Carrier with handle

p0001The invention relates to a carrying handle for one or more containers with at least one gripping element and at least one receiving element for receiving the at least one container, a packaging unit and a device for applying respective carrying handles to containers.

p0002Such handles are known in the prior art numerous. For example, going from the<patcit id="pcit0001" dnum="DE1138194"><text>DE 11 38 194</text></patcit> a supporting and holding device for containers having a cylindrical cross section, in particular doses producing consisting engage over from an upright inner part, which is disposed between the abutting containers, made at right angles to this extending retaining tabs, the bottom and top of the superimposed container, and a support means. Inner part retaining lugs and the support means are integrally stamped out of a thin metal plate, wherein the retaining tabs to have inwardly extending projections which engage the bottom and top edge or the bottom and top surface of each container.

p0003From the <patcit id="pcit0002" dnum="DE2120303A1"><text>DE 21 20 303 A1</text></patcit> discloses a container package for holding and carrying a plurality of containers, bottles and the like, and a method for assembling the same, and a package for a group of respectively a neck portion having a container. The abutting each container disposed each have a body portion and an upwardly therefrom and inwardly projecting neck portion which is smaller than the body portion, wherein the containers are arranged side by side parallel to each other in a grape-like group. an elastic carrier is pushed with a plurality of for receiving the neck portion of a respective container serving constricting recesses whose mutual center distances are smaller than the center distances between respective abutting vessels in the neck portions of the containers, whereby the foot portions of the containers with respect to the container group by are externally applied. Around the container group, an elastic endless belt is guided, through which the foot portion of the container are elastically urged resiliently in a laterally abutting position. The carrier and the endless belt are under a sufficiently high voltage to maintain the container in the package.

p0004From the <patcit id="pcit0003" dnum="DE2144334A1"><text>DE 21 44 334 A1</text></patcit> is a bottle carrier for jointly detecting at least two bottles, which are particularly beverage bottles are known. Here, assume a capsule-like central part of at least two radially outwardly extending web pairs from, the ends of which spoon-shaped, the neck below its bead are provided partially embracing approaches. The bottle carrier made of a resilient material such as plastic.

p0005The <patcit id="pcit0004" dnum="DE2531325A1"><text>DE 25 31 325 A1</text></patcit> discloses a container package comprising a plurality of containers which are arranged substantially side by side adjacent to each other and divided into several groups each comprising at least two containers. An upper support member includes first end portions of each container and holds it, whereas a second sheet or film support member having portions interconnected. The container package includes any container group and holds it. The interconnected parts of the second sheet metal or foil support member include band portions, comprising two container without stretching out between the two containers. The upper support member has two openings for engagement with the thumb and a finger, to enable carrying the container package.

p0006The <patcit id="pcit0005" dnum="DE8915740U1"><text>DE 89 15 740 U1</text></patcit> discloses a container consisting of a container and support frame, the support frame comprises a rigid plate having a plurality of mounting the container specific recesses and wherein the container means comprises holding these at a distance from the tank bottom in the recesses. This produces a slipping through of the containers placed from above into the recesses inside is prevented. Furthermore, the package includes a connected to the plate upwardly protruding central carrying handle. The plate has one of the contour of the carrying handle in a corresponding recess, and the handle itself is formed in the side view is substantially U-shaped or V-shaped, in order to achieve a better stackability.

p0007From the <patcit id="pcit0006" dnum="DE4411188A1"><text>DE 44 11 188 A1</text></patcit> is a carrier for bottles and similar containers known in which the bottles or other containers must have a neck and an associated located on the periphery of projection. The carrier itself comprises a structural frame which supports a plurality of collars, each of which can accommodate the neck of a container and is engageable with the projection located on the periphery of the container. Further, each collar has a depending from it resilient rim which cooperates with a part of the outer surface of the respective container in order to prevent relative movement between the container and the support. The collars have a plurality of spaced apart on resilient tab or tabs which engage the projections of the container engaged. To carry the support has two openings, can be taken with thumb and a finger in the order to take the container packing or the carrier.

p0008The <patcit id="pcit0007" dnum="DE69905308T2"><text>DE 699 05 308 T2</text></patcit> discloses a device for transporting bottles or similar containers, in which a plate-like member having at least one slot is provided, in which slot a clever outward portion of a portion of the bottle or container is taken up with a reduced diameter. Further, a gripping element of the plate-like element standing in front of which is rigidly formed on the transport device. The gripping member protrudes upward from a central portion of the plate-like member.

p0009Also in the <patcit id="pcit0008" dnum="WO2004076310A2"><text>WO 2004/076310 A2</text></patcit> described carrier for containers, in particular bottles, engages only on the uppermost portion of the neck of the bottles. In this support, an elongated support body is provided having a mounting bracket above the supporting body and on its underside at least two suspension rail-like receptacles for receiving a plurality of bottles in a row. Alternatively arranged individual recordings can be provided for the inclusion of only one vial with longitudinal distance. The recordings are closed at one end or provided with a retaining stop and formed at the other end for bottle feeding. At the open end a retaining member to secure the respective bottle necks in the receptacle is also provided.

p0010Also the group consisting of <patcit id="pcit0009" dnum="DE20311628U1"><text>DE 203 11 628 U1</text></patcit> known holder for bottles, in particular beverage bottles made of PET, has a number of claw-like holding elements for gripping the bottle necks, said retaining elements are arranged on a strip- or ring-shaped carrier. The holding elements are each provided with a part-circular recess for gripping of the bottle necks. Instead of a line is disclosed by connecting webs in this publication also connect the individual holding elements. To wear is attacked on the cord or the webs.

p0011From the <patcit id="pcit0010" dnum="DE102004019437A1"><text>DE 10 2004 019 437 A1</text></patcit> is a supporting device for at least a container, especially a bottle, is known which comprises a base body made of a first plastic material which has an at least partially limited by a border opening, bears a collar of a container at the edge in the worn state. An edge area of ​​the edge is formed of at least one further plastic which is opposite to the first plastic material of the base body has a higher elasticity. The support device further includes a handle, in particular the first plastic, body and handle are disclosed as one piece. The handle is rigidly formed on the base body.

p0012From the <patcit id="pcit0011" dnum="DE112004002843T5"><text>DE 11 2004 002 843 T5</text></patcit> is a container carrier is known comprising a flexible platform. This includes a container engaging portion having an opening through the platform through to the Rec imitate the neck of a container, a handle portion with a base member, which extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the platform, a handle pair of legs, wherein the proximal ends of the handle arm integral with the ends of the base member are formed. The distal ends of the handle arm are integrally formed with the container engaging portion at opposite points on the container engaging portion and a flange which is integral with the base element and extends over substantially the length of said base member inwardly from the base element. The inner periphery of the container engaging portion and the handle portion may give a opening to allow the fingers of a user's intervention. The flange has on transversely extending fold lines, which are formed in the surface of the platform. In this way a bending of the handle portion to its gripping is possible.

p0013The <patcit id="pcit0012" dnum="DE202005005970U1"><text>DE 20 2005 005 970 U1</text></patcit> discloses a Flaschenbündler for PET returnable bottles, which consists of the same material as the returnable bottles and even has six punched holes for receiving the bottle necks or bottle tops. The Flaschenbündler is u-shaped design of a strong plastic foil.

p0014The <patcit id="pcit0013" dnum="DE202005014112U1"><text>DE 20 2005 014 112 U1</text></patcit> discloses a handle having a substantially plate-shaped carrier element, at a lateral peripheral edge spaced a plurality of Einschnappvorrichtungen is provided for snapping and holding objects therein. This Einschnappvorrichtungen formed claw-like. Further, the carrying handle has a rigid upstanding handle which is integrally formed with the carrier element. As a common stabilization means comprise a band in the lower part of the recorded objects is provided.

p0015In the <patcit id="pcit0014" dnum="DE202005016091U1"><text>DE 20 2005 016 091 U1</text></patcit> is a similar support for bottles and the like containers is disclosed in which is provided with the edge formed clip shaped receivers for bottles also a carrying handle and a supporting body. The mounting bracket is made relatively wide and in one piece by articulated joints to the supporting body and folded together.

p0016The <patcit id="pcit0015" dnum="US20040256250A1"><text>US 2004/0256250 A1</text></patcit> further discloses a bottle carrier, are provided in the annular receiving elements for receiving the necks of bottles. The bottle necks are held therein via flexible tab-like elements. A U-shaped handle is also attached at two locations on webs between the individual recording elements for the bottle necks over a kink hinge. A similar structure only for receiving a container discloses the<patcit id="pcit0016" dnum="US6394517B1"><text>US 6,394,517 B1</text></patcit>, Here, the handle but is laterally fixed to the receiving element for receiving the false neck and transported by bending in a vertical carrying position. Also the<patcit id="pcit0017" dnum="EP1710171A1"><text>EP 1710171 A1</text></patcit> discloses a corresponding support for multiple bottles, but in which projecting tabs are arranged terminally on the carrier in contrast to the two above-mentioned yet, which are intended to facilitate the application and removal of rings and bottlenecks. Such projecting members are also in the<patcit id="pcit0018" dnum="US5306060A"><text>US 5,306,060</text></patcit> disclosed wherein these carriers an additional handle is provided for engagement. To wear is only attacked at a bar between two receiving elements for receiving the necks of bottles. A modification to the structure referred to in this document is in the<patcit id="pcit0019" dnum="US5735562A"><text>US 5,735,562</text></patcit> disclosed. Here also three or four female members of webs are cross-connected with each other. In the<patcit id="pcit0020" dnum="US6715810B2"><text>US 6,715,810 B2</text></patcit> is an appropriate structure with turn außenseitlichen tabs disclosed in accordance with the above prior art.

p0017A carrier for carrying two tube-like container is in the <patcit id="pcit0021" dnum="US20060254934A1"><text>US 2006/0254934 A1</text></patcit> disclosed. Here retaining lugs are formed on the outside pocket rings that hold on the lid of the container.

p0018A further possibility of a carrier for bottles is in the <patcit id="pcit0022" dnum="US6789828B1"><text>US 6,789,828 B1</text></patcit> disclosed. In addition to the already mentioned above construction with two receiving elements arranged in between web member and outboard flaps is left and right sides, a U-shaped member having Biegenuten provided to permit a folding down along the neck to stabilize. Using appropriate connectors, the two U-shaped elements are connected to each other between the two bottlenecks.

p0019Another carrier for carrying a plurality of bottles is in the <patcit id="pcit0023" dnum="EP1752386A1"><text>EP 1752386 A1</text></patcit> disclosed. In this, two c-shaped, provided the bottle neck embracing elements and interconnected by a bridge portion. Both the two necks of the bottles receiving elements and the bridge portion have stiffening ribs. A separate handle has this support does not occur.

p0020The <patcit id="pcit0024" dnum="US6129397A"><text>US 6,129,397</text></patcit> discloses a six-carrier, which has six female members with inwardly retaining tabs for receiving the bottle necks and between the individual recording elements connecting webs. To wear is attacked on the connecting webs and in particular on the central connecting web by engaging in two corresponding openings provided. An alternative variant of this is in the<patcit id="pcit0025" dnum="US20070039836A1"><text>US 2007/0039836 A1</text></patcit> disclosed. In this document, two plastic tabs are arranged in the inner openings of the support that can be grasped by the thumb and a finger of one hand. The two plastic tabs are bent in taking out of the plane of the carrier.

p0021All those carriers of the prior art which provide for intervention by the thumb and a finger of the hand of the wearer, it appears that they use just for several bottles because of the major effect of the carrying straps or openings of the carrier into the hands of the transferor as disadvantageous. Conversely, the provision of rigid gripping elements or handles turns when stacking a plurality of carriers to be disadvantageous, since these relatively much space taking.

p0022The present invention is therefore the object of a handle according to the preamble of claim 1 to the effect retrain that a very good stackability of multiple handles is superimposed possible and at the same time a comfortable engagement with the carrying handle to carry even a plurality of containers, in particular bottles, with just the wearing more bottles to be created a compact well-worn package.

p0023The object is achieved by a carrying handle according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the grip element is arranged out of the plane of the handle out telescoped over at least two Torsionsstellen the handle. For a packaging unit according to the preamble of claim 20 this object is achieved in that the containers are surrounded by a ring element. Further developments of the inventions are defined in the dependent claims.

p0024Thereby, a carrying handle for one or more containers with at least one gripping element and at least one receiving element for receiving the at least one container is provided, wherein the grip element in the unused state of the carrying handle is in the plane of the latter and only for the use of the carrying handle, so the Auffügen on container, the grip member is pulled out of the plane of the handle, and it is in contrast to the prior art out telescoped over at least two Torsionsstellen the handle. The advantage is that the grip element by not U-shaped ausformt above the plane of the handle, but by telescoping or "Entwringen" a central portion of the handle member further remains substantially straight and can therefore be better attacked by the wearer as a is a U-shaped handle ausbildendes element that usually cuts into the index finger and little finger of the hand of the wearer, thereby resulting in a poor fit. Advantageously, the grip element can be telescoped so far out of the plane of the strap handle out that the distance between the grip element and the uppermost extent of at least one received in the container carrying handle allows the insertion of a hand of a person wearing. Thus, the wearer can easily reach over the top of the extension included in the carrying handle container under the grip element and carry the packaging unit. such a distance between the grip element and level of the carrying handle so it is envisaged that a hand of a carrier or a person wearing comfortable after receiving containers in the handle, the handle member may engage below. In the prior art such a sufficient space for the engagement with the local handle elements is not given. Rather be clutched in the grip lugs fingers of the hand of a person wearing or a carrier are there always uncomfortable between bottlenecks or container heads.

p0025For the stackability of the handles before Auffügen on container the Lying turns in the plane of the carrying handle of the handle member to be very beneficial, especially to the handles of the prior art, in which the grip elements protrude rigidly above the plane of the carrying handle. The space required for such a grip element of the prior art is therefore much greater than in the invention, which leads to no more space for the handle. This proves not only in placement machines, but also in storage to be extremely beneficial.

p0026advantageously, the handle member has at least a slightly curved portion for centering the stacks of multiple handles to each other. may sequentially stack a further aid for facilitating centering of the carrying handles may be provided characterized in that the receiving elements for receiving the containers, that is, the head portions are not formed completely flat but have a slight inclination. The at least one receiving element for receiving the at least one container is advantageously formed like a collar with inwardly projecting retaining lugs or retaining lugs. Thus, both the inwardly projecting retaining lugs or retaining tabs may have a slight slope and the circumferential collar of the receiving elements, whereby a self-centering can be achieved in this area of ​​stacked handles.

p0027As a further advantage, it turns out, this by respect of the carrying handle on the outside arranged reinforcing webs to connect with the provision of several receiving elements among themselves. This particular stability of the entire carrying handle is obtained, which is a lateral breaking of the inserted into the handle container can at least limit. Even an unintentional twisting of the handle can thus be avoided. In particular, not only with respect to the carrying handle arranged on the outside stiffening ribs between the individual receiving elements for receiving the container necks or rod ends are provided, but also other connecting webs between the individual recording elements in the inner region of the carrying handle. The grip element can therefore be secured to the at least one receiving element and / or the connecting webs and / or stiffening webs. The attachment takes place in each case via the already mentioned Torsionsstellen to enable the telescopic lifting of the gripping element approximately parallel to the plane of the handle and to prevent bulging of the handle member.

p0028With the handles so-called multipacks can be produced by, for example, four or six grouped containers, in particular bottles or cans. Basically, only a barrel of such a carrying handle can also be, for example, said even this, for example, a 5 liter party keg, is added with its upper edge in a receiving element. The grip member is on both sides, ie on opposite locations at the receiving element is formed over Torsionsstellen or Torsionsknoten so that upon engagement with the handle element of this in its position "entwringt" is thus twisted at the Torsionsstellen and therefore not bulge, but its desired readily manageable form retains, without forming an O-shape.

p0029two telescopically arranged on the handle grip elements can be provided in particular for the recording of doses that can be either made to each other and fastened together or locked or are so out telescoped out of the plane of the handle, that a comfortable attack at the hands of a person carrying possible is. When taking both handle elements by a hand the two handle elements are advantageously out telescoped over the two Torsionsstellen out of the plane of the carrying handle and out each other so that they approximately centrally on the handle for the cans, especially six cans together and centrally by a hand taken wearer and the packaging unit of, for example six cans can be worn over here.

p0030The respective Torsionspunkte the handle elements serve as raising aid. In principle, another device or other mechanism can be provided to achieve the same objective, namely, a telescoping of the gripping element in the region of its central handle fin about parallel to the carrying handle plane, a buckling of the gripping element and thus an uncomfortable posture when wearing the carrying handle to avoid for the wearer.

p0031As a further advantage it has proven when releasably secured to the handle with a carrying handle for one or more containers with at least one gripping element and at least one receiving element for receiving the at least one container, at least a ring element to the outer-side surrounding the container. This ring member surrounding the receptacle and the elements arranged therebetween furring webs is so arranged on the outside of these. The ring element is provided, so to speak as the outer perimeter of the carrying handle and can be separated therefrom. For this purpose, it is advantageous releasably connected by bridge elements to the at least one receiving element and / or stiffening webs. For generating the solubility preferably has a predetermined breaking point between the ring element and web members is provided or between the web members and the at least one receiving element and / or stiffening webs. By breaking the predetermined breaking points, the ring member can be separated from the remainder of the handle and on the outside thereof is pushed so far down along the containers that they experience a good external support against a breaking out of the container association to the outside. The annular element is thus provided in place of bands or shrink film for holding the container together. Since it is formed during molding of the carrying handle at this with, no additional material for the ring element is required. Rather, can be done in a simple manner by means of a device for applying carrying handles to containers, in particular a placement machine, a means for engaging the annular member of the carrying handle a downwardly sliding thereof along the containers. The carrying handle is thus to fit on a group of containers, which are advantageously already appropriately positioned with their heads or container -hälsen in the receiving elements, be added, so that the container heads protrude through the receiving elements. When Auffügen the carrying handle on the container the means for engaging take on the ring element of this and tears it from the further lowering driving the rest of the handle, wherein the predetermined breaking points break. When advancing pushes the ring member so far to the containers along down that either a predetermined support point is reached at the tank or a predefined position of the annular element is taken.

p0032If such a material selected such that a stretching or expanding of the ring member when crashing Slide along the container walls after reaching the end position again immediately leads to a contraction of the ring member, ie after cessation of stretching force of the carrying handle and more particularly the ring member, the ring element sets directly to the outer surfaces of this container surrounded on. but not, the material of the ring element on such a property, is provided at least on the containers on the ring element advantageously has a closure means for fastening. The closure device can be detected by a device for closing the device for applying the handles and closed after the downwardly sliding of the ring member along the containers. This closure can be carried out by a successive trimmed movement of parts of the device for closing the shutter means. For this purpose, the device for closing the shutter means comprise sliding elements which engage on two ends of the closing means and closed by this movement directed towards one another. Instead of the sliding elements, also other means may be provided which permit a closing of the respective closure means.

p0033In one embodiment, the closure means may comprise at least one barbed element and at least a cooperating counter element. The barbed element is pressed against the cooperating counter element, so that caught both elements onto each other and lead to the closure of the closure mechanism, thus closing the ring member. Alternatively or additionally, the closure device can advantageously comprise a latching means, in particular a housing part provided with heels and insertable therein provided with at least one outside projection closure part. The closure part provided with the at least one outer-side projection is inserted to seal the ring member in the housing part and locked therein behind the heels of the housing part. This is, for example, also an adaptation to different sizes, which are to be enclosed by the ring element, possible because that can be engaged with the at least one outer-side projection provided closure part behind different paragraphs of the housing part.

p0034Another possibility of closing of the ring element around the containers is to provide the ring member with a portion having intermeshing hakbaren barbs. The ring member is in this case designed to be closed and has the section as for example V-shaped bent portion. The barbs can be hooked upon further compression of the V-shaped portion of one another so that thereby a reduction in the length of the ring member and corresponding to a desired firm gripping of the containers is made possible by the ring element.

p0035A further combined with the other variants possibility is to provide a closure device in the manner of a string of beads with juxtaposed elements, in particular conical elements. Such conical elements may, for example, so engage each other that they like barbed hook into each other, thereby enabling a closing.

p0036Advantageously, the ring member for forming a support surface for engaging the downwardly sliding along the container walls, an upper support surface, in particular the ring member in cross section is V-shaped. By the provision of such a support surface on the annular element in the region in which acts the pushing means for decreasing, a better force exerted on the ring member to separate from the remaining handle is possible for this. By forming the ring element as a cross-sectionally roughly V-shaped member, such a support surface is provided on the one hand, but on the other hand, as little as possible of materials consumed for this purpose. Alternatively, the ring element may for example be formed in cross-section T-shaped, in turn, an upper support surface can be created with as little additional material consumption. In a T-shaped cross section but it could be in non-uniform application of force on these come to a one-sided collapsing of the support surface, which will not occur with a v-shaped cross section in general because of its higher stability. For this reason, a V-shaped cross-section with respect to a T-shaped cross section is preferred in spite of the somewhat higher material consumption.

p0037The outboard reinforcing webs can be designed in particular as secants between the individual recording elements. This further material saving is possible. Further, it becomes easier for the applied on the ring member means of the apparatus for applying the handles to the containers to engage between the ring member and corresponding openings in the carrying handle in the region of the stiffening webs if these are arranged approximately parallel to each other.

p0038A ring member is not in all types of containers, but more especially with larger-size containers, which otherwise tend to the portion not included in the carrying handle to move apart. This is especially for larger drink bottles is the case, therefore, it here is particularly suitable to use a carrying handle with such a ring element, the ring element prevents sliding apart of the larger sized bottles. Stacking of such packaging of, for example six bottles is no problem, since the ring member is arranged so that no additional space is needed, but in the usual manner, a loading pallet is possible.

p0039As a further advantage, it turns out, at least one identification element, in particular identification flag or identification band to be arranged on the carrying handle. Such identification element serves the packaging unit from carrying handle and one or more containers to be labeled, so that, for example, detecting in a retail security system or at a checkout scanner in a simple manner is possible. The identification element can be designed, for example, in form of a flag or a belt or band that extends in particular over the entire length of the ring member. The term of an identification element are in the following thus a variety of forms of such identification element understood for identifying the packaging unit.

p0040The identification element, in particular identification flag or identification band is advantageous for labeling, in particular printable. It can be particularly provided with an EAN code. This code contains all important for the detection of the contents of the packaging unit data and in particular the price, which can be detected by a scanner checkout. An additional pricing of the packaging unit is in attachment of such identification element therefore no longer necessary.

p0041Instead of printing or inscribing the identification element, in particular identification pennant or identification bands, this may be provided with an RFID transponder. Such RFID transponders is a non-contact reading out of various information stored in the transponders, possible. Herein can be saved not only the container contents and the number of containers of the packaging unit, but of course, the prices and other possibly interesting information. Since such RFID transponder can be used with a carrying handle and a packaging unit especially in people loose in the checkout stores, the provision of such RFID transponder proves just in such packaging with multiple and possibly from Package to Package differently many containers offered in grocery stores, etc., to be particularly advantageous.

p0042An identification element, in particular identification flag or identification band with an RFID transponder advantageously has between two or more layers of plastic material inserted RFID tag. The plies or layers of plastic may be made from a molded plastic or the entire unit of the identification element, in particular identification or identifier pennant bands may be made as an injection molded part. Advantageously, packaging, especially for the beverage industry, are provided with such identification elements, wherein an identifier element, in particular identification flag or identification band, especially in the area of ​​or in a handle of the packaging unit can be arranged.

p0043The identification element, in particular identification flag or identifier tape is advantageously fixed to the ring member. Preference is therefore the identification element, in particular identification flag or identification band, arranged for pivoting the attachment to the containers two Torsionsstellen at or a surrounding the container ring member. When pushing down the ring element along the container walls, this is then easy, and it is particularly preferably positioned so that it is disposed substantially between two containers. In particular, the identification element, in particular identification flag or identifier belt positioned at an angle of about 65 ° to the horizontal, so that a good reading or scanning of the identifier element is possible. In the accident with an RFID transponder, it is in principle irrelevant to what angle the identification element is arranged, as long as a good readability is hereby given. When using metal containers, it may cause harmful interference to the readability of the RFID transponder, so that attention is paid when using the identifier element with RFID transponders advantageous that the identifier element does not come to a container made of metal for investment.

p0044With a carrying handle for cans, the identifier element, in particular identification flag or identification band to be advantageously arranged within a receiving element for a can. It is herein especially via connecting webs which allow telescoping due to its shape, attached. When inserting the socket in this recording element it presses out the identification member from the female member, so that the identification member arranged below on the can. An identification of the carrying handle with the appropriate doses is therefore also possible.

p0045Instead of the provision of the identification element within a receiving member may, in particular in the use of the carrying handle for cans such an identification element, in particular identification flags, but also be further disposed in the interior of the carrying handle between the receiving elements. Basically, for example, arranging where the telescoping handle elements are provided, or possible a central locating the identifier element, in particular identification pennant, the middle between the receiving elements. If no further movement of the identification element, in particular identification pennant or flag belt, required at its mounting location, easily connecting webs for securing the identification element may be sufficient, instead of twistable or telescoping connecting webs.

p0046The identification element, in particular identification flag or identification bands, can either be provided before the Auffügen the carrying handle with the appropriate information or after the application of the carrying handle on the containers, for example, a printing on an inkjet printer or other marking of the identification element can be.

p0047The carrying handle is advantageously constructed as an injection molded part. Advantageously, it consists of a recyclable plastic material, including HDPE, ie one that is produced under low pressure high density polyethylene.

p0048A more detailed explanation of these embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. These show in:<dl id="dl0001"><dt>figure 1</dt><dd>a plan view of a first embodiment of a carrying handle according to the invention for six bottles,</dd><dt>figure 2</dt><dd>a perspective view of an inventive packaging unit with a handle according to <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref>. </dd><dt>figure 3</dt><dd>a perspective view of the packaging unit according to <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref>, In a rotated by 90 degrees viewing angle,</dd><dt>figure 4</dt><dd>a plan view of a second embodiment of a carrying handle according to the invention for use for six cans, and</dd><dt>figure 5</dt><dd>a plan view of a third embodiment of a carrying handle according to the invention for use for a 5-liter party keg.</dd></dl>

p0049<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> shows a plan view of a first embodiment of the carrying handle 1 for six bottles 100, which in <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> are shown. The handle 1 has six receiving elements 2a through 2f for receiving the bottle heads 102. Further, the handle has a grip element 3 which extends between the receiving elements 2a through 2f. On the outside, the receiving elements are surrounded by a ring member. 4 Between the individual recording elements 2a to 2f are provided with an edge approximately parallel to the ring member 4 stiffening crosspieces 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 is provided. The stiffening ribs 5-9 have a roughly parallel to the ring member extending edge and extend with flat curved portions 50, 51, 60, 61, 70, 71, 80, 81, 90, 91 between the respective adjacent receiving elements. The reinforcing web 10 is formed is bent between the two receiving elements 2a and 2f. The reason for this is that in this area an identification flag 11 is arranged as an embodiment of an identification element for identifying the subsequent packaging unit consisting of handle and bottles on the ring member 4, and also extends in the intermediate space between the two receiving elements 2a and 2f. Alternatively, or possibly also in addition to the identifier flag may be a tape identifier or some other form of an identification element can be provided which is connected to the carrying handle, in particular a ring element in a suitable way or is.

p0050The identification flag 11 is disposed at a portion 40 of the ring member, which is connected via two Torsionsstellen 41, 42 on the remaining ring element 4th The two Torsionsstellen it is possible herauszubiegen the section 40 with the identification flag 11 from the plane of the carrying handle. In this way, a slight pitching of the pennant identifier in the subsequent position of the ring member is possible, which is separated from the rest of the carrying handle and slid along the bottle with respect to this downward to hold the bottles together in the lower region. The final position of the identifier Pennant 11 can better the<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> be removed. The identification flag 11 is here at an angle of about 65 degrees from the horizontal. In such a position is a light detecting the contents of the identifier pennant, as the data of the packaging unit, incl. Price data, for example through a checkout scanner, possible.

p0051Between the individual recording elements 2a to 2f of the carrying handle on the inside, the grip member 3 further connecting webs 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 with respect to ambient, is provided. All the connecting webs have a curved shape, with the connecting webs 12 to 16 are supported on additional planar stiffening portions 120, 121, 130, 131, 140, 141, 150, 151, 160, 161 with respect to the receiving elements 2a to 2f. Only, the connecting web 17, which is arranged in the region of the identification pennant 11, has no further stiffening sections. Generally, however, this additional reinforcement sections could have, but these are omitted for reasons of space here.

p0052The grip element 3 has a straight in plan view, the central holding portion 30 which is attached via four torsion bars 31, 32, 33, 34 to the connecting webs 13, 14, 16, 17th Mounting is via respective Torsionsstellen 35, 36, 37, 38. This makes it possible, the gripping element, that is the central holding portion to take 30 and to telescope out of the plane of the handle out, since the torsion bars be twisted here, so from the Unscrew plane of the handle, so that a parallel lifting of the holding section with respect to the plane of the handle is possible. It also exists in the extended carrying position of the handle member thus not the problem that this o-shaped bend, resulting in the prior art to a very uncomfortable wearing position.

p0053The central supporting portion 30 of the grip element 3 has in the side view of a slightly curved shape to what the better <figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> can be removed. This slightly curved shape of the central holding portion centering stacking several successive handles for storage in a simple manner is possible. Also, the individual recording elements can be formed according to facilitate stacking. The receiving elements 2a to 2f each have retaining tabs 20 which engage the underside of a protruding portion of the bottle head, which in<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> you can see. The retaining tabs 20 protrude from a circumferential retaining ring 21 inwardly and, as also<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> can be better removed, tilted out of the plane of the handle out slightly oblique.

p0054Instead of the retaining tabs 20 also otherwise retaining means may be provided, such as retaining lugs or ridges. Instead of the respective nine retaining tabs may also be a different number of retaining straps are provided, in particular with the provision of a different shape for this. The shape can be arbitrarily selected here also, with an adjustment to the respective bottleneck shape or bottle head shape is possible in particular here.

p0055The ring member 4 outside surrounding the handle is what the top view <figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> can not be seen in cross section an approximately V-shape in order 43 to have a sufficient support surface during pushing down of the ring element along the bottles. To conserve material, the ring member is not rectangular or square in cross section, so that material can be saved by the V-formity against such a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

p0056The ring member 4 is also connected via web elements 44, 45, 46 is attached to the rest of the handle, namely the stiffening webs, 6, 7, 9th As in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> already indicated, is provided between the web members 44 to 46 and the stiffening webs 6, 7, 9 a respective predetermined breaking point 47, 48, 49th By providing these predetermined breaking points 47 to 49 a simple separation of the ring member from the remaining handle in a packaging machine or a placement machine via a correspondingly provided therein means is possible. This engages in each case via actuating means on the ring member 4 at its support surface 43 and pushes this to the Auffügen of the receiving elements 2a to 2f to the bottle tops respectively -hälse further down to the bottle along, up to the position in<figref idrefs="f0002">figure 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">3</figref> is shown or up to one other position which can be predefined. In the<figref idrefs="f0002">figures 2</figref> and <figref idrefs="f0003">3</figref> the ring element 4 is pushed up to a respective lower bulge 104 of the bottle 100 down and superimposed on this.

p0057The ring member may be made of such an elastic material, that after the lowering push, thus expanding the ring element in the region of the bulges 101 of the cylinder 100, this springs back to its original non-stretched shape. Assigns the ring member such elasticity not to, is a shutter 110 for closing, so Zusammenzurren the ring member to the bottles around, provided. Such a closure device 110 is in one embodiment in<figref idrefs="f0001">figure 1</figref> also shown. This includes a provided with paragraphs 111 housing 112th Further, it has a closure part 113, which is arrow-shaped, wherein it 114 has a tapered projection at its front end. He also still has a further projection 115 along its length, which can engage in the housing 112 into a corresponding recess 116th The closure member 113 is inserted into the housing 112 and is locked in the desired paragraph 111 with its front projection 114. Because of the of latching inadvertent release is here no longer possible, so that the closure device ensures that the containers or bottles 100 of the ring member 4 shall be enclosed. This can also be the perspective view in<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> be removed. Here, the latched position of the closure device is shown. According to the embodiment in<figref idrefs="f0003">figure 3</figref> the housing may be designed to be open on its top side, so that the proper latching is visible within the enclosure from the outside. Likewise, the housing 112 may be also designed to be closed.

p0058For closing the closure mechanism or locking of the closure member 113 within the housing 112 such facilities in placement machines and apparatus for applying the handles may be provided on the containers, via slide elements or other appropriate facilities in the area of ​​housing 112 and in the area of ​​the closure part 113 attacks and these move against each other so far that a snug fit of the ring member 4 is carried to the bottles around.

p0059<figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> shows an alternative embodiment of a carrying handle 200 which is designed to accommodate six cans. Here again are six receiving elements 2a through 2f, but shorter retaining tabs 245 provide, as usually the upper edge at doses is less pronounced than a circumferential edge in beverage bottles. Between the individual receiving elements 2a to 2f reinforcing webs are each also provided 205-210. In contrast to the stiffening webs 5 to 10, these are all formed uniformly because an identifier flag 211 is arranged inside the receiving element 2d. The reinforcing webs 205-210 are each configured as narrow slightly curved ridges between the individual receiving elements 2a through 2f. Furthermore, also still arranged in the inner region of the carrying handle connecting webs 212 to 217 are provided between the individual recording elements. These are formed slightly curved in principle in accordance with the stiffening ribs 205-210. Between the recording elements 2b, 2c and 2d, and between the receiving elements 2a, 2f and 2e respectively further connecting webs 218, 219, 220, 221 are provided. These are arranged between the respective stiffening webs and connecting webs on the outside and inside of the carrying handle. They are wider than the stiffening and connecting webs so that this stiffening of the entire carrying handle is possible. Also, the two receiving elements 2c and 2f are connected via a further connecting web 222 to each other to stiffen also the central region of the carrying handle.

p0060In this embodiment, for use in doses of handle has two handle elements 230, 231st Both are within a respective receiving element, namely within the receiving elements 2c and 2f, respectively. Both grip elements are formed mirror-symmetrically to one another and each have a central web 232, 233 and from this V-shaped toward each other extending torsion bars 234, 235, 236, 237. These are mounted on respective Torsionsstellen 238 at the receiving elements 2c and 2f. By V-formity of torsion bars and the further deflection towards the respective central webs of the handle elements 230, 231, this in turn can be telescoped when pulling out of the plane of the carrying handle, with pulling out of the plane of the carrying handle further on Torsionsstellen turn a twisting the torsion bars and thus an approximately parallel withdrawal of the middle webs 232, 233 out of the plane of the handle results. The two handle elements 230, 231 are brought together toward the connecting web 222 between the two receiving elements 2c and 2f and can then gripped by a hand of a wearer and the packaging unit from carrying handle and six cans be worn comfortably.

p0061To allow identification of the packaging unit, for example, with an EAN code or other product information, the identification flag 211 and when the handle is in accordance <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003">Figure 1 to 3</figref> the identification flag 11 is provided. In this may be printed or otherwise applied, a corresponding code. Alternatively, it is also possible to introduce here an RFID transponder in the identification flag that contains the desired data.

p0062In the embodiment of <figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> the identification flag 211 is positioned over telescopic webs 240-243 inside the receiving element 2d. The telescopic struts 240 are serpentine bent back and forth, so that pushing out the identification Pennant 11 out of the plane of the handle is possible. This occurs when a casing head is inserted into the receiving element 2d, automatically. To this end, it proves more advantageous to the 240-243 to tie four telescopic struts via respective Torsionsstellen 244 on the receiving element 2d or its retaining tabs 245th

p0063Another embodiment of a carrying handle 300 is in <figref idrefs="f0005">figure 5</figref> shown for wearing a example 5 liter keg. Here again, a receiving element 302 is provided. This also includes retaining tabs 320th Further, it can be provided a non-illustrated receiving ring from which extend the retaining tabs in the interior of the receiving element. The retaining tabs are here, as in the embodiment of the carrying handle for cans according<figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref>Is relatively short is formed toward the inside of the receiving element, since the edge of a 5 liter cask is made relatively narrow, so that these short retaining tabs to engage under the rim of this suffice.

p0064The handle according to <figref idrefs="f0005">figure 5</figref> is also provided with a handle element 330th This is at two roughly opposite points on the outside of the receiving element 302 via Torsionsstellen 331, attached 332nd In the rest position the handle member 330 is in the plane of the receiving element 302. The gripping element 330 has a slightly wider central supporting portion 333 and two on from this for both Torsionsstellen 331, 332 extending lands 334, 335th On the Torsionsstellen 331, 332 may when up bending of the gripping element to engage the central retaining rib 333 of the middle holding web 333 in a parallel plane above the plane of the receiving element 302 are held. It therefore appears advantageous here too no deformation of the middle retaining web 333, so that a comfortable carrying position can be achieved.

p0065In the <figref idrefs="f0001 f0002 f0003 f0004">Figures 1 to 4</figref> carrying handles are shown, which serve to accommodate six containers in the form of bottles or cans or other fitting into the receiving elements containers. Of course, embodiments can be provided in which are to be packaged as a unit packaging more or fewer containers. For example, even the provision of handles for four doses or four bottles is possible. In an alternative embodiment of the carrying handle in accordance with<figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> for four doses, the identification flag 211 may be arranged in a central inner opening of the carrying handle, so then does not need to be arranged inside a receiving member. Further, the gripping element in the area of ​​the central inner opening within the carrying handle may be disposed, instead of the arrangement in two adjacent receiving elements as shown in<figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> shown. It may here also only a handle member may be provided, as this is sufficient for a carrying handle for four doses.

p0066Instead of the embodiment of grip elements according <figref idrefs="f0004">figure 4</figref> can be together provided latched two handle elements 230, 231 into each other tangible and / or so that a complete grip element from two partial elements is formed. Such an embodiment is suitable for example for carrying more than six cans or larger doses.

p0067All handles can be made of HDPE or other suitable material, in particular plastic material.

p0068In addition to the described in the foregoing and shown in the figures embodiments of handles many more can be designed, in each of which the gripping element out of the plane of the strap handle out is telescoped over at least two Torsionsstellen the carrying handle or at least one ring member to the outer side surrounding said container that are picked up by the carrying handle is releasably attached to the handle and in which at least one identifier element, such as an identification flag, identification band, etc., is disposed on the carrying handle or of a packaging unit of several containers. Particularly appropriate handles for other packaging unit sizes can be made, in which also a ring element or identification element or a corresponding via Torsionsstellen on the carrying handle fixed handle member are respectively provided. All the above mentioned and shown in the drawings can be combined with one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

p0069<dl id="dl0002"><dt>1</dt><dd>handle</dd><dt>2a</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>2a</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>2c</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>2d</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>2e</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>3</dt><dd>grip element</dd><dt>4</dt><dd>ring member</dd><dt>5</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>6</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>7</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>9</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>10</dt><dd>curved stiffening web</dd><dt>11</dt><dd>identification flags</dd><dt>12</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>13</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>14</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>15</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>16</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>17</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>20</dt><dd>retaining tab</dd><dt>21</dt><dd>receiving ring</dd><dt>30</dt><dd>medium holding section</dd><dt>31</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>32</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>33</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>34</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>35</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>36</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>37</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>38</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>40</dt><dd>section </dd><dt>41</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>42</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>43</dt><dd>support area</dd><dt>44</dt><dd>web member</dd><dt>45</dt><dd>web member</dd><dt>46</dt><dd>web member</dd><dt>47</dt><dd>Predetermined breaking point</dd><dt>48</dt><dd>Predetermined breaking point</dd><dt>49</dt><dd>Predetermined breaking point</dd><dt>50</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>51</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>60</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>61</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>70</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>71</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>80</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>81</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>90</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>91</dt><dd>section</dd><dt>100</dt><dd>bottle</dd><dt>101</dt><dd>bulge</dd><dt>102</dt><dd>bottle head</dd><dt>103</dt><dd>bottleneck</dd><dt>104</dt><dd>bulge</dd><dt>110</dt><dd>closure device</dd><dt>111</dt><dd>paragraph</dd><dt>112</dt><dd>housing</dd><dt>113</dt><dd>closing part</dd><dt>114</dt><dd>projection</dd><dt>115</dt><dd>projection</dd><dt>116</dt><dd>recess</dd><dt>120</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>121</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>130</dt><dd>stiffening portion </dd><dt>131</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>140</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>141</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>150</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>151</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>160</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>161</dt><dd>stiffening portion</dd><dt>200</dt><dd>handle</dd><dt>205</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>206</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>207</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>208</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>209</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>210</dt><dd>reinforcing web</dd><dt>211</dt><dd>identification flags</dd><dt>212</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>213</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>214</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>215</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>216</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>217</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>218</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>219</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>220</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>221</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>222</dt><dd>connecting web</dd><dt>230</dt><dd>grip element</dd><dt>231</dt><dd>grip element</dd><dt>232</dt><dd>central web</dd><dt>233</dt><dd>central web</dd><dt>234</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>235</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>236</dt><dd>torsion</dd><dt>237</dt><dd>torsion </dd><dt>238</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>240</dt><dd>telescope web</dd><dt>241</dt><dd>telescope web</dd><dt>242</dt><dd>telescope web</dd><dt>243</dt><dd>telescope web</dd><dt>244</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>245</dt><dd>retaining tab</dd><dt>300</dt><dd>handle</dd><dt>302</dt><dd>receiving element</dd><dt>320</dt><dd>retaining tab</dd><dt>330</dt><dd>grip element</dd><dt>331</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>332</dt><dd>Torsionsstelle</dd><dt>333</dt><dd>medium holding web</dd><dt>334</dt><dd>web</dd><dt>335</dt><dd>web</dd></dl>