Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention is generally related to a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles into a quasi-rigid unitary package using a strapping band made of a cellulose-based material, in particular paper, hardboard or corrugated board, and to a quasi-rigid unitary package obtained or obtainable by said method.

Background of the invention

[0002] Substance-holding articles like beverage-holding containers such as plastic bottles (for example PET or PP bottles), cans, drink cartons, steel-based or aluminum-based jars, etc. are often packed together or bundled into a unitary package (also referred to as a unitary set or bundle) to facilitate handling and transport. The bundled unitary package is expected to behave as a quasi-rigid, i.e., relatively small deformations may occur at the outer surface of the articles under external forces acting on the unit, but these external forces may not cause relative movements of the individual articles within the unitary package. In case of horizontal inertia forces during transport, individual containers in such a package may not tilt. In case the unitary packages are palletised and put on a vibrating support such as a loading platform of a truck, the individual containers do rattle.

[0003] In some cases a plastic shrinkable film is used to squeeze and hold the containers together. This may result in friction forces between the outer sidewalls of the containers, causing the containers to behave as a rigid bundle: no significant relative movements of a container relative to other containers occurs. An interlayer sheet is needed when palletising the goods.

[0004] In some other state-of-the-art solutions the containers are put in a supporting box or tray having sufficient high erected walls with respect to the height of the containers. The box serves as means to avoid tilting of individual containers under horizontal inertia forces. Sometimes interlayer sheets can be avoided or reduced in strength. A related disadvantage is the amount of material needed to manufacture such a box or tray, and these solutions also take up quite a lot of volume during transport and after use.

[0005] It has been known from EP0647198 that a membrane defined by a tubular band of elastically extensible plastic material can be used to provide a unitary set of articles for transport. However, the membrane has to cover a large portion of the total height of the articles, resulting in the need of quite some packaging material. Moreover, the packaging material is plastic-based making it a less ecological solution. Finally, the articles have to be of similar shape and size in order to avoid tilting. [0006] EP2112088 discloses the use of a thinner retaining element or band to form a pack of liquid holding containers wherein the containers are disposed in two rows arranged next to one another in such a way, that the footprint of the pack describes a parallelogram. However, the containers have to be of the same size and shape and the parallelogram-shaped footprint requires an additional challenge when transporting the package.

[0007] All the aforementioned reasons call for an eco-friendly and industrially flexible and applicable bundling method of articles, not necessarily of the same shape and size, to obtain a stable and rigid unitary set of articles.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The current invention aims to address the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a method for bundling a plurality of articles into a quasi-rigid unitary assembly without the need of a plastic-based packaging material.

[0009] The above objective is accomplished by the solution according to the present invention.

[0010] It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a relatively small amount of cellulose-based packaging material is required to obtain a quasi-rigid unitized package comprising a plurality of articles.

[0011] It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that there is no requirement to provide a quasi-rigid unitary package of articles having a particular shape (e.g. cylindrical) or size, hence, the present invention is very advantageous in terms of industrial implementation.

[0012] It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that articles of different shape and size may be packed within one unitized package.

[0013] It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a strapping band may be provided without the need to provide a material bond, like for example in the form of a welded joint, contacting point between the strapping band and an article of the quasi-rigid unitary package.

[0014] It is a further advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the need of a strong interlayer sheet between the articles may be avoided. Indeed, the use of a tray provides a stable support for the bottom of the containers, thus avoiding the need of a strong interlayer sheet.

[0015] According to a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles into a quasi-rigid unitary package using a strapping band made of a cellulose-based material, the method comprising: disposing the plurality of elastically deformable articles into a unitary assembly defining an elastically deformable assembly surface; applying a compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly using a clamping means; disposing, while applying the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly, the strapping band circumferentially around the unitary assembly such that the strapping band is in direct contact with the elastically deformable assembly surface; and removing the compressive pressure force such that the strapping band becomes tensioned around the unitary assembly forming the quasi-rigid unitary package. It is an advantage of the bundling method that a quasi-rigid unitary package may be obtained using a relatively small amount of cellulose-based packaging material. Furthermore, the bundling method may be applied using articles of a different shape or size within the same or different unitary assemblies. It is another advantage of the embodiments of the bundling method that there is no need to provide a material bond, like for example in the form of a welded joint, between the strapping band and the at least one article of the unitary package.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the strapping band is formed from a substantially flat strip having overlapping end portions when being circumferentially disposed around the unitary assembly, and wherein a step of fastening the end portions is performed during the application of the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly.

[0017] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of elastically deformable articles are disposed into the unitary assembly on a bottom panel of a tray, and wherein the tray further comprises a plurality of erected side panels connected to the bottom panel.

[0018] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, one side panel of the plurality of the erected side panels of the tray comprising a strip-shaped portion having overlapping end portions when being circumferentially disposed around the unitary assembly, and wherein a step of fastening the end portions of the strip-shaped portion is performed during the application of the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly.

[0019] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, two or more side panels of the plurality of erected side panels comprising a strip-shaped portion are adapted to form the strapping band around the unitary assembly when connected to each other, and a step of fastening the free end portions of the strip-shaped portions is performed during the application of the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the side panels having a strip-shaped portion are substantially T-shaped having a neck portion disposed between the bottom panel and the strip shaped portion. [0021] According to a specific embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of articles of the unitary assembly are arranged in a single-row configuration or row-by-row configuration having an equal number of articles per row.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the clamping means comprising two substantially U-shaped profiles having engageable free ends for releasably clamping the unitary assembly thereby applying the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly.

[0023] According to a particular embodiment of the present invention, the clamping means comprising a pair of laterally spaced apart clamping guides defining a clamping passage such that, when the unitary assembly is disposed within the clamping passage, a compressive pressure force is applied on the unitary assembly.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a quasi-rigid unitary package comprising a unitary assembly of articles held together using a strapping band made of a cellulose-based material, wherein at least one of the articles is elastically deformable, and wherein the strapping band is circumferentially tensioned around the unitary assembly of articles by being in direct contact with an elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly.

[0025] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the quasi-rigid unitary package further comprises a tray having a bottom panel and a plurality of erected side panels connected to the bottom panel supporting the unitary assembly of articles.

[0026] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, at least one side panel comprises a strip-shaped portion adapted to form the strapping band.

[0027] According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention, the tray is made of the same or a different cellulose-based material as the strapping band.

[0028] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

[0029] The invention will be described further, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in the various figures. [0030] Fig.l illustrates a flowchart of a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles into a quasi-rigid unitary package according to embodiments of the present description.

[0031] Fig.2 illustrates an isometric view of a quasi-rigid unitary package, also referred to as unitary package, obtained in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.3 depicts a perspective view of quasi-rigid unitary package according to embodiments of the present invention or obtained according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Fig.4a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.4b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.4a.

[0034] Fig.5a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.5b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig. 5a.

[0035] Fig.6a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.6b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.6a.

[0036] Fig.7a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.7b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.7a.

[0037] Fig.8a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.8b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.8a.

[0038] Fig.9a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.9b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.9a.

[0039] Fig.10a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig.10b illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.10a.

[0040] Fig.11a illustrates a perspective view of the use of a clamping means in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Fig. lib illustrates a top view of the use of the clamping means in relation to Fig.11a.

Detailed description of illustrative embodiments [0041] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. Where the term "comprising" is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or steps. Where an indefinite or definite article is used when referring to a singular noun e.g. "a" or "an", "the", this includes a plural of that noun unless something else is specifically stated. The term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein. Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other orientations than described or illustrated herein. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like features, and a reference numeral appearing in more than one figure refers to the same element. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some, but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art.

[0042] Unless indicated otherwise, when in the present application reference is made to "article" or "elastically deformable article", reference may be made to any container or holder of a substance, like a filled beverage container or holders for other goods like cleaning agents or engine oils, that are handy and stackable, having a(n) (outer) surface or at least a portion of their surface which is elastically deformable in order to able to be bundled into a quasi-rigid unitary package or a unitary set according to embodiments of the present invention. Hence, according to embodiments of the present invention, an article has to be squeezable or deformable to a certain degree under the application of an external compressive pressure force, and the article, or its outer surface, has to be able to reshape to substantially its original shape once the compressive pressure force has been removed. The inventors surprisingly found that articles having a contact point near their top portion and a contact point near their bottom portion have been identified as being squeezable or deformable.

[0043] Unless indicated otherwise, when in the present application reference is made to "unitary assembly" or "group of articles", reference may be made to a plurality of articles disposed side-by-side to form a compact unit or ensemble relatively easy to hold or clamp.

[0044] Unless indicated otherwise, when in the present application reference is made to a "quasi-rigid"unitary package of articles obtained according to embodiments of the present invention, reference may be made to a unitary package being capable of receiving external pressure forces under standard transport conditions such that resilience is provided to a relative movement of articles within the package, or such that the relative movement of articles within the package is not significant or insufficient to slide away out of the package. Hence, the outer sides or surfaces of the unitary package may undergo modest deformations due to external pressure forces, while the overall shape of unitary package is still preserved. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a quasi-rigid unitary package of articles may be obtained providing sufficient rigidity to withstand, to a predetermined level, physical damage during shipping or transport using a minimal amount of packaging material.

[0045] According to embodiments of the present invention, the strapping band is made from a cellulose-based material. Unless indicated otherwise, when in the present application reference is made to "cellulose-based material", reference may be made to cellulose materials including paper, hardboard or corrugated board adapted to be disposed around a unitary assembly of articles and to be in direct contact with at least a portion of the elastically deformable outer side or surface of the unitary assembly. The strapping band may also be referred to as a tensed-ribbon- or strip-like strapping band.

[0046] It should be understood by the reader that embodiments of the method in accordance with the present invention are advantageously put in practice in a continuous and automated production line, along a sequence of operating stations (not shown), wherein the production line may comprise at the entry means for providing a plurality of articles (for example bottles) which are fed, whereas at the exit of the production line at least a portion of the plurality of articles are delivered as a quasi-rigid unitary package or set of articles.

[0047] Referring now more specifically to the drawings, and in particular to FIG.l, a flowchart of a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles into a quasi-rigid unitary package using a strapping band made of a cellulose-based material of articles according to embodiments of the present invention is shown. In a first step SI, a plurality of articles is provided. The plurality of articles, or at least a portion of the plurality of articles, may be provided in an automatic, semi-automatic or manual way.

[0048] In a second step S2, the provided plurality of articles is disposed into a unitary assembly (also referred to as a set of articles or a group of articles) adapted to hold or clamp. Hence, the plurality of articles is disposed in a side-by-side configuration to form a compact unit or ensemble relatively easy to hold or clamp. It should be understood that, given the fact that the articles are elastically deformable, at least a portion of the outer surface or outer sides of the unitary assembly of articles is elastically deformable. Step S2 may be performed in an automatic, semi-automatic or manual way.

[0049] Thereafter, a step S3 of applying an external compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly using a clamping means is performed. According to specific embodiments of the present invention, the plurality of articles may be moved or pushed to a region or zone such that a clamping means fixed in space, such as being attached to a fixed holding frame of an industrial packaging apparatus, is able to clamp the unitary assembly. According to other specific embodiments of the present invention, the clamping means may be moved to the location or position of the unitary assembly in space before clamping the unitary assembly and applying a compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly.

[0050] While applying the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly of articles, a step S4 of disposing a strapping band circumferentially around the unitary assembly is performed such that this strapping band is in direct contact with at least a portion of the elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly.

[0051] In a following step S5, the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly is removed such that the disposed strapping band becomes tensioned around the unitary assembly forming a quasi-rigid unitary package.

[0052] Referring to FIG.2, an isometric view of a quasi-rigid unitary package 1, also referred to as unitary package, obtained in accordance to embodiments of the present invention has been illustrated. The quasi-rigid unitary package 1 comprises elastically deformable articles 3 and may be obtained according to at least the steps mentioned in relation to FIG.l. The unitary package 1 comprises a unitary assembly of articles 3 held together using a strapping band 5 made of a cellulose- based material. The strapping band 5 is circumferentially tensioned around the unitary assembly of articles 3 by being in direct contact with an elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly.

[0053] It should be noticed that the quasi-rigid unitary package 1 in FIG.2 further comprises an optional tray 2 for supporting the unitary assembly of elastically deformable articles 3. A quasi- rigid unitary package 1 comprising a tray 2 may be obtained according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the method as schematically illustrated in FIG.l further comprises an additional step wherein the plurality of elastically deformable articles are disposed into the unitary assembly on a bottom panel of a tray 2, and wherein the tray 2 further comprises a plurality of erected side panels 4 connected to the bottom panel. Indeed, as illustrated in FIG.2 the plurality of articles 3 have been disposed on a bottom panel of a tray 2 which further comprises a plurality of erected side panels 4.

[0054] According to embodiments of the present invention, the tray 2 may be made of the same or a different cellulose-based material as the strapping band 5 and is adapted to additionally support the unitary assembly of articles 3.

[0055] It should further be appreciated that in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.2, a plurality of six (6) articles 3, in particular plastic PET bottles, are bundled or held together by the strapping band 5.

[0056] According to embodiments of the invention, the tray 2 may be formed from a single sheet or a blank, having a bottom panel (not visible in FIG.2) and at least one erectable side panel 4 foldably connected to the bottom panel. For forming the tray 2 from a single sheet or a blank, the at least one erectable side panel 4 is erected and folded at the corners of the bottom panel. The bottom panel of the tray 2 may be rectangular shaped having four (4) erectable side panels to form a front, rear and side walls of the tray 2, wherein the front, rear and side walls are interconnected in a known manner at the corners of the bottom panel by means of connecting flaps. It should be appreciated that other shapes and sizes of a bottom panel and side panels 4 of a tray 2 may also be provided to obtain a quasi-rigid unitary package 1 according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] According to embodiments of the present invention, the strapping band 5 may be formed from a substantially flat strip made of a cellulose-based material. The strip has a predetermined length such that, when circumferentially disposed around a unitary assembly of articles 3 obtained according to at least one step of the present invention, the free end portions of the strip are overlapping and may be attached to each other, for example by gluing, to form a strapping band 5 around the unitary assembly. The method or step of attaching one free end of the strip to the other free end of the strep may be performed when exercising a compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly such that the formed strapping band 5 is and remains in direct contact with at least a portion of an elastically deformable outer surface or wall of the unitary assembly. This has the advantage that the strapping band 5 becomes more tensioned around the unitary assembly of articles 3 to form a unitary package 1 or bundle once the compressive pressure force has been lowered or even removed. Hence, the articles 3 within the quasi-rigid unitary package 1 will not be able, or only to a minimum extend, to move or slide relatively to each other as long as the strapping band is tensioned around the unitary assembly having the advantage that a bundle of articles may be formed using a relatively small amount of cellulose-based material.

[0058] Referring to FIG.3, a perspective view of quasi-rigid unitary package 1 according to embodiments of the present invention or obtained according to embodiments of the present invention has been illustrated. The difference with the quasi-rigid unitary package illustrated in FIG.2 is that the strapping band 5 is formed from a portion of the side panels 4 of a tray 2. In these embodiments, a side panel 4 may comprise a strip-shaped portion having overlapping end portions when being circumferentially disposed around the unitary assembly. The overlapping end portions are attached to each other, for example by gluing without being limited thereto, when a compressive pressure force is exerted on the unitary assembly to form a strapping band 5, and wherein the formed strapping band 5 is and remains in direct contact with at least a portion of an elastically deformable outer surface or wall of the unitary assembly of articles 3. This has the advantage that the strapping band 5 becomes more tensioned around the unitary assembly of articles 3 to form a unitary package 1 or bundle once the compressive pressure force has been lowered or even removed. Hence, the articles 3 within the quasi-rigid unitary package 1 will not be able, or only to a minimum extent, to move or slide relatively to each other as long as the strapping band is tensioned around the unitary assembly, which offers the advantage that a bundle of articles may be formed using a relatively small amount of cellulose-based material. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.3, two opposite side panels 4 of the tray comprise a strip-shaped portion to form the strapping band 5. It should be understood by the reader that the present invention is not limited to embodiments wherein only two opposite side panels 4 may have a strip-shaped portion adapted to form a strapping band 5, but that a strapping band 5 may also be formed by a strip-shaped portion of one or more side panels 4 of a tray 2 without being opposite side panels. Advantageously, the strapping band 5 may be formed from opposite side panels 4 having a strip-shaped portion.

[0059] Referring now to FIG.4a to FIG.7b, the use of a clamping means 6, 7 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. These drawings illustrate an isometric perspective view (see top figures, indicated with 'a') and their related top view (see bottom figures, indicated with 'b'). The clamping means 6, 7 are adapted to apply an external compressive pressure force on a unitary assembly of articles 3 to obtain a quasi-rigid unitary package 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. In particular, these drawings illustrate the steps of a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles 3 into a quasi-rigid unitary package 1 using a strapping band 5 made of a cellulose-based material. The method comprises the steps of (i) disposing the plurality of elastically deformable articles 3 into a unitary assembly on a bottom panel 13 of a tray 2, wherein the tray 2 comprises a plurality of erected side panels connected to the bottom panel 13, and wherein the unitary assembly of articles 3 defines an elastically deformable assembly surface (FIG.4a, 4b); (ii) applying a compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly using a clamping means 6,7 (FIG.5a, 5b); (iii) disposing, while applying the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly, the strapping band circumferentially around the unitary assembly such that the strapping band is in direct contact with the elastically deformable assembly surface (FIG.6a, 6b); and (iv) removing the compressive pressure force such that the strapping band 5 becomes tensioned around the unitary assembly forming the quasi-rigid unitary package 1 (FIG.7a, 7b).

[0060] The clamping means 6,7 in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.4a to FIG.7b comprises two substantially U-shaped profiles 6,7 having engageable free ends 8 for releasably clamping the unitary assembly of articles 3. The unitary assembly of articles 3 is disposed on a bottom panel 13 of a tray 2 having four (4) erected side panels 4 of which two (2) opposite side panels comprise a strip-shaped portion 9 adapted to form a strapping band 5 when connected to each other. The clamping means 6, 7 define a clamping region or zone adapted to receive a unitary assembly of articles 3 and to engage with at least a portion of the outer surface (or sides) of the unitary assembly of articles 3. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the clamping means 6, 7 engage with at least a portion of the elastically deformable surface or outer side of the unitary assembly. By increasing the compressive pressure force exerted by the clamping means on the outer surface of the unitary assembly, an inwardly deformation of at least a portion of the elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly may occur.

[0061] As illustrated in FIG.5a, 5b and FIG.6a, 6b, the strip-shaped portions 9 of the opposite side panels are connected to each other while a compressive pressure force is exerted by the clamping means 6,7 on the unitary assembly. These strip-shaped portions 9, in particular their free ends, may be attached to each other using a process like gluing or a like. Following the formation of a strapping band 5, the compressive pressure force may be lowered or even removed such that at least a portion of the deformed or inwardly compressed elastically deformable surface is able to reshape to substantially its original shape, which tensions or tightens the strapping band forming a unitary package. It will be understood that the degree of deformation is predetermined depending on the stretching or tensioning limitation of the strapping band, which may depend on the shape, dimensions and material of the strapping band. Indeed, according to embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the clamping means 6,7 may be configured or adapted such that, when their engageable free ends 8 are in direct contact, a compressive pressure force is applied on the unitary assembly resulting in a predetermined degree of deformation in order to obtain a preferred tensioning of the strapping band 5 after removing the compressive pressure force. [0062] Referring now to FIG.8a to FIG. lib, different steps of embodiments according to the present inventions have been illustrated, wherein a clamping means is used comprising a pair of laterally spaced apart clamping guides 10 defining a clamping passage 11 such that, when the unitary assembly of articles 3 is disposed within the clamping passage 11, a compressive pressure force is applied on the unitary assembly of articles 3 allowing to dispose a strapping band around the unitary assembly in order to form a quasi-rigid unitary package after removing the compressive pressure force. These drawings illustrate an isometric perspective view (see top figures, indicated with 'a') and their related top view (see bottom figures, indicated with 'b').

[0063] In particular, these drawings illustrate the steps of a method for bundling a plurality of elastically deformable articles 3 into a quasi-rigid unitary package 1 using a strapping band 5 made of a cellulose-based material. The method comprises the steps of (i) disposing the plurality of elastically deformable articles 3 into a unitary assembly on a bottom panel 13 of a tray 2, wherein the tray 2 comprises a plurality of erected side panels 4 connected to the bottom panel 13, and wherein the unitary assembly of articles 3 defines an elastically deformable assembly surface (FIG.8a, 8b); (ii) applying a compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly using a clamping means 10 (FIG.9a, 9b, FIG.10a, 10b); and (iii) disposing, while applying the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly, the strapping band 5 circumferentially around the unitary assembly such that the strapping band is in direct contact with the elastically deformable assembly surface (FIG.11a, lib).

[0064] The step of removing the compressive pressure force such that the strapping band 5 becomes tensioned around the unitary assembly forming the quasi-rigid unitary package 1 is not illustrated in relation to these particular clamping means.

[0065] FIG.8a to FIG. lib illustrate the disposal of a strapping band 5 formed from a substantially flat strip having 12 overlapping end portions when being circumferentially disposed around the unitary assembly of articles 3. A step of fastening the end portions of the flat strip 12 during the application of the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly is illustrated in FIG.10a, 10b and FIG.11a, lib by circumferentially disposing the flat strip 12 around the unitary assembly of articles 3 wherein the formed strapping band is in direct contact with at least a portion of the elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly, also referred to elastically deformable assembly surface. In this embodiment, the flat strip 12 is circumferentially disposed around the unitary assembly of articles 3 in a plane substantially parallel to the bottom panel 13 of the tray 2.

[0066] It should be understood that the flat strip 12 may be provided by a strip delivery means (not illustrated in the drawings) to hold and to provide one or more flat strips adapted to form a strapping band around the unitary assembly. The position of the strip delivery means may be adjustable depending on, for example, the location of the elastically deformable surface of the unitary assembly. Means for fastening the end portions of the flat strip 12 during the application of the compressive pressure force on the unitary assembly may also be provided (not illustrated in the drawings). Means for fastening may be, for example, a gluing or bonding robot, without being restricted thereto. The operation of a strip delivery means and a fastening means may be controlled using a controller (not illustrated in the drawings).

[0067] According to embodiments of the present invention, the clamping passage 11 may have an adjustable width defined as the distance between the clamping bars. The adjustable width may be predetermined depending on the shape and dimensions of the unitary assembly.

[0068] According to embodiments of the present invention, the clamping means 10 may comprise one or more pairs of laterally spaced apart clamping guides, like clamping bars or rods, or a conveyor having its belt or belts in a vertical plane, may be used defining a clamping passage 11.

[0069] It should be understood that an apparatus adapted for manufacturing a unitary package of articles according to embodiments of the present invention may further comprise a clamping means adapted to exert a predetermined compressive pressure force depending on the shape/size of the unitary assembly and articles, and a means for disposing a strapping band circumferentially around the unitary assembly of articles when the compressive pressure force is applied on the unitary assembly. The apparatus may comprise a data processing unit connected to detection means, sensors or other measuring means adapted to measure the dimensions of the unitary assembly of articles and to control the compressive pressure force exerted by the clamping means on the unitary assembly.

[0070] The apparatus may further comprise the strapping band disposing means adapted to dispose a strapping band circumferentially around the unitary assembly when a predetermined compressive pressure force is applied on the unitary assembly. The strapping band disposing means may be connected to the data processing means. Furthermore, the strapping band disposing means may comprise automatic or semi-automatic means for attaching the free ends of a strip-shaped portion of an individual strip disposed around the unitary assembly, or of a strip-shaped portion of a side panel of a tray.

[0071] According to embodiments of the present invention, the method for bundling a plurality of articles may be performed during the filling of the articles or following the filling of the articles.

[0072] Embodiments of the present invention may further comprise steps to provide handling means, like a carrying handle, for handling the quasi-rigid unitary package. According to embodiments of the present invention, the strapping band may comprise a carrier handle. In other embodiments of the present invention, opposite side panels of the tray may comprise a portion to provide a carrier handle such that when the side panels are erected, for example for the formation of a strapping band, said portions of the opposite side panels may form a carrier handle overlapping the unitary assembly on its top side. Other embodiments of the present invention may comprise a carrying handle attached to at least two opposite sides of the quasi-rigid unitary package.

[0073] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The foregoing description details certain embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated, however, that no matter how detailed the foregoing appears in text, the invention may be practiced in many ways. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0074] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. A computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.