DE102010037092A1 - Method and apparatus for packing bouquets - Google Patents

Abstract

An arrangement (10) for packaging bouquets (42), plant pots and the like with shirred packaging material (34, 36, 38) is characterized by: a base surface (14) with an opening (40); a multi-part retaining surface (22) with an opening (28) in the region of the dividing lines (30) between the parts (24, 26) of the retaining surface; a grater body (32) having a cross section that is smaller than the openings (28, 40) in the base surface (14) and the retention surface (22); and a stand (16) on which the base surface (14) is held. The packaging is carried out with the following steps: placing one or more layers (34, 36, 38) of packable packaging material on a base surface (14) with an opening (40); Laying a multi-part retaining surface (22) provided with an opening (28) on the placed packaging material (34, 36, 38) such that the opening (28) of the retaining surface (22) above the opening (40) in the base surface (14 ) lies; Positioning a grater body (32) above the openings (28, 40) in the retention surface (22) and the base surface (14); and passing the grater body (32) through the openings (28, 40) in the retention surface (22) and the base surface (14), taking the shirring packaging material (34, 36, 38) to a selected depth and then removing the grater body (32); Inserting the goods (42) to be packaged into the cavity (44) formed by the grating body (32) in the shirred packaging material; Removing the retention surface (22); and optionally tying and / or closing the packaging material (34, 36, 38) around the goods (42) to be packed.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for packaging bouquets, plant pots and the like with ruffled packaging material.

By the term "shirring" is meant a process in which crimpable packaging material is compressed with a plurality of folds. Raffelbares packaging material is for example paper or foil.

Bouquets are tied by hand in the florists' specialty shops and assembled according to the wishes of the customer. Then the bouquet is wrapped in paper. In many cases, the packaged bouquet should look very appealing. Then a foil is used instead of plain paper. At the stem end of the bouquet, the paper or foil is pressed together, twisted or tied together. Then the bouquet has to be transported quite fast and placed in a water-filled vase so that it does not dry. Especially in summer, this danger is particularly great. Then, a damp paper towel or the like is wound around the stem end.

It also sold finished bouquets, which are provided with a cuff. An example of such bouquets are the so-called "Biedermeier bouquets". The cuff is prefabricated from paper or foil. The bouquet is introduced into the cuff before it is sold through a hole in the middle and fixed there. Even such bouquets must be placed quickly in a vase.

Ready-made bouquets are also sold at locations other than florists, for example at gas stations or kiosks. The bouquets are stored in water containers and are usually neither individually assembled nor packaged separately. A cuff is therefore used to make the bouquet more appealing and to make it appear higher quality. The binding and packaging of the finished bouquets is done by hand. The bouquets are therefore expensive to produce. Personnel who binds bouquets for a long period of time may eventually become unfocused. This can also affect the appearance of the ready-bound and packaged ostrich.

State of the art

It is known to provide bouquets with an appealing, geraffelten packaging. The known methods use a wooden plate with a hole. The packaging material is then positioned over the hole in the wood panel. Then a hole in the packaging material is punched by hand or cut into it. The ostrich is put through the hole in the packaging material. Then, the packaging material is hand-wrapped around the stem, with a portion of the packaging material nestling like a collar around the top of the ostrich. The procedure is carried out exclusively by hand. The raffling of the packaging material is generally coarse and uneven.

It is also known to provide bouquets for transport with water containers. Such water containers may be cups of cheap plastic or non-woven bags, in which the end of the bouquets is inserted. There is a risk that the bouquet will be released from the vessel or water will escape during transport. The water tanks are generally unattractive.

Also known are cuffs for flowerpots. The cuffs are made of accordion-folded rings, which are placed over the flower pots. The underside of the flowerpots remains open.

Disclosure of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a package for bouquets, pots, etc., which is inexpensive and appealing, in particular, provided with a uniform, fine ruffling and overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

• (a) eine Basisfläche mit einer Öffnung;
• (b) wenigstens eine mehrteilige Rückhaltefläche mit einer Öffnung im Bereich der Trennlinien zwischen den Teilen der Rückhaltefläche;
• (c) einen Raffelkörper mit einem Querschnitt, der kleiner ist als die Öffnungen in der Basisfläche und der Rückhaltefläche; und
• (d) einen Ständer auf welchem die Basisfläche gehalten ist.

According to the invention the object is achieved with an arrangement comprising:

• (a) a base surface having an opening;
• (B) at least one multi-part retaining surface with an opening in the region of the parting lines between the parts of the retaining surface;
• (c) a grating body having a cross section smaller than the openings in the base surface and the retaining surface; and
• (d) a stand on which the base surface is held.

• (a) Auflegen einer oder mehrerer Lagen raffelbaren Verpackungsmaterials auf eine Basisfläche mit einer Öffnung;
• (b) Auflegen wenigstens einer mehrteiligen, mit einer Öffnung versehenen Rückhaltefläche auf das aufgelegte Verpackungsmaterial derart, dass die Öffnung der Rückhaltefläche oberhalb der Öffnung in der Basisfläche liegt;
• (c) Positionieren eines Raffelkörpers oberhalb der Öffnungen in der Rückhaltefläche und der Basisfläche; und
• (d) Hindurchführen des Raffelkörpers durch die Öffnungen in der Rückhaltefläche und der Basisfläche unter Mitnahme des sich raffelnden Verpackungsmaterials bis zu einer ausgewählten Tiefe und anschließendes Entfernen des Raffelkörpers;
• (e) Einführen des zu verpackenden Guts in die von dem Raffelkörper in den von dem geraffelten Verpackungsmaterial gebildeten Hohlraum;
• (f) Entfernen der Rückhaltefläche; und
• (g) optional Abbinden und/oder Verschließen des Verpackungsmaterials um das zu verpackende Gut.

The base surface can also be integrated in the stand. The arrangement operates according to a method according to the invention as follows:

• (a) placing one or more layers of frangible packaging material on a base surface having an opening;
• (b) placing at least one multi-part, apertured retention surface on top of the applied packaging material such that the opening of the retention surface is above the opening in the base surface;
• (c) positioning a grating body above the openings in the retention surface and the base surface; and
• (d) passing the grater body through the openings in the retainer surface and the base surface, entraining the crumpled packaging material to a selected depth, and then removing the grater body;
• (e) inserting the product to be packaged into the cavity formed by the raffle body into the cavity formed by the ruffled packaging material;
• (f) removing the retaining surface; and
• (g) optional setting and / or closing of the packaging material around the goods to be packaged.

The facing surfaces, base surface and retaining surface, clamp the packaging material. With the Raffelkörper the continuous packaging material is pulled very evenly down through the opening. The uniformity is also caused by the pressure of the retaining surface on the packaging material. This creates, in contrast to the raffle by hand, a uniform and fine raffing. The packaging material can also be arranged between a plurality of retaining surfaces, for example a plurality of superimposed plates. Then there is a desired raffle.

The opening sizes of the base surface and the retaining surface are preferably identical. The cross-sectional area of the raffle body is selected such that a desired Raffelbreite is achieved. If the cross-sectional area is only slightly smaller than the opening in the base area, a very fine, dense ruffling is achieved. The smaller the cross-sectional area of the grating body compared to the opening in the base surface, the rougher the ruffling becomes. However, the raffle remains uniform in each case.

The base surface and the retaining surface may in particular be formed by simple plates, for example made of wood, metal or plastic. In this case, the base surface can also be firmly connected to the stand. The retaining surface is loosely placed on the base surface. It can also be unfolded, deferred or lowered. For even ruffling, a retaining surface with a higher weight can be used. The retention surface can also be easily pressed or magnetically attracted to the base surface.

As Raffelkörper is practically every body with the right dimensions, which is stable enough. The grating body is preferably hollow. As a result, the weight and the material consumption during the production of the Raffelkörpers is low. Also, a flowerpot can be used directly as Raffelkörper.

Bouquets or potted plants often become larger upwards. Pulling the retaining surface upwards is then no longer possible with a smaller opening diameter. The retaining surface therefore consists of several parts. This has the advantage that it can be moved away at least partially laterally when the product to be packaged is located in the cavity.

Preferably, the openings in the base surface and the retaining surface are circular and the Raffelkörper is formed by a tube. The opening and the parting lines in the retaining surface may be centered. The opening may also be rectangular or star-shaped according to the packaging configurations. Instead of a tube, a solid body or a closed body can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, one or two parting lines are provided in the retaining surface, so that the retaining surface is composed of 2 or 4 parts. But it can also be other divisions of the retention area. When the parts of the retaining surface abut each other during the raffolding, a planar design of the packaging above the base surface is achieved. If a clearance is left between the portions of the retention surface, the portion of the package above the base surface in that area is forced out of the surface. This creates a three-dimensional design of the packaging. The number of spaced parts determines the shape of such a three-dimensional design.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a stop is additionally provided below the opening of the base surface, with which the product to be packaged can be guided to a defined maximum depth through the opening in the base surface. The stop can be formed by a height-adjustable surface. About the stop for the Raffelkörper is achieved that the cavity always has a defined depth. The Raffelkörper can only be pushed to this depth through the opening. Especially with the use of flowerpots and standardized ostrich lengths, a stopper is a good aid for achieving a well-fitting package.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the Raffelkörper forms on its base surface facing the bottom of a flat surface. Preferably, one of the layers of frangible packaging material is a waterproof film. Then, the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material with water and optionally Nutrient solution such. B. Fresh flowers are filled before the product to be packaged is introduced.

The package may be tied at the upper end of the cavity, for example by means of a binding machine or by hand. The result is a finished bouquet in a water-filled packaging that can be placed on the flat bottom. There is no need for another vase. The transport does not damage the plant due to lack of water. The plant looks attractive at all times and is therefore well salable. The diameter of the "package" is larger and the customer therefore has the haptic impression of a higher quality product while holding.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a gelling or hardening composition is added to the water which gels or hardens on the surface under selected conditions. In particular, the water may be heated and liquid candles gel or other gelling agent may be added which gels on the surface after introduction of the material to be packaged. The gelling agent snugly fits around the stems and the package thus forming a watertight seal of the cavity formed by the creased packaging material. The water can not escape during transport. Alternatively, a seal of the ostrich can also be done by means of a sealing tape made of water-impermeable plastic. The seal is then depending on the bouquet more or less dense.

The invention allows a variety of design options. The edges of the crimpable packaging material may be folded over. As a result, a higher-quality impression of the packaging material is achieved. The layers of the frangible packaging material can be placed offset in angle, so that the unseeded part remaining above the base surface gives a star shape. This is particularly useful if the packaging material has a rectangular shape and is cut off from the roll.

The layers of the crimpable packaging material can be placed asymmetrically, so that the unseparated part remaining above the base surface forms a collar around the product to be packaged. The collar can be turned up so that the bouquet or the plant with the particularly beautiful side is visible from the front and the collar forms a background for the bouquet or the plant.

Instead of a star shape, the layers of the frangible packaging material may also have a shape which forms another desired shape with the unfreshed part remaining above the base area. Such a form may be, for example, a heart on Valentine's Day or the like.

A particularly appealing impression is achieved when the layers of the crimpable packaging material are dyed or printed. Here patterns, sayings, pictures and the like can be provided. These can be linked to specific occasions. The packaging material may also be adapted to the type and color of the goods to be packaged.

A further effect is achieved if the parts of the retaining surface are arranged at a distance from each other, so that a part of the unseeded part remaining above the base surface is pressed out of the plane during rattling. This creates a particularly voluminous end product, which gives a high-quality impression.

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Embodiments are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

1 Figure 3 is a perspective view of an arrangement for making a ruffled package of bouquets or plant pots.

2a Figure-e illustrates the process of making a crinkled package with an assembly 1 ,

3 is a schematic representation of a ruffled packaging, with the in 2 illustrated method was produced.

4 shows a retaining plate of two adjacent parts from above.

5 shows the retaining plate 4 wherein the parts are spaced apart from each other.

6 shows a retaining plate of four parts, wherein the parts are arranged spaced from each other.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a general with 10 designated arrangement for producing a ruffled packaging. The arrangement comprises a base plate 12 with a top in 1 arranged base surface 14 , The base plate 12 is provided in the middle with a non-visible, circular opening. The baseplate 12 Similar to a table, it has a four-leg stand 16 on. Parallel to the base plate 12 below is a stop plate 18 height adjustable in the legs 16 guided. This is by an arrow 20 illustrated.

The order 10 in the present embodiment further comprises a two-part retaining plate 22 with parts 24 and 26 , The parts 24 and 26 are along the dividing line 30 separated from each other. The retaining plate 22 has the same outer dimensions as the base plate 12 , The composite retaining plate 22 also has an opening 28 on, which in the assembled state of the arrangement 10 lies exactly above the opening in the base plate.

The order 10 Finally, it includes one or more sets of retainers 32 , In the present embodiment, the opening in the base plate 12 and in the assembled retaining plate 22 circular. Accordingly, a cylindrical retaining body 32 intended.

2 Illustrated as with the arrangement 10 out 1 a crinkled packaging is made for a bouquet of flowers. First, the packaging material is placed on the base plate 12 hung up. As packaging material are commercially available papers and films, which are used for the packaging of bouquets in florists. Compostable, tear and water resistant materials are particularly well suited. In the present embodiment, the uppermost layer 36 the packaging material is a waterproof, compostable, transparent film or water-repellent paper, which is similar to cardboard coffee mugs, coated.

The layers of the packaging material are stacked in the desired manner. In the present embodiment, 3 rectangular papers 34 . 38 or slides 36 used, which are superposed angularly superimposed, so that a star-shaped edge is formed. This is in 2a shown.

On the packaging material 34 . 36 . 38 become the two parts 24 and 26 the retaining plate 22 placed on the layers of packaging material. The retaining plate 22 has the same dimensions as the base plate 12 , The edges lie over the edges of the base plate. The opening 28 the retaining plate 22 lies above the opening 40 the base plate 12 , This is in 2 B shown.

The tubular Raffelkörper 32 will now be above the openings 28 and 40 positioned. Then he gets down in 2c moves, with the retaining plate 22 exerts a uniform force on the layers of the packaging material. This is in 2c shown.

The Raffel body 32 takes the thin layers 34 . 36 and 38 the flexible and raffelbaren packaging material in the area of the openings with down. In the process, the packaging material gathers and throws a multiplicity of folds which extend in the vertical direction in the illustration. The packaging material is so large that a part of the layers remains in the plane between the base plate and the retaining plate. This is in 2d shown.

The Raffel body 32 goes up to the stop plate 18 emotional. This achieves a defined depth for the shirred area. The Raffel body 32 has an edge in the lower part that lies in one plane. This gives the ruffled packaging material in the lower area a closed, flat base. At the end of the Raffelprozesses the Raffelkörper 32 be removed. This is in 2d shown.

The packaging material remains in its position and forms an upwardly open cavity 44 , First, water can enter the cavity 44 be filled. The water is heated to 40 to 45 ° C and provided with gelling candle gel. The candle gel floats on top of the water surface. Because the topmost location 36 is formed by a waterproof film, the water can not leak. A bouquet of flowers 42 will now be in the formed cavity 44 plugged. Subsequently, a twine 46 , Tying, wire, rubber, tape or other tape to tie under the base plate 12 around the bouquet 42 threaded with the packaging and drawn, so that there is a closed, well-packaged bouquet. This is in 2e indicated. For binding, a binding machine of conventional type is used. The crinkled packaging material before binding is without the rest of the arrangement and without ostrich in 3 shown. It can be seen that the cavity 44 is formed by raffia packaging material. The raffle 48 is even and dense. Such a raffle 48 can not be achieved by hand grating. The remaining part 60 of the packaging material forms a flat star.

When the water cools to room temperature with the candle gel, the candle gel gels and forms a watertight seal along the packaging and around the flower stems. Accordingly, the water can not escape even if the bouquet is tilted or turned over. The flower stems remain permanently in the water.

The parts of the retaining plate 22 can before removing the ostrich 42 be removed. As the outer diameter of the ostrich 42 possibly larger than the diameter of the opening 28 in the retaining plate 22 , the two parts are moved laterally upwards. The bouquet will not be damaged.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, is the Raffelkörper 32 formed directly from a plant pot. The packaging material is pressed through the openings with the pot and the plant planted therein. Subsequently, the pot remains in its position and is tied together.

The retaining plate 22 is designed in several parts, so that the plant or the bouquet even with larger diameters than the opening 28 can be used. In the embodiment described above 1 and 2 are the parts 26 and 24 arranged adjacent to each other. This is in the plan view 4 once again shown schematically. The parts 24 and 26 but can also be arranged at a distance, as in 5 is illustrated. In the area 58 along the dividing line of the parts 24 and 26 The packaging material is when inserting the Raffelkörpers up through the resulting gap 58 pressed. This gives the non-ruffled part a spatial design.

6 shows a further embodiment in which the retaining plate consists of four parts 50 . 52 . 54 and 56 is formed. Accordingly, more columns are created 62 and more out of the plane pushed out packaging parts. It is understood that these embodiments are only illustrations and the parts can be used with other designs, such as 3 or 5 columns, etc., different gap widths and the like.

The arrangements described above have the advantage that the packaging is also suitable for very large bouquets. A raffle body 32 , which is provided with a flat bottom, leads to a flat surface on the bottom of the package, which can be well placed filled with water. A vase is not required. The transport of the bouquet takes place without the risk of drying out.

It is understood that various Raffelkörper can be used. A Raffelkörper whose diameter is much smaller than the diameter of the opening 28 leads to a coarser raffing. It can also oval, star-shaped, triangular and other Raffelkörper for oval, star-shaped, triangular openings etc. are used.

With the described arrangement, the packaging of bouquets and pots can be easily automated. It is obtained a uniform result, which is achieved with great cost savings not only in small quantities, but also in high quantities, which can assure an accurate and always consistent packaging.

The foregoing embodiments are intended to illustrate the essence of the invention without limiting the invention thereto. It is understood that various variations of material, dimensions, shapes and procedures are conceivable, which are obvious to those skilled in the art. These variations are within the scope of the scope of the appended claims. The terms "above" and "below" refer to the accompanying drawings in the above description. Of course, the arrangement can also be arranged in a different orientation and should not be limited thereto.

Claims (14)

Arrangement ( 10 ) for the packaging of bouquets ( 42 ), Plant pots and the like with ruffled packaging material ( 34 . 36 . 38 ), characterized by: (a) a base surface ( 14 ) with an opening ( 40 ); (b) at least one multipart retaining surface ( 22 ) with an opening ( 28 ) in the area of the dividing lines ( 30 ) between the parts ( 24 . 26 ) of the retention surface; (c) a grating body ( 32 ) with a cross section smaller than the openings ( 28 . 40 ) in the base area ( 14 ) and the retaining surface ( 22 ); and (d) a stand ( 16 ) on which the base area ( 14 ) is held. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the openings ( 28 . 40 ) in the base area ( 14 ) and the retaining surface ( 22 ) are circular and the Raffelkörper ( 32 ) is formed by a tube. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening ( 28 ) and the dividing lines ( 30 ) in the retention surface ( 22 ) are centered. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or two parting lines in the retaining surface ( 22 ) are provided so that the retaining surface is composed of 2 or 4 parts. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition a stop ( 18 ) below the opening ( 40 ) of the base area ( 14 ) is provided, with which the goods to be packaged ( 42 ) is feasible up to a defined, maximum depth through the opening in the base surface. Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grating body ( 32 ) forms a flat surface on its underside facing the base surface. Method of packing bouquets ( 42 ), Plant pots and the like with ruffled packaging material ( 34 . 36 . 38 ) characterized by the steps of: (a) placing one or more layers ( 34 . 36 . 38 ) raffleable packaging material onto a base surface ( 14 ) with an opening ( 40 ); (b) placing at least one multi-part, with an opening ( 28 ) retaining surface ( 22 ) on the packaging material ( 34 . 36 . 38 ) such that the opening ( 28 ) of the retention surface ( 22 ) above the opening ( 40 ) in the base area ( 14 ) lies; (c) positioning a grating body ( 32 ) above the openings ( 28 . 40 ) in the retention surface ( 22 ) and the base area ( 14 ); and (d) passing the grater body ( 32 ) through the openings ( 28 . 40 ) in the retention surface ( 22 ) and the base area ( 14 ) taking along the packaging material ( 34 . 36 . 38 ) to a selected depth and then removing the grater body ( 32 ); (e) inserting the goods to be packed ( 42 ) in the of the Raffelkörper ( 32 ) in the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material ( 44 ); (f) removing the retaining surface ( 22 ); and (g) optionally setting and / or sealing the packaging material ( 34 . 36 . 38 ) around the goods to be packaged ( 42 ). Method according to claim 7, characterized in that one of the layers ( 36 ) Raffelbaren packaging material is a waterproof film. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the cavity formed by the shirred packaging material ( 44 ) is filled with water and optionally nutrient solution or the like before the product to be packaged ( 42 ) is introduced. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that a gelling or hardening mass is added to the water, which gels or hardens under selected conditions on the surface. A method according to claim 10, characterized in that the water is heated and liquid candle gel or other gelling agent is added, which after insertion of the goods to be packaged ( 42 ) gelled on the surface. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that (a) the edges of the crimpable packaging material are folded over; and or (b) the layers of the crimpable packaging material are laid up in an angularly offset manner, so that the unexposed part remaining above the base area gives a star shape; and or (c) the layers of the crimpable packaging material are laid asymmetrically so that the un-quilted portion remaining above the base surface forms a collar around the product to be packaged; and or (d) the layers of the crimpable packaging material have a shape which forms a desired shape with the un-quilted portion remaining above the base surface; and or (e) the layers of the crimpable packaging material are dyed or printed. Method according to one of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that the parts ( 24 . 26 ; 50 . 52 . 54 . 56 ) of the retention surface ( 22 ) are spaced apart so that a portion of above the base surface ( 14 ) remaining unfranded part is pressed out of the plane during raffle. Use of candle gel or other gelling material to close the water supply in containers in which bouquets are kept.

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