Packaging unit and method for producing a packaging unit

Abstract

A packaging unit (1) comprises an essentially cylindrically rolled-up bale (2) of hay and / or straw and a film arranged around the bale (2), the film (8) being in the form of a shrink film and being shrunk onto the bale (2). The invention further relates to a method for producing a packaging unit of this type so that the rolled-up bale (2) can be effectively transported and stored.

Description

[0001] Packaging unit and method for producing a packaging unit

[0002] The present invention relates to a packaging unit comprising a substantially cylindrically wound bale of hay and / or straw and a film arranged around the bale, and to a method for producing a packaging unit.

[0003] DE 20 2016 102 250 U1 discloses a cylindrical feed bale made of hay and / or plant-based supplements, which is held in place by a removable retaining device. Such a feed bale allows the plant materials to be transported and stored in a compressed form. However, there is the problem that mechanical influences can easily damage the feed bale, which impairs its visual appearance and thus makes it more difficult to sell.

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a packaging unit and a method for producing a packaging unit which enable improved protection of a wrapped bale of hay and / or straw.

[0005] This object is achieved with a packaging unit having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 9.

[0006] In the packaging unit according to the invention, the cylindrically wrapped bale of hay and / or straw is wrapped in a film designed as a shrink film, which is shrunk onto the bale. The shrink film thus forms a first protective layer around the cylindrical bale, providing increased protection against the elements. Furthermore, it prevents individual pieces of the hay and / or straw bale from falling out of the packaging unit, which improves handling for the user.

[0007] Preferably, the bale is completely surrounded by the shrink-wrapped film, optionally providing a certain degree of moisture protection. Alternatively, one or more ventilation openings can be provided in the film. To simplify handling of the packaging unit, a flexible fixing means can be attached to the circumference of the bale. The user can then remove the shrink film, and the bale still retains its contour thanks to the flexible fixing means, allowing the user to use it piece by piece. Optionally, such a flexible fixing means can be omitted. Additionally or alternatively, dimensional stability of the wrapped bale can also be achieved using an adhesive or other means. Furthermore, the dimensional stability of the bale can be improved if the bale is solidified by adding hot steam during or after wrapping.The steam can make the wrapped material softer for a short time, and similar to ironing, after the steam has been applied, the material dries again and remains better in its wrapped shape.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, a holding element is arranged between the film and the bale. This holding element can have a handle section that is arranged on the outer circumference of the bale. Especially when the bale is a certain size, for example with a diameter between 10 cm and 40 cm, it is difficult to grip with one hand, so that handling for transport is simplified via the holding element. For stable fixation to the bale, the holding element can have a first support section on a first flat end of the bale and a second support section on a second end of the bale opposite the first. A handle section is then formed between the two support sections, which can be easily grasped for transporting the bale. Such a holding element can, for example, be made from cardboard or paperboard in a one-piece cut.The handle section can also be connected to only a single support section.

[0009] In the method according to the invention, a substantially cylindrical bale of hay and / or straw is first wrapped, wherein the bale can optionally also contain other plant components, for example the surface can be decorated with vegetables or fruit. The bale wrapped in this way is then wrapped in a shrinkable film so that the film is then shrunk onto the bale. The shrunk-on film thus forms a skin for the bale and simplifies handling and transport, in particular the bale is better protected from mechanical influences. The film is preferably shrunk for several seconds between 130° and 160°. Since dried hay and / or straw is highly flammable, the time the film remains at this temperature is preferably limited to a few seconds, for example between 2 seconds and 10 seconds.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, after wrapping the bale, a flexible securing means, such as a band, string, or other securing means, is attached to the outer periphery of the bale to ensure that the bale retains its shape even when the film is removed. Optionally, instead of the flexible securing means, gluing can be used to keep the bale in shape. Furthermore, the bale can be consolidated by applying steam during or after wrapping.

[0011] Preferably, after wrapping the bale, a holding element with a gripping portion is placed on the outer periphery of the bale before the bale is wrapped with the shrinkable film. This allows the user to more easily grasp the wrapped bale with one hand.

[0012] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a packaging unit according to the invention;

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic view of the packaging unit of Figure 1, and

[0015] Figure 3 is a view of a cut-out of the holding element for the packaging unit.

[0016] A packaging unit 1 comprises a substantially cylindrically wound bale 2 of hay and / or straw, which may optionally contain further plant components as an additive, for example vegetables, flowers or other plant components for decoration or to increase strength. The length of the plant stalks, which are provided in a weight proportion of at least 80 wt.%, is preferably at least 3 cm, and over 50% of the plant stalks have a length between 1 cm and 15 cm. The wound bale can, for example, have a diameter between 10 cm and 40 cm and an axial extension between 15 cm and 50 cm. When the bale 2 is wound, the plant stalks are preferably compressed by at least three times their initial volume compared to a loose arrangement.

[0017] Flexible fixing means, such as bands or cords, can be provided on the outer circumference of the wrapped bale 2 to ensure that the bale 2 retains its shape. Optionally, adhesives can also be used to increase dimensional stability, particularly those based on vegetable starch. Steam can also be added to increase dimensional stability.

[0018] A holding element 3 is arranged on the bale 2, which is made of cardboard or paperboard and has a handle section 9 arranged on the outer circumference of the bale 2. The holding element 3 is provided with a first flat support section 4, which is arranged on a first end side of the bale 2 and is connected to the handle section 9 via a folded edge 5. Similarly, a second support section 7 is arranged on an opposite end side of the bale 2 and is connected to the handle section 9 via a folded edge 6, as can also be seen in Figure 2. The holding element 3 thus encompasses the bale 2 in a U-shape, with product information being able to be printed on an outer side of the holding element 3. The bale 2 can be gripped more easily at the handle section 9 because the handle section 9 protrudes slightly from a surface of the bale 2 and thus offers a gripping surface.

[0019] Figure 2 shows that the bale 2 with the holding element 3 is completely surrounded by a film 8. This film 8 is designed as a shrink film and is shrunk around the bale 2 after the holding element 3 has been arranged. For this purpose, the bale 2 with the holding element 3 is passed through an oven or otherwise exposed to a higher temperature, preferably between 130° and 160°. After a few seconds, in particular between 2 and 10 seconds, the film is formed adjacent to the bale 2 and the holding element 3, thus protecting the bale 2 from mechanical and other influences.

[0020] Figure 3 shows the blank of the holding element 3, which can be made from a flat cardboard box. The handle section 9 is designed as a strip that is flat in the initial position and thus protrudes from a surface on the circumference of the cylindrical bale 2. The handle section 9 is connected to the first support section 4 via the folded edge 5 and to the second support section 7 via another folded edge 6 on the opposite side.

[0021] The support sections 4 and 7 can be circular or have a different shape and preferably cover at least 50% of an end face of the bale 2.

[0022] List of reference symbols

[0023] 1 packaging unit

[0024] 2 Bale 3 Holding element

[0025] 4 support section

[0026] 5 folding edge

[0027] 6 folding edge

[0028] 7 Support section

[0029] 8 Slide

[0030] 9 Handle section

Claims

Claims 1. Packaging unit (1 ) comprising a substantially cylindrically wound bale (2) of hay and / or straw and a film arranged around the bale (2), characterized in that the film (8) is designed as a shrink film and is shrunk onto the bale (2).

2. Packaging unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the bale (2) is completely surrounded by the shrink-wrapped film (8).

3. Packaging unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a flexible fixing means is fixed to the outer circumference of the bale (2).

4. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a retaining element (3) is arranged between the film (8) and the bale (2).

5. Packaging unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the retaining element (3) has a handle section (9) which is arranged on the outer circumference of the bale (2).

6. Packaging unit according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the holding element (3) has a first support section (4) on a first flat end face of the bale (2) and a second support section (7) on a second end face of the bale (2) opposite the first.

7. Packaging unit according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the retaining element (3) is made of cardboard or carton.

8. Packaging unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the diameter of the bale (2) is between 10 cm and 40 cm.

9. Method for producing a packaging unit (1) comprising the following steps: - Wrapping a substantially cylindrical bale (2) of hay and / or straw; - Wrapping the bale (2) with a shrinkable film (8), and - Shrinking the film (8) onto the bale (2). Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the film (8) is shrunk for several seconds between 130° and 160°. Method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that after wrapping, a flexible fixing agent is attached to the outer circumference of the bale (2). Method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that during or after wrapping the bale (2), the bale (2) is compacted by the application of steam. Method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that after wrapping the bale (2), a holding element (3) with a grip section (9) is arranged on the outer circumference of the bale (2) before the bale (2) is enveloped by the shrinkable film (8) with the holding element (3).

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