U.S. patent application number 14/892175 was filed with the patent office on 2016-03-31 for transportable packaging unit and method for producing said type of packaging unit.
This patent application is currently assigned to WRH Walter Reist Holding AG. The applicant listed for this patent is WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG. Invention is credited to Martin RUGE.
Application Number | 20160090226 14/892175 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51136406 |
Filed Date | 2016-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160090226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RUGE; Martin |
March 31, 2016 |
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).
Inventors: |
RUGE; Martin;
(Starrkirch-Wil, CH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG |
CH-8272 Ermatingen |
|
CH |
|
|
Assignee: |
WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
CH-8272 Ermatingen
CH
|
Family ID: |
51136406 |
Appl. No.: |
14/892175 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
May 28, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/001448 |
371 Date: |
November 18, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.5 ;
206/521; 206/584; 53/410; 53/468; 53/473 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/09 20130101;
B65D 11/06 20130101; B65G 1/137 20130101; B65G 1/16 20130101; B65D
81/02 20130101; B65B 35/30 20130101; B65G 1/04 20130101; G07F 11/10
20130101; G07F 11/34 20130101; B65D 81/113 20130101; B65D 11/02
20130101; B65B 61/22 20130101; B65G 1/08 20130101; B65D 81/07
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/09 20060101
B65D081/09; B65B 61/22 20060101 B65B061/22; B65D 8/00 20060101
B65D008/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 31, 2013 |
CH |
1040/13 |
May 31, 2013 |
CH |
1041/13 |
May 31, 2013 |
CH |
1042/13 |
Mar 24, 2014 |
CH |
0446/14 |
May 12, 2014 |
CH |
0709/14 |
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).
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] 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.
[0003] The invention further relates to a method for producing such
a packaging unit.
[0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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.
[0016] 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.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] 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.
[0021] 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
[0022] 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.
[0023] The object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and
25.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] The casing, in particular, has a cylindrical or barrel
shape.
[0027] Preferably, the casing has a spherical shape.
[0028] 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.
[0029] In particular, the casing is of multi-part construction.
[0030] Preferably the casing is of two-part construction and
comprises two casing segments which abut one another in a
separating plane.
[0031] In particular, the casing is made up of two similar
halves.
[0032] 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.
[0033] In particular, the casing has a uniform wall thickness.
[0034] 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.
[0035] In particular, the connecting means is part of the
casing.
[0036] Alternatively, the connecting means is part of the packaging
contents.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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.
[0040] In particular, the spacers may have gas-filled cavities.
[0041] 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.
[0042] 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.
[0043] In particular, the at least one element containing
information about the contents is an RFID element and/or a
barcode.
[0044] 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.
[0045] 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.
[0046] 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.).
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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.
[0049] With two similar halves of the casing it is advantageous if
the two similar halves interlock when placed together.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] In particular, when inserting the packaging contents into
the open casing the connecting means is introduced therewith.
[0055] In particular, the connecting means is introduced separately
into the open casing.
[0056] It is, however, also conceivable that the connecting means
is initially connected to the packaging contents and introduced
therewith into the open casing.
[0057] Alternatively, however, the connecting means may initially
be connected to the casing and receive the packaging contents
together with the open casing.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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.
[0060] 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.
[0061] 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
[0062] The invention is to be described in more detail hereinafter
with reference to exemplary embodiments, in combination with the
drawings, in which:
[0063] 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;
[0064] 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;
[0065] 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;
[0066] 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;
[0067] 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;
[0068] 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;
[0069] 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);
[0070] 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;
[0071] 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);
[0072] 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);
[0073] 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;
[0074] 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;
[0075] 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;
[0076] 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;
[0077] 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
[0078] 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.
[0079] 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.
[0080] 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.
[0081] 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.
[0082] 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.
[0083] 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.
[0084] 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.
[0085] 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 15 a-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 15 a-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.
[0086] 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.
[0087] 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.
[0088] 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.
[0089] 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.
[0090] 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.
[0091] 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.
[0092] 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.
[0093] 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.
[0094] 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)).
[0095] 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.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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.
[0099] 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.
[0100] 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.
[0101] 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.).
[0102] 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.
[0103] 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.
[0104] 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)).
[0105] 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)).
[0106] 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.
* * * * *