AU2017100010A4 - Packing system - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbI\DCC\KXD\241405I L.docx-4/01/2017 - 13 Abstract Disclosed is a packaging system for containing a substantially planar item. The packaging system includes a sheet configured to be in contact with each face of the item. The sheets include a contact layer configured to be positioned against the item, an insulation layer and a protective layer on an opposite side of the insulation layer to the contact layer. The contact layers can be sealed to one another along a perimeter to enclose the item between the contact layers. The insulation layer may also include a cushioning layer. The packaging system may also include a box into which the flexible sheets can be placed after the contact layers have been sealed to one another. [Fig. 19] (0 0C) ((0 0C) CiLN

Description

H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\12414051_l .docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 - 1 -

PACKAGING SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to packaging systems for use in transporting fragile items.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Every day, thousands of pieces of art are in transit around the world. Artists, galleries, collectors, museums, art shows and competitions, and people moving house or office. Getting art work safely and without damage from one location to another is critical to preserving its value.

[0003] Damage to art in transit can occur as a result of many factors, including: changes in relative humidity; changes in temperature; moisture, water vapour; fumes or vapours from other sources, other chemical contaminants; insects and dust; abrasion; and shock and vibration, from transport movement or accidental drops.

[0004] To protect art works from these potential sources of damage requires careful packaging and handling. Art packaging and transport can be handled either by individuals self packaging and sending via post or courier, or by professional art handling and removalist companies. Irrespective of who does the packaging, the materials and process is often fundamentally the same, although professional art transporters appear to utilise a broader range of materials than individual artists.

[0005] Manual packaging utilising various separate materials is time consuming, tedious and the result is often not a professional presentation, particularly for nonprofessional handlers. For individual artists, it can be difficult to access, store or afford high quality packaging products, with cheaper products increasing risk of damage. For example, cheaper packaging tapes can contain less effective adhesives or chemicals that are damaging to the art work. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\12414051_l .docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -2- [0006] At the receiving end, it can be similarly time consuming and tedious to carefully unwrap art work and dispose of or store the packaging materials for later use. For all potential market groups, there are productivity gains to be had by simplifying the packaging process, with user acceptance likely to be greater if the products meet art industry and conservation standards.

[0007] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

SUMMARY

[0008] According to one example aspect, there is provided a packaging system for containing a substantially planar item, including a sheet configured to be in contact with each face of the item, the sheets including a contact layer configured to be positioned against the item, an insulation layer and a protective layer on an opposite side of the insulation layer to the contact layer, wherein the contact layers can be sealed to one another along a perimeter to enclose the item between the contact layers.

[0009] In one form, the insulation layer includes a cushioning layer. In another form, the packaging system further includes a box into which the flexible sheets can be placed after the contact layers have been sealed to one another.

[0010] According to another example aspect, there is provided a packaging material for protecting a substantially planar item, the packaging material including a contact layer configured to be positioned against the item, an insulation layer and a protective layer on an opposite side of the insulation layer to the contact layer, wherein the packaging system is configured to be rolled into a tubular shape with the item positioned between the flexible sheets. In one form, the insulation layer includes a cushioning layer.

[0011] Advantageously, the packaging system seeks to provide a product that provides all of the critical protections for a fragile item, such as an art work, in a simple, easy to use H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\12414051_l -docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -3- bag. Preferably, the packaging system is also reusable and/or made from environmentally sensitive and sustainable materials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] Example embodiments should become apparent from the following description, which is given by way of example only, of at least one preferred but nonlimiting embodiment, described in connection with the accompanying figures, wherein: [0013] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an inner bag that forms part of an embodiment of a packaging system; [0014] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the inner bag from Figure 1; [0015] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the inner bag from Figure 1; [0016] Figure 4 illustrates a front view of a wrapping bag that forms part of the packaging system; [0017] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the wrapping bag from Figure 4; [0018] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the wrapping bag from Figure 4; [0019] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of two wrapping bags from Figure 4, where one has a top flap open and one has the top flap closed; [0020] Figure 8 illustrates a front view of an outer bag that forms part of the packaging system; [0021] Figure 9 illustrates an end view of the outer bag from Figure 8; [0022] Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the outer bag from Figure 8; [0023] Figure 11 illustrates a plan view of the outer bag from Figure 8 prior to being assembled; H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\12414051_l .docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -4- [0024] Figure 12 illustrates a front view of a box that forms part of the packaging system; [0025] Figure 13 illustrates a side view of the box from Figure 12; [0026] Figure 14 illustrates a top view of the box from Figure 12; [0027] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of four boxes from Figure 12, each showing a top flap in various stages between closed and open; [0028] Figure 16 illustrates a plan view of the box from Figure 12 prior to being assembled; [0029] Figure 17 illustrates a perspective view with a cutaway of the packaging system; [0030] Figure 18 illustrates a cross sectional view of a section of wall of the packaging system from Figure 17; [0031] Figure 19 illustrates a perspective view of the packaging system from Figure 17; [0032] Figure 20 illustrates a front view of the packaging system from Figure 17; [0033] Figure 21 illustrates a side view of the packaging system from Figure 17; and [0034] Figure 22 illustrates a top view of the packaging system from Figure 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following modes, given by way of example only, are described in order to provide a more precise understanding of the subject matter of a preferred embodiment or embodiments.

[0036] In the Figures, incorporated to illustrate features of an example embodiment, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout the Figures. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\1241405l_l .docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -5- [0037] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an inner bag 10 is shown that is configured for containing a piece of two dimensional art and forms part of a packaging system. The inner bag 10 includes a front surface 12 and a rear surface 13 that are connected at the perimeter 15 along three edges. At the top is an opening 18 that can be sealed closed using a zip 19.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4 to 7, a wrapping bag 20 is shown that is configured for containing the inner bag 10 and also forms part of the packaging system. The wrapping bag 20 includes a front surface 22 and a rear surface 23 that are connected at the perimeter 25 along three edges. At the top is an opening that can be closed by a flap 28. The flap 28 can be secured in a closed position by strips of hook and loop fastener 29, although other embodiments may use alternative fastening means.

[0039] The inset of Figure 5 shows the construction of the walls of the wrapping bag 20. The outside layers 31 are flat sheets of aluminium, which contain layers of bubble material 32 in between. It will be appreciated that alternative embodiments may use different materials, however the advantages of the current materials will be described in more detail below.

[0040] Referring to Figures 8 to 11, an outer bag 35 is shown that is configured for containing the wrapping bag 20 and also forms part of the packaging system. The outer bag 35 includes a front surface 38 and a rear surface 39 that are connected at the perimeter 42 along three edges. At the top is an opening that can be closed by a flap 44. The front surface 38 includes a pocket 48 that can be used for containing a label or other identifying information.

[0041] Figure 11 shows the construction of the outer bag 35. The permanently closed edges are held together by glue seals 51, while the flap 44 is secured in the closed position by strips of hook and loop fastener 53.

[0042] Figures 1 to 11 show the inner bag 10, wrapping bag 20 and outer bag 35 separately for illustration purposes, however in the preferred embodiment these bags are layers of a single bag into which an item can be placed. It will be appreciated that the bags could be provided separately in alternative embodiments. H:\kxd\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\124l405l_l .docx.-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -6- [0043] Referring to Figures 12 to 16, a box 60 is shown that is configured for containing the outer bag 35 and also forms part of the packaging system. The box 60 includes a front surface 62 and a rear surface 63 that are connected at the perimeter 65 along three edges.

[0044] At the top of the box 60 is an opening 68 that can be closed by a system of flaps and tabs, primarily made up of an outer flap 70 and an inner flap 71. The inner flap 71 is closed first, followed by the outer flap 70, which includes inserting tabs 72 into slots at the base of the inner flap 71. Locking tabs 73 are then inserted into slots in the tabs 72 to secure the outer flap 70 in the closed position.

[0045] A handle 75 is provided on the inner flap 71, which can be accessed through a hole 76 in the outer flap 70 when in the closed position. When the handle 75 is not being used it can retract to lie flat against the inner flap 71. The permanently closed edges 65 of the box 60 are in fact faces 77 that are held together by glue seals 78.

[0046] The front surface 62 of the box 60 includes various printed identifications, including general text 80 to indicate that the contents are fragile, specific text 81 such as address details, and branding information 82 such as a company name and/or logo. It will be appreciated that the information and/or location of the text will vary in alternative embodiments.

[0047] In use, the fragile item to be packaged is first placed inside the single bag that has layers made up of the inner bag 10, wrapping bag 20 and outer bag 35. The layer formed by the inner bag 10 is then sealed and the bag is placed inside the box 60, which is then closed.

[0048] In the alternative embodiment where separate bags are used, the fragile item to be packaged is first placed inside the inner bag 10, which is then sealed. The inner bag 10 is then placed inside the wrapping bag 20, which is then closed. The wrapping bag 20 is then placed inside the outer bag 35, which is then also closed. Finally, the outer bag 35 is placed inside the box 60, which is then closed. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\ 12414051 _l .docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -7- [0049] This complete assembly is shown in Figures 17 to 22. Figure 18 shows the series of layers formed by the bag components, starting with the fragile item 100 being packaged, the inner bag 10, the wrapping bag 20 and the outer bag 35. Figure 17 shows that the box 60 is lined with foam 85, however some alternative embodiments of the invention may not include this layer.

[0050] It should be noted that the box 60 is not an essential component of the packaging system. Depending on the item being packaged, it may be deemed unnecessary to use the box 60, as the series of bags provides durable protection, albeit without the extra rigidity that the box 60 provides. The series of bags used are intended to protect the item from all hazards other than vibration and shock, which are addressed by the box 60. Specifically, the bags are designed to protect against changes to temperature and relative humidity, protect against vapours, moisture, heat, insect pests, dust, abrasion and light.

[0051] This and/or other embodiments of the invention are not restricted to containing artworks. For example, some embodiments may be configured for containing other fragile items, such as but not limited to fabrics, clothing, documents and antique items.

[0052] The choice of materials used for the various components of the present invention is very important, however is not limited to the specific examples described above. In various embodiments, the material used for the inner bag 10 may be chosen from acid free tissue paper, glassine paper, or some appropriate plastic such as polypropylene or polyethylene. This layer is in contact with the item being packaged, so other materials may also be used provided they are not going to cause any damage to the item.

[0053] The inner bag 10 provides a contact layer, as it is the innermost layer and is in direct contact with the item. Once the item is inserted, the contact layer, being the inner bag 10, can be sealed to lock in a “micro-environment” around the object. This aims to provide protection against rapid changes in temperature and humidity. In the preferred embodiment the contact layer provided by the inner bag 10 is a polyurethane sheet, however alternative embodiments may use different materials. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\ 12414051 _1 .docx-4/01 /2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -8- [0054] The wrapping bag 20 provides an insulation layer, which in the preferred embodiment includes a form of aluminium foil insulation. In the preferred form, this insulation has features including 97% reflective, high strength, tear resistant, light weight, low flammability, high water barrier and medium vapour barrier. One example material may be SilverWrap™ manufactured by Ametalin™. In an alternative form, aluminium bubble wrap may be used, while in yet other alternative forms other suitable materials may be used.

[0055] The wrapping bag 20 also includes two layers of bubble wrap on the outside of the aluminium foil, followed by another layer of aluminium foil on the outside of the bubble wrap. The bubble wrap may be a simple plastic material, or may be a metallic foil material. If the metallic foil material is used, the bubble layers can be oriented to face each other so that the metallic side faces out.

[0056] The outer bag 35 provides a protective layer, which in the preferred embodiment includes heavy duty kraft paper. The outer bag 35 seals with a hook and eye (e.g. Velcro™) strip so that it can be repeatedly opened and closed.

[0057] It may be noted that various layers can provide multiple functions. For example, the bubble wrap provides insulation as well as protection to the item. In this sense, it may be considered a cushioning layer. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, it may be considered that the insulation and protective layers are integrated. However, the outermost layer has a primarily protective function, thereby preventing damage to the insulating layer as well as the item being packaged.

[0058] The outside of the outer bag 35 may be affixed with a plastic pouch 48 so that information identifying the item can be attached without the need to remove the item or even open the bag 35. In particular, this pouch 48 is advantageous when it is intended that a box 60 will not be used.

[0059] The packaging system described above is advantageous as it is very light weight and very simple to use. There is no need for any other packaging material. The contact layer, in this case polyethylene, is unlikely to abrade the surface of art, even when H:\kxd\lnterwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\l2414051 _l docx-4/01/2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 -9- creased. The insulation layer has both insulating and tear resistant properties, is light weight, and relatively affordable. The bubble wrap is recommended by many galleries and conservators as a necessary part of protective packaging, and thus is integrated into the packaging system. Finally, heavy duty kraft paper is very strong because of manufacturing methods and also recommended by some galleries.

[0060] It is envisaged that the packaging system described will be made available at least in all standard canvas sizes. For non-standard works, rolls of the materials used for the bags would be made available.

[0061] An alternative embodiment of the invention includes rolls of the materials used in the bags described above. Such an embodiment would have most of the same protective benefits in addition to other advantages. In some forms, it may not provide the same humidity benefit of sealing in the “micro-environment”, however in other forms the material may be sealed using a sealant in a single use form. The roll of material may be used to package items that remain flat, or may be used to package flexible items such that the packaged item can be rolled into a tubular form.

[0062] This embodiment of the invention would require that the rolls be cut to size and secured with tape around the art work. This would still constitute a significant reduction packaging time and materials in comparison to the prior art. Preferably, the roll of material would be a single sheet combining the layers of all three bags described above. That is, it would be a roll of material that includes a contact layer, an insulation layer and a protective layer.

[0063] The embodiment in roll form is intended for packaging items not suited to the preferred embodiment in bag form as described above. For example, this may include custom wrapping for very large or very small works of art, or other items that require protective packaging. As the rolls include the same materials as the bags, one embodiment would include aluminium and bubble insulating and cushioning layers, lined on one side with polyethylene plastic and on the other side with kraft paper. H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\ 12414051 _l .docx.-4/Ol /2017 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 - 10- [0064] The contact layer, in this case made from polypropylene, is intended to come into direct contact with the item being packaged, and this material is selected to prevent snagging and abrasion. It provides surface protection and relative humidity control, is waterproof and fire, vapour and moisture resistant. The kraft paper outer layer has high tear resistance and provides extra strength and durability. The layers are preferably sealed together with water-based glues, ensuring no toxic vapours.

[0065] The box 60 complements the bags and protects the item from the damaging effects of shock and vibration. It is designed to align with the sizes of the bags. The preferred embodiment of the box 60 is made of corrugated cardboard and lined with a high density foam. The box 60 is sealed on three sides, and only the top opens. This protects against the risks of packaging breaking open during transit.

[0066] The outer bag 35 is simply pushed into the foam lined box 60, where it fits snugly, and the box 60 is closed and sealed. The outside of the box 60 is printed with ‘fragile’ and ‘keep upright’. A plastic pouch 81 for delivery instructions is affixed to the front of the box 60, however in other embodiments this is a screen printed address box. The handle 75 can be used to carry the box 60 but retracts when not in use to avoid the handle 75 catching on other items in transit.

[0067] Advantages of the present invention include: very quick and easy, takes all the hassle out of packaging; two simple steps, with no need to purchase any other packaging material; no unwanted materials and mess to clean up at the receiving end, and easy to repackage to return art or reuse for other works; conservation standards ensure appropriate protection and preservation of work; and affordable and reusable.

[0068] In the foregoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "front" and "rear", "inner" and "outer", "above" and "below" and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms. 2017100010 05 Jan 2017 H:\kxd\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\KXD\12414051_l .docx-4/01/2017 - 11 - [0069] Whilst the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it will be understood that many modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly described and as claimed below.

Claims (5)

1. The claims defining the invention are as follows:

   1. A packaging system for containing a substantially planar item, including a sheet configured to be in contact with each face of the item, the sheets including a contact layer configured to be positioned against the item, an insulation layer and a protective layer on an opposite side of the insulation layer to the contact layer, wherein the contact layers can be sealed to one another along a perimeter to enclose the item between the contact layers.
2. 2. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the insulation layer includes a cushioning layer.
3. 3. The packaging system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, further including a box into which the flexible sheets can be placed after the contact layers have been sealed to one another.
4. 4. A packaging material for protecting a substantially planar item, the packaging material including a contact layer configured to be positioned against the item, an insulation layer and a protective layer on an opposite side of the insulation layer to the contact layer, wherein the packaging system is configured to be rolled into a tubular shape with the item positioned between the flexible sheets.
5. 5. The packaging material according to claim 4, wherein the insulation layer includes a cushioning layer.