Method for the production of a strapping packaging

Abstract

The present invention discloses an item of strapping packaging (10) and a method for producing same using a strapping band (14). In the item of strapping packaging (10), at least two articles (12) or liquid containers (16) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) tightened horizontally around the articles (12) or containers (16). The at least one strapping band (14) comprises at least one joining point (26) of a defined length, at which point two overlapping band ends (28, 30) are connected together, wherein, at the joining point (26), each of the two band ends (28, 30) has at least one notch (32) and / or at least one folded edge (34), together with an adjoining portion (36) that is folded up or bent, and wherein the notches (32) and / or folded edges (34) of the two band ends (28, 30) lie on top of one another at the joining point (26). In addition, the folded-up or bent portions (36) of the band ends (28, 30) which lie on top of one another at least partially abut one another and connect the band ends (28, 30) in an interlocking and bonding manner at the joining point (26).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing a strapping package having the features of independent claim 1.

[0002] For transport purposes, groups of similar items, such as beverage containers, are often combined in handy bundles of four, six, or more items or containers. The items or containers in these bundles can be wrapped and held together, for example, with shrink film. In addition to the very common film bundles, there are also so-called strapping bundles, adhesive bundles, and combinations of these bundle types. While the individual items or containers in adhesive bundles are directly bonded to one another by means of their outer surfaces, in strapping bundles the containers are held together by means of at least one strapping band stretched horizontally around the container. In order to fix the items or containers in position, it can be useful for strapping bundles to attach two or more spaced-apart horizontal strapping bands at different heights.

[0003] In simple versions of such strapping, the bands can be formed by paper bands, which should be relatively wide for stability reasons. Plastic strapping is generally stronger and can therefore generally be pre-tensioned more strongly than paper straps. This allows for very precise definition of the strapping pre-tension, particularly in the case of relatively flexible, thin-walled PET containers with their flexible and not very dimensionally stable walls, so that the containers cannot be deformed or even damaged due to excessive pre-tension. However, precise adjustment of the pre-tension can also prevent a container equipped with this type of strapping from becoming unstable due to insufficient pre-tension, which could cause the containers to slip out of the container assembly.

[0004] The use of plastic strapping is increasingly being questioned for environmental reasons. The process-related time required to weld such thermoplastic strapping has a negative impact on performance, i.e., the number of strapping packages that can be produced per unit of time.

[0005] The document EP 2 301 852 A1 discloses a package comprising at least two interconnected PET containers which are held together by a band-like or strip-like strapping stretched horizontally around an outer side of the PET containers, wherein an inner side of the strapping, which lies against the outer sides of the PET containers, is fixed to one of the PET containers at at least one contact point.

[0006] The aim of the invention can be seen in offering a method for producing a strapping package in which, in the interest of an environmentally friendly material selection, no plastic straps are used, but in which a mechanically sufficiently stable strapping is used.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter of independent claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

[0008] To achieve the stated objective, a strapping package is proposed in which at least two articles or liquid containers are held together by means of at least one strapping band stretched horizontally around the articles or containers, thereby holding them together as a package. The at least one strapping band has at least one joint of defined length, at which two overlapping and superimposed band ends are connected. The band ends are part of a band section of defined length, which is sufficient to encompass the desired number of articles intended to form the strapping package.

[0009] Each of the two band ends has at least one notch and / or at least one folded edge with an adjacent folded or bent section at the joint. These notches and / or folded edges of the two band ends overlap at the joint. Furthermore, the folded or bent sections of the overlapping band ends at least partially abut one another, connecting the band ends at the joint in a form-fitting and adhesive manner.

[0010] The folded section can either protrude from the surface of the strap end or be folded over 180°, for example. The folded or bent sections form material tongues, with the overlapping incisions and sections each forming pairs of tongues that are raised and / or folded over from the strap plane, creating the desired stable connection between the two strap ends and thus a closed strapping band.

[0011] The incisions in the strap ends can be straight, angled, triangular, T-shaped, U-shaped, semicircular, parabolic, rectangular, or otherwise designed. Alternatively, the incisions can also be made in two parallel, closely spaced serrated rows, for example, U-shaped with serrated flanks and a straight end. By connecting the two strap ends by bending the incision, forming a bent edge on the non-incised part of the material tongues, a sufficiently stable fixation of the strap ends can be achieved. This is achieved by adhesively and releasably connecting the two strap ends at the joint, forming at least one positive punching that extends through both strap ends.

[0012] The connection can be released by pulling on the upper end of the strap, without having to cut the strap or otherwise process it. This means that the positive connection created by punching and folding over material tabs can be released without tools. To facilitate release of the joint, a tear tab can be provided, for example, which can be formed by a protruding end of the upper strap end that extends beyond the joint.

[0013] The pairs of tongues are folded around their common bending point by an angle of at least 15°, but in particular by an angle of at least 40°, particularly preferably by an angle of at least 60°.

[0014] The strapping band can, for example, be made of a cellulose material, in particular cardboard or paper with a basis weight of at least 120 grams per square meter, in particular 150 grams per square meter or more. Alternatively, the strapping band can also be made of a biodegradable fiber material or fiber composite material.

[0015] At the joint, there are several punched holes of the same or different types, of the same or different dimensions. Optionally, the punched holes of the same or different types, of the same or different dimensions, can be arranged in a regular matrix.

[0016] Optionally, the perforations can have kinks that are oriented transversely or at an angle greater than 30° to a longitudinal direction of the strapping band. Furthermore, the pairs of tongues of the perforations, each in a non-angled or bent position, also have longitudinal directions that can be oriented transversely or at an angle greater than 30° to a longitudinal direction of the strapping band. It can be provided that at least one pair of tongues points in a first direction, for example, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band, while at least one further pair of tongues points in another direction, for example, in the opposite direction, which can be a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band.

[0017] Preferably, the tongues at the perforations each have a length of at least 0.5 mm and a width (length of the bend) of at least 0.4 mm. Furthermore, it can be provided that the tongues at the perforations each have a length of at most 5 mm and a width (length of the bend) of at most 4 mm.

[0018] The strapping band itself can have a material thickness of at least 0.4 mm and preferably a maximum of 2 mm. Furthermore, the strapping band can have a width of at least 5 mm, while its maximum width is limited only by the height of the cylindrical section of the strapped container.

[0019] The joint can be additionally bonded by coating the overlapping and facing strip ends with adhesive, particularly liquid adhesive. Alternatively, a varnish can be used as an adhesive for bonding the joint. This varnish can be activated with ultrasound, curing it and developing its full bonding strength.

[0020] Alternatively or in addition to the punching, the ends of the strapping band can also be clamped, e.g. using metal clamps, which enables a simple and cost-effective connection technology.

[0021] Additionally, an additional handle can be anchored to the strapping band, allowing the strapped bundle to be carried. Such a handle can be anchored, for example, at the joints, as an additional layer covering them. Optionally, the handle can be glued and / or incorporated into the punching. If the handle is glued, a liquid adhesive, an ultrasonically curable varnish, or another suitable adhesive can be used.

[0022] During production, the joint with the perforations is preferably located in the container in an area between adjacent items, i.e., in a gap between them. After the joint has been created, it can be moved to an item so that it rests against its outer surface and is thus stabilized.

[0023] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the invention proposes a method for producing a strapped container, in which at least two liquid containers are held together by means of at least one strapping band stretched horizontally around the containers. In the method, a defined number of liquid containers are first assembled in a defined spatial arrangement, after which the at least two liquid containers are wrapped with at least one strapping band.

[0024] The strapping band has two band ends that are placed overlapping one another, forming a joint of defined length at the overlap point, at which joint two overlapping band ends are connected to one another by at least one incision and / or at least one folded edge with an adjacent folded or bent section being made in each of the two band ends at the joint, wherein the incisions and / or folded edges of the two band ends lie one above the other at the joint. Furthermore, the method provides that the folded or bent sections of the overlapping band ends lie at least partially against one another and connect the band ends to one another at the joint in a form-fitting and adhesive manner.

[0025] In the process, the bent or folded sections each form material tongues, with the superimposed incisions and sections each forming pairs of tongues that are lifted out of a strap plane of the strapping band.

[0026] In addition, the method can preferably provide for the two strip ends to be adhesively and releasably connected to one another at the joint, forming at least one positively locking punched hole extending through both strip ends. The at least one punched hole can have, for example, two-sided or three-sided or semicircular or otherwise shaped or curved incisions at the joint, so that the tongue pairs thus formed of the overlapping strip ends placed one above the other can each be folded around a common bend in the same direction at the joint.

[0027] Alternatively, the strapping band can be opened and separated from the articles or liquid containers by pulling on a tear tab, which is formed by a projecting end of the upper band end that projects beyond the joint, thereby dissolving the joint and separating the band ends from each other.

[0028] The method may provide for the joint to be additionally bonded by coating the overlapping and facing strip ends with adhesive, particularly liquid adhesive. As mentioned above, a lacquer can be used as an adhesive for additional bonding of the joint. This lacquer can be activated with ultrasound, thus curing and developing its full bonding strength.

[0029] Alternatively or in addition to the punching, the ends of the strapping band can also be clamped, e.g. using metal clamps, which enables a simple and cost-effective connection technology.

[0030] Another process variant involves anchoring a handle or carrying handle to the strapping band with a carrying loop extending above the top of the package. If necessary, the carrying handle can also be clamped to the strapping band, for example, using metal clamps.

[0031] Optionally, such a carrying handle can be integrated with one of its two ends into the strapping joint and secured there, while the opposite end of the carrying handle can be attached to the strapping in various ways. For example, the loop-like end of the carrying handle can reach under the strapping and be hooked there. Another option is to attach the carrying handle end through a separate joint, which is designed with perforations in the same way as the joint where the strapping ends are connected. Gluing the carrying handle end to the strapping is also conceivable.

[0032] The carrying handle can, in particular, be attached to the strapping band in such a way that the loop of the carrying handle, which projects beyond the top of the strapped bundle, runs diagonally across the top of the bundle. Such a diagonal arrangement of the carrying handle or its loop is suitable, for example, for a frequently used 3x2 bundle, as this allows the joints of the carrying handle and the strapping band to be positioned in areas located between adjacent articles or containers, resulting in symmetrical weight distribution when carrying the bundle. If the carrying handle were not arranged diagonally, it would not be centered above the bundle, which would be disadvantageous when carrying the bundle, as the bundle would then tip over due to the one-sided weight distribution.

[0033] According to the invention, the joint is initially positioned in an area between adjacent beverage containers during its formation, as the punching can be more easily achieved there. The strapping band is then shifted in its longitudinal direction, whereby the joint is applied to a lateral surface of one of the beverage containers of the strapped package, which serves to stabilize the joint.

[0034] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows in a total of three schematic views ( Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B und Fig. 1C ) different variants of strapping packages. Fig. 2 shows a total of six schematic detailed views ( Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C, Fig. 2D, Fig. 2E und Fig. 2F ) different variants of a strapping band used for the strapping package. Fig. 3A shows a schematic top view of a strapping band with a puller handle. Fig. 3B shows a side view of the strapping band according to Fig. 3A . Fig. 4A shows a variant of a strapping package with a carrying handle. Fig. 4B shows a schematic top view of the strapping package according to Fig. 4A . Fig. 4C shows an enlarged view of the strapping band and the carrying handle of the strapping package according to Fig. 4A . Fig. 5A shows a variant of the strapping package before attaching a carrying handle. Fig. 5B shows the strapping package according to Fig. 5A after attaching the carrying handle. Fig. 6A shows another variant of the strapping package before attaching a carrying handle. Fig. 6B shows the strapping package according to Fig. 6A after attaching the carrying handle. Fig. 7 shows in a total of four schematic views ( Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, Fig. 7C und Fig. 7D ) different variants of strapping packages with modified joining point of the strapping band. Fig. 8 shows in a total of three schematic detailed views ( Fig. 8A, Fig. 8B und Fig. 8C ) other different variants of the strapping band used for the strapping package. Fig. 9 shows in a total of three schematic detailed views ( Fig. 9A, Fig. 9B und Fig. 9C ) other different variants of the strapping band used for the strapping package. Fig. 10A shows a side view of a strapping band after punching at the joint. Fig. 10B shows a side view of the strapping band according to Fig. 10A after folding the incisions and sections forming the joint. Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of a strapping package on which the joining point on the strapping band is produced using a punching tool.

[0035] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a definitive limitation.

[0036] The Figuren 1A, 1B und 1C show, in various views, different exemplary embodiments of strapping packages 10, in which a plurality of articles 12 are held together by means of a strapping band 14 running horizontally around the articles 12 and subjected to at least slight pretension, and are thereby held together as a package 10. The articles 12, which are in particular cylindrical in shape, can be formed in the exemplary embodiment described below, in particular, as liquid containers or beverage containers 16, wherein the at least one strapping band 14 can optionally be tensioned at a medium height around the lateral surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16.

[0037] As the Figuren 1A bis 1C As can be seen, various container variants are suitable for the formation of such strapping packages 10. Thus, the articles 12 according to Fig. 1A can be formed optionally by metal or plastic cans 20 with continuously cylindrical outer surfaces 18. It is also conceivable to form such strapping packages 10 with PET beverage containers 16, which, for example, each have a constricted region 22 in their outer surfaces 18 with a smaller circumference than the thicker and preferably cylindrical regions located below and above, so that the horizontally extending strapping band 14 can be arranged there (cf. Fig. 1B ).

[0038] However, such an arrangement of the strapping band 14 in the area of ​​the constricted areas 22 of the PET beverage containers 16 is by no means mandatory, as the Fig. 1C exemplified. There, the strapping band 14 is located in the lower cylindrical sections of the respective outer surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16, which have a larger outer diameter than the central constricted region 22 of each container 16. Optionally, in this variant of the strapping package 10, a further strapping band 14 could be applied to the upper cylindrical sections of the outer surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16, which are located above the central constricted regions 22 and below the respective neck and head sections 24 of the containers 16.

[0039] Such a strapping package 10 may, for example, comprise four or six articles 12, cans 20, or beverage containers 16, which are held together with a horizontally arranged strapping band 14 or with two or more horizontally arranged and preferably positioned at different heights strapping bands 14. The strapping package 10 according to Fig. 1A comprises, for example, six similar beverage cans 20, while the strapping packages 10 shown in side view according to Fig. 1B und Fig. 1C In particular, they can comprise six identical PET beverage containers 16, with the cans 20 and containers 16 each arranged in a rectangular arrangement. Other arrangements would also be conceivable, such as a diagonal arrangement of the articles 12 or a "nested" arrangement in a compact spherical packing, whereby such arrangements can be formed with a different number of articles 12, in particular with an odd number of articles.

[0040] The at least one strapping band 14 has at least one joint 26 of defined length, at which the two overlapping and superimposed band ends 28 and 30 are connected to each other. Furthermore, dass each of the two band ends 28 and 30 placed flat on top of each other has at least one incision 32 and / or at least one folded edge 34 with an adjacent folded or bent tongue-shaped section 36 at the joint 26.

[0041] Since the band ends 28 and 30 are intended to adhere to one another at the joint 26 by means of a positive connection, similar and identically dimensioned incisions 32 and folded edges 34 of the two band ends 28 and 30 lie one above the other. By folding or bending the tongue-shaped sections 36, which thereby remain connected to the band ends 28 and 30 only by their respective folded edges 34, with the folded or bent tongue-shaped sections 36 of the overlapping band ends 28 and 30 at least partially abutting one another, the band ends 28 and 30, which were initially only loosely placed on one another, are connected to one another at the joint 26 in a positive-fitting and adhesive manner.

[0042] As explained below with reference to the Figuren 10A und 10B As will be explained in more detail below, the positive connection of the two superimposed strap ends 28 and 30 at the joint 26 is essentially achieved by the folded or bent tongue-shaped sections 36 projecting in a common direction from the surface of the strap ends 28, 30, and for optical reasons normally from the rear side of the lower strap end 28 of the strapping band 14 facing the lateral surfaces 18 of the articles 12, containers 16 or cans 20, on which the outwardly pointing upper strap end 30, which is thus recognizable by the viewer of the strapping package 10, rests at the joint 26.

[0043] The bent or folded sections 36 form material tongues which, according to Figuren 2A bis 2F can be contoured very differently, whereby the superimposed incisions 32 and sections each form pairs of tongues lying flat on top of each other, which are raised from the plane of the strapping band 14 at the joint 26 (cf. Fig. 10A und Fig. 10B ). Optionally, the incisions 32 can be straight, angled, triangular, T-shaped, U-shaped, semicircular, parabolic, rectangular, or otherwise shaped. The incisions 32 are normally produced by a punching process, after which the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed by the incisions 32 can be immediately folded or bent along the respective folded edges 34 using suitable tools.

[0044] Alternatively or in addition to the punching, suitable clamping techniques can also be used at the joint 26 of the strapping band 14, for example by clamping the ends of the strapping band 14, in particular by means of metal clamps not shown here, which enables a simple and cost-effective connection technology.

[0045] A particularly suitable material for the strapping band 14 can be a cellulose material of sufficient thickness and thus sufficient strength. Cardboard or paper with a basis weight of at least 120 grams per square meter, especially 150 grams per square meter or more, is particularly suitable for the intended application. As a rule, the strapping band will have a material thickness of at least 0.4 mm and normally no more than approximately two millimeters.

[0046] In order for such a strapping band 14 made of paper or cardboard to withstand the stresses encountered in practice, it should be sufficiently wide, for example, at least twenty millimeters wide or more, which is significantly wider than previously known plastic strapping bands. In principle, the width can also be significantly more than twenty millimeters, since in practice it is only limited by the height of the respective cylindrical sections of the outer surfaces 18 of the articles 12 held together in the strapping bundle 10.

[0047] Alternatively, the strapping band 14 can also be made of a biodegradable fiber material or a suitable fiber composite material. Due to its greater strength than cardboard material, such a strapping band 14 made of a fiber material or fiber composite material can also have a significantly smaller width, for example, seven millimeters or more.

[0048] The schematic detailed views of the Figuren 2A bis 2F illustrate different design variants and edge contours of the mentioned incisions 32, which can be produced in particular by punching knives (not shown here) and introduced into the strapping band 14 made of cardboard or similar band material, preferably by a single punching process which successively penetrates both superimposed band ends 28 and 30 of the joint 26, before the tongue-like sections 36 formed by this punching process can be folded over in pairs around the respective folding edges 34.

[0049] The incisions 32 of the Fig. 2A shown variant of the punched strapping band 14 each have parabolic contours, wherein the wider base of the individual parabolic contours forms the folding edge 34 of each tongue-shaped section 36, which is not punched, since the thus formed parabolic sections 38 according to Fig. 2A be folded over these folded edges 34. The parabolic sections 38 have a contour that tapers towards the free end, whereby the sections 38 can be easily detached from the surface of the strapping band 14 along the punched incisions 32 and folded over.

[0050] The incisions 32 of the Fig. 2B The variant of the punched strapping band 14 shown each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forming the non-punched folded edge 34, opposite which lies a likewise straight narrow side. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have serrated contours 40, which promotes the interlocking of the serrated sections 42 arranged one above the other during or after folding around the folded edge 34.

[0051] For the variants according to Fig. 2A und Fig. 2B Several such incisions 32 are located close to one another, with the folded edges 34 each running parallel to a longitudinal direction of the strapping band 14 and close to its central axis 44. The tongue-shaped sections 36, 38 and 42 to be folded thus each point towards the edges of the strapping band 14, but do not touch it, but rather leave a distance between them. Optionally, the tongue-shaped sections 36, 38 and 42 to be folded can be arranged slightly offset from one another and thus with a certain irregularity, as is the case, for example, with the Fig. 2B can be recognized.

[0052] Also the incisions 32 of the Fig. 2C The variant of the punched strapping band 14 shown each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forming the non-punched folded edge 34, opposite which lies a likewise straight narrow side. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have serrated contours 40, which promotes the interlocking of the serrated sections 42 arranged one above the other during or after folding around the folded edge 34. However, adjacent serrated sections 42 are each arranged rotated by 90° to one another, so that individual serrated sections 42 can lie with their longitudinal sides 40 transverse to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14, while adjacent serrated sections 42 rotated by 90° can be arranged with their longitudinal sides 40 parallel to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14.

[0053] While the jagged sections 42 of the Fig. 2B shown variant each have a length which is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, the serrated sections 42 of the Fig. 2C shown variant, so that these sections 42 can each have a length which is slightly more than half the width of the strapping band 14.

[0054] The incisions 32 of the Fig. 2D The variant of the punched strapping band 14 shown again each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forming the non-punched folded edge 34, opposite which lies a likewise straight narrow side. The parallel long sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have serrated contours 40, which promotes the interlocking of the serrated sections 42 arranged one above the other during or after folding around the folded edge 34. The serrated sections 42 shown here each have their long sides 40 parallel to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14.

[0055] The size of the serrated sections 42 of the Fig. 2D The variant shown corresponds approximately to the size of sections 42 according to Fig. 2C , so that these sections 42 can each have a length that is slightly more than half the width of the strapping band 14. Since the serrated sections 42 lie with their long sides parallel to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14 and since their width is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, two such sections 42 can be arranged next to each other, as shown in Fig. 2D is shown as an example.

[0056] The incisions 32 of the Fig. 2E The variant of the punched strapping band 14 shown again each have rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forming the non-punched folded edge 34, opposite which lies a likewise straight narrow side. However, the parallel long sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have straight contours, so that regular rectangular contours of the incisions 32 are formed. The straight incisions 32 shown here each have their long sides transverse to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14, the folded edges 34 of adjacent sections 36 pointing alternately to the two edges of the strapping band 14.

[0057] The incisions 32 of the Fig. 2F The variant of the punched strapping band 14 shown has T-shaped contours with a lower narrow side, which forms the non-punched folded edge 34, opposite which lies a T-shaped longitudinal side running parallel thereto. The T-contours 46 formed thereby promote the interlocking of the serrated sections 36 arranged one above the other during or after folding around the folded edge 34. The upper longitudinal sides of the T-contours 46 shown here are each parallel to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14 and their upper longitudinal sides each point towards its two edges.

[0058] The size of the T-shaped sections 46 of the Fig. 2F The variant shown corresponds approximately to the size of sections 42 according to Fig. 2B , so that these sections 46 can each have a length which is slightly less than half the width of the strapping band 14. Since the sections 46 lie with their folded edges 34 parallel to the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14 and since their length is less than half the width of the strapping band 14, two rows of such T-shaped sections 46 can be arranged next to each other, as shown in Fig. 2F is shown as an example.

[0059] All these form variants of the Figuren 2A bis 2F The notches 32 shown and the tongue-shaped or T-shaped sections 36 formed thereby can also be combined or rearranged in any desired manner. The dimensions of the notches 32 and sections 36 shown can also be varied.

[0060] For all in the Figuren 2A bis 2F In the variants shown, the two band ends 28 and 30 are adhesively connected to one another at the joint 26, forming several positive-locking punched holes that extend through both superimposed band ends 28 and 30, whereby this connection can be released at any time by applying appropriate force and / or by peeling the band ends 28, 30 from one another. If necessary, the upper band end 30 can be pulled off the lower band end 28, but preferably in a pulling direction away from the longitudinal direction of the band, since the release force would otherwise naturally be very high.

[0061] In order to be able to detach the band ends 28 and 30 from each other in the desired manner without tools, the upper band end 30 can be designed with a pull-off handle 48 extending beyond the joint 26, as is shown by way of example in the plan view of the Fig. 3A The side view of the Fig. 3B clarifies the pulling direction 50, in which the puller handle 48, which projects beyond the joint 26 at the upper strap end 30 and is to be grasped by hand, can be pulled preferably approximately perpendicular to the surface of the strapping band 14, in order to be able to separate the strap ends 28 and 30 from each other again with comparatively little effort. The tongue-shaped sections 36, which previously engaged with each other in a form-fitting manner, are thereby separated from each other.

[0062] It is useful to anchor an additional carrying handle 52 to the strapping band 14 with a loop 54 projecting beyond the top of the strapping bundle 10. According to Fig. 4A und Fig. 4C the carrying handle 52 with a carrying handle end 56 can be included in the joint 26 and fastened there, for example, while the Fig. 4A The opposite end of the carrying handle (not shown) can be attached to the strapping band 14 in different ways. Thus, the loop-like end of the carrying handle can engage under the strapping band 14 and be hooked there. Another possibility is to attach the end of the carrying handle (not shown here) by means of a separate joint, which is designed with perforations in the same way as the one shown in Fig. 4A shown joint 26, at which the strap ends 28 and 30 of the strapping band 14 are connected to one another. However, it is also conceivable to glue the carrying handle end (not shown here) to the strapping band 14, for which purpose, for example, a liquid adhesive or, if necessary, an ultrasonically curable varnish can be used.

[0063] The carrying handle 52 can in particular be attached to the strapping band 14 in such a way that the loop 54 of the carrying handle 52 projecting beyond the top of the strapping bundle 10 runs diagonally over the top of the bundle 10, as shown in the schematic side view of the Fig. 4A indicated and in the schematic plan view of the Fig. 4B is clearly visible. Such a diagonal course of the carrying handle 52 or its loop 54 is suitable for the 3x2 container 10 shown because in this way the joints 26 of the carrying handle 52 with the strapping band 14 can be arranged in areas located between adjacent articles 12 or containers 16, resulting in a symmetrical weight distribution when carrying. If the carrying handle 52 were not diagonal, it would not be located centrally above the container 10, which would be disadvantageous when carrying the container 10, since the container 10 would tilt due to the one-sided weight distribution.

[0064] According to Fig. 5A und Fig. 5B the carrying handle 52 with its carrying handle ends 56 can be incorporated into the joint 26 and fastened there in such a way that the punched-through holes are covered by the carrying handle end 56 fastened there by means of adhesive points 58. The Fig. 5A shows the strapping band 14 which combines the beverage containers 16 into a strapping package 10 and is fastened by means of a joint 26. The Fig. 5B shows the strapping bundle 10 provided with the carrying handle 52. There, the carrying handle end 56 is applied over the joint 26, namely by means of an adhesive point 58, while the Fig. 5B The opposite end of the carrying handle, which cannot be seen, can be attached to the strapping band 14 in the same way by means of such an adhesive point 58.

[0065] Even if this is in the Fig. 5B is not visible, the carrying handle 52 can optionally run diagonally across the top of the strapping package 10, as shown in Fig. 4B is shown.

[0066] According to Fig. 6A und Fig. 6B the carrying handle 52 with its carrying handle ends 56 can be incorporated into the joint 26 and fastened there in such a way that not only the punched holes are covered by the carrying handle end 56 fastened there by means of adhesive points 58, but that the adhesive point 58 also extends onto a lateral surface 18 of the beverage container 16 located below the carrying handle end 56.

[0067] The Fig. 6A shows the strapping band 14 which combines the beverage containers 16 into a strapping package 10 and is fastened by means of a joint 26. The Fig. 6B shows the strapping container 10 provided with the carrying handle 52. There, the carrying handle end 56 is applied over the joint 26, specifically by means of an adhesive point 58, wherein a section of the carrying handle end 56 projecting downwards beyond the strapping band 14 is glued to the outer surface 18 of the beverage container 16 located there. Fig. 6B The opposite end of the carrying handle, which is not visible, can be fastened in the same way by means of such an adhesive point 58 to the strapping band 14 and to a lateral surface 18 of the beverage container 16 located there.

[0068] The fastening of the carrying handle 52 by means of an adhesive point 58 including the outer surfaces 18 of the beverage containers 16 provides a more stable anchoring of the carrying handle 52 to the container 10, so that the carrying handle 52 can withstand higher loads.

[0069] Since, in this embodiment of the carrying handle anchoring for a 3x2 container, it is sensible or necessary for the carrying handle 52 to extend between the opposite outer sides of the adjacent articles 12 or containers 16 in the center of the container 10, the carrying handle 52 does not extend diagonally, but rather transversely to a vertical center plane that runs parallel to the long sides of the container 10. This extension of the carrying handle 52 provides a symmetrical weight distribution when carrying the strapped container 10 in this anchoring variant.

[0070] The one in the Figuren 4A bis 6B The carrying handle 52 shown can be made of the same material and in the same material width and thickness as the strapping band 14. Depending on the determined requirement for the stability of the carrying handle 52, it can, however, optionally be dimensioned somewhat weaker or possibly also stronger than the strapping band 14 to which it is anchored.

[0071] The Figuren 7A bis 7D show different possibilities to cover the joint 26 formed by the punchings on the strapping band 14 of the strapping package 10. Thus, the Fig. 7A the strapping band 14 which combines the beverage containers 16 into a strapping bundle 10 and is fastened by means of a joint 26. The Fig. 7B shows a label 60 glued over the joint 26, which can optionally be made of the same color and / or the same material as the strapping band 14.

[0072] The schematic side view of the Fig. 7C shows a labeled label 62, while the view of the Fig. 7D a barcoded label 64.

[0073] In addition, numerous other variants of such label designs are conceivable, such as those with image symbols, with QR codes, and / or numerous other design variants. These variants mentioned and shown can also be combined with each other as needed. The common feature of these labels should at least be that they cover the joint 26 in the desired manner, thus creating the desired favorable visual impression.

[0074] The schematic detailed views of the Figuren 8A, 8B und 8C illustrate once again some aspects of the design of the incisions 32, the folded edges 34 and the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed by the incisions 32, which, after being folded in pairs around the folded edges 34 of the lower and upper band ends 28 and 30 lying one above the other, produce the desired form-fitting connection and fix the strapping band 14 in the desired manner.

[0075] As with the Fig. 2B In the variant shown, the total of ten incisions 32 of the joint 26 of the punched strapping band 14 according to Fig. 8A Each has rectangular contours with two straight narrow sides, the first narrow side forming the non-punched folding edge 34, opposite which lies a likewise straight narrow side. The parallel longitudinal sides of the tongue-shaped sections 36 formed in this way each have serrated contours 40, which promotes the interlocking of the serrated sections 42 arranged one above the other during or after folding around the folding edge 34.

[0076] As the Fig. 8A shows, these total of ten incisions 32 and tongue-shaped sections 36 to be folded over can be positioned next to one another in two rows of five each with their serrated longitudinal sides spaced apart, so that the two rows of five incisions 32 are arranged on either side of the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14. The folded edges 34 are thus each parallel to the longitudinal direction of the strapping band 14 and close to its central axis 44. The tongue-shaped sections 36, 38 and 42 to be folded over thus each point towards the edges of the strapping band 14, but do not touch the respective edge, but rather leave a distance between them.

[0077] In the Fig. 8A As shown, the tongue-shaped sections 36 to be folded can be arranged slightly offset from one another and thus with a certain irregularity, wherein adjacent incisions 32 and sections 36 can have a distance 66 transverse to the central axis 44. These distances 66 are repeated for each further adjacent incision 32 and section 36, so that the Fig. 8A The punching pattern shown is created.

[0078] The schematic and slightly perspective view of the Fig. 8B illustrates the joint 26 of the strapping band 14 with tongue-shaped sections 36 folded around the folded edges 34, which are folded downwards out of the plane of the image and thereby create the positive connection of the two band ends 28 and 30 for fixing the strapping band 14.

[0079] The Fig. 8C shows a further variant of the joint 26, in which the incisions 32 and tongue-like sections 36 each have the same contour as in the variant according to Fig. 8A , but are significantly smaller than this version. As the Fig. 8C shows, up to a total of forty such incisions 32 and tongue-shaped sections 36 to be folded over can be positioned next to one another in a total of four parallel rows of ten each with their serrated longitudinal sides spaced apart, so that the four rows of ten incisions 32 are arranged in pairs on both sides of the central axis 44 of the strapping band 14.

[0080] Here too, the tongue-shaped sections 36 to be folded can be arranged slightly offset from one another and thus with a certain irregularity, wherein adjacent incisions 32 and sections 36 can have a small distance 68 transverse to the central axis 44. These comparatively small distances 68 are repeated for each further adjacent incision 32 and section 36, so that the Fig. 8C The punching pattern shown is created.

[0081] The schematic views of the Figuren 9A, 9B und 9C show further variants of incisions 32 with different outline contours of the sections 36 to be folded. While the variant according to Fig. 9A the in Fig. 8C shown variant and is not described separately here, the Figures 9B and 9Ceach arrow-shaped incisions 32, which after folding form arrow-shaped sections 70. The folding edge 34 is located at the non-arrowed end 72 of each of these arrow-shaped sections 70, while the opposite end of the thus contoured sections 70 has a relatively wide arrow section 74, which, for example, according to Fig. 9B can be formed by a triangle.

[0082] In the variant according to Fig. 9C However, the arrow section 74 is rounded at the tip and is longer on the two symmetrically shaped side flanks. Both variants according to Fig. 9B and Fig. 9C can achieve an improvement in the form-fitting connections of the two band ends 28 and 30 if the arrow-shaped sections 70 are arranged in the direction already shown in Fig. 8B shown in pairs around the respective superimposed folding edges 34.

[0083] The Figures 10A and 10Bshow the joint 26 of the strapping band 14 with folded sections 36, which are shorter ( Fig. 10A ) or longer ( Fig. 10B ), depending on which of the shown design variants (cf. Figures 2A to 2F or Figures 8A to 9C ) was used in each case. The Figures 10A and 10B It can also be seen that the tongue-like sections 36 are each pierced in the direction of the lower band end 28 and thus in the direction of the lateral surfaces 18 of the articles 12, cans 20 or beverage containers 16 located underneath and held together by the strapping band 14, which on the one hand gives a more favorable optical impression than piercing the sections 36 outwards towards the upper band end 30. In addition, this piercing direction of the punched sections 36 is normally easier to manage in terms of production technology than piercing in the other direction.

[0084] The pairs of tongues of the superimposed sections 36 are folded around their common bending point or folding edge 34 by an angle of preferably at least 15°, but in particular by an angle of at least 40°, particularly preferably by an angle of at least 60°.

[0085] The schematic view of the Fig. 11illustrates the attachment of the strapping band 14 by overlapping the band ends 28 and 30 and / or attaching the carrying handle 52, after which the joint 26 is created in the manner described above using a suitable punching tool 76. The joint 26 is formed by making the incisions 32 and folding the sections 36 formed thereby toward the articles 12 or beverage containers 16 only when the strapping band 14 has the desired band tension, in order to thus hold the articles 12 or beverage containers 16 of the strapped package 10 together with the desired stability and to fix them to one another.

[0086] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable to a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols

[0087] 10 Bundle, strapping bundle 12 Article 14 Strapping band 16 Container, liquid container, beverage container 18 Shell surface 20 Can, beverage can 22 Constricted area 24 Neck section, head section 26 Joint point 28 Strap end, lower strap end, bottom strap end 30 Strap end, upper strap end, top strap end 32 Incision 34 Folded edge, kink point 36 Section, tongue, folded section, bent section 38 Parabolic section 40 Serrated long side 42 Serrated section 44 Central axis, longitudinal central axis 46 T-contour, T-shaped contour 48 Pull handle 50 Pull direction 52 Carrying handle, handgrip 54 Loop, carrying loop 56 Carrying handle end 58 Adhesive point 60 Label 62labeled label 64barcoded label 66space 68smaller space 70arrow-shaped section 72non-arrowed end 74arrow section 76punching tool

Claims

1. A method for producing a strapped pack (10), in which at least two liquid containers (16) are held together by means of at least one strapping band (14) tensioned horizontally around the liquid containers (16), wherein the method provides at least the following steps: - assembling a defined number of liquid containers (16) in a defined spatial arrangement relative to one another, - looping at least one strapping band (14) around the at least two liquid containers (16), with the at least one strapping band (14) having two band ends (28, 30) laid overlapping one another, whereby a joint (26) of defined length is formed at the overlap point, at which joint (26) two overlapping band ends (28, 30) are joined together - by introducing at least one incision (32) and / or at least one folded edge (34) with an adjacent folded-over or bent-over section (36) into each of the two band ends (28, 30) at the joint (26), wherein the incisions (32) and / or folded edges (34) of the two band ends (28, 30) lie on top of each other at the joint (26), - and wherein the folded-over or bent-over sections (36) of the band ends (28, 30) lying on top of each other lie at least partially against each other and join the band ends (28, 30) to each other at the joint (26) in a form-fitting and adhesive manner, - wherein the joints (26) are arranged in an area between adjacent liquid containers (16) during the production of the strapped packs (10), and - wherein the strapping band (14) is displaced in its longitudinal extension direction after the joint (26) has been produced such that the joint rests on the outer surface of a liquid container (16) of the strapped pack (10).

2. The method according to claim 1, in which the bent-over or folded-over sections (36) each form material tongues, wherein the incisions (32) lying on top of each other and the sections (36) in each case form tongue pairs which are lifted out of a band plane of the strapping band (14).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, in which the two band ends (28, 30) are adhesively and detachably joined together at the joint (26), thereby forming at least one form-fitting punched perforation which engages through both band ends (28, 30), in particular, in which the at least one punched perforation at the joint (26) has two-sided or three-sided or semicircular or otherwise shaped or curved incisions (32), wherein the tongue pairs formed in such a way of the overlapping band ends (28, 30) placed on top of each other are each folded over in the same direction about a common bend (34) at the joint (26).

4. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 3, in which the strapping band (14) can be opened and separated from the liquid containers (16) by pulling at a pull tab (48), which is formed by a projecting end of the band end (30) lying on top, which projects beyond the joint (26), thereby detaching the joint (26) and separating the band ends (28, 30) from each other.

5. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, in which the joint (26) is additionally glued by coating the overlapping band ends (28, 30) facing toward each other with adhesive, in particular liquid adhesive.

6. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 5, in which a handle (52) is anchored to the strapping band (14) with a carrying loop (54) projecting at the top over the bundle (10).

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