Strapping container, method of manufacturing strapping container, and a tool for the manufacture of strapping containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a strapping assembly (1) with at least two articles (2) held together by at least one pre-assembled closed strapping band (5) that completely encircles the articles (2). The at least one closed strapping band (5) has a circumferential length (U5) that is greater than the outer circumference (A3) of the enclosed articles (2) of the strapping assembly (1). The at least one closed strapping band (5) is pulled taut at at least one point to form a loop (8), and the resulting folded loop (8), which is placed against an outer surface of the (9), is fixed to an area of ​​the strapping band (5) covered by the loop (8) by means of an adhesive bond. The strapping band (5) has at least one recess (6) in the folded section forming the loop (8), with the adhesive bond being located in the section provided with the recess (6).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a strapping package, a method for producing strapping packages and a tool for producing strapping packages according to the features of the independent claims.

[0002] For transport purposes, groups of similar items or beverage containers are often combined in handy, especially portable, packs of four, six, or more items or containers. Mechanical cohesion of the items or beverage containers can be achieved, for example, by wrapping and holding them together in shrink film. In addition to the widely used film packs or shrink-wrap packs, there are also so-called strapping packs, adhesive packs, and combinations of these pack types.

[0003] While the individual items or containers in purely adhesive packages are directly joined by their outer surfaces using adhesive bonds, in strapped packages the containers are held together by strapping bands stretched horizontally around the containers. To secure the items or containers in their position and, in particular, to prevent individual containers from tipping over within the package, it can also be useful to attach two or more spaced-apart horizontal strapping bands at different heights to strapped packages.

[0004] In simple versions of such strapping, the straps can be formed by paper bands, which are designed relatively wide for stability reasons. Plastic strapping generally has greater strength and can therefore normally be pre-tensioned more strongly than paper strapping. Such a higher pre-tension of the strapping allows for a comparatively precise definition of the strapping tension, particularly for relatively flexible, thin-walled PET containers with their flexible and not very dimensionally stable walls, so that the strapped containers, held together by the strapping, cannot be deformed or even damaged due to excessive pre-tension.Precise adjustment of the pre-tension or strapping tension also offers the advantage of significantly reducing the risk of mechanical instability in a strapped bundle produced in this way. Strapping bundles where the pre-tension is insufficient to securely hold the containers together would otherwise run the risk of the bundle becoming unstable due to insufficient pre-tension, and the containers could slip out of the bundle.

[0005] Although such plastic strapping bands, due to their material properties, offer a favorable balance between the conflicting goals of minimal material usage and maximum mechanical strength, the plastic straps can be imprinted with a defined degree of elasticity if required, making it easier to pre-tension the straps as required. Nevertheless, the use of plastic strapping bands in the production of strapping packages is increasingly being criticized, not least due to environmental concerns.

[0006] In addition, the process-related time required for welding, clamping or gluing strapping bands made of thermoplastic material has a negative impact on the achievable pack production output, i.e. on the time periods in which a certain number of strapping packs can be produced using a packaging machine.

[0007] Various variants of strapping packages are known from the prior art, intended for the mechanical joining of beverage containers. For example, US Pat. No. 6,041,572 A discloses a strapping package in which two beverage containers are held together by a strapping band that encircles the containers horizontally.

[0008] Furthermore, DE 10 2019 116 128 A1 describes a strapping package and a method for its production. Two or more items are held together by means of a strapping band that is placed or stretched horizontally around the items.

[0009] The primary aim of the invention is to provide a strapping package that can be produced easily and inexpensively and has sufficient mechanical stability, as well as a method and a corresponding tool for the simple and inexpensive production of such mechanically stable strapping packages.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are described by the respective dependent claims.

[0011] To achieve at least some of the above-mentioned objectives, the invention proposes a strapping package comprising a plurality of articles which are held together by at least one prefabricated closed strapping band which completely encloses the articles.

[0012] In the simplest embodiment, the strapping package according to the invention can comprise at least two similar articles. Normally, however, the strapping package according to the invention comprises four or more articles, which can in particular be similar articles held together with at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band that completely encloses the articles. The articles, which can be formed, for example, by beverage containers or beverage cans, or the like, can be arranged in a 2x2 or 2x3 rectangular arrangement and strapped accordingly.

[0013] The at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band has, in particular before being attached to the article group, a first circumferential length that is greater than an outer circumference of the enclosed articles of the strapping package. This can mean, in particular, that the at least one prefabricated, closed strapping band has a first circumferential length that is greater than an outer circumference or greater than an envelope of the enclosed articles of the strapping package, wherein the articles of the enclosed article grouping are in contact with each other, in particular in linear contact.

[0014] At least one point, the strapping band is pulled tight to form a loop, which loop is folded over and fixed by means of an adhesive connection to an area of ​​the strapping band covered by the loop.

[0015] The strapping band has at least one recess or opening in at least one folded section forming the loops. The adhesive is assigned to the area provided with the recess.

[0016] In particular, the adhesive connects the loop to the area of ​​the strapping band covered by the loop, forming a three-layer fastening area.

[0017] In the strapping package according to the invention, the strapping band can in particular be a suitable paper, cardboard or cellulose material or a suitable composite material or a plastic-containing composite material, etc.

[0018] One embodiment of the invention provides that the strapping band comprises two partial areas for forming the loop, with a fold line formed within the loop between the two partial areas. The two partial areas are essentially of equal size. Furthermore, a further fold line can be provided, which is formed to the adjacent area covered by the loop in the finished strapping package. The further fold line thus forms a boundary between the area forming the loop and the area covered by the loop.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the fold lines can be pre-prepared in the preconditioned or pre-assembled closed strapping band to facilitate folding during loop formation and looping. An alternative embodiment can provide for the fold lines to be formed only during the loop formation and looping process.

[0020] Preferably, the recess is formed in the partial area of ​​the loop which directly borders the area covered by the loop in the finished strapping package.

[0021] The adhesive connects the areas adjacent to the cutout on both sides, as the adhesive can form contact with these two areas after the loop is formed through the cutout. In particular, in the three-layer fastening area, all three layers of the strapping are bonded together.

[0022] In the strapping package according to the invention, the strapping band is tightly stretched around the outward-facing outer surfaces of the articles in the article group, forming a three-layer fastening area. The three layers of the strapping band are bonded together in the fastening area via at least one recess. In particular, the middle layer of the three layers is provided with at least one recess, so that the two outer layers are bonded together via an adhesive across the recess area.

[0023] The three-layer fastening area can form a weak point or a potential weak point in the strapping package. If the strapping package manufactured according to the invention is pulled on, the adhesive bond in the three-layer fastening area may become undesirably loose. To prevent this, the strapping can be additionally secured in the fastening area using an additional fastening means.

[0024] For example, the three layers or sections of the strapping band arranged one above the other can be fixed with a clamp connection or similar in addition to the adhesive connection.

[0025] Alternatively, a locking connection can be formed between partial areas of the strapping band. For example, a locking element is formed on a folded edge between the partial areas forming the loop, which engages or hooks into a locking receptacle of the strapping band. The locking receptacle is preferably formed in an area adjacent to the area covered by the loop.

[0026] The additional fastening increases the tensile force that can be applied to the strapping package without the strapping coming loose in the fastening area.

[0027] Furthermore, this application discloses that additional fastening elements, such as clamps or locking elements, can be used to fasten at least three layers of strapping to one another without the layers of strapping being previously bonded together via an adhesive connection. The fastening of the layers to one another in the fastening area is also described here for strapping without a recess and adhesive application. In particular, such a fastening is also useful for strapping without a recess, where, for example, only the two outer layers of the three-layer fastening area are bonded together via an adhesive connection.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, it is additionally provided that the strapping bundle additionally comprises an additional packaging means to hold the articles together and / or protect them and / or provide a surface for displaying information, for example, product information and / or advertising. Such an additional packaging means is formed, for example, by an upper gripper carton packaging.

[0029] An upper gripper carton, for example, is pressed onto the items in the article group from above and is secured, in particular, to the widened circumference of the items. The upper gripper carton can, for example, provide handle openings or a differently designed carrying area to facilitate handling of the strapping package by the user.

[0030] When in the present context the easy manufacture of such strapping packages according to one or more of the design variants described above is mentioned, this particularly means a reduced effort in package production, which should ideally be accompanied by an improved package production performance.

[0031] If, from the point of view of the person skilled in the art, they can be combined with one another in a meaningful way, some or all of the above-mentioned variations or embodiments of the strapping package according to the invention can optionally also be combined with one another in order to at least partially achieve the above-mentioned aim and / or to achieve the desired effect of the invention.

[0032] To achieve the above-mentioned aim, the invention proposes, in addition to the strapping package explained in various embodiments, also a method for producing such strapping packages, which are each formed by at least two, in particular by four or more (in particular similar) articles, wherein the articles to be strapped are grouped and at least one prefabricated closed strapping band is placed around the article grouping, which completely encompasses the article grouping, which at least one closed strapping band initially has a first circumferential length which is greater than an outer circumference or an envelope of the article grouping, in which article grouping the articles in particular contact one another.

[0033] The at least one closed strapping band is pulled taut at least at one point, and when the strapping band is pulled taut around the articles of the article grouping that have been pulled together, a loop is formed. The loop is folded over and fixed to the strapping band by means of an adhesive connection in an area of ​​the strapping band covered by the loop. The fixing is achieved by means of an adhesive connection, wherein the strapping band is provided with at least one recess or at least one opening in the folded section forming the loop as part of the method, or wherein the prefabricated strapping band has at least one recess in the folded section forming the loop, wherein an adhesive is assigned to the area provided with the recess or opening to form the adhesive connection.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one recess is already prepared and formed in the preconditioned or prefabricated closed strapping band. An alternative embodiment can provide that the recess is only introduced into the strapping band in connection with the removal of the strapping band from a magazine, when the strapping band is wrapped around the article group, or when the loop is formed. For this purpose, a corresponding cutting or punching device is provided, for example.

[0035] In particular, it is provided that the adhesive is applied to the strapping band in the area to be covered with the loop, and wherein when the loop is folded over, the adhesive application and the recess in a first partial area of ​​the loop are brought into alignment with one another, so that the adhesive passes through the recess to a second partial area of ​​the loop and thus connects the area covered with the loop to the second partial area of ​​the loop.

[0036] The invention further relates to a tool for producing strapping packages, in particular by means of a method as described above, wherein the tool has two spaced-apart folding elements and wherein the tool is associated with an application device for applying adhesive in an area adjacent to the loop. In particular, the adhesive is applied in the area that will subsequently be covered by the loop.

[0037] Since the strapping band initially has a circumferential length that is greater than the outer circumference of the article grouping, it is advantageous to hold the strapping band, at least temporarily, in a defined position relative to the articles. For this purpose, a suitable fixing device is assigned to the tool, which holds the strapping band in a corresponding position. For example, the fixing device can be formed by at least one vacuum suction cup or similar.

[0038] A first embodiment of a tool can provide that the at least two folding elements are rotatable about a vertical axis located between the folding elements. The tool can, for example, have the shape of a two-pronged fork, wherein the two prongs form the two folding elements. In this case, the folding elements or prongs engage in the strapping band, and by rotating the tool about the vertical axis, the folding elements are rotated by approximately 180°. In this case, partial areas of the strapping band are twisted relative to the remaining strapping band, whereby the desired loop is formed. In particular, the loop formed is folded over and now contacts another area of ​​the strapping band. This contacted adjacent area corresponds to the area of ​​the strapping band covered by the loop as described above.Preferably, this contacted adjacent area is located in an area of ​​the strapping band which rests against the outer surface of an article of the article group.

[0039] A second embodiment of a tool can provide for a first folding element to be static and a second folding element to be movable. In this case, too, the folding elements engage with the strapping band. The loop is formed by moving the movable folding element relative to the static folding element, and the loop is then folded over to form the fastening area and tension the strapping band.

[0040] For example, a link guide can be assigned to the second folding element, which determines the movement path of the second folding element. To drive the movement of the second folding element, a suitable motorized actuator can be assigned to it, for example. In particular, a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder can be assigned to the second folding element as the drive or motorized drive.

[0041] It should be expressly stated at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the device according to the invention equally relate to, or can be, partial aspects of the method according to the invention. Therefore, if certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the device according to the invention, this equally applies to the method according to the invention. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention equally relate to, or can be partial aspects of the device according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the device according to the invention.

[0042] 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 an intermediate step in the formation of a variant of a strapping package according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a fully formed strapping package according to the invention. Figures 3A to 3C also show process steps for the formation of a strapping package Figures 4A to 4I show different designs of a strapping band including adhesive application. Figures 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a device with a tool for forming a strapping package according to the invention. Figures 6A to 6F show a second embodiment of a device with a tool and a method for forming a strapping package according to the invention. Figures 7A to 7D show different views of a further embodiment of a device with a tool for forming a strapping package according to the invention. Fig. 8 shows an additional or alternative way of fixing a strapping band. Figures 9A and 9B show another additional or alternative possibility for fixing a strapping band.

[0043] 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 device or method according to the invention can be configured and do not represent a definitive limitation.

[0044] The schematic top view of the Fig. 1 shows an intermediate step in the formation of a strapping package 1 according to the invention. The schematic plan view of the Fig. 2 shows a fully formed strapping package 1 according to the invention.

[0045] The schematic side views and top views of the Figures 3A to 3E also show process steps for forming a strapping package 1, wherein the Figures 3A and 3Band Figures 3C and 3D each show different views of the same step, in particular the Figures 3A and 3C each a lateral view, while the Figures 3B and 3D each show a top view.

[0046] In a suitable grouping module (not shown), at least two articles 2 are combined to form an article group 3. In the present example, article group 3 is formed from six articles 2, in particular beverage containers 4 in the form of bottles or cans. The articles 2 are arranged in two parallel rows of three.

[0047] In the method for producing strapping packages 1 described here, at least one prefabricated closed strapping band 5 completely enclosing the grouped articles 2 is placed around the articles 2, which is characterized in particular by the fact that it is a closed strapping band 5 with a circumferential length U5, which circumferential length U5 is greater than an outer circumference A3 of the article group 3 ( Fig. 1 as well as Figures 3A and 3B ).

[0048] The strapping band 5 is preferably positioned at a defined position, in particular at a defined height on the article group 3 and held in this position.

[0049] The strapping band 5 has at least one recess 6 or at least one opening. Furthermore, adjacent to this recess 6, there is at least one adhesive layer 7 on the outer side of the strapping band 5.

[0050] The recess 6 can already be formed in the prepared, closed strapping band 5. Alternatively, the recess 6 can also be introduced into the strapping band 5 by means of a suitable device at the same time as the positioning of the strapping band 5 on the article group 3 or at the same time as the formation of a loop 8 described below.

[0051] The at least one closed strapping band 5 is pulled taut at least at one point, forming a loop 8. The loop 8 is then folded over or folded over and secured to the outside of the strapping band 5 by means of an adhesive bond to an area 9 of the strapping band 5 covered by the loop 8. In particular, the covered area 9 of the strapping band 5 and the loop 8 form a three-layer fastening area 10.

[0052] As in Fig. 4AAs shown, the loop 8 is formed in particular by two partial areas 8-1 and 8-2. The recess 6 is arranged in the first partial area 8-1, which borders the area 9 of the strapping band 5 subsequently covered by the loop 8. In particular, it is provided that the adhesive layer 7 is located or arranged in this area 9 covered by the loop 8.

[0053] When the loop 8 is folded over, the adhesive layer 7 and the recess 6 are brought into alignment with one another. After the loop 8 has been folded over, the adhesive layer of the adhesive layer 7 can pass through the recess 6 onto the inside of the strapping band 5 and onto the second partial area 8-2 of the loop 8, thus forming an adhesive connection between the area 9 covered by the loop 8 and the second partial area 8-2 of the loop 8. In this way, a secure adhesive connection is formed in the three-layer fastening area 10 ( Fig. 2 as well as Figures 3B and 3C ).

[0054] The loop 8 is formed in particular with the aid of folding edges 12, which are provided between the central first partial region 8-1 and the adjacent partial regions 8-2 and 9. The folding edge 12 between the first partial region 8-1 and the second partial region 8-2 is designated below by reference numeral 14. The folding edge 12 between the first partial region 8-1 with the recess 6 and the region 9 of the adhesive application 7 is designated below by reference numeral 13.

[0055] In particular, three layers of strapping band 5 are bonded together in the fastening area 10. The middle layer contains the recess 6 so that the two outer layers formed by the partial areas 8-2 and 9 can be directly bonded together via the adhesive 7.

[0056] The formation of the three-layer fastening area 10 can be supported by suitable pressing tools.

[0057] The strapping band 5 thus secured to the strapping bundle 1 now has a reduced circumferential length U1, which corresponds to the outer circumference A3 of article group 3. Alternatively, the reduced circumferential length U1 can even be slightly shorter than the outer circumference A3 of the article group. In particular, the strapping band 5 with the reduced circumferential length U1 applies a tension that firmly holds the articles 2 of article group 3 together.

[0058] Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, an upper gripping carton packaging 11 or similar is placed and fastened to the articles 2 of article group 3 in order to additionally stabilize the strapping package 1 ( Fig. 3E ). The upper gripping carton packaging 11 can, for example, have handle openings or another designed carrying area to facilitate handling of the strapping package 1 by the user.

[0059] The Figures 4A to 4Ishow various embodiments of a strapping band or a strapping band 5 including recess 6 and adhesive application 7. In particular, different possibilities for the formation of the recesses 6 and the adhesive application 7 are shown. The adhesive application 7 can largely correspond completely to the shape of the recess 6 ( Figures 4A, 4B , 4G, 4H or fill out only a part of it ( Figures 4C to 4F and 4I ).

[0060] The Figures 5A and 5B show a first embodiment of a device 20 for forming a strapping package 1 according to the invention (cf. Fig. 2 and Figures 3A to 3E ). To improve clarity, the articles have been omitted.

[0061] The device 20 comprises a tensioning tool 21 having two spaced-apart folding elements 22 which are rotatable about a vertical axis D located between the folding elements 22. The folding elements 22 engage in the strapping band 5 and can form the loop 8 (see Figures 2 , 3B and 3D ) by rotation around the vertical axis D and fold it onto the area 9 of the strapping band 5.

[0062] In particular, the folding elements 22 are rotated by 180° or largely 180°, whereby both folding elements 22 can be applied to an article located in the area of ​​a loop 8 formed in this way.

[0063] Furthermore, the tensioning tool 21 is assigned an application device 45 for applying adhesive 7 to an outer surface of the strapping band 5. In particular, the adhesive is applied in the region 9 adjacent to the partial regions 8-1, 8-2 forming the loop 8, which region 9 covers the loop 8 following folding and thus, together with the loop 8, forms the three-layer fastening region 10.

[0064] The clamping tool 21 has, for example, two folding elements 22 in the form of prongs or the like. To facilitate differentiation, these are designated by the reference numerals 22-1 and 22-2. In particular, the preconditioned or prefabricated, in particular pre-glued, strapping band 5 is gripped by the clamping tool 21 at the fold lines or fold edges 12, 13, 14 in such a way that the first partial area 8-1 is aligned with the recess 6 (cf. Fig. 4A) is arranged between the two folding elements 22. The further partial areas 8-2 and 9, which subsequently form the three-layer fastening area 10 together with the first partial area 8-1, are arranged on both sides of the folding elements 22.

[0065] By rotating the clamping tool 21 by 180°, the three (sub)regions 8-1, 8-2, and 9 are superimposed to form the three-layer fastening region 10. In particular, the recess 6 and the adhesive layer 7 are aligned, allowing the adhesive 7 to pass through the recess 6 into the second sub-region 8-2, thus forming an adhesive bond between the second sub-region 8-2 and the region 9.

[0066] As with the comparison of Figures 5A and 5BAs can be clearly seen, the rotation of the tensioning tool 21 causes a rearrangement of the folding lines or folding edges 12, 13, 14 and the (partial) areas 8-1, 8-2 and 9 relative to the remaining areas of the strapping band 5.

[0067] The Figures 6A to 6F show a second embodiment of a device 20 and a method for forming a strapping package according to the invention (cf. Fig. 2 and Figures 3A to 3E ). To improve clarity, the articles have been omitted.

[0068] In contrast to the design of the Fig. 5 , in which the folding elements 22 of the clamping tool 21 have a fixed distance from each other, the distance between the folding elements 22 in the clamping tool 21 is according to Figures 6 variably adjustable. In particular, a substantially fixed or static folding element 23 and a folding element 42 designed to be movable relative to it are provided.

[0069] The use of the movable folding element 24, for example in conjunction with a pressure sensor, a force sensor or a tension sensor or the like (not shown), enables, in particular, a flexible compensation of tolerances, especially in the case of possibly deviating circumferential lengths U5 of the strapping band 5.

[0070] Preferably, it is provided that the two folding elements 23, 24 engage in the strapping band 5 and the loop 8 is formed by movement of the movable folding element 24 relative to the static folding element 23 and is folded over accordingly to form the fastening area 10.

[0071] Preferably, it is provided that the movement path or movement curve of the movable folding element 24 is predetermined by a link guide.

[0072] First, the articles are positioned within stops, shuttle frames or similar of the device 20 in order to specify the desired arrangement of the package and - if provided - for the subsequent placement of an upper gripping carton package (see Fig. 3E ) to align.

[0073] The strapping band 5 is inserted into the tensioning tool 21 of the device 20 and is aligned in such a way that the later inner folding edge 13 is arranged between the first partial area 8-1 with the recess and the area 9 subsequently covered by the loop 8 at the level of the passive folding element 23 ( Fig. 6A ). The position of the recess 6, for example, can be used as an alignment aid for this purpose. Alternatively, the strapping band 5 can have a special alignment element (not shown), which is detected, for example, by a suitable sensor of the device 20.

[0074] The strapping band 5 is fixed for the folding process to prevent slipping or sliding through the folding elements 23, 24.

[0075] Subsequently, an adhesive application 7 is applied in the partial area 9. After the strapping band 5 has been folded and the necessary band tension has been applied and formed, the adhesive 7 ensures that the strapping band 5 is fixed in the folded area, thereby giving the strapping package the desired stability. For the adhesive application 7, the adhesive is applied in the desired quantity and arrangement to the outside of the strapping band 5 in area 9 (see Fig. 4A ) is applied. The adhesive is taken from a corresponding supply.

[0076] Alternatively, a corresponding pre-assembly of the strapping band 5 is already conceivable during its production, for example by applying cold glue or radiation-activated glue or the like to the strapping band 5 in advance.

[0077] To fold the strapping band 5 and apply the band tension, the active folding element 24 is moved along a predetermined cam curve. According to one embodiment, the shape of the cam is designed such that the folding element 24 initially carries the tab or loop 8 to be folded along a circular path, so that, due to the constant tension, buckling and thus possible damage to the strapping band 5 can be prevented ( Figures 6B and 6C ).

[0078] As soon as the loop 8 has been almost completely folded, the guide curve transitions into a straight line, thus applying pre-tension to the strapping band 5. In practice, however, it may be necessary to deviate from the ideal circular path to ensure smooth movement of the guide, especially in the transition between the application curve and the tensioning curve. In particular, the movable folding element 24 is moved along the straight line of movement until a constant tension force is achieved. In this process, the active folding element 24 is guided past the passive folding element 23.

[0079] Furthermore, the active folding element 24 is guided in the direction of the articles until it rests against the strapping band 5. The later outer folding edge 14 between the first partial area 8-1 and the second partial area 8-2 of the loop 8 is arranged in particular at the level of the active folding element 24 ( Fig. 6C ).

[0080] After the necessary strap tension has been generated, the (partial) regions 8-1, 8-2 and 9, which are now arranged adjacent to one another, are pressed together using pressing elements 25, for example pressure stamps 26. By forming the adhesive connection between the second partial region 8-2 and the region 9 via the recess 6 of the first partial region 8-1 arranged between the second partial region 8-2 and the region 9, these are fastened to one another in the three-layer fastening region 10 and thus the tensioned state of the strapping band 5 with the reduced circumference U1 is fixed ( Figures 6D and 6E ).

[0081] After the adhesive 7 has set, the force on the moving folding element 24 can be removed, and the strapping unit or the tensioning tool 21 can be removed. For example, the folding elements 23, 24 are pulled upwards or downwards. The finished strapping unit 1 can now be removed from the device 20 and forwarded for further handling, for example, palletizing.

[0082] In this embodiment of the device 20, it is particularly advantageous that a defined tensioning force can be generated largely independently of tolerances occurring on the articles, the preconditioned strapping bands 5 or the positioning of the articles within the device 20, since the tensioning force is applied in particular in a force-controlled manner and not in a path-controlled manner.

[0083] By moving the second folding element 24 relative to the first folding element 23, the twisting of the strapping band 5 to form the loop 8 is broken down into several individual steps. This makes it possible, in particular, to apply a force-controlled, constant tension to the strapping band 5. The design of the folding elements 23, 24 should be selected in particular such that the strapping band 5 can easily roll or slide over them, thus allowing the necessary tension to be applied to the entire strapping unit 1 in the desired manner.

[0084] A tool according to the Figures 6A to 6F greatly simplifies the automation of the strapping process and at the same time increases reproducibility.

[0085] According to one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that before or after fastening the strapping band 5 to the article group, an upper gripping carton packaging is additionally applied to the article group (see also Fig. 3E ).

[0086] The Figures 7A to 7D show different views of a further embodiment of a device 20 for forming a strapping package 1 according to the invention. Essentially, reference is made to the explanations regarding the Figures 6A to 6E referred to.

[0087] In particular, the Figures 7A ff. the positioning of the articles 2 of the article group 3 within the stop elements 29 and the temporary fixing of the strapping band 5 within the device 20 by a fixing device 28 is shown. In addition, in the Figures 7C and 7DThe movement of the movable folding element 24 in the guide rail 27 is shown, which, according to the illustrated embodiment, is driven, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder 30. In particular, the movement of the active folding element 24 can be generated by means of the guide rail 27 by extending or shortening the hydraulic cylinder 30 and / or by pivoting the hydraulic cylinder 30.

[0088] The Figures 5A, 5B , Figures 6A to 6E and the Figures 7A to 7D The devices 20 shown are also suitable for attaching strapping bands without perforation, ie strapping bands which do not have a partial area 8-1 with a recess 6, to an article group 3.

[0089] If the strapping band 5 is pulled on the strapping bundle 1 produced according to the invention, the adhesive connection in the three-layer fastening area 10 is released. To prevent this, a further additional fixation of the strapping band 5 in the fastening area 10 can be provided.

[0090] The Fig. 8 shows, by way of example, the use of clamps 31 for additional fixing of the three superimposed layers or sections of the strapping band 5.

[0091] The Fig. 9shows, by way of example, the formation of a locking connection 32 between partial regions of the strapping band 5. In particular, a locking element 33 is formed on the outer folded edge 14 between the central first partial region 8-1 and the inner region 9 of the fastening region 10, which engages in a locking receptacle 34, which locking receptacle 34 is formed in a further partial region 40 of the strapping band 5 adjacent to the region 9 and the fastening region 10. To form the locking connection 32, the locking element 33 is hooked into the locking receptacle 34.

[0092] Furthermore, it is disclosed within the scope of this application that additional fastening elements, for example, clamps 31 or locking elements 33, can be used to fasten three layers of the correspondingly tensioned strapping band 5 to one another without the three layers of the strapping band 5 being previously connected to one another via an adhesive connection. The fastening of the three layers to one another in the fastening area 10 is hereby also described for strapping bands without a recess and adhesive application. In particular, such a fastening is also useful for strapping bands without a recess, in which, for example, only the two outer layers of the three-layer fastening area are connected to one another via an adhesive connection.

[0093] The embodiments, examples, and variants of the preceding paragraphs, the claims or the following description and the figures, including their various views or respective individual features, may be used independently of one another or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments, unless the features are incompatible.

[0094] Although "schematic" representations and views are generally referred to in the context of the description of the figures, this by no means means that the figures and their descriptions are of secondary importance with regard to the disclosure of the invention. The skilled person is perfectly capable of deriving sufficient information from the schematic and abstractly drawn representations to facilitate their understanding of the invention, without their understanding being in any way impaired by the drawn, possibly not exactly scaled, proportions of the articles and / or parts of the device or other drawn elements.The figures thus enable the skilled reader to derive a better understanding of the inventive concept formulated in a more general and / or abstract manner in the claims and in the general part of the description on the basis of the more concretely explained implementations of the method according to the invention and the more concretely explained functioning of the device according to the invention.

[0095] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for 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

[0096] 1Strapping unit 2Article 3Article group 4Bottle 5Strapping band 6Recess 7Adhesive application, adhesive 8Loop 8-1First section 8-2Second section 9Area of ​​adhesive application 10Three-layer fastening area 11Upper gripping carton packaging 12Folding edge 13Inner folding edge 14Outer folding edge 20Device 21Clamping tool 22Folding element 23Passive folding element 24Active, movable folding element 25Pressing element 26Pressure stamp 27Link guide 28Fastening device 29Stop element 30Hydraulic cylinder 31Clamp 32Locking connection 33Locking element 34Locking receptacle 40Adjacent section 45Application device A3Outer circumference Article group DVertical axis U1Reduced circumferential length U5Circumferential length of strapping band

Claims

1. A strapped pack (1) with at least two articles (2), which are held together with at least one prefabricated closed strapping band (5) that completely surrounds the articles (2), which at least one closed strapping band (5) has a circumferential length (U5), which is greater than an outer circumference (A3) of the surrounded articles (2) of the strapped pack (1), which at least one closed strapping band (5) is tightened in at least one point, thereby forming a loop (8), and the folded-over loop (8) formed thereby and placed on an outer side of the strapping band (5) is fixed by means of an adhesive bond to a region of the strapping band (5) covered by the loop (8), characterised in that the strapping band (5) has at least one cutout (6) in the folded-over section forming the loop (8), and wherein the adhesive bond is located in the section provided with the cutout (6).

2. The strapped pack (1) according to claim 1, in which the loop (8) and the region (9) of the strapping band (5) covered by the loop (8) form a three-layer fastening region (10).

3. The strapped pack (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the strapping band (5) comprises two sub-regions (8-1, 8-2) to form the loop (8), wherein a fold line (14) is formed within the loop (8) between the two sub-regions (8-1, 8-2), and wherein a further fold line (13) is formed to the adjacent region (9) covered by the loop (8).

4. The strapped pack (1) according to claim 3, in which the cutout (6) is formed in a first sub-region (8-1) of the loop (8), which sub-region (8-1) is adjacent to the neighbouring region (9) covered by the loop (8).

5. The strapped pack (1) according to one of the previous claims, wherein the strapped pack (1) is secured in the fastening region (10) by a further fastening means (31, 32), and / or wherein at least one further packaging means is arranged on the articles (2), in particular, a top gripping type carton (11).

6. A method for the production of strapped packs (1), which are each formed by at least two articles (2), wherein the articles (2) to be strapped are grouped, and at least one prefabricated closed strapping band (5) completely surrounding the grouped articles (2) is placed around the articles (2), which at least one closed strapping band (5) has a circumferential length (U5) which is greater than an outer circumference (A3) of the surrounded article grouping (3), wherein the at least one closed strapping band (5) is tightened in at least one point and, when the strapping band is tightened around the articles (2) pulled together in the article grouping (3), at least one loop (8) is formed, which is folded over and fixed by means of an adhesive bond to a region of the strapping band (5) covered by the loop (8), characterised in that the strapping band (5) is provided with at least one cutout (6) in the folded-over section forming the loop (8), and wherein an adhesive (7) is assigned to the region provided with the cutout (6).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein adhesive (7) is applied to an outer side of the strapping band (5) adjacent to the cutout (6), wherein the application of adhesive (7) and the cutout (6) are brought into alignment with one another when the loop (8) is folded over.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the loop (8) is formed from two sub-regions (8-1, 8-2) of the strapping band (5), wherein a fold line (14) is formed between the two sub-regions (8-1, 8-2), and wherein a further fold line (13) is formed to the region (9) to be covered by the loop (8).

9. The method according to one of the claims 7 or 8, wherein the adhesive (7) is applied in the region (9) to be covered by the loop (8), which region (9) is adjacent to the first sub-region (8-1) of the loop (8) with the cutout (6).

10. A tool (21) for the production of strapped packs (1) according to claim 1 or according to one of the claims 2 to 5, in particular, a tool for use in a method or for carrying out a method according to claim 6, which tool (21) has two spaced-apart folding members, wherein the tool (21) is assigned an application device (45) for applying adhesive (7) in a region (9) assigned to the loop (8).

11. The tool (21) according to claim 10, wherein a fixing device (28) is assigned to the tool (21) for the purpose of at least temporarily fixing the position of the strapping band (5) on the articles (2).

12. The tool (21) according to one of the claims 10 or 11, wherein the folding members (22) are rotatable about a vertical axis (D) located between the folding members (22), wherein the folding members (22) can engage into the strapping band (5) and can form the loop (8) by rotation about the vertical axis (D), wherein the tool (21) with the spaced-apart folding members (22) can perform a rotation by approximately 180° and can place both folding members (22) against an article (2) located in the region of a loop (8) formed in such a way.

13. The tool (21) according to one of the claims 10 or 11, wherein a first of the folding members (23) is designed to be static and a second of the folding members (24) is designed to be movable, wherein the folding members (23, 24) engage into the strapping band (5), and the loop (8) is formed and is folded over to form the fastening region (10) by a movement of the movably designed folding member (24) relative to the statically designed folding member (23).

14. The tool (21) according to claim 13, wherein a guide plate (27) is assigned to the movably designed folding member (24).

15. The tool (21) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein a motorised actuating element, in particular, a hydraulic cylinder (30) or a pneumatic cylinder, is assigned to the movably designed folding member (24).

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