Method and device for producing a packaged unit

Abstract

A packaged unit includes a cluster of products and a shrink film that secures the products to each other. The shrink film is wrapped around the cluster, thereby forming a lateral opening that would otherwise result in a shrink eye. A closure formed by placing a portion of the shrink film against the cluster at in the region of the lateral opening forms a closed surface with overlapping fold regions of the shrink film, thus avoiding the shrink eye.

1 . A manufacture comprising a packaged unit, said packaged unit comprising a cluster of products and a shrink film, wherein said shrink film comprises a closure, wherein said shrink film secures said products to each other, wherein said shrink film is wrapped around said cluster thereby forming at least one lateral opening, wherein said closure is a result of placing a portion of said shrink film against said cluster at in a region of said lateral opening thereby forming a closed surface with overlapping fold regions of said shrink film. 
     
     
         2 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said closure comprises two narrow side folds and two broad side folds, wherein said broad side folds cover said two narrow side folds to form said overlapping fold regions. 
     
     
         3 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said closure comprises two narrow side folds and two broad side folds, wherein said broad side folds that are secured together to said narrow side folds, and wherein said broad side folds cover said narrow side folds to form said overlapping fold regions. 
     
     
         4 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said closure comprises two narrow side folds and two broad side folds, wherein said broad side folds cover said narrow side folds to form said overlapping fold regions, and wherein said overlapping fold regions are bonded together. 
     
     
         5 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said closure comprises two narrow side folds and two broad side folds, wherein said broad side folds cover said narrow side folds to form said overlapping fold regions, wherein said narrow side folds are produced before said broad side folds. 
     
     
         6 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said shrink film wrapped around said product cluster overlaps at its edges. 
     
     
         7 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said products are containers that are standing upright on bases thereof on directly said shrink wrap. 
     
     
         8 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said products are cans that are standing upright on bases thereof on directly said shrink wrap. 
     
     
         9 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said packaged unit lacks a shrink eye. 
     
     
         10 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said packaged unit omits additional stabilizers and packaging-reinforcement measures. 
     
     
         11 . The manufacture of  claim 1 , wherein said closure comprises two narrow side folds and two broad side folds, wherein said broad side folds cover said narrow side folds to form said overlapping fold regions, and wherein said overlapping fold regions are electrostatically bonded together.