TRANSPORTABLE PACKAGING UNIT AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING SAID TYPE OF PACKAGING UNIT

Abstract

The invention relates to a transportable packaging unit (10), having a packaging content (11), a covering (12) surrounding the packaging content (11) and connecting means (15a-d) connecting the packaging content (11) and the covering (12). The covering (12) has an outer shape which can roll. A packaging unit which is particularly simple and flexible to use is achieved such that the connecting means (15a-d) fix the content of the packaging (11) in the covering (12).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and the storage of goods. The invention relates to a transportable packaging unit according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention further relates to a method for producing such a packaging unit.

2. Discussion of Related Art

Handling goods of all types, which are produced, packaged and finally transported to distributors or customers, requires sophisticated logistics which, in particular, comprises storing the goods and removing the goods from storage and transportation, particularly in these times of online commerce via the Internet.

Many consumer goods, clothing, electrical and electronic devices and the like are already provided with separate packaging by the manufacturer and if required combined together to form larger units which are available, for example, on standard pallets. These pallets are generally moved by forklift trucks, loaded onto trucks or unloaded from trucks and positioned on the shelves of a warehouse for storage and if required removed from storage again.

In specific areas of logistics, in particular, automated high-bay warehouses are used, said high-bay warehouses being operated by automated loading and unloading devices in the aisles between the individual shelves.

In this type of warehouse, it is a costly procedure that the goods stored last in the warehouse generally have to be removed first from the warehouse, as the shelves are generally only filled and emptied from one side. If the goods combined to form larger units are transported on standard pallets, such a larger unit has to be divided up in order to provide individual examples of the goods for further handling. This leads to additional problems if the units are held together on the pallet by a film wrapped around the units.

It is known, for example, in high-bay warehouses to insert pallets with the goods positioned thereon into the shelves on roller tracks sloping toward the unloading side, so that the pallets automatically move toward the unloading side and the next pallet automatically slides down when the previous pallet has been removed from the shelf. At the same time, the removed pallets have to be transported from the warehouse by expensive technical devices.

The situation where the goods are stored and removed from storage individually in their own packaging is even more problematical. If different goods are present, having different types and/or sizes of packaging, the situation is even more complicated. Storage of the goods and removal of the goods from storage by automated and mechanical means is only able to be implemented with great difficulty in this case, so that generally the storage of the goods and the removal of the goods from storage is carried out manually.

The above applies equally to the transportation of goods from the manufacturer to the warehouse or from the warehouse to the distributor or end customers.

The provision of a packaging container is proposed in the publication JP 2006016044, said packaging container being able to be easily transported, being able to hold a packaged object horizontally and also being able to improve the receiving efficiency in a receiving space.

To this end, the spherical packaging container is provided with a first container which is a spherical hollow body, a second container which is a spherical hollow body which is received in the first container and which receives a packaged object and coupling means which couple the first container and the second container together about a degree of freedom of two or more axes.

A third spherical container is provided which is a spherical hollow body which is received in the first container and which receives the second container, the inner surface of the first container and the outer surface of the third container being coupled together at two points by using first coupling members which are positioned on a first straight line which runs through the central point of the third container, and the inner surface of the third container and the outer surface of the second container being coupled together at two points by using second coupling members which are positioned on a second straight line which runs through the central point of the second container and perpendicular to the first straight line.

As the spherical packaging container has a spherical shape, a working force is able to roll the spherical packaging container for conveyance. Accordingly, it is not always necessary to lift the spherical packaging container during conveyance and the spherical packaging container is able to be easily conveyed. Moreover, a groove may be provided for the conveyance of the spherical packaging container. In this case, when the groove is provided with a gradient, the spherical packaging container is naturally rolled by the gravitational force and conveyed from a high side to a low side. The inner container is always able to be held horizontally even when the spherical packaging container is rolled.

A drawback with this type of packaging and packaging container is the exceptionally complicated internal construction of the packaging which is not practicable when processing large flows of goods. A drawback, however, is also the movable storage of goods and/or packaging contents in the packaging container which, if the center of gravity of the goods is not located exactly in the central point of the sphere, results in wobbling and rolling movement sequences which are not able to be controlled.

The publication U.S. Pat. No. 7,954,661 B2 discloses a transport container which comprises a spherical container and a heat accumulating material which is arranged inside the spherical container. The heat accumulating material has a space in which an object to be transported may be accommodated. This space is located in the center of the spherical container. The heat accumulating material surrounds the object to be transported, namely living cell cultures, spherically so that practically the entire heat of the heat accumulating material may be used in order to maintain the temperature of the object to be transported. The spherical shape of the container is selected in order to minimize the outer surface radiating the heat and thus to extend the temperature retention time. Rolling transportation is not provided for this transport container.

The publication U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,438 A discloses a spherical, divided capsule for receiving an article or a plurality of articles. The capsule may be separated without causing damage, wherein the parts comprise interlocking closure elements which result in a stable connection of the parts so that the capsule is suitable for use in vending machines.

The publication GB 2 482 476 A discloses a container with a round cross section. Two shafts are attached to the outer surface of the container and are aligned within a common axis which is perpendicular to the round cross section. Straps are fastened to the shafts. The container may be filled and emptied via openings. If the straps are pulled the container rolls about the common axis. The container may be spherical or cylindrical. The transportation is limited to liquids.

An intelligent system for real-time processing of orders with automatic delivery of goods to customers is disclosed in the publication CN 201942318 U, said system operating with spherical transport containers which respectively comprise a spherical casing and an insert arranged therein which is adapted to a square, cylindrical or round container located in the sphere, said container ultimately receiving the actual goods. This system is designed for long transport paths between the seller of the goods and the customer receiving the goods, via transport pipes and transport paths generally laid underground in all types of location.

A packaging unit, which may be produced and used in a simple manner and which is able to be easily transported by rolling and which may be flexibly adapted to different shapes and sizes of contents, is desirable but not known from the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, the object of the invention to provide a packaging unit which has the desired properties and a method for the production thereof.

The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 25.

The transportable packaging unit according to the invention comprises packaging contents, a casing surrounding the packaging contents and a connecting means connecting the packaging contents to the casing, wherein the surrounding casing has the external shape of a rollable body. The packaging unit is characterized in that the connecting means fixes the packaging contents in the casing.

One embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the casing has a round three-dimensional shape. In this sense anything which permits a fully circumferential continuous rolling process on a closed circumferential line of the casing is regarded as round.

The casing, in particular, has a cylindrical or barrel shape.

Preferably, the casing has a spherical shape.

It is also conceivable, however, that the casing has a polyhedral shape. The rolling process in this case is not as uniform as in a round three-dimensional shape but may be adapted if the individual surfaces are selected to be small and the edges between the surfaces are rounded.

In particular, the casing is of multi-part construction.

Preferably the casing is of two-part construction and comprises two casing segments which abut one another in a separating plane.

In particular, the casing is made up of two similar halves.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the casing is configured as a shell enclosing an internal space and that the casing is closed. It is also conceivable, however, that the casing has through-holes or is configured in the shape of a grid or mesh.

In particular, the casing has a uniform wall thickness.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means is fixedly connected to the casing and/or the packaging contents.

In particular, the connecting means is part of the casing.

Alternatively, the connecting means is part of the packaging contents.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means comprise one or more films. The packaging contents in this case are preferably welded into the films and then fixed to the casing by means of the films.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means comprises filling bodies which fill up the casing and surround the packaging contents so as to embed said contents.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means comprises spacers which hold the packaging contents at a distance from the casing.

In particular, the spacers may have gas-filled cavities.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the connecting means resiliently fixes the packaging contents in the casing.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that at least one direct or indirect element containing information about the contents is arranged on the packaging unit so as to be able to be scanned externally. Thus it is possible to establish at any time what type of contents is located in the packaging unit so that when storing goods and removing goods from storage it is possible to proceed accordingly.

In particular, the at least one element containing information about the contents is an RFID element and/or a barcode.

Other types of codes applied, such as for example matrix codes, color codes, numerical codes, thermocodes or holograms are also conceivable as information and/or identification means or as a security feature. All of these means may be read optically, magnetically or by radio and namely either as passive means which are scanned externally or as active means which in turn transmit information.

The packaging unit may be also provided with a separate intelligent system, for example in the form of electronic means for data or signal processing, for example by a microprocessor and corresponding data storage devices. In this case, associated transmitting and receiving devices may exchange signals wirelessly with the surroundings via antenna elements attached to the outer face. It is, however, also conceivable to arrange electrical contacts at specific points of the casing, said electrical contacts being accessible externally and internal circuits being able to be accessed thereby.

In combination with internal electronic devices in the packaging unit, internal energy storage devices and/or energy converters may be provided, said energy storage devices and/or energy converters storing mechanical energy (spring, gas pressure), thermal energy (heat accumulator) or electromagnetic energy (capacitor, battery, accumulator, coil, etc.) or producing energy (piezoelectric converter, inductive converter, etc.).

It is also conceivable to provide locating means within the packaging unit, the location of the unit being able to be determined and tracked at any time thereby. In an extreme case, determining the location by means of a GPS system or comparable systems is considered here. Also, permanent magnets may be arranged within the packaging unit, said permanent magnets being scanned externally or being able to trigger switching processes when passing specific locations.

A further embodiment of the packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that the casing has a central point and/or a central axis, that the packaging contents have a center of gravity and that the packaging contents are arranged in the casing such that the center of gravity of the packaging contents approximately coincides with the central point and/or is located in the central axis. It is ensured that the packaging unit starts to roll easily and/or rolls uniformly by the center of gravity and the central point and/or central axis coinciding. If the weight of the packaging contents is relatively low, however, a greater deviation between the center of gravity and the central point and/or central axis may also be permitted.

With two similar halves of the casing it is advantageous if the two similar halves interlock when placed together.

Closure devices engaging in the connecting region of the similar halves are provided, in particular, for the interlocking of the similar halves. As a result, the casing may be rapidly and securely closed.

It is also conceivable that lockable closure elements are arranged in the connecting region of the similar halves for the interlocking of the similar halves. In this manner, for example, the halves may be connected together in the manner of a bayonet closure.

The method according to the invention for producing a packaging unit according to the invention is characterized in that in a first step the packaging contents are provided, in a second step the casing is provided and in a third step the packaging contents are introduced into the casing. The separate provision of the casing makes it necessary for the interior of the casing to be accessible from the outside. This may be permitted, for example, by separating the halves or by an access to the casing which is open toward the outside. However, it is also conceivable that the casing is produced retrospectively around the packaging contents by, for example, the packaging contents introduced into a hollow shape being encased by a casing material.

One embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that a multi-part casing is provided and that in the third step the casing is opened or held open, the packaging contents are introduced into the open casing and the casing is closed. This is the case, in particular, in casings which are made up of two similar half-shells.

In particular, when inserting the packaging contents into the open casing the connecting means is introduced therewith.

In particular, the connecting means is introduced separately into the open casing.

It is, however, also conceivable that the connecting means is initially connected to the packaging contents and introduced therewith into the open casing.

Alternatively, however, the connecting means may initially be connected to the casing and receive the packaging contents together with the open casing.

The outer surface of the casing is the surface with which the packaging unit rolls on a substructure. Therefore, it should have sufficient hardness in order to withstand frictional and/or impact loads occurring during the rolling process, over a sufficiently long period of use.

The surface of the casing may be of smooth configuration but may also have protuberances or local indentations as in a golf ball, in order to produce specific running or rolling properties. Moreover, if the ability to roll in any direction is not desired, one or more peripheral guide beads may be provided on the outer face, said guide beads providing the rolling movement with a specific preferred direction.

In particular, suitable plastics are considered as materials, said plastics having different degrees of transparency but also being able to be completely opaque. In individual cases it is also conceivable to use a tough glass as material for the casing, such as for example as is used in reusable beverage bottles. In particular cases, however, the casing may also be produced from a suitable metal or metal alloy if, for example, thermal or electromagnetic properties are important, in particular screening properties, for example.

If the type of casing material is opaque, local visibility of the interior may be provided by viewing apertures being applied at specific points of the casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is to be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to exemplary embodiments, in combination with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention with a shell-shaped, spherical or cylindrical casing around cube-shaped or cuboidal packaging contents and a plurality of cushion-shaped spacers between the packaging contents and the casing;

FIG. 2 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention with a casing comparable to FIG. 1 and comparable packaging contents which are held between the halves of the casing by means of the application of a film and is additionally supported by cushion-shaped spacers;

FIG. 3 shows in a detail a possible connection between the two halves of the casing of FIG. 2, the film being able to be held securely between said two halves;

FIG. 4 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a third exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the space between the packaging contents and the casing is filled completely by a plurality of filling bodies;

FIG. 5 shows the packaging unit of FIG. 4 in which the packaging contents are displaced in order to bring the center of gravity of the packaging contents to coincide with the central point of the spherical casing and/or the central axis of the cylindrical casing;

FIG. 6 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents are completely enclosed by a filled casing;

FIG. 7 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents are complemented by the fixing of a plurality of spherical portions to form a rollable body (in this case a sphere);

FIG. 8 shows different steps for producing a packaging unit according to FIG. 2, in which the center of gravity of the packaging contents is placed in the central point of the casing;

FIG. 9 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents are held in the casing itself in the open state (FIG. 9a) and in the closed state (FIG. 9b);

FIG. 10 shows a packaging unit according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents may be inserted from an open side into the interior of the casing (FIG. 10b) and the open side is able to be closed by a pivotable visor (FIG. 10a);

FIG. 11 shows a partial sectional view of a packaging unit according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents are fixed in the casing by loose filling material;

FIG. 12 shows in a partial sectional view a packaging unit according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents may be inserted from one open side into the interior of the casing which is then able to be closed by a lid;

FIG. 13 shows a packaging unit according to a ninth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the two casing segments are able to be connected together in the manner of a bayonet closure;

FIG. 14 shows a packaging unit according to a tenth exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the packaging contents are clamped between two films attached to the casing segments;

FIGS. 15-17 show shapes of the packaging unit according to the invention deviating from a sphere, with guide elements required for the movement thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A central feature of the present solution is a packaging unit which is designed such that it is able to roll automatically on an inclined plane with sufficient gradient. The packaging contents which contain the goods to be transported and/or stored are arranged in the packaging unit. Externally, the packaging unit has a shape which is suitable for automatic rolling. This may be a spherical shape, a cylindrical shape, a barrel shape, an elliptical shape or in an extreme case a polyhedral shape. The external shape of the packaging unit is formed and provided by a casing which more or less completely encloses the packaging contents. In an extreme case, the casing may be in one piece but generally consists of a plurality of casing segments which are directly or indirectly connected together if the packaging contents are to be enclosed. The outer surface of the casing is the surface with which the packaging unit rolls on a substrate. Therefore, it should have sufficient hardness in order to withstand the frictional and/or impact loads occurring during the rolling process over a sufficiently long period of use.

The surface of the casing may be of smooth configuration but may also have protuberances or local indentations as in a golf ball, in order to produce specific running or rolling properties. Moreover, if the ability to roll in any direction is not desired, one or more peripheral guide beads may be provided on the outer face, said guide beads providing a specific preferred direction to the rolling movement.

In particular, suitable plastics are considered as materials, said plastics having different degrees of transparency but also being able to be completely opaque. In individual cases it is also conceivable to use a tough glass as material for the casing, for example as is used in reusable beverage bottles. In particular cases, however, the casing may also be produced from a suitable metal or metal alloy if, for example, thermal or electromagnetic properties, in particular screening properties for example, are important.

If the type of casing material is opaque, local visibility of the interior may be provided by viewing apertures being attached at specific points of the casing.

The packaging contents and casing are connected together by connecting means such that the packaging contents are fixed in the casing and is not able to be moved relative to the casing or only slightly. The packaging unit forms in this manner a fixed unit which rolls as a solid body on substantially predictable tracks.

A packaging unit according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1 in a partial sectional view. The packaging unit 10 comprises packaging contents 11 (in the example cube-shaped or cuboidal) which are surrounded at a distance by a closed casing 12 which is made up of two half shell-shaped casing segments 12a, b. The packaging contents 11 in this example are shown as a package in which the actual goods are packed. The casing 12 has a wall with a uniform wall thickness d. Naturally, the wall thickness may also be varied. Moreover, reinforcing elements, such as for example ribs, beads or the like, may be attached or formed inside or outside on the casing 12, said reinforcing elements, in particular, mechanically stabilizing the casing 12. The casing may be configured to be single-layered but also multi-layered.

In the example of FIG. 1 the packaging contents 11, with the diagonals thereof, are smaller than the internal diameter of the casing 12 so that without additional fixing means the packaging contents 11 would be movable in the casing 12 and during the rolling of the packaging unit 10 would lead to damage to the packaging contents 11 or to the casing 12. Additionally, when rolled, the packaging unit 10 would perform unpredictable movements which are undesirable when the packaging unit is transported. The packaging contents 11 are, therefore, fixed in the casing 12 by means of a plurality of spacers 15a-d. The spacers may have different shapes and may be arranged at different positions between the packaging contents 11 and the casing 12. In the example of FIG. 1 the spacers 15a-d are cushion-shaped and in each case are positioned between a side surface of the packaging contents 11 and the casing 12. The spacers 15a-d are preferably resiliently deformable so that they press with a certain force against the packaging contents 11 but are also able to absorb impacts during transportation and to keep impacts away from the packaging contents 11.

The spacers 15a-d may, for example, consist of a resilient plastics foam. However, they may also be gas-filled cushions as are used when packaging goods. The spacers 15a-d may be fastened to the inner wall of the casing 12 or in turn to the packaging contents 11. They may, however, also be located freely between the packaging contents 11 and the casing 12, wherein their position is fixed for example by the friction between the spacers 15a-d and the inner wall of the casing 12. Also, the spacers may form part of a film. Naturally, the spacers 15a-d may also be specifically pre-shaped in order to ensure improved adaptation to the packaging contents 11 and/or the casing 12. Thus it is conceivable, for example, to form recesses in the spacers 15a-d in the form of a cube corner, in order to be able to arrange them securely on the cube corners of the packaging contents 11, in contrast to that shown in FIG. 1.

If the packaging contents 11 are fixed by the spacers 15a-d in the casing 12 in the manner shown in FIG. 1, the position of the packaging contents 11 inside the casing 12 may preferably be selected so that the center of gravity 19 of the packaging contents coincides with the central point of the casing 12 (in a casing 12 of spherical shape). Certain deviations between the central point of the sphere and the center of gravity 19 may be tolerated, depending on the total weight of the packaging contents 11. With heavy packaging contents 11, however, a greater deviation leads to uneven movement patterns of the packaging unit 10 which make transportation difficult. In combination with a method for producing a packaging unit according to the invention details are provided below on how the coincidence between the center of gravity 19 and the central point of the packaging unit 10 may be achieved in a simple manner.

A different type of fixing is shown in FIG. 2. The casing 12 in the packaging unit 10′ is the same as in FIG. 1. The same applies to the packaging contents 11. The fixing connection is effected in FIG. 2, on the one hand, as in FIG. 1 by spacers 15a, b but, on the other hand, an application of film 16 is also used, said film enclosing the packaging contents 11, being guided in the separating plane 13 of the casing 12 on opposing sides and being fixed there so as to be tensioned between the two casing segments 12a and 12b. The fixing by means of the application of film 16 has the advantage that it may be performed rapidly and effectively by known methods.

The application of film 16 may be implemented between the casing segments 12a and 12b by friction, adhesive bonding or by pins or rods, which extend from one casing segment through the film 16 to the other casing segment. In order to enlarge the effective surfaces in the case of friction or adhesive bonding, an overlapping connection 17 may be provided as in FIG. 3.

A further type of connection between the packaging contents 11 and the two-part casing 12 is shown in FIG. 4. Each of the half shell-shaped casing segments 12a, b is in this case provided with a filling body 18a, b, which completely fills up the space between the half-shell and the packaging contents 11. The filling bodies 18a, b may be freely arranged between the casing 12 and the packaging contents 11. The fixing then takes place by the positive connection and/or frictional connection. The filling bodies 18a, b may, however, also be optionally fastened to the packaging contents 11 and/or to the inner face of the casing 12 and/or the casing segments 12a, b, for example adhesively bonded. The filling bodies 18a, b may be prefabricated elements but it is also conceivable that they are produced by the filling and subsequent solidification of a suitable material, for example a foam material, in the intermediate spaces between the packaging contents 11 and casing 12. In the last-mentioned case it is expedient to provide separating films around the packaging contents and in the separating plane 13, so that the packaging contents 11 may be subsequently removed in a simple and safe manner.

In the examples shown and discussed above, the center of gravity 19 of the packaging contents 11 was located in the central point of the (cube-shaped) packaging contents 11. A symmetrical arrangement of the packaging contents 11 in the casing 12, therefore, was sufficient in order to bring the center of gravity 19 to coincide with the central point of the (spherical) casing 12, and/or toward the central axis of a casing with a cylindrical shape. If the center of gravity 19 is displaced relative thereto from the central point of the packaging contents 11, as shown in FIG. 5, in the packaging unit 20′ the center of gravity 19 may as a result be moved into the central point of the casing 12, by the packaging contents 11 being arranged inside the casing 12 so as to be displaced as a whole by a corresponding distance. In this case it goes without saying that the filling bodies 18a, b or other connecting means have to be accordingly adapted, in order to secure the packaging contents 11 in the new position. If the position of the center of gravity 19 is known in advance, the filling bodies 18a, b may be accordingly configured. With a retrospective filling of filling material this adaptation takes place automatically.

It is also conceivable, however, with a displaced center of gravity 19 of the packaging contents 11 (dashed lines in FIG. 4) to perform a correction such that the symmetrical arrangement according to FIG. 4 is maintained but a compensation weight 63 is introduced in the packaging unit, said compensation weight bringing the center of gravity of the entire system, namely the packaging contents 11 plus the compensation weight 63, to coincide again with the central point of the casing 12.

A further possibility of producing a packaging unit in the form of a rolling body according to FIG. 6 is to encase the packaging contents 11 with a one-piece casing 22, by for example the packaging contents 11 being introduced into a corresponding spherical hollow shape and then being encased by a suitable material. In order to improve the ability of the packaging contents 11 and the casing 22 to be separated, the packaging contents 11 may be surrounded by a separating layer 24. Moreover, the packaging unit 21 thus formed may be provided externally with a robust top layer 23, which facilitates the rolling process and as a whole protects the packaging unit 21. The casing 22 may, for example, consist of foamed material such as styropor or the like which is introduced into the hollow shape and solidified there. Also, in this case a correction and/or displacement of the center of gravity 19 may naturally be undertaken.

It is also conceivable, however, according to FIG. 7, to attach spherical portions 26a-d to the outer faces of the (cube-shaped) packaging contents 11 which then in their entirety produce a sphere encasing the packaging contents 11 and thus form a rollable packaging unit 25. The spherical portions 26a-d may be adhesively bonded thereto and additionally or alternatively may be held together by annular securing elements circulating externally, such as hoops or strips or films.

If the packaging contents 11, for example according to FIG. 2, are fixed by the application of film in the casing, the application of film may be used to correct an eccentric position of the center of gravity 19 of the packaging contents 11. In FIG. 8 the essential steps of a corresponding method are shown. Proceeding from the packaging contents 11 (FIG. 8(a)), according to a method known per se (see for example the publications U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,544 A or WO 03019122 A1) the center of gravity 19 of the packaging contents 11 is initially determined (FIG. 8(b)). The subsequent application of film in which the packaging contents 11 are enclosed between two partial films 28a, b, is carried out so that the resulting application of film 28 extends outside the packaging contents 11 in a plane of the center of gravity 27, which runs through the center of gravity 19 (FIG. 8(c)). If the packaging contents 11 which are enclosed in film are subsequently introduced into the casing 29 so that the plane of the center of gravity 27 coincides with the separating plane of the casing 29, the center of gravity 19 is already in the separating plane of the casing. Only a displacement in the separating plane is required now (see arrow) in order to bring the center of gravity 19 finally into the central point of the casing (FIG. 8 (d)).

In the examples discussed above the packaging contents 11 were arranged inside the casing at a distance from the casing. This is, however, not absolutely necessary. FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a packaging unit 30 in which the packaging contents 11 extend in a longitudinal direction, sufficiently far transversely through the casing 31 comprising two casing segments 31a and 31b that it directly engages in the casing 31 with its end arranged in the longitudinal direction. To this end, corresponding recesses 32a and 32b are provided in the casing 31 by which the casing segments 31a and 31b encompass and hold the packaging contents 11. Filling the remaining spaces between the packaging contents 11 and the casing 31 is not absolutely necessary here but may be advisable for reasons of stability.

It is also conceivable according to FIG. 10 to provide a packaging unit 33 in which a one-piece casing 34 is present which contains a receiver space 35 which is able to be guided from an open side with the packaging contents. The connection between the packaging contents, not shown in FIG. 10, and the casing 34 is facilitated by finger-shaped adapter elements 36 which are able to be bent in a flexible manner and which protrude into the receiver space 35. The opening in the sleeve 34 may be closed by a visor 37 which is pivotable about an axis (FIG. 10(a)) and which is pivoted up for loading the casing 34 with the packaging contents (FIG. 10(b)). The visor 37 is shaped and attached such that in the closed state it completes the missing part of the spherical hollow 34.

As shown by way of example in FIG. 10, all previously described spherical packaging units may be rolled in a simple manner by means of gravitational force in an inclined groove 38 which is designed accordingly and based on the cross-sectional contour, in order to be stored or removed from storage, for example. It goes without saying that a tube with a corresponding internal diameter may be used instead of the groove 38.

A further exemplary embodiment of a packaging unit according to the invention is shown in FIG. 11. The packaging unit 40 shown there is once again made up of a casing 39 and packaging contents 11. The casing 39 consists of two casing segments 39a, b which are connected together by suitable closure devices 41a, b in an interlocking and releasable manner. The packaging contents 11 in this case are mounted in a manner which is substantially fixed and secure against impact within the casing 39 by means of a flake-type filling material 42. The filling material 42 preferably comprises flakes or chips of irregular shape and made of plastics or a biodegradable material, such as are known for example from packaging technology, and which become trapped and make movement practically impossible. The filling material 42 may be poured or blown into the open casing 39 in a simple manner.

In order to make the packaging contents 11 identifiable at any time without the packaging unit 40 having to be opened, a tag, in particular an RFID element or RFID tag 43, may be attached outside or inside to the casing 39, said RFID element or RFID tag being able to be read by corresponding wirelessly operating means. Alternatively or additionally to the RFID element 43, as shown in FIG. 12, a barcode 50 may be provided. Both elements contain information about the packaging contents 11 which enable clear identification of the packaging contents 11. Other types of codes applied, such as for example matrix codes, color codes, numerical codes, thermal codes or holograms, are also conceivable as information or identification means or as a safety feature. All of these means may be read optically, magnetically or by radio and namely either as passive means which are scanned externally or as active means which in turn transmit information.

The packaging unit may also be provided with a separate intelligent system, for example in the form of electronic means for data or signal processing, for example by a microprocessor and corresponding data storage. Associated transmitting and receiving devices in this case may exchange signals wirelessly with the surroundings via antenna elements attached to the outer face. It is also conceivable, however, to arrange at specific points on the casing electrical contacts which are accessible from the outside and via which internal circuits may be accessed.

In connection with internal electronic devices in the packaging unit internal energy storage devices and/or energy converters may be provided, said energy storage devices and/or energy converters storing mechanical energy (spring, gas pressure), thermal energy (heat accumulator) or electromagnetic energy (capacitor, battery, accumulator, coil, etc.) or producing energy (piezoelectric converter, inductive converter, etc.).

It is also conceivable to provide locating means within the packaging unit, by means of which the location of the unit may be determined and tracked at any time. In an extreme case, a device for determining the location by means of a GPS system or comparable systems are considered here. Also, permanent magnets may be arranged within the packaging unit, said magnets being scanned externally or being able to trigger switching processes when passing specific locations.

A further exemplary embodiment of a packaging unit according to the invention is shown in FIG. 12. The packaging unit 44 shown there comprises a casing 45 with an interior 46 delimited by a cylindrical inner wall 49 for receiving the packaging contents (not shown). The internal space 46 is accessible from one side through a round opening arranged coaxially and which may be closed by a corresponding lid 48. The lid 48 in this case forms with its outer face part of the spherical casing 45. By the formation of the cylindrical internal space 46, weight-reducing recesses may be provided outside the inner wall 49, such as for example a peripheral hollow space 47. Also, in this case an RFID element 43 and/or a barcode 50 once again serve for the identification of the packaging contents.

According to FIG. 13, in a packaging unit 52 for connecting the hemi-spherical casing segments 51a, b, closure elements 54, 55 which are adapted to one another and which interlock may be provided, said closure elements permitting a releasable connection of the casing segments 51a, b in the manner of a bayonet closure. The closing and opening of the packaging unit 52 is carried out in this case by mutual rotation of the casing segments 51a, b about the rotational axis 53 (FIG. 13 (b)). The packaging contents are not shown here. An RFID element 43 may be arranged externally on the casing (FIG. 13(b)) or even inside the casing (FIG. 13(a)).

A manner of fixing the packaging contents 11 in the casing which is comparable with FIG. 2 is shown in FIG. 14. The packaging unit 56 shown here comprises two casing segments 57a, b. The open side of each casing segment is closed by a tensioned but resiliently flexible film or membrane, which acts as a fixing element 58a, b. The two films/membranes and/or fixing elements 58a, b, when the casing is closed, clamp the packaging contents 11 therebetween so that it is securely held. Also, in this case an RFID element 43 may be provided (FIG. 14(a)), said RFID element being able to be securely accommodated in a recess on the outer face of the casing (FIG. 14(b)).

Although substantially spherical packaging units have been discussed in the above descriptions, it has already been mentioned above that other rolling body shapes may be used within the scope of the invention. FIGS. 15-17 show corresponding examples: the packaging unit 61 of FIG. 15 has the external shape of a barrel with a bulging outer face. The packaging unit 62 of FIG. 16 is cylindrical with straight side surfaces. The packaging unit 60 of FIG. 17 has a cylindrical central part and hemi-spherical end parts. Common to all cases is that they require guide elements 59 in order to perform an organized and predictable movement during transportation.

Claims

1. A transportable packaging unit (10, 10′, 20, 20′, 21, 25, 30, 33, 40, 44, 52, 56, 60, 61, 62) comprising: packaging contents (11), a casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) surrounding the packaging contents (11), and a connecting means (15a-d, 16, 18a, b, 22, 26a-d, 28, 32a, b, 36, 42, 49, 58a, b) connecting the packaging contents (11) to the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45), wherein the surrounding casing (12, 12a, b, 22, 26a-d, 29, 34, 45, 51a, b, 57a, b) includes an external shape of a rollable body, wherein the connecting means (15a-d, 16, 18a, b, 22, 26a-d, 28, 32a, b, 36, 42, 49, 58a, b) fixes the packaging contents (11) in the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45).

2. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) comprises a round three-dimensional shape.

3. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the casing comprises a cylindrical or barrel shape (60, 61, 62).

4. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 2, wherein the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) comprises a spherical shape.

5. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing comprises a polyhedral shape.

6. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is of multi-part construction.

7. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 6, wherein the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39) is of two-part construction and comprises two casing segments (12a, b, 31a, b, 39a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b) which abut one another in a separating plane (13).

8. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 7, wherein the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39) is made up of two similar halves (12a, b, 31a, b, 39a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b).

9. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is configured as a shell enclosing an internal space (14) and in that the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is closed.

10. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 9, wherein the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39) has a uniform wall thickness (d).

11. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means (15a-d, 16, 18a, b, 22, 26a-d, 28, 32a, b, 36, 42, 49, 58a, b) is fixedly connected to the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) and/or the packaging contents (11).

12. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting means (36) is part of the casing (34).

13. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 11, wherein the connecting means is part of the packaging contents (11).

14. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises one or more films (16, 28, 28a, b, 58a, b).

15. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises filling bodies (18a, b) which fill up the casing (12) and surround the packaging contents (11) so as to embed said contents.

16. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means comprises spacers (15a-d, 36) which hold the packaging contents (11) at a distance from the casing (12, 34).

17. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the spacers (15a-d) include gas-filled cavities.

18. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting means (15a-d; 16; 18a, b, 28, 28a, b, 42, 58a, b) resiliently fixes the packaging contents (11) in the casing (12, 29).

19. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one direct or indirect element (43, 50) containing information about the contents is arranged on the packaging unit (10, 10′, 20, 20′, 21, 25, 30, 33, 40, 44, 52, 56, 60, 61, 62) so as to be able to be scanned externally.

20. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one element containing information about the contents is an RFID element (43) and/or a barcode (50).

21. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) has a central point and/or a central axis, that the packaging contents (11) have a center of gravity (19) and that the packaging contents (11) are arranged in the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) such that the center of gravity (19) of the packaging contents (11) approximately coincides with the central point and/or is located in the central axis.

22. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 8, wherein the two similar halves (12a, b, 31a, b, 39a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b) interlock when placed together (17, 41a, b, 54, 55).

23. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 22, wherein closure devices (41a, b) engaging in the connecting region of the similar halves (12a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b) are provided for the interlocking of the similar halves (12a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b).

24. The packaging unit as claimed in claim 22, wherein lockable closure elements (54, 55) are arranged in the connecting region of the similar halves (12a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b) for the interlocking of the similar halves (12a, b, 51a, b, 57a, b).

25. A method for producing a packaging unit as claimed in claim 1, wherein in a first step the packaging contents (11) are provided, that in a second step the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is provided and that in a third step the packaging contents (11) are introduced into the casing (12, 22, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45).

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, wherein a multi-part casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is provided and that within the third step the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is opened or held open, the packaging contents (11) are introduced into the open casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) and the casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) is closed.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein when inserting the packaging contents (11) into the open casing (12, 29, 31, 34, 39, 45) the connecting means (15a-d, 16, 18a, b, 22, 26a-d, 28, 32a, b, 36, 42, 49, 58a, b) is introduced therewith.

28. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the connecting means (15a-d, 18a, b, 42) is introduced separately into the open casing (12, 39).

29. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the connecting means (16, 28) is initially connected to the packaging contents (11) and introduced therewith into the open casing (12, 29).

30. The method as claimed in claim 27, wherein the connecting means (18a, b, 36, 58a, b) is initially connected to the casing (12, 34, 57a, b) and receives the packaging contents (11) together with the open casing (12, 34, 57a, b).