U.S. patent application number 11/157194 was filed with the patent office on 2005-11-03 for packaging system comprising tablet-type objects.
Invention is credited to Barthel, Wolfgang, Canavoiu-Opritescu, Ion, Graefe, Ingeborg, Grossmann, Barbara, Schmitt, Monika.
Application Number | 20050241980 11/157194 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32519476 |
Filed Date | 2005-11-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050241980 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schmitt, Monika ; et
al. |
November 3, 2005 |
Packaging system comprising tablet-type objects
Abstract
Packaging system with tablet-type objects, particularly friable
tablets, with a polygonal exterior packaging formed from a folding
blank of cardboard or the like and with film pouches which are
individually arranged in the exterior packaging and in each of
which at least one tablet-type object is received. Use of an
octagonally-based exterior packaging increases compressive strength
of the system and reduces mechanical loads on the tablet.
Inventors: |
Schmitt, Monika;
(Duesseldorf, DE) ; Barthel, Wolfgang;
(Langenfeld, DE) ; Graefe, Ingeborg; (Warstein,
DE) ; Canavoiu-Opritescu, Ion; (Duesseldorf, DE)
; Grossmann, Barbara; (Duesselddorf, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HENKEL CORPORATION
THE TRIAD, SUITE 200
2200 RENAISSANCE BLVD.
GULPH MILLS
PA
19406
US
|
Family ID: |
32519476 |
Appl. No.: |
11/157194 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11157194 |
Jun 20, 2005 |
|
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|
PCT/EP03/14125 |
Dec 12, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/524.1 ;
206/525.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/2033 20130101;
B65D 77/02 20130101; B65D 5/2019 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/524.1 ;
206/525.1 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/84 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 23, 2002 |
DE |
102 61 535.7 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A packaging system for tablet-type objects, comprising a
polygonal exterior packaging formed from a folding blank of
material and one or more film pouches arranged within the exterior
packaging and containing at least one tablet-type object, wherein:
(a) the folding blank comprises an at least octagonal base surface
that has at least two degrees of symmetry and comprises two
longitudinal edges, two narrow edges, and four short edges that are
adapted to contour the tablet-type objects in corner regions (E),
wherein interconnectible lateral walls are pivotably connected with
the longitudinal edges and the narrow edges; (b) narrow lateral
wall parts respectively corresponding with the short edges are
pivotably connected with two opposite lateral walls at their edges;
(c) adhesive flaps are pivotably connected by way of respective
fold lines with respective opposite narrow lateral wall parts at
their edges, the width of the flaps corresponding with at most the
width of the associated lateral wall; (d) the lateral walls
pivotably connected with the narrow edges have approximately half
the length (L) of the lateral walls, together with narrow lateral
wall parts and adhesive flaps, pivotably connected with the
longitudinal edges; and (e) the adhesive flaps have a width
approximately corresponding to a width of associated narrow lateral
walls along the narrow edges.
2. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein further narrow lateral
wall parts are pivotably connected with the narrow lateral wall
parts, the overall length of all narrow lateral wall parts
corresponding at least with the length of the corner edges.
3. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the corner edges are
formed to be radiused outwardly (radius R), the radius being 10 to
50 millimetres.
4. The packaging system of claim 3, wherein the corner edges are
formed to be radiused outwardly (radius R), the radius being 20 to
40 millimetres.
5. The packaging system of claim 4, wherein the corner edges are
formed to be radiused outwardly (radius R), the radius being 25 to
35 millimetre's.
6. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the lateral walls
pivotably connected with the longitudinal edges have a length (L)
corresponding with the height of the packaging.
7. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein adhesive flaps having a
width less than the corner edge are arranged at the narrow lateral
walls by way of fold lines.
8. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein a cover part is
pivotably connected by way of a fold line with at least one wide
side wall.
9. The packaging system of claim 8, wherein the cover part is
removable so that the packaging is insertable into a reusable
container.
10. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the material of the
folding blank has a flat crush resistance of 100 to 4,000
Newtons.
11. The packaging system of claim 10, wherein the material of the
folding blank has a flat crush resistance of 1,000 to 3,200
Newtons.
12. The packaging system of claim 11, wherein the material of the
folding blank has a flat crush resistance of 1,500 to 2,800
Newtons.
13. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the folding blank
comprises corrugated cardboard having an F or E wave profile,
wherein a wave pitch of 3 to 3.5 millimetres and a wave height of
1.0 to 1.8 millimetres are provided for an E wave profile and a
wave pitch of 2 to 3.0 millimetres and a wave height of 0.6 to 1.0
millimetres are provided for an F wave profile.
14. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the folding blank
comprises solid cardboard weighing 350 to 600 grams per square
metre.
15. The packaging system of claim 14, wherein the folding blank
comprises solid cardboard weighing 450 to 500 grams per square
metre.
16. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the at least one
tablet has a diametral fracture hardness of 10 to 200 Newtons, each
tablet being protected by the film pouches and/or the exterior
packaging from transverse loads.
17. The packaging system of claim 16, wherein the at least one
tablet has a diametral fracture hardness of 30 to 70 Newtons, each
tablet being protected by the film pouches and/or the exterior
packaging from transverse loads.
18. The packaging system of claim 17, wherein the at least one
tablet has a diametral fracture hardness of 35 to 55 Newtons, each
tablet being protected by the film pouches and/or the exterior
packaging from transverse loads.
19. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein at least two tablets
are arranged adjacent to one another in longitudinal direction of a
film pouch.
20. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein several film pouches
are arranged individually in the exterior packaging to be parallel
to one another in longitudinal direction, wherein several film
pouches form a layer parallel to a base surface.
21. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein film pouches have a
length between transverse seams closing the pouches at their ends
that approximately corresponds with a width between two opposite
lateral walls of the exterior packaging.
22. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the film pouches have
a length between transverse seams closing the pouches at their ends
that is greater than a width between two opposite lateral walls of
the exterior packaging, so that at least one end region of the film
pouches is bent to bear against the lateral wall.
23. The packaging system of claim 22, wherein both end regions of
the film pouches are bent around to bear against the corresponding
side walls.
24. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the film pouches
comprise a film having a water vapour permeability of 0.7 to 1.5
grams per square metre per 24 hours, a modulus of elasticity of
1,200 to 2,500 Newtons per square millimetre, a tensile strength of
150 to 500 Newtons per square millimetre, and a thickness of 20 to
40 microns.
25. The packaging system of claim 24, wherein the film pouches
comprise a film having a water vapour permeability of 0.9 to 1.3
grams per square metre per 24 hours, a modulus of elasticity of
1,800 Newtons per square millimetre, a tensile strength of 250
Newtons per square millimetre, and a thickness of 25 to 35
microns.
26. The packaging system of claim 1, wherein the film pouches
comprise a sealable film.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
365(c) and 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 of international application
PCT/EP2003/014125, filed on Dec. 12, 2003. This application also
claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of DE 102 61 535.7,
filed Dec. 23, 2002, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to a packaging system with tablet-type
objects, particularly friable tablets, with a polygonal exterior
packaging formed from a folding blank of cardboard or the like and
with film pouches which are individually arranged in the exterior
packaging and in each of which at least one tablet-type object is
received.
[0003] Washing and/or cleaning agent in tablet form, which, for
example, due to their hygroscopic properties require additional
protection against mixture, are generally packaged in film pouches.
So-termed `flow packs`, which consist of a film tube pouch having a
longitudinal seam and two transverse seams, so-called `fins`, have,
by way of example, proved themselves in practice for that purpose.
The production of such `flow packs` is known and usually takes
place on high-performance production plants directly after tablet
manufacture. Such a film pouch is known from, for example, DE 295
09 593 U1.
[0004] Tablets wrapped in film pouches of that kind (individual or
multiple wrapping) are loosely packed in a packaging container,
such as a packet, carrier pack, drum or the like, which basically
represents a sufficiently stable outer packaging or exterior
packaging for storage and transport. In that case stability refers
to the requisite compression resistance of the package in the event
of pressure loading and weight loading within a pallet unit.
[0005] Washing agent tablets of that kind are, however, friable
products which in general are loaded during the filling process and
during transport in such a manner that edge breakage, fracture and
abrasion cannot be avoided even with the usual rigid outer
packaging. The tablet is also not protected with respect thereto by
the film pouches, which offers only a slight additional protective
effect relative to shock loading and in transport.
[0006] Packaging of the kind in question has become known from DE
198 52 936 A1 of the applicant, in which the film pouches are
individually arranged in the exterior packaging with longitudinal
seams aligned parallel to one another, wherein the length of the
film pouches is greater than the spacing of the lateral
walls--which are parallel to the transverse seams of the film
pouches--of the exterior packaging in such a manner that at least
one end region of the film pouches lies resiliently bent over in
the exterior packaging and that at least the lateral walls, which
are parallel to the longitudinal seams of the film pouches, of the
exterior packaging are furnished with wall reinforcements. In the
case of such a form of packaging, shock loads parallel to the
longitudinal seam in the foil pouches are absorbed relatively
satisfactorily at the outset by the segregated arrangement of the
film pouches in the packaging, these shock loads being partly
absorbed by the bent-over fins (transverse seams) of the film
pouch. Since the film pouches are in additional designed to be
longer than the respective package length (spacing of the lateral
walls, which are parallel to the transverse seams of the film
pouches, of the exterior packaging), at least one of the two fins
of each film pouch is bent over when inserted into the exterior
packaging, so that the fin lies resiliently in the exterior
packaging, whereby shocks can be damped without giving rise to
damage of the tablet-shaped products. Shock loads parallel in
longitudinal direction of the film pouch thus cannot lead to damage
of the tablets. Shock loads in transverse direction, i.e. parallel
to the transverse seams, are absorbed by the special design of the
exterior packaging with wall reinforcements in the corresponding
lateral walls of the same.
[0007] This known packaging with a rectangular base cross-section
thus offers significant advantages, but it is still worthy of
improvement since due to the round, tablet-shaped objects there are
cavities within the packaging, particularly in the corner regions,
which impair the strength thereof.
[0008] A tablet, preferably a water-soluble cleaning agent tablet,
is known from WO 99/50381, which is to have special strength
characteristics primarily due to a special geometric shape.
[0009] Box-shaped packaging for reception of bottles or the like is
known from DE 93 20 302 U1, which has an octagonal base surface. In
that case the bottle-shaped objects are arranged on the base
surface and subsequently the packaging lateral walls are folded in
around the bottle-shaped objects. Completely different objects
having nothing in common with washing or cleaning agent tablets
packed in film pouches are obviously involved. A packaging blank
with an octagonal base surface is also known from FR 2 780 703
A1.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] It is the object of the invention to so further develop a
packaging system of the kind in question that the strength thereof,
particularly the stacking compressive pressure thereof, is
increased and the mechanical loads on the tablet-shaped objects are
further reduced.
[0011] According to the invention this object is fulfilled with a
packaging system of the kind denoted in the introduction in that
the folding blank has an at least octagonal base surface, which is
formed symmetrically with respect to the centre, with two
longitudinal edges and two narrow edges as well as with four short
edges--which are adapted to the contour of the tablet-shaped
objects--in the corner regions, wherein lateral walls able to be
connected together are pivotably connected with the longitudinal
edges and the narrow edges.
[0012] It has proved that through segregated arrangement of the
tablet-like objects in the exterior packaging and matching of the
corner regions of the exterior packaging to the contour of the
tablet-like objects disposed in the corners the corner regions of
the exterior packaging are substantially more stable, so that
kinking in of the exterior packaging in the corner region is
largely avoided and no transverse loading is exerted on the
tablet-like objects in these regions. Moreover, the stacking
compressive pressure of the packaging is significantly increased by
these measures, so that several such packages can be stacked on,
for example, a pallet without thereby prejudicing the tablet-shaped
objects. Moreover, damage of packages, which are stacked on
pallets, in the corner region by packing material such as stretch
film is avoided, since the corners are not pressed in by the
transverse loads. The packaging system according to the invention
is protected from external influences along the entire
circumferential surface.
[0013] Moreover, the packaging can be more easily handled, since it
is readily possible to grip it, depending on the respective size of
the packaging, by, for example, one hand. Cutting of the corner
edge of the exterior packaging into the region between index finger
and thumb is precluded by the flattened corner region and the risk
of injury thus diminished.
[0014] In addition, a significantly reduced blank and cardboard
consumption and thus reduced packing material costs can be
achieved. Moreover, the exterior packaging can, by virtue of the
corner design, also be used free of problems in a reusable
container already in the hands of a user.
[0015] With particular preference narrow lateral wall parts
respectively corresponding with the length of the corner edges are
pivotably connected with two opposite lateral walls at the edges.
In this design the blank can be produced in particularly simple and
material-saving manner, since the narrow lateral wall parts forming
the corner regions are pivotably connected with only two of the
four lateral walls.
[0016] If the packaging has more than eight corners, it is proposed
in a another embodiment that further narrow lateral wall parts are
pivotably connected with the narrow lateral wall parts, wherein the
overall length of all narrow lateral wall parts corresponds with at
least the length of the corner edges. The narrow lateral wall parts
are then appropriately adapted to the corner construction. For
example, a sixteen-sided base surface can be provided.
[0017] In order to achieve a particularly good adaptation to the
contour of the tablet-shaped objects in the corner regions, the
corner edges are, with particular preference, formed to be radiused
towards the outside, wherein the radius amounts to between 10 to 50
millimetres, preferably 20 to 40 millimetres and particularly
preferably between 25 to 35 millimetres. Beyond that, this form of
embodiment leads to even better sealing of the closed packaging
and, in addition, the overall compressive pressure of the packaging
can thereby be even further increased.
[0018] In order to further enhance the strength of the packaging,
it is provided with particular preference to pivotably connect
respective adhesive flaps, the width of which corresponds with at
most the width of the associated lateral wall, by way of fold lines
to each of the opposite narrow lateral wall parts at the edges. The
relevant lateral wall in the case of this embodiment is then formed
to be triple-layered, wherein this can also be provided only in
sections in a lower region of the lateral wall.
[0019] In addition, preferably the lateral walls pivotably
connected with the longitudinal edges have a length corresponding
with the height of the packaging and the lateral walls pivotably
connected with the narrow edges are preferably formed to be
shorter. The narrow sides are then formed partly by the short
lateral walls and over the entire height by the corresponding
adhesive flaps.
[0020] In that case, the lateral walls pivotably connected with the
narrow edges preferably have approximately half the length of the
lateral walls, together with narrow lateral wall parts and adhesive
flaps, pivotably connected with the longitudinal edges and the
width of the adhesive flaps approximately corresponds with the
width of the associated narrow lateral walls.
[0021] In addition, adhesive flaps, the width of which is
preferably smaller than the corner edge, are preferably arranged at
the narrow lateral walls by way of fold lines.
[0022] In order to further simplify production of the packaging it
is further provided that a cover part is pivotably connected by way
of a fold line with at least one wide lateral wall at the top as
seen in position of use. The pivotable connection can be effected
by way of either a fold line or a perforation line, if the cover is
to be capable of being easily torn off.
[0023] The cover part is preferably constructed to be removable so
that the packaging can be inserted into a reusable container. For
that purpose the cover part is pivotably connected by means of, for
example, a perforation line.
[0024] The folding blank of the packaging system can preferably
consist of cardboard or corrugated cardboard, wherein the material
of the folding blank preferably has a flat crush resistance of 100
to 4,000 N, preferably from 1,000 to 3,000 N, particularly
preferably from 1,500 to 2,800 N.
[0025] If the folding blank consists of corrugated cardboard, the
corrugated cardboard preferably has an F or E wave profile, wherein
in the case of an E wave profile (DIN 55486 Part 1) a wave pitch of
3 to 3.5 mm and a wave height of 1.0 to 1.8, preferably 1.4, mm is
provided and in the case of an F wave profile a wave pitch of 2 to
3 mm, preferably 2.38 mm, and a wave height of 0.6 to 1.0 mm,
preferably 0.78 mm, is provided.
[0026] If the folding blank consists of solid cardboard, a solid
cardboard with 350 to 600 g/qm, preferably 450 to 500 g/qm, is
preferably used.
[0027] The tablets preferably have a diametral fracture hardness of
10 to 200 N, preferably 30 to 70 N, particularly preferably 35 to
55 N, wherein each tablet is protected by the film pouches and/or
the exterior packaging against transverse loads.
[0028] Preferably several, especially two, tablets are arranged
adjacent to one another in longitudinal direction of a film pouch,
wherein their centre axes are aligned to be parallel. In that case
preferably several film pouches are arranged separately in the
exterior packaging to be parallel to one another in longitudinal
direction, wherein several film pouches form a layer parallel to
the base surface.
[0029] The length of the film pouches between transverse seams
closing them at the ends preferably corresponds approximately with
the width between two opposite lateral walls of the exterior
packaging. In that case the length of the film pouches between
transverse seams closing them at the ends is preferably greater
than the width between two opposite lateral walls of the exterior
packaging, so that at least one end region of the film pouches is
bent over to bear against the lateral wall, whereby shocks can be
resiliently damped.
[0030] With particular preference in that case two end regions of
the film pouches are bent over to bear against the corresponding
lateral walls.
[0031] The film pouches of the packaging system preferably consist
of a film with the following parameters: water vapour permeability
(23.degree. C., 85% r.h.) (according to DIN 53122) between 0.7 to
1.5 g/qm/24 h, preferably 0.9 to 1.3 g/qm/24 h, particularly
preferably 1.0 g/qm/24 h, modulus of elasticity (according to DIN
53455) 1,200 to 2,500 N/qmm, preferably 1,800 N/qmm, tensile
strength (according to DIN 53455) 150 to 500 N/qmm, preferably 250
N/qmm, thickness 20 to 40 .mu.m, preferably 25 to 35 .mu.m,
particularly preferably 30 .mu.m.
[0032] Moreover, the film pouches preferably consist of a sealable
film, particularly a cold-sealable film or a film sealable at low
temperature, such as co-extruded OPP film.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example
in the following by reference to the drawings, in which:
[0034] FIG. 1 shows, in perspective illustration, a packaging
system according to the invention with opened exterior
packaging,
[0035] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the corner regions of an
exterior packaging with octagonal base surface,
[0036] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of a corner region of the exterior
packaging with twelve-sided base surface,
[0037] FIG. 4 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a first form of embodiment,
[0038] FIG. 5 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a second form of embodiment,
[0039] FIG. 6 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a third form of embodiment,
[0040] FIG. 7 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a fourth form of embodiment,
[0041] FIG. 8 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a fifth form of embodiment,
[0042] FIG. 9 shows a folding blank for an exterior packaging
according to a sixth form of embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 10 shows, in perspective illustration, insertion of the
packaging system into a multi-use container and
[0044] FIG. 11 shows a further folding blank.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0045] A packaging system according to the invention with
tablet-type objects, particularly friable washing and/or cleaning
agent tablets, is denoted in FIG. 1 generally by 20. The packaging
system 20 comprises a closed exterior packaging 21 and a plurality
of film pouches 22, in each of which, in the case of the
embodiment, two tablet-shaped objects 23 with a diameter of
approximately 44 millimetres and a height of 19 millimetres are
received adjacent to one another, wherein the diametral fracture
hardness amounts to between 20 to 100 N. These film pouches 22 are
closed in usual manner by a longitudinal seam and at both ends,
with formation of so-called fins, by transverse seams as is known
from, for example, DE 198 52 136 A1. However, the film pouches in
the form of a tube can also be closed only by transverse seams. The
film pouches 22 together with the tablet-shaped objects 23 disposed
therein are arranged within the exterior packaging 21 to be stacked
one above the other segregated in parallel rows, as evident from
FIG. 1. In an exterior packaging (size for thirty) the thirty
tablets are arranged in five layers each with three parallel film
pouches.
[0046] As further evident from FIG. 1, the exterior packaging 21
has a cover 24 which can be pivoted up and which in closed position
is lockable by means of flaps 24a provided at the opposite upper
edge of the cover fold line.
[0047] Of significance for the form of the packaging system 20 is
the corner construction of the exterior packaging 21, these corner
regions being denoted in FIG. 1 by E.
[0048] As best evident from FIG. 2, according to a first embodiment
the base surface 1 is formed to be octagonal with two longitudinal
edges 25, two narrow edges 26 and four short edges in the corner
regions, which are adapted to the contour of the tablet-shaped
objects 23. Suitable dimensions (width of the longitudinal
edge.times.width of the narrow edge) for the base surface 1 are 142
millimetres.times.95 millimetres, wherein the corner edges form
relative to the other edges an angle of approximately 45.degree.,
but other angle combinations are also possible. The height of the
exterior packaging amounts to approximately 125 millimetres in the
case of a thirty-size.
[0049] The form of embodiment according to FIG. 3 shows an even
better adaptation to the contour of the tablet-shaped objects 23,
in which each corner region E has, due to a twelve-sided shape of
the base surface 1, two short corner edges 27.
[0050] Through this embodiment of the corner regions E a cavity
between the tablet-shaped objects 23, which are received in the
film pouches 22, and the exterior packaging 21 can be almost
completely avoided, so that kinking in of the corner regions by
transverse loads is securely avoided. The stacking compressive
pressure of the exterior packaging can thereby be substantially
increased and in addition grasping or gripping of a package 20 even
by one hand is possible substantially more simply.
[0051] Different forms of embodiment for the design of the exterior
packaging 21 are illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 9 on the basis of
differently shaped folding blanks.
[0052] In the form of embodiment according to FIG. 4 the folding
blank has at the outset an octagonal base surface 1 having a length
a and a width b. In that case the length a and the width b are so
selected that they correspond approximately with a whole-number
multiple of the diameter of the tablet-shaped objects 23. If a is
larger than b, as illustrated in FIG. 4, wide lateral walls 2, 3
are pivotably connected with the longitudinal edges 25 by way of
fold lines and form the front and rear wall, respectively, and
narrow lateral walls 4, 5 are similarly pivotably connected with
the narrow edges 26 by way of fold lines and form the left and
right lateral wall, respectively.
[0053] The ends of the longitudinal edges 25 go over into the
narrow edges 26 by way of the short corner edges 27. In that case
the corner edges 27 in the octagonal base surface 1 are so aligned
that they form a tangent to the tablet-shaped objects 23 (not
illustrated in FIG. 4) arranged in the corners of the packaging,
the associated radius, which is arranged at right angles thereto,
of the tablet-shaped object 23 (indicated only schematically) being
denoted in each instance by s.
[0054] Narrow lateral wall parts 7 and 8 or 6 and 9 are pivotably
connected by way of fold lines with the front or rear wall 2 or 3.
The width of these narrow lateral wall parts 6, 7, 8, 9 in that
case corresponds with the length of the corner edges 27. Respective
adhesive flaps 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, the width of which corresponds with
the width of the lateral walls 4 and 5, are pivotably connected by
way of fold lines with these narrow lateral wall parts 6, 7, 8, 9
at the outer side. On folding of the folding blank for formation of
the exterior packaging 21 from the flatly disposed blank there is
effected, by way of the mutual adhesion of the adhesive flaps and
lateral walls 5, 5a and 5b or 4, 4a and 4b, formation of a stable
righthand or lefthand lateral wall; it is then recognisable, at
least in the lower region thereof which is then of triple-layered
construction, that in the folding blank according to FIG. 4 the
height L of the adhesive flaps 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b is greater than the
height of the lateral wall 4, 5.
[0055] The film pouches 22 with the tablet-shaped objects 23
disposed therein are then inserted, segregated, in the thus-erected
exterior packaging 21, so that the tablet-shaped objects 23
disposed in the corner regions bear tangentially against the corner
edges 27 whereby cavities in the corners are avoided. Due to the
stable, multi-layer lateral walls 4, 5 with multiple adhesion the
tablet-shaped objects 23 are protected against impacts or other
external loads.
[0056] A modified form of embodiment of a folding blank is
illustrated in FIG. 5, wherein the same reference numerals as in
FIG. 4 are used insofar as the same parts are concerned.
[0057] By contrast to the form of embodiment according to FIG. 4
additional adhesive flaps 6a, 7a or 8a, 9a are pivotably connected
by way of fold lines with the side walls 4 and 5 at both edges, so
that adhesion of the adhesive flaps 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a with the narrow
lateral wall parts 6, 7, 8 or 9 takes place when the folding blank
is folded. The narrow lateral walls are thus also appropriately
reinforced and stabilised in the corner regions, whereby an
additional protection for the tablet-shaped objects 23 disposed in
the exterior packaging is effected. In order to achieve a
particularly stable package, particularly a package with very high
stacking compressive pressure, a continuous gluing by several glue
seams arranged in parallel and extending over the entire lateral
wall length L is recommended. In the finished package the lateral
wall length L corresponds with the package height.
[0058] A further form of embodiment of a folding blank for
packaging is illustrated in FIG. 6. This form of embodiment differs
from that according to FIG. 4 by an additional cover part. This
cover part has at the outset a cover wall 10 which is pivotably
connected with the upper edge of the side wall 2 by way of a fold
line. This cover wall 10 has a length c and a width d, which are
respectively slightly larger than the length a and the width b of
the base surface 1. Side walls 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 are pivotably
connected with this cover wall 10. Flaps 11a and 11b are again
pivotably connected by way of fold lines with the lateral walls 14
and 15 and are glued with the lateral wall 11 in the erected state
of the folding blank, so that a packaging lid which is simple to
open and close is thereby created.
[0059] The form of embodiment according to FIG. 7 differs from that
according to FIG. 4 in that the folding blank has, in the region of
the corners, narrow lateral wall parts 6, 7, 8 and 9 each divided
by two additional fold lines into three adjacent sections. Two
corners thereby additionally arise in each of the corners in the
folded-up state, so that the cross-section of the erected lateral
walls is thus sixteen-sided in this example of embodiment. The base
surface 1 is also correspondingly constructed in the corner
regions, i.e. the corner edges 27 consist of three different
sections.
[0060] FIG. 8 shows a further form of embodiment. This corresponds
with that according to FIG. 6, with the difference that the cover
wall 10 of the cover part is pivotably connected with the lateral
wall 2 not by way of a fold line, but by way of a perforation line
P. This makes it possible to tear off the cover entirely after
opening of the packaging, if this is desired.
[0061] FIG. 9 shows yet another further form of embodiment of a
folding blank. This form of embodiment differs from that according
to FIG. 4 in that the corner edges are radiused outwardly, which is
indicated by the radii R. The base surface 1 is thereby polygonal
if the radiused corners are regarded approximately as a plurality
of corners. During the processing process in the filling line the
obliquely disposed narrow lateral wall parts 6, 7, 8, 9 thereby
position themselves substantially automatically between the base
surface 1 and the cover wall 10. This leads to a higher degree of
sealing of the closed packaging and to an additional increase in
the overall compressive pressure of the packaging. Moreover, the
closed exterior packaging offers a cleaner appearance. The radius R
of the rounded corner regions lies between 10 and 50 millimetres,
preferably between 20 and 40 millimetres and particularly
preferably between 25 and 35 millimetres.
[0062] FIG. 10 shows the possibility of using an opened packaging
system 20 in a reusable container 28. If the exterior packaging has
a lid, there is preferably used such a folding blank as is
illustrated in FIG. 8, i.e. with a cover wall which is articulated
by way of a perforation line P and which enables simple tearing off
of the lid.
[0063] It is also recognisable from FIG. 10 that the packaging
system according to the invention enables, relative to conventional
packaging with a rectangular cross-section, insertion into a
reusable container 28, because as was apparent a package with a
rectangular cross-section and an approximately equal base surface
does not fit into the reusable container 28.
[0064] Finally, there is shown in FIG. 11 a folding blank which
largely corresponds with that according to FIG. 4. In addition,
however, glue seams are illustrated. In that case, glue seams LN1
extend over the entire height (length L) of the adhesive flaps 4a
and 4b, whilst glue seams LN2 at the adhesive flaps 5a and 4b are
shorter. These are initially glued to the lateral walls 4 and 5 and
subsequently gluing to the adhesive flaps 5b and 4a is carried out
by way of the long glue seams LN1.
[0065] Apart from the afore-described advantages a package made
from a folding blank according to FIG. 4 also has a significant
material saving. Thus, by comparison with a conventional package
with a rectangular cross-section there can be achieved, depending
on the packaging size or the number of received tablets, the
following savings of area:
1 Blank area (m.sup.2): Number of rectangular packaging received
tablets packaging according to FIG. 4 Area reduction 30 0.146069
0.117489 19.50% 36 0.163340 0.136559 16.40% 48 0.193369 0.1658120
14.25% 56 0.208718 0.180368 13.50% 64 0.228423 0.198161 13.25% 72
0.246021 0.211660 14.00%
[0066] A comparison of the specific strength (crush pressure) of
the standard box, which is currently used by the applicant, with a
rectangular base surface for thirty tablets with the packaging
system according to the invention for thirty tablets (according to
FIG. 6) shows that the specific strength (overall strength referred
to the area of the lateral walls positioned at the narrow edges) in
the packaging system according to the invention is substantially
higher. Moreover, the influence of the form of gluing was
investigated and it was established that in the case of the
packaging system according to the invention continuous gluing over
the height of the lateral wall is advantageous relative to gluing
interrupted over the height. In the case of the known standard box,
no influence by the kind of gluing was established.
[0067] The following results were ascertained by laboratory
tests:
2 Packaging System Standard Box* according to FIG. 6** total
specific value total specific value Hot Melt Coating Value N N/mm
value N N/mm closed 1785 18.5 1680 27.3 tracks points, 1824 18.9
1520 24.7 beads/1 cm long *flat width: 96.5 mm **flat width: 61.5
mm
[0068] The specific strength for the different designs of the
packaging system according to the invention is between 30 to 70
higher than in the case of the known standard box with rectangular
cross-section.
[0069] Obviously the invention is not restricted to the illustrated
examples of embodiment, for example exterior packaging with lateral
walls of the same width can be equally developed in accordance with
the invention. Further embodiments are possible without departing
from the basic concept.
[0070] As used herein, and in particular as used herein to define
the elements of the claims that follow, the articles "a" and "an"
are synonymous and used interchangeably with "at least one" or "one
or more," disclosing or encompassing both the singular and the
plural, unless specifically defined otherwise. The conjunction "or"
is used herein in its inclusive disjunctive sense, such that
phrases formed by terms conjoined by "or" disclose or encompass
each term alone as well as any combination of terms so conjoined,
unless specifically defined otherwise. All numerical quantities are
understood to be modified by the word "about," unless specifically
modified otherwise or unless an exact amount is needed to define
the invention over the prior art.
* * * * *