Packaged roof window products

Abstract

A packaged roof window product comprising a variety of differently sized, roof window-related product components in a cardboard box, characterized in that an assembly of product components is contained in a paper bag and that information about the assembly of product components is provided on the outside of the paper bag.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a packaged roof window product comprising a plurality of differently sized, roof window-related product components in a cardboard box. State of the art

[0002] When installing windows in a roof, it is essential to ensure that the roof window itself is securely attached to the roof structure and that the joint between the roof window and the roof structure is properly weatherproofed. Therefore, it is important that all components of roof window products, such as the roof window itself or a flashing assembly, are used correctly. To facilitate this, the components are typically arranged in the intended order of use within the box, and small components such as screws are stored in plastic bags. Furthermore, blocks of expanded polystyrene or similar shock-absorbing material are used to protect the product and / or to hold the components in their intended position within the box.An example of a wrapped roof window in which these principles are used is known from EP2748071 B1, and an example of a wrapped frame assembly for a roof window is known from EP1710163B1.

[0003] While this packaging has proven very effective, there is a constantly growing demand for more environmentally friendly products. Brief description of the invention

[0004] Against this background, an objective of the invention is to provide a packaged roof window product that has a smaller environmental footprint without increasing the error rate during installation, while simultaneously ensuring good product protection during transport. It should be noted that "roof window product" is intended to cover not only roof windows themselves, but also products related to roof window installation, such as trim assemblies, as well as products designed to be installed on roof windows, such as shutters.

[0005] These and other tasks are achieved with a packaged roof window product of the type mentioned in the introduction, which is further characterized in that an assembly of product components is contained in a paper bag and that information about the assembly of components is provided on an outside of the paper bag.

[0006] Traditionally, small parts are attached to the cardboard box or larger components using adhesive to prevent them from shifting inside the box or getting lost when removing the item, and / or wrapped in plastic to prevent them from scratching or otherwise damaging other components. Larger components are typically held in place within the box by adhesive or by being sandwiched between blocks of expanded polystyrene (EPS), and some are covered with a protective plastic film to prevent scratching. However, the use of adhesives, plastic, and EPS necessitates that the packaging material be separated into different fractions for recycling.The paper bag, on the other hand, belongs to the same category as the cardboard box, which significantly increases the likelihood that the packaging material will be recycled instead of simply being disposed of as combustible waste, and reduces the risk of recycled material being contaminated by other materials.

[0007] Another potential advantage of using a paper bag is its biodegradability. Lightweight packaging materials such as plastic wrap, films, and EPS are easily caught by the wind when installing a roof window product on a building roof and can easily end up in nature or other places where they cannot be collected by the installer. While leaving packaging material behind is obviously not the intention, a biodegradable paper bag hardly causes any harm.

[0008] Another potential advantage of using a paper bag is that it allows items to be stored inside while preventing scratches. This means a single bag can potentially replace both an EPS block and a protective film, thereby reducing either overall material consumption or the number of separate packaging components that need to be produced and recycled. Reducing the number of separate packaging components, in turn, lowers the risk of them being lost or forgotten.

[0009] Providing information about the product components on the outside of the paper bag not only mitigates the potential drawback of not being able to see the contents, but also provides information that is useful when packaging the roof window product or when using the product. To give just one example, machine-readable information can allow automated packaging systems to recognize the paper bag and handle it correctly. In another example, bags containing small and difficult-to-distinguish items can be labeled with instructions on where to place them.This can make it more likely that such items will actually be used, and / or prevent mistaken use, for example by preventing the use of screws of the wrong length if the product has several bags containing screws of different sizes.

[0010] The information can be provided, for example, by printing it on the paper bag or by attaching a sticker to it.

[0011] Large paper bags can hold a lot of information, making it possible to print general installation instructions on bags containing large product components. This allows the roof window product to be delivered without separate installation instructions. Furthermore, general recycling information or similar details can also be printed on such bags.

[0012] It is also possible to include information on the inside of the paper bag. This information is usually only visible once the paper bag has been opened, and it may provide the installer with information about the intended use of the product, its maintenance, or warranty details.

[0013] In one embodiment, an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag includes small edging or cover components. Edging or cover components are typically made of sheet metal such as aluminum and copper, and aluminum edging or cover components are usually painted and varnished. Since edging or cover components are at least partially visible when the roof window product is installed, it is important that they are neither scratched nor deformed. Even more importantly, deformation must be avoided, as it can negatively affect the weatherproofing function of the edging or cover components.By providing the edging or cover components in a paper bag, it is prevented that they are jumbled up too much in the box, thus reducing the risk of them becoming wedged between other components; furthermore, the risk of contact with other components, which could lead to scratches, is also reduced. Another advantage of arranging edging or cover components in a paper bag is that it reduces the need for material blocks to hold them to the box.

[0014] In one embodiment, an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag includes mounting brackets. Mounting brackets are typically made of metal and can damage other components if they are provided loose in the box. Providing them in a paper bag avoids this.

[0015] In one embodiment, an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag includes sealing and / or insulating components. One or more of these components may be provided in a compressed state, thereby reducing their size when packaged, potentially allowing the use of a smaller cardboard box. Compression can be achieved by wrapping a sheet of paper around the components and tightening it. Pages of this paper sheet can then be joined together to form a paper bag, or the compressed component(s), including the paper sheet, may be arranged together with other uncompressed components in a paper bag.

[0016] In one embodiment, an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag includes electronic components such as wires, photovoltaic cells, sensors, batteries, or remote controls. Electronic components typically include parts that are easily damaged. By providing them in a paper bag, they are protected from scratches and can be held in place, thus reducing the risk of them shifting within the packaging. Shock-absorbing material can be provided in the bag or attached to the electronic components before they are placed in the bag. Such shock-absorbing material is preferably also made of paper or other plant fibers. For further protection, an electronic component can be placed in its own paper bag before being placed in the paper bag with the other product components of the assembly.

[0017] In one embodiment, an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag includes fasteners such as screws, nails, or staples. Fasteners typically have sharp points that can scratch other components, and they can easily be lost if provided loose. This can be avoided by providing them in a paper bag. Fasteners intended for different purposes can be provided in separate bags.

[0018] While the product component assemblies in the embodiments described above comprise components of a particular type made from the same or similar materials, it is understood that a product component assembly may comprise product components of different types. For example, mounting brackets and the fasteners intended to attach them to the skylight and / or a roof structure may be provided as a single product component assembly. In another example, insulating components and flashing components, which are to be arranged parallel to each other along one side of a skylight, may be provided as a single product component assembly.

[0019] In one embodiment, two or more paper bags, each containing an assembly of product components, are joined together. This can help maintain the intended position of each paper bag within the cardboard box during handling and transport. The joining of the bags can be achieved as part of the bag manufacturing process or by subsequently joining separate bags. By placing separate bags in an open cardboard box and joining them before closing the box, the bags can be filled independently and potentially at different locations. Once joined, they act as a single bag and help keep the assembly of product components in their intended position within the cardboard box. It is also possible to attach one or more bags to the cardboard box, achieving similar benefits.

[0020] In one embodiment, a first paper bag containing an assembly of product components is provided inside a second paper bag, also containing an assembly of product components. This can provide additional protection for the components and / or reduce the risk of incorrect installation of the roof window product by ensuring that the assembly of product components in the first bag is only accessible after the second bag has been opened and emptied.

[0021] Paper bags can be closed by folding, using mechanical fasteners such as staples, or with glue or adhesive. Alternatively, or in addition, a paper bag can be made entirely or partially from heat-sealable paper, so that the bag can be closed by heating the paper, for example by welding.

[0022] Although paper and cardboard are generally made from wood fibers, it is understood that other plant fibers, including fibers from straw, bamboo, bagasse, esparto, other grasses, hemp, flax, and cotton, can also be used, including combinations of different fiber types. In Europe, up to 5% alternative materials such as glue or adhesive are acceptable; however, a maximum of 3% is recommended. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] The following description details embodiments of the invention with reference to the schematic drawings. These show: Fig. 1. A perspective view of a cardboard box containing a packaged roof window product, Fig. 2. A skewed perspective view of a skylight with packaging material and an assembly of product components in a paper bag, Fig. 3 corresponds to Fig. Figure 2, however, shows the packaging material and the paper bag in the positions in which they are arranged when placed in a cardboard box such as the one in Fig. 1, with elements below the pane of the window also visible, Fig. 4 is a cross-section along line AA in Fig. 2, however, the known packaging material has been replaced by paper bags, each containing a combination of product components, Fig. 5 a perspective view of a cardboard box containing a packaged roof window product in the form of a frame assembly, wherein four assemblies of frame assembly product components are contained in the paper bags, the paper bags being connected to each other paper bag, Fig. 6 corresponds to Fig. 5, but the paper bags contain two sets of product components of the edging assembly, Fig. 7-8 Front views of paper bags with information printed on the outside, Fig. 9 A front view of a paper bag with a sticker on the outside. Description of embodiments

[0024] It will initially be on Fig. Figure 1 is referenced. This shows a cardboard box 1 for holding a roof window product, which comprises a variety of product components of different sizes related to a roof window. In this embodiment, the cardboard box has a rectangular configuration with two broad sides 11 and four narrow sides 13, 14 extending between the two broad sides (in this view, only one of the broad sides and two of the narrow sides are visible). The shorter of the narrow sides 13 is shown here in a partially assembled state. In the assembled state, the side sections 13' extend perpendicular to the broad side 11. In this embodiment, the cardboard box is designed to be opened as indicated by the arrows P. This type of cardboard box is commonly used for heavy products such as roof windows with glass panes.

[0025] It goes without saying that the in Fig. The cardboard box shown is merely an example and the cardboard box may have a different shape to better fit the shape and dimensions of the roof window product.

[0026] It is also understood that the same reference numbers will be used in the following for elements that have essentially the same function or are even identical.

[0027] Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows how blocks 42-47 made of shock-absorbing material are arranged around and on top of the skylight 5 before being placed in a position as shown in Fig. The cardboard box shown in the image is arranged as shown.

[0028] Rectangular blocks 42, 43 made of shock-absorbing material extend along lateral frame members 51 and along an upper frame member of the window frame of the roof window 5, and cardboard inserts 61 compensate for irregularities in the shape of the sides of the window. The block 43 can also represent a component of a roof window product, such as an upper cover element or an assembly of product components, for example, an assembly of smaller product components arranged in a cavity of an upper cover element.

[0029] A block 44 with a more complex shape extends along a lower frame member 52 and provides space for a paper bag 70a containing an assembly of product components. These four blocks 42-44, made of shock-absorbing material, are arranged on the four narrow sides of the cardboard box 1 in the packaged state of the roof window 5.

[0030] The pane 53 is protected by two elongated blocks 45 made of shock-absorbing material, which are arranged on the pane so that they are located between the roof window 5 and the broad side 11 of the cardboard box 1 in the packaged state. A paper insert (not shown) may be provided between the elongated blocks 45 and the pane 53 to protect the pane from scratching.

[0031] According to the presentation in Fig. In section 3, the disc is transparent, so that additional blocks 46, 47 made of shock-absorbing material, arranged on a handle 54 of the roof window product, are visible. The paper bag 70a is held by the block 44. Since the paper bag 70a is securely held in place within the block 44, it can suitably contain an assembly of relatively fragile product components, such as electronic components like wires, photovoltaic elements, sensors, batteries, or remote controls. The paper bag 70a could also contain an assembly of metallic product components, such as mounting brackets, since such components could damage other components if they are not held in place within the cardboard box.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 now shows an additional block 48 made of shock-absorbing material between the handle 54 and an upper frame member 55 of the roof window 5. This block supports an upper frame member 56 of the roof window. Fig. Figure 4 also shows the cross-sections of blocks 44 and 45 on the lower frame member 52; the in Fig. 2 and Fig. The three shock-absorbing blocks 43, 45, 46 shown on the upper frame member 55 have been replaced by paper bags 70b, 70c, and 70d, respectively. Each of the paper bags 70b-d contains an assembly of product components. The paper bag 70b is arranged to extend at least partially along an outward-facing surface of the upper frame member 55 and may suitably include insulating and edging components. The paper bag 70b may also include shock-absorbing paper material, so that the paper bag 70b can provide some protection for the window. Paper bags similar to the paper bag 70b can replace the shock-absorbing blocks 42 of Fig. 3 replace. It is also conceivable that they only replace a portion of the shock-absorbing blocks 42. Similarly, the paper bag 70c arranged on the window pane can also contain shock-absorbing paper material to provide some protection for the window, similar to block 45. According to the illustration, the paper bag 70d is attached to the handle 54 so that the paper bag does not slide back and forth with the roof window during transport and handling. This paper bag could, for example, contain a vapor barrier intended to seal the joint on the inside between the window and the roof structure in which it is installed.

[0033] Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows another cardboard box 2 in which a roof window product in the form of a frame assembly 3 is packaged, which is usually not as heavy as a roof window and consists of a large number of components. Similar to the cardboard box of Fig. 1 This cardboard box 2 also has a rectangular configuration with two broad sides 21, 22 and four narrow sides 23, 24 extending between the two broad sides.

[0034] In Fig. 5 are four assemblies of product components of the frame assembly packaged in four paper bags 71a, 71b, 72a, 72b, which are connected to each other in pairs. Two blocks 41 of a shock-absorbing material are positioned between component 31 of the roof window product and the pair of larger paper bags 71a, 72b to keep them apart and protect them from damage that could result from component 31 or the bags being tossed around in the cardboard box during handling or transport. Frame assemblies are particularly susceptible to damage from deformation, but are also protected from scratches by being packaged in paper bags, as otherwise the appearance of the product would be negatively affected.By attaching the paper bags together, their movement within the box is restricted compared to unattached bags, thus requiring fewer separate means to prevent component movement. Attaching the paper bags together also allows for the organization of related components, such as a paper bag containing mounting brackets with a paper bag containing fasteners attached to it.

[0035] In Fig. 6 are assemblies of product components in two larger paper bags 73b, 73a and not in four paper bags as described in Fig. The items shown in Figure 5 are packaged. Because the paper bags are large, their movement within the cardboard box is restricted. Such large paper bags are suitable for assemblies of large product components, but can also, alternatively or additionally, contain assemblies of smaller product components, which in turn can be packaged in paper bags. These nested paper bags can serve to organize related assemblies of product components, while providing a larger overall paper bag that is easier to keep in place within the cardboard box and can also indicate an intended sequence of use.

[0036] Examples of the information provided on the outside of the paper bag are taken from Fig. 7-9 stand out.

[0037] In Fig. Figure 7 shows that the paper bag contains 74 screws, and a printed pattern (Figure 77) indicates the type and size of the screws. The pattern is a continuous one, allowing paper bags to be made from a single roll of paper; therefore, the outermost screw is cut off when the bag is closed, as shown in the illustration. However, the pattern could also indicate the number of screws in the bag.

[0038] The paper bag 75 in Fig. 8 essentially corresponds to the one in Fig. 7, but is furthermore marked with a product number and a machine-readable code. This additional information is intended for use in a fully or partially automated packaging process.

[0039] Fig. Figure 9 shows an alternative paper bag 76, designed as an envelope and bearing a sticker 78. The information on the sticker includes an image of the product inside, a product number, and an indication of the product's intended purpose.

[0040] Fig. Although Figures 7-9 all show smaller items, it is understood that larger paper bags than those described above carry corresponding information and allow for the provision of even more information. A large paper bag can thus contain information about the use of product components that are contained in other paper bags or that are located in the cardboard box without additional packaging. For example, a paper bag containing mounting brackets can contain detailed information about the use of screws that have been provided in a separate paper bag. In another example, a mounting component such as 71b in Fig. 5. Paper bag containing information on the installation of other edging components such as 31 in Fig. 5 be provided. Reference number list 1 cardboard box 11 Broadside 13 Narrow side 13' section of the narrow side 14 Narrow side 2 cardboard boxes 21 broadside 22 broadside 23 Narrow side 24 narrow side 3. Edging assembly 31 components 32 components 41-49 blocks made of a shock-absorbing material 5 roof windows 51 Side frame member 52 Lower frame member 53 discs 54 handle 55 Upper frame member 56 Upper window sash section 61 Side insert 62 boxes 70a-d paper bag 71a-b paper bag 72a-b paper bag 73a-b paper bag 74 paper bags 75 paper bags 76 paper bags 77 Printed Information 77a Printed Information 78 stickers P Opening the box QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 2748071 B1

[0002] EP 1710163B1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Packaged roof window product comprising a variety of roof window-related product components of different sizes in a cardboard box, characterized by , that a set of product components is contained in a paper bag and that information about the set of product components is provided on the outside of the paper bag. [2] Packaged roof window product according to claim 1, wherein an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag comprises small edging or covering components. [3] Packaged roof window product according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag comprises mounting brackets. [4] Packaged roof window product according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag comprises sealing and / or insulating components. [5] Packaged roof window product according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag comprises electronic components such as wires, photovoltaic elements, sensors, batteries or remote controls. [6] Packaged roof window product according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein an assembly of product components contained in a paper bag comprises fasteners such as screws, nails or staples. [7] Packaged roof window product according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein two or more paper bags, each containing an assembly of product components, are joined together. [8] Packaged roof window product according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein a first paper bag containing an assembly of product components is provided in a second paper bag containing an assembly of product components.

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