Securing, Apparatus, Parts Thereof, and Methods of Using the Securing Apparatus

Abstract

Securing apparatus 10 with a primary edge-engaging element 12a, a secondary edge-engaging element 12b and a flexible elongate element 14. The primary edge-engaging element includes a first layer [figu

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for securing items, such as items on a pallet. The present invention also relates to components of the apparatus. The present invention further relates to a method of using the apparatus for securing items, optionally stacked on a pallet, and a method of reconfiguring the apparatus. Shops sell products which are typically delivered to them by suppliers in boxes stacked on a pallet. To reduce the risk of boxes falling off the pallet during transport and getting damaged or lost, the stack of boxes are secured together by being tightly bound by a wrapper formed of sheets of plastics, such as cellophane. However, there are issues associated with this practice. It is not possible to unwrap the sheets of plastics to access the boxes and re-use the sheets. Thus, the wrapper typically needs to be cut away, meaning it is single use. The use of plastics, especially single use plastics, is damaging to the environment and contributes to climate change. Cutting the wrapper also risks damaging the items within the stack. A further issue is that the wrapper obscures the items from view, such that it is difficult to identify the items in the stack, leading to a greater risk of items becoming lost during transit. Logistically, wrapping a stack of items with the sheets of plastics requires at least two people: one person holds the start of the sheet, whilst another person walks around the stack to wrap the sheet tightly around the items. Multiple people being needed increases time and costs. One solution to the above issues is to provide a re-usable wrapper. However, existing re-usable wrappers are large, heavy and difficult to store when not in use. They also typically obscure the items from view such that they do not provide a solution to increasing identification and traceability of products. Re-usable wrappers which are closed via hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro (RTM), are particularly problematic. The strips of hook fasteners must have a large area of contact with the strips of loop fasteners in order to provide a sufficient force to hold the wrapper closed around the stack. Correspondingly, disengaging the hook and loop fasteners from each other requires strength, which increases the risk of injury, and prevents users with less strength from using the wrapper. Precision in positioning the hook and loop fasteners relative to each other is required, which is time consuming and may require a plurality of users. When not in-use, any exposed hook and loop fasteners may connect, such that parts of the same wrapper and / or adjacent wrappers may become connected to each other. Unnecessary space is taken up, and separating connected wrappers requires time and effort. The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a securing apparatus for securing a stack of items together when in a use condition and being compact when in a stored condition, the securing apparatus comprising: a primary edgeengaging element having a first layer, and a second layer, the first and second layers forming together a primary compartment in both the use condition and the stored condition; a secondary edge-engaging element; and a flexible elongate element connecting the secondary edge-engaging element to the primary edge-engaging element; wherein the primary compartment of the primary edge-engaging element is dimensioned to receive the secondary edge-engaging element and / or at least part of the flexible elongate element for reconfiguring a securing apparatus from the use condition into the stored condition. The securing apparatus is reconfigurable between a use condition, in which it can be wrapped around items to secure them, and a stored condition, in which the apparatus is compact and easily stored until further use. The primary edge-engaging element, forms or has a compartment which can store some or all the other parts of the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a two-part connector having a first connector part and a second connector part for connecting the flexible elongate element to the primary edge-engaging element and / or to the secondary edge-engaging element. Additionally, the primary edge-engaging element and / or the secondary edge-engaging element may be provided with the or a said first connector part, and the flexible elongate element may be provided with the second connector part. A two-part connector enables at least one end of the elongate element to be connected and disconnected from an edge-engaging element. This enables the apparatus to be wrapped around a stack of items without needing to move the elongate element below or over the top of the stack, unlike an elongate element formed as a continuous loop. Preferably, the first connector part may be provided on an outward surface of the or at least one edge-engaging element. More preferably, the first connector part may be provided on an outward surface of the first layer or of the second layer of the primary edge-engaging element. By being on an outward surface, the first connector part remains easily accessible, even when the edge-engaging element is abutted against the stack of items. However, the first connector part could easily be on an item-facing, inward surface, such that the elongate element, when connected to the first connector is further held in place by being compressed by the edge-engaging element against the items. The first connector part could even be within the compartment. Optionally, the first connector part may include at least one protrusion and the second connector part may include at least one protrusion-engagement element, or vice-versa. Preferably, the first and second connector parts may not include hook and loop fasteners, such as Velcro (RTM). Instead, a protrusion may be a nail ora hook, byway of examples. The at least one protrusion-engagement element may be a loop or an eyelet, receivable around the protrusion. A protrusion and protrusion-engagement element are easy to engage and disengage whilst the engagement is sufficiently strong to withstand the force applied by an elongate element under tension. In contrast, hook and loop fasteners need to be aligned and engaged over a substantial area in order to prevent or inhibit accidental disengagement of the hook fasteners from the loop fasteners, however, this effect also means it is challenging or impossible for certain users to disengage the hook and loop fasteners. Preferably, the protrusion-engagement element may include an aperture receivable around the at least one protrusion. The aperture may be defined by a loop. The loop may be an open loop or a closed loop. A closed loop may distribute symmetrically forces acting on the loop due to the tensioning of the elongate element, thereby reducing the risk of structural failure of the loop. Beneficially, the apparatus may further include an adjustable slider. The slider may help elongate or shorten the length of the or a said elongate element. If an aperture is provided, the slider may enable the dimensions of the aperture to be altered as required. A greater aperture may enable a plurality of protrusions to be simultaneously receivable within the aperture. Preferably, the apparatus may further have at least one positioning element for positioning the securing apparatus at a specific height relative to a ground surface and / or relative to the stack of items. The positioning element enables the apparatus or part thereof to be maintained at a particular height without needing the assistance of a second user holding the apparatus during wrapping of the apparatus around the stack of items by a first user. Reducing the number of users required to position the apparatus around the stack reduces time and labour costs. Advantageously, the at least one positioning element may include a suspension element which may have a suspension body and an item-engaging portion. The apparatus or part thereof is suspended from an item at a specific distance from an anchoring point. Suspension eliminates the need to position a stand or telescopic leg from the ground up to immobilise or position the apparatus or part thereof, as a stand or leg might get in the way of the user moving around the stack of items. Furthermore, the ground may not necessarily be exactly planar, resulting in the length of the stand or telescopic leg needing to be adjusted. Additionally, the apparatus may further include a strengthening portion for strengthening the primary edge-engaging element and / or the secondary edge-engaging element. Beneficially, the strengthening portion may include a rod, rib or plate. The strengthening portion provides a rigidifying structure to flexible edge-engaging elements. This may further help distribute the compressive force of the elongate element over a greater area. Furthermore, at least one of: the primary edge-engaging element and the secondary edge-engaging element may include a secondary compartment. The strengthening portion may be insertable into and / or removable from the secondary compartment. The strengthening portion can be easily replaced for modularity and / or customisability. In case of damage, the strengthening portion can be replaced without needing to replace the edge-engaging element. Optionally, the apparatus may further comprise an interactable element. The interactable element facilitates interacting with or holding the apparatus. Beneficially, the interactable element may include a magnetic portion and / or a ferrous portion. The interactable element may enable a robot or robotic arm thereof, comprising a complementary magnetic and / or ferrous material, to interact with the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus may further comprise an identification element. Furthermore, the identification element may include at least one of: a GPS module, an RFID module, and a barcode. The identification element may rapidly provide information relating to the items, such as the nature of the goods. Location data may be broadcast, optionally in real time. The risk of losing or misplacing the items is reduced or eliminated. Traceability of items along the supply chain may be increased. Preferably, the flexible elongate element may be connected to the primary edgeengaging element and / or to the secondary edge-engaging element by a further connector. The elongate element may be connected or connectable, optionally separably connectable, to the edge-engaging element. This may enable the elongate element to be easily attached and detached, increasing modularity and / or customisability. If damaged, the elongate element can be easily replaced without needing to replace the whole edge-engaging element or whole apparatus. Additionally, the flexible elongate element may be connected to the primary edgeengaging element inside the compartment. When in the stored condition, the whole elongate element may be obscured from view, which may improve the aesthetics of the apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus may further comprise a retention element for preventing or inhibiting movement of a said edge-engaging element along flexible elongate element. The position of the or at least one edge-engaging element is fixed or fixable along the length of an elongate element. Optionally, the flexible elongate element may comprise an elastically deformable material such that the flexible elongate element may be stretchable. Stretching the elongate element may increase the tension force of the elongate element such that the compression on the stack of items may be increased. The length of the elongate element can be increased, which can accommodate a stack of items of greater size. Beneficially, at least one of the first edge-engaging element and the secondary edgeengaging element may be movable relative to, preferably by being translatable along, the flexible elongate element. The position of the secondary edge-engaging element relative to the elongate element may be adjusted. The ability to reposition edge-engaging elements also enables the size of edge-engaging elements to be reduced, instead of needing to provide an edge-engaging element continuously extending around a substantial extent of the stack of items. As less material is required, the apparatus is lighter, thus is easier to apply around items, remove, store and be more compact. Fewer resources are required during manufacture such that the apparatus is environmentally friendlier than existing solutions. Advantageously, the apparatus may be provided as a kit of parts. The apparatus can be in a disassembled condition. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a primary edgeengaging element for use in a securing apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The primary edge-engaging element can be provided in isolation, for example as a consumable. As the apparatus is modular, the user can obtain one or more primary edge-engaging elements according to their requirements. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a secondary edgeengaging element for use in a securing apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The secondary edge-engaging element can be provided in isolation, for example as a consumable. As the apparatus is modular, the number of secondary edge-engaging elements may be varied, as required. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flexible elongate element for use in a securing apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. The elongate element can be provided in isolation, for example as a consumable. As the apparatus is modular, the number of elongate elements may be varied, as required. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of reconfiguring a securing apparatus from a use condition into a stored condition or vice versa, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a securing apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in the use condition or in the stored condition; b] inserting into or removing from the primary compartment of the primary edge-engaging element: at least part of the or each secondary edge-engaging element and / or at least part of the or each flexible elongate element to reconfigure the securing apparatus from the use condition into the stored condition, or from the stored condition into the use condition, respectively. The apparatus is reconfigurable between a stored condition in which it is compact and easily stored, and a use condition. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using a securing apparatus to secure items together, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing a securing apparatus, preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in a use condition; b] positioning the primary edge-engaging element and the second edge-engaging element at a desired height along the items, and positioning the flexible elongate element to be under tension whilst surrounding the items. Items, such as boxes on a pallet, may be secured together by the apparatus, to prevent or inhibit items falling away from each other, such as out of a stack of items. Furthermore, in step a] the securing apparatus may have at least one positioning element, and in step b] the primary edge-engaging element may be positioned at the desired height by the positioning element. The positioning element negates the need for a second user during wrapping of the apparatus around the items. The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front representation of a first embodiment of a securing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; in a use condition, with three positioning elements omitted for clarity and with a second layer of a primary edgeengaging element shown disconnected from and spaced apart from a first layer of the primary edge-engaging element; Figure 2 is a close-up representation of the primary edge-engaging element of the securing apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a close-up representation of a secondary edge-engaging element of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, with parts of two flexible elongate elements extending through the secondary edge-engaging element; Figure 4 is the close-up of rectangle A shown in Figure 1, illustrating two second connector parts; Figure 5 shows a front representation of two secondary compartments and two strengthening portions of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, in-use, being inserted into the two secondary compartments as indicated by Arrows B; Figure 6 shows the representation of Figure 5, in-use, after insertion of the strengthening portions into the secondary compartments, with the two second connector parts of the securing apparatus of Figure 1 being moved towards engagement with respective first connector parts of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, as indicated by Arrows C; Figure 7 illustrates a perspective representation of a stack of items and of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, in-use, the securing apparatus being used to secure items on a pallet in accordance with the sixth aspect of the invention; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional top plan representation of the items and the securing apparatus of Figure 7, taken along plane P illustrated in Figure 7, in use; Figure 9 shows a perspective representation of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, in-use, being reconfigured from the use condition into the stored condition by folding the secondary edge-engaging elements in a concertina structure, followed by insertion of the secondary edge-engaging elements and flexible elongate elements into the primary compartment of the primary edge-engaging element as indicated by Arrow D in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention; Figure 10 shows a perspective representation of the securing apparatus of Figure 1, in-use, after being reconfigured into the stored condition in accordance with the fifth aspect of the invention, and being inserted into a transportation device for storage; Figure 11 shows a front representation of a second connector part of a second embodiment of a securing apparatus in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in-use; Figure 12 illustrates a front representation of the second connector part of Figure 11, in-use, being received around one protrusion of a first connector part of the securing apparatus; and Figure 13 illustrates a front representation of the second connector part of Figure 11, in-use, being received around three protrusions of the first connector part of the securing apparatus of Figure 11. Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of an apparatus indicated generally at 10. The apparatus 10 is preferably reconfigurable between a use condition and a stored condition. Figure 1 illustrates the apparatus 10 in a use condition. When in the stored condition, the apparatus 10 is compact. The apparatus 10 in the stored condition preferably cannot be used to wrap around, hold or secure items together. When in the use condition, the apparatus 10 can be used to hold or secure items together. When in the use condition, the apparatus 10 is at least partly extended. The use condition may also be referred to as an extended condition. The apparatus 10 or any part thereof may be formed of plastics, metal, fabric, fibreglass, glass, carbon fibre, wood, card, magnetic material, ferrous material, any other suitable material, and any combination thereof. The items may be stacked or stackable, optionally on a pallet and thus may be referred to as a stack or items, stacked item, or pallet-items. Correspondingly, the apparatus 10 may be referred to as an item- or items-securing apparatus, a pallet-items securing apparatus, ora wrapper. In the illustrated embodiment, the items may be crates or boxes, such as plastic or cardboard boxes and / or may be contained within such crates or boxes. The items may form a single layer. Alternatively, items may form a plurality of layers stacked on top of each other. Preferably, the area of the footprint of the or at least one layer of items within the stack may be the same as or less than the area of the pallet, but the area of the footprint of any layer or combination of layers may be greater than the area of the pallet. This may result in an overhang of the items relative to the pallet. The illustrated crates or boxes preferably have at least one edge. The edge may be sharp or non-sharp. Examples of a non-sharp edge includes a rounded edge and / or a chamfered edge. When a plurality of items are abutted or in close proximity to each other to form a layer, one or more edges may be exposed or external. One or more edges may be internal or hidden. The outer surfaces of two adjacent boxes or crates may be flush such that an edge may be visible but not external. Preferably, each item or each layer of items in the illustrated first embodiment has four external edges. The apparatus 10 has an edge-engaging element 12, an elongate element 14, a primary connector 16, a positioning element 18, a strengthening portion 20, an identification element 22, and an interactable element 24; but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The or each edge-engaging element 12 in-use is receivable on or around an edge, and more preferably around an external edge of an item. When received on an edge of the or a said item, a said edge-engaging element 12 provides protection to the item. For example, if the elongate element 14 encloses one or more items and is under tension such that the elongate element 14 applies an inward force to the or the plurality of items, there is a risk that the elongate element 14 may compress or cut into one or more edges and damage the item in the absence of an edge-engaging element 12. If an edgeengaging element 12 is positioned between the elongate element 14 and the edge, the edge-engaging element 12 distributes the force applied by the elongate element 14 over a greater surface area thereby reducing or eliminating the risk of the elongate element 14 cutting into an edge. The or each edge-engaging element 12 may be referred to as a corner, brace, a cap, a corner-hugging part, or a force-distributing element. There are preferably as many edge-engaging elements 12 as there are external edges but the number of edge-engaging elements may differ from the number of external edges. The, each or at least one edge-engaging element 12 is preferably translatable along to the elongate element 14 but this is optional. In the first embodiment, there are four edge-engaging elements 12. Each edge-engaging element 12 may have a plurality of sub-elements 26. Each subelement 26 faces or contacts a surface of one or more items adjacent to and on either side of the edge. The sub-elements 26 may be connectable, connected or integrally formed with each other. For example, the sub-element 26 may be formed at least in part of a, optionally continuous, flexible or pliable material which can be folded around a fold 28, also referred to as a hinge axis. The fold 28 may be alignable with a said edge. The material on either side of the fold 28 may be considered to constitute a sub-element 26. Preferably, there are two types of edge-engaging element 12: a primary edge-engaging element 12a, and a secondary edge-engaging element 12b. A primary edge-engaging element 12a is illustrated in Figure 2. The primary edge-engaging element 12a has an additional function of providing a storage space within which at least part of the, each or at least one secondary edgeengaging element 12b and / or at least part of the elongate element 14 is receivable. To this end, the primary edge-engaging element 12a has a first layer 30a, and a second layer 30b. The first layer 30a contacts or engages one or more items when the apparatus 10 is received around the items. The second layer 30b preferably faces outwardly. In other words, in-use, the first layer 30a is positioned or positionable between an item and the second layer 30b. Whilst in Figure 1, the first layer 30a is visible due to splitting apart the first layer 30a and the second layer 30b, the first layer 30a may not necessarily be visible in-use, as illustrated in Figure 2. The first layer 30a and the second layer 30b form together a compartment, referred to as a primary compartment 32, for clarity. The compartment may alternatively be referred to as a pouch ora pocket. Preferably, only the primary edge-engaging element 12a has a primary compartment 32. The first layer 30a and the second layer 30b form together the primary compartment 32 in both the use condition and the stored condition. In other words, the primary compartment 32 is preferably permanent. Preferably the first layer 30a and the second layer 30b have the same area but different areas may be envisioned. Each layer has a perimeter. Furthermore, each layer 30a,30b has a shape. The shape of the first layer 30a is preferably the same as the shape of the second layer 30b. The shape is or is substantially rectangular, but non-rectangular may be an option. Optionally, one or both layers 30a,30b may have at least one flap or flange 31 a,31 b. The flanges 31a,31b are most clearly visible in Figure 9. The or each flange 31a,31b of one or both layers 30a,30b may be connected to the other flange 31 a,31 b and / or to the other layer 30a,30b. The flanges 31 a,31b may optionally form a concertina structure. The concertina structure may beneficially increase the distance between the layers 30a,30b. The first layer 30a and / or second layer 30b may have four compartment-edges. Preferably at least one, and more preferably at least part of three of the four compartment-edges of at least one of the layers 30a,30b is connected or connectable to the other layer 30a,30b. Here, three compartment-edges of the first layer 30a are connectable or connected to corresponding compartment-edges of the second layer 30b. The connection is preferably by a connector. The connector is preferably a permanent, non-reversible or non-separable connector. Here, the connector is preferably sewing thread and / or an adhesive element but any alternative connector may be envisioned to secure the layers together to form the primary compartment. It may even be envisioned that the connector may be formed of connector sub-parts separably engageable with each other, such as buttons, laces, loops, hook, and loop fasteners such as Velcro (RTM), interference fit poppers, or any other suitable connector sub-parts. The space formed between the first layer 30a and the second layer 30b is preferably accessed by an aperture or opening 34 formed by the fourth compartment-edges. The, flanges of the layers 30a,30b, optionally in a concertina structure, may beneficially increase the size of the opening 34. Optionally, the opening 34 may be temporarily closed via a fastener. Preferably the primary compartment 32 of the primary edge-engaging element 12a is dimensioned to receive the, each or at least one secondary edge-engaging element and / or the elongate element 14 or at least part of either for reconfiguring the securing apparatus 10 from the use condition into the stored condition. In other words, the opening 34 of the primary compartment 32 has a width sufficient to enable a secondary edgeengaging element 12b and / or the elongate element 14 to be inserted therethrough into the primary compartment 32. The primary compartment 32 further comprises a depth and a width sufficient to receive, preferably fully, the, each or at least one secondary edge-engaging element 12b and / or the elongate element 14. The secondary edgeengaging element 12b and / or the elongate element 14 may optionally be at least partly reduced in size, such as by being folded and / or rolled up. At least one edge-engaging element 12 may have a secondary compartment 36. Preferably, each primary edge-engaging element 12a and / or each secondary edgeengaging element 12b has at least one secondary compartment 36. The secondary compartment 36 in-use receives the or a said strengthening portion 20. As shown, there are two secondary compartments 36 per edge-engaging element 12. An exemplary secondary compartment 36 will be hereinafter described, but it is understood that any or all further secondary compartment 36 may be identical or non-identical. The secondary compartment 36 may be formed by folding part of an edge of the edgeengaging element 12. In the case of the primary edge-engaging element 12, either or both the first layer 30a and / or part of the second layer 30b may be folded over itself. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary compartment 36 may be optionally formed by a third layer. The third layer may be connectable or connected to the first layer 30a and / or the second layer 30b. The secondary compartment 36 may extend in any direction. For example, the secondary compartment 36 may extend in a perpendicular or generally perpendicular direction to the fold 28. Alternatively or additionally, the secondary compartment 36 may extend in a parallel or generally parallel direction to the fold 28. Here, the secondary compartments 36 are provided at or adjacent the perimeter, and more preferably at or adjacent the upper and lower edges of the edge-engaging element 12. In the first embodiment, there is one primary edge-engaging element 12a, and three secondary edge-engaging elements 12b but any number of primary edge-engaging elements and / or any number of secondary edge-engaging elements, such as none, one, two, three or at least four may be envisioned. An exemplary secondary edge-engaging element 12b and part of two elongate elements are illustrated in Figure 3. The or each secondary edge-engaging element 12b does preferably not include any primary compartment. Preferably, the, each or at least one, optionally secondary, edge-engaging element 12 is repositionable relative to the elongate element 14 and more preferably is movable along the length of the elongate element 14. More preferably, the, each or at least one, optionally secondary, edge-engaging element 12 is slidably movable along the elongate element 14. This enables the position of the, each or at least one edge-engaging element 12 to be adjustable, for example, in order to accommodate differently located external edges. Optionally, an edge-engaging element 12 may be removably engageable with the elongate element 14. The elongate element 14 in-use surrounds and holds together one or more items when the apparatus 10 is positioned around the stack of items. Preferably, the elongate element 14 is adapted or configured to apply force directed inwardly into the items. In other words, the elongate element 14 in-use may constrict or compress the items. The elongate element 14 has a length. The elongate element 14 has a first end region 38 terminating at a first end 38a, and a second end region 40 terminating at a second end 40a, opposite the first end 38a. Preferably, the elongate element 14 includes a strapelement or strap. In other words, the width of the elongate element 14 is preferably greater than the thickness of the elongate element 14. The elongate element 14 is preferably at least partly formed of a flexible or pliable material. As the elongate element 14 is preferably flexible, it may be referred to as a flexible elongate element 14. Examples of flexible materials include fabric, deformable plastic, elastomeric material, and combinations thereof. Optionally, the elongate element 14 may be formed at least in part of an elastically deformable material such that the elongate element 14 is stretchable. The elastically deformable material may be rubber, by way of example only. Stretchability enables the user to increase length of the elongate element 14 as required and / or increase the securing or compression force applied to the items. Stretchability also means that the elongate element 14 shrinks back to a smaller volume or size, when no longer under tension. The flexible elongate element may even be formed of a series of interconnected subunits. The sub-units may be movable relative to one another. The sub-units may be formed of a hard material, such as hard plastic, wood or metal sub-units. A chain is an example of such an elongate element. The elongate element 14 is preferably a single continuous element in the illustrated embodiment. However, it could easily be envisioned that the elongate element is formed of elongate sub-elements. For example, a first elongate sub-element may easily be associated with a first set of said edge-engaging elements and a second elongate subelement may easily be associated with a distinct second set of said edge-engaging elements. The elongate element 14 is, optionally separably, connectable, connected to or integrally formed at least one and preferably a plurality of edge-engaging elements 12. More preferably, the elongate element 14 connects the primary edge-engaging element 12a to the or each secondary edge-engaging element 12b. The elongate element 14 may be connected to the primary edge-engaging element and / or to the secondary edgeengaging element by a further connector, referred to as a secondary connector 42 for clarity. The secondary connector 42 is preferably a two-part connector. The secondary connector 42 may include a sewn connection, an adhesive element, a clip, a clamp, button, ties, or a multi-part connector such as hook and loop connectors, male and female portions, complementary screw threads, any other connections means, and any combination thereof, by ways of example. In Figure 1, the secondary connector 42 is illustrated in dashed lines. Furthermore, the elongate element 14 is preferably connected to the primary edgeengaging element 12a inside the compartment 32, but outside of the compartment may be considered. In the first embodiment, the or each, preferably secondary, edge-engaging element 12 of the first embodiment includes at least one, and preferably a plurality of slits or slots 44, and a retention element 46, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The elongate element 14 extends through the at least one slot 44. In the first embodiment, each edge-engaging element 12 has slots 44 through which the elongate element is receivable such that elongate element 14 extends along one of: the inward surface of the edge-engaging element 12, traverses a slot 44, extends along the outward surface of the edge-engaging element 12, to another slot 44 in the, preferably, same edge-engaging element 12, before emerging the other side of the second slot 44 and extending along the inward surface of the of the edge-engaging element 12 again. This arrangement enables the edge-engaging element 12 to be positioned between the elongate element 14 and the item at the item edge. The benefit is to enable the edgeengaging element 12 to strengthen the edge and distribute forces, thereby preventing or inhibiting the elongate element 14 from digging into the edge of the item. Any alternative arrangement may, however, be envisioned. For example, in an alternative modification, the elongate element may extend solely along one surface of an edge-engaging element, such as only along the inward, item-facing surface or only along the outward surface. If the elongate element is between the edge-engaging element and the item at the item edge, the elongate element may be retained by the edge-engaging element such that the edge-engaging element distributes the compression force of the elongate element over a greater surface. In a further alternative modification, any edgeengaging element may be formed of a plurality of layers, and the elongate element may extend through the layers of a same edge-engaging element. Such an edge-engaging element may be considered to have a sleeve configuration. Referring back to the first embodiment, the dimensions of the slots 44 may prevent or inhibit movement of the edge-engaging element 12 in a direction parallel or substantially parallel to the fold 28 and / or perpendicularly to the direction of the elongate elements 14. As shown, there are three slots per edge-engaging element 12: one slot 44 enables multiple elongate elements 14 therethrough whilst two other slots 44 may only receive one elongate element therethrough. Any number of slots per edge-engaging element 12 may be envisioned however. The retention element 46 in-use helps immobilise or restricts movement of the edgeengaging element 12 along the length of the elongate element 14. The retention element 46 may be provided as a clamp or clip. The retention element 46 may optionally be referred to as a clamping element or a clamp. In the shown embodiment, there are preferably two elongate elements 14 but any number including one, three or at least four may be envisioned. A plurality of elongate elements 14 reduces the stresses experienced by and / or forces applied by each individual elongate element 14. As such, the risk of structural failure of any one elongate element 14 may be reduced. In case of breakage, a plurality of elongate elements 14 provides redundancy. The primary connector 16 in-use enables the elongate element 14, preferably at or adjacent the second end 40a thereof, to be connected to an edge-engaging element 12. The primary connector 16 is preferably a two-part connector having a first connector part 48 and a second connector part 50 engageable with the first connector part 48. The primary edge-engaging element 12a and / or the or a said secondary edge-engaging element 12b is provided with the or a said first connector part 48, and the elongate element 14 is provided with the second connector part 50. In the first embodiment, the first connector part 48 is provided on the primary edgeengaging element 12a, and more on an outward surface of the first layer 30a or the second layer 30b thereof. In the first embodiment, the second connector part 50 includes at least one male connector or protrusion 51, and the first connector part 48 includes at least one female connector or protrusion-engagement element 52 but the opposite arrangement may be envisioned. The protrusion 51 may be a hook or a nail, by way of examples only. There are preferably four female protrusion-engagement elements 52 in the shown embodiment. There are correspondingly four male protrusions but a different number of protrusions may be envisioned, such as one, two, three or at least five. Additionally, the second connector part 50 includes a handle element 54 and an adjustment slider 56 as shown in Figure 4. The positioning element 18, also referred to as an anchor, anchor means, an anchoring element, or a tensioner, in-use enables the apparatus 10 to be positioned at a specific height relative to a ground surface and / or relative to the stacked items, particularly when wrapping the apparatus 10 around the items. At least one positioning element 18 may extend from a said elongate element 14 and / or a said edge-engaging element 12, such as the primary edge-engaging element 12a and / or the or a said secondary edgeengaging element 12b. More preferably each edge-engaging element 12 may be provided with at least one positioning element 18. Optionally, a plurality of positioning elements 18 extend from a same edge-engaging element 12. The length of the positioning element 18 is preferably fixed but may be changeable or selectable, such as by being telescopic and / or stretchable. The positioning element 18 may be, optionally separably, connectable, connected or integrally formed with the elongate element 14 and / or to an edge-engaging element 12. Optionally, the positioning element 18 may be movable into and / or out of the edgeengaging element 12. Optionally, the positioning element 18 extends from within the primary compartment 32 and out through a slit 58. The positioning element 18 may be fully storable within the primary compartment 32. A positioning-element loop may be provided in or on the edge-engaging element 12 and / or elongate element 14. The positioning element 18 may be secured by tucking it through or around the positioningelement loop. Preferably, the or at least one said positioning element 18 includes a suspension element. The suspension element enables the apparatus to be suspended. The suspension element or suspensor has a suspension body and an item-engaging portion. The item-engaging portion may be or be substantially a hook or a bracket. The itemengaging portion can be hooked around or seated on a top portion, aperture, bracket or ledge of an item. The suspension body hangs from the item-engaging portion. The suspension body is further connectable, connected or integrally formed with a said elongate element 14 and / or with an edge-engaging element 12. Additionally or alternatively, a non-suspensive positioning element 18 may be envisioned, such as stand or ground-engaging leg. A non-suspensive positioning element 18 may thus extend at least in part downward relative to the edge-engaging element 12 and / or elongate element 14. A weight may be attached to the non-suspensive positioning element. Additionally or alternatively, the positioning element 18 may also connect to a lower anchoring point, such as the pallet and / or a lower item. Optionally apply downward tension to the elongate element and / or edge-engaging element. The non-suspensive positioning element 18 may work in tandem with a suspension element to stabilise or anchor the apparatus 10 or part thereof relative to the stack of items. Referring to Figure 5, the strengthening portion 20 in-use strengthens or rigidities the primary edge-engaging element 12a and / or the or a said secondary edge-engaging element 12b. The strengthening portion 20 may include a plate, rib, pole, bar, or, preferably, a rod. The strengthening portion 20 may be formed of a, preferably rigid, material. The preferably rigid material may be any of: metal, plastics, wood, carbon fibre, glass fibre, glass, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof. In the first embodiment, there are preferably a plurality of strengthening portions 20. More preferably, there is a plurality of strengthening portions 20 per edge-engaging element 12. The or each strengthening portion 20 is receivable within the or a said secondary compartment 36. The identification element 22 in-use provides identifying information such as information about the items 66 and / or location of the apparatus 10. The identification element 22 may include at least one of: a GPS module, an RFID module 60, and a barcode 62. Any other alternative or additional data-providing module may be considered. The identification element 22 may be provided within a compartment, referred to as a tertiary compartment 64 for clarity. The tertiary compartment 64 may be provided on any edgeengaging element 12 and / or on an elongate element 14. If on the primary edge-engaging element 12a, the tertiary compartment 64 may be provided inside the primary compartment 32. Referring back to Figure 1, the interactable element 24, also referred to as a user-graspable portion, in-use enables the apparatus 10 to be more easily held, such as by a user or a robot. The interactable element 24 preferably includes a connector comprising a magnetic and / or ferrous material. A robot or at least a robotic arm thereof, not shown, may have a complementary connector comprising a magnetic and / or ferrous material. Alternatively or additionally, the interactable element 24 may include a handle or handl element for user to grasp. The interactable element 24 may be positioned on any part of the apparatus 10 but preferably, is located on an edge-engaging element 12. More preferably, the edge-engaging element 12 is a secondary edge-engaging element 12b. Even more preferably, only one edge-engaging element 12 has an interactable element 24. In the shown embodiment, the edge-engaging element 12 closest to the second connector part 50 has at least one, and preferably two interactable elements 24. This position may facilitate assembly of the apparatus 10 around the stack of items. In-use, referring now to Figures 5 to 10, to transport items 66 from one location to another, the items 66 may be positioned in close proximity to each other, and optionally on a pallet 68. To prevent or inhibit items 66 moving away from each other and / or off the pallet 68, an apparatus 10 may be used to secure the stack item 66, or at least a layer of items 66 of the stack. The apparatus 10 may be provided as a kit of parts. In other words, the apparatus 10 may be in a disassembled configuration. Any of the parts of the apparatus 10 may be provided individually, such as the primary edge-engaging element 12a, the or a said secondary edge-engaging element 12b, or an elongate element 14. This may be beneficial if part of the apparatus 10 is already provided, albeit missing one or more components. It may also be desirable to alter the number of edge-engaging elements 12 and / or elongate elements 14 according to the dimensions or shape of the stack of items 66, for example to accommodate a different number of external edges 70. If in a kit or disassembled configuration, the user may first need to assemble the apparatus 10 into the use condition. This may involve connecting one or more edgeengaging elements 12 to one or more elongate elements 14. In the first embodiment, the or each flexible elongate elements 14 is connected via the secondary connector 42 to the primary edge-engaging element 12a. The or each elongate element 14 is connected to the or each edge-engaging element 12. This preferably involves threading the free end of the or each elongate element 14 through the slots 44 within each edge-engaging element 12. The or each strengthening portion 20 is inserted into the or each secondary compartment 36, as indicated by Arrows B in Figure 5. To secure items 66 together, the apparatus 10 is provided in a use condition. The, each or at least one edge-engaging element 12 is positioned at a desired height around the items 66. If one or more positioning elements 18 are provided, the or each positioning element 18 may be used to position the edge-engaging element 12 at a desired height and location around the items 66. In the first embodiment, the user or robot seats or hooks the item-engaging portion on or around an anchoring point higher up. The anchoring point may be part of an item 66 higher up in the stack. The preferably primary edge-engaging element 12 is thereby suspended. To further anchor the edge-engaging element 12 in position, one or more further positioning elements 18 may be used. This may be beneficial to prevent or inhibit sideways movement of the edge-engaging element 12 when the at least one elongate element 14 is tensioned. The edge-engaging element 12 may also be under tension. This may beneficially ensure that any components on an outer face of the edge-engaging element 12 are easily accessible. In the first embodiment, a plurality of suspension elements are used, connecting to an item 66, preferably on either side of an outer edge 70. A third, non-suspensive positioning element 18 is used, which extends downwards to provide an opposing force to the suspension elements. The positioning element or elements 18 remove the need for one person to remain and hold the first positioned edge-engaging element 12 in place. As such, the apparatus 10 can be wrapped around the stack of items 66 by a single user. Optionally, if detachable, the or each positioning element 18 may be removed after the apparatus 10 or part thereof has been installed in position. The user or robot interacts with the interactable element 24, if provided, to hold or grasp the apparatus 10. This may involve positioning a complementary connector comprising a magnetic and / or ferrous material adjacent to the interactable element 24 and / or grasping a handle. The remainder of the apparatus 10 is wrapped around the stack of items 66. Wrapping can be achieved by rotating the stack of items 66 or, preferably, the user or robot moving around the stack of items 66 whilst positioning the rest of the apparatus 10 around items 66 until the user or robot arrives back at the starting point. The apparatus 10 thus fully or substantially fully encloses or surrounds the items 66. Preferably, all the edge-engaging elements 12 of an apparatus 10 are at or substantially at the same height. The or each, preferably secondary, edge-engaging element 12 is positioned so as to enclose or cap an external edge 70. If required, the position of the or a said edgeengaging element 12 can be adjusted, such as by moving the edge-engaging element 12 along the elongate element or elements 14, for example to ensure that the edgeengaging element 12 encloses an external edge 70. Optionally, the retention element 46 can be actuated or manipulated into a clamping condition, for example, the prevent or inhibit relative movement of an edge-engaging element 12 along the elongate element or elements 14. The second end 40a of the or each elongate element 14 is moved until the elongate element 14 is under tension. The or each tensioned elongate element 14 applies a securing or compression force to the encircled items 66. Furthermore, the tension of the elongate element 14 may result in friction between the apparatus 10 and the items 66 sufficient to prevent or inhibit the apparatus 10 sliding downwards under gravity. This may be beneficial if the positioning element or elements 18 are removed. The user or robot connects the second connector part 50 and the first connector part 48, as indicated by Arrows C in Figure 6. The male portions are engaged with the female portions in the first embodiment. The stack or at least a layer of items 66 is secured by means of an apparatus 10, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. If additional layers of the same stack need to be secured, one or more additional apparatuses 10 may be provided and similarly used to secure the or each additional layer of items 66. The identification element 22 can be used to provide information 72, as indicated in Figure 8. Information may include data relating to the identity of items 66, the number of items 66, provenance, destination, dates, quality, chemical information, species, byway of examples. The information 72 may also include positional data, such as, preferably live, GPS location. Any suitable method of transmission may be envisioned, such as Bluetooth (RTM), NFC, GPS, Wi-Fi or any suitable communication channel or protocol, or combination thereof. After transporting the stack of items 66, the stack of items 66 arrives at a desired destination. Transport of the stack of items 66 may be at least in part within a transportation device 74, illustrated here as a metal cage on wheels. To remove the apparatus 10, the user disconnects the first connector part 48 and the second connector part 50. In the first embodiment, this involves unhooking the hookshaped male protrusions from the or the plurality of female protrusion-engagement elements 52. The rest of the apparatus 10 may automatically fall away under gravity. This may be beneficial if the stack of items 66 has been positioned in a location, such as on a shelf, such that access to the sides and back of the stack may be restricted or blocked. With the present invention, after disconnection of the first connector part 48 and the second connector part 50, the user may simply pull the front of the apparatus 10 to remove the apparatus 10 from around the stack. To reconfigure the apparatus 10 from the use condition into the stored condition, the or each secondary edge-engaging element 12b and / or at least part of the or each elongate element 14 is inserted into the primary compartment 32 of the primary edge-engaging element 12a. The secondary edge-engaging element 12b may still be connected to the elongate element or elements 14. The secondary edge-engaging elements 12b may need to be folded prior to insertion. As illustrated in Figure 9, the secondary edge-engaging elements 12b are folded to provide a concertina structure, but any alternative folding method may be envisioned. The folded secondary edge-engaging elements 12b are inserted into the primary compartment 32, as per Arrow D in Figure 9. Optionally, if the apparatus 10 includes a plurality of primary edge-engaging elements 12, the one or more of additional primary edge-engaging elements 12 may also be inserted into the primary compartment 32 for storage. When in the stored condition, the apparatus 10 is compact. The risk of the apparatus 10 accidentally connecting with another said apparatus is reduced or eliminated, at least compared to the prior art solutions, particularly those having hook and loop fasteners such as Velcro (RTM). In the stored condition, the apparatus 10 may be dimensioned to fit within, and even more preferably lie flat within the transportation device 74, here the metal cage on wheels 74. The apparatus 10 may be inserted into or positioned on the transportation device, as indicated by Arrow E in Figure 10. Additional apparatuses 10 may be stored within the transportation device 74, as shown in Figure 10. The apparatus 10 in the stored condition is stored until further use. To reconfigure the apparatus 10 from the stored condition into the use condition, the or each edge-engaging element 12 and / or at least part of the or each flexible elongate element 14 is removed from the primary compartment 32. If the edge-engaging elements 12 and elongate element or elements 14 are disengaged from each other, such as in a kit form, they may be assembled together as explained previously. Referring now to Figures 11 to 13, there is shown part of a second embodiment of the apparatus 110. Features of the second embodiment of the apparatus 110 which are the same or similar to features of the first embodiment of the apparatus 10 have similar reference numerals with the prefix “1” added. The second embodiment of the apparatus 110 is similar to the first embodiment of the apparatus 10, having similar or same edge-engaging element, elongate element 114, primary connector 116, positioning element, an identification element and an interactable element; but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. Detailed description of the common features, and of the caveats is omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment, the primary edge-engaging element 112a has male parts, such as protrusions instead of female protrusion-engagement elements. There are also preferably three protrusions but any number may be envisioned. In the second embodiment, the protrusion-engagement element 152 is preferably on the elongate element 114. The protrusion-engagement element 152 preferably includes an aperture 176 and an adjustable slider 180, but either of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The aperture 176 may be defined by a loop or slit 178. The at least one loop or slit 58 is receivable around one or more protrusions 151. The adjustable slider 180 in use enables the dimensions of the aperture 176 to be altered, such as by being movable along the elongate element 14, as indicated by Arrow F. For example, it may be beneficial to make the aperture 176 longer so as to be receivable around a plurality of protrusions 151 simultaneously. The material of the protrusion-engagement element 152 may be deformable such that the loop 178 may be deformed to be circular or extended such that the aperture 176 of the loop 178 forms a slit 58. The uses of the second embodiment are the same or similar to those of the first embodiment. Detailed description of the common steps and caveats are omitted for brevity. In the second embodiment, the aperture 176 of the loop or slit 58 is positioned around one, notionally first, protrusion, as illustrated in Figure 12. If more tension in the elongate element 14 is required, the loop 178 may be moved further and beyond the first protrusion so as to be positioned around a more distal, notionally second, protrusion. If the plurality of protrusions are aligned with each other along an axis and said axis is coaxial with the second end region 40 of the taut elongate element 14, positioning the loop 178 around only one distal protrusion could result in one or more proximal protrusions sawing into the elongate element 14 and / or the elongate element 14 applying a force against the proximal protrusion or protrusions 151 which may be damaged or bent as a result. To remedy this issue, the aperture 176 of the loop or slit 58 may be positioned around a plurality of protrusions simultaneously as illustrated in Figure 13. If needed, the dimension of the aperture 176 of the loop or slit 58 may be adjusted by moving the adjustable slider 180 as per Arrow F, for example. In the above embodiments, the positioning element is preferably of fixed length. In an alternative embodiment, a positioning element may have a changeable or selectable length. Variability or selectability of length may enable the apparatus to be positioned at a height selected from a range of heights. Additionally, selectability of length enables the positioning element to be used at any stage of stacking the items. Otherwise, if the apparatus can only be positioned at a fixed length relative to the highest item of the stack, the apparatus would have to be used at a specific point during stacking of items to ensure the apparatus is at a pre-determined height. In the above embodiments, the items are illustrated as being carboard boxes, but any alternative may be envisioned, such as open-topped stackable crates. The positioning element may be connected, preferably hookably connected, to a handle aperture of a crate, for example. Optionally, an edge-engaging element may be formed at least in part of a non-pliable material, such as metal or rigid plastics. In this alternative, an edge-engaging element may be or be substantially formed as a hinge with the sub-elements forming leaves of the hinge. Although the primary compartment is preferably permanent and provided in both the stored condition and the use condition, it may be envisioned in an alternative embodiment that the compartment may only provided in the stored condition, not in the use or extended conditions. For example, the sub-elements may come together in the stored condition to form a primary compartment. Although the primary connector is preferably a protrusion and protrusion-engagement element, any suitable alternative two-part connector may be envisioned. Whilst preferably in the above embodiments, the or each strengthening portion is a rod, in an alternative embodiment, a plurality of plates may be connected together, optionally hingeably. In other words, the strengthening portion may be formed as a hinge. The strengthening portion may be provided at the fold. The hinge axis may extend along the fold and / or along the edge of the item. Depending on the shape and position of the hinge connection and hinge leaves relative to an external edge, the strengthening portion may have a second function of protecting the edge. Any of the features and caveats that apply to one of the embodiments may easily be provided or applicable to any of the other embodiments. Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral crosssection, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and / or rounded edges, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape. It is therefore possible to provide a wrapper or apparatus for securing items together which is compact when stored, easy to handle and use, as well as being environmentally friendly. Compactness is provided by the primary edge-engaging element providing a storage pouch for the secondary edge-engaging element and / or flexible elongate element when the apparatus is not in use. The compact apparatus when in the storage condition can fit easily within a pallet and / or transportation device, such that the apparatus is out of the way until needed without needed an allocated storage area within a warehouse. The transportation device facilitates moving the apparatus out of the way. The risk of accidental fastening with other apparatuses is reduced or eliminated. The compact apparatus is also easier to handle. The absence of hook and loop fasteners means that the secondary edge-engaging element and / or flexible elongate element are easily removed from and inserted into the primary edge-engaging element. The apparatus can easily be reconfigured into the use condition and used to secure a stack of items. The apparatus is re-usable, which is environmentally friendly. It is therefore also possible to provide individual parts of the apparatus for securing items. The apparatus is modular. The user can replace any damaged components without needing to discard the whole apparatus, which is environmentally friendly. The modularity also enables customisability, such as to accommodate different sizes of stacks and / or to accommodate different user preferences. It is also possible to provide a method of reconfiguring the apparatus to be more compact for ease of storage and handling due to the primary edge-engaging element acting as a bag or pouch, and being quickly and easily available when needed to secure a stack of items. It is further possible to provide a method of using the apparatus for securing a stack of items. The apparatus is light and easy to position around the stack of items. Fewer users are required to assemble the apparatus around items, due to the positioning element. The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A securing apparatus for securing a stack of items together when in a use condition and being compact when in a stored condition, the securing apparatus comprising:5 a primary edge-engaging element havinga first layer, anda second layer, the first and second layers forming together a primary compartment in both the use condition and the stored condition;a secondary edge-engaging element; and10 a flexible elongate element connecting the secondary edge-engagingelement to the primary edge-engaging element;wherein the primary compartment of the primary edge-engaging element is dimensioned to receive the secondary edge-engaging element and / or at least part of the flexible elongate element for reconfiguring the securing apparatus from 15 the use condition into the stored condition.

2. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a two-part connector having a first connector part and a second connector part for connecting the flexible elongate element to the primary edge-engaging element and / or to the secondary edge-engaging element.

203. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the primary edge-engaging element and / or the secondary edge-engaging element is provided with the first connector part, and the flexible elongate element is provided with the second connector part.

254. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first connector part is provided on an outward surface of the or at least one edge-engaging element.

5. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the second connector part include at least one protrusion and the first connector part includes at least one protrusion-engagement element, or vice-versa.3009 08 246. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the protrusion-engagement element includes an aperture receivable around the at least one protrusion.

7. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the 5 apparatus further includes an adjustable slider.

8. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further having at least one positioning element for positioning the securing apparatus at a specific height relative to a ground surface and / or relative to the stack of items.

109. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one positioning element includes a suspension element have a suspension body and an itemengaging portion.15 10. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furtherincluding a strengthening portion for strengthening the primary edge-engaging element and / or the secondary edge-engaging element.

11. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the strengthening portion 20 includes a rod, rib or plate.

12. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interactable element.25 13. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising an identification element.

14. A securing apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the identification element includes at least one of: a GPS module, an RFID module, and a barcode.3015. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible elongate element is connected to the primary edge-engaging element and / or to the secondary edge-engaging element by a further connector.35 16. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein theflexible elongate element is connected to the primary edge-engaging element inside the compartment.09 08 2417. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first edge-engaging element and the secondary edge-engaging element is translatable along to the flexible elongate element.5 18. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, furthercomprising a retention element for preventing or inhibiting movement of a said edge-engaging element along flexible elongate element.

19. A securing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided as 10 a kit of parts.

20. A method of reconfiguring a securing apparatus from a use condition into a stored condition or vice versa, the method comprising the steps of:a] providing a securing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 1915 in the use condition or in the stored condition;b] inserting into or removing from the primary compartment of the primary edge-engaging element: at least part of the or each secondary edgeengaging element and / or at least part of the or each flexible elongate element to reconfigure the securing apparatus from the use condition into20 the stored condition, or from the stored condition into the use condition,respectively.

21. A method of using a securing apparatus to secure items together, the method comprising the steps of:25 a] providing a securing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19in a use condition;b] positioning the primary edge-engaging element and the second edgeengaging element at a desired height along the items and positioning the flexible elongate element to be under tension whilst surrounding the30 items.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein in step a] the securing apparatus is the securing apparatus as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, and in step b] the primary edge-engaging element is positioned at the desired height by the positioning35 element.

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