Method for packaging articles or piece goods, stretch packages produced using a method of this type, ordered assembly of multiple stretch packages of this type, and apparatus for producing ordered assemblies of this type

Abstract

The bundles (32) that have been separated from each other are sorted, assembled into layers, palletized, and/or stacked in transport stations and/or in handling stations (34) disposed downstream, with the film packaging (30) being severed at in each case specified and/or variable spacings to preceding separating locations for the purpose of separating bundles (32) of variable sizes or, as the case may be, bundles (32) with a variable number of articles, piece goods, or containers (12) gathered together by means of film.

1 . A method for packaging articles ( 12 ) to form bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) comprising:
 while being transported in a conveying direction ( 18 ), wrapping one or more articles ( 12 ), from an article flow ( 14 ), with elastic film ( 40 ), applied under tension to form a multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ),   wherein the multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ) moves continuously in the conveying direction ( 18 ), and is provided with perforations ( 42 ) in planes perpendicular to a longitudinal axis extending through the article flow ( 14 ) or is otherwise severable in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;   severing the multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ) between consecutive articles ( 12 ), between article pairs, or between groups of a plurality of articles ( 12 ) that are being conveyed next to each other, to form a plurality of bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) with a variable number of articles ( 12 ); and   sorting, assembling into layers, palletizing, and/or stacking the separated bundles in transport stations and/or handling stations located downstream from severing step.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising conveying the articles ( 12 ) in an infeed with at least two parallel rows to at least one wrapping module ( 22 ,  26 ) for applying the elastic film ( 40 ) to the articles ( 12 ) to produce the film packaging ( 30 ). 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further comprising perforating the film packaging ( 30 ) after the wrapping step. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the severing step occurring after every second, third, fourth, or further article pairs. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the severing step comprises cutting the multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ) or comprising tearing the multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ) at perforations ( 42 ). 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the severing step comprises pulling apart the bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) with a handling device ( 34 ) with gripping elements. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein with the handling device ( 34 ) with gripping elements pulls apart the bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) by tearing multi-layer packaging film ( 30 ) at perforations ( 42 ). 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising further conveying the bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) in a turning station and/or in a distribution station. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising conveying the bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) to a palletizing station. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein each bundle ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) has a length to equal to a longitudinal or a transverse dimension of a pallet ( 50 ). 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , further comprising palletizing the with bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) without gaps on a pallet ( 50 ). 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising palletizing the bundles ( 32 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ) in interlocking layers. 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . An apparatus ( 10 ) comprising:
 at least one wrapping module ( 20 ,  24 ) for wrapping a plurality of articles ( 12 ) with a film material ( 40 );   at least one transport apparatus ( 16 ) or at least one feed module ( 22 ,  26 ) for transporting the articles through the at least one wrapping module ( 20 ,  24 );   at least one perforating device for perforating the film material ( 40 ), wherein said perforating device is disposed upstream or downstream of the wrapping module ( 20 ,  24 ).   
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 16 , wherein the perforating device has a cyclical operation or a continuous operation.