AU7218101A - Packaging for broom heads and handles therefor - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): THE DECOR CORPORATION PTY LTD A.C.N. 004 231 109 Invention Title: PACKAGING FOR BROOM HEADS AND HANDLES THEREFOR The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us: I PACKAGING FOR BROOM HEADS AND HANDLES THEREFOR Field of the Invention This invention relates to packaging for broom heads and handles therefor and relates particularly but not exclusively to such for domestic type broom heads and handles therefor although commercial and other type broom heads and handles therefor are not excluded.

Description of Prior Art Hitherto, it has been a problem to transport brooms from a manufacturing production site to stores for subsequent sale to the public. Brooms are typically of an awkward configuration for stacking, having a broom head with an elongate handle attached thereto.

Prior methods of packaging brooms for distribution from a manufacturing production site to a warehouse for subsequent dispatch for sale have involved individually encasing a broom head in a cardboard container which has a generally truncated A-shape transverse cross-section. Typically, both ends of the container are open. The containers of this type are generally pre-manufactured to a sleeve like o configuration and it is necessary to insert a broom head into the packaging by appropriate manipulation and distortion of the packaging itself. In some instances, an 30 aperture is provided centrally along the length of the packaging, and a socket in which a broom handle can be fitted passes through the opening and holds the broom head relative to the packaging. Such packaging protects the bristles from distortion during transportation and subsequent stacking.

Another prior art way of packaging broom heads has been to H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01

L.

arrange four or more broom heads in parallel side by side arrangements so that the total length of the pack is no greater than the length of one of the broom heads but the front to back depth of the packaging is equal to at least the thicknesses of the broom heads as a whole. Packaging is then wrapped around the broom heads, and broom handles are fitted into the sockets in each of the broom heads.

The free ends of the handles are then taped together. This arrangement is clumsy and the broom handles are subject to breakage during transit. Further, if only one broom needs to be taken from a holding area then the pack must be dismantled in order to remove the one broom. This then leaves the remaining brooms not contained within packaging or rather loosely contained within packaging. It is also necessary to undo the tape at the free ends of the handles to release the handle of the broom to be removed. This procedure is time consuming and is not perceived as being efficient by warehouses.

Another way of stacking prior art brooms is to stack a plurality of assembled broom heads and handles into a box similar to a coffin. Adjacent brooms in the coffin box are arranged so that the head of one broom is overlying the free end of the handle of the next adjacent broom, etc, etc.

e. Known packaging has been difficult to accommodate on pallets as the broom handles usually extend over the side .*.:.edges of the pallets and interfere with free movement of 30 the pallet within a store or warehouse.

The first mentioned packaging where an individual broom head is individually contained within a sleeve like container requires that the container packaging material itself be pre-assembled but laid flat. In other words, this packaging has twice the thickness of the packaging material of a pack which is totally assembled by a user H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 ~i from a packaging blank. Thus, with those prior art packages, less quantities of flat packs can be provided on a pallet than if the pack material were of a single thickness only.

Object and Statement of Invention The present invention has been devised to attempt to provide an improved packaging for brooms so that the broom heads and the handles therefor can be readily packaged and easily separated from the packaging, whilst at the same time making the packaging unique and compact for transportation.

Therefore according to one preferred aspect of the invention there may be provided a packaging for at least two broom heads and handles therefor, said packaging being oeoeo of an elongate length to permit the at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end and received within said 20 packaging, the transverse cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse crosssection of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as a transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle for one of the broom heads.

e According to a further aspect of the invention there may be o. provided a packaging for at least two broom heads and 30 handles therefor, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit at least two broom heads to be placed endto-end and received within said packaging, the transverse cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as the transverse cross-section of a broom handle, H:\Priyanka\Keep\specl\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 I ~e said packaging having at least two aperture means therein spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, one of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the broom head of one of the broom heads to pass therethrough, and the other of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the other of the broom heads to pass therethrough, thereby locating the at least two broom heads spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, said elongate length of the packaging also being sufficient to accommodate the length of a broom handle for one of the broom heads.

Preferably the packaging has a generally rectangular external transverse cross-sectional shape.

Preferably the packaging is formed from a flat blank and the blank has at least one flap which is folded internally of the packaging, said at least one flap having said aperture means therein so that when the flap is folded inwardly of the packaging it can locate the broom handle sockets in said aperture means.

Preferably said flap is an additional flap to flaps which form the external generally rectangular configuration of 30 said packaging.

Preferably the packaging contains at least two broom heads and handles therefor.

Preferably a plurality of such packaging and packaged broom heads and handles are stacked on a pallet so that the elongate length of each of the packaging is upright.

H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 77- 6 According to a further aspect of the present invention there may be provided a method of packaging at least two broom heads and handles therefore, said method including the following steps: assembling packaging, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit the at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end in said packaging, the transverse cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as a transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle for one of the brooms, *e placing said at least two broom heads in said 20 packaging, associating at least two broom handles for said broom heads with said packaging and closing said packaging.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there may be provided a method of packaging at least two o. broom heads and handles therefore, said method including 30 the following steps: assembling packaging, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end and received within said packaging, the transverse crosssection of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 r 1 i\l-tl ~1X L~.IIIU~U~~; :i ~p~ the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head, as well as the transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said packaging having at least two aperture means therein spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, one of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the broom head of one of the broom heads to pass therethrough, and the other of the aperture means permitting at least a part of the broom handle socket forming part of the other of the broom heads to pass therethrough, said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle from one of the broom heads, fitting said at least two broom heads in said packaging and locating the respective broom handle sockets 20 with the respective aperture means, *e* associating at least two broom handles with said ppackaging, and closing said packaging.

Preferably said method further involves removing at least one of the broom heads and one of the handles therefor from the packaging and subsequently closing the packaging thereby maintaining the remaining broom heads and handles therefor within the packaging as a unitary packaging minus any removed broom heads and handles therefor.

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more clearly ascertained examples of preferred embodiment will now be described with H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 I 7-7 8 reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: Figure 1 is a front part perspective view of one example of packaging in accordance with the present invention, in an assembled condition containing broom heads and handles therefor.

Figure 2 is a close-up view of one end of the packaging shown in figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view of a carton blank used for forming the packaging of figure 1.

Figure 4 is a top view of the packaging shown in figure 1.

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the packaging shown in figure 1.

Figure 6 is a transverse cross-sectional view along section 6-6 of figure i ~Figure 7 is a close-up view taken along section line 7-7 just below the lid or top of the packaging shown in figure 6.

Figure 8 is a view similar to that of figure 6 but taken along section line 8-8 of figure 1.

Figure 9 is a close up view of the packaging showing folding of one end.

Figure 10 has a view similar to that of figure 9 showing folding at a stage more complete to that shown in figure 9.

Figure 11 is a top perspective view looking into the packaging with the lid or top open.

Figure 12 is a top perspective view showing 30 stacking of a plurality of packages on a pallet for subsequent transport.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an example of a further embodiment.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of an example of a still further embodiment.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an example of a still further embodiment.

H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 .1 C' Figure 16 is a plan view of a blank used to form the packaging of figure Figure 17 is an edge view of the blank.

Figure 18 is a perspective view of one end of the packaging shown in figures 15 through 17 showing assembly of the end.

Figure 19 is a view similar to that of figure 18 showing the end completely assembled, and; Figure 20 is a perspective view in close-up of one end of the packaging showing fitting of broom heads into the packaging.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Referring firstly to figure 1 there is shown an assembled packaging 1 in which is possible to contain at least two broom heads and handles therefor. The packaging is generally rectangular in transverse cross-section and has an upper lid 3, a bottom 5, a front side 7, a rear side 9, a left hand end 11 and right hand end 13.

The packaging 1 is formed from a packaging blank 15 shown in figure 3, typically made from corrugated cardboard or like material. Any convenient material can be chosen but corrugated cardboard is an economical choice as it displays sufficient rigidity and strength for the intended purpose.

Figure 3 clearly shows that the packaging 1 has not only the lid 3, bottom 5, front side 7, rear side 9, left end 11 and right end 13 but also a flap 17 which extends along the 30 length of the packaging 1. The flap 17 folds internally of the packaging 1 and is used for holding broom heads in place within the packaging.

Figure 3 also shows that the lid 3 has three locking tongues 19 each with it's own respective slot 21 centrally located thereto. The locking tongues 19 extend proud of a free edge 23 of the lid 3, whilst the slots 21 extend in an H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 elongate direction co-terminous with the free edge 23 as clearly shown. Directly opposite each of the locking tongues 19 are corresponding tongue slots 25 which extend in a longitudinal extent along the line of folding between front side 7 and flap 17. Located centrally of the tongue slots 25 are penetrating tongues 27. The width of the tongue slots 25 is equal to the width of the locking tongues 19. The width of the penetrating tongues 27 is equal to the length of the slots 21. The tongues 27 are cut so that they can fold about a fold line 29 and permit the packaging 1 to be folded and assembled and locked together as will be described in due course.

Referring now to figures 4, 5, and 6 it can be seen that at least two broom heads 31 and handles therefor 33 are contained within the packaging. In the particular embodiment disclosed, there are four broom heads within the packaging 1 and four handles 33. In the example shown, the handles 33 are typically of about 1.3 metres in length.

20 The exact size is not critical. The packaging 1 has an appropriate length to neatly accommodate the length of the handles 33 as can be clearly seen in the figures. The width of the broom heads 31 is such that, in this example, four broom heads 31 can be placed within the packaging 1 beside the handles 33 as shown. In this arrangement, the broom heads 31 are placed end-to-end.

ee The transverse cross-section of the packaging 1 is o-*sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head see figure 6. This accommodation occurs without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom heads 31 as clearly shown. Typically, in warehousing brooms, it is necessary to ensure that the bristles are not deformed as otherwise they can assume a permanently distorted configuration consequent on the storage. Thus, when many broom heads are stacked one on top of the other it is important to ensure that the broom heads do not rest H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 i T iir*l.~. ~ll.ii~itqbi 11 on the bristles of adjacent layers of broom heads. In the present invention, the transverse cross-section of the packaging 1 is sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head 31 without any substantial distortion of the bristles. Thus, because the packaging is fairly rigid, many broom heads can be stacked one top of the other, in appropriate packaging, if required without fear of distortion of the bristles. Figure 6 also shows that the transverse cross-section of the packaging 1 is also sufficient to accommodate a broom handle 33 for one of the broom heads. In this case, the width across figure 6 ie across the transverse cross-section of the packaging 1 is slightly greater than the width of the broom head 31 and its bristles at the lower-most portion, and the diameter of one of the handles 33. Figures 4 and 5 clearly show that four handles 33 are placed in the packaging 1, one on top of the other. Accordingly, the packaging shown provides a first area 35 in which broom heads can be placed and a second area 37 in which broom handles can be placed. The packaging has flap means 39, to be referred to shortly, which hold the handles 33 in the second area 37. The flap means 39 are shown in figure 4.

699999 The flap 17 is provided with aperture means 41 (see the blank of figure 3) and the aperture means 41 extend from a *free-edge 43 of the flap 17. As four broom heads 31 are to be packaged within the packaging i, there are four aperture means 41. It can be seen from at least figure 5 and figure 9o.6 that the broom heads 31 have an integrally attached broom 30 handle socket 45. The aperture means 41 are positioned along the length of the flap 17 so that they will locate with the broom handle sockets 45 of the respective broom heads 31 and as a consequence, position the broom heads 31 longitudinally within the packaging 1. Figure 6 shows that the flap 17 has been folded downwardly into the packaging 1 and that the free end of the broom handle socket 45 passes through the aperture means 41 into the space above the flap H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 i 12 17 and under the lid 3. Figure 6 also shows that the free end of the flap 17 engages with the inside wall face of the rear side 9. Thus, the flap 17 not only positions the broom heads 31 longitudinally of the packaging 1 but also minimises upward and downward movement of the broom handles 33 in the second area 37.

Figure 7 clearly shows the receipt of the broom handle sockets 45 within the aperture means 41.

Referring now to figure 3 in detail it can be seen that not only does flap 17 contain aperture means 41 but also contains shallow cut-outs 47. The cut-outs 47 are to facilitate insertion of a persons fingers to fold the flap 17 either inwardly or outwardly of the packaging 1. Figure 3 also shows that the left end 11 is formed with panels 49, 51, 53, 57 and 59. It also shows that the right hand end i 13 has corresponding panels 61, 63, 65 67 and 69. Where the panels fold they are shown connecting with an adjacent panel with dotted lines. Where they are slit relative to an adjacent panel they are shown with solid lines.

Between panels 53 and 55 there is an elongate opening 71 along a fold line which is co-terminous with the intersection of bottom 5 with rear side 9. A corresponding elongate opening 73 is provided between panels 63 and The elongate openings 71 and 73 are spaced midway between the ends of the respective bottoms and rear side 9 and the 00.o0, free edge of those panels.

so A further elongate opening 75 is provided between panels and 57, and a corresponding further elongate opening 77 between panels 65 and 67. The elongate openings 75 and 77 extend along the fold lines between rear side 9 and lid 3 and are closest to the rear side 9 and lid 3 than the free edges of those panels. Panel 51 has an upstanding lug 79 and panel 61 has an upstanding lug 81. Panel 57 has an H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 upstanding lug 83 and panel 67 has an upstanding lug When the packaging 1 is folded and assembled, upstanding lugs 79 and 81 locate in the respective further elongate openings 75 and 77. Upstanding lugs 83 and 85 locate in the elongate openings 71 and 73.

Assembly of the packaging 1 will now be described with reference to figures 9, 10 and 11. Looking at each of figures 9 through 11 and in particular figure 9 it can be seen that the blank 15 is folded along the respective fold lines to form a generally rectangular transverse crosssection shape packaging 1. The ends 11 and 13 are manipulated in a similar manner to each other. A description of left end 11 will now be detailed. Panel is rotated in the direction of arrow B which, in turn, causes the panel 53 to move in the direction of arrow A.

Panel 57 is then moved in the direction of arrow D whilst at the same time, panel 51 is moved in the direction of 20 arrow E. This is also shown in figure 10. When panel 51 is swung fully in the direction of arrow E the upstanding lug 79 locates in the further elongate opening 75 and holds front side 7 upright and locked. When panel 57 is fully swung in the direction of arrow D (see figure 9) upstanding lug 83 locates in elongate opening 71 and holds the panel 57 locked relative to panel 53. Panel 59 can then be swung .in the direction of arrow F (see figure 10). When both the left end 11 and right end 13 have been assembled as described, and as shown in figure 8, broom heads 31 can be placed within the packaging 1 in the first area 35. Broom handles can also be placed in the second area 37. When all 0 the broom heads 31 and handles 33 are placed in the oeooo S• packaging i, the flap 17 can be swung inside the packaging 1 to a position as shown in figure 6. The lid 3 can then be closed and the tongues 19 fitted into the tongue slots The penetrating tongues 27 can then be passed through the slots 21 thereby holding the package closed.

H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 In use, the packaging .1 with the broom heads 31 and handles 33 therefor can be transported in any convenient manner.

If the packaging 1 is stored in a warehouse for subsequent sales of the brooms comprising the broom heads 31 and handles 33, then for example, one broom head 31 and one handle 33 therefor may be removed from the packaging 1 and placed at a point of sale. The packaging 1 can be closed and the remaining broom heads 31 and handles 33 therefor still retained and held positioned within the packaging i.

This also alleviates a problem in the past of either broom heads 31 or handles 33 being misplaced so that there is an uneven correspondence of broom heads 31 and handles 33.

The packaging still functions even if there is only one broom head 31 and one handle 33 within the packaging i.

In the introductory portion of this specification there has been described a prior art problem of transporting large numbers of broom heads 31 and handles 33 therefor. Figure i 20 12 clearly shows how a large number of packaging 1 can be stacked upright on a pallet 87. Figure 12 also shows that uniform stacking of the packaging 1 by appropriate alignment of one face continually progressing does not need to follow. This is clearly shown by looking at the front exposed face which on the right hand side has four packaging 1 extending from the right hand side whereas on the left hand side there are six packaging 1. Typically, the length of packaging 1 is greater than the width or depth of a pallet 87 and with the arrangement shown, efficient stacking of packaging 1 on pallets 87 occurs so that the pallets can be moved between aisles in a warehouse.

Figures 13 and 14, show a further example where the broom heads 31 may be placed within an elongate tube end-to-end thereby holding the broom heads within the elongate tube.

Handles for the broom heads may then be placed external of H:\Priyanka\Keep\specl\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 that tube. The tube with the broom heads and the handles placed externally may then be fitted within a further tube.

Alternatively, they may be strapped with suitable strapping such as elasticised strapping. The arrangement of figures 13 and 14 shows that the packaging 1 is of a length equal to the length of the handles and that broom heads 31 are arranged end-to-end along the length of the packaging.

Figures 15 through 20 show a further example where an elongate packaging 1 has a somewhat flat and squat appearance relative to the packaging shown in figure 1.

This packaging is provided to permit packaging of broom heads of the kitchen-sweep broom type. The heads of such brooms are shown in figure 20 as broom heads 89 and have a somewhat flattened appearance similar to that of a millet broom. This packaging has a lid 91, a base 93, a left hand end 95, and a right hand end 97. The packaging also has a front wall 99 and a rear wall 101, a first flap 103 and a second flap 105. The second flap 105 extends from the 20 first flap 103 as clearly shown in the blank in figure 16.

The left hand end 95 has a pair of flaps 107, and a left hand end first flap 109, and a left hand second flap 111.

The right hand end 97 has a similar pair of flaps 113, and right hand end first flap 115, and a right hand end second flap 117. The packaging also has upstanding locking tongues 19 similar to those in the previous embodiments.

It also has corresponding slots 25, and penetrating tongues 27 directly aligned opposite the tongues 19. The packaging o also has four aperture means 119 which have a central 0 .30 circular part 121 with two extending slots 123. The aperture means 119 have a shape which will receive the 0 *0 '00handle socket 125 and a part of the head 127 of the broom heads 89 as can be seen in figure Figure 16 clearly shows that each of the left hand end second flap 111, and right hand end second flap 117, have upstanding tongues 129 and 131 respectively. Figure 16 H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 also shows that there are corresponding openings 133 and 135 for the respective tongues 129 and 131.

Referring particularly to figures 18 through 20 of this example it can be seen that the packaging is assembled by folding the respective panels so that the flattened boxlike configuration is provided. In particular, the first flap 103, together with the second flap 105, are folded inwardly of the packaging. The pair of flaps 107 are then swung inwardly to lie across the end of the packaging. The left hand end first flap 109, and the left and second flap 111 are then folded upwardly over the pair of flaps 107.

Thus, at the left hand end there will be three thicknesses of packaging material forming the end 95. The three thicknesses are comprised of the left hand end first flap 109, thethickness of the pair of flaps 107 and the thickness of the left hand end second flap 111. The upstanding tongues 129 are then located into the openings 133 to hold the end 95 assembled. The folding in of the 20 first flap 103 and second flap 105 also facilitates the holding of the flaps 107 at end 95 in the assembled relationship. The similar flaps at the right hand end 97 are then correspondingly folded.

Referring now particularly to figure 20 it can be seen how the broom heads are fitted into the aperture means 119. A broom head 89 is swung or otherwise fitted so that the socket 125 and part 127 of the head are located in the aperture means 119. Each of the aperture means 119 is .30 similarly fitted with a corresponding broom head 89. The broom heads 89 then lie within the packaging. Handles for the packaging, can then be provided either in the packaging •on top of the broom heads or alternatively can be provided external of the packaging and strapped thereto. The lid 91 can then be swung closed and the appropriate locking tongues 19 and penetrating tongues 27 appropriately fitted to close the packaging and hold it closed.

H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 The packaging in figures 15 through 20 is of a length equal to or slightly greater than the length of a corresponding broom handle for the broom heads 89.

Modifications may be made, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the packaging arts, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description.

.e o H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01

Claims (18)

1. Packaging for containing at least two broom heads and handles therefor, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit the at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end and received with said packaging, the transverse cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as a transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle for one of the broom heads whereby broom handles may be carried by the packaging and retained lengthwise within the length of the packaging.

2. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein said broom handles are fittable external of the packaging and retainable thereto. 20

3. Packaging as claimed in claim 2 wherein said broom handles are retainable thereto by strap means. .e

4. Packaging as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is provided an external packaging tube in which said packaging can be received so said broom heads and handles therefore will be within said external packaging tube. o

5. Packaging as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 and containing at least one broom head and at least one handle therefor.

6. Packaging for containing at least two broom heads and handles therefor, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit at least two broom heads to be placed end- to-end and received within said packaging, the transverse cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 i 1U1;1. )IY~~~IT*I:.X 19 accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as the transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said packaging having at least two aperture means therein spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, one of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the broom head of one of the broom heads to pass therethrough, and the other of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the other of the broom heads to pass therethrough, thereby locating the at least two broom heads spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, said elongate length of the packaging also being sufficient to accommodate the length of a broom handle for 20 one of the broom heads. S**

7. Packaging as claimed in claim 6 and having a generally rectangular external transverse cross-sectional shape. o

8. Packaging as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 and formed from a flat blank and wherein the blank has at least one flap which is folded internally of the packaging, said at least one flap having said aperture means therein so 30 that when the flap is folded inwardly of the packaging it can locate the broom handle sockets in said aperture means. o

9. Packaging as claimed in claim 8 wherein said flap is an additional flap to flaps which form the external generally rectangular configuration of said packaging.

Packaging as claimed in claim 9 wherein said flap H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 is positionable over the broom handles to minimise displacement of the broom handles within the packaging during transport of said packaging.

11. Packaging as claimed in any one of claims 6 to containing at least two broom heads and handles therefor.

12. Packaging as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 and being a plurality of such packaging stacked on a pallet so that the elongate length of each of the packaging is upright.

13. A method of packaging at least two broom heads and handles therefor, said method including the following steps: assembling packaging, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit the at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end in said packaging, the transverse 20 cross-section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head as well as a transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle S: for one of the brooms, **9 placing said at least two broom heads in said packaging, associating at least two broom handles for said broom heads with said packaging and 9 closing said packaging

14. A method of packaging at least two broom heads and handles therefor, said method including the following H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 steps: assembling said packaging, said packaging being of an elongate length to permit at least two broom heads to be placed end-to-end and received within said packaging, the transverse cross- section of the packaging being sufficient to accommodate the transverse cross-section of a broom head without any substantial distortion of the bristles of the broom head, as well as the transverse cross-section of a broom handle, said packaging having at least two aperture means therein spaced along the elongate length of the packaging, one of the aperture means permitting at least a part of a broom handle socket forming part of the broom head of one of the broom heads to pass therethrough, and the other of the aperture means permitting at least a part of the broom handle socket forming part of the other of the broom heads 20 to pass therethrough, S. said elongate length of the packaging also being at least equal to or greater than the length of a broom handle from one of the broom heads, fitting said at least two broom heads in said packaging and locating the respective broom handle sockets with the respective aperture means, S associating at least two broom handles with said packaging, and closing said packaging.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13 or claim 14, and removing at least one of the broom heads and one of the handles therefor from the packaging and subsequently H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01 -iihiiL7-Y-~~L closing the packaging thereby maintaining the remaining broom heads and handles therefor within the packaging as a unitary packaging minus any removed broom heads and handles therefor.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to including placing a plurality of such packaging end to end on a pallet so that the elongate length of the packaging is upright.

17. Packaging as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, and substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples in the accompanying drawings.

18. A method of packaging substantially as herein described with reference to any one of the examples in the accompanying drawings. Dated this 18 th day of September 2001 20 THE DECOR CORPORATION PTY LTD By their Patent Attorneys GRIFFITH HACK Fellows Institute of Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys of Australia 0 S. 0 be C Ss. s.a C *0 SC S C CC S C H:\Priyanka\Keep\speci\Packaging broom heads handles. decor.doc 18/09/01