. The first hook-and-loop fastener part is expediently arranged in one of the end sections on the front side of the pallet belt, while the second hook-and-loop fastener part is arranged in the other of the end sections on the back side of the pallet belt. The first and second hook-and-loop fastener parts are preferably arranged in the respective end sections such that the first hook-and-loop fastener part can interact with the second hook-and-loop fastener part to connect the two end sections. Such hook-and-loop fastener parts allow particularly simple and user-friendly handling of the closure arrangement while simultaneously providing a reliable and robust closure effect. In addition, the use of hook-and-loop fastener parts allows both the packing dimensions and the weight of the pallet packaging to be kept low.Compared to conventionally used rubber bands, which wear out over time, Velcro fasteners also have an advantage in terms of service life.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the closure arrangement, in particular in the two end sections, and / or the width-changing arrangement comprises Velcro strips.

[0020] These hook-and-loop fasteners are particularly preferably double-acting. A double-acting hook-and-loop fastener can be understood as a hook-and-loop fastener, colloquially also referred to as a 2-in-1 hook-and-loop fastener, which combines the loop and hook sides. Such a hook-and-loop fastener can thus, at least in sections – when folded or turned over accordingly – "cooperate with itself," i.e., adhere to itself. This allows a flexible connection of the two end sections and a flexible and continuous adjustment of the width of the pallet belt.

[0021] In order to be able to create a reliable connection of the end sections, the closure arrangement in the end sections expediently has several Velcro strips running along the pallet belt - i.e. parallel to a longitudinal extension of the pallet belt - and / or parallel to one another. This allows the Velcro strips in the two end sections to interact with each other at least in sections, even if the circumference of the palletized goods deviates from the circumference of the pallet. It is preferred if a strong connection is created between the end sections even with such only section-by-section interaction of the Velcro strips. For this purpose, the Velcro strips are preferably regularly spaced from one another.The hook-and-loop fasteners are particularly preferably arranged in the end sections in such a way that each hook-and-loop fastener in one end section interacts in pairs with a hook-and-loop fastener from the other end section when the pallet belt completely encloses the palletized goods. In other words, the hook-and-loop fasteners in one end section are preferably arranged in a corresponding manner to the hook-and-loop fasteners in the other end section. In total, this allows for a high holding force.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the closure arrangement can comprise at least one hook-and-loop fastener strip in each end section, preferably running directly along a respective pallet belt's broad side edge. It has been shown that the holding force of the connection between the two end sections can be significantly increased by such a hook-and-loop fastener strip running transversely to the pallet belt.

[0023] In addition, such a transverse hook-and-loop fastener allows for a particularly even distribution of tensile forces within the pallet belt when the belt is under tension. For this purpose, the hook-and-loop fastener runs continuously along the respective pallet belt's broad side edge, from one pallet belt's long side edge to the opposite long side edge.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally, such a Velcro strip running transversely in the end sections can also be part of the width-changing arrangement. In particular, such a Velcro strip can interact with itself in certain sections and thus stabilize a set width of the pallet belt when the pallet belt is folded over once along a transverse folding edge, as described in detail below in connection with the width-changing arrangement.

[0025] It is also conceivable that at least one such transversely running Velcro fastener is provided in one end section on the back of the pallet belt for interaction with the longitudinally running Velcro fasteners in the other end section on the back of the pallet belt. This transversely running Velcro fastener, also referred to as a turn-over Velcro fastener, can be used in particular to connect the two end sections when the pallet belt is turned over at least in part to adjust the width. The turn-over Velcro fastener on the back of the pallet belt can thus take over the function of at least some of the transversely running Velcro fasteners on the front of the pallet belt in the same end section if these transversely running Velcro fasteners are covered by the turning over of the pallet belt and can therefore no longer interact with the transversely running Velcro fasteners in the other end section on the back of the pallet belt.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment, a width-changing arrangement is provided for continuously adjusting the width of the pallet belt. In particular, the width-changing arrangement can be used to continuously adjust the width of a pallet belt, at least starting from a predetermined minimum width and / or up to a predetermined maximum width. The width-changing arrangement is expediently designed such that the set width is permanently maintained, in particular until a new width is set. In other words, it is expedient if the set width can be reversibly fixed using the width-changing arrangement. Using the width-changing arrangement, the width of the pallet belt can be adapted reliably and with little effort to a stack height of palletized goods.At the same time, the width change arrangement allows the set width of the pallet belt to be reliably maintained, for example during the packaging process and, in particular, without a user accidentally changing the width.

[0027] For this purpose, the width-changing arrangement can be configured to fix the pallet belt in a folded or turned-over state. In particular, the width-changing arrangement can be configured to releasably connect two opposing pallet belt sections by turning or folding the pallet belt. This prevents the turn-over or fold from coming loose or slipping during the packaging process.

[0028] With the help of the width adjustment arrangement, the pallet packaging can be adapted to the palletized goods despite standardized dimensions, i.e., a specified (maximum) width of the pallet belt. In particular, the pallet packaging can be adapted to individual packaging regulations or customs.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the width-changing arrangement is configured for detachably connecting two opposing sections of a pallet belt front and / or pallet belt back, obtained by folding the pallet belt along a longitudinal folding edge. Folding the pallet belt can also be understood as folding—and a folding edge can accordingly be understood as a fold. A longitudinal folding edge is expediently a folding edge that runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the pallet belt. A width-changing arrangement configured in this way enables particularly simple, stepless changing of the pallet belt width.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the width-changing arrangement comprises a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener strips on the front side of the pallet belt, running transversely to the pallet belt and / or parallel to one another. This can increase the holding force of the width-changing arrangement. In particular, the holding forces of the multiple hook-and-loop fastener strips can be added together, thereby preventing an unwanted change in width, for example, during the packaging process.

[0031] The multiple hook-and-loop fastener strips on the pallet belt front are preferably arranged, in particular regularly spaced from one another, such that each hook-and-loop fastener strip interacts with itself at least in sections when the pallet belt is folded over along a longitudinally extending fold-over edge such that one section of the pallet belt front is opposite another section of the pallet belt front. In other words, the hook-and-loop fastener strips are preferably arranged such that each hook-and-loop fastener strip can interact with itself in sections when a part of the pallet belt front is folded over. This allows the pallet belt width to be changed quickly and easily, in particular without the need for tools or auxiliary equipment.

[0032] In order to be able to reduce the width of the pallet belt to less than half the maximum pallet belt width, it is preferred that the width-changing arrangement on a pallet belt backside comprises a plurality of hook-and-loop fastener strips running transversely to the pallet belt and / or parallel to one another. These hook-and-loop fastener strips are preferably arranged, in particular regularly spaced from one another, such that each hook-and-loop fastener strip interacts at least in sections and in pairs with a hook-and-loop fastener strip on the pallet belt frontside when the pallet belt is folded over along two longitudinally extending fold-over edges such that one section of the pallet belt frontside is opposite another section of the pallet belt backside.In other words, the hook-and-loop fasteners are preferably arranged such that each hook-and-loop fastener on the front of the pallet belt interacts, at least in sections, with a hook-and-loop fastener on the back of the pallet belt when the front of the pallet belt is folded around a longitudinal edge of the pallet belt. The regular spacing of the hook-and-loop fasteners on both the front and back of the pallet belt allows for a holding force that is evenly distributed across the entire longitudinal extent of the pallet belt.

[0033] It is preferred that the pallet belt width be continuously reducible from a maximum width defined by the length of the pallet belt's broad side edges to at least half the maximum width. For this purpose, the hook-and-loop fasteners on the front side of the pallet belt expediently extend from one pallet belt's long side edge to an opposite pallet belt's long side edge.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the Velcro strips on the back of the pallet belt can extend from one of the long edges of the pallet belt to an intermediate area between the long edges of the pallet belt. By wrapping or folding the front of the pallet belt around one of the long edges of the pallet belt, the width of the pallet belt can be reduced even further, in particular to less than half the maximum width. For example, these Velcro strips can extend from one of the long edges of the pallet belt for up to 50 cm across the pallet belt on the back of the pallet belt.

[0035] This allows for an (additional) reduction of the pallet belt width by up to 25 cm by folding the front of the pallet belt twice. If the length of the pallet belt's broad side edges is 170 cm, the pallet belt width can be reduced to 60 cm. The opposing pallet belt sections remain securely fastened to each other even during the packaging process thanks to the Velcro fasteners running transversely to the pallet belt on the front and back of the pallet belt.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment, the length of the pallet belt between the two end sections is dimensioned such that the two end sections lie essentially congruently—i.e., essentially completely overlapping—on top of each other when the pallet belt completely encloses the palletized goods. This enables a particularly reliable closure of the pallet belt.

[0037] To enable this, especially for goods palletized on a Euro pallet, the length of the pallet belt between the two end sections is preferably 367 cm. Accordingly, it is expedient for the two end sections to each extend 33 cm along two opposite long sides of the pallet belt. With a circumference of a Euro pallet of 4 m, the pallet belt can then completely enclose the palletized goods, so that one of the two end sections lies on the other end section. Regardless of the length of the pallet belt between the two end sections, a longitudinal extension of the two end sections of 33 cm can also be advantageous in terms of only partially overlapping the end sections.It has been shown that the length of 33 cm is sufficient to reliably connect the two end sections even when the circumference of the palletized goods differs from the circumference of the pallet, but is short enough not to complicate the handling of the pallet packaging.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment, the pallet belt is designed in two layers in the two end sections. This increases the stability and / or rigidity of the pallet belt in the two end sections, which is useful for connecting.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment, a plurality of fastening eyelets are provided embedded in the pallet belt, which are arranged in the two end sections, preferably directly along the respective pallet belt's broad side edge. Using the fastening eyelets, the pallet belt can be easily and inexpensively attached, for example, suspended, to a packaging aid. In this respect, the fastening eyelets can significantly facilitate the packaging process. To further enable a homogeneous distribution of force, the fastening eyelets are preferably regularly spaced from one another.

[0040] Alternatively or in addition to the fastening eyelets, at least one snap hook is provided, which is arranged in an end section on a broad side edge of the pallet belt. Particularly preferably, two snap hooks are provided, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the end section on the broad side edge of the pallet belt. Using at least one snap hook, the pallet belt can be attached to the packaging aid particularly quickly.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment, folding marks are applied to the front of the pallet belt along one of the long edges of the pallet belt. Using these folding marks, the pallet belt can be folded precisely. To enable particularly space-saving folding, regular checking of the folding marks is preferred.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, consecutive length markings can be applied transversely to the pallet belt on the front side of the pallet belt. In other words, length markings can be applied along an (imaginary) line transversely to the pallet belt. It is expedient if the length markings are regularly spaced from one another. A length marking can be understood here as the specification of a length measurement. The length measurement expediently indicates a pallet belt width that can be achieved by folding the pallet belt along a longitudinal folding edge at the height of the corresponding length marking. The provision of length markings on the front side of the pallet belt can therefore considerably simplify the setting of a desired pallet belt width.

[0043] To facilitate precise folding of the pallet belt along a longitudinal folding edge, the pallet belt expediently has longitudinal coordination seams. A user can then fold or fold the pallet belt in a targeted manner along a coordination seam. A second aspect of the invention relates to a packaging system for packaging palletized goods, comprising (i) a pallet packaging with a pallet belt with which the palletized goods can be completely enclosed, and a closure arrangement for closing the pallet belt that completely encloses the palletized goods by releasably connecting two end sections at opposite ends of the pallet belt; and (ii) a packaging aid for holding one end of the pallet belt during the packaging process. The pallet packaging is preferably a pallet packaging according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0044] With the help of such a packaging system, the packaging process can be made considerably easier.

[0045] The packaging aid is expediently designed to hold one end of the pallet belt in such a way that it does not slip during the packaging process. In particular, the packaging aid can be designed to hold one end of the pallet belt in such a way that the pallet belt can be wrapped around the palletized goods and the end section at the end opposite the held end can be connected to the end section at the held end. This eliminates the need for two users to pack palletized goods. At the same time, it is no longer necessary for a user to improvise with the pallet belt when wrapping the palletized goods, for example, by clamping one end of the pallet belt between palletized goods.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the packaging aid comprises a base and a vertically extending support rod attached to the base when the base is anchored to the pallet. The base ensures secure positioning of the packaging aid, while at the same time allowing the user to conveniently attach the pallet belt to the support rod.

[0047] To ensure particularly secure positioning, the base is preferably designed to be inserted between two pallet feet. In this respect, the base can be designed for detachable anchoring to a pallet.

[0048] A particularly simple and convenient attachment of the pallet belt to the support bar can be achieved if the support bar is equipped with retaining devices. For example, the support bar can have one or more hooks, preferably spaced at regular intervals. Snap hooks or fastening eyes of the pallet packaging can be hooked or threaded into such hooks.

[0049] A third aspect of the invention relates to a packaging method for packaging palletized goods, in particular using a packaging system according to the second aspect of the invention. Such a packaging method comprises: (i) securing a packaging aid to a pallet; (ii) attaching one end of a pallet belt to the packaging aid;

[0050] (iii) enclosing goods palletised on the pallet with the pallet belt; (iv) closing the pallet belt by joining two end sections at opposite ends of the pallet belt; (v) detaching the end of the pallet belt from the packaging aid; and (vi) removing the packaging aid from the pallet.

[0051] Using this type of packaging method, the packaging process can be carried out conveniently and reliably. To secure the packaging aid to the pallet, a base of the packaging aid is conveniently inserted between two pallet feet. This allows the packaging aid to be anchored to the pallet. It also prevents a user from tripping over the base of the packaging aid during packaging. This can therefore increase operational safety. Furthermore, anchoring the packaging aid in this way allows the palletized goods to be enclosed with greater tension, thus improving the security of the goods.

[0052] Alternatively, to secure the packaging aid, it can also simply be pushed toward the pallet, especially toward a pallet corner. To ensure the packaging aid remains stable, a weighted base, i.e., one containing a ballast weight, is preferred. Of course, such a weighted base can also be designed to be inserted between two pallet feet.

[0053] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to figures. Where appropriate, elements with the same function are provided with the same reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures - not even with regard to functional features. The previous description as well as the following description of the figures contain numerous features, some of which are summarized in the dependent claims. However, a person skilled in the art will also consider these features, as well as all other features disclosed above and in the following description of the figures, individually and combine them to form further meaningful combinations.In particular, all of the features mentioned can be combined individually and in any suitable combination with the pallet packaging according to the first aspect of the invention, the packaging system according to the second aspect of the invention and the packaging method according to the third aspect of the invention.

[0054] They show, at least partly schematically:

[0055] Fig. 1 shows an example of a pallet packaging in a front view;

[0056] Fig. 2 shows an example of the pallet packaging shown in Figure 1 in a rear view;

[0057] Fig. 3 shows an example of a packaging system; and

[0058] Fig. 4 an example of a packaging aid.

[0059] Figure 1 shows an example of a pallet packaging 1 in a front view. The pallet packaging has a pallet belt 2, with which palletized goods can be completely enclosed, as well as a closure arrangement 3 for closing the pallet belt 2, which completely encloses the palletized goods, by releasably connecting two end sections 4a, 4b at opposite ends 2a, 2b of the pallet belt 2. In addition, a width-changing arrangement 5 is provided for continuously adjusting the width B of the pallet belt 2. In the front view, a pallet belt front side V is visible. If the pallet belt 2 encloses palletized goods, the pallet belt front side V is expediently facing away from the palletized goods.

[0060] One end section 4a is preferably defined by hook-and-loop fasteners 6a, shown hatched, running longitudinally to the pallet belt 2, i.e., parallel to the longitudinal extension D indicated by the double arrow. The hook-and-loop fasteners 6a are arranged on the front side V of the pallet belt. The end section 4a is indicated in Figure 1 by a dashed line running transversely to the pallet belt 2. For reasons of clarity, only one of the hook-and-loop fasteners 6a is provided with a reference symbol.

[0061] Analogously, the other end section 4b is preferably defined by Velcro strips arranged on the back of the pallet belt, running longitudinally to the pallet belt (see Figure 2). Even though these Velcro strips are not visible in Figure 1, the end section 4b is also indicated by a dashed line.

[0062] The two end sections 4a, 4b are expediently spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction D such that, when palletized goods are enclosed by the pallet belt 2, one end section 4a is arranged below the other end section 4b, preferably substantially congruent with the latter. In the area of ​​the two end sections 4a, 4b, the front side V of the pallet belt can then be opposite the back side of the pallet belt. This allows the hook-and-loop fasteners 4a to interact with the hook-and-loop fasteners (not visible here) on the back side of the pallet belt and ensure reliable closure of the pallet belt 2.

[0063] Optionally, in addition to the longitudinally running Velcro strips 4a on the pallet belt front side V, a Velcro strip 8a is provided that runs along a pallet belt broadside edge 7a, i.e., transversely to the pallet belt 2 or to the longitudinal extension D. With this transversely running Velcro strip 8a, a detachable connection can be created between the end sections 4a, 4b even if a transverse offset, i.e., an offset transversely to the pallet belt 2, should occur when enclosing the palletized goods.

[0064] Alternatively or in addition to the hook-and-loop fasteners 4a and / or 8a, a plurality of fastening eyelets 9a can also be provided in one end section 4a. These fastening eyelets 9a can be used for fastening to a packaging aid and are therefore expediently arranged directly along the pallet belt's broad side edge 7a. In other words, the fastening eyelets 9a are arranged externally, particularly with respect to the longitudinally extending hook-and-loop fasteners 6a and / or the transversely extending hook-and-loop fastener 8a, which can, for example, significantly simplify threading the fastening eyelets 9a into corresponding holding means on the packaging aid.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, it is conceivable to also provide such fastening eyelets 9b in the other end section 4b. Preferably, the arrangement of the fastening eyelets 9b in the other end section 4b corresponds to the arrangement of the fastening eyelets 9a in one end section 4a.

[0066] To make it easier for a user to fold or collapse the pallet belt 2, for example for storage purposes, folding markings 13 can be applied along a pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12a, 12b on the pallet belt front side V or on the pallet belt back side. For reasons of clarity, only one of the folding markings 13 is provided with a reference symbol.

[0067] It is advantageous if a shipping pocket 14 is attached to the front side V of the pallet belt, in which shipping or storage documents or other documents relating to the packaged goods can be stored. This shipping pocket 14 is preferably arranged in the end region 4b on the front side V of the pallet belt that does not contain any part of the closure arrangement 3, ie, no Velcro strips 6a, 8a.

[0068] The maximum width of the pallet belt 2 is determined by the length of the pallet belt's broadside edges 7a, 7b, which can be, for example, 170 cm. This maximum width can be reduced by folding or turning the pallet belt 2 along at least one longitudinal turn-over edge 10a, 10b, which are shown in Figure 1 as dot-dash lines purely for illustrative purposes. In this respect, the turn-over edges 10a, 10b can also be referred to as folding edges.

[0069] In order to stabilize the width B of the pallet belt 2 achieved by folding over, i.e., to prevent the folded sections of the pallet belt 2 from slipping relative to one another, the width-changing arrangement 5 is provided. The width-changing arrangement 5 expediently comprises a plurality of Velcro strips 11a running transversely to the pallet belt 2 and arranged on the front side V of the pallet belt. The Velcro strips 11a are preferably arranged in the longitudinal extension D between the two end regions 4a, 4b, in particular between the Velcro fastener parts of the fastening arrangement 3. For reasons of clarity, only one of the Velcro strips 11a is provided with a reference symbol.

[0070] If the pallet belt front side V is folded over a folded edge 10a, so that one section of the pallet belt front side V is positioned opposite another section of the pallet belt front side V, each of the hook-and-loop fastener strips 11a can interact with itself in sections. In this respect, it is advantageous if the hook-and-loop fastener strips 11a are designed to be double-acting, i.e., as a so-called 2-in-1 hook-and-loop fastener strip.

[0071] The resulting width B of the pallet belt 2 can also be stabilized by the transversely extending hook-and-loop fastener 8a in one end region 4a. In this respect, the transversely extending hook-and-loop fastener 8a can also be part of the width-changing arrangement 5.

[0072] To make it easier for the user to set a specific width B, length markings 15 can be applied to the pallet belt front side V. For example, the width B achieved by folding the pallet belt 2 at the height of the corresponding length marking 15 can be printed, sewn, embroidered, or applied in some other way to the pallet belt front side V. For reasons of clarity, only one of the length markings 15 is provided with a reference symbol.

[0073] By folding the pallet belt 2 once, the width B can be reduced to half the maximum width. The folded edge 10a is then located centrally between two opposing pallet belt longitudinal side edges 12a, 12b (not shown). In order to reliably secure the folded pallet belt sections, particularly across the entire width B, the hook-and-loop fastener strips 11a expediently run from one pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12a to the opposite pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12b.

[0074] In order to be able to reduce the width B even further, the width-changing arrangement 5 preferably also has transversely running Velcro strips on the rear side of the pallet belt 2, as shown in Figure 2 and described below. Figure 2 shows the pallet packaging 1 from Figure 1 in a rear view, so that a pallet belt rear side R is visible. Here, too, the two end regions 4a, 4b at the opposite ends 2a, 2b of the pallet belt 2 are indicated by dashed lines. It can be seen how the end region 4b is preferably defined by transversely running Velcro strips 6b of the closure arrangement 3. For reasons of clarity, only one of the Velcro strips 6b is provided with a reference symbol.

[0075] In comparison with Figure 1, Figure 2 also shows that the two end sections 4a, 4b on the front and rear sides V, R of the pallet belt are expediently constructed mirror-symmetrically. Accordingly, a hook-and-loop fastener strip 8b preferably also runs transversely to the pallet belt 2 in the end region 4b on the rear side R of the pallet belt along the pallet belt broadside edge 7b. The plurality of closure eyelets 9b can be arranged directly along the pallet belt broadside edge 7b, in particular on the outside with respect to the hook-and-loop fastener strips 6b, 8b.

[0076] The transversely extending Velcro strips 11b of the width-changing arrangement 5, already mentioned in connection with Figure 1, are preferably arranged correspondingly to the transversely extending Velcro strips 11a on the pallet belt front side V with respect to their position in the longitudinal extension D of the pallet belt 2. The Velcro strips 11b expediently run on the pallet belt rear side R from one of the two pallet belt longitudinal side edges 12b into an intermediate region between the pallet belt longitudinal side edges 12a, 12b. The pallet belt 2 can thus be folded over twice, i.e. around two folding edges 10a, 10b, so that a section of the pallet belt front side V is opposite a section of the pallet belt rear side R in which the transversely extending Velcro strips 11b are arranged. For this purpose, the pallet belt 2 is expediently wrapped around the pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12b, to which the Velcro strips 11b are adjacent.In other words, the pallet belt 2 is expediently folded over such that the folded edge 10a corresponds to the pallet belt's longitudinal side edge 12b. Each of the hook-and-loop fastener strips 11a on the pallet belt front side V can thus interact, at least in sections, with one of the hook-and-loop fastener strips 11b on the pallet belt rear side R, thus stabilizing the set width B of the pallet belt 2.

[0077] To enable a connection of the two end sections 4a, 4b even when the pallet belt 2 is folded over, at least one transversely extending Velcro closure strip 16 is provided on the pallet belt rear side R and in the end section 4a. In other words, in addition to the longitudinally extending Velcro closure strips 6a and the transversely extending Velcro closure strip 8a in an end section 4a on the pallet belt front side V, the closure arrangement 3 can also have a transversely extending Velcro closure strip 16 in this end section 4a on the pallet belt rear side R.

[0078] If, for example, the pallet belt is folded over the turn-up edge 10a so that one section of the pallet belt front side V is opposite another section of the pallet belt front side V (i.e., the pallet belt front side V is folded "onto itself" at least in sections), a portion of the longitudinal hook-and-loop fastener strips 6a in the end section 4a will be opposite each other. This portion of the longitudinal hook-and-loop fastener strips 4a can therefore no longer interact with the corresponding hook-and-loop fastener strips 4b on the pallet belt back side R when the end sections 4a, 4b are brought into contact. Therefore, the turn-up hook-and-loop fastener strip 16 is expediently provided, which, due to the turning over, is partially facing outwards and can assume the function of the covered portion of the longitudinal hook-and-loop fastener strips 4a.

[0079] The problem that at least part of the pallet belt front side V is covered when the pallet belt is folded over to adjust the width B can also affect the shipping pocket 14a shown in Figure 1. Therefore, at least one shipping pocket 14b is preferably also provided on the pallet belt rear side R. This at least one shipping pocket 14b is expediently arranged on the pallet belt rear side R in the same end region 4b as the shipping pocket 14a on the pallet belt front side V.

[0080] So that a part of the shipping pocket 14b on the back R of the pallet belt is visible or accessible, regardless of how much of the pallet belt 2 has been or will be folded over, at least one shipping pocket 14b can be arranged between the longitudinal Velcro strips 6b, as shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, only one shipping pocket can be provided, divided in particular by the longitudinal Velcro strips 6b (not shown). Providing several shipping pockets 14b or subdividing a single (long) shipping pocket is advantageous so that papers relating to the palletized goods can be inserted where they are visible and do not slip, regardless of the folding state of the pallet belt 2, i.e. regardless of the set width B.If only a single divided shipping pocket is provided, an extension on the pallet belt rear side R over at least a large part of the maximum width of the pallet belt 2 is expedient. For example, the at least one shipping pocket 14b on the pallet belt rear side R can extend from one pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12a to the other pallet belt longitudinal side edge 12b, or at least over at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, of the maximum pallet belt width.

[0081] Figure 3 shows an example of a packaging system 50 for packaging palletized goods 60. Using the packaging system 50, a method 100 for packaging the palletized goods 60 can be carried out.

[0082] The packaging system 50 comprises a pallet package 1 and a packaging aid 51 for holding an end 2a of a pallet belt 2 of the pallet package 1 during the packaging process. For illustration, Figure 3 shows a state in which the pallet belt 2 only partially encloses the palletized goods 60. To fully enclose the palletized goods 60 in a method step S4 of the packaging method 100, the pallet belt 2 must be connected by releasably connecting a section 4a at the end 2a held by the packaging aid 51 to a section 4b at the "free" end 2b.

[0083] The packaging aid 51 has a base 52 and a vertically extending support rod 53 attached thereto. To package the palletized goods 60, the packaging aid 51 is first secured, in particular anchored, to a pallet 70 on which the goods 60 are palletized in a method step S1. For this purpose, the base 52 can, for example, be inserted between two pallet feet (see Figure 4).

[0084] In a further process step S2, the end 2a of the pallet belt 2 is attached to the packaging aid 51. For this purpose, the pallet belt 2 can be hooked or threaded with the end 2a into corresponding holding means (see Figure 4) of the holding rod 53. For this purpose, the pallet belt 2 expediently has a plurality of fastening eyelets (see Figures 1 and 2) and / or two snap hooks attached to the pallet belt 2, which can be engaged with corresponding eyelets or hooks on the holding rod 53.

[0085] In a further process step S3, the palletized goods 60 are enclosed with the pallet belt 2.

[0086] After the already described closing of the pallet belt 2 in process step S4, the pallet belt 2 can be detached from the packaging aid 51 in a further process step S5 and the packaging aid 51 can be removed from the pallet 70 in a further process step S6.

[0087] Figure 4 shows an example of a packaging aid 51. The packaging aid 51 has a base 52 and a holding rod 53 attached to the base 52. The base 52 is expediently configured to secure the packaging aid 51 to a pallet 70, which is only partially shown here. This allows the packaging aid 51 to maintain a stable position, even when the holding rod 53 holds one end of a pallet belt using holding means 54.

[0088] In the present example, the retaining means 54 are designed as hooks so that fastening eyes (see Figures 1 and 2) of the pallet belt can be hooked in. For reasons of clarity, only one of the retaining means 54 is provided with a reference symbol.

[0089] In principle, it is conceivable to make the holding means 54 height-adjustable. For this purpose, the holding means 50 can, for example, be guided in a rail on the holding rod 53. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide several fastening points along the holding rod 53, for example in the form of holes, to which the holding means 54 can be inserted, clipped, or attached in another (removable) manner.

[0090] In the present example, the stand 52 is designed to be inserted at least partially between two pallet feet 71a, 71b. For this purpose, the stand 52 expediently has a, in particular elongated, base 55. Preferably, the width of the base 55 corresponds exactly to the width of the space between the two pallet feet 71a, 71b. By inserting the stand 52 between the pallet feet 71a, 71b, the packaging aid 51 can be anchored to the pallet 70. It is preferred that the base 55 can be inserted up to 20 cm, but at least up to 15 cm, into the space between the pallet feet 71a, 71b.

[0091] Alternatively or in addition to the base 55, the base 51 can have a ballast weight 56 ​​to achieve further stability. The ballast weight 56 ​​is expediently arranged at one end of the base 55—as shown in Figure 4—while the support rod 53 is attached to the opposite end of the base 55. However, it is also conceivable to dispense with the base 55, so that the support rod 53 is attached directly to the ballast weight 56. List of Reference Symbols

[0092] 1 pallet packaging

[0093] 2 pallet belts

[0094] 2a, 2b end

[0095] 3 Locking arrangement

[0096] 4a, 4b final section

[0097] 5 Width change arrangement

[0098] 6a, 6b longitudinal Velcro strip

[0099] 7a, 7b Pallet belt broadside edge

[0100] 8a, 8b transverse Velcro

[0101] 9a, 9b fastening eyelet

[0102] 10a, 10b Envelope edge

[0103] 11a, 11b transverse Velcro strip

[0104] 12a, 12b Pallet belt longitudinal side edge

[0105] 13 Folding mark

[0106] 14a, 14b Shipping bag

[0107] 15 Length marking

[0108] 16 Velcro closure

[0109] 50 packaging system

[0110] 51 Packaging aid

[0111] 52 Stand

[0112] 53 Holding rod

[0113] 54 holding devices

[0114] 55 Base

[0115] 56 ballast weight

[0116] 60 palletized goods

[0117] 70 pallets

[0118] 71a, 71b pallet foot

[0119] B Width

[0120] D Longitudinal extension V Front

[0121] R back

[0122] 100 packaging processes S1-S6 process steps

Claims

Patent claims 1. Pallet packaging (1) for packaging palletized Good (60), showing - a pallet belt (2) with which palletized goods (60) can be fully enclosed, and - a closure arrangement (3) for closing the pallet belt (2) which fully encloses the palletized goods (60) by detachably connecting two end sections (4a, 4b) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2), characterized in that the closure arrangement (3) has a hook and loop fastener.

2. Pallet packaging (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the closure arrangement (3) has a first hook and loop fastener part which is arranged in one of the end sections (4a) on a pallet belt front (V) and a second hook and loop fastener part which is arranged in the other of the end sections (4b) on a pallet belt back (R).

3. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the closure arrangement (3) in the end sections (4a, 4b) has several hook and loop fasteners (6a, 6b) running along the pallet belt (2) and parallel to each other, which are arranged at regular intervals from each other such that each hook and loop fastener (6a) in an end section (4a) is paired with a hook and loop fastener (6b) from the other end section (4b) interacts when the pallet belt (2) fully encloses the palletized goods (60).

4. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of the preceding instructions Sayings characterized by the fact that the closure arrangement (3) in the end sections (4a, 4b) each has at least one hook and loop fastener (8a, 8b) running continuously along a respective pallet belt broad side edge (7a, 7b) from a pallet belt longitudinal side edge (12a) to an opposite pallet belt longitudinal side edge (12b).

5. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a width adjustment arrangement (5) for stepless adjustment Positioning of one width (B) of the pallet belt (2) .

6. Pallet packaging (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the width change arrangement (5) is designed to detachably connect two opposing sections of a pallet belt front (V) and / or a pallet belt back (R) obtained by folding the pallet belt (2) along a longitudinally extending folding edge (10a, 10b).

7. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized in that the width change arrangement (5) on a pallet belt front (V) has several transverse to the pallet belt (2) and has parallel Velcro strips (11a) that are spaced so regularly apart from each other that each Velcro strip (11a) interacts with itself at least section by section when the pallet belt (2) is folded over along a longitudinal fold-over edge (10a, 10b) such that one section of the pallet belt front (V) is opposite another section of the pallet belt front (V).

8. Pallet packaging (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the width adjustment arrangement (5) on a pallet belt back (R) has several hook and loop fasteners (11b) extending transversely to the pallet belt (2) and parallel to each other, which are spaced apart from each other in such a regular manner that each hook and loop fastener (11b) interacts at least sectionally and in pairs with a hook and loop fastener (11a) on the pallet belt front (V) when the pallet belt (2) is folded over along two longitudinally extending fold edges (10a, 10b) such that a section of the pallet belt front (V) is opposite another section of the pallet belt back (R).

9. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the width adjustment arrangement (5) on a pallet belt front (V) and on a pallet belt back (R) each has several hook and loop fasteners (11a, 11b) extending transversely to the pallet belt (2) and parallel to each other, which are regularly spaced apart from each other, wherein the hook and loop fasteners (11a) on the pallet belt front (V) are separated from a pallet belt longitudinal side edge (12a) extend to an opposite pallet belt longitudinal side edge (12b), and - the hook and loop fasteners (11b) on the back of the pallet belt (R) extend from one of the longitudinal side edges (12a, 12b) of the pallet belt to an intermediate area located between the two longitudinal side edges (12a, 12b) of the pallet belt.

10. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length of the pallet belt (2) between the two end sections (4a, 4b) is dimensioned to be 367 cm such that the two end sections (4a, 4b) are substantially congruent when the pallet belt (2) fully encloses the goods (60) palletized on a Euro pallet.

11. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by several fastening eyelets (9a, 9b) embedded in the pallet belt (2), which are arranged in the two end sections (4a, 4b) directly along a respective pallet belt broad side edge (7a, 7b) and are regularly spaced apart from each other.

12. Pallet packaging (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pallet strap (2) has longitudinal coordination seams.

13. Packaging system (50) for packaging palletized Goods (60) comprising a pallet packaging (1) with a pallet belt (2) with which palletized goods (60) can be fully enclosed, and a closure arrangement (3) for Closing the pallet belt (2) which fully encloses the palletized goods (60) by detachably connecting two end sections (4a, 4b) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2), and a packaging aid (51) for holding one end (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2) during the packaging process .

14. Packaging system (50) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the packaging aid (51) has a base (52) for detachable anchoring to a pallet (70) and a retaining rod (53) which is attached to the base (52) and extends vertically when the base (52) is anchored to the pallet (70), and which is provided with retaining means (54) for holding an end (2a, 2b) of the pallet strap (2).

15. Packaging method (100) for packaging palletized Good ( 60 ) , in particular by means of a packaging system (50) according to one of claims 13 or 14, comprising: Securing (Sl) a packaging aid (51) to a pallet (70) ; Attaching (S2) one end (2a, 2b) of a pallet belt (2) to the packaging aid (51) ; Enclosing (S3) of palletized items on the pallet (70) Good (60) with the pallet belt (2) ; - Closing (S4) the pallet belt (2) by connecting two end sections (4a, 4b) at opposite ends (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2); - Detaching (S5) the end (2a, 2b) of the pallet belt (2) from the packaging aid (51); and - Remove (S6) the packaging aid (51) from the pallet (70).