package

Abstract

A package (1) comprises a bundle of stretch film rolls (2) of equal length and having a longitudinal midpoint (M). Each stretch film roll (2) has a central longitudinal axis (A) and a stretch film (F) having side edges (E) wound around the central longitudinal axis (A). The central longitudinal axes (A) of the stretch film rolls (2) are parallel to each other. The package (1) comprises at least one combined tying and lifting member (4) that ties the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting member (4) is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes (A) of the stretch film rolls (2).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a package comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Packages of stretch film rolls have been cardboard boxes or shrink or stretch film wrappings for multiple stretch film rolls. Loose rolls, which lie horizontally, have also been packed on pallets.

[0003] The conventional packages often include excessive amounts of packaging material that is unnecessary for users. Further, the packages are inconvenient to lift and carry.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a package so as to overcome the above disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by a package which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0005] The package has the following advantages: The rolls are held firmly together, thus minimizing movement during transport and reducing a risk of a damage.

[0006] The package is easy to lift and move.

[0007] The rolls lie horizontally when they are lifted so there is more space between the ground and the package compared to packages where the rolls stand vertically.

[0008] Less packaging material is required which is a good solution from the ecological point of view.

[0009] The package may include traceability information, such as batch numbers, production dates, or branding elements. This feature not only adds value to the product but also facilitates inventory management and quality control.

[0010] The package comprises a bundle of stretch film rolls of equal length. The stretch film rolls may be hand stretch film rolls. One hand stretch film roll typically has a weight of 2 to 3 kg and it is targeted for manual packaging. The stretch film is a highly stretchable film whose elastic recovery keeps items packed to it tightly bound.

[0011] Usually there are altogether from four to six stretch film rolls in 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 matrices. Each stretch film roll has a central longitudinal axis and a stretch film wound around the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis may be surrounded by a core around which the stretch film is wound. The stretch films may have folded side edges. The folded side edges enable less protective packaging as the rolls with the folded edges can withstand rougher handling without causing the film to tear.

[0012] The central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls are parallel to each other. The package has a longitudinal midpoint at midpoints of the stretch film rolls. The package comprises at least one combined tying and lifting member that ties the bundle together, i.e. the at least one combined tying and lifting member is wrapped around the bundle and its ends are joined together. The combined tying and lifting member is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls.

[0013] According to one alternative, the package may have one combined tying and lifting member at the longitudinal midpoint, or substantially at the longitudinal midpoint. According to another alternative, the package may have the combined tying and lifting member on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at a distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The package may have the combined tying and lifting member on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at the same distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The package according to the latter alternative may be defined as follows: A package that comprises a bundle of stretch film rolls of equal length and having a longitudinal midpoint. Each stretch film roll has a central longitudinal axis and a stretch film wound around the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls are parallel to each other. The package comprises a combined tying and lifting member, which ties the bundle together, on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at a distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The combined tying and lifting members are transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls.

[0014] In both alternatives, the combined tying and lifting member may be a banderole. The combined tying and lifting member may comprise or consist of plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (PP). The polyethylene may be high density polyethylene (HDPE). Preferably the above-mentioned plastic materials are orientated in order to have a higher stiffness. The combined tying and lifting member may comprise material of wooden fibers, such as cardboard or paper, in addition to the plastic materials. The combined tying and lifting member may have a width of 20 to 150 mm, preferably 25 to 35 mm, and its thickness may be 20 to 200 µm, preferably 45 to 55 µm. The force required to stretch the combined tying and lifting member by 5 % shall preferably be more than the force of gravity caused by the mass of the package, or preferably more than 100 N when the package contains four rolls (one roll typically has a weight of 2.5 kg), i.e. the force calculated according to a formula tensile strength at 5 % elongation x width (mm) x thickness (mm) of the combined tying and lifting member shall preferably be more than the force of gravity caused by the mass of the package. A sample used for testing is according to ISO 527-3.

[0015] The combined tying and lifting member may be joined to itself by welding, or by gluing, or the combined tying and lifting member comprises adhesive that makes possible to join it to itself. The combined tying and lifting member may have an adhesive coating on its side where it is in contact with the rolls in order to enhance contact to the rolls. However, those areas that are intended for gripping may be covered by paper or like.

[0016] The combined tying and lifting member may comprise traceability information, such as batch numbers, production dates, or branding elements. The combined tying and lifting member or plural members may be the only packaging material that the package includes, i.e. the stretch film rolls are not enclosed by any wrapping. The folded side edges of the stretch film rolls make the rolls more durable against rough handling but they may not be necessary in all cases. As said above, there is at least one combined tying and lifting member, preferably two, but the number and the position of the combined tying and lifting members may vary according to a need. For example, two combined tying and lifting members may be placed near both ends of the bundle, or one in the middle and one at the end, or three combined tying and lifting members may be positioned at even intervals.

[0017] The preferred number of two combined tying and lifting members allows even mass distribution when lifted with both hands, which is ergonomically desirable.

[0018] Multiple packages may stand on a pallet so that the central longitudinal axes of the rolls are vertical. The combined tying and lifting members of the packages keep the rolls firmly together so that the rolls do not move during transport.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another package; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a stretch film roll; Figure 4 shows an end view of the packages of Figs. 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows an end view of a package for six stretch film rolls. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Figure 1 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. There may be a core 5 around the central longitudinal axis around which the stretch film F is wound. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0021] The package 1 comprises one combined tying and lifting member 4 that ties the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting member 4 is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0023] The package 1 comprises two combined tying and lifting members 4 that tie the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting members 4 are transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a stretch film roll 2. A stretch film F is wound around a core 5. The stretch film F has folded side edges E, i.e. the stretch film F is folded double at the side edges E. Due to the folded side edges E the ends of the stretch film roll are more durable and thus, the stretch film roll 2 does not require particular shields at the ends against impacts.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the package 1 of Figs. 1 and 2 as an end view. The package 1 comprises four stretch film rolls 2 tied together by at least one combined tying and lifting member 4. Preferably the rolls are tied together by two combined tying and lifting members 4 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0026] The number of the rolls 2 may vary. There are usually from four to six rolls that form 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 matrices. 2 x 3 matrix is shown in Fig. 5.

[0027] Arrows point gripping zones G wherefrom one can lift the package 1, i.e. there is between the rolls 2 having circular cross-sections and the combined tying and lifting member 4 an area through which one can pass his fingers and lift the package 1. Every longitudinal side of the package has the gripping zone G and thus, it is insignificant what side of the package is up.

[0028] The tying and lifting member 4 may be a band comprising or consisting of polyethylene (PE), such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (PP). The above-mentioned plastic materials may be orientated. Besides the plastic materials it is possible that there is material originated from wooden fibers at the gripping zones G so that the package 1 is more convenient to lift. There may be a strip made of the wooden fibers, such as a cardboard or paper strip, under the plastic material.

[0029] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]Figure 1 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. There may be a core 5 around the central longitudinal axis around which the stretch film F is wound. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0021]The package 1 comprises one combined tying and lifting member 4 that ties the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting member 4 is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0022]Figure 2 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch fi...

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a package comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Packages of stretch film rolls have been cardboard boxes or shrink or stretch film wrappings for multiple stretch film rolls. Loose rolls, which lie horizontally, have also been packed on pallets.

[0003] The conventional packages often include excessive amounts of packaging material that is unnecessary for users. Further, the packages are inconvenient to lift and carry.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a package so as to overcome the above disadvantages. The objects of the invention are achieved by a package which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0005] The package has the following advantages: The rolls are held firmly together, thus minimizing movement during transport and reducing a risk of a damage.

[0006] The package is easy to lift and move.

[0007] The rolls lie horizontally when they are lifted so there is more space between the ground and the package compared to packages where the rolls stand vertically.

[0008] Less packaging material is required which is a good solution from the ecological point of view.

[0009] The package may include traceability information, such as batch numbers, production dates, or branding elements. This feature not only adds value to the product but also facilitates inventory management and quality control.

[0010] The package comprises a bundle of stretch film rolls of equal length. The stretch film rolls may be hand stretch film rolls. One hand stretch film roll typically has a weight of 2 to 3 kg and it is targeted for manual packaging. The stretch film is a highly stretchable film whose elastic recovery keeps items packed to it tightly bound.

[0011] Usually there are altogether from four to six stretch film rolls in 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 matrices. Each stretch film roll has a central longitudinal axis and a stretch film wound around the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axis may be surrounded by a core around which the stretch film is wound. The stretch films may have folded side edges. The folded side edges enable less protective packaging as the rolls with the folded edges can withstand rougher handling without causing the film to tear.

[0012] The central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls are parallel to each other. The package has a longitudinal midpoint at midpoints of the stretch film rolls. The package comprises at least one combined tying and lifting member that ties the bundle together, i.e. the at least one combined tying and lifting member is wrapped around the bundle and its ends are joined together. The combined tying and lifting member is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls.

[0013] According to one alternative, the package may have one combined tying and lifting member at the longitudinal midpoint, or substantially at the longitudinal midpoint. According to another alternative, the package may have the combined tying and lifting member on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at a distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The package may have the combined tying and lifting member on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at the same distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The package according to the latter alternative may be defined as follows: A package that comprises a bundle of stretch film rolls of equal length and having a longitudinal midpoint. Each stretch film roll has a central longitudinal axis and a stretch film wound around the central longitudinal axis. The central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls are parallel to each other. The package comprises a combined tying and lifting member, which ties the bundle together, on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint at a distance from the longitudinal midpoint. The combined tying and lifting members are transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes of the stretch film rolls.

[0014] In both alternatives, the combined tying and lifting member may be a banderole. The combined tying and lifting member may comprise or consist of plastic material, such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (PP). The polyethylene may be high density polyethylene (HDPE). Preferably the above-mentioned plastic materials are orientated in order to have a higher stiffness. The combined tying and lifting member may comprise material of wooden fibers, such as cardboard or paper, in addition to the plastic materials. The combined tying and lifting member may have a width of 20 to 150 mm, preferably 25 to 35 mm, and its thickness may be 20 to 200 µm, preferably 45 to 55 µm. The force required to stretch the combined tying and lifting member by 5 % shall preferably be more than the force of gravity caused by the mass of the package, or preferably more than 100 N when the package contains four rolls (one roll typically has a weight of 2.5 kg), i.e. the force calculated according to a formula tensile strength at 5 % elongation x width (mm) x thickness (mm) of the combined tying and lifting member shall preferably be more than the force of gravity caused by the mass of the package. A sample used for testing is according to ISO 527-3.

[0015] The combined tying and lifting member may be joined to itself by welding, or by gluing, or the combined tying and lifting member comprises adhesive that makes possible to join it to itself. The combined tying and lifting member may have an adhesive coating on its side where it is in contact with the rolls in order to enhance contact to the rolls. However, those areas that are intended for gripping may be covered by paper or like.

[0016] The combined tying and lifting member may comprise traceability information, such as batch numbers, production dates, or branding elements. The combined tying and lifting member or plural members may be the only packaging material that the package includes, i.e. the stretch film rolls are not enclosed by any wrapping. The folded side edges of the stretch film rolls make the rolls more durable against rough handling but they may not be necessary in all cases. As said above, there is at least one combined tying and lifting member, preferably two, but the number and the position of the combined tying and lifting members may vary according to a need. For example, two combined tying and lifting members may be placed near both ends of the bundle, or one in the middle and one at the end, or three combined tying and lifting members may be positioned at even intervals.

[0017] The preferred number of two combined tying and lifting members allows even mass distribution when lifted with both hands, which is ergonomically desirable.

[0018] Multiple packages may stand on a pallet so that the central longitudinal axes of the rolls are vertical. The combined tying and lifting members of the packages keep the rolls firmly together so that the rolls do not move during transport.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following the invention will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a package; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of another package; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a stretch film roll; Figure 4 shows an end view of the packages of Figs. 1 and 2; Figure 5 shows an end view of a package for six stretch film rolls. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Figure 1 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. There may be a core 5 around the central longitudinal axis around which the stretch film F is wound. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0021] The package 1 comprises one combined tying and lifting member 4 that ties the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting member 4 is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0023] The package 1 comprises two combined tying and lifting members 4 that tie the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting members 4 are transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0024] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a stretch film roll 2. A stretch film F is wound around a core 5. The stretch film F has folded side edges E, i.e. the stretch film F is folded double at the side edges E. Due to the folded side edges E the ends of the stretch film roll are more durable and thus, the stretch film roll 2 does not require particular shields at the ends against impacts.

[0025] Figure 4 shows the package 1 of Figs. 1 and 2 as an end view. The package 1 comprises four stretch film rolls 2 tied together by at least one combined tying and lifting member 4. Preferably the rolls are tied together by two combined tying and lifting members 4 as shown in Fig. 2.

[0026] The number of the rolls 2 may vary. There are usually from four to six rolls that form 2 x 2 or 2 x 3 matrices. 2 x 3 matrix is shown in Fig. 5.

[0027] Arrows point gripping zones G wherefrom one can lift the package 1, i.e. there is between the rolls 2 having circular cross-sections and the combined tying and lifting member 4 an area through which one can pass his fingers and lift the package 1. Every longitudinal side of the package has the gripping zone G and thus, it is insignificant what side of the package is up.

[0028] The tying and lifting member 4 may be a band comprising or consisting of polyethylene (PE), such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (PP). The above-mentioned plastic materials may be orientated. Besides the plastic materials it is possible that there is material originated from wooden fibers at the gripping zones G so that the package 1 is more convenient to lift. There may be a strip made of the wooden fibers, such as a cardboard or paper strip, under the plastic material.

[0029] It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as the technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. The invention and its embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0020]Figure 1 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. There may be a core 5 around the central longitudinal axis around which the stretch film F is wound. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2 are parallel to each other.

[0021]The package 1 comprises one combined tying and lifting member 4 that ties the bundle together. The combined tying and lifting member 4 is transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes A of the stretch film rolls 2.

[0022]Figure 2 shows a package 1 comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls 2 of equal length. The package 1 has a longitudinal midpoint M. Each stretch film roll 2 has a central longitudinal axis A. A stretch film F is wound around the central longitudinal axis A. The central longitudinal axes A of the stretch fi...

Claims

1. A package (1) comprising a bundle of stretch film rolls (2) of equal length and having a longitudinal midpoint (M), each stretch film roll (2) having a central longitudinal axis (A) and a stretch film (F) having side edges (E) wound around the central longitudinal axis (A), the central longitudinal axes (A) of the stretch film rolls (2) being parallel to each other, characterized in that the package (1) comprises at least one combined tying and lifting member (4) that ties the bundle together, the combined tying and lifting member (4) being transversal in respect of the central longitudinal axes (A) of the stretch film rolls (2).

2. The package according to claim 1, characterized in that the stretch film (F) has folded side edges (E).

3. The package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the package (1) has one combined tying and lifting member (4).

4. The package according to claim 3, characterized in that the package (1) has one combined tying and lifting member (4) at the longitudinal midpoint (M).

5. The package according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the package has the combined tying and lifting member (4) on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint (M).

6. The package according to claim 5, characterized in that the package (1) has the combined tying and lifting member (4) on both sides of the longitudinal midpoint (M) at the same distance from the longitudinal midpoint (M).

7. The package according to any preceding claim, characterized in that the combined tying and lifting member (4) comprises polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polypropylene (PP).

8. The package according to claim 5, characterized in that the combined tying and lifting member (4) comprises orientated high density polyethylene or orientated polypropylene.

9. The package according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the combined tying and lifting member (4) comprises material originated from wooden fibers.

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