Patent Application
20240010407
The invention relates to a blank for unfolding a holding device for containers with a beaded rim on the upper side, where the blank has a cover section for the arrangement on a row of containers, and where two oppositely disposed fixation sections are formed laterally at the cover section and are connected by way of fold lines to the cover section.
Such blanks and holding devices obtained therefrom are known, for example, from DE 602 12 630 T2 and WO 2018/035344 A1. With these previously known blanks, curved edges are provided at the fixation sections for engaging underneath the beaded rims of cans. The curvature of the edges is already created in the flat blank and follows a rounding of the cans; in other words, the edges for holding each can already run in a curved manner around a respective central axis in the flat state of the blank.
A blank for a holding device for cans which has star-shaped recesses for receiving the cans with edge sections curved towards the respective can is known from US 2011/0000799 A1. The inwardly projecting crests of the edge sections can engage underneath the beaded rims of the cans when the cans project through the recesses. WO 2009/023822 A1 discloses a similar blank in which the recesses have U-shaped sections.
For the transport and handling of packagings with containers, such as cans, it is important that the containers are held securely and in a stable manner. At the same time, the packaging and its holding device are to be simple and inexpensive to produce. Furthermore, it is desirable to have the containers be easily removable from the holding device.
It is an object of the invention to improve combining containers into a packaging in this respect.
This object is satisfied according to the invention by a blank having the features specified in claim 1, a holding device according to claim 13, and a packaging according to claim 14. The respective dependent claims and the description define advantageous embodiments.
According to the invention, a blank is provided for unfolding a holding device for containers having a beaded rim. The holding device can be obtained by folding the blank. The containers typically have a cylindrical outer surface. Typically, a beaded rim on the upper side projects radially outwardly beyond the outer surface of the containers. The outer surface can taper conically towards the beaded rim. The containers can be cans, for example, beverage cans.
The blank is basically made of a flat material. The flat material is preferably a flat material containing cellulose, in particular cardboard. Flat material containing cellulose can be easily recycled. The flat material can be coated and/or printed on. The coating or printing is preferably water-repellent. Alternatively or additionally, water-repellent additives can be introduced into the flat material containing cellulose. The flat material can be composite material, for example, a laminate. In particular, the flat material can be laminated with a plastic film. The blank is preferably in one piece.
The blank has a cover section. The cover section can be arranged on a row of containers. In other words, the cover section can cover the containers on the upper side that are arranged in a row. The row of containers typically runs in a rectilinear manner. The row comprises at least two containers. The row typically comprises at most six, in particular at most five, containers. For example, the row can comprise three containers.
Two fixation sections are formed at the cover section. The fixation sections are arranged disposed opposite to each other at the cover section. In other words, the fixation sections are on oppositely disposed sides of the cover section. The fixation sections run along the row of containers when they are held at the holding device that is obtained from the blank. The fixation sections are each connected to the cover section by way of a fold line. The fold lines can each comprise several sections that are separate from one another. Each fold line typically extends in a rectilinear manner overall in order to enable the respective fixation section to be bent relative to the cover section. The fold lines can be formed with embossing, perforations, and/or scoring. The fold lines can be combined crease-cut lines.
According to the invention, holding edges for engaging underneath the beaded rims of the containers are formed at the fixation sections by rectilinear main cut lines running offset parallel to the fold lines. The main cut lines run between the cover section and the respective fixation section. The main cut lines separate the cover section and the fixation sections from one another in certain sections. The main cut lines are typically offset outwardly, with respect to the row of containers, relative to the fold lines. In the state where a holding device that is obtained from the blank is placed on the containers, the holding edges engage underneath the beaded rims of the containers, while the cover section rests on the upper side on the containers, typically directly on the beaded rims. Since the cover sections and the holding edges abut against the containers or their beaded rims on different sides (namely above and below with respect to a normal use or storage position of the containers), the containers are held at the holding device immovably in the direction of their longitudinal axes. Two holding edges are typically disposed opposite each other with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container held by them. Due to the rectilinear extension of the main cut lines in the blank, a defined abutment of the holding edges against the beaded rims arises. In particular, the holding edges abut diametrically opposite one another in a locally confined contact zone against the beaded rim of the respective container. Due to the approximately punctiform abutment of the holding edges against the beaded rims in the respective contact zone, a comparatively strong latching of the containers at the holding device can be obtained. The containers are therefore held particularly securely. At the same time, the rectilinear extension of the main cut lines ensures a high level of stability of the fixation sections in the region of the holding edges, in particular with regard to the loading effect by the weight of the containers. The risk of the fixation sections buckling is effectively reduced by the rectilinear extension of the main cut lines in the blank. Furthermore, the locally confined contact zones form a rotary hinge about which the containers can be rotated for removal from the holding device.
The blank has preferably two cover sections for the arrangement on a row of containers each. Each row can comprise, for example, three containers as described above. The cover sections or the rows of the containers, respectively, generally run parallel to one another. Formed at the cover sections are oppositely disposed fixation sections which are each connected to the respective cover section by way of a fold line. Holding edges for engaging underneath the beaded rims of the containers are formed at the fixation sections by rectilinear main cut lines running offset parallel to the fold lines. In other words, the blank can have two similar holding devices, each for one row of containers. Each of the holding devices has a cover section each and two fixation sections with holding edges formed by rectilinear main cut lines.
The middle fixation sections, i.e. the ones running between the rows or the cover sections, respectively, are preferably connected to one another by way of a longitudinal fold line. The longitudinal fold line can be formed with embossing, perforations, and/or scoring. The longitudinal fold line makes it possible to bend the fixation sections that adjoin one another against one another. This allows the containers of the two rows to be brought into abutment against one another when the respective holding edges latch underneath the beaded rims.
The longitudinal fold line can be interrupted by at least one, preferably oval, punch-out. The punch-out is preferably oval, in particular where the punch-out has its greatest extension along the longitudinal fold line. A punch-out each is particularly preferably arranged between the main cut lines that are disposed opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal fold line. When the blank is in the unfolded state, the at least one punch-out allows the middle fixation sections to be inserted more deeply between the two rows of containers. The middle fixation sections therefore run at a steeper angle. As a result, the containers can be supported laterally in a more stable manner. In addition, the latching of the holding edges at the beaded rims is supported. In particular, oppositely disposed containers of the two rows can touch one another in the region of the punch-out.
A hand hold opening can be provided in the region of the longitudinal fold line. The hand hold opening can be formed with crossed dividing lines. The hand hold opening is preferably arranged between two sections of the fold lines which are disposed opposite one another with respect to the longitudinal fold line.
An abutment section each for the abutment against an outer surface of the containers advantageously adjoins the two outer fixation sections. If the blank has several cover sections, the outer fixation sections do not run between the rows or the cover sections, respectively. In a state where a holding device that is obtained from the blank is placed on the rows of containers, the abutment sections prevent the containers from moving away from one another transverse to the rows. If the blank has only a single cover section, then the two fixation sections are (inevitably) outer fixation sections with respect to the cover section or the one row, respectively. The fixation sections then stabilize the containers transverse to the direction of extension of the row.
The abutment sections particularly preferably have flaps for connecting the abutment sections to one another. The flaps make it possible to fasten one abutment section to the other abutment section. For this purpose, the flaps of the two abutment sections can be adhesively bonded together or hooked together. The connection of the abutment sections created by the flaps further stabilizes the holding device. The flaps abut against the outer surfaces of the containers. This means that the containers can thus be additionally affixed. In particular, the flaps can prevent the containers from moving apart along the rows.
A bend line each can run between the abutment sections and the fixation sections. The bend line can be formed with embossing, perforations, and/or scoring. The bend line can be configured as a creasing line.
The bend line can be formed in sections with, in particular, curved punch-out lines. The punch-out lines are typically arranged at the height of the holding edges, i.e. the punch-out lines and the respective holding edges are arranged at positions corresponding to each other along the rows. The bend lines and in particular the punch-out lines make it possible to make the abutment sections abut against the outer surfaces of the containers without affecting the latching of the holding edges underneath the beaded rims.
The bend line is preferably configured to be rectilinear and continuous. In particular, the bend line can run parallel to the fold lines and the main cut lines A continuously rectilinear bend line can be easily produced and can improve the abutment of the abutment sections against the outer surfaces of the containers.
At least one abutment hump can be formed on at least one of the flaps. At least one abutment hump is preferably formed on each flap. If a bend line is formed between the fixation section and the abutment section, then the abutment hump projects towards the cover section beyond the bend line at the associated abutment section. In the unfolded state, the abutment hump can be supported at the cover section. This can prevent the holding device or parts of the holding device from slipping, in particular if it abuts only loosely against the containers that it is holding. It can be prevented in particular that the flaps are pushed upwardly towards the cover sections.
An incision can run between the abutment hump and the fixation section. The incision enables the fixation section to be separated from the abutment hump in a simple manner. The incision can respectively start out from an end point of the bend line. The incision is preferably configured to be crescent-shaped in the flat state of the blank. This simplifies the unfolding of the blank to form the holding device and can improve the abutment of the abutment section with the flap, which carries the abutment hump, against a container of a packaging.
Pairs of score lines can respectively be provided between the main cut lines and the bend lines or the longitudinal fold line, respectively. The score lines preferably run parallel to one another and in particular perpendicular to the main cut lines and the bend lines or the longitudinal fold line, respectively. Two oppositely disposed pairs of score lines are preferably provided for each container. The score lines can further improve the latching of the holding edges underneath the beaded rims.
Auxiliary cut lines can extend from the main cut lines to the fold lines The auxiliary cut lines run between the cover section and the respective fixation section. The auxiliary cut lines simplify bending the fixation sections relative to the cover section. Furthermore, guide edges on the fixation sections formed by the auxiliary cut lines can hold the containers firmly along the rows. For this purpose, the guide edges can abut against the beaded lands of the containers. The guide edges and the holding edges form functional sections that are separate from one another for laterally guiding or holding the containers, respectively. These functional sections, which are separate from one another, can be optimized independently of one another for their respective task.
At least one of the auxiliary cut lines can run in a rectilinear manner. At least one of the auxiliary cut lines can run at a right angle relative to the associated main cut line. As a result, particularly strong lateral guidance of the containers can be achieved.
Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the auxiliary cut lines can run slanted relative to the associated main cut line. This can facilitate the removal of the containers from the holding device that is obtained from the blank. The auxiliary cut lines can run in a rectilinear manner. An angle between the auxiliary cut lines and the main cut lines can be at least 120° and/or at most 150°. Alternatively, some or all auxiliary cut lines can run in a curved manner.
A first auxiliary fold line can be formed in the fixation section and originate at a terminal section of one of the fold lines and run slanted relative to this section of the fold line. The terminal section of the fold line extends to a free edge of the blank. The first auxiliary fold line makes it easier to bend the fixation section relative to the cover section.
A second auxiliary fold line can be formed in the cover section and originate at a terminal section of one of the fold lines and run slanted relative thereto. The first and the second auxiliary fold lines preferably originate at the same terminal section of the fold line. The first and the second auxiliary fold lines can be configured to be folded in opposite directions. The abutment of the holding device that is obtained from the blank against the containers can be further improved by the second auxiliary fold line.
The first and/or the second auxiliary fold line can be formed with embossing, perforations, and/or scoring.
A holding device for containers, in particular cans, also falls within the scope of the present invention. The holding device is obtained from a blank according to the invention described above. To obtain the holding device, the blank is folded. The various fold and bend lines described above facilitate the unfolding of the blank to become the holder. The advantages described above can be exploited with the holding device according to the invention.
Finally, the scope of the present invention includes a packaging with a holding device according to the invention as described above, at which containers, in particular cans, are held, where the holding edges of the fixation sections engage underneath the beaded rims of the containers and the cover section or cover sections rest/s on the containers, in particular the beaded rims. The advantages described above can be utilized for the packaging. In order to affix the containers at the holding device, folding the blank to form the holding device can be carried out in whole or in part after the (flat or partially pre-folded) blank has been placed onto the containers.
If the abutment sections have flaps for connecting the abutment sections to one another, then the flaps can be affixed to one another, for example, adhesively bonded to one another. As a result, a particularly stable packaging is obtained. To adhesively bond the flaps together, adhesive can be introduced between the flaps. Alternatively or additionally, adhesive tape can be applied to the flaps.
Further advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the description and the drawing. According to the invention, the features mentioned above and those detailed below can each be used individually or collectively in any desired expedient combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood to be an exhaustive list, but rather have an exemplary character for the description of the invention.
The invention is illustrated in the drawing and is described using embodiments, where:
Blank 10 has two cover sections 16. Cover sections 16 can each be arranged on a row 18 of presently three containers 13. Two cover sections 16 extend parallel to one another.
Two fixation sections 20 adjoin each of cover sections 16. Two fixation sections 20 belonging to a cover section 16 are arranged on oppositely disposed sides of the respective cover section 16. Cover sections 16 and respective fixation sections 20 are each connected to one another by way of a fold line 22. Fold line 22 can be embossed into the flat material and/or can be obtained by perforating the flat material in sections. Fold lines 22 each extend in a rectilinear manner and are all parallel to one another. The two middle ones, i.e. fixation sections 20 running between two rows 18, are connected to one another by way of a longitudinal fold line 23.
Fold lines 22 are divided into several sections. A rectilinear main cut line 24 is formed in blank 10 between the sections of fold lines 22. Main cut lines 24 completely sever the flat material of blank 10. Main cut lines 24, firstly, directly adjoin cover sections 16 and, secondly, directly adjoin fixation sections 20. Main cut lines 24 are arranged offset in relation to fold lines 22, namely towards the outside as viewed from respective row 18 of containers 13. Main cut lines 24 each run in a rectilinear manner and parallel to fold lines 22.
Auxiliary cut lines 26, 28, 30 run from main cut lines 24 to fold lines 22. Auxiliary cut lines 26, 28, 30, firstly, directly adjoin cover sections 16 and, secondly, directly adjoin fixation sections 20. Auxiliary cut lines 26 on two middle fixation sections 20 are configured to be rectilinear. Auxiliary cut lines 26 can run at a right angle to main cut lines 24 and fold lines 22. Auxiliary cut lines 28 at outer fixation sections 20 are presently likewise configured to be rectilinear. Auxiliary cut lines 28 run slanted relative to main cut lines 24 and fold lines 22. Auxiliary cut lines 30 on outer fixation sections 20 run in a curved manner. Auxiliary cut lines 28, can each have extensions which extend substantially perpendicular to auxiliary cut lines 28, 30.
An abutment section 32 each adjoins two outer fixation sections 20. Abutment sections 32 and fixation sections 20 are each connected to one another at a bend line 34. Bend line 34 can be embossed into the flat material. In the embodiment illustrated, bend line 34 has punch-out lines 36 that are curved in sections. Punch-out lines 36 can penetrate the flat material in part or completely. Punch-out lines 36 are arranged at the height of main cut lines 24.
Abutment sections 32 each have a flap 38 at both ends. When blank 10 is in a flattened state, flaps 38 project in the direction of rows 18 beyond cover sections 16 and fixation sections Two flaps 38 arranged at the same ends of rows 18 can be joined together to stabilize the holding device 12 obtained from blank 10.
Formed at terminal sections, i.e. sections of outer fold lines 22 running to the free edges of blank 10, are a respective first auxiliary fold line 40 and a second auxiliary fold line 42. Auxiliary fold lines 40, 42 each run slanted relative to fold lines 22. First auxiliary fold lines 40 are arranged in fixation sections 20. Second auxiliary fold lines 42 are arranged in cover sections 16.
In order to obtain a packaging 44 shown in
Containers 13 are configured to be substantially cylindrical. Outer surfaces 46 can be conically tapered beneath beaded rims 14. Beaded rims 14 project in the radial direction beyond outer surfaces 46.
By bending fixation sections 20 relative to cover sections 16, blank 10 opens at main cut lines 24 and auxiliary cut lines 26, 28, 30. Holding edges 48 on fixation sections 20 are defined by main cut lines 24. Holding edges 48 engage underneath beaded rims 14, compare also
Auxiliary cut lines 26, 28, 30 each extend beyond beaded rims 14. Guide edges 50, formed by auxiliary cut lines 26, 28, 30 at the fixation sections, affix containers 13 along rows 18 due to their abutment against beaded rims 14, compare
At the corners of holding device 12, corner regions of cover sections 20 are bent downwardly along second auxiliary fold lines 42. First auxiliary fold lines 40 and the terminal sections of fold lines 22 make it possible to fold corner regions of fixation sections 20 under the corner regions of cover sections 20, compare in particular
Main cut lines 24 and fold lines 22, at which cover sections 16 adjoin fixation sections 20, run in a rectilinear manner and offset parallel to one another here as well. Auxiliary cut lines 26, 30 presently run slanted relative to main cut lines 24 and fold lines 22. Auxiliary cut lines 26 can run in a rectilinear manner. Auxiliary cut lines 30 can run in a curved manner.
Outer fixation sections 20 each adjoin an abutment section 32 on a rectilinear continuous bend line 34. Abutment sections 32 each have a flap 38 at both ends. An incision 52 each runs between one of flaps 38 and adjacent fixation section 20. Incision 52 presently extends in a crescent shape starting out from the end points of bend lines 34.
Flaps 38 have abutment humps 54 adjoining incisions 52. Flaps 38 of one of abutment sections 32 presently furthermore each have a further abutment hump 56. Abutment humps 54, 56 project beyond respective bend line 34 towards respective cover section 16. When blank 10 is unfolded to become a holding device, abutment humps 54, 56 can support flaps 38 on cover sections 16.
Further abutment humps 56 of flaps 38 of one abutment section 32 in the unfolded state can overlap in sections with abutment humps 54 of flaps 38 of other abutment section 32. It goes without saying that a (first) abutment hump and a further abutment hump could be provided on diagonally opposite flaps, where the respective other flap of the two abutment sections each only has one (first) abutment hump (not shown in detail).
Blank 10 from
Furthermore, dividing lines 60 are provided in the region of longitudinal fold line 23. Dividing lines 60 can run in a crossed manner. A hand hold opening 62 can be obtained by bending over the material adjoining dividing lines 60. Hand hold opening 62 can be defined by bending edges 64.
Blank 10 can be indented at the free ends of longitudinal fold line 23. As shown by way of example in
Two score lines 66 parallel to each other in blank 10 of
In summary, the invention relates to a blank made of flat material. The blank has at least one cover section with two adjoining fixation sections. A fold line and main cut lines run between the cover section and each of the fixation sections. The fold lines and the main cut lines extend in a rectilinear manner and parallel to each other. The fold lines and the main cut lines are offset from each other. Holding edges are formed on the fixation sections by the rectilinear main cut lines. A holding device can be obtained from the blank by folding. Containers with a beaded rim can be affixed to the holding device so that a packaging is obtained. For this purpose, the holding edges on the fixation sections engage underneath the beaded rims, where they abut against the beaded rims in a locally confined manner. The cover sections cover the containers.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 2020 214 724.8 | Nov 2020 | DE | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2021/082163 | 11/18/2021 | WO |
