Method of Packaging a Storage Building Kit of Parts

Abstract

A kit of parts can be assembled into a storage building in a first configuration and a shipping package suitable for handling with pallet handling equipment in a second configuration. The kit of parts comprises a plurality of base elements including wooden floor panels and wooden floor joists arranged to be assembled into a building floor structure in the first configuration and into a pallet base with an upright frame structure thereon in the second configuration. Metal wall and roof panels are mounted in an upright orientation either on the building floor structure to form a building or on upright frame structure of the pallet base to form a tall narrow shipping package.

Description

This application claims foreign priority benefits from Canadian Patent Application 2,677,909, filed Aug. 26, 2009.FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to a kit of parts arranged to be assembled in a first configuration to define a storage building and in a second configuration to define a package, and more particularly the present invention relates to a method of packaging the storage building kit of parts into a package which is well suited for handling with pallet handling equipment.BACKGROUNDPortable storage buildings or containers are common commercial items available in many shapes and sizes. A typical storage building or container has a generally large an awkward size and is accordingly transported to customers in many cases as a kit of parts comprising an integral floor panel, wall panels and a roof panel which are stacked one above the other to form a generally horizontally spanning package. When stacking the panels in this manner however the panels occupy a l...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

By providing a kit comprising a plurality of base elements which can be assembled in different configurations, no separate pallet structure, other than some additional minor hardware parts, is required to be provided as the base elements themselves can be assembled into a pallet base while the upright frame structure supports the remaining panels of the kit of parts in a stable upright orientation which occupies minimal floor space for shipping. The reduced use of materials and reduced shipping space saves costs and results in a package which is more easily handled and transported with smaller vehicles, for example the package can be received in the truck box of a typical passenger truck unlike conventional pallet structures.

Problems solved by technology

When stacking the panels in this manner however the panels occupy a large floor space which is at least equal to the size of the floor of the finished building or container so that the package still occupies the same shipping space and does not necessarily reduce shipping costs by a considerable amount.

Furthermore it is costly to provide suitable packaging for handling the stacked panels because a separate pallet structure must be provided on to which the stacked panels are supported.

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