METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PACKAGING BOTTLES

Technical Field

The present invention concerns a method and an apparatus for packaging bottles and the like.

Background Art

The arrangement of containers provided with an upper neck, generically called bottles in the following, in packs or bundles of a predetermined number of bottles wrapped in a film of heat shrink plastic material has been known.

In the known methods for packaging bottles, the heat shrink plastic film is usually fed from a suitable apparatus, superimposed to the plurality of bottles to be packaged, closed at the lower side of the plurality of bottles by means of sealing and made shrinking by means of heat until firmly adhering to the packaged bottles, so as to give stability and resilience to the pack.

Such kind of packaging has a suitable shape and offers a suitable endurance, since the film firmly holds back the bottles, by adhering to their shape. Nevertheless, packaging by using heat shrink film is not free from drawbacks. Firstly, the high energy consumption connected with the use of the heat shrink film is complained. In fact, the use of such film entails the need of thermally treating the film both before the packaging step and during the packaging step to make it shrink around the containers to be packaged. Such high energy consumption is a non-negligible problem, since it affects the costs of extensively used products.

Another problem complained in known packs concerns the arrangement of the handle provided for transportationby hand. Such handle is usually applied transversally to the pack, that is on its long sides. From the producer's point of view, according to known solutions, since the handle is generally made of self-adhesive material combined with paper, a further suitable apparatus is required for attaching it, in spite of compactness and of production rates. From the user's point of view, as concerns in particular water bottle bundles, the handle is arranged so that, during transportation by hand, the hand has to rotate with respect to the arm, thus increasing the carrier's exertion.

Disclosure

The task of the present invention is that of solving the aforementioned problems, devising amethod that allows to perform in an optimal way the packaging of bottles and the like, with a reduced energetic consumption.

Within such task, it is a further scope of the present invention that of providing a method assuring a stable wrapping of the bottles, so as to obtain a solid pack. [08] A further scope of the invention is that of providing a method that allows to apply a handle to the pack during the packaging.

[09] A further scope of the invention is that of providing an apparatus for carrying out the mentioned method, having a simple conception, a surely reliable structure, a versatile use and a relatively low cost.

[10] The cited scopes are attained, according to the present invention, by the method for packaging bottles according to claim 1 .

[1 1 ] According to the present invention, the method provides to wrap about a plurality of bottles a film of extensible material provided with a plurality of holes, each hole being suitable to be inserted about a convergent end portion of a respective bottle.

Description of Drawings

[12] Details of the invention shall be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus for packaging bottles according to the method object of the invention, illustrated for indicative purposes in the attached drawings, wherein:

[13] figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d show a perspective view of different embodiments of a package produced according to the claimed method;

[14] figure 2 shows a perspective view of part of the apparatus for packaging bottles according to the invention;

[15] figure 3 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 2;

[16] figure 4 shows a plan view of the apparatus shown in figure 2;

[17] figure 5 shows a side view of a different part of the apparatus in object;

[18] figure 6 shows a cross-section view of the apparatus shown in figure 5, according to the line VI - VI;

[19] figure 7 shows a perspective view of a further part of the apparatus in object;

[20] figure 8 shows a side view of the apparatus shown in figure 7;

[21 ] figures 9 - 12 show a cross-section view of the bottles during different operating steps, respectively according to lines IX - IX, X - X, XI - XI and XII - XII in figure 8;

[22] figure 13 shows a perspective view of a different part of the apparatus object of the invention;

[23] figure 14 shows a plan view of the apparatus shown in figure 13;

[24] figure 15 shows a side view of a different embodiment of the part of the apparatus shown in figure 8;

[25] figure 16 shows a perspective view of a different embodiment of thepart of the apparatus shown in figure 13.

Best Mode

[26] With particular reference to such figures, the packaging made through the method for packaging bottles 2 according to the invention is indicated in its entirety with 1 . In particular the bottles 2 have a substantially cylindrical body 3, provided on the top with a convergent end portion converging towards one end 5 having a section with diameter size smaller than the diameter of the cylindrical body 3. Preferably, the end 5 comprises a neck suitable to be closed by a cap (see figures 1 a and 1 b).

[27] In the shown example, the packaging method is applied to bottles 2, but it is to be noted that the method in object is also suitable for packaging any container provided with one end portion having radial size smaller than the body.

[28] The pack 1 according to the present invention comprises a film 7 of extensible material wrapped about a predetermined plurality of bottles 2; preferably, the film 7 is of extensible material of the type of polyethylene. The film is provided with a plurality of holes 8, through which it is inserted, passing, the neck 5 of respective bottles 2. In this way the necks 5 of the bottles 5 protrude outside the film 7 of extensible material wrapped about the same bottles.

[29] In particular, it is preferable that the holes 8 have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the neck 5 so as to be tightened around the connection portion 4, at a height as close as possible to the neck 5, as it is shown in figures 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 1 d.

[30] More in detail, the package 1 has an upper surface 1 a, on which the above mentioned holes 8 are made and from which the necks 5 of the bottles 2 protrude, a lower surface 1 b, two longitudinal surfaces 1 c substantially parallel to each other and two transversal surfaces 1 d substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal surfaces 1 c.

[31 ] In a second embodiment, shown in figure 1 b, the package 1 is provided with a handle grip element 9, made of a band of plastic material, for example of high density polyethylene, connected to the film 7 at its ends. More in particular, each end of the handle 9 is connected at the upper zone of a respective transversal surface 1 d. Preferably, the handle is connected to the film 7 of extensible material by means of sealing, but it is possible to provide other kinds of connection which allow to hold the weight of the packaged bottles during transportation by hand.

[32] It is to be noted that in the example shown in figures 1 a and 1 b the longitudinal surfaces 1 c of the pack are entirely covered by the film 7 of extensible material, while the transversal surfaces 1 d have a substantially central zone not covered by the same film 7. It is anyway possible to provide the package to be completely closed at the transversal surface 1 d, so as to assure a better grip of the handle 9, as it is shown in figures 1 c and 1 d.

[33] The apparatus for packaging bottles 2 with the described package comprises a feed plane 10 on which a plurality of bottles 2 are made advancing according to a feed direction A, suitably rectilinear (see figure 2 and 3). Preferably, the feed plane 10 is arranged horizontal so as to convey the bottles 2 preventing them from falling. In known way the bottles 2 are firstly fed according to a continuous flow along two lines arranged side by side, in uninterrupted succession, and are then separated in groups of a pre-established number of bottles 2, so as to create a bundle. In the illustrated example, the bottles 2 are separated in six-bottles bundles, but it is obviously possible to provide bundles having a different number of bottles according to the exigencies.

The separation of the bottles in bundles is performed at a separating station 1 1 (see figure 5), arranged at the feed plane 10, comprising a separating device 12, suitable to perform the separation of the bundles, and an adjustment device 13, arranged directly downstream of the separating device 12 and suitable to adjust the distance between two following bundles. Preferably, the adjustment device comprises an endless belt provided with separators and operated in continuous motion (see figure 5). The operating members of the separating station 1 1 are operated so as to perform the separation of bottles 2 without needing to interrupt the continuous feeding flow of the bottles 2.

The apparatus according to the invention also provides feed means 20 for the film 7 of extensible material, arranged so as to feed the film 7 along a feed path B substantially longitudinal to the feed direction A of the bottles 2 (figures 2, 3 and 4). Usually the above- mentioned feed means 20 are made by a coil from which the film 7 of extensible material is unwound, but it is possible to provide any feed means 20.

It is to be noted that, in the illustrated case, the feed path B of the film is arranged above the feed plane 10 of the bottles, so as to keep the film 7 substantially parallel to the same feed plane 10. It is anyway possible to provide that the feed path B is differently oriented, providing that the orientation of the film 7 maintains an orientation so as to have a surface turned towards the bottles 2 fed along the feed direction A.

Downstream of the coil 20, extension means 21 suitable to perform the extension of the film 7 of extensible material are arranged. In particular, the extension means 21 comprise longitudinal extension means 21 a followed by transversal extension means 21 b (see figures 2, 3 and 4).

Longitudinal extension means 21 a preferably comprise a first couple of counter rotating endless belts 210, operated at a predetermined speed so as to draw the film 7 unwinding from the coil 20, and a second couple of endless belts 21 1 arranged directly downstream of the first couple of endless belts 210 and operated at a speed higher than the speed of the latter. Such speed difference in the drawing of the film 7 produces its extension in longitudinal direction. Preferably, the endless belts 210, 21 1 have a width substantially equal to the width of the film 7 to be extended, so as to perform a substantially homogeneous extension on the whole length of the film 7 (see figures 2 and 4). In the illustrated case, longitudinal extension means 21 a are arranged along a rectilinear section, inclined with respect to the feed direction A of the bottles 2, being the inclined section delimited at one side by a support roll 22, arranged between the coil 20 and the endless belts 210, and by drawing means 23 made by a couple of counter rotating rolls arranged between the endless belts 21 1 and the transversal extension means 21 b (see figures 2 and 3). However, it is possible to provide that such section is not inclined with respect to the feed direction A, thus making optional the presence of the support roll 22 and of the drawing means 23.

The transversal extension means 21 b preferably comprise two couples of counter rotating endless belts 212, 213 arranged at the longitudinal edges 70 of the film 7 of extensible material and wide opened so as to perform an extension of the length of the film 7 while advancing.

More in detail, the respective edges of the couples of endless belts 212, 213 turned towards the longitudinal extension means 21 a are arranged at the longitudinal edge 70 of the film 7 so as to engage a respective longitudinal edge 70. The couples of endless belts 212, 213 are arranged wide open towards the feed direction of the film 7, so as to progressively perform the transversal extension of the film 7. It is preferable that the two couples of endless belts 212, 213 are symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal median axis of the film 7 so as to obtain a homogeneous and regular transversal extension. Obviously, the angle created between the two couples of belts 212, 213 as well as their length determine the extension stress applied to the film 7 of extensible material.

At the exit from the transversal extension means 21 b, the film 7 results both longitudinally and transversally extended.

The apparatus according to the invention also provides a piercing device 24 arranged along the feed path B of the film 7, downstream of the extension means 21 (see figures 5 and 6). Such piercing device 24 is suitable to perform the piercing of the film 7 so as to obtain the above mentioned holes 8 of the package 1 .

The piercing device 24 preferably comprises a punch device, provided with a suitable punch 25 and with a corresponding matrix 26. The punch 25 and the matrix 26 are able to make a plurality of holes 8 corresponding to a multiple of the number of bottles 2 in each bundle. For example, in the illustrated case the piercing device 24 performs two sets of six holes for each set, which correspond to two successive bundles separated by a distance that corresponds to the distance obtained between two bundles of bottles 2 through the adjustment device 13 (see figures 5 or 6).

It is to be observed that the apparatus in object preferably provides second drawing means 23 arranged between the transversal extension means 21 b and the piercing device 24, so as to perform the feeding of the film 7 keeping in an efficient way the extension of this latter.

Preferably, further drawing means 23 are provided at the exit of the piercing device 24 for performing the continuous feeding of the perforated film 7.

As an alternative, it is possible to provide the use of a suitably perforated coil of film 7. Obviously, in this case the apparatus does not include the piercing device 24.

Subsequently, the perforated film 7 is wrapped about the flow of bottles 2 at a wrapping station 27, in which the feed path B of the film 7 ends thus reaching the flow of bottles 2 fed on the feed plane 10 (see figures 7 and 8). The wrapping station 27 preferably comprises suitable guide means 28 arranged along the feed direction A of the bottles and having a first portion 28a substantially parallel to the feed direction A, so as to progressively go with the film 7 towards the flow of bottles 2.

Preferably, the guide means 28 have a width lesser that the width of the film 27, as can be seen in figures 7 and 8, so as to allow the progressive folding of the film 7 due to the force of gravity (see figures 9 - 12). It is to be noted that at the exit from the wrapping station, the side edges 73 are overlapped to one another so as to be subsequently united (see in particular figure 12). Such overlapping of the side edges 73 is made beneath the feed plane 10. In this way the film 7 shapes a continuous tube containing the flow of bottles 2. The apparatus in object provides as well a longitudinal closure device 29 arranged along the feed direction A directly downstream of the above mentioned wrapping station 27, at the bottles surface 2 at which the side edges 73 of the film 7 are arranged, so as to perform the longitudinal closure of the film 7 around the bottles 2 acting on the above mentioned side edges 73 (figures 13 and 14). In particular, the longitudinal closure device 29 has preferably an elongated shape and is arranged longitudinally to the feed direction A so as to act on a maximal length of the side edges 73. The closure device 29 is suitable to join together the two side edges 73 overlapped, preferably by means of sealing.

Downstream of the longitudinal closure device 29 along the feed direction A,a seal and cut station 30 is provided, in which the transversal sealing and the transversal cutting of the film 7 are performed at the same time through suitable transversal sealing and cutting means 31 . Such transversalsealing and cutting means 31 can be operated between an open configuration, suitable to allow the free passage of the wrapped bottles 2, and a closed configuration in which it performs simultaneously the sealing and the cutting of the film 7, at a section located between two bundles of bottles 2 (see figure 14).

In a second embodiment, the apparatus in object also comprises longitudinal feed means 40 of a band 41 intended to be applied longitudinally on the upper part of the bundles of bottles 2, in order to be used as gripelement 9, as previously described (figure 15). According to the present invention, the feed means 40, which are preferably made up by a coil, are arranged at the wrapping station 27 and externally to the feed path B so as to put the band 41 upon the film 7 substantially at the first section 28a of the guide means 28. For example, in the illustrated case, being the path B arranged above the flow of bottles 2, the coil 40 is arranged above the feed path B.

The method for wrapping bottles according to the invention is easy to understand from the preceding description.

The bottles 2 are fed on the feed plan 10 along the feed direction A. The feeding of the bottles 2 is performed in a continuous manner, thus making an endless flow of bottles 2. Such endless flow is fed towards the separating station 1 1 , in which it is separated in bundles. In the illustrated case, each bundle comprises six bottles, arranged into two lines of 3 bottles (see figures 5 and 6).

At the same time, the film 7 of extensible material is fed along the feed path B, arranged longitudinally to the feed direction A.

Preferably, the feed path B is arranged above the feed path 10, being the film 7 horizontally fed, so as to result substantially parallel to the same feed plane 10 and longitudinally centred with respect to the feed direction A. It is possible to provide a different arrangement of the feed path B with respect to the feed path 10, providing that the film 7 is fed with a surface turned towards the flow of bottles 2.

The film 7 of extensible material is unwound from a coil 20 and made passing through the longitudinal extension means 21 a through which it is extended in longitudinal direction. In particular, the longitudinal extension of the film 7 is due to the speed difference between the speedsat which the first couple of endless belts 210 and the second couple of endless belts 21 1 are operated.The first couple of endless belts 210 is operated at a speed lower than the operating speed of the second couple of endless belts 21 1 (see figures 2, 3 and 4).

The longitudinally extended film 7 subsequently passes through the transversal extension means 21 b, arranged at the exit of the above mentioned longitudinal extension means 21 a, so as to be transversally extended. Such transversal extension is due to the open configuration of the couples of endless belts 212, 213 which engage the longitudinal sides 70 of the film 7.

Subsequently, the film 7 is pierced through the piercing device 24, so as to be provided with a plurality of holes 8 which correspond to the plurality of bottles 2 which constitute a bundle, or a multiple number of bundles.

As can be seen in figures 5 and 6, in the illustrated case, the piercing device 24 consists of a punching device operated through a tracking and coupling system so as to perform in a continuous manner the piercing of the film 7, without interrupting the feeding, and operating at pitch with the flow of bottles bundles 2.

It is to be noted that, in the case illustrated as an example, the piercing of the film 7 is substantially performed above the separating station 1 1 and at the same time of the separation of the bottles 2 in bundles (see in particular figure 5). It is possible to provide the separation of the bottles 2 before or after the piercing of the film 7 of extensible material.

It is important to point out that the feed speed of the film 7 must be substantially equal to the feed speed of the bottles 2, so as to be able to align the holes 8 with the necks 5 of the bottles 2 before reaching the wrapping station.

After the piercing of the film 7, this latter is fed towards the wrapping station 27 (see figure 8) in which it passes on the suitable guide means 28, so as to be progressively folded up around the flow of bottles 2. In particular, the film 7 firstly reaches the first section 28a of the guide means 28, on which it is supported only at a central zone 71 , leaving the longitudinal sides 70 falling under the gravity effect (see figure 9). Such falling produces a progressive folding of the film 7. At the second section 28b of the guide means, the falling of the film 7 allows to progressively increase the folding of the film 7, until obtaining the film 7 to be supported on the upper surface of the bottles 2, thus shaping two side zones

72, which come in contact with the lateral surfaces of the bottles 2, and two side edges

73, which correspond to the longitudinal zone of the film 7 contiguous to the longitudinal border 70 (see figures 10 and 1 1 ).

Feeding the film 7 and the bottles 2 at the same speed with the holes 8 aligned with the necks 5 of the bottles 2 entails that, when the film 7 is in support on the bottles 2, the holes 8 are automatically inserted around the neck of a respective bottle 2.

The arrangement of the feed path B of the film 7 above the flow of bottles 2 allows to perform the longitudinal folding of the film 7 through the action of the force of gravity. It is also possible to provide to arrange the feed path B at a different side of the flow of bottles 2, providing further longitudinal guides suitable to perform the longitudinal folding of the film 7 about the bottles 2.

At the exit from the wrapping station 27 the side edges 73 are folded on one another at the lower surface of the bottles 2, beneath the feed plane 10 (see figure 12). The film 7 substantially has a tube-shaped profile wrapped around the flow of bottles 2.

The side edges 73 are subsequently united to one another for operating the longitudinal closure of the film 7 about the bundles, at the longitudinal closure device 29 (see figures 13 and 14). Preferably, such longitudinal closure is performed by sealing the side edges 73. The film 7 is then transversally sealed and cut, in a simultaneous manner, at portions located between two bundles of bottles 2. In such way, bundles of bottles 2 wrapped in the pack 1 are obtained, according to the present invention.

In figures 15 and 16 a different embodiment of the method in object is shown, in which at the beginning of the winding step of the film 7 about the bottles 2 the tape 41 of plastic material (see figure 15) is longitudinally applied, and subsequently cut and sealed to the pack 1 in the step of transversal closure and cut of the film 7 (see figure 16).

The described method attains the scope of performing in an optimal manner the packaging of bottles and the like, with a reduced energetic consumption. Such a result is obtained in particular thanks to the inventive idea of using, for the packaging, a film of extensible material of the type of polyethylene. As a matter of fact, the use of such material avoids the need of heat treatments to which the heat shrink material usually used for packaging bottles must be submitted.

A characteristic of the method in object and of the pack obtained accordingly, is that bottles are firmly kept through the insertion of the respective necks in the corresponding holes made on the film of extensible material. In practice, the possible displacement of a bottle does not transfer to the other bottles of the bundle.

Another advantage of the method in object and of the so-obtained package, is that the film of extensible material is lighter that the film of heat shrink material and it has a substantially equal unitary cost. Its use results then less expensive than the use of the heat shrink material.

Substantially, the method in object allows to overcome the technical prejudice according to which, for packaging bottles and the like, heat shrink material is generally used.The use of a film of extensible material according to the method in object allows to obtain a stable and enduring packaging with an evident saving in costs and energy.

The method and apparatus in object also allow to provide the package according to the invention with a handle during the packaging of bottles, without requiring the use of a supplementary apparatus. Moreover, the handle results longitudinally turned towards the package allowing an easier grip for the user who can lift the bundle by keeping the hand in a natural position, without turning the wrist.

In practice, the embodiment of the invention, the materials used, as well as the shape and dimensions, may vary depending on the requirements.

Should the technical characteristics mentioned in each claim be followed by reference signs, such reference signs were included strictly with the aim of enhancing the understanding the claims and hence they shall not be deemed restrictive in any manner whatsoever on the scope of each element identified for exemplifying purposes by such reference signs.