NL2001867C2

NL2001867C2 - Packed fences arrangement, has upper structure fixed above partitions, and coupling structure equipped with one lid extending from top and bottom structures, where lid is at kept at certain angle to top and bottom structures

Info

Publication number: NL2001867C2
Application number: NL2001867A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Ernst Prosman; Bastiaan Boeve
Original assignee: Gouderak B V
Priority date: 2008-08-01
Filing date: 2008-08-01
Publication date: 2010-02-02

Abstract

The arrangement (1) has a container for packaging sections together, and an upper structure fixed above partitions. A coupling structure (5) couples bottom and top structures (3, 4), so that separations between the top and bottom structures are packed and movement of the top and bottom structures relative to each other is prevented. The coupling structure is equipped with one lid extending from the top and bottom structures. The lid is at kept at certain angle to the top and bottom structures. The coupling structure includes two coupling members (6, 7) along a side of the extended partitions. An independent claim is also included for a method for packing fences.

Description

P85505NL00

Title: Arrangement of packed fences and method of packing fences

The invention concerns an arrangement of packed fences, comprising multiple fences and a packaging to pack the fences together.

The invention also comprises a presentation arrangement of at least partly packed fences.

5 The invention further comprises a method of packing multiple fences together, wherein multiple fences are put with their bottom edges on a bottom structure.

The invention furthermore comprises a packaging kit for packing fences, comprising a bottom structure for supporting said fences.

10 In the field of fences, more particularly garden sheds, it is known to pack fences in a packaging. Especially for transport, multiple fences are held together by the packaging so that they can be lifted in one time, for example using a fork-lift truck, and put in a transport space of a lorry in an efficient manner. The fences don’t have to be loaded and unloaded one by one but may 15 be lifted and transported in groups. For example, the fences are transported from a production site to a location where they are sold.

The fences may be placed standing up on a pallet board, parallel to each other. To prevent the fences from falling they are pressed against each other by a packaging. A known packaging consists of two parallel strips that 20 tightly encircle the fences, extending over the top edges, then vertically along the front surface of the front fence, under the pallet board so that the fences are connected to the pallet board, and again vertically along the back surface of the back fence. Again two strips extending parallel to each other may encircle the fences horizontally, i.e. along the side, along the front, along 25 opposite the side and along the back of the fences. Additionally, e.g. to prevent that the strips break during transport, rigid structures of wooden boards are 2 nailed to the side edges of the fences, to keep the fences from moving with respect to each other.

A disadvantage of such a method and arrangement for packaging fences is that it may take a lot of time and a lot of nails to attach the wooden 5 boards to the sides of the group of panels. Also, there is a risk that the nails may visibly damage the fences. Moreover, after having transported the packed fences to the vending location the packaging has to be removed and thrown away, which may lead to relatively a lot of material waste.

In particular, the nails are taken out, which absorbs a lot of time, 10 and thrown away. Then the boards can be taken off and thrown away.

Thereafter, the strips are cut through and also thrown away. If the fences are unpacked at the vending location, this may cause an untidy environment at the vending location. If the fences are unpacked at a distance from the vending location, since the fences are no more in packed condition, it may be 15 inconvenient or difficult to transport the fences to the vending location.

An object is to alleviate at least one of the problems mentioned above.

This goal and/or other goals may be reached by an arrangement according to claim 1.

20 A packaging according to the invention can be used for packing fences multiple times. The bottom structure, the top structure, and the couple structure can be connected for packing the fences, and disconnected after use. Thereafter, they can be reused for a second group of fences. In principle, use of nails is prevented and there is no material waste. The couple members that 25 slant in opposite directions may resist movement of the top and bottom structure with respect to each other. In this way, the packing of the fences may be established in a relatively secure and easy.

In an embodiment the couple structure may extend along multiple side edges of the fences, therewith resisting to possible movement of the fences 30 in a sideway direction. In a further embodiment the bottom structure and/or 3 the top structure may comprise upstanding rims at the edges of the respective structure to prevent the fences from sliding outside the respective structure and/or to prevent that the fences are damaged. The top and bottom structures may be tray shaped.

5 In an embodiment the couple structure is at least partly flexible and is adjustable in length.

Abovementioned goal and/or other goals may also be reached by an arrangement according to claim 9.

A top and bottom structure and a couple structure may be used to 10 obtain a packaging wherein the fences can be readily taken out, for example for presenting the fences at a vending location. One of the couple members may be released while a second couple member may be lengthened so that the fences may lean towards the back side. The top structure and the couple member will prevent the fences from falling towards the back side. Such a 15 condition of the fences and the packaging may be useful for presenting the fences so that the fences may be taken out of the packaging relatively easily.

In this way, the fences can be stored and presented at the vending location without completely taking of the packaging. Additional waste is prevented and the fences can be conveniently transported to the vending location in 20 packaging and readily presented. The packaging parts can afterwards be reused.

Abovementioned goal and/or other goals may also be achieved by a method according to claim 12.

Abovementioned goal and/or other goals may furthermore be 25 achieved by a packaging kit according to claim 16.

Further embodiments of the invention and advantages thereof are set out in the claims and description, with reference to the drawings.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an arrangement of packed fences; 4

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a presentation arrangement of at least partly packed fences;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a packaging of a second arrangement of packed fences; 5 Fig. 3A shows a detail view of the connection elements of Fig. 3;

Fig. 4 schematically shows a side view of an arrangement of packed fences.

In this description, identical or corresponding areas have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The exemplary embodiments shown should 10 not be construed to be limitative in any manner and serve merely as illustration. Any dimensions or relative dimensions may not be taken from the drawings.

In this description, a fence may be understood as at least comprising a garden shed, a fence panel, or a separation panel for gardens or the like. In 15 an embodiment the fence may substantially comprise wood, for example wooden boards. In other embodiments, the material of the fences may comprise plastic, a plastic compound, a compound of plastic and wood, metal, and/or other materials.

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of an arrangement 1 of packed fences 2, 20 comprising multiple fences 2 and a packaging therefore. The packaging may comprise a bottom structure 3 for supporting the fences 2, on which the fences 2 may be placed in a stand-up and substantially parallel position, the fences 2 preferably being placed against each other. Furthermore, the packaging may comprise a top structure 4 that in use extends on top of the fences 2.

25 Optionally, an intermediate layer may be provided between the fences 2 and the top structure 4, and/or between the fences 2 and the bottom structure 3. As can be seen, the fences 2 preferably do not extend outside the contour of the top structure 4 and bottom structure 3. This may be convenient for transport and to prevent possible damage to the fences 2.

5

The packaging may further comprise a couple structure 5 for coupling the top structure 4 and bottom structure 3, wherein the fences 2 are packed between the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3. The couple structure 5 may pull the top structure 4 and bottom structure 3 towards each 5 other, therewith clamping the fences 2 between the structures 3, 4. By the couple structure 5, movement of the top structure 4, bottom structures 3 and fences 2 with respect to each other may be resisted so that the fences 2 may be kept in place with respect to the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3. Before transport, the fences 2 may be put with their bottom edges on the 10 bottom structure 3, so that the fences 2 stand up in mutually parallel position. The top structure 4 may be put on top of the fences 2, after which the bottom structure 3 and the top structure 4 are coupled such that movement of the structures 3, 4 with respect to each other is resisted.

In an embodiment, the couple structure 5 may comprise two couple 15 members 6, 7 that extend between the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3 along each side 8, 9 of the arrangement. The couple members 6, 7 may extend at an angle with the top structure 4 and bottom structures 3 and the fences 2. For example, an angle ct6, 0C7 between the couple member 6, 7, respectively, and the bottom structure 3 or top structure 4 may be larger than 20 20°, preferably larger than 30°. The first couple member 6 may slant in an opposite direction as the second couple member 7. In this way movement of the top structure 4 and bottom structures 3 with respect to each other, along the fences 2, may be resisted and the fences 2 may be kept in place with respect to the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3. As can be seen, the couple 25 members 6, 7 overlap in a crossing manner. The first couple member 6 may be connected to the top structure 4 at a first side 10 at or near a side edge 12 of the top structure 4, and to the bottom structure 3 at an opposite, second side 11 at or near a side edge 13 of the bottom structure 3. The first side 10 may for example be regarded as the front side, while the second side 11 may be 30 regarded as a back side 11. The second couple member 7 may be connected to 6 the top structure 4 at the second side 11, opposite the first side 10, of the side edge 12 of the top structure 4, and at the first side 10 of the side edge 13 of the bottom structure 3. In packed condition, as shown in Fig. 1, the couple members 6, 7 may cross each other approximately near the middle of the sides 5 8, 9 of the arrangement 1.

The bottom structure 3 may e.g. allow the packed fences 2 to be lifted by a forklift truck. The bottom structure 3 may comprise a pallet, or may be partly shaped as a pallet. The bottom structure 3 may comprise rims 16 to prevent the fences 2 from moving outside the contour of the bottom structure 10 3. The bottom structure 3 may be of rectangular shape. The rims 16 may extend along the edges of the bottom structure 3, away from the bottom of the bottom structure 3. Furthermore, the bottom structure 3 may comprise connection elements 17,18 for coupling and/or uncoupling the couple structure 5 to and/or from the bottom structure 3, for example one connection element at 15 each side 10, 11 of the side edge 13.

The top structure 4 may comprise rims 19 to prevent the fences 2 from moving outside the contour of the top structure 4. The rims 19 may extend along the edges of the top structure 4. The top structure 4 may be of rectangular shape. Furthermore, the top structure 4 may comprise connection 20 elements 20, 21 for coupling and/or uncoupling the couple structure 5 to and/or from the top structure 4, for example one connection element at each side 10, 11 of the side edge 12.

Preferably, the couple structure 5 is at least partly flexible, for example the couple structure 5 may comprise a cable, rope, strip, band, belt or 25 the like. Preferably the couple structure 5 is of significant strength to prevent breakage and/or is able to resist a significant tensile strength. Preferably the couple structure 5 may be adjustable in length so as to be able to tighten the couple structure 5 and thus the clamping force on the fences 2. Thereto the couple structure 5 may be provided with adjustment elements 22, for example 30 in the form of buckles, clasps, clamps, clips, or the like. In an advantageous 7 embodiment the tension of the couple structure 5 can be adjusted by adjusting the length of the couple structure 5. For example, by shortening the length of the couple structure 5 between the connection elements 17, 18 and 20, 21 of the bottom structure 3 and top structure 4, respectively, a higher tension in 5 the couple structure 5 may be achieved. Thus, movement of the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3 with respect to each other is resisted, and the fences 2 may be fixed relatively securely. The adjustment elements 22 may for example be used to guide the couple structure 5 and/or to set the couple structure 5 at the desired length.

10 The couple structure 5 may comprise four couple members 6, 7, two on each side 8, 9 of the arrangement 1, wherein the couple members 6, 7 may be partly flexible and/or adjustable in length. The couple members 6, 7 may be coupled to the bottom structure 3 and the top structure 4 via the connection elements 17,18 and 20, 21, respectively. In certain embodiments, 15 more couple members 6, 7 and/or connection elements may be provided. The couple members 6, 7 preferably slant in opposite directions. In the shown embodiment the couple members 6, 7 overlap in opposite directions. In another embodiment, the couple members 6, 7 do not overlap, but do slant in opposite directions.

20 In an embodiment, the arrangement 1 may be used to present the fences in an at least partly packed state, as shown in Fig. 2. Therefore, the fences 2 may be slanted towards the back side 11, for example slanting under an angle approximately equal to or more than 1,5°, preferably approximately equal to or more than 3° with respect to a vertical. To resist further slanting 25 towards the back side 11 the top structure 4 may be retained by the couple structure 5, preferably along the sides near the back side 11. However, since fences 2 may remain on location in the presentation arrangement, it is not necessary to retain the top structure 4 and the bottom structure 3 in all directions. It may be sufficient to retain the top structure 4 in one direction. In 30 an embodiment, at each side 8, 9 only one couple member 6, is connected to 8 both the bottom structure 3 at the front side 10 and to the top structure at the back side 11. Preferably, the couple member 6 may comprise a tensile load bearing flexible member that is at an angle with the fences 2 and top structure 4 and bottom structure 3. With respect to the arrangement 1 as shown in Fig.

5 1, the presentation arrangement 101, as shown in Fig. 2, the second couple members 7 may be fully released and/or removed at each side 8, 9, and the first couple member 6 may be lengthened to allow slanting of the fences 2. Convenient use can be made of the adjustment elements 22 while lengthening the respective member 6. The fences 2 may then lean against the back rim 19 10 of the top structure 4. In this condition, the fences 2 may be taken out of the packaging. For example the front of the top structure 4 may be slightly lifted so that the front fence 2 may be readily taken out and/or the front rim 16 of the bottom structure 3 could for example be flapped forward or taken out, or store personnel could for example take out the first front fence 2 so that the 15 following fences 2 may be taken out more easily.

In an embodiment, the packaging may be provided with an L-shaped support structure 23 for supporting the fences 2 when they are in slanted condition. In use, the support structure 23 may be placed at the back side 11 of the arrangement 1, 101 so that when the fences 2 are slanted 20 towards the back it may be prevented that the fences 2 fall towards the back side 11. The support structure 23 may be L-shaped, comprising a foot 24 and a back 25. It may be built up from beams, for example. For use of the support structure 23, the foot 24 may be put under the bottom structure 3, so that the support structure 23 may be prevented from back flipping when a force is 25 exerted to the back 25. A further cross-beam 26 may be provided to connect to foot 24 with the back 25 to stabilize the support structure 23. The back 25 of the support structure 23 may then provide the support for the slanted fences 2. For example, the support structure 23 may be placed behind the fences 2, before the respective second couple members 7 are released and the first 30 couple members 6 are lengthened, so that falling of the fences 2 is prevented 9 and/or for the safety of the personnel handling the arrangement 1. The support structure 23 may also be provided behind or next to the arrangement 1 when the fences 2 are in a straight position, as shown in Fig. 1, as a safety measurement.

5 In practice, the packaging may be provided separate from the fences 2, as a means for packing and/or presenting the fences 2. In such a packaging, the bottom structure 3, the top structure 4, and the couple structure may be provided. The L-shaped support structure 23 could also he provided. The packaging and/or the elements thereof may be re-used multiple 10 times.

In Fig. 3, a different embodiment of a packaging is shown. The fences 2 are not shown in this figure. The couple structure 205 may comprise two couple members 206, 207, two at each side 208, 209. In use, each couple member 206, 207 may be at an angle with the top structure 4, bottom 15 structure 3 and the fences 2. Each couple member 206, 207 may slant in an opposite direction. The couple members 206, 207 may cross. The couple members 206, 207 may for example also be fixedly connected or integrated so that a rigid cross is obtained. The couple structure 205 may be rigid. Furthermore, the bottom structure 203 and the top structure 204 may be 20 provided with rims 216, 219 respectively for preventing the fences 202 from sliding outside of the respective structure 203, 204. The top structure 204 and the bottom structure 203 may be provided with connection elements 220, 221, 217, 218, respectively for connection with the couple structure 205. The respective couple members 206, 207 may be provided with second connection 25 elements 227 arranged for connection with the first connection elements 217, 218, 220, 221. For example, the connection elements may comprise clasps, clamps, buckles, clips or the like. A detail view of the first and second connection elements 220, 227, respectively, in connected condition, is shown in Fig. 3A.

10

In Fig. 4 another embodiment of an arrangement 301 is shown, wherein the couple structure 305 may comprise three flexible couple member 306, 307, 308, wherein each couple member 306, 307, 308 may be adjustable in length. The couple members 306, 307, 308 may comprise one integral couple 5 structure 305 that is adjustable in length. The couple structure 305 may be partly arranged approximately parallel to the fences 302, and partly it may be at an angle with the bottom structure 303 and top structure 304 and the fences 302. In this way, movement of the bottom structure 303 and top structure 304 with respect to each other may be prevented and the fences 302 may he packed 10 in a relatively secure manner.

The arrangement 1 may have the advantaged that it may be used multiple times for packing fences 2. In this way, the packaging may be recycled multiple times while waste is prevented.

It shall be obvious that the invention is not limited in any way to 15 the embodiments that are represented in the description and the drawings. Many variations and combinations are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. Combinations of one or more aspects of the embodiments or combinations of different embodiments are possible within the framework of the invention. All comparable variations are understood to fall 20 within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

Claims

1. Device of packaged partitions, comprising a plurality of partitions and a package for packaging the partitions together, the package being provided with a bottom structure for supporting the partitions, an upper structure above the partitions, and a coupling structure for coupling the top and bottom structure so that the partitions between the top and bottom structure are packaged, and so that movement of the top and bottom structures relative to each other is prevented, the coupling structure being provided with at least one coupling member extending from the top to the bottom structure along a The side of the partitions extends, said at least one coupling member extending at an angle with the top and bottom structure and with the partitions.

2. Device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling structure comprises at least two coupling members which extend from the bottom to the bottom structure along one side of the partitions, the two coupling members extending at an angle with the top and bottom structures and the fences, wherein each coupling member is inclined in an opposite direction.

Device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the partitions extend in a substantially parallel position.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling structure extends along two opposite sides of the device next to the side edges of the partitions.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling structure is at least partly flexible.

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the coupling structure is adjustable in length. 2001867

Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein at least one of the bottom and upper structure comprises at least one edge.

8. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the bottom and top structure comprise connecting elements for coupling and / or uncoupling the coupling structure to and / or from the top and bottom structure.

9. Presentation device of at least partially packaged partitions, comprising a plurality of partitions and a package therefor, the package being provided with a bottom structure for supporting the partitions, an upper structure above the partitions, and a coupling structure for coupling the upper and bottom structure so that the partitions between the top and bottom structure are packaged, and so that movement of the top and bottom structure in at least one direction is prevented, wherein the partitions slope towards the rear and further slope towards the rear is prevented by the top structure which is in said at least one direction is retained by the coupling structure.

10. Presentation device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the coupling structure comprises a flexible member which extends at an angle with the partitions and the top and bottom structure.

11. Device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein an L-shaped bottom support structure is provided at the rear of the device, wherein a foot of the bottom support structure extends below the device and a back of the bottom support structure extends at the rear.

12. Method for packaging multiple partitions together, wherein several partitions with their bottom edges are placed on a bottom structure, an upper structure is placed on top of the partitions, and the bottom and upper structure are coupled to each other so that movement of the structures relative to each other is prevented. 2001867

13. Method as claimed in claim 12, wherein a first coupling member is coupled between the top and bottom structure, so that an angle extends with the partitions and the top and bottom structure, and a second coupling member is coupled between the top and bottom structure, wherein said two coupling members extend at an angle to each other.

14. Method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second coupling member is coupled between the top and bottom structure so that it extends at an angle with the partitions and the top and bottom structure, said two coupling members leaning in opposite directions.

Method according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein one of the coupling members is released, and another coupling member that is coupled to the upper structure near the rear and to the bottom structure near the front is adjusted in length so that the partitions slope backwards.

16. Packaging kit for packaging partitions, provided with a bottom structure for supporting said partitions, an upper structure for placing on top of said partitions, and a coupling structure for coupling the top and bottom structure so that the partitions between the top and bottom structure can be packed . 20, 2001867