OUTER PACKAGING FOR UNITS OF SALES PACKAGING WITH HANGING TABS, ESPECIALLY WINDSHIELD WIPER PACKAGING, AND CONFIGURATION OF SUCH OUTER PACKAGING

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to outer packaging for units of sales packaging, especially windshield wiper packaging. In particular, windshield wiper packaging may comprise one or more windshield wipers for a passenger vehicle or semi-truck.

The sales packaging considered here comprises a hanging tab. The hanging tabs are used, in particular in retail stores, for hanging the sales packaging on a sales shelf. To this end, hangers may be attached to the sales shelf to allow for a hanging presentation of the sales packaging. A plurality of the same sales packaging can then be suspended on the hanger, in particular a plurality of sales packaging with the same contents, so that the units of sales packaging can be removed from the bracket one after the other. It is advantageous for function and an attractive presentation if the hanging tabs are undamaged, and are particularly free of creases or cracks. This particularly relates to an area around a through hole in the hanging tab, through which the hanger is inserted. Damage caused by a crease or a crack, for example, can affect the function. Furthermore, the impression made by new packaging will be negatively affected. A coating, lettering, graphical representation, or the like provided on the hanging tab may also be negatively affected, if applicable.

SUMMARY

The outer packaging according to the disclosure and the configuration according to the disclosure have the advantage of improving design and function. As a result, damage to the hanging tabs of the sales packaging, for example during transport or storage, can be avoided or entirely prevented.

The term windshield wiper packaging is broadly understood. For example, one or more wiper blades may be packaged in such sales packaging for windshield wipers. In this case, one or more accessories, such as assembly aids, can additionally be packaged in the sales packaging. In addition, one or more wipers with brackets, comprising a bracket and a wiper blade, may be packaged in the sales packaging. However, it is also possible that only one or more wiper edges are packaged in the sales packaging.

Advantageously, the flap is folded on the area holding the product. The production of the outer packaging can thus be simplified. For example, a manufacturing step for fastening the flap to the area holding the product can be omitted.

It is advantageous if the area holding the product and the flap attached to the area holding the product are at least substantially designed as material from foldable cardboard. As a result, production of the area holding the product and the flap can be made from a single cardboard part.

It is advantageous if the area holding the product, the flap attached to the area holding the product and the lid are at least substantially formed from a multi-folded, flat base body, in particular a cardboard body. Production of the area holding the product, the flap and the lid can thereby be made from a single cardboard part.

It is advantageous if the receiving slots are configured at least substantially on a single folding section of the flap. In this configuration, by folding or inserting the folding section of the flap into the receiving space, the hanging tabs can be inserted into the receiving slots. This allows the sales packaging to be packaged in the outer packaging with few steps and little preparation.

It is advantageous if the receiving slots are configured on a first folding section of the flap and at least a second folding section of the flap. This may improve support of the hanging tabs.

It is advantageous if the receiving slots are arranged on the first folding section, the second folding section and at least a third folding section of the flap connecting the first folding section to the second folding section and that the third folding section is located at a substantial distance to the lid when the lid is closed. The third folding section can optionally support the hanging tabs over at least a substantial part of their width. Furthermore, the third folding section may be arranged such that, in the event of potentially bumping the outer packaging, displacement of one or more boxes holding the product in the sales packaging located inside of the outer packaging is at least substantially prevented, since the tops of the packages holding the product are supported against the third folding section after being slightly displaced.

It is advantageous if the third folding section is arranged at least approximately parallel to an inner side of the lid when the lid is closed. As a result, support of the hanging tabs can be further improved. Furthermore, support of the packages holding the product in the sales packaging may be improved.

Advantageously, adjacent receiving slots are spaced apart from one another along the width of the flap at, at least approximately, equal distances. In particular, corresponding units of sales packaging can thereby be arranged next to one another within the outer packaging in an improved manner with respect to the dimensions.

It is advantageous if the receiving slots extend over at least 30%, in particular over at least 50%, and quite particularly over at least 70% of the length when viewed transversely to a folding edge between the flap and the area holding the product. As a result, advantageous support of the hanging tabs can be provided. Furthermore, empty space within the outer packaging may be reduced.

Advantageously, the thickness of the flap is at least not greater than one slot width of the receiving slots. This can, for example, prevent damage, such as abrasion on the hanging tabs during packing.

It is advantageous if each receiving slot serves to insert exactly one hanging tab of the sales packaging. This prevents the hanging tabs from rubbing against each other. Furthermore, the sales packaging may be placed next to one another within the outer packaging, corresponding to their placement on a hanger on a shelf in the retail store, for example. The sales packaging arranged next to one another (behind one another) within the outer packaging are then lined up behind one another on the hanger.

Advantageously, the receiving slots are arranged somewhat higher than the hanging tabs when viewed vertically along the area holding the product. This prevents damage, such as creasing, of the hanging tab at its upper end and at the same time allows advantageous support of the hanging tabs, whereby empty space within the outer packaging can additionally be minimized.

It is advantageous if the hanging tabs each have at least one through hole configured so that a hanger can be inserted through the through hole in order to hang the sales packaging by the hanging tab in the retail store. Thus, a retail facility, particularly a retail shelf, can be stocked in an advantageous manner.

Depending on the configuration, one or more of the following features and advantages may be realized.

An embodiment of the outer packaging for sales packaging with hanging tabs can be realized, allowing for protection of elements of the hanging tabs. Such elements can be through holes, in particular Euro holes. In particular, the sales packaging may comprise hanging tabs, each having a through hole for, for example, a hanger for hanging in retail stores. Such a through hole can in particular be configured in a manner corresponding to a Euro hole.

The outer packaging can have an additional, folded flap in a possible design that holds the sales packaging in place in the closed outer packaging, as compared to a conventional design.

Wiper blades can first be packaged in sales packaging, with each one having a Euro hole on its hanging tab. However, the through hole of a hanging tab can be configured with a different geometry instead of a Euro hole. Furthermore, Euro holes can be realized with different variants.

Multiple units of sales packaging can then be packaged in the outer packaging. For example, five units of sales packaging may be packaged in one unit of outer packaging. The units of sales packaging can be arranged next to one another within the outer packaging. The side-by-side placement within the outer packaging may correspond to a successive placement of the units of sales packaging on a hanger in a retail store. Then, for example, the five units of sales packaging may be easily suspended on a hanger at the retail facility.

A configuration of the outer packaging made of cardboard (carton material) can be realized.

For example, during transport, impacts or similar forces may act on the units of sales packaging packaged within the outer packaging, which are able to displace the units of sales packaging within the outer packaging. Without the outer packaging being configured in the proposed manner with further developments, as applicable, such forces could possibly act on the hanging tabs and, since they are comparatively flimsy, the hanging tabs could bend and, for example, crease. Weak points on a hanging tab are located in particular around a possibly present Euro hole or the like.

Deformations, such as creases on the hanging tab, then reduce the stability of the hanging tab. Furthermore, creases or tears are also undesirable for optical reasons. In particular, a graphical representation on the hanger tab may be negatively affected. Accordingly, a solid-colored, in particular black, printing, in particular high-gloss printing, or the like, can also be negatively affected. The high-gloss printing can then already be damaged by creasing in such a way that bright strips show up or that the high-gloss printing peels off in sections. There may also be partial disengaging and spreading of a layer of a thin, multi-ply cardboard box of the sales packaging on the hanging tab. By means of the outer packaging being configured in the proposed manner and, if applicable, with further developments, improved support of the sales packaging can be provided in the outer packaging, wherein the stated forces preferably do not act on the hanging tabs but rather, at least substantially, on the flap of the outer packaging.

The outer packaging may be configured with a preformed flap holding the sales packaging in place within the outer packaging. This flap is preferably a component of a cardboard part or the like, which also comprises area holding the product within the outer packaging. Preferably, the flap is formed by one or more folds from a flat base body, from which the area holding the product is also formed. The flap can thus be realized by making one or more additional folds in, for example, a cardboard part.

The flap may also be specifically incorporated into the further packaging process, if necessary. In one possible embodiment, the flap can be used for attaching, for example, a lid of the outer packaging.

In one possible embodiment, a lid of the outer packaging can be formed with one or more folds from a flat base body, from which the area holding the product is also formed. The flat base body can in particular be configured as a cardboard part. The lid can thereby be realized by making one or more additional folds.

The flap can additionally or alternatively also be appropriately folded and/or inserted during the packaging process. For example, the flap may be inserted or attached in the receiving space of the area holding the product in whole or in part. This does not require any additional packaging accessories, such as a packaging foam element or a cardboard element

The flap may be preformed in an appropriate manner. The flap may hold a plurality of hanging tabs in their respective locations. The flap can be configured in different ways. In particular, the flap can comprise one or more folds, so that, if necessary, it can comprise a plurality of folding parts.

The flap of the outer packaging may be preferably provided at the top of the outer packaging with respect to any prescribed upright orientation of the outer packaging, in which the units of sales packaging are oriented, as if at a retail facility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are shown with the same reference numerals. Shown are:

FIG. 1 sales packaging for packing within outer packaging and a configuration with the sales packaging in the outer packaging in a schematic, spatial representation according to an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 a detail of the outer packaging shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic, spatial representation according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 the detail of the outer packaging shown in FIG. 2 with the sales packaging arranged side-by-side in the outer packaging from a further direction of view in a schematic, spatial representation according to the exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4 the detail of the outer packaging shown in FIG. 3, wherein a flap of the outer packaging is inserted;

FIG. 5 the detail shown in FIG. 4 in an open representation of the outer packaging from the direction of view designated V;

FIG. 6 a partial representation of a unit of sales packaging with a hanging tab, wherein possible damage is illustrated for explanation of the invention;

FIG. 7 an overview of preferred configurations of through holes of a hanging tab of a unit of sales packaging;

FIG. 8 a sales facility with a hanger, on which a plurality of sales packaging is suspended one after another, in a schematic representation;

FIG. 9 a detail of the outer packaging in a schematic, spatial representation according to a modified configuration;

FIG. 10 a detail of outer packaging according to a further exemplary embodiment in a schematic, spatial illustration prior to a flap being inserted, wherein the flap comprises a plurality of folds; and

FIG. 11 the detail shown in FIG. 10 for illustrating the configuration of the flap in the inserted state in a simplified schematic representation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement 1 with outer packaging 2 and a plurality of units of sales packaging 3 in a schematic, spatial representation according to an exemplary embodiment. On the left side of FIG. 1, a plurality of units of sales packaging 3 are arranged next to each other (in back of each other). The outer packaging 2 is used to hold the sales packaging 3 arranged in this way. On the right side of FIG. 1, the arrangement 1 is shown with the outer packaging 2 and the sales packaging 3, wherein the sales packaging 3 shown on the left side is inserted into the outer packaging 2 according to the arrow.

The outer packaging 1 serves for sales packaging 3 with hanging tabs 4. Specifically, such sales packaging 3 may be configured as windshield wiper packaging 3.

FIG. 2 shows a detail of the outer packaging 2 shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic, spatial representation according to the exemplary embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the detail of the outer packaging 2 shown in FIG. 2 with the units of sales packaging 3 arranged next to each other in the outer packaging from a further direction of view in a schematic, spatial representation according to the exemplary embodiment.

The outer packaging 2 comprises an area holding the product 5 and a lid 6. The lid 6 serves to close off the area holding the product 5. In this exemplary embodiment, the lid 6 is attached to the area holding the product 5 of the outer packaging. In this exemplary embodiment, the lid 6 is folded onto the area holding the product 5. In a modified embodiment, the lid 6 can also be separated from the area holding the product 5 and, for example, set on top of the area holding the product 5, in particular pushed onto it.

In the packaged state, the area holding the product 5 is then closed off with the lid 6. This is illustrated in FIG. 5. A receiving space 7 is formed in the area holding the product 5. The receiving space 7 is configured such that a plurality of units of sales packaging 3 can be arranged in it. The sales packaging 3 can be arranged side-by-side within the receiving space 7. This results in a space-saving utilization of the receiving space 7.

The outer packaging 2 comprises a flap 8. The flap 8 is attached to the area holding the product 5 in this case. In this exemplary embodiment, the flap 8 is folded onto the area holding the product 5.

The flap 8 can have recesses 9, 10 at its lateral ends, which can facilitate insertion of the flap 8 into the area holding the product 5.

FIG. 4 shows the detail of the outer packaging 2 shown in FIG. 3, wherein the flap 8 of the outer packaging 2 is inserted. Furthermore, FIG. 5 shows the detail of the outer packaging 2 shown in FIG. 4 in a view, in which the outer packaging 2 is sketched as open from the viewing direction designated V when the outer packaging 2 is closed, in order to illustrate configuration 1.

A plurality of receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are configured on the flap 8 attached to the area holding the product 5. The receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are spaced apart from one another over a width 15 of the flap 8. In this exemplary embodiment, adjacent receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are spaced apart from one another along the width 15 of the flap 8 at, at least approximately, equal distances 16.

The receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 preferably extend over at least 30%, in particular over at least 50%, and quite particularly over at least 70%, of the length 18 of the flap 8 viewed transversely to a folding edge 17 between the flap 8 and the area holding the product 5.

Furthermore, a thickness D (FIG. 9) of the flap 8 is preferably at least not greater than a slot width 19 (FIGS. 9 and 10) of the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14.

In this exemplary embodiment, a section 20 of the flap 8, on which the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are continuously configured, is used to at least partially insert the hanging tabs 4 of the sales packaging 3 arranged in the receiving space 7. The section 20 of the flap 8 extends into the receiving space 7 for this purpose, when the outer packaging 2 is closed. In this exemplary embodiment, each receiving slot 11, 12, 13, 14 serves to insert exactly one hanging tab 4 of one of the units of sales packaging 3.

In a preferred configuration, the area holding the product 5 and the flap 8 attached to the area holding the product 5 are at least substantially configured as a material made from foldable cardboard 25. A foil, a coating or the like may be applied to this cardboard 25, for example.

In this exemplary embodiment, the area holding the product 5, the flap 8 attached to the area holding the product 5 and the lid 6 are at least substantially formed from cardboard 25. The cardboard 25 may be configured as a cardboard body 26, which is an exemplary embodiment of a multi-folded flat base body 26. The area holding the product, the flap 8 and the lid 6 can thus be formed from one component, namely the cardboard body 26.

A hanging tab 4 of sales packaging 3 can also be inserted into, and held on, the recess 10 of the flap 8.

FIG. 6 shows a partial representation of sales packaging 3 with a hanging tab 4, wherein possible damage 27 is illustrated for explanation of the invention. Furthermore, FIG. 7 illustrates an overview of preferred configurations of through holes 40 of a hanging tab 4 of sales packaging 3.

Particularly in the area of the through hole 40, damage 27 of the hanging flap 4 can occur. Such damage 27 may manifest as a crease in the hanging tab 4, a breakdown of a coating or printing of the hanging tab 4, a separation of a layer of cardboard of the hanging tab 4, or the like. Such damage 27 is possible during transport with conventional outer packaging, for example if a unit of sales packaging is moved within the outer packaging due to a bump, so that the hanging flap 4 is creased. Such damage 27 can be avoided or entirely prevented by the proposed outer packaging 2, with further developments if applicable.

FIG. 8 shows a sales facility 42 with a hanger 41, on which a plurality of units of sales packaging 3 are suspended one after the other, in a schematic representation. The hanging tabs 4 of the sales packaging 4 each have a through hole 40. The through holes 40 are configured such that, in the retail store, the hanger 41 of the sales facility 42 can be inserted through the through hole 40 to hang the sales packaging 3 by the hanging tab 4.

FIG. 9 shows a detail of the outer packaging 2 in a schematic, spatial representation according to a modified configuration. The receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are at least substantially configured on a single folding section 20 of the flap 8. In the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are also at least substantially configured on the folding section 20 of the flap 8, but they also extend slightly into a second folding section 21 of the flap 8.

In a further possible modification, the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 can be configured on a first folding section 20 of the flap 8 and at least a second folding section 21 of the flap 8. This is particularly possible in an embodiment, in which a third folding section 22 is provided, as also illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

FIG. 10 shows detail of outer packaging 2 according to a further exemplary embodiment in a schematic, spatial representation before a flap 8 is inserted, wherein the flap 8 comprises a plurality of folds 28, 29. Furthermore, FIG. 11 shows the detail shown in FIG. 10 for illustrating the configuration of the flap 8 in the inserted state in a simplified schematic representation.

The receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 are provided on the first folding portion 20, the second folding portion 21 and the third folding portion 22 of the flap 8. The third folding portion 22 connects the first folding portion 20 to the second folding portion 21. If the lid 6 is closed, as shown in FIG. 11, then the third folding section 22 is arranged at a substantial distance 30 from the lid 6. This enables particularly stable support of the hanging tabs 4.

Furthermore, with the lid 6 closed, the third folding portion 22 is arranged at least approximately parallel to an inner side 31 (FIGS. 1 and 5) of the lid 6. This configuration may be realized in such a way that support of the boxes holding the product 45 of the sales packaging 3 is possible on the third folding section 22 during transport or storage, or the like. Even in the event of a shock during transport or the like, this at least substantially prevents a displacement of the boxes holding the product 45 of the sales packaging within the outer packaging 2. Thus, creasing or the like of the hanging tabs 4 of the sales packaging 3 can be effectively prevented.

Therefore, a configuration 1 can be realized with an outer packaging 2 and a plurality of units of sales packaging 3 with hanging tabs 4, in particular windshield wiper packages, wherein, in the packaged state, the units of sales packaging 3 are arranged next to each other within the outer packaging 2 and the hanging tabs 4 of the sales packaging 3 are inserted into the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 of the flap 8 attached to the area holding the product 5. Furthermore, the receiving slots 11, 12, 13, 14 can be designed somewhat higher than the hanging tabs 4 when viewed vertically along a height H (FIG. 1) of the area holding the product 5. This permits advantageous support of the hanging tabs 4 and/or advantageous support against impact forces during transport or similar forces.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described.